asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the staff of the Foreign Office numbered approximately 190 in 1914 and 780 in 1925, and that the aggregate salaries in those respective years amounted approximately to £61,000 and £260,000, he will explain the reasons for the quadrupling of the staff; and whether he is taking steps to reduce it substantially?

I have to apologise for the length of this answer. The additions to the staff of the Foreign Office (apart from the Passport Office, to which I will refer later) have been necessitated by the large increase in the volume of work due to the innumerable international questions arising out of the after-results of the War. The number of countries in which His Majesty is represented and which have representatives in London has increased from 31 in 1914 to 52 in 1926. The number of papers dealt with in the Foreign Office (apart from the Passport Office) is considerably more than double the number in 1913, and in order to deal adequately with the increased volume of work it has been necessary to introduce a new and more effective system of registering papers, which necessitates a larger registry staff, as well as a larger staff to deal with telegrams. As regards the Passport Office, the increase in staff is due to the enormous increase in the issue of passports under present conditions. The number of passports issued in 1913 was 12,700; the corresponding number in 1925 (including renewals, endorsements, etc., which were not necessary in 1913) was 889,981. The staff of the Passport Office in 1913 consisted of two persons; it is now, when at its maximum in the busy season, 293. I should, however, add that the fees taken in 1924–25 amounted to £106,750, which more than covered the cost of staff and other expenses of the Passport Office. With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question, no opportunity is lost of effecting a reduction of staff and expenditure, but it is essential to bear in mind that the strength of the Foreign Office staff must always be proportionate to the amount of work to be performed, and that this depends on factors entirely beyond the control of the British Government or Parliament. The problems raised by our foreign relations depend on what goes on and what is done in the rest of the world. The Foreign Office Estimates and staff have already been most carefully examined by the Treasury, and a further examination is being made.

Is this increase to be of a permanent nature; and considering that there are 889,000 passports, will the right hon. Gentleman get into communication with some other countries and see whether this vast amount of work cannot be done away with?

His Majesty's Government are not prepared to do away with the passport system, and we cannot therefore ask others to do it.

If these passports are covering the cost of the administration of the Passport Office, why have the expenses of the Foreign Office so vastly increased?

For the reason I have given in the earlier portion of my answer. It was a very long answer and I read it as rapidly as possible, but I think the hon. Member will see there is a good reason.

Could not labour be saved by simplifying the procedure of the issue of passports, which is very complicated and used to be very much simpler?

We can deal with that at another time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affiairs whether, seeing that the staff of the Diplomatic Service numbered approximately 160 in 1914 and 270 in 1925 and that their aggregate salaries in those years amounted to approximately £455,000 and £1,000,000, respectively, he will explain why the salary total has more than doubled while the number of staff has less than doubled; and whether he is taking steps to reduce the figures substantially?

I cannot reconcile the amount given by the hon. Member as the cost of salaries in 1914 with any figures in my possession. The correct figure for 1914 is £217,630. The figure which the hon. Member quotes as the cost in 1925 is approximately that for the Diplomatic Service and the Consular Services taken together. The correct figure for the Diplomatic Service is £440,276. The relation of aggregate salaries to the number of staff is, however, approximately correctly stated in the hon. Member's question. The increase in cost arises from two main causes. (1) As the result of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Civil Services of 1914 and of pledges given in Parliament, the "property qualification" for the Diplomatic Service was abolished and, as a corollary, emoluments are now paid which are designed to enable persons without private means to enter the service and to live in a manner compatible with their representative position, and (2) in assessing these emoluments, it is necsesary to take into account the fact that the cost of living in practically all parts of the world is far above the pre-War level.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Colony of Hong Kong is only 90 miles from Canton, and that many questions necessarily arise affecting the interests of Hong Kong which can only be dealt with by the Canton authorities, he will sanction direct communication taking place between the Government of Hong Kong and the Chinese authorities in Canton?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I do not consider that special arrangements of this nature are either necessary or desirable at the present time. If and when negotiations for the termination of the boycott are resumed, the Governor will no doubt suggest to me in what manner they can best be facilitated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the interests of trade, which benefits by the promotion of good relations between China and this country, he will impress upon the British delegates to the Tariff Conference at Peking the need for expediting their decision on the interim tariff proposals?

The British Delegation is doing its utmost to arrive at a settlement of all outstanding questions at the Tariff Conference, but the points at issue are so complex and the political situation in Peking so obscure that an early decision on the interim tariff rates is hardly to be expected. I presume that the hon. Member realises that there are 13 Powers represented at the Conference, including China, and that decisions do not rest in the hands of the British Delegation alone.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the interest and principal of the Chinese railway loans, German section, of the issues, is paid by the Chinese Government?

I understand that the German issues of the three Chinese railway loans which were partly issued in Germany, namely, the Tientsin-Pukow Railway Loans of 1908 and 1910 and the Hukuang Railways Loan of 1911 are all in default.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the present Chief Inspector of the Salt Revenue in China is retiring; and will he assure the House that His Majesty's Government will support the nomination of a British subject for this position so as to maintain the prestige of Great Britain?

I understand that no final decision has yet been come to with regard to the retirement of the Chief Inspector of the Salt Revenues. The second part of the question does not therefore at present arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the intrigues going on to out the British and replace him, not by the Chinese, but other foreigners?

I am aware of what is taking place.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects have been refused permission to land in the United States since 1st January, 1921, on the grounds of moral turpitude; and in how many of those cases was assistance given or attempted by His Majesty's Government or by His Majesty's representatives in America?

I have no information which would enable me to reply to the first part of the question. With the exception of the case which has formed the subject of recent questions in this House, no request for assistance has been received by my Department since the date referred to, but it is part of the duty of the British Consular officers in foreign countries to afford British subjects who are in any difficulty such assistance as they properly can.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure me that the same degree of assistance will be granted to persons, notwithstanding what their social standing is, in all cases?

Yes. There is no shadow of ground for the suggestion that any class distinctions are made in a matter of this kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say exactly what assistance was given in the case to which he refers?

I cannot say that. I received a communication, and I replied—I only know my own minutes; I cannot state the actual terms of the telegram—that the Consul-General would give whatever assistance was possible and proper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any knowledge of a British subject named Celina Chippendale who has been detained for several weeks at the immigration headquarters at Boston, and was deported on the 21st February in the steamship "Aurania" on the grounds of moral turpitude; whether his assistance or the assistance of His Majesty's representatives in the United States was sought by this woman or her friends; and whether any assistance was given, offered or attempted?

The case was brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government by the United States Gov eminent because they desired to deport Celina Chippendale, who was believed to be a British subject, to this country on the ground of "moral turpitude." I have received no communication from Mrs. Chippendale nor on her behalf, and so far as I am aware, no request for assistance was received by the British authorities in the United States.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider instructing our Consul-General in America to watch these cases, especially those of poor people who will not know how to communicate with him?

I do not think the Consul-General can know all about these cases unless application is made to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, quite apart from Ellis Island detention of immigrants, English business men, with non-immigrant passports and credentials in good order, have been detained at El Paso, on the Mexican frontier, and subjected to expense and hardship; and if he will make diplomatic representations to the United States Government on this subject?

No such case has been brought to my notice. But if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have the details of any specific case I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the Turkish Republic has made any representations to the British Government regarding the transference of the British Embassy from Constantinople to Angora; what was the nature of these representations; and whether the absence of suitable accommodation for the Embassy in Angora is the only reason for retaining the Embassy in Constantinople?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. On 19th March, 1925, the Turkish Government addressed identic notes on this subject to the British, French and Italian representatives at Constantinople. After thanking the Allied Powers for their decision to raise the rank of their representatives in Turkey to that of Ambassador, they stated that they considered that these representatives should reside at Angora and not at Constantinople. They explained that a law would shortly be submitted to the Grand National Assembly authorising the Government to offer friendly foreign Powers land on which to construct suitable embassies or legations, and expressed the hope that the missions concerned would be transferred to Angora as soon as possible. In answer to the third part of the question, I would say that the lack of an embassy building suitable for the Ambassador and his staff is a good reason but not the only reason.

What purpose is served by maintaining our Embassy at Constantinople, seeing that all relations with the Government have to take place at Angora?

I think that question is more fitted for debate than for this period of the day, but I do not accept the premises of the right hon. Gentleman's question.

Is this the only case in which we maintain an Embassy not at the capital of the State?

Yes, Sir, I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Embassy at Constantinople is the property of Great Britain; at what figure it is valued; and whether any suggestions have been made for its disposal in the event of the transference of the Embassy elsewhere?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last in the negative. I have no information as to the present value of the property.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman obtain the information? Can he also say whether the Summer Embassy at Therapia is the property of the British Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a report from the British Consul at Genoa, or from any other source, as to the treatment of Mr. R. R. Stokes, M.C., a British traveller in Italy, by Fascisti railway officials in a guardroom at Genoa, upon Mr. Stokes objecting to pay luggage charges twice over; what action he has taken in this matter; and whether an apology and compensation have been required from the officials concerned?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any report from the British Consul at Genoa on the treatment accorded to Mr. R. R. Stokes on his arrival by the Rome express last week by Fascist officials on the railway, and by the guard at the police station; if such report shows any provocation on the part of Mr. Stokes which led to the personal assaults to which he was subjected; and, if not, will he make suitable representations to the Italian Government on the matter?

No report has yet been received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Genoa, but Mr. Stokes has given me his account of the incident. I aim immediately calling for a full report, and the most careful consideration will be given to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which of the Powers have ratified the Opium Convention, which was signed at Geneva in February, 1925?

So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no foreign Power has yet ratified either the Opium Agreement or the Dangerous Drugs Convention, signed at Geneva on 11th February and 19th February, 1925, respectively. The British ratifications of the Agreement and Convention were deposited with the League of Nations on the 17th ultimo.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reports have been made to him recently by the British representative in Russia as to trading and other conditions in Russia so far as they affect the interests of this country; and, if so, whether these reports can be made available for the information of Members?

Reports are regularly made to me by His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Moscow on all subjects in which British interests are involved. As regards the second part of the question, information which may be of value to British traders is either published in the "Board of Trade Journal" or circulated confidentially by the Department of Overseas Trade to those likely to be interested.

Has the Charge d'Affaires referred to the report of Mr. Zinovieff in opening the Communist International Committee a short time ago, when statements were made which were detrimental to the interests of this country?

I think the 'best I can do for British trade is to circulate, or cause to be circulated, in the way described such information as is valuable. I do not think I can serve the best interests of British trade by saying exactly what information our representative at Moscow has given.

Does the right hon. Gentleman pay special attention to the propaganda that is being initiated in Russia, with the approval of the Soviet Government?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is considered that the Navigational Charts Department will have overtaken the arrears which accumulated during the late War; and whether the staff can be reduced by 60 per cent. to the number employed in 1914?

It is estimated that it would take six years for these arrears to be cleared off by the present drawing staff if no other work were attempted. This, however, is clearly impracticable so long as Admiralty Charts are to continue to be produced and kept up to date for the use of the Royal Navy and for sale to the Mercantile Marine. No reduction of the present staff is therefore possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take powers to amend the present provision in the Superannuation Acts whereby only those dockyard men who have seven years' calculable service in His Majesty's dockyards are eligible for a gratuity; and whether he can reduce the qualifying period, seeing that many hired men who fall short of this period will be discharged owing to the closing of Rosyth and Pembroke yards?

The Superannuation Acts apply to the Civil Service as a whole, and I regret that I am unable to recommend any amendment in the direction suggested.

Owing to the special circumstances of the closing of Rosyth and Pembroke, does not the hon. Gentleman think that these men should be treated differently, and that as many of them are anxious to get other jobs and to give way to other men, it is in the interests of the Admiralty to relax the Regulations?

The Admiralty cannot act alone in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty further to reduce the personnel of the Royal Navy; and, if so, under what conditions they will be discharged?

The numbers for the coming year will be the same as those voted for 1925–26.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as the tests made with the German diving apparatus in the efforts to locate the M1 disclosed the superiority of this apparatus as compared with that in use by the Admiralty, the Admiralty has now provided itself with an improved apparatus; and at what depth it can be used?

There is insufficient knowledge at the present time of the capabilities of the apparatus either to justify the Admiralty in purchasing a set, or to say definitely that it is of no practical value. It is intended that an Admiralty representative shall attend the further trials referred to in my reply of 9th December last to my noble Friend the Member for Southampton (OFFICIAL REPORT, Columns 492/3).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the age of the 64 ships in the Government tanker fleet; and how many new ships are being built?

I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate figures as regards the ages in the OFFICIAL REPORT. No new tankers are being built.

Following are the figures promised:

The ages of the 64 ships in the Government tanker fleet are as follows: Years. No. 25 … … 1 20 … … 1 19 … … 1 17 … … 1 14 … … 1 11 … … 2 9 … … 7 8 … … 22 7 … … 12 6 … … 7 5 … … 7 4 … … 1 3 … … 1 Total … … 64

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the desire of relatives of the men lost in the explosion of His Majesty's monitor "Glatton," off Dover, on the 15th September, 1918, and recently salved, for a memorial service to be held in memory of the men who perished: and will he accede to such desire?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that a memorial service for these men was held at the time of the loss of the "Glatton." I understand that it is not possible to explore the hull in its present position, and it may be a fortnight before this is done. If any remains are discovered arrangements will be made for them to be re-interred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Deputy Chief of Naval Instruction at the Admiralty stated that there were no living men on this boat when she went down?

I am aware of that. He may have been wrong. If any remains are found, I will make the necessary arrangements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ratings of the seaman branch were promoted to mate; how many ratings of the engineering branch were promoted to mate E during 1925; and whether any extension of promotions to these ranks is contemplated in order to provide greater facilities for promotion of naval ratings to commissioned rank?

Five ratings of the seaman branch and five ratings of the engineering branch were promoted to mate or mate (E) during 1926. At present, all qualified candidates for mate who are considered to be suitable for promotion are being taken, but should a greater number of suitable candidates come forward, it will probably be found possible to increase the number of promotions somewhat. The number at present promoted to mate (E) is amply sufficient to meet requirements, and no increase is anticipated. I do not think, if account is taken of the number of promotions to warrant rank, which amounted to 49 during 1925, that the amount of promotion accorded to engineering ratings can be said to be unsatisfactory.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval officers were invalided during the year 1925; how many there were whose in validing disability was considered to be attributable to service; and how many whose invaliding disability was not considered to be attributable to service?

I should be obliged if my hon. and gallant Friend would repeat his question next Wednesday, when I hope that the figures will be available.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that artificer apprentices now leaving H.M.S. "Fisgard" are being in formed that instead of being rated engine-room artificers, fourth class, with the status of chief petty officer on the completion of their seagoing training as engine-room artificers, fifth class, they will be rated engine-room artificers, fourth class, with the status of petty officer; and, seeing that this is a breach of the pledges given and of Paragraph 3, Clause 4, of A.F.O. 2859/1925, will he look into the question?

I have no reason to think that the Fleet Order is being misinterpreted. Artificer apprentices who were serving as such on the 4th October last are, of course, not affected by the new rule regarding status. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars, steps will be taken, if necessary, to remove any misapprehension on the subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a large number of witnesses are prepared to give evidence in connection with the disaster to His Majesty's Ship "Hampshire"; and whether he will arrange for an inquiry at which the evidence of these and others can be taken?

No such witnesses have expressed to the Admiralty any desire to give evidence on this matter, and I am not aware of the existence of fresh information which would add to the knowledge already obtained on material particulars, or justify the appointment of a body to inquire into an event which occurred so long ago.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no fewer than 200 witnesses, either on sea or land, desire and are prepared to come forward and give first-hand evidence at any inquiry which he is prepared to hold? Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to hold an inquiry?

I have no information whatever of the 200 gentlemen referred to—

What about women?

—or women. I do not quite understand at what kind of inquiry they wish to give evidence. It would be impossible for me, unless someone brings primâ facie evidence, to reopen the case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the purpose of the inquiry is to establish what really took place at the time of this disaster, and how it came about?

We have had an inquiry into that, and as far as we have been able to collect evidence we are satisfied as to the cause of the disaster. Unless there is some primâ facie evidence that it was caused by something else, I do not think that a further inquiry is desirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to receive this fresh evidence that is publicly pledged to be presented? Is he not prepared to have that inquiry?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by witnesses "publicly pledged." If they want to give evidence, why do not they tell me so?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to have such an inquiry, so that these witnesses may be able to give, for the benefit of the public, information which is so important concerning the cause of the disaster?

All my answers have been to the effect that I must have some prima facie evidence that these witnesses have something new to state. Everybody would be very glad to know the truth, but we cannot go to the expense of a long inquiry, a fishing inquiry, to satisfy those who wish to bring a charge against someone else.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that all the information that has been placed before the Admiralty has been published, and is in the possession of the Admiralty?

There has been some misunderstanding. The Report of the Inquiry has not been published, but all the material evidence that was taken, and the information derived from it, has been given to the public.

Cannot the minutes of the Court of Inquiry be placed where they can be seen?

I have already given reasons—which were stated five years ago by Dr. Macnamara—why it is very undesirable to break the precedent, and publish the evidence.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that there is still considerable uneasiness in the engineering profession, both naval and civil, as regards the intentions and effect of the recent Fleet Order affecting naval officers (E); if he has been advised that this order will make recruiting for the naval engineer officer branch more difficult; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter in order to alleviate these fears?

Whatever uneasiness has been felt in the engineering profession as to the recent Fleet Order has, in my opinion, been due to a misapprehension of its effects. When the actual position is understood, I find it difficult to believe that it will have a prejudicial effect on recruiting, and I do not at present contemplate taking any action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women, approximately, are working on special work or schemes for the relief of unemployment financed partly or wholly by the Treasury?

According to returns received, the number of men directly employed on 30th January, 1926, on schemes of relief work undertaken with Government assistance is provisionally calculated as 104,953. This figure takes no account of the employment provided indirectly, e.g., in the preparation and transport of materials.

Are any women employed? The right hon. Gentleman has referred to men only?

I will find out whether the answer includes women or not.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that they are employed continuously?

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "continuously"? These men have been taken on at various periods.

Is this number a decrease as compared with last year?

I must ask for notice of any question dealing with comparative figures.

Is not this figure the number of places that have been filled rather than the number of people who have been given employment?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the reason given for the withdrawal of allowance for children of unemployed men in Leven, in Fife, was that the condition of maintenance, wholly or mainly, by the parents was not satisfied in the case of children earning 5s. per week, and that because children received meals from the education authority to the value of 5s. per week the Ministry held they were earning 5s. per week; does he still claim that these children were earning anything; and, having promised to consider this case further, will he now give orders for payment of the children's allowances in all cases where the same has been withheld?

As I promised in reply to the hon. Member on 17th February, I have considered this case further. The position is that the local education authority is issuing vouchers weekly to the value of £1 in respect of four children. In view of this fact, the local committee did not recommend the grant of dependants' benefit for these children, and I do not see my way to disagree with their view. I may add that dependants' benefit is being paid in respect of three other children of the applicant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason given for withholding the benefit was that the earning of 5s. a week laid them open to a discontinuance of benefit; and he has not answered my question, which is, whether the earning of 5s. a week in the way of food is regarded by the Ministry as if 5s. a week is earned by the child?

If there is from any source other than the claimant 5s. a week available for a child,, the usual practice is to regard the child as not being wholly or mainly maintained by the parent, therefore the allowance is withheld.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the education authority of Fifeshire, representing all political parties, believe that the Ministry of Labour are nothing more or less than brutes in withholding this?

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state, for the guidance of unemployed persons who are offered casual work, the hours of labour, or the amount of wages received in any one week, that will disqualify them for benefit for the week during which casual labour was performed?

Benefit is not payable for any day on which casual work is done. Other days of unemployment are not affected provided that continuity of unemployment is not broken; the rule as to this is given in Section 5(1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923. I should point out further that a claimant who refuses or avoids casual work of a suitable nature thereby runs the risk of disqualifying himself for benefit, on the ground that he is not genuinely seeking work.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a man performing the work of an auxiliary postman and receiving less in wages for several hours per day than he would unemployment pay, is deprived of unemployment pay if he refuses to work for less than the amount paid for unemployment?

I am not aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. If he has supplementary work, if in work, in the evening which, under normal circumstances, he would do in addition to his ordinary work, then there is no disqualification. If, on the other hand, he has a job during the day, that would disqualify him so far as that day is concerned.

An auxiliary postman working two or three hours a day during the whole of the six clays receives less than unemployment pay, and if he refuses to do that work he cannot get his unemployment pay.

The question of casual work is exceedingly complicated, but if the hon. Member will put the case to me I will go into it with him.

As this is an extreme hardship on people in casual employment, will the right hon. Gentleman make these conditions quite clear?

asked the Minister of Labour what number of unemployed persons the Government require to enable the Unemployment Grants Committee to make grants to local authorities for schemes of work expressly undertaken for relief of unemployment; whether the calculation basis is one of unemployed in relation to population; if so, what percentage relation is applied in arriving at a decision; and whether the Unemployment Grants Committee have a universal system of treatment to all local authorities having regard to population and unemployment?

The Unemployment Grants Committee are authorised to consider applications from areas where unemployment is exceptional. In judging the matter comparison is made between the position of unemployment in the area and that in the country as a whole and the industrial prospects. All applications to be considered under the terms of the Unemployment Grants Committee Circular of the 15th December are subjected to the same review.

The right hon. Gentleman has not yet answered my question. I want to know whether the basis on which the calculation is made for acceptance or rejection of the case is the number of unemployed in relation to population?

There is no fixed figure or percentage which is there as a law of the Medes and Persians. They have to consider the circumstances as a whole, and that is what has happened in the past and is in prospect for the future. That is the reason why I cannot give the hon. Member a rigid reply.

Does the Minister and the Department treat all the country in all areas equally in coming to a decision?

Yes.

Is it not the fact that the latest instructions of the Ministry have made it more difficult for anyone, irrespective of population, to obtain unemployment grants?

asked the Minister of Labour if a site has been obtained for the rehousing of the Salkeld Street Exchange, Glasgow; and whether building operations in connection there with are anticipated at an early date?

A site has been selected, and plans of the proposed building are under consideration. In the absence of any unforeseen difficulty, it is hoped to start building during the summer.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that officers of his Department are visiting employers in the London newspaper trade in order to obtain the private addresses of casual workers; and if he will state for what purpose the addresses are required and why they should be collected in this way?

The inquiries to which the hon. Member refers are part of a check now being made on certain claims to benefit, on account of one or two cases recently discovered of men claiming benefit while working as printing machine attendants on night work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the course of a maintenance case in South Wales it transpired that the defendant, a coal trimmer, was earning £4 9s. a week and at the same time drawing unemployment benefit, and that the court inspector explained that the man was only working three days a week and was therefore entitled to draw benefit; and will he take steps to amend the law to prevent the occurrence of cases of this kind?

I have seen a Press report to the effect mentioned, but I am not aware of the exact circumstances of he case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries about it?

Certainly, if it is desirable.

I think it is desirable.

asked the Minister of Labour if any character or reference is asked from any prospective employed of a domestic servant before a girl is sent by the employment exchange; if any inquiry is made into the conditions of home life before any girl is asked to undertake domestic service; and, if so, will he state the nature of same?

It is not the practice to require formal references from employers in connection with the notification of vacancies in domestic service. Employment exchanges are instructed to satisfy themselves as far as practicable that a vacancy is genuine. In the case of young girls under the age of 18, the assistance of the Juvenile Advisory Committees is sought and in addition to other precautions her parent or guardian is consulted before she is submitted for the vacancy.

May I ask whether, in view of certain disclosures in the Law Courts, he will take steps to see that girls who are sent into domestic service are sent to homes which are in every way suitable for them, and ascertain this before they are sent?

I have given the hon. Member an answer. If he will mention any case which necessitates further steps being taken, I will look into it.

In view of the fact that careful inquiry is made into the character of a girl, why should the law of equality not operate and the same inquiry be made into the character of the employer?

asked the Minister of Labour how much money has been paid in unemployment benefit since the scheme was introduced; the average weekly amount thus spent per person; and the number of people now in receipt of this form of relief?

The total sum paid in unemployment benefit since benefit first became payable in January, 1913, is approximately £239,830,000. The necessary data are not available for expressing this sum as an average weekly amount per person, over the whole period. The average amount paid to persons in receipt of benefit during the week ended 20th February, 1926, was 18s. 7d., and the number of persons to whom benefit was paid during that week was approximately 855,400.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount contributed respectively by employers, workmen and the Government?

The hon. Member must put that question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the approximate increase in the insured population since this period last year; and what is the approximate decrease in unemployment, after making allowance for the probable effects of any change in legislation or administration?

The increase in the numbers of insured workpeople in Great Britain between February, 1925, and February, 1926, is provisionally estimated at about 150,000. The total number of persons recorded as unemployed on 22nd February, 1926, was approximately 100,000 less than the corresponding figure at 23rd February, 1925, after making the allowance referred to in the last part of the question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible to publish figures of that kind at certain periods, so as to avoid misunderstanding?

I promised to issue a memorandum which explains the matter.

When the right hon. Gentleman issues this memorandum, will he make a definite statement as to the annual growth in the number of people working?

Yes, I will endeavour to do that, too—the number of insured persons.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us exactly how many people who are out of work were not registered at Employment Exchanges?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who have been refused benefit in Liverpool during the last three months; and the reasons why they have been refused?

I am unable to state the number of applications for standard benefit which were disallowed, but during the period 17th November, 1925, to 8th February, 1926, the number of applications for extended benefit recommended for disallowance by the Liverpool Employment Committee was 5,555. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the reasons for such disallowances.

Cannot we know the reason why standard benefit should not be granted?

Because the figures are not there to be given to the hon. Gentleman.

How is it possible to give the number of applicants for extended benefit that are refused, and not possible to give the number of standard benefit applicants who are refused? It is much more important to know about those who are entitled to benefit rather than the others.

Is that a decrease or an increase on the week?

I could not say without notice. I hesitate to speak of figures from memory.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me why we cannot have the figures that I have mentioned?

It is all a question of the amount of extra labour involved in proportion to the value of the information gained.

Is it not much more important that those people who are entitled to benefit should know the reason why they are refused it, and the number that are refused rather than those who are applying for extended benefits?

I would not like to say off-hand, but I will consider the matter if the hon. Gentleman wishes it.

The information asked for is much more important.

Following is the statement referred to:

Disallowances by the Liverpool Employment Committee of applications for extended benefit in the period 17th November, 1925, to 8th February, 1926: Reasons for disallowance. Number of cases disallowed. Not normally insurable 742 Insurable employment not likely to be available 45 Not a reasonable period of insurable employment 2,832 Not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment 1,047 Single persons living with relatives 743 Married women looking for support from, their husbands 33 Short-timers earning sufficient for maintenance 77 Aliens 9 Postponed for a definite period 27 Total 5,555

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who have been refused unemployment benefit in Liverpool since the first week in October on the ground that it would not be in the public interest to grant it?

During the period 13th October, 1925, to 8th February, 1926, 1,448 applications for extended benefit were recommended for disallowance by the Liverpool Employment Committee on the ground that it would not be in public interest to grant them. I am unable to state the number of separate individuals included in this number.

Is there any record of the number of those for whom work was found?

I cannot give the number of those for whom work was found, except to say that the proportion who found work in the Exchanges has been steadily rising during the past 15 months.

Can the Minister state how many of those people who were refused extended benefit were thought to be entitled to extended benefit when in reality they had stamps sufficient to guarantee them standard benefit?

I could not say off-hand.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Andrew Cunningham, 32, Logie Street, Govan (Govan Exchange /317, Class L26), 23 years of age, who is the only support of a widowed mother, was offered a situation at 10s. per week, which he refused; that he was refused benefit on 28th January on the ground that he was not genuinely seeking employment; that, after two letters had been written to the manager of the Govan Exchange, his case was reconsidered on 22nd February by the committee and again refused, without Cunningham being present to put forward his case; and whether, in view of the domestic circumstances and the low wage offered, he will have this case reviewed?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the various Exchanges in Glasgow at which the Industrial Research Fatigue Board have been given permission to carry out tests?

The Employment Exchanges at which these tests have been carried out are: Glasgow, South Side; Glasgow, Central; Bridgeton; Govan, and Springburn.

Will the Minister pay special attention to the fact that a very careful explanation is given to all the persons when the examination takes place, so as to give them some indication of the importance of this examination?

Instead of seeing that these people have careful examination, will the Minister not get this thing stopped altogether?

On the contrary, as is well known by the right hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham), who is chairman of the organisation, these tests are extraordinarily valuable.

In the case of the examination that is to take place in the Bridgeton Division, will the right hon. Gentleman provide an escort for those who have to carry out the test?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that certain boards of directors are submitted to this test?

And some Cabinet Ministers.

also asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the results of the tests carried out by the Industrial Research Fatigue Board at the Govan Employment Exchange; whether these tests are now completed; and, if not, when they are likely to be completed?

I am informed that the results will be published by the Industrial Fatigue Research Board in due course. I understand that the tests of applicants at the Employment Exchanges in Glasgow have been completed.

How soon will that be published, so that we may know whether the test has been as valuable as the Minister says it is?

Is it not true that these tests have led in other countries to great social reforms? [ Interruption. ]

It is an insult to women. Why should she not be tested?

Hon. Members will please not shout across the Floor of the House, or I shall have to take strong action.

rose —

I was not referring to any individual.

Do you not understand, Mr. Speaker, the amount of resentment that must be felt by Members who have coming to them in their constituencies women who have been sent in to be medically examined without being told that it was voluntary?

That is not mended in any way by shouting across the Floor of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to say how many men engaged upon relief work on the Dalnaspidal road scheme have been unable through inclement weather to earn a living wage, and having been compelled to return to Dundee have been refused further benefit at the Employment Exchange, and are now in receipt of parish council relief; and if he proposes to see that relief work upon which a living wage is impossible shall not be imposed upon applicants for insurance benefits?

I have obtained and am considering two local reports on the conditions of employment on the Perth-Inverness road at Dalnaspidal, and hope to be able to communicate the result of the inquiries to the hon Member in a day or two.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the wage sheets which I sent to him, showing that men were unable to make more than 12s. 2d. per week, and what decision has he come to on the matter?

I am getting information on those cases which the hon. Member sent me, as well as on the others, and I am considering the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many women workers of all classes there were in this country in 1913; and how many there were when the last figures were drawn up?

I have been asked to reply. The figures asked for are not available for 1913; but the numbers of females returned in England and Wales as gainfully occupied at the 1911 and 1921 censuses were as follow: 1911, 4,830,734 (aged 10 years and upwards); 1921, 5,065,332 (aged 12 years and upwards).

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the dispute at the factory of Messrs. Broadhead and Graves, worsted manufacturers, of Kirkheaton, near Hudders-field, has arisen out of the way the employers at these works have interpreted the terms of settlement which were secured through the intervention of the Ministry of Labour in the general lock-out of the woollen trade of August last, and out of the victimisation of the secretary of the local trade union branch; and whether, in view of the fact that violence has been organised from within the factory and practised upon the other parties to the dispute by the supporters of the employers, he will make representations to Messrs. Broadhead and Graves regarding the carrying out of last August's agreement?

I am aware of the dispute to which the hon. Member refers. The Emergency Committee of the Joint Industrial Council is dealing with the matter, and I hope that the efforts which are thus being made through the recognised machinery of the industry, to which the firm concerned is a party, will enable a satisfactory settlement to be reached.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the parties are going to meet?

They are in touch with it at this moment.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state when the Government's Electricity Bill wall be introduced?

It is hoped to introduce this Bill shortly.

We have been told that for the last six months.

The period of waiting is getting shorter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the wages under which the workers in the engineering and shipbuilding industry of this country have been for years working; whether he is aware that for more than a year they have tried by peaceful persuasion to induce the employers to concede to them a higher standard of living; that a section of the London men have now withdrawn their labour as a protest against their requests being ignored: that in consequence of this the employers have threatened a national lock-out; and what action he is taking in the interest of the nation to prevent an industrial crisis which would inflict irreparable injury on trade?

I am aware of the negotiations in the engineering and in the shipbuilding industries, to which the hon. Member refers. The threatened dispute is limited, so far as I know, to the engineering trade, and has developed as a result of a stoppage of work in a London engineering establishment. The Engineering and National Employers' Federation requested the unions concerned to instruct their members to resume work and thereafter to deal with the dispute in the constitutional manner. The executives of the unions replied that they were not in a position to comply with this request, and in the circumstances the Federation have notified them that there is no alternative but to proceed with the posting of notices dispensing with the services of the members of the unions concerned until the unions have carried out their obligations under the agreement to which they are parties. I understand that a meeting of the executives of the unions concerned, which was held yesterday to consider the situation, was adjourned till Friday in order that they may consult their London District Committees.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. If you cast your eye on the last item in the question which I put to the Minister, you will see that I ask what action he is taking in the interests of the nation to prevent an industrial crisis. The right hon. Gentleman has not, in my opinion, answered that question.