asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the practice of certain stores which cover over the foreign labels on goods in order to deceive buyers, particularly in stationery; and if he will take steps to protect the British public from this practice?

My attention has been drawn to this practice, and I will see that the matter is considered in connection with the Merchandise Marks Bill which is to be introduced this Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the policy of the Government to utilise credit schemes to inaugurate new sections of such industries which at present are working at less than 50 per cent. output and yet supplying the demands of the world market; and, if it can be shown that certain proposals at present favoured by his Department will have the effect of increasing unemployment in the steel industry in Durham, whether he is prepared to reconsider his decision?

I do not grasp the exact meaning of my hon. Friend's question. I should be obliged if he would provide me with specific details, when I will endeavour to give him the information he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the prices at present charged by the distributors and retailers of footwear and the consequent restriction of employment in the boot and shoe trade; and whether he will set up a committee to inquire into the matter?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this matter, and I am not aware of any reason for appointing a Committee of the kind suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the coming Imperial Conference, he proposes to take any steps which would make the delegates who meet the Dominion delegates representative of more than one political party?

The suggestion has been made from time to time that Imperial Conferences should not be confined to representatives of parties in office for the time being, and was tentatively put to the Dominion Prime Ministers by my predecessor in 1924. It did not, however, meet with any support as is shown by the correspondence which has since been published as Command Paper 2301 of 1925, and for my own part I do not consider it practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to ensure that the owners and drivers of motor vehicles comply with the law as to the adequate illumination of rear-number plates at night-time, in view of the need for the public to be able readily to identify motor vehicles which are involved in accidents, and the present uncertain method of number plate discernment?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The enforcement of the law is a matter for the police, and proceedings are taken in a large number of cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of issuing regulations enforcing, the fixing of mirrors on all motor vehicles where the driver is seated under any covered-in structure, so that the approach of motor vehicles from behind can be clearly indicated?

I have been asked to reply. I am considering this matter in connection with the Road Vehicles Bill, to which reference was made in the Gracious Speech from the Throne.

asked the Home Secretary how many firms are operating the two-shift system under the Act providing for the same; and the names and location of such firms?

The particulars asked for by the hon. Member are not available. 537 Orders permitting two shifts have been made, but I am advised that a large proportion of these Orders are not actually being made use of at the present time, and that special inquiries would be necessary to ascertain which of the firms are in fact operating this system.

asked the Home Secretary whether any, and, if so, what Regulations have been made governing the execution in this country of warrants of arrests issued in the Irish Free State; and the date of such Regulations?

Provision has been made for the execution in this country of warrants of arrest issued in the Irish Free State by Article 8 of the Irish Free State (Consequential Adapta-tion of Enactments) Order of 27th March, 1923; Statutory Rules and Orders, 1923, No. 405.

asked the Home Secretary what is the total number of pensioners of the Metropolitan Police; how much do these pensions cost per annum; and how many police officers annually pass on to the pensioners' list?

The total number of retired members of the Metropolitan Police on the pension list on 31st December, 1925, was 12,211; and the total cost of their pensions was £1,333,752 per annum. The average number pensioned during the last three years has been 721 per annum.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the large number of British-made bricks that are awaiting sale in this country owing to the competition of imported foreign-made bricks, he is prepared to stipulate that British-made bricks shall be used in Government and other contracts that come under his office?

The use of British-made bricks is always specified in contracts made by the Office of Works.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has received any protests from organisations representing members of the taxpaying public who will be inconvenienced by the proposed removal of the head office claims branch and departmental claims from Cecil Chambers, Strand, to Cornwall House, Stamford Street, S.E.1; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to provide accommodation for these branches of the head office of the Board of Inland Revenue in a more accessible and suitable building?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of British and foreign firms, respectively, on Government lists for the supply of typewriters; the number of machines supplied during the past 12 months; and how many were of all-British manufacture?

The number of British firms on the Stationery Office lists for the supply of typewriters is three, and the number of foreign firms, 13. With regard to the second and last parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Abingdon Division (Major Glyn) on the 10th February.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he proposes to give permission to the Industrial Research Fatigue Board to carry out their tests, by medical doctors, among the female employés in all Government offices?

I understand that facilities have been given to the Industrial Research Fatigue Board in some Government Departments for investigating special problems ( e.g., telegraphists' cramp) arising in connection with particular kinds of manipulative work. I am not aware of any proposal for a widespread application of tests such as is suggested in the question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many, if any, of the female employés in the Govan Employment Exchange had been medically examined by doctors acting for the Industrial Research Fatigue Board up to and including Monday, 15th February?

The tests to which the hon. Member refers are not in the nature of a medical examination at all. They are simple measurements of an external kind made by two women assistants. The tests have not, I understand, been applied to any of the officers at the Govan Employment Exchange. A number of women officers at neighbouring exchanges were, however, allowed to undertake the tests at their own suggestion.

asked the Minister of Labour when the application of the Industrial Research Fatigue Board to examine by doctors women signing at employment exchanges was received by him; how long he had it under consideration; and the circumstances or reasons that led him to give his consent to the carrying out of their tests?

The re quest of the Industrial Fatigue Research Board for facilities for these tests was made in May, 1925, and preliminary arrangements were completed in November, 1925. Consent was given to this scientific inquiry in order that knowledge might be gained in connection with conditions affecting women's employment. The tests were sanctioned, and have been applied only in the case of volunteers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the respective numbers of blinded ex-service men now employed in the Civil Service as typists, shorthand-typists, and telephone operators?

The number of blinded ex-service men employed in the Civil Service in the capacities named is: Typists … 1 Shorthand typists … 11 Telephone operators … 18

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of Departments in which ink is now made from powder and water; whether he is aware that the staffs affected have to read a long circular telling them how to make it; whether any proper vessel is provided in which the ink can be made; and what is the amount of money, respectively, laid out on ink proper and ink powder in the services as a whole?

His Majesty's Stationery Office issues supplies of ink powder to outstations of public Departments generally at home and abroad. The supply of ink powder instead of liquid ink reduces the cost of packing and carriage and minimises the risk of damage in transit. With regard to the second part of the question the instructions for mixing appear on each packet and are concise. If Departments find it desirable to supplement these instructions that is a matter within their discretion with which I see no reason to interfere. No vessel is provided by the Stationery Office for the purpose indicated in the third part of the question. Any clean bottle of adequate size will suffice. With regard to the last part of the question the approximate cost of ink for 1925–26 is estimated at: £ Liquid ink … … 3,700 Ink powder … … 2,500 £6,200.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the grounds on which the limit of age for girl candidates for admission to the clerical staff of the Civil Service has been reduced from 16½—17½ years to 16–17 years; whether he is aware that such reduction of age is detrimental to the interests of secondary education in Scotland for the reason that intending candidates for the Civil Service are compelled to leave school before completing the course for the group leaving certificate; and whether he will take steps to have the former age limit restored?

The age limits for girl candidates for admission to the clerical grade in the Civil Service were altered to 16–17 to conform with those prescribed for male candidates in pursuance of the Resolutions of the House of Commons of the 5th August, 1921, which, after approving certain temporary Regulations, directed that, after a provisional period of three years, women should be admitted to the Civil Service in the United Kingdom under the same Regulations, present and future, as provide for and prescribe the mode of admission of men.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that many shop rents in Glasgow have been greatly increased, causing hardship to the traders and increasing the cost of living to the consumers; and whether he will introduce legislation to restrict the increase of rent of shop premises?

I have received information regarding cases of the nature referred to in the question. I cannot undertake to introduce legislation to restrict the increase of rent of shop premises.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any information tending to show that private companies, having pensions funds for widows, are modifying their pensions scales in view of the Government Measure?

My right hon. Friend has at present no definite information on this point.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he is taking any steps to prevent imported insulated electric wire, in which reclaimed rubber has been used, being utilised in buildings in the erection of which his Department has jurisdiction, in view of the risk of fire arising owing to the reclaimed rubber disintegrating the insulation and setting up short circuit?

My right hon. Friend is advised that the matter referred to by my hon. Friend is one within the jurisdiction of local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the establishment at Slough by Messrs. Citroen Cars, Limited, of 500,000 square feet of covered workshops, in which some thousands of workmen are to be employed, and to the fact that the consequent housing problem is still under consideration; and whether he will consider the desirability of securing powers to impose on employers opening new factories in the future the duty from the first of showing how the housing needs of their employés will be met?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to a Press reference to this matter. Whilst my right hon. Friend is anxious by all means at his disposal to facilitate the provision of housing accommodation for the employés of new undertakings, he does not think that it would be practicable to introduce legislation making it compulsory for employers to provide such accommodation. I may add that a number of firms have already made provision for the housing of their employés.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is in a position to state, approximately, the rent which will be charged for the steel houses to be erected in Scotland; and if these steel houses are to be erected entirely in the towns, or if a small number will be erected in the rural districts in order that those resident in rural districts may have an opportunity of inspecting them?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the 2,000 steel houses to be built with State assistance by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited. The rents of these houses will fall to be fixed by the company, and I am not in a position to state the rents, which will vary in different localities according to the local circumstances. The houses will be built in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Greenock, Hamilton and Clydebank, except for 250 which will be erected on various sites in the Middle Ward district of Lanarkshire. For demonstration purposes a number of steel houses have been built at various country districts throughout Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he can state, with regard to Germany, the number of airships in use last year, the number of airship flights, and the number of passengers carried?

There were no airships in use in Germany last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, following the Report of the Director of Medical Services, Royal Air Force, for 1924, any action has been taken to deal with the damp barracks at Gosport?

A comprehensive scheme for the reconstruction of these barracks has been prepared, but has been postponed in view of the high cost. In the meantime the conditions, particularly with regard to ventilation, have been improved and further improvements are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of officers on the Air staff and on the administrative staff at the Air Ministry, respectively, who are staff college graduates; and in respect of such officers the numbers in each class who have served on the head-quarters staff of a Dominion Government defence force?

The answer to the first part of the question is 19 officers of the Air staff and 11 officers of the administrative staff of the Air Ministry; to the second part, that one officer of the Air staff and one of the administrative staff have served on the headquarters staff of a Dominion Government defence force. These numbers include officers who have graduated or completed a course at the Army, Navy and Air Force Staff Colleges.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of emigrants from this country to the territory of the Union of South Africa for each of the last five years?

I have been asked to reply. The British subjects who were recorded as leaving permanent residence in the United Kingdom to take up permanent residence in British South Africa, numbered 12,903 in 1921; 8,772 in 1922; 7,629 in 1923; 7,568 in 1924; and 7,004 in 1925. Residence for a year or

AUSTRALIA—OCEAN FARE. — Total cost. Migrant. Steamship Company. Commonwealth wealth Government. Secretary of State contribution. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Married couples (also widows or widowers) with at least one child under 19 years of age. — — — — — For each parent 37 0 0 11 0 0 4 0 0 11 0 0 11 0 0 Women household workers 37 0 0 11 0 0 4 0 0 11 0 0 11 0 0 Other adults 37 0 0 16 10 0 4 0 0 8 5 0 8 5 0 Juveniles of 17 and 18 years of age. 37 0 0 11 0 0 4 0 0 11 0 0 11 0 0 Boys and girls 12 to 16 years of age. 37 0 0 5 10 0 4 0 0 13 15 0 13 15 0 Children from 3 to 11 years of age 18 10 0 Nil 2 0 0 8 5 0 8 5 0 Children under 3 (one free, others) 9 5 0 Nil 1 0 0 4 2 6 4 2 6

Where it appears desirable, additional assistance by way of loan, provided jointly by the Commonwealth Government and the Secretary of State, may be given to migrants in respect of the following classes of expenditure: (a) The remainder of the cost of the passage. (b) Initial expenses on arrival in Australia not exceeding £3 per person.

more is treated as permanent residence for the purposes of this classification. Prior to 1st April, 1923, these figures include a small number of emigrants previously resident in the Irish Free State.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any arrangement analogous to the Canadian passage agreement has been made or is contemplated with Australia; and if he can give a similar table showing the costs of migration to the several States of Australia., to Tasmania, and to New Zealand, and the expense, borne by the migrant, the shipping company, the Dominion Government, and the Home Government, respectively?

The agreements between His Majesty's Government and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for the purpose of affording assisted passages to certain classes of migrants were revised last April. The proportion in which the cost is shared is shown in the following tables:

(c) Medical examination not exceeding 10s. 6d. per person.

Rail fares. —Free travelling facilities, from the port of disembarkation to the ultimate destination in Australia are provided by the State Governments.

Where necessary, free travelling facilities from the migrant's home in the United Kingdom to the port of embarkation are provided by the Secretary of State.

NEW ZEALAND—OCEAN FARE. — Total cost. Migrant. Steamship Company. Dominion Government. Secretary of State contribution. £ s d £ s d £ s d £ s d £ s d Married couples with or without children.* 37 0 0 11 0 0 4 0 0 11 0 0 11 0 0 Women (other than household workers). Single men 37 0 0 13 15 0 4 0 0 11 0 0 8 5 0 Women household workers 37 0 0 Nil 4 0 0 22 0 0 11 0 0 Boys of 17 and 18 (proceeding alone). 37 0 0 5 10 0 4 0 0 16 10 0 11 0 0 Boys from 12 to 16 years of age 37 0 0 Nil 4 0 0 16 10 0 16 10 0 Boys of 17 and 18 if accompanying parent or parents. Girls from 12 to 18 years of age Children from 3 to 11 years of age 18 10 0 Nil 2 0 0 8 5 0 8 5 0 Children under 3 (one free, others) 9 5 0 Nil 1 0 0 4 2 6 4 2 6 * Also widowers with at least one child under 19.

Where it appears desirable, additional assistance by way of loan, provided by the Dominion Government and the Secretary of State, may be given to migrants in respect of the remainder of the cost of passage.

Rail Fares. —Free travelling facilities from the port of disembarkation to the ultimate destination in New Zealand are provided by the Dominion Government. Where necessary, free travelling facilities from the migrant's home in the United Kingdom to the port of embarkation are provided by the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the manifesto issued by the British Medical Association in regard to the acceptance by doctors of colonial appointments; and whether he will reconsider the new regulations with a view to consultation with the association?

I have seen this announcement which arises out of regulations recently issued for the East African Medical Service, and which was published before I had had an opportunity of considering the representations which members of the medical staff in East Africa wished to make to me as to the effect of these regulations on officers already in the Service. I have now received and considered these representa- tions and have reached certain decisions with regard to the points raised. I have intimated to the British Medical Association that I am prepared to receive a deputation from them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the forest fires in Cyprus were caused by the action of shepherds who resented interference with their ancient grazing rights for their goats, and in view of the fact that these shepherds are poor and their goats are almost their sole means of subsistence, he will take steps to see that they receive some equivalent for the grazing rights taken away from them?

A policy of granting liberal grazing permits to the shepherds has now been adopted, by which it is hoped due respect for their ancient privileges will be combined with a proper regard for the preservation of the forests and the interests of agriculturalists.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount collected by the Government from the Cypriote people in 1925, and if this amount is placed as a share of Cyprus to the Turkish debt charge?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question put by him on 17th February, 1925. There has been no change in the situation since the date of that reply.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will say, in connection with the visit of his officials to the Boldon and St. Hilda collieries, what is proposed to be done by the owners of the collieries to effect a settlement?

I understand that the majority of the points at issue in each case have now been satisfactorily

Month. Quantity. Percentage increase on August, 1925. Average declared value per ton f.o.b. 1925. 1924. From Bristol Channel Ports. 1925. Tons. Per cent. s. d. s. d. August … … 1,270,280 — 22 8 25 2 September … … 1,457,751 14.76 23 0 25 3 October … … 1,615,217 27.15 22 8 25 1 November … … 1,714,782 34.99 22 5 24 7 December … … 1,981,539 55.99 21 10 24 4 From North-East Coast Ports. August … … 1,204,547 — 16 8 20 8 September … … 1,289,277 7.03 15 6 20 3 October … … 1,537,946 27.68 14 10 19 9 November … … 1,469,908 22.03 14 10 19 4 December … … 1,527,404 26.80 14 10 19 3 From Great Britain and Northern Ireland. August … … 3,272,110 — 19 4 22 7 September … … 3,902,006 19.25 18 9 22 6 October … … 4,382,484 33.93 18 4 22 3 November … … 4,337,768 32.57 18 5 21 9 December … … 4,632,051 14.56 18 6 21 7

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give the total

settled. My Department is still in touch with the parties, and further meetings are being arranged, which I hope will result in final settlements.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any Returns showing the increase in the coal export trade of the South Wales district, the North-East coast, and the United Kingdom as a whole; and the percentage of increase from the South Wales and North-East coast districts, from August until December last and comparative tables, showing the decline in the market prices of the chief coals compared with the corresponding months of the year 1924?

The information is as follows:

output of coal for each of the years 1924 and 1925, the amounts exported each year, and the amounts used at home for industrial and domestic purposes, and the corresponding figures for 1913 and 1914?

Year. Output of Coal in Great Britain. Coal shipped abroad (including the coal equivalent of coke and manufactured fuel). Coal available for Home Consumption. † Tons. Tons. Tons. 1913 … … … … … 287,848,000 103,472,000 183,876,000 1914 … … … … … 265,572,000 85,943,000 179,629,000 1924 … … … … … 267,118,000 86,768,000 180,360,000 1925* … … … … … 244,400,000 73,576,000 170,838,000 * Provisional figures. † Including coal imported.

asked the right hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he is aware that cigars of good quality are manufactured in the British Colony of Jamaica, and why they are unobtainable in the smoking rooms or dining rooms of the House of Commons?

In reply to the question of the hon. Member, I am aware that cigars of good quality are manufactured in Jamaica. Arrangements for their supply to the House of Commons are being made, I understand, by the Cigar Sub-Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General if ex-service men who served in the Great War have equal chance with time serving soldiers for promotion and positions of permanence in the Post Office?

I assume that the hon. Member is inquiring as to the order in which ex-service men are considered for full-time permanent appointments in the Post Office. First consideration is given to disabled men for those vacancies for which they are suitable; and among both the disabled and the able-bodied men preference is given to ex-regulars.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the

The information is as follows:

number of telephone users in Great Britain compares most unfavourably with that of the United States of America, Sweden, and other countries; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking such steps as will render it possible for the telephone to be more extensively used in this country?

I am aware of the position, and can assure my hon. Friend that the development of the telephone service is receiving my close personal attention. Telephones are at present being installed at the rate of over 19,000 a month.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Ministry will consider obtaining powers to open lime kilns in close proximity to lands needing lime?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 15th instant to the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. C. Edwards), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any drainage relief schemes have been prepared for carrying out during 1926?

Under the Ministry's programme for the relief of unemployment which is due to finish on 29th May, 1926, 255 schemes of land drainage and water supply have been approved, 19 of which have been completed, 1S9 are in operation, and the remainder are due to start at any favourable moment. The conditions applying in the case of the larger and more comprehensive five year programme announced in the White Paper on Agricultural Policy are about to be communicated to all drainage authorities, who are therefore not yet in a position to submit schemes. The Ministry is aware, however, that a number of schemes are in preparation against the announcement of the actual conditions, so that a start may be made as soon after 1st April, 1926, as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed who registered at the Middlesbrough Employment Exchange in each of the last two months, and the corresponding figures for a year ago?

The numbers of persons on the registers of the Middlesbrough Employment Exchange were 8,011 at 8th February, 1926, and 9,168 at 21st December, 1925, as compared with 9,692 at 9th February, 1925, and 10,624 at 29th December, 1924. Figures giving the number of registrations in each month are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the unemployment benefit of Miss Ellen Rosser, of Cwmbran, has been stopped, because she refused to take a job at Llandrindod Wells, which is about 60 miles from her home, at the rate of 10s. per week; and whether, seeing that Miss Rosser has a widowed mother over 70 years of age to look after, he will reconsider his decision in this case?

This case is one for determination by the statutory authorities, and not by me. The offer of work was made after a period of six months' unemployment, and on refusal benefit was disallowed by the insurance officer, on the ground that the statutory condition, "Genuinely seeking work" was not fulfilled. The claimant can appeal against this decision to the Court of Referees.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Miss V. Weldon, of 38, Redcliffe Gardens, Earl's Court, S.W. 10, case number 21,736, Walham Green Employment Exchange, who for seven months has been endeavouring to secure unemployment benefit due to her from the above Exchange; is he aware that it took from 15th December to 6th January to get a reply from the chief insurance officer; that this young woman has been left penniless during all this time; that, despite the fact that after six months of investigation and a hearing before two courts of referees, who finally decided in favour of the applicant, the matter still remains in abeyance; and whether he will inquire into this case?

I find the difficulty in this case is that no unemployment insurance contributions have been paid in respect of Miss Weldon though her employment was apparently insurable. Steps are being taken to obtain payment of contributions from her previous employer, but meanwhile I am afraid it is not possible to allow benefit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that alarm prevails in the parishes of Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Blantyre owing to the refusal of unemployment benefit to numbers of men and women on the ground that they have failed to prove a reasonable period of employment, whereas in fact there is no employment at all available for them in this area by reason of the industrial depression; and whether he will cause a special investigation to be made into the matter?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of persons between the ages of 60 and 65 are being refused unemployment benefit in the parishes of Ruther-glen, Cambuslang, and Blantyre, as unlikely to obtain employment even in normal times, and that consequently great hardship is being occasioned and a heavy burden being imposed upon the parish councils and ratepayers; and whether he will cause a special investigation to be made into the matter?

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

asked the Minister of labour how many schemes have been adopted under the provisions of Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923?

At the present time approved schemes under Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923, are in operation in the areas of 139 local education authorities. This number includes the areas of 70 authorities for elementary education only, in which the county councils concerned either themselves exercise powers or have agreed that powers should be exercised on their behalf by the authorities for elementary education only.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of money paid to educational authorities from the unemployment insurance funds under the provisions of Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923?

The total amount paid from the Unemployment Fund to local education authorities under Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923, to date, is £241,500.

asked the Minister of Lahour the number of young persons provided for under the schemes adopted in accordance with the provision of Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923?

The number of insured juveniles within the scope of schemes under Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923, is approximately 376,000.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the basis of the percentage system contained in the new conditions for the continuance of juvenile unemployment centres; and how in the case of Leeds is the figure 2.2 arrived at?

Under the 1926–27 Scheme for Juvenile Unemployment Centres the percentage of insured juvenile unemployed, which determines whether grant is payable and, if so, at what rate, is the average number of insured juveniles recorded as unemployed in the area of the authority at the end of each of the 12 months to 23rd November, 1925. This average is calculated as a percentage of the number of insured juveniles in the authority's area, as shown by the number of unemployment books exchanged during the three months to 5th October, 1925. On this basis, the number of insured juveniles in the area of the Leeds Education Authority was 14,628, and the average number of insured juveniles unemployed in the area was 319, or 2.2 per cent.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received representations urging him to restore the old practice whereby apprentices and articled pupils were not called upon to pay unemployment insurance until attaining the age of 21; and whether the Government is prepared to make such an alteration in the Regulations?

Representations have from time to time been received, urging the exclusion of apprentices from the compulsory provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The Committee on Unemployment Insurance which I have appointed will, doubtless, include this matter in their consideration and, pending their Report, I cannot express any opinion about the possibility or desirability of making any change in the existing law.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the present numbers of men and women unemployed; and whether he can give any estimate of the number of persons working short time?

At 15th February there are 893,653 men and 179,734 women on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. Of these 68,528 men and 1,152 women were in casual occupations. Of those engaged in non-casual occupations 701,226 men and 106,344 women were wholly unemployed, while 123,899 men and 72,238 women were temporarily stopped from the service of their employers. This last group includes persons on short time who were not at work at the date of the count.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of coal miners

TABLE showing the Number of Persons Insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts and classified as belonging to the Coal Mining Industry who were recorded as unemployed at the end of each Month from July, 1925, to January, 1926. Area. 1925. 1926. July. August. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Northumberland 14,317 14,190 12,315 9,586 9,028 7,344 6,247 Durham 41,821 41,650 58,832 48,189 40,959 36,805 33,881 Cumberland and Westmorland 2,907 9,045 5,517 3,609 1,997 1,384 1,289 Yorkshire 16,476 33,940 22,648 11,631 9,448 11,931 5,804 Lancashire and Cheshire 11,344 41,816 38,800 27,592 19,649 11,496 8,507 Derbyshire 4,179 10,259 8,735 3,942 2,701 1,272 1,008 Notts. and Leicester 5,423 5,839 8,931 6,824 4,242 2,146 861 Warwick 346 331 479 288 274 259 208 Staffs, Worcester and Salop 11,710 10,329 10,549 7,493 6,925 5,086 4,942 Gloucester and Somerset 1,511 3,872 4,981 3,485 3,366 2,408 1,988 Kent 76 57 145 74 105 96 117 Wales and Monmouth 40,976 80,320 84,257 94,436 62,744 39,702 42,304 ENGLAND AND WALES 151,567 245,830 256,841 217,504 161,770 120,258 107,545 Scotland 32,766 33,821 35,771 29,368 27,695 20,139 18,124 GREAT BRITAIN 184,333 279,651 292,612 246,872 189,465 140,397 125,669

asked the President of the Board of Education when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the public system of education in relation to the requirements of trade and industry?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given by me on 8th February to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Mr. Forrest), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is the intention of the Admiralty to scrap the 6-inch guns which were in course of manufacture at Woolwich Arsenal, and upon which all work was stopped last year by order of the Admiralty?

unemployed in South Wales and the other coalfields, respectively, during each month from July, 1925, to February, 1926?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th February, Col. 1926), supplied the following information:

Only a very limited amount of work was carried out on the order referred to. There is no intention to scrap this material—which is being retained to meet any future requirements that may arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in July, 1925, action was taken against the driver of a motor lorry, on behalf of a cyclist whom he had knocked down and injured; that a judgment was subsequently given in the High Court against the driver for £131 18s. 10d.; that the driver having pleaded as a poor person, although represented by Treasury solicitor and counsel, only nominal costs were allowed; that the Treasury subsequently paid the damage awarded of £131 18s. 10d., but refused to be if responsible for more than £14 6s. 6d. towards the costs, which exceeded £88; and whether he proposes to take any further steps in the matter in respect to the injured cyclist concerned?

The soldier who was driving the lorry when the accident occurred was an unauthorised passenger on the vehicle; he had taken the wheel in an emergency. After careful consideration, the War Department decided that they could not accept responsibility for the defence, and the soldier was not represented by the Treasury Solicitor in the proceedings taken against him by the cyclist. The Department do not regard the case as one in which, if they had been private employers, the plaintiff could have sued them instead of the soldier. They have paid the damages and costs awarded against the defendant purely as an act of grace; it is not proposed to take any further steps in the matter.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what schemes of forestry are planned and what part of such schemes will apply to the Welsh counties; and, if so, which counties?

The planting programme of the Forestry Commissioners for the current season amounts to 18,200 acres, distributed over 94 forests. It includes 2,250 acres, which are being planted in 15 forests in the following Welsh counties (including Monmouth): Carnarvon, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Montgomery, Radnor, and Monmouth. The planting programme for next season is 22,600 acres, and will thereafter increase annually up to 30,000 acres.