asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received representations from local war pensions committees, complaining of the numerous cases in which applications for education grants have been refused by the Special Grants Committee, and asking for a review of the Regulations relative to this point; and whether he intends to take any steps in this direction?

I have received representations complaining on various grounds against the refusal of a grant by the Special Grants Committee in individual cases. With regard to the last part of the question, the Regulations dealing with this matter are for the consideration of the Special Grants Committee in the first instance, but I have the whole subject under consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not anticipate coming to a decision at an early date?

I certainly cannot anticipate what will be the result of my consideration.

Is it not a fact that a good many of these complaints were sent in months ago, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether anything has been done up to the present to improve the situation?

I think in the Debate last night I dealt with that point, but I fully appreciate the object of the hon. Member.

May we have an answer as soon as possible as to the intentions of the Government?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that his Department has approved the refusal of the Special Grants Committee to assist in the secondary education of the late Private Oldfield's son, now resident at 12, Ing Lane, Newsome, Huddersfield, and that the widowed mother receives a pension quite inadequate for the maintenance of herself and her two children, particularly with the added costs of a secondary education; and whether, in in view of the high estimate which the teachers of this boy have of his abilities, he will be prepared to reconsider his Department's decision?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, this matter is one for determination by the Special Grants Committee under their Regulations. The ability of a child in such a case is always taken into consideration, but the Committee have no power to contribute out of public funds towards the educational expenses of a pensioned child unless they are satisfied on the facts before them that the child cannot, by reason of the death of its father in the Great War, be given the education he would have provided.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the only means by which a secondary education in a case like this can be obtained is by the mother going out to work, and is it the intention of the Ministry of Pensions that mothers should supplement their pensions in that way in order to give their children the needed opportunity?

I think the hon. Member is aware of the fact that only last night the House agreed to a Supplementary Estimate for the Special Grants Committee.

May I ask if the money is to be devoted to cases where under ordinary circumstances the death of the father—although the child may have secured a scholarship—and the circumstances of the widowed mother may prevent it?

I think I appreciate the point of view that my hon. Friend put in Debate yesterday. I am going into this matter with the new Central Advisory Committee very shortly, but I cannot anticipate what may be done.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the percentage cost of administration to pensions awarded for the current year; and what variation this figure shows from similar figures for previous years since the formation of the Ministry?

Since 1918, when a reliable comparison of cost of administration to the expenditure on pensions and other benefits could first be made, the figures desired by my hon. Friend are as follow: Financial year. Percentage cost of Administration to Benefit Expenditure. 1919–20 … … … 5.2 1920–21 … … … 6.3 1921–22 … … … 6.1 1922–23 … … … 5.5 1923–24 … … … 5.0 1924–25 … … … 4.5 1925–26 … … … 3.7

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Select Committee of the House to investigate the general complaints throughout the country against the regulations of time limit and final awards, with a view to recommending adequate pensions and fixture of tenure to ex-service men and their dependants, whose health has been broken through or as a result of military or naval service on behalf of the country?

No, Sir. The Government have fully considered the matter, and are satisfied, from all the information in their possession, that there are no grounds on which they would be justified in modifying their previous decision.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action taken is harassing boards of guardians in all parts of the country, and, in addition, is starving war widows and their children?

This subject was very fully debated quite recently, when the House took the opposite view.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the objections raised by the residents in Eccleston Square to the cab-rank which has been formed there for the service of Victoria Station; whether he has received a communication, addressed on behalf of the residents to the Westminster City Council, protesting against the infringement of the amenities of the square which it occasions, and calling attention to the depreciation in the value of the houses in the square and in the rateable value to which it is likely to give rise; and whether, as the Southern Railway Company has space on its own premises for cabs needed by its passengers, he will withdraw permission for a cab-rank in Eccleston Square?

I have received the re- presentations referred to, and I am giving them my careful consideration. I have personally seen the chief protester, and hope to visit the ground, but up to the present I have been unable to find any practicable alternative to the present arrangements.

Can I show the right hon. Gentleman a practical alternative, which I have shown to the police, but they do not think much about it, although residents and my humble self think a great deal of it?

I need hardly say that I shall be delighted to receive any suggestion from the hon. Gentleman, notwithstanding the bad testimonial he has mentioned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that no motor chassis fitted with a self-starting device is licensed to ply for hire as a taxi-cab under present police regulations in the Metropolitan area; and what is the reason for this regulation, in view of the fact that almost all other motor vehicles of similar horse power to that of taximeter-cabs are now fitted with self-starters?

There is no such police regulation. The Commissioner informs me that there are no self-starters on the taxi-cabs at present licensed, but this is understood to be due to the reluctance of proprietors to provide the extra current required.

asked the Home Secretary whether, with a view to avoiding congestion in the London streets, he is prepared to arrange for the provision of more cab ranks, and to issue regulations that all cabs, after depositing their fares, shall at once proceed to the nearest cab rank instead of crawling along the streets and obstructing traffic?

I am afraid the provision of additional cab ranks is very difficult, and would not afford a complete remedy. I understand the various causes contributing to the congestion of many of the streets, including the particular problem to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, are under review by the London Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions for the publication or sale of indecent books and literature have been instituted during the last three years; how many were successful; and how many prosecutions for this offence have been instituted during his present term of office?

I regret that I cannot give complete information for the whole country. This could only be obtained by inquiry of all the police forces. But during the years 1923–4–5 there have been 46 prosecutions in connection with obscene literature, etc., of which there is a record in the Home Office, and nine of these have been instituted during my present term of office. Thirty-three of the prosecutions were in respect of the use of the Post Office for the transmission of indecent books, etc., and 13 in respect of publishing, selling, exposing or advertising indecent books, pictures or articles in this country. Only three of the prosecutions were unsuccessful.

Can we rely upon the right hon. Gentleman vigorously pursuing these prosecutions wherever it is necessary?

My hon. and gallant Friend can rely upon me doing my very best in all circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary in how many cases the prolonged services of a Metropolitan police magistrate have been specially recognised; and whether he will give consideration to their claims?

It has been usual for many years past for the Chief Magistrate of the Metropolitan Police Courts as the head of the Metropolitan Bench to be raised to the degree of knighthood. I cannot recall any case in which other Metropolitan magistrates have individually received special recognition. I do not think I can properly discuss by way of question and answer the considerations which govern Ministers in tendering advice to the Sovereign in the matter of honours.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having in mind the interests both of the general public and of the auctioneering profession, he will take steps to ensure that auctioneers' licences are only granted after some inquiry as to the professional standing of the proposed licensee; whether, in view of the repeated complaints against frauds committed by the class known as mock auctioneers, he will take steps to see that licences are inspected at more frequent intervals than has hitherto been the case; and whether he will also consider the desirability of giving to the police powers of inspection of licences?

The proposals contained in the first and last parts of the question would require legislation. I am afraid I can hold out no hope of this at present. As regards the second part of the question, the Board of Customs and Excise are fully alive to the necessity of preventing evasion of auctioneers' licence duty.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on 9th February, Annie Knapton, aged 14, had her arm and hand caught in machinery at Whetley Mills, Bradford; that on 10th February, Robert Maloney, aged 16, suffered serious injuries to both arms and the right foot through being caught up and taken round the shafting at Messrs. Blair and Sumner's Mill Hill Bleach Works; that on 15th February, Arthur Saville had his right arm torn off in the machinery at which he was working in Messrs. Hathorn Davey's works at Leeds; and that Harold Wyke, employed at the Leeds and Bradford Boiler Company, was taken to the infirmary suffering from a smashed thumb and a broken arm; and whether he will introduce legislation to strengthen existing regulations for the safeguarding of the workers from unnecessary accidents?

I have seen reports on these four accidents. It appears that in one case proceedings are being taken against the occupier for a breach of the Act; in another, the question of a prosecution is under consideration; in the ether two cases the accident seems to have been entirely due to the action of the injured person himself and could not have been prevented by any Regulation. I am advised that none of these cases reveals any weakness in the existing Regulations; but there are various points on which the law ought to be strengthened, and I would propose to deal with these in the Factories Bill.

When is my right hon. Friend going to introduce the Factories Bill? If he cannot find either the time or the courage to introduce a Bill himself, will he give a Second Reading to the Bill of the Labour party?

I am sorry my hon. Friend accuses me of lack of courage—

I do.

We know better.

I am going to show my courage by asking my Noble Friend to vote against the Labour party's Bill, and to wait for the better Bill of His Majesty's Government.

Does the Home Secretary realise that the present Bill of the Labour party is an old Conservative Bill revived?

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the production of undesirable stage plays which have failed to pass the Lord Chamberlain but which are produced on Sunday nights by various associations; that reports of these plays appear in the Press; and whether he will take power to prohibit such production?

The Lord Chamberlain has communicated with me on the subject of performances of stage plays on Sundays in theatres licensed by him, and the matter is at present under consideration.

Is the public itself not the best judge of these plays?

No, the law!

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the condition of recruiting for the Metropolitan Police; whether a sufficient number of candidates are presenting themselves; whether the standard of physique is being maintained; and can he give the approximate figures of those who are London-born and those who are drawn from outside the Metropolitan area?

On the 21st instant the Force was 229 under strength. I am advised that there is a sufficiency of candidates, and that the standard of physique is being maintained. I am not in a position to give the information asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the appointment by the conference of the Communist International of a committee to work out a programme with the object of bringing about a Communist revolution in this country; if he can state whether the person named Sambri, who is on this committee, is of British nationality; and, if not, whether action will be taken to prevent his entering this country?

I have seen a statement in the Press to this effect, but I have no information about the person named, nor can I say what action it might be necessary to take should he seek to enter this country.

Has my right hon. Friend considered the statement that was made by M. Zinovieff, and will he endeavour to find out the country of origin of Sambri; does he not think we are just as well without people of that nature in this country?

asked the Home Secretary the number of foreign subjects and naturalised British subjects who have been convicted during the past four years for offences against the Bankruptcy Acts?

I regret that this information is not available. I can only say that, according to the published criminal statistics for the years 1922, 1923 and 1924, the number of persons received into prison during those years on conviction for certain kinds of fraud, including bankruptcy offences, was 1,100; and of these, 48 (or 4.3 per cent.) were born in foreign countries. Corresponding figures for 1925 are not yet available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Woollen and Worsted Textiles (Lifting of Heavy Weights) Regulations, dated 27th July, 1925, require that the maximum weight to be lifted by any one man shall not exceed 150 pounds and that beams of 360 and 460 pounds weight which, by the nature of the narrow space between the looms, can only be lifted into the looms by two men are still being used at certain mills in Huddersfield; and whether he is prepared to insist that the Regulations of the Home Office, which were arrived at after agreement between employers and employed, be henceforth carried out at these mills?

No, Sir; I am advised that the Regulations do not fix any maximum limits for weights lifted jointly by two or more workers. All they require is that no worker shall, by himself, lift by hand any weight exceeding the prescribed limit, and this requirement is enforced at all the mills. I have not as yet received any representations from the Joint Industrial Council, at whose instance the Regulations were made, for an extension to weights lifted by more than one worker.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases it is impossible, in the narrow space between the looms, to have more than two men to lift these beams, and that as they are frequently more than 300 lb. in weight, the Regulations, which specify not more than 150 lb. per man, are, therefore, broken?

If the hon. Member will do me the favour of reading my answer to-morrow, and reading the Regulations, he will find that the Regulations have not been broken. The Regulations apply to one man lifting a certain weight by himself, and the Joint Industrial Council—I do not know whether the hon. Member is a member of it—has not asked me to make Regulations which prevent the lifting of these very beams to which he refers.

Is it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman, when Regulations have been made by his Department, to see that they are carried out irrespective of the Joint Industrial Council?

I have told the hon. Member the Regulations made by my Department have been and are being carried out.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this case shows a weakness in the Regulations, and will he ask the Joint Industrial Council whether, in their opinion, this unthought-of weakness could not be remedied?

I am quite prepared to communicate with the Joint Industrial Council, and ask them whether, in their opinion, it is a flaw in the Regulations, and, if so, I will consider their recommendations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, also, that when two men endeavour to lift a beam of 400 lbs., rupture and other injuries are a frequent result, and will he help to prevent that?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has been informed what proposed new schools and additions to existing schools nave been placed upon the postponed list by the Staffordshire County Educational Authority since the issue of Circular 1371 and Memorandum 44?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the application to extend the Newcastle-under-Lyme High School has been postponed as a result of the issue of Memorandum 44?

With the permission of the hon. Members, I will answer these two questions together. The authority have informed me that they do not propose to proceed, during 1926–27, with the alterations at the Wordsley Council School, Kingswin-ford, the new premises for the Bilston High School (except the purchase of Brueton House and a caretaker's house), the extensions at the Newcastle, Stafford and Wednesbury High Schools, and the completion of the Wolverhampton Technical Institute. On the other hand, I understand that they propose to proceed with the provision of 10 new elementary schools or departments and the enlargement of two others, with new buildings for two secondary schools at Lichfield and Stafford, and with a new building for the Dudley Technical College.

Are we to understand from the Noble Lord that a very necessary extension to the first and oldest educational institution in North Staffordshire has been postponed on account of his Circular?

I am afraid I do not understand to what institution the right hon. Gentleman refers.

To the Newcastle High School, of course.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether, if a local authority sends in a request to build a new school, he has the power to turn it down?

Certainly, I have always the power to approve or disapprove of any expenditure. There always has been that power.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has reached a decision with regard to the final plan and estimates submitted to him for a school in Stocksbridge by the West Riding of Yorkshire?

Yes, Sir; I am approving this project.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state the reasons which have led the Board of Education to make a special Regulation dealing with expenditure by the Croydon Corporation on elementary education?

If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the Salaries of Teachers (Public Elementary Schools) Regulation of 2nd February last, he is under a misapprehension. This Regulation applies to all local education authorities, not to Croydon alone.

But does not Croydon come under the 3½ basis schedule, and does not the Noble Lord now insist on Croydon coming under No. 4, and is that part of the policy of economy of the Government?

The position is that Croydon put itself some years ago under a scale which it called 3½, which was not one of the award scales; and in accordance with Lord Burnham's award I have now suggested to them that they should adopt the appropriate scale under Lord Burnham's award.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that his officials are objecting to one or more schemes for playing fields in Bristol on the ground that the money cannot now be spent in view of Memorandum 44; and whether, having regard to the long standing need for such playing fields, he will cancel the instructions?

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Authority's proposals for the acquisition of playing fields at Gordon Road and Filton. The former proposal was approved by my Department on 10th February; as regards the latter, I am in communication with the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Tottenham Education Authority will be allowed to acquire two playing fields of five and nine acres which it was intending to purchase prior to Memorandum No. 44?

The proposal for the acquisition of the nine-acre site is under consideration in connection with the authority's revised estimates. In the case of the other site I understand that legal difficulties have arisen as regards its acquisition by the urban district council, and it is therefore premature to consider the question of the appropriation of part of it for educational purposes.

In consequence of the universal dissatisfaction with Memorandum 44, does not the Noble Lord think it is time that he withdrew it?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Luton education authority will be permitted to prepare, by fencing or otherwise, two playing fields which have been purchased for the school children of the town?

Yes, Sir; I am approving the authority's proposal.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the plans for a new infants' school, which is urgently needed, in Bristol, have been returned by his officials with a request that the matter may be reconsidered in the light of Memorandum 44; and whether he will state the number of schools being held up under that instruction?

The plans of the new infants' school at Shirehampton, to which I assume the hon. Member is referring, were approved on 3rd February.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give the accommodation provided by the 665 schools, in List A of Schools, which appear to be unsuitable for continued recognition and incapable of improvement, and the number of children in attendance at those schools; and whether he will give the number of such schools under each education authority?

The total number of children on the books of the departments affected in these schools is 166,804. To give the total accommodation which these departments are at present recognised as providing would be misleading, as it would include a quantity of nominal, as opposed to effective, accommodation. As regards the second part of the question, I should prefer not to publish a list by areas until I can also give information as to the steps which authorities propose to take during the next four years to deal with these schools. Proposals in regard to a number of them are already included in the revised forecasts.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this problem is urgent, and that the injury to the children concerned can never be made up in their future life?

It is so urgent that I have suggested to the authorities that they should go ahead at once.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the open-air school intended to be pro vided by the Huddersfield education authority before the issue of Memorandum 44 will be allowed to proceed?

If the authority desire to undertake this project they will, no doubt, communicate with me. I have not heard from them about it since September last, and I have received neither plans nor estimates.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of Memorandum 44, he intends to allow the Newcastle-upon-Tyne education authority to proceed with the pro vision of a new secondary school at Heaton for which the site has been purchased, although the actual contract has not been signed?

The matter is receiving careful consideration. I understand that the authority are anxious to have a decision by 8th March, and I will see that a decision is announced by that date.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Richmond Education Authority are to be permitted to proceed with the provision of the proposed new central school at Richmond for which final plans have been passed by the Board of Education?

I informed the authority on 22nd January that I was prepared to regard this proposal as falling within the exceptions specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of Administrative Memorandum No. 44.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, in consequence of Memorandum 44, the Heston and Isleworth Education Authority has decided not to reduce the classes for Standard 5 and upwards to 40; and whether, in view of the policy of the Board as expressed in Circular No. 1,325, he will still press for the suggested reduction?

No, Sir, I am not aware of this.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Mr. Charles Nichols, certificated and uncertificated teacher for upwards of 41 years, thought it in the interests of the scholars of the Unstone School, Derbyshire, that he should retire because his health had been such for 12 months that it was impossible to do his duty to them; that he died on 6th October, 1925, six days after leaving service and seven weeks short of 60 years of age; that death gratuity had been refused to his widow, and that the amended Superannuation Act of 1926 gives gratuity if death takes place within a year of retirement; and whether, under the exceptional circumstances, he is prepared to deal with this case as if it was under the Act of 1926 or to make some special grant in view of the long service of Mr. Nichols?

I am aware of the facts of this case, but fear I am unable to deal with it under the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1925, which does not come into operation until 1st April next; nor have I any power to make a special grant in cases where, as in this, the conditions for the award of a death gratuity under the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, are not satisfied.

asked the President of the Board of Education what progress is being made in the closer adjustment of rural education to the needs of rural districts?

My hon. Friend will find a survey of the present position in a pamphlet recently issued by my Department, a copy of which I am sending him.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether the Joint Committee of his Department and the Ministry of Agriculture on Education meets regularly?

I believe so, but I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the Depart mental Committee appointed in 1924 to consider the work of public libraries has completed its work; and, if so, whether it has made any Report?

I have nothing at present to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 17th December last.

Has the Noble Lord any idea of when we may expect this Report?

No, I have no idea. I have no wish to hasten this Committee, which has got a very difficult and important task to consider, and I have not the power.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Pembrokeshire Local Education Authority has decided that, as a result of Memorandum 44, it can do nothing to deal with the schools condemned by the Board of Education, and has decided to give up its plans for orthopœdic treatment and to cut down the supply of evening technical education and university tutorial classes, for which there was a remarkable increase of demand during the last winter; and whether, in view of this, he will withdraw the memorandum referred to?

My information does not coincide with that of the hon. Member. The authority's revised estimates for 1926–27, received on 8th February, make provision, amongst other things, for the replacement of the Charles Street Council School, Milford, increased expenditure on the treatment of orthopœdic cases, and an increase in the amount allotted for evening and technical classes.

On a point of Order. I would like to ask you, Mr. Speaker, if it is in Order for hon. Members to put down a large number of questions containing information which proves to be inaccurate?

This gives me an opportunity of saying that I declined a number of questions rather similar to this on the ground that they appear to be merely giving an opinion. I think hon. Members should satisfy themselves, as far as is reasonably possible, as to the accuracy of the facts alleged in their questions.

May I say that I put down this question in the profound belief that the information given to me was accurate, and given in good faith.

I am sure that is so, but hon. Members should be careful and, if possible, verify their information.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the increase in the unemployment figures for Devonport; and whether, in view of the Government's policy of bringing into the town the personnel from Rosyth and Pembroke dockyards, the Government have any special proposals to make for the alleviation of the distress in the town?

I have been asked to reply. The recent increase in unemployment amongst men in Devonport has not been considerable. The average percentage of unemployment for 12 months to the end of November, 1925, was 10.5. On the 14th December, 1925, it was 9.6 and on the 15th February, 1926, 10.4. I am not aware that there has been any increase in unemployment in consequence of transfers from Pembroke and Rosyth, and I would point out further that owing to the new arrangements certain work has been done at Devonport which otherwise would have been done elsewhere. In these circumstances the need for special measures does not appear to arise.

According to the figures which the right hon. Gentleman gave to me, unemployment has increased every month during the last six months, and if more personnel are brought from Rosyth the unemployment problem will be even greater; and cannot the right hon. Gentleman persuade the Prime Minister to show the same solicitude for this town as he does for Scotland?

I will do my best to watch the figures and find out if there is an increase, but as I have said work is being done at Devonport now which I hope will obviate any such result. On the figures, as I have shown, comparing November with last year unemployment is slightly less.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the training for employment, here and overseas, now being provided at Claydon and elsewhere, he will consider the desirability of sanctioning outdoor relief for maintenance purposes at such training centres?

I am sending my hon. Friend copies of leaflets issued by the Ministry of Labour in relation to the provision of training for employment here and overseas. I am not clear in what circumstances any question of out-door relief for persons in training would arise, but I should be prepared to consider any further representations which my hon. Friend may think it desirable to make to me. I may add that the accommodation provided at Claydon and elsewhere by the Ministry of Labour is, as I am informed, already fully occupied.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that the existing legislation with regard to trade facilities and export credits adequately meets the requirements either of industry or of the taxpayer; and, if it is considered desirable to introduce further legislation of this nature, whether he will set up a Committee to inquire into the whole question of State assistance to industry and to make recommendations as to the direction and form it should take?

I am not aware of any further proposed legislation on this subject, beyond the temporary renewal of the Trade Facilities Act now before the House, and I see no reason for the proposed inquiry.

Does the Prime Minister not consider the question of holding some such inquiry between now and this time next year in the event of its being considered desirable to adopt the temporary measure which was proposed in the House the other day?

Naturally one watches the situation very carefully, and I am sure there is a general desire not so much in regard to the Export Credits scheme, but in regard to Trade Facilities, that the proceedings under that Act should be brought gradually and as occasion may offer to a conclusion.

asked the Prime Minister when the Rent Restrictions (Scotland) Bill will be presented; and will this Measure receive facilities to be passed into law without delay?

I have been asked to reply. A Rent Restriction Bill applying to Scotland only is under consideration, but I can give no undertaking in regard to its introduction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if a special effort is not made to pass this Measure quickly into law there will be further difficulties with regard to the collection of rates and that it is very desirable to avoid such a thing happening?

Yes, I am aware of that.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to the proposed Imperial Conference; and whether it is definitely to take place during the current year?

I am glad to announce that a meeting of the Imperial Conference has been arranged for October of this year. I hope that all the Dominion Prime Ministers will be able to be present, as well as representatives of India.

asked the Minister of Health the number of producers holding licences to sell certified grade A (tuberculin tested) and grade A milk, respectively; and the number of cows whose product is sold under each designation, respectively?

I regret that owing to loss of voice my right hon. Friend is unable to answer his questions to-day. The numbers of producers' licences for certified and grade A (tuberculin tested) milk in operation in England and Wales at the present time are 96 and 97 respectively. The number of such licences for grade A milk on the 31st March, 1925 (the latest date for which figures are available) was returned at 110. The numbers of cows in the herds producing the first two grades of milk are approximately 3,500 and 3,800 respectively. No precise information is available as to grade A herds, but I am advised that the number of cows in such herds may be roughly estimated at 2,000 to 2,500.

Is it a fact that the Ministry of Health are discouraging the using of grade A milk in any way?

No, Sir; I have no knowledge of that.

asked the Minister of Health the number of firms or persons licensed to sell pasteurised milk and the estimated quantity sold annually of such milk?

Licences for the sale of pasteurised milk are issued by local authorities. The latest available returns are those of licences in force on the 31st March, 1925, and they give the number of pasteurising establishments as 62 and of other premises licensed to distribute as 370. I have not complete information as to the total quantity of milk which is being sold in England and Wales at the present time as pasteurised, but I am advised that, on a rough estimate, it may be taken to be between 15 and 20 million gallons per annum.

How often are the premises of these firms inspected by the representatives of the Ministry of Health?

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health if he has evidence that bovine tuberculosis is communicable to man by the consumption of tuberculous milk?

Yes, Sir. I am advised that the positive conclusions of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis on this subject have been confirmed by the subsequent work of many investigators, at home and abroad.

Is not the moral to be drawn that people should drink orange juice, and not milk?

I think the answer contains its own moral.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been erected in the Elland Division of the West Riding of Yorkshire under the Housing Acts; how many are available for letting; and what is the number of houses approved, but not yet erected?

410 houses have been erected under the various Acts in the districts of the local authorities in question; the 174 houses erected by the local authorities are available for letting, but I am not in a position to say how many of the 236 houses erected by private enterprise are available in addition. Approval has been given to the erection of a further 423 houses which have not yet been completed.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce the Bill dealing with slums in towns and insanitary dwellings in country areas; and whether any proposals are under consideration for the erection of houses for agricultural labourers at the expense of the State to be let at rents within their capacity to pay?

I am not at present in a position to make a statement with regard to the matter referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As regards the second part of the question in order to meet the peculiar conditions as to rents paid by agricultural workers provision was made under the Housing Act, 1924, for the grant of a special subsidy in respect of houses built in agricultural parishes.

Is the Ministry of Health bringing any pressure to bear in urging rural councils to erect houses in agricultural areas?

We are doing our best, as I stated in answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question, and the whole matter is under consideration by my right hon. Friend.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary think that rural councils are doing their duty to agricultural labourers with regard to housing?

I suppose we should have various opinions as to what their duty is and how far they are carrying it out.

Has it not been admitted time after time from the Government Bench that there is a shortage of houses in rural areas, and has not the Minister of Health time after time, in reply to various questions in this House, promised to try to speed up the building of these houses, and they have promised to do something? I want to know if they have done anything.

That may well be so, but I would remind the hon. Member that there are difficulties, such as the shortage of labour, which have also to be considered.

The latter part of this question has not been answered, and we are very much interested in it. It reads, "at the expense of the State to be let at rents within their capacity to pay." Will the Parliamentary Secretary answer that part of the question?

That has been answered. I do not think the hon. Member was listening.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the Co-operative Building Society formed by employés of British Insulated Cables, Limited, for mutual help in building their own houses in their spare time; and whether his Department will take steps to encourage similar efforts in other parts of the country?

I have no particulars of the society to which my hon. Friend refers, but I should welcome proposals of this nature for the co-operative building of houses. Assistance may be given by local authorities under existing powers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that contracts for a great deal of this kind of work have been undertaken by co-operative organisations, and that this is not a new thing, but that it is quite open to anyone to incorporate under the Companies Acts?

That may be, but I have every wish to encourage them to continue in their work.

asked the Minister of Health why the result of the conference between one of his inspectors and the Urban District Council of Cowes on the subject of housing has not been communicated to the two complainant justices; whether he now will state the result; whether the Department's inspector found, as respects the houses complained of and other houses, the same state of things as existed on the occasion of his visit in March, 1925; and whether, if the Cowes Urban District Council have not satisfied the district inspector as to their future administration, he will without further delay take steps to enforce the due discharge by that local authority of their duties under Parts I and II of the Housing Act, 1925?

One of my inspectors, in accordance with the promise which I gave to the hon. Member on 17th December last, visited Cowes and conferred with the council and with the complainants. The council are now reconsidering the question, but I have not yet received the result of their further consideration. I shall keep in close touch with the matter, and hope to receive satisfactory proposals from the council at any early date.

What does the hon. Gentleman do in these cases, if the local authority does not do its duty? Has he ever taken any action?

We use what powers we have.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Bertram Kirk, of Meadowhead, Woodseats, Sheffield, was in January last given notice to leave a wooden building in which he was living with his wife and child; that Kirk cannot find a house; that he has applied to the Sheffield City Council, but understands that his number on the waiting list is 6,600; that the council on Monday last prosecuted Kirk for remaining in the building, and that the magistrate gave him 14 days in which to appeal; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

I received a communication with regard to this case on 30th December last, and in reply drew the writer's attention to his power of appeal under the Housing Acts. No appeal has been made to me, and I have no further information. I am, however, making inquiries with regard to the circumstances of the case.

asked the Minister of Health, with regard to the by-laws submitted to him by the London County Council as to houses let in lodgings, if he will suggest to the London County Council that these by-laws should be modified in accordance with the suggestions of the conference of representatives of borough councils which have already been forwarded to his Department?

Before I confirm the proposed by-laws, any objections will be carefully considered. But I have already informed some of the borough councils concerned that there are some suggestions which I cannot see my way to support.

asked the Minister of Health whether the remuneration withheld from insurance practitioners under the powers in that behalf contained in the National Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) Regulations, remains in the central fund for eventual distribution amongst insurance practitioners, or whether it is applied in any other direction; and, in the latter case, how it is dealt with?

Sums withheld from insurance practitioners in the circumstances referred to are not returned to the central pool for distribution among practitioners, but are carried to a special fund from which, under Article 21 (2) of the Regulations cited, payments are made to insurance committees towards meeting exceptional expenses incurred by them in the administration of medical benefit.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received a deputation of qualified opticians and has he received their observations in regard to the administration of optical benefits under the National Health Insurance Act?

Before the commencement of the new schemes of ophthalmic benefit in July last, representations from bodies of opticians were made both to my right hon. Friend and to the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance. My right hon. Friend has not since received any deputation or general observations from them with regard to the administration of the schemes, but is arranging to receive a deputation at an early date.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing dissatisfaction in connection with the administration of these benefits, and, in view of this, will he look into the subject?

I am not aware of that, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the National Health Insurance Commission's Report is expected shortly, and no doubt it will deal with this matter.

asked the Minister of Health (1), if he is aware that; the proportion of refraction cases referred by some panel practitioners to ophthalmic surgeons is extraordinarily high, whilst the number so, referred by other panel practitioners is exceedingly low; and whether he will issue instructions to such practitioners' which will ensure greater uniformity;

(2) if he is aware that many cases of refraction, where no ocular disease exists, are being referred to ophthalmic surgeons, thereby seriously depleting the surplus funds of approved societies unnecessarily; and if he will make Regulations limiting the cases in which reference to ophthalmic surgeons is permitted?

It is no part of the duty of an insurance practitioner to refer applicants for ophthalmic benefit to ophthalmic surgeons, but, where the practitioner is of opinion that a patient is in need of ophthalmic treatment or optical appliances, he gives him, if desired, a written recommendation to be forwarded to his approved society. It then rests with the society to decide whether the application for ophthalmic benefit is to be granted, and, if so, whether the payment that they will make is to cover the cost of examination or treatment by an ophthalmic surgeon. I know of no good reason for seeking to limit the discretion of societies in the manner suggested, and, in any event, I have at present no power to make Regulations for such a purpose.

Will the hon. Gentleman seek those powers, which are so necessary?

No, Sir; I have just stated that it is better, at any rate at present, to keep the matter in the discretion of the approved societies.

Does not the hon. Gentleman know that the approved societies have no power to act in the way he suggests, and, in view of the fact that the Ministry of Health has no power to deal with this difficulty, will he seek powers to deal with it?

I am sorry I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. He, of course, has a great deal of knowledge of this matter, but we are certainly advised that the approved societies themselves can come to a determination on the matter, and they are constantly doing so.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the State auditors—the auditors of the Department—refuse to sanction payment in these cases unless the medical certificate is there in the first place, and that the approved society has no discretion in the matter?

Are we to understand that it is the approved society who decide that the ophthalmic surgeon shall be consulted, or is it the doctor in charge of the case?

I think it is generally done by consultation between the approved society and the doctor on the panel.

asked the Minister of Health the number of blind persons in England, Scotland and Wales; how many of these are between the ages of 50 and 70 years and receiving State pensions; how many councils, county or borough, have established workshops for the blind in their area; and how many persons are being trained or being found work therein?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The number of blind persons in England and Wales on 31st March, 1925, was returned as 42,140. Of these, 15,048 were between the ages of 50 and 70, of whom 12,872 were on 30th September last in receipt of pensions under Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920. Only three local authorities in England and Wales have found it necessary to establish workshops under this Act, providing employment for 22 blind persons, while the remainder of the local authorities contribute towards the workshops established by voluntary agencies, which provide employment for 2,200 blind persons. Any questions relating to Scotland should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give the amount of relief expended by boards of guardians for each of the three months' periods for the year ending 31st December, 1925?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can we have the total for the last three months?

For the last quarter of 1925 the figure was £4,243,566.

Is not that many thousand pounds more than for the first quarter, and can the hon. Gentleman give any explanation of the increase?

Is it not due to the fact of a Conservative Government being in power?

Following is the answer:

The amounts expended on out-relief in money and kind by boards of guardians in England and Wales during each quarter of the year ending 31st December, 1925, were as follow: Quarter ending— £ March … … 3,347,352 June … … 3,339,348 September … … 3,620,090 December … … 4,243,566 Information as to the other expenditure by boards of guardians during the periods mentioned is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether the sanction of the Ministry is required to overdrafts by boards of guardians; what was the amount of debt on account of revenue expenditure incurred by boards of guardians in the United Kingdom in each of the years 1919 to 1924, inclusive; what is the present total debt outstanding; and what arrangements will be made to bring these liabilities within reasonable limits?

Boards of guardians were authorised by an Act of 1921 to borrow, with the sanction of my right hon. Friend, by way of loan or overdraft in respect of current expenses. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a statement of the debt actually incurred under this head at the end of each half-year since the passing of that Act. As regards the last part of the question, every effort is being made to secure the liquidation of the debt as circumstances permit, and, as he will see, the debt has already been completely repaid by the majority of boards of guardians who have been forced to borrow.

Has the hon. Gentleman's Department considered bringing in early legislation to deal with the whole problem, so that it may be dealt with on national lines?

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

Has the hon. Gentleman any idea how long it will take the West Ham Board of Guardians to pay their debt?

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the amount borrowed by the West Ham Guardians will ever be repaid?

We certainly expect it.

Will not the hon. Gentleman consider the wisdom of cancelling all these debts?