asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give the establishment of commissioned and warrant writers?

The present establishment of commissioned writers is 10 and of warrant writers 31. It should, however, be borne in mind that establishments represent the maximum numbers which may be borne under existing authority, the numbers actually borne, within the limits of the establishment, being decided by the requirements at the time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state, in respect of boy training establishments, the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, the Royal Naval Engineering College, Keyham, the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, the Naval Staff College, and the Naval War College, respectively, the estimated capital values of lands and buildings occupied; the respective annual costs of building maintenance, of educational stores, of provisioning, and of other stores; the annual cost, and the numbers of the educational staff; the annual cost, and the numbers of the staff other than those engaged on educational or works maintenance duties; the annual cost of any other services; and the establishment of personnel under training, and the maximum number under training during the past 12 months?

The Admiralty are always ready to furnish information of this nature so far as practicable, as my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate from the answers given on the 11th instant to his questions in regard to the medical service and the Admiralty headquarters staff. A good deal of the information asked for in the question is, however, contained in the Navy Estimates, and I do not feel that, when every effort is being made to reduce work in order to keep numbers as low as possible, and when the staff are already overburdened with work, the expenditure of time and labour involved in preparing a statement in the exact form asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend would be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for War the date of the notification of the recent decrease in Army officers' pay and the number of cadets at Woolwich and Sandhurst, respectively, at that date; and whether, before these cadets committed themselves to a military career, either they or their parents received any warning that the rate of pay was to be reduced?

The Army Order promulgating the revised rates of pay was published on the 17th October, 1925; at that date there were 220 cadets at Woolwich and 549 cadets at Sandhurst. As regards the second part of the question, no specific warning was given to parents, but I think it was a matter of common knowledge after the Report of the Anderson Committee in July, 1923, that reductions in the rates of pay of all three fighting services were under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Committee on the Pay of the Royal Army Medical Corps have made a Report; and, if so, when is it proposed to revise the pay and as from what date?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War 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; the aggregate motor transport mileage; and that of motor cycles, light motor vehicles and heavy motor vehicles, respectively?

The particulars as are follow for Royal Army Service Corps mechanical transport vehicles at home and abroad (but excluding the Rhine) for the period 1st July, 1924, to 30th June, 1925: (a) Cost of material expended in maintenance elsewhere than at the central repair shop (see below), £27,112. (b) Cost of fuel, £29,233. (c) Mileage run:

Motor cycles … … 745,781 Cars … … 597,166 Vans … … 1,063,250 Ambulances … … 559,713 Light lorries … … 505,302 Heavy vehicles … … 1,222,912 Total … … 4,694,124

The cost of material used in carrying out heavy repairs at the central repair shop during this period was £16,443. But this amount covers the material expended not only on Royal Army Service Corps vehicles to which the figures above relate, but also on vehicles evacuated for heavy repair from other arms of the Service and the maintenance in first-class order of vehicles in mobilisation reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of War Department employed by the War Department at Malta

NUMBER of War Department Civilian Employés at Malta and Gibraltar in January 1924, January 1925 and January 1926. — Malta. Gibraltar. 1924. 1925. 1926. 1924 1925. 1926. Male Employés … … … 394 405 405 247 252 214 Female Employés … … … 11 11 10 8 8 8 Total … … … 405 416 415 255 260 222

In addition to the above there are a number of men employed on works services, unloading transports, etc., of whom no particulars are available and whose numbers fluctuate according to the work in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of War Department employés engaged at Didcot in January, 1925, and January, 1926; and what housing accommodation has been provided for their employés at Didcot?

The numbers of War Department employés at the Didcot Ordnance Depot were: January, 1925 … … 824 January, 1926 … … 1,098

Quarters have been provided for 42 civilians, and a scheme is under consideration to provide quarters for 63 more.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the proportion of machines on Royal Air Force charge which were delivered on or after 1st April, 1921, and the proportion delivered on or after 1st April, 1923?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which I gave him on the 22nd February in and Gibraltar in January, 1924, January, 1925, and January, 1926, respectively?

The numbers are as follow:

answer to certain questions he put to me on the extent to which the Air Force was equipped with machines of pre-war, war and post-war design, respectively. It would not be in the public interest to give any further details than are contained in these replies.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he has formed any opinion as to how the conditions of service have caused or contributed to the disease of pulmonary tuberculosis in the 17 officers and men who have been invalided out of the service during the last three years for which records are available which have been decided as attributable to the conditions of service; if pensions have been granted these officers and men on account of their disability; and, if not, what compensation has been given them?

In answer to the first part of the question, it would not be practicable to state in general terms or otherwise than by detailed explanation of case by case to what conditions of service the disabilities of the 17 officers and men referred to were attributable. Analysis of the cases, eight of which were attributable to service in the War, has failed to reveal any particular condition of service which can be regarded as a common casual or contributory factor. As regards the remaining parts of the question, in 16 cases pensions have already been awarded; the remaining case is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many men does it require to-day to keep one aeroplane in service on the same method of calculation by which it was recorded that the figures for 1918 were 81, and for 1924, 53?

On the assumption that the figures quoted and requested by my hon. and gallant Friend relate to the ratio between the personnel strength of the Royal Air Force and the number of machines on the first line establishments of Service squadrons, the ratio at present may be stated as between 49 and 50 personnel of all ranks for each first line aeroplanes in Service squadrons.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will inquire into the circumstances attending the refusal of pension to Albert Munns, No. 330985, late of the Royal Air Force, who was discharged with hammer toes, on the grounds that such disability is due to constitutional causes?

I have made inquiries, and find that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member. The ex-airman's case was considered by a surgical specialist and by the unit medical officer, both of whom agreed that his disability originated before his enlistment, and that its progress was not due to Service conditions. This opinion was corroborated by a board of three medical officers who invalided him from the Service, and was upheld by the medical authorities of the Air Ministry on appeal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Morrison, mother of the late Private John Morrison, No. 18097, Dublin Fusiliers, was granted a pension of 8s. per week for life, to take effect from 1st May, 1917; that this pension was later raised, by 1s. 7d., to 9s. 7d. per week; that this pension was completely stopped in May, 1924, and the only reason given her was that her son was too young; that Morrison was 25 years and six months of age when he was killed; and that Morrison was the only support of his mother; and whether he will see that this pension is restored to Mrs. Morrison, with payment of arrears?

I find that in this ease the pension previously in issue was stopped (in the course of review of this and other pensions of the same class) on the failure of the claimant to establish her son's age and other information which would justify the award. Facilities were given her to produce the necessary evidence in support of a claim to pension, but correspondence from the Ministry failed to elicit any reply, and on investigation it was found that she had removed from her previous address and had omitted to intimate any new address to the Ministry. In these circumstances, no further action could be taken. I am, however, prepared to review the circumstances of the case if the hon. Member will furnish me with Mrs. Morrison's present address.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to give the ex-service men discharged post-War, and whose claims to disability pension have been rejected, the right to appeal to an independent court against the decision of the Admiralty, similar to the House of Lords tribunals established in connection with claims under the Ministry of Pensions for great War service?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 632) given on the 8th February to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total number of men invalided for tuberculosis in 1924 and in 1925; how many were either pensioned or given final awards; and what was the average figure of the pension or award per head in 1924 and 1925?

The total numbers of men invalided for tuberculosis were

1924 … … 156 1925 … … 217

All men invalided were granted pensions or gratuities according to the scales laid down, but I regret that the average award cannot be stated without considerable research.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the names of the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, who are responsible for the decision made in connection with applications for disability pensions by ex-service men with post-War service?

Decisions on applications for disability pensions in respect of post-War service are made by the Board of Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital. The Commissioners are as follow:

Ex-officio: The Paymaster-General. The Secretary of State for War. The Under-Secretary of State for War. The Finance Member of the Army Council. The Permanent Under-Secretary of State for War. The Governor of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. The Director-General of Army Medical Services. The Director of Staff Duties. The Director of Personal Services. The Director of Movements and Quartering. The Director of Fortifications and Works. The Lieutenant-Governor and Secretary of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

Specially appointed: Miles, Lieut.-General Sir H. S. G., G.C.B., G.C.M.G, G.B.E., C.V.O. Banon, Hon. Brigadier-General F. L., C.B. Perry, Sir William P., K.C.B. (late Director of Finance, the War Office). Dickson, Major-General E. T. Donald, Major-General C. G., C.B., G.B.E. Christian, Hon. Brigadier-General G., C.B., C.I.E., D.S.O. Joynson-Hicks, Rt. Hon. Sir William, Bart., M.P. Hoare, Lieut.-Colonel Rt. Hon. Sir Samuel, Bart., C.M.G., M.P.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will give a list of the names of the buildings recently built for machinery or for the purpose of warehousing which are now being used or contemplated for use for office purposes only or mainly?

The list is as follows: Buildings recently built for machinery or warehousing purposes which are used wholly or largely for office purposes by the Government, in addition to Cornwall House, are: Royal Telephone Exchange (Customs and Inland Revenue). Ministry of Pensions Area Office, Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

Other similar buildings erected before the War which are also used for office purposes are: Ministry of Labour, Quebec Chambers, Leeds. Southampton Ordnance Survey Office, Electro Building. 76, Newton Street, Manchester (Inland Revenue and other staff). 30 and 31, Dickenson Street, Manchester (Inland Revenue). Stationery Office, Underwood Street, City. Ministry of Pensions, Leonard Street, Shoreditch. Ministry of Pensions, Hopes Factory, Birmingham.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the clerical reorganisation scheme approved by the Treasury in April, 1925, has not yet been applied to the offices of the Ordnance Depot at Didcot; and whether he is in a position to state the approximate date of the introduction of the scheme to this particular office?

The new scheme has now been applied to the Ordnance Depot at Didcot.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when, and by whose authority, the Clause was added to application forms for appointments to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research which bars any applicant who secured an exemption under the Military Service Acts, 1916 to 1918, or who declined to comply with the Regulation imposed on him by those Acts?

A Select Committee set up by this House in February, 1922, to inquire into the question of the employment of conscientious objectors in the Civil Service, recommended in their Report that no application for entry into the Civil Service should be entertained from conscientious objectors who, though available for service, refused to serve in the Great War. This recommendation of the Select Committee was thereupon carried out by Regulations for Civil Service appointments generally; and, in order to make the Regulations known to candidates for appointments in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the note referred to in the hon. Member's question was printed on application forms in May, 1924, by the Department concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, as a result of the Treasury Minute of 20th March, 1922, the provisions of the Superannuation Acts were altered and that many civil servants are now receiving pensions lower than those to which they are entitled; and whether he has taken the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on the legality of modifying by a Treasury Minute the provisions of Acts of Parliament, and what the opinion was?

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

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of existing members of the administrative class of the Civil Service; how many received education, respectively, at Oxford University, Cambridge University, London University, and other universities; and how many have received no university education?

The number of members of the administrative class of the Civil Service is about 900. I am afraid that I cannot say how many existing members of the class were educated at each of the universities named, or otherwise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the total sum obtained by the sale of maps prepared and printed by the Ordnance Survey during 1925; and what steps have been taken to increase their sales by advertisement and the greater encouragement of the authorised agents to promote sales by the provision of better facilities of stock holding, etc.?

The total receipts from the sale of Ordnance Survey maps during the year ended 31st December, 1925, was £53,925. Advertisements are inserted from time to time in the daily Press, educational, motoring, technical and other publications which reach various classes of map-users, and publicity is also effected by the distribution of leaflets, show-cards, etc. Every encouragement is given to the authorised agents to stock the large scale maps covering their district, while in many cases complete sets of the county maps are held. In addition to the authorised agents, booksellers and stationers all over the country stock the small-scale maps on the usual trade terms. Two ommercial travellers are constantly employed in the Provinces and one in the Metropolitan area.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with his announcement that the police force is to be increased by 5 per cent., he will consider the appointment of further women police?

My hon Friend is under a misapprehension. Steps have been taken to fill vacancies on the authorised strength, but no increase of strength has been decided upon. The establishment of women police was specially increased at the end of 1924.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Home Office has considered the suggestion that women warders should be raised to the status of constables, and should be specially trained to take statements of witnesses of their own sex or of the very young; and have they calculated whether this innovation would entail much additional outlay?

No, Sir. I have had no suggestion before me for giving the status of constable to police matrons, to whom presume my hon. Friend refers. Their duties do not include the taking of statements from women and girls. The provision already made for the taking of such statements by women constables or other trained women is summarised on pages 31 and 32 of the recent Report of the Departmental Committee on Sexual Offences against Young Persons. I am considering in connection with that Report whether any further action is necessary.

asked the Home Secretary (1), whether he has yet received the Report of the expert to investigate the causes of the Dolgarrog dam disaster; and, if so, whether he proposes to have the Report published; (2), whether he has yet received the Report of the expert appointed to inquire into the safety of the various dams existing in the neighbourhood of Dolgarrog, Carnarvonshire; and whether he proposes to have the Report published?

I understand that the investigation has been actively proceeding, but that it cannot be satisfactorily completed for some weeks yet.

asked the Home Secretary if, in the interests of national economy, he will consider the advisability of discontinuing the preparation of the April register of voters; and what the estimated saving to public funds would be?

The question of legislation for this is under consideration. The maximum annual saving to public funds by the proposal is estimated at £260,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total expenditure of public money since 31st December, 1918, due to our occupancy of Iraq; and what proportion has been incurred as a result of our acceptance of the mandate of the League of Nations?

The total expenditure from His Majesty's Exchequer in Iraq since 1st April, 1920, is as follows: £ 1920–21 (approximately) 32,000,000 1921–22 23,355,950 1922–23 7,807,342 1923–24 5,740,358 1924–25 4,479,754 1925–26 (provided in Estimates) 4,118,400

I regret that I am not in a position to give the inforatimon asked for in regard to 1919–20, nor is it possible to calculate with any accuracy the proportion of the above sums which could be said to be directly due to the acceptance by this country of the mandate for Iraq.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount realised by the duties on Empire sugar since the reduction in the 1925 Budget; and the amount repaid on rebate claims from exporters of goods containing Empire sugar?

The respective amounts, for the seven months ended 31st January, 1926, are £1,813,000 and £13,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposals for securing a framework of Votes, which is similar for all three Service Departments so far as service conditions permit, have yet been finally considered; and whether the resultant changes will be embodied in the forthcoming Estimates?

Certain alterations have been made in this year's Estimates in the direction of securing closer comparison in the Estimates of the three fighting Services; the question of renumbering and re-casting Votes is awaiting the consideration of the Committee of Public Accounts.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether and, if so, what proposals have been made by the Ontario Government for the settlement in that province of British boys as farm apprentices?

The Ontario Government have acquired a farm for the reception, placing and, if necessary, training of British boys under Government supervision, and have invited His Majesty's Government to co-operate under the Empire Settlement Act. The necessary Agreement is now under negotiation.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed registered at the Exchanges in the County of Fife, giving, as far as possible, the number of unemployed miners, textile workers, building trade workers, and dockyard workers, respectively, for each week during the present year?

The total number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the County of Fife at the beginning of each week in the present year up to 8th February is as follows: 4th January … … 7,018 11th January … … 7,072 18th January … … 7,060 25th January … … 6,888 1st February … … 6,737 8th February … … 6,276

Statistics of unemployment in particular industries are only compiled at monthly intervals and relate solely to persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. At 26th January, 1926, the numbers of insured persons in the County of Fife recorded as unemployed and classified as belonging to the industries stated and for all industries were as follow: Coal mining 1,960 Other mining 13 Textile industries 1,342 Building industry 472 Canal, dock, harbour service 229 Total (all industries) 6,991

asked the Minister of Labour how many officers are employed by the divisional offices of the Ministry of Labour to go round the Employment Exchanges scrutinising title to benefit of the claimants; how many of the claims examined by them have been disallowed; and how many of those disallowed claimants appealed against the disallowance and had their claims admitted on appeal?

As regards the first part of the question, the numbers vary from time to time. Officers are allocated to this duty, among others, according as circumstances require and permit. I regret that the information asked for in the last two parts of the question is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that juvenile unemployment centres are fulfilling the object for which they were designed in their respective areas; and whether he is prepared to increase their activities as well as the number of such centres in the country generally?

I am satisfied both from reports which I have received and from what I have seen myself of their activities that the juvenile unemployment centres are fulfilling the object for which they were designed. I am always prepared to consider sympathetically any proposals from local education authorities for additional centres or for the development of those now open, provided that these proposals come within the scope of the current scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the case of men sent by the Dundee Employment Exchange to work on the Perth-Inverness Road, arrangements can be made to improve the accommodation, including the provision of sanitary facilities, and increasing the number of cooking utensils; and whether the Exchange will refrain from sending men over 50 years of age, and arrange to allow men suspended from work through bad weather conditions, etc., to claim unemployment benefit accordingly?

As I promised the other hon. Member for Dundee on the 17th February, I am having full inquiry made into the question of the accommodation provided and the conditions under which men work on the Perth-Inverness Road. I will let both hon. Members know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in a number of cases serious defects in subsidy houses occur after the purchaser has taken possession; and whether he proposes to take any steps to secure redress in such cases in the future?

The hon. Member has drawn my attention to the case of certain houses in his constituency. The rules made by my Department require that before making payment of subsidy in respect of any houses, the local authority shall obtain from their surveyor or other authorised officer a certificate that the houses have been constructed in a proper and workmanlike manner and in compliance with the requirements as to size, materials, type of construction, etc., prescribed by the Housing Acts and by the Minister of Health. I understand that in the particular case the houses complied with these requirements and also that inspections of the houses were made regularly throughout the whole progress of building at various stages of construction. The defects complained of are matters to be settled between the purchasers and the vendor. I am satisfied that every care has been taken by the local authority before paying subsidy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is taking any steps to ensure that the whole area of the Kent coalfield which is to be developed under a Government guarantee of two million pounds shall be developed for health and housing purposes on town-planning lines so as to avoid at the outset a repetition of the insanitary and unsightly health and housing conditions that are prevalent in older coalfields?

Yes, Sir. A joint advisory town-planning committee of all the local authorities in and around the coalfield, together with representatives of the industrial and business interests concerned and of the mine workers, is dealing with the matter. I keep in close touch with the committee and with the local authority of the area in which development is at present taking place.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received from the Isle of Wight Rural District Council the particulars relating to housing asked for on 9th February; and, if not, whether he will call for a return of those particulars within a short period?

I have now received the information, and am sending it to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that members of boards of guardians carrying out their duties on committees of hospitals, institutions, and schools within the area of their union are compelled to pay for their meals, no matter how long they may be engaged on the work, but if they perform similar duties outside the area of their union they can charge the cost; and if he will issue instructions permitting refreshments of a reasonable character to be given without charge to the individual in all cases?

I am aware that the law distinguishes between expenses incurred within and those incurred outside the area of an authority. The change of law suggested by the hon. Member could not be effected by any instructions which I could issue.

asked the Minister of Health the approximate amount likely to be saved in the estimates of boards of guardians, following payment of widows' pensions, as from 4th January last?

The information desired is not yet available, but I have arranged for returns to be made by boards of guardians immediately after the end of the current quarter showing the actual savings resulting to them from the award of pensions under the Act.

asked the Minister of Health the grounds on which individual members of the Southwark Board of Guardians have been surcharged in respect of payments made under their authority by the relieving officers of the borough; and why individual members have been surcharged?

It is the duty of a district auditor to report to me when a disallowance or surcharge has been made by him. I have not yet received any report as to a surcharge in the case referred to in the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to an advertisement issued by the Borough of Devizes for a whole-time fully-qualified sanitary inspector, if possible with a knowledge of surveying, at a salary of £150 per annum, the person appointed to discharge all the duties of sanitary inspector, as prescribed by the Sanitary Acts and the Regulations from time to time in force thereunder, of inspector of slaughter houses, dairies, and milkshops, of inspector under the Housing and Town Planning Acts, and of inspector under the Petroleum, the Canal Boats, and the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Acts, and generally to carry out the duties laid down in the council's by-laws; whether the advertisement was approved by him in accordance with the Sanitary Officer's Order; and whether he proposes to withhold his sanction until the appointment is advertised at an adequate salary?

My attention has been drawn to the advertisement. I have not given any approval in the matter as I understand that the terms proposed are the same as those applicable to the late officer.

asked the Minister of Health whether a man or woman of 61 years of age or over who has been insured under the National Health Insurance Acts for a period of not less than 10 years, but who has left an insurable occupation, is accepted as a voluntary contributor for an old age pension at 65 years of age after the 2nd January 1928, or on the fifth anniversary of his re-entry into insurance?

The second alternative is the correct one. No person can acquire a title to an old age pension before the expiration of five years from the date of his last entry into insurance.

asked the Minister of Health whether a person re-entering insurance as a voluntary contributor in order to qualify for an old age pension at 65 is, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13 (5), also required by his Department to fulfil the statutory conditions in Section 8 (a) of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the cases of persons married in Roman Catholic churches when no registrar was present, it has been decided for the purposes of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act that the marriage was irregular, and the widows and children are not eligible for pension in cases where the husband died prior to 4th January, 1926?

If the hon. Member will give me information about any particular case which he may have in view, I will look into it; but I may point out that, where the statutory requirements for a valid marriage have not been complied with, I have no dispensing power which would enable me to hold a marriage valid for the purposes of the Contributory Pensions Act which would not be valid for other purposes.

asked the Minister of Health why, with regard to widows' pensions, children's allowances, and orphans' pensions, he cannot give the number of persons in the city of Lincoln who have applied for them, together with the number of claims allowed, the number rejected, and the number still under consideration; and if he can state any reason other than the system of book-keeping why information as to the number of claimants in the city of Lincoln is not available to Members of this House?

The information required could only be obtained by an examination of all claims received, and in view of the pressure of current pensions work, I do not think that I can fairly call for such an examination.

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications for widows' and orphans' pensions, to the latest convenient date; the number of claims allowed and being paid in respect of widows and orphans, respectively; together with the number of claims disallowed on the grounds that the deceased husband or father was not covered by Section El8 of the National Health Insurance Act?

The total number of claims made in England, Wales, and Scotland for widows' pensions is 168,400, and for orphans' pensions 12,300; 118,100 widows' pensions have been awarded, and 6,400 orphans' pensions. Figures are not at present available of the number of rejections in each of the various categories.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of claims for widows' pensions; the number of widows to whom pensions have been awarded; how many claims have been rejected; and how many claims are still under consideration?

The total number of claims made in England, Wales, and Scotland for widows' pensions is 168,400; the number of awards 118,100; the number of rejections 33,700; and 16,600 claims are still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health the number of women and children in Lancashire who have been granted pension and allowance under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to give powers to the Industrial Research Fatigue Board to extend their tests by medical examinations among all women workers irrespective of class or social standing?

The investigations made by the Industrial Fatigue Research Board do not involve medical examinations, but are concerned with special problems arising in various kinds of manipulative work. The investigations are made to gain knowledge of a kind likely to improve the conditions or environment of employment and are not restricted to any particular class of worker. No question of powers arises, as the subjects of test are always volunteers.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made as to the payment of the costs, and by whom, in the legal proceedings concerning the recent surcharge of councillors in the Borough of Poplar and in the Borough of Bethnal Green?

The Order of the Court in each case was that the costs of the auditor should be paid by the respondents to the appeal. I have at the present time under consideration an application from the Poplar Borough Council for sanction to the payment by the council of the costs of the auditor and of the costs which the respondents have themselves incurred.

asked the Minister of Health when the Royal Commission on Lunacy Reform is likely to make its Report?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the Royal Commission hope to be able to present their Report this summer, but it is not possible at present to give the precise date.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider amendment to the Death Certification Act, so as to cause the compulsory examination of the body before a death certificate is issued by a medical practitioner?

The subject of death certification is already under my consideration with other related questions, but I cannot see my way, in present circumstances, to introduce any legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the leading members of the Turkish Government now reside at Angora and that the Soviet Government have for several years had an ambassador at Angora, he will say what number of days during the past two years the British ambassador has spent at Angora; what is the annual cost of maintaining British embassies at Pera in winter and on the Bosphorus in summer; and whether, in view of the effect on British commercial interests in Turkey arising from present diplomatic arrangements, he will take the matter into consideration?

The answer to the first part of the question is 24 days, and in addition various visits were made by members of His Excellency's staff. The approximate annual cost of the maintenance of the Embassy house at Pera and Therapia is £2,200 and £675 respectively. As regard the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies returned to the hon. Member for Ilford (Sir F. Wise) and the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crookshank) on the 22nd of December and the 10th of February respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the actual cost of maintaining the military, naval and air services of Germany, exclusive of any payments to the Allies for military occupation, year by year since 1919, and the approximate values in English money?

The figures, as far as it has been possible to procure them, are as follow, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed: Marks. 1919—Army and Navy … 1,118,189,655 1920—Army and Navy … 4,895,745,514 1921—Army … 2,677,618,642 Navy … 686,809,858 1922—Army … 1,852,515,466 Navy … 1,505,543,316 1923—Army … 23,355,624,000 Navy … 7,140,334,000 1924—Army … 348,282,880 Navy … 104,263,060 1925—Army … 406,222,930 Navy … 155,092,080 1926 (Estimates)—Army … 474,297,210 Navy … 203,328,400

There is no military air service in Germany. Owing to the fluctuations in the mark it is impossible to give the approximate values in English money of the above figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as the first item on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the League of Nations Council has reference to the appointment of the members and chairman of the Saar Valley Governing Commission, it is intended to deal with this matter before Germany has taken her seat as a member of the Council?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is the usual practice for the Council to examine the agenda, and to decide all questions relating to its procedure. I am unable to anticipate the Council's decision on this occasion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively; and whether any facilities are available for ex-service men who desire to settle on the land?

The number of agricultural holdings above one acre and not exceeding 50 acres in England, Wales and Scotland, respectively, as recorded in the Official Returns for 1925, was as follows: England … … … 222,419 Wales … … … 42,368 Scotland … … … 50,536

It should be noted that the above figures include many holdings that are not occupied by smallholders, but are residential properties, accommodation fields, etc.

The land settlement scheme for ex-service men in England and Wales will be brought to an end on 31st March, 1926. Information in regard to the provision of holdings under the scheme will be found in the recently issued Report on Land Settlement in England and Wales, 1919 to 1924.

Similar information in regard to the settlement of ex-service men in Scotland is contained in the Annual Reports of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the risk of the spreading of infection among fruit plantations in this country arising from the importation of cherries infected with the cherry fruit fly; and if he will take immediate steps to prohibit the importation of all cherries from countries where this pest is known to exist?

Yes, Sir; I am having the situation closely watched. The danger lies chiefly in the importation of cherries from France. Representations have already been made to the French Government on the matter, and they have been asked to prevent the export to this country of cherries infested with the cherry fruit fly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the amount of public money expended on land drainage, and the acreage brought into cultivation as a result of this expenditure, from 1900 to 1925; the proportion of such expenditure which has been paid direct to the landlords; and the increase in the value of privately-owned land which has resulted from such expenditure?

Approximately £859,000 was expended by the State on land drainage, including water supply, between October, 1921, and June, 1925, in connection with schemes of unemployment relief, carried out mainly by hand labour, apart from grants made by the Unemployment Grants Committee mainly towards the cost of installing drainage machinery. These schemes were designed to improve or protect from inundation existing agricultural land, and in very few cases have they resulted in fresh land being brought into cultivation. The benefit derived from work on the schemes is cumulative from season to season, but it is estimated that the following acreages were benefited or protected from inundation during the four seasons from 1921: 342,000, 912,000, 727,000 and 669,000.

The schemes have been carried out partly by drainage authorities and partly through the medium of county agricultural committees. In the former case the drainage authority find a proportion of the cost; in the latter the landlords participating in the schemes find a proportion. The total amount found locally in this manner in the period in question was approximately £430,000.

I have no information as to the increase of the value in privately-owned land that has resulted from such expenditure, but it must be borne in mind that many of these schemes were designed to keep the land in its existing state by the prevention of flooding.

Apart from the above, the Ministry incurred some expenditure in connection chiefly with schemes carried out in the concluding years of the War with prisoners of war labour under the Defence of the Realm Act, Regulation 2M, but at this stage I regret that I cannot give the hon. Member any details as to the sum involved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many farm educational institutes have been built; how many are in process of erection; and what the expenditure on those institutions amounts to, as well as the cost of extending existing institutes; and whether any are being built or extended in Scotland?

There are 14 farm institutes in England and Wales, including two which were not aided by the Ministry, and there are two farm institutes in process of erection. The estimated expenditure in connection with the two latter, including the cost of the farms, the erection of the institutes and cottages, and the improvement of the farm buildings, is roughly £60,000, towards which the Ministry will make a grant of about £42,000. During the last two years approval has been given to extensions and improvements at certain of the existing farm institutes at an estimated cost of £100,000. The Ministry's grant in these cases will be about £72,000. With reference to the last part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any portion of the additional sum of £500,000 for agricultural education and research which has been paid into a development fund will be devoted to veterinary education and research; and, if so, whether it will be wholly devoted to England and Wales, or if a portion, and how much, will be spent on similar purposes in Scotland?

The sum to which the hon. Member refers is not specifically divided between England and Wales on the one side, and Scotland on the other. It is at present contemplated that, if required, and subject to the approval of the Treasury and Development Commissioners, approximately £100,000 should be spent in England and Wales for the purpose mentioned out of such part of the £500,000 as may be available for those countries. As regards expenditure in Scotland, the hon. Member should approach my right hon. Friend, the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the proposed import tax on wrapping papers, care will be taken to exclude from the tax all paper imported for the purpose of being manufactured into wallpaper?

The point raised by the hon. Member will be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of optical and scientific instruments imported during the years 1913, 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925; and the amount of duty collected on such under the Safeguarding of Industries Act for the years 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925?

As regards the particulars of imports for the years 1913, 1922, 1923 and 1924, I would refer the hon. Member to page 35 of Volume I of the Annual Statements of Trade of the United Kingdom for the years 1922 and 1924 Corresponding figures for the year 1925 are given in statement "A" below. As regards the latter part of the question, statistics of revenue collected under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, are kept only in respect of each of the groups specified in the Schedule to the Act. The net revenue collected for the years 1922 to 1925 in respect of the two groups which comprise dutiable articles of the classes mentioned are given in statement "B" below. It will be observed that the classification for the purposes of the Statement of Trade and for the statistics of revenue is not identical.

STATEMENT SHOWING THE REGISTERED IMPORTS OF THE UNDERMENTIONED ARTICLES INTO GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND DURING THE YEAR 1925. A. Description. Denomination. Quantity. Value. £ Scientific instruments and appliances (except electrical)— Dental, surgical, medical and veterinary instruments and appliances (except optical)— Instruments Value — 29,605 Appliances, including trusses and artificial limbs, but excluding artificial eyes. Value — 10,727 Furniture, aseptic hospital Value — 9,592 Other sorts, including general dental goods (except dental platinum). Value — 120,696 Photographic (not including lenses)— Cameras No 489,278 185,492 Cinematograph and projection apparatus (including magic lanterns). Value — 23,435 Sensitised photographic paper Value — 128,015 Sensitised photographic plates and films Value — 753,677 Blank film on which no picture has been impressed, known as raw film or stock. Linear foot of the standard width of 1 ⅜ in. 126,322,578 356,536 Exposed films— Positives, i.e., films containing a picture and ready for exhibition. Linear foot of the standard width of 1 ⅜ in. 43,660,774 233,953 Negatives, i.e. films containing a photo graph from which positives can be printed. Linear foot of the standard width of 1 ⅜ in. 9,314,028 689,312 Other photographic and cinematograph appliances, not elsewhere specified (excluding photographic chemicals). Value — 68,648 Optical instruments and appliances— Lenses, prisms, etc., optically worked, mounted or unmounted (including those imported or exported with complete instruments). No 8,428,134 234,704 Bodies for telescopes, microscopes and other instruments for holding lenses. No 1,275,343 81,392 Other scientific instruments and appliances— Precision balances Value — 8,825 Gauges No 36,051 23,259 Mathematical instruments Value — 11,634 Slide rules, calculating discs and cylinders Value — 3,410 Other descriptions not elsewhere specified — — 169,370 B. — Year. Duty. £ Optical glass and optical elements, whether finished or not, micro-scopes, field and opera glasses, theodolites, sextants, spectroscopes and other optical instruments. 1922 79,233 1923* 98,112 1924 84,666 1925 86,318 Galvanometers, pyrometers, electroscopes, barometers, analytical and other precision balances and other scientific instruments, gauges and measuring instruments of precision of the types used in engineering machine shops and viewing rooms, whether for use in such shops or rooms or not. 1922 20,713 1923* 26,778 1924 29,872 1925 33,635 * As from 1st April, 1923, figures relate to Great Britain and Northern Ireland only.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that F. W. Unterberger, an American citizen, was recently signed on as wireless operator and sailed in the British steamer "London Mariner"; whether he holds the Postmaster-General's certificate of proficiency in wireless telegraphy; whether he holds any wireless certificate issued under British authority; and, if not, why he was allowed to sail?

The steamer "London Mariner" on her previous outward voyage, carried no wireless operator, and an American operator holding a first class United States of America certificate was signed on at Philadelphia, it being a condition of his engagement that he was to be returned to the United States. The ship therefore returned to Philadelphia with this operator on board, and carried in addition a fully qualified British operator, holding a first class certificate, and two wireless watchers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the new Regulations about to come into force in Turkey, prohibiting foreign steamship companies from carrying cargo or passengers from one Turkish port to another; and how many nations now adopt such a policy?

Apart from concessions to certain allied shipping companies granted under the Peace Settlement of Lausanne, which come to an end on 1st July next, the coasting trade of Turkey has, since the war, been reserved' to Turkish vessels. It appears that the new Regulations to which my hon. Friend refers relate to the control of the coasting services provided by Turkish vessels. A considerable number of countries reserve their coasting trade to national vessels, including 11 of the 20 more important maritime countries of the world.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the object of the Return, entitled Third Census of Production of the United Kingdom (1924), Timber Trades; what use is made of the information thereby derived; is he aware that the filling up of this form entails a great deal of inconvenience and expense to those firms to whom it is sent; and will he consider whether, in the interests of economy, this Return may now be given up?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers given on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Womersley), copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill dealing with the marking of imported farm or dairy farm produce; and, if so, whether he intends to allot time for its discussion?

The President of the Board of Trade has already given notice of his intention to introduce a Merchandise Marks Bill this Session. This Bill will be a comprehensive Measure and will allow of provision being made for the marking of imported farm and dairy produce. The Government hope that the Bill will be passed into law this year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his Department have made any advance in their efforts to help the fishing industry by means of wireless communication for the purpose of giving the state of the market, etc., and, if so, how?

I have carefully considered the question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend and have come to the conclusion that as a very small proportion of the fishing vessels are fitted with means of receiving wireless communication, I should not be justified in instituting a system of broadcasting information of the kind suggested. I shall be ready, however, to reconsider the question if I find that the number of vessels equipped with receiving sets increases to any considerable extent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has yet carried out the recommendation of the Development Commission as regards a fishery research vessel for the western area?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the recommendation in the Report of the Advisory Committee on Fishery Research appointed by the Development Commission in 1919. I can assure my hon. Friend that the proposal to equip a research vessel for the purpose of exploration and investigation of the Atlantic waters commands my sympathy, but owing to the present need for national economy the question of such provision has, for the present, been deferred.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made by his Department in their examination of improved methods of fish cultivation in various areas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the chapter on Scientific Research in the Report on Sea Fisheries recently published for the year 1924, and to similar information which I hope shortly to furnish in a Report for the year 1925. The scientific work progresses steadily in all its branches The efforts of my Department in fish cultivation are, however, at present necessarily confined in the main to oysters and other shellfish, which are more tractable and less elusive than the free-swimming fishes of the sea.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered the practicability of questions dealing with matters under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Commission being answered by some responsible Minister; and whether those questions will in future be answered by the Minister for Agriculture for England and Wales, and in Scotland by the Secretary for Scotland?

I have carefully considered this matter. As the hon. Member is aware, the policy embodied in the Forestry Act of 1919 of keeping the administration of the Forestry Commission outside the arena of politics was strongly supported by men of all parties, and was adopted for an experimental period of 10 years. The whole position will have to be reviewed within two years' time, and, in my opinion, any important change such as that proposed in the question should await that review.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has been informed as to whether the provision of a new clinic and handicraft centre by the Walsall Education Committee is likely to be delayed in consequence of the issue of Memorandum 44?

This proposal was not communicated to my Department until the 11th of this month, when the authority submitted their revised estimates. It is receiving consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Preston Education Authority will be allowed to proceed in the provision of playing fields for elementary school children in view of Memorandum 44?

I do not find that this authority have communicated to my Department any proposal for the provision of playing fields for elementary school children.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, before the issue of Memorandum 44, the Leeds Education Committee was negotiating for the purchase of playing fields to be used by elementary school children of the city, and that the negotiations for the purchase have now been stopped; and whether, in view of the need for more playing fields, he will modify his proposals and allow the education committee to continue its negotiations?

The Leeds Authority have not submitted to me any proposal for the provision of playing fields for elementary school children.

asked the President of the Board of Education why the provision for handicraft has been cut out of the esti- mate of the Colchester Education Authority, in spite of the fact that two inspectors recently came down from the Board of Education and urged them to proceed with the work?

I have no information on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Ealing Education Authority will be permitted, under Memorandum 44, to proceed with the provision of a new elementary school and a playing field of about five acres for the school children of the area?

The provision of a new elementary school in this area is receiving my consideration. I have received no intimation from the authority of any proposal to provide a playing field.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, owing to Memorandum 44, he intends to refuse his consent to the extension of the central school at Walthamstow, although the estimates have been approved by the Board of Education and the loan sanctioned by the Ministry of Health?

This matter will be considered in connection with the revised estimates which the authority have submitted.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the numbers of children attending schools in 1924 suffering from malnutrition increased as compared with 1923; and whether, in view of this fact, he will urge the necessity upon local education authorities for a more vigorous administration of the Provision of Meals Act?

The Report of the Board's Chief Medical Officer for 1924 showed that in London and 24 large representative areas there was an increase in the number of cases of malnutrition which required treatment, and it was suggested that unemployment and over- crowding were two factors which contributed to this result. No figures were given for the country as a whole, but the Report stated that in a number of areas the nutritional condition of the children had advanced. As regards the second part of the question, the provision of meals under the Education Act is a matter for the decision of the local authority.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that nystagmus is on the increase amongst coal miners; and whether he intends to give effect to the recommendation of the Medical Re-search Committee, with regard to a higher standard of illumination, by making it compulsory to provide the same?

I have been asked to reply. The incidence of miners' nystagmus is still very heavy, but the total number of cases in 1924 was slightly less than in 1923; the number of new cases declined both in 1923 and 1924, and I hope will continue to do so. I expect before long to be able to fix a higher candle-power standard for flame safety lamps. As regards electric safety lamps, the present standard of candle power is much higher than the standard for flame lamps, and I am advised that it is not yet practicable to raise it.

asked the Minister of Transport under what Act the Ipswich Dock Commissioners are enabled to levy a flat-rate duty of 1s. per ton on every ton of coal arriving in the borough of Ipswich by railway; whether he is aware that this action is causing considerable dissatisfaction and annoyance to local merchants and to the ultimate consumers of coal in the neighbourhood; and whether he will take up the matter with the dock commissioners concerned with a view to arriving at a satisfactory settlement?

Section 52 of the Ipswich Dock Act, 1852, authorises the Dock Commissioners to levy a duty of 1s. and a further duty of 6d. for every ton of coals imported or landed within the River Orwell or the town of Ipswich or the harbour thereof, or otherwise brought or delivered within the limits of the Act. I am not aware of the local dissatisfaction to which the hon. Member refers, but I am arranging for a copy of his question to be sent to the Dock Commissioners.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, during the consideration of a revision of the rates of licence duties payable by mechanically propelled vehicles now in progress, the questions of taxing heavy motor vehicles according to the actual weight carried and of placing a limit on that weight will be considered?

The question of the revision of the system of motor taxation will be considered from all aspects, but taxation according to laden weight is open to great objection owing to the difficulty of detecting cases in which the licensed laden weight has been exceeded. As regards the latter part of the question, maxima for axle-weights, that is for the combined weights of the vehicle and the load, are already prescribed by Order.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of pre-1913 cars on which a rebate is allowed; and whether, seeing that insistence upon the full taxation of old cars militates against their use, he will grant a concession to all owners of cars manufactured five years prior to the current financial year?

I have been asked to answer this question. The rebates in respect of motor vehicles with pre-1913 engines, allowed in the year ended 30th November, 1925, amounted to approximately £120,000, but I cannot give the number of vehicles concerned without special inquiries from the local authorities. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 16th February to the hon. Member for the Newbury Division (Brigadier-General Clifton Brown), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion, if any, of motor transport vehicles on charge of the General Post Office are of foreign manufacture and assembly; what proportion are of foreign manufacture, or part manufacture, and British assembly; and what proportion of manufacture and assembly in Great Britain or the Dominions by firms subject to control of foreign motor manufacturers?

Of the amount hitherto spent by the Post Office on the purchase of motor transport vehicles the proportion representing vehicles of foreign manufacture and assembly is nil. The proportion representing vehicles of foreign manufacture and British assembly in the ordinary meaning of those terms is also nil; but 40 per cent of the vehicles of British manufacture and assembly contain a small admixture (about 3 per cent.) of foreign parts. The vehicles last-mentioned are made by a firm whose capital is largely foreign; the remaining 60 per cent. are entirely British-made by firms whose capital, so far as I am aware, is British.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to state the names of the Commission appointed to inquire into the possibility of improvements in Indian agriculture; when this Committee will start upon its investigations; and whether it will receive evidence in England from those concerned in this country in products of agriculture in India?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement regarding personnel. The Commission will probably start on its labours in the Autumn. It will be for the Commission itself to decide whether to take evidence in this country or not.