asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Mrs. Selina Chippendale, of Bridlington, was removed from a hotel in Boston, where she was working, taken to the immigration station by the authorities, and that her health suffered during her stay of seven months owing to lack of privacy, to vermin, bad food, and bad accommodation; and if he will cause full inquiry to be made?

The only information which I have received with regard to this case was furnished by the United States Government with a view to Mrs. Chippendale's deportation, but I have called for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that Mr. R. R. Stokes, of Cambridge, was assaulted by Fascisti at Genoa during a recent visit, he will state what action is being taken by the British Consul at Genoa to afford protection to British visitors?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the Noble Lord the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon) on the 8th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what action is being taken by the British Consul at Genoa to afford protection to British residents?

Will the hon. Gentleman state what action was taken with regard to the murders of British subjects in Russia?

The hon. and gallant Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) was not, I think, in the House when I gave the answer the other day. A full apology has been given for the assault, and regret has been expressed by the Commandant at Genoa, and I understand that Mr. Stokes is satisfied.

I was in the House, and the answer given was that the Commandant had instructed the officers to apologise. What I would like to know is if that apology has been given, and as the answer was that steps would be taken, I want to know if steps have been taken, and what they are.

What I answered the other day was that the Commandant added that the culprits had been punished and that steps would be taken to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report of the circumstances in which Lieutenant Macnamara was arrested at Sousse, in Tunisia, and imprisoned for 15 days among Arab criminals; and if he will ascertain whether this officer has been released and, if he be still awaiting trial, if he will ensure that he receives assistance in his defence and treatment proper to a British subject?

Full reports in regard to the imprisonment of Mr. Macnamara have been received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Tunis, who has made repeated and vigorous representations to the local authorities against the treatment accorded to the accused. Mr. Macnamara is now on bail, and counsel has been engaged for his defence. His Majesty's Consul-General is carefully watching the case and will continue to give the accused every possible assistance and advice.

In the event of this officer having been wrongfully imprisoned, will the British Consul assist him to recover damages?

I think we must wait till the evidence has been heard.

Is not this a case in which we might make representations to Paris?

As a matter of fact, representations have been made to Paris.

Is the Consul-General sending any report on the allegations of extraordinary treatment suffered by Lieut. Macnamara in the gaol and at the hands of the judge of first instance?

Yes; we have had full reports of this case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any countries have representation at Angora; and, if so, which?

Yes, Sir; and if, as I assume, my hon. and gallant Friend alludes to permanent residence at Angora, the answer to the second part of the question is Russia, Poland, Greece and Afghanistan.

also asked what reasons, other than the lack of a suitable building, are operative against the permanent establishment of a British representative at Angora?

No, Sir; I should prefer not to make any statement at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of his statement that suitable accommodation is not available for a British Ambassador at Angora, he is considering reducing the status of His Majesty's Representative in Turkey?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the land which contained the British Summer Embassy at Therapia is British territory; and to what use it is now being put?

The site at Therapia on which the British Summer Embassy formerly stood belongs to His Majesty's Government, and is subject to the privileges usually enjoyed by diplomatic property. A small house and certain out-buildings which still exist on the site are used as an occasional place of residence by members of the Embassy staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a decree has just been issued by the Government of Spain organising the sale and use of coal in that country; that this decree will have the effect of limiting the importation of coal, with the consequential effect of reducing the amount of British coal exported into Spain; and whether, in view of the favourable conditions which Spanish fruit traders enjoy in this country, he can see his way to make representations to the Spanish authorities on the matter?

The new Spanish decree is engaging the serious attention of His Majesty's Government, who propose to renew their representations at Madrid.

Will the hon. Gentleman pay special attention to the suggestion I make at the end of my question?

That is what the answer is. That is what we are doing.

Then that is all right. That is what I wanted to know.

Can the hon. Gentleman say in what way this new decree will stop the importation of British coal?

I should like notice of that question.

Is not this really following up the policy of hon. and right hon. Members opposite—Protection?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communication has been received by His Majesty's Government or by the League of Nations from the Bulgarian Government with a view to obtain a loan to deal with the refugee problem in Bulgaria?

The Bulgarian Minister discussed the question of a refugee loan with my right hon. Friend on the 25th February last.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether sympathetic consideration is being given to the application?

All that I should like to say now is that certainly no difficulties will be placed in the way of the loan so long as the security for that loan is approved by the Reparation Commission.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the change of Government in Bulgaria means a change in the treatment of the persecuted minority in Bulgaria?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in placing contracts for the supply of bread and flour, he will insert a clause that will ensure a proportion of English-grown wheat being used?

One of the principal factors which experience has shown to be essential to enable His Majesty's ships to carry the necessary stocks of flour with the least risk of loss is the moisture content, and from its nature English-grown wheat can only form a very small percentage of the variety of wheats used by millers to produce flour of the type required. In the case of bread, the Admiralty follows the established policy of purchasing to general trade standard, and, in this connection, it is not considered desirable to introduce any stipulation as to the wheat from which flour is produced.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us how Englishmen lived before we imported wheat into this country

Will the Admiralty consider using only British flour for biscuits in the Navy, British flour being pre-eminently suitable for biscuit making?

Will the hon. Gentleman consider bringing wheat under the Merchandise Marks Bill?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give the percentage value of all foodstuffs, and of all other stores and materials of any kind purchased by his Department during the last financial year, and which were of foreign origin?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 19th November, 1925, to the hon. and gallant Member for Hallam (Major-General Sir F. Sykes) (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 590–1).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will reconsider the refusal of his Department to pay any compensation to Mrs. Ethel A. Duggan, of 53, Clifton Crescent, Asylum Road, Peckham, S.E.15, mother of the late Alfred F. H. Duggan, leading seaman O.N.J. 62,085, who was lost on board His Majesty's Submarine M1, having regard to the fact that Mrs. Duggan was in receipt of an allotment from her son, which has been discontinued by the Admiralty since his death, and that she was put to some expense, owing to the requirements of the Admiralty, in obtaining a copy of her son's birth certificate?

As the hon. Member has already been informed in a letter addressed to him by the First Lord on the 27th February, Mrs. Duggan is ineligible for an award from Naval Funds in respect of the death of her late son as the inquiries which have been made show that she is not in pecuniary need and that she was not largely dependent on the deceased at the time of his death. I regret that that decision cannot be varied. As regards the allotment, which was one of 2s. a week, payment ceased with stoppage of the late seaman's pay. The temporary continuance of qualifying allotments is allowable only in those cases where the allottee is in receipt of marriage allowance at the time of the allottor's Heath. I may add that authority has already been issued for payment of the naval assets to the father and there is nothing further due in respect of pay.

If the Admiralty should still be maintaining their refusal, may we take it that some steps will be taken to alter the Regulations under which these hardships arise for future cases?

I cannot give any promise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether employés discharged from His Majesty's Dockyard are given any preference for employment in the out-stations of the British Empire?

No, Sir; there is no increase in the numbers of men who can suitably and economically be employed in yards abroad, and if any men discharged at home are sent to fill vacancies abroad other men would have to be discharged at home in their place.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the feeling among the relations of artificer apprentices that the recent alteration in the dress regulations of apprentices, namely, the wearing of black horn buttons instead of gold ones, is looked upon as a mark of degradation; and whether he will make a statement to relieve their anxiety?

On account of the introduction of a petty officer rate for the artificer and shipwright branches, it has been found necessary to bring the uniform of artificers and shipwrights passing into the Navy in future into line with that of corresponding ratings in other branches. This change has entailed the substitution of black horn for brass (not gilt) buttons in the case of artificer apprentices.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have turned their attention to a necessity that may arise in the near future of constructing aircraft in the Royal Dockyards; and whether the technical officials of the Admiralty have examined the problems involved?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative, but I understand that it is the present policy of the Air Ministry to rely upon the aircraft industry for construction.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recent reductions in complements of regulating branch ratings and the performance of regulating duties by seaman chief and petty officers can also be extended to naval depots and all other naval shore establishments?

The question of the employment of regulating branch ratings in shore establishments will be considered during the present year, after receipt of Reports dealing with the matter.

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

The number of officers (naval and marine) invalided during the year 1925 was 53. The number whose invaliding disability was considered to be attributable to the service was five. I have no information as to how many of the cases not considered attributable were subsequently accepted as attributable by the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how candidates for mate are selected; whether men are accepted as candidates on the recommendation of a superior officer without any action being taken by the ratings themselves; or whether ratings are allowed and encouraged to come forward as candidates and then their suitability for commissioned rank is considered?

The arrangements are that ratings of the branches eligible who have obtained a first class certificate in the higher educational test, and who have reached leading rate, or have fully qualified for advancement to that rate, are encouraged to come forward as candidates, provided that they can be recommended by the captain of a seagoing ship and are able to pass the pre scribed seamanship examination. The names of candidates are first considered by port, fleet or squadron committees, by whom a preliminary selection is made. The names of those recommended by the commitees are then forwarded to the Admiralty where the final selection is made. The details of the arrangements will be found in Appendix X, Part IIA, of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to issue any list of subjects that may or may not be considered by the Welfare Conference; and at what date is it proposed to convene the Welfare Conference to be held this year?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Welfare Conferences will be held as soon as possible after Easter leave.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what institutions or correspondence colleges are supplying correspondence courses to men in the Navy as practical instruction in vocational training; what are the vocations being taught by correspondence; and whether the 25 per cent. of the fees payable from naval funds are paid to the men who take up the courses or direct to the institutions providing the courses?

The only correspondence courses of which the Admiralty has official knowledge are those of the International Correspondence Schools Limited, with which organisation special arrangements have been made with the primary object of assisting men serving afloat to fit themselves for the practical vocational instruction which is carried out at Fleet bases and the home ports. With regard to the second part of the question, I will send the hon. Member a copy of the Admiralty Fleet Order (2792/1925) which will give him full information. As regards the third part, the Admiralty contribution, together with the proportion paid by the men on enrolment, is remitted through the Admiralty to the International Correspondence Schools Limited.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how the Admiralty Office Vote compares with that Vote before the War, and what efforts are being made for its reduction?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the published Navy Estimates for the two periods in question. The reasons for the increased staff at the Admiralty were given in detail in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Central Nottingham (Mr. Bennett) on the 18th November last [OFFICIAL REPORT, Columns 358–364]. The Departmental staffs are constantly under review and have been subjected to special examination recently, as a result of which the actual reduction which will be brought about by the 1st April next amounts to over 100.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to state the numbers of workers in this country who and the numbers working more than 48 hours; and if he will give the names of the industries, apart from the continuous processes, where the normal working week exceeds 48 hours?

I am not yet able to give the figures asked for by my Noble Friend, but from a sample tabulation of returns recently received from employers in most of the important industries (excluding agriculture, the retail distributive trades, the railway service and dock labour) it would appear that about 90 per cent. of the workpeople work a normal week of 48 hours or less. In each of the main industrial groups a varying, but usually small, proportion of workpeople not engaged on continuous processes is returned as working a normal week of over 48 hours.

Does that include the catering trade?

I think not. That, I think, is included among the retail distributive trades.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for extended benefit have been made at the Middlesbrough Employment Exchange since the 1st October, 1925; the number of such claims that have been refused; the number that have been granted; and the number under consideration at the latest convenient date?

During the period 13th October, 1925, to 8th February, 1926, 18,488 applications for extended benefit were considered by the Middlesbrough Local Employment Committee, of which 15,824 were recommended for allowance and 2,664 for disallowance. At 8th February there were 433 applications adjourned for further information, and 311 applications awaiting consideration by the Committee.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the refusal of over 2,000 for extended benefit has imposed a transfer to the local rates, and will he reconsider the revision of the condition under which benefit is granted?

No, Sir, that is really a matter for debate and not a supplementary question. Of course, I cannot accept the premise on which the hon. Gentleman bases his question.

May I ask, in view of the deplorable conditions in Middlesbrough, whether, in spite of the hostility of the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson), the hon. Gentleman will not see that these great industries are safeguarded?

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for extended benefit have been made at the Stepney Employment Exchange since the 1st October, 1925; the number of such claims that have been refused; the number that have been granted; and the number still under consideration?

During the period 13th October, 1925, to 8th February, 1926, the Local Employment Committee at Stepney has considered 6,172 applications for extended benefit, of which 3,611 were recommended for allowance and 2,561 for disallowance. At 8th February two applications stood adjourned awaiting further information, and 480 applications were awaiting consideration by the Committee.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the present moment the Stepney Board of Guardians are relieving 3,600 unemployed men?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that.

asked the Minister of Labour the grounds upon which Andrew McCabe, 10, Trent Street, Attercliffe, has been refused benefit; whether, when before the Committee, there was any complaint as to McCabe's conduct; and, if so, what was the nature, of the complaint?

Mr. Albert McCabe's claim to extended benefit was disallowed, on the recommendation of a Rota Committee, on 27th November, on the ground that he was not making reasonable efforts to obtain employment. His claim was again considered on 11th December and the previous recommendation was confirmed. I understand that Mr. McCabe on learning that benefit would not be allowed created a certain amount of disturbance, but this was after the decision had been reached.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the cases of John Griffiths and T. O. Hughes, both of Penrhyndendraeth, whose claims to un employment insurance benefit have been rejected on the ground that they left their employment voluntarily and without just cause; whether he is aware that the men in question were discharged by their employers because the work on which they were engaged was finished; and whether, in view of this fact, he will take steps to see that the men receive the benefit they are entitled to?

My information is that Hughes was asked by his employers to transfer to another job, but failed to report at the proper time. Benefit was disallowed by the Insurance Officer on the ground stated in the question, and on appeal to the Court of Referees the disallowance of benefit was upheld. I have no power to intervene, but if the hon. Member is aware of any fresh facts which were not before the Court, it would no doubt be possible to obtain a further hearing. As regards the other case referred to in the question, there is more than one man of this name claiming benefit at the local office, and if the hon. Member will let me have further particulars for identification purposes I shall be happy to communicate with him on the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a personal letter from the chairman of the Openshaw employment sub-committee relative to the case of John Bailey, steel moulder, whose claim was granted by the committee and disallowed by his officers, in which letter the chairman stated he was writing at the unanimous request of his committee, they believing that there were many cases similar to that of Bailey's; and what action, if any, he has taken in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has received a letter from the chairman of the sub-committee with regard to this case, and has replied explaining fully why benefit cannot be allowed. The plea on behalf of this claimant is really made on compassionate grounds, which, admittedly, are strong, but my right hon. Friend would be failing in his duty if he allowed benefit to be paid on this ground, where, as in this case, the Statutory requirements are not satisfied.

Is it not a fact that the Minister, when he addressed a meeting in Manchester under the chairmanship of the Lord Mayor, invited the chairmen of local committees to place any cases before him, and will he give consideration to the unanimous finding of the committee, the chairman of which is a representative of a well-known firm of employers?

With reference to my right hon. Friend's speech in Manchester, obviously that question must be addressed to him. With regard to this ease, as I said in the answer, the statutory requirements are not satisfied.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, seeing that the chairman of the Openshaw Employment Committee, replying to the Blanesburgh questionnaire, Section 6 ( b ), stated that less than 1 per cent. of disallowed applicants for extended benefit afterwards obtained employment, and that they were able to trace over 60 per cent. of those to the Poor Law authorities in the district, he can state if such statistics have been compiled for the country generally; and with what result?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Martha Curran, 130, Gaingad Hill, became unemployed in April, 1924, and was then paid two weeks' benefit, when she accepted a situation in Stolehill hospital through the Employment Exchange, which situation she kept for nearly two years, and that, on coming back to the Exchange, she was informed that, as she had not been engaged in insurable employment, she had no claim to benefit; and will he investigate this case with a view to making it public that a person in similar circumstances will not be penalised for taking uninsurable employment?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the officially admitted fact that 143 women entitled to extended benefit were refused such benefit from the first moment they applied, and in view of the consequent hardship involved and the fact that owing to non- membership of a trade union these women cannot appeal to the Umpire, he will order a special investigation into all these cases and similar cases at other Exchanges throughout the country?

I assume that the reference is to a statement in a letter from my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member to the effect that during the three months 1st November, 1925, to 30th January, 1926, 142 women claiming standard (not extended) benefit at the Stepney Employment Exchange were disallowed as from the date of the claim on the ground of not genuinely seeking work. These women would have the usual right of appeal to a Court of Referees, and so far as I am aware, the disallowance of benefit has been upheld in practically all cases where they have so appealed. I may add that in consequence of the hon. Member's representations the position at the Stepney Exchange was specially examined, and apart from one or two minor items, which are being corrected, matters were found to be quite in order. In these circumstances I do not think there is any need for a further investigation.

In view of the statement of the hon. Gentleman confirming the figures given in the letter which states that one in eight of the applicants for standard benefit among the women at this Exchange were disallowed from the first moment of their application; prima facie , should we not have an inquiry into the other Exchanges in order to know how many women are being robbed of the benefit for which they have paid?

That is the point raised by my hon. Friend in debate the other day. He will probably agree with me that it is better to deal with the matter in debate to-day than by supplementing question and answer.

As a question of general principle, how is it possible to say that a person is not genuinely seeking employment as from the date of their application when there has been no time to inquire?

That is precisely the point I am going to deal with this afternoon.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will inform the House why Mr. E. Shiers, of 77, Rippoth Road, Bow, has been refused unemployment standard benefit by the Hackney Employment Exchange?

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 now state to the House on what evidence the Exchange authorities decided that Mr. A. Danby, of 35, Candy Street, Bow, was not genuinely seeking work; is he aware that when summoned before the committee the main question asked this man was how old he was, and that the investigation lasted only three minutes; and whether, in view of the man's declaration that he has proof of his diligent search for work, he will allow an appeal to the Umpire?

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 is aware that extended benefit has been refused to Mr. W. H. Dew, of 208, Meadow Head, Sheffield, classification No. 56/2, on the ground that it was not in the public interest to pay him, although this man has worked intermittently ever since his discharge from the Army, is now over 26 years of age, but living with his father, has been genuinely seeking work since his last engagement of five months with Messrs. Arthur Lee and Sons, Wincobank, Sheffield, as a turner and fitter, and is perfectly willing to take any kind of employment offered; if he will state on what grounds it was decided that it was not in the public interest to give this man benefit; and whether he will reconsider this case?

Mr. Dew's claim was disallowed, on the recommendation of the local committee, on the ground that he is a single man who can reasonably look to his relatives for support. The case was subsequently reheard by a committee, and the previous recommendation was confirmed. I am afraid that I can see no reason for varying the decision.

That is how to reduce the number of unemployed!

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Blaydon Employment Exchange is refusing to accept certificates from certain employers as evidence that unemployed persons have been seeking work; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the cost of Employment Exchanges per annum in terms of the cost per head of finding employment for an unemployed applicant?

The cost of the Employment Exchanges is not allocated in this way, and I am afraid if I attempted to give a figure it would be bound to be misleading. Nearly the whole cost is incurred in the administration of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and is paid for out of the Unemployment Fund.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount paid in salaries for the staff of the Risca Employment Exchange for each of the four weeks commencing the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd February, 1926, and the numbers registering for the same weeks?

The information desired has been prepared in the form of a tabular statement, which, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the selection of sites for Employment Exchanges, the main consideration, apart from rent and rates, is situation in the centre of an industrial area in any city or town?

The policy of the Department is to select sites or buildings for Employment Exchanges in positions reasonably accessible to employers and employés. Due regard is given to the cost involved, and main business thoroughfares are avoided as far as possible.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in choosing these sites, the Ministry try to get the Employment Exchanges central for working-class districts, or whether they are put in the fashionable or trading parts of the town?

In selecting sites for these Exchanges we do not select particular parts of towns, but at the same time we do endeavour to find sites which are reasonably accessible to those who, we think, will have occasion to use the Exchanges.

In view of that answer, will the hon. Gentleman in future take steps to see that Employment Exchanges are not placed in fashionable parts of towns, as in many cases they have been?

Has the hon. Gentleman taken this matter up with the Office of Works?

We are continually taking it up with the Office of Works.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has taken any steps to change some of the Employment Exchanges which are in most unsuitable positions?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must be aware that to change the situation of an existing Exchange will often defeat the very object which, I presume, he has in view, namely, economy.

Do we gather from the hon. Gentleman's answer that it is undesirable that fashionable people should know that there are unemployed?

Not at all.

asked the Minister of Labour whether staffs of Employment Exchanges are engaged as permanent or as temporary employés; and, if in both capacities, whether, taking all the staffs in the country as a whole, he can indicate the respective percentages of permanent and temporary employés?

The staff of the out-stations of the Employment Department is composed partly of permanent and partly of temporary officers. The proportions on the 1st March were 52.3 per cent. permanent and 47.7 per cent. temporary.

asked the Minister of Labour the rate of unemployment in the woollen and worsted trades in June, 1925?

The percentage rate of unemployment in Great Britain at 22nd June, 1925, among persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts and classified as belonging to the woollen and worsted industry was 19.6.

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been called to the enormous increase of the imports for the woollen and the worsted trades in the last four years, and should not this question be considered again?

That does not arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether members of rota committees at the Employment Exchanges are authorised, when considering claims to extended benefits, to ask war pensioners what amount of pension they are receiving, and to suggest to such claimants that they ought to be able to maintain themselves, wives and families without receiving further benefit from the Employment Exchanges?

Any pension drawn by the claimant himself has to be included in cases where the rules relating to extended benefit require the family income to be taken into account. In such cases, therefore, the Committees are entitled to make the inquiries referred to. I may add that a memorandum on this subject is about to be issued to Committees, and a copy will be placed in the Library in the usual course.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women who have passed through the training centres for unemployed women and how many of this number subsequently obtained permanent employment; whether any estimate has been made as to the consequent saving in unemployment insurance benefit; whether he is satisfied that the expenditure upon these training centres is justified by the results; and, if so, whether he has considered the advisability of developing the scheme?

The number of women who have passed through the training centres for unemployed women is approximately 29,200. The available information indicates that a substantial proportion were absorbed into permanent employment, but I cannot give precise figures, nor can I estimate the saving in unemployment benefit attributable to the training scheme. I am satisfied that the results justify the expenditure which has been incurred, but I am afraid any further development of the scheme is at present out of the question.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman why, if he considers the results justify the expenditure, he is proposing almost to halve the expenditure?

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is one of the few schemes by which the Government are helping women in any way, before he considers cutting it down? Women feel very strongly about this.

In answer to both these supplementary questions, I would say that there are many admirable schemes for which I should be very glad to see the amounts increased, if the money were forthcoming.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this is the only thing the Government are doing for women, and that it is a paying proposition?

I cannot altogether agree with that. This is a scheme on which the results have justified the expenditure, but I am afraid that, under present conditions, there is no prospect of developing it?

If the hon. Gentleman says I am wrong, will he tell me of another single thing which the Government are doing to assist women who are unemployed?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a further communication from the Dawlish Urban District Council concerning the refusal of the Unemployment Grants Committee to sanction certain schemes put forward for the relief of unemployment; whether he is aware that these schemes were put forward in consequence of his letter of 30th March, 1925; whether they were in accordance with the terms of this letter; and, if so, whether he will use his influence to obtain, sanction for some of these schemes in order that the men may be given useful employment which will be of benefit to the town, instead of being forced to draw unemployment benefit?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The letter from the Unemployment Grants Committee of 30th March, 1925, asked for schemes to be submitted by the 1st August and in any event not later than 1st September, 1925. The Dawlish Urban District Council's schemes were not submitted until 24th December, 1925. As stated in answer to a previous question by my hon. and gallant Friend on the 4th March, the Committee were unable to approve the schemes for grant, as unemployment in the area cannot be regarded as exceptional.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that at the time when these schemes were put in, the amount of unemployment was exceptional in proportion to the population?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that; but from the information I have received I gather there is no doubt that the unemployment in Dawlish now can, fortunately for them, not be regarded as exceptional.

Is it the considered policy to cut down the number of these applications under the Unemployment Grants scheme.

I must refer the hon. Member to the Debate on this subject about three weeks ago.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women at present employed on schemes for the relief of unemployment financed by the Treasury, and the corresponding figures for a year ago?

The latest available information was contained in the reply given to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) on 24th February, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Regulation is still in force permitting an unemployed person summoned to appear before the rota or other committee to claim to be represented by a trade union official or other representative, such representative attending at his own personal expense; and is he aware that on 4th March last the Barnsley National Unemployed Workers' Committee Movement representative attended a rota committee as hitherto and was declined admittance, the committee stating that they had passed a resolution that in future no such representative would be admitted?

The rule referred to is still operative. I am having inquiries made into the particular case, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

May I ask whether, presuming that the same person, a trade union leader, presented himself to another rota committee, he would be admitted in the usual course under the Regulations?

I think I must have notice of that. This question refers to a particular Workers' Committee movement, and this is the case I am inquiring into. The general rule I have referred to.

The point I want to ask is, is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Regulations permit the attendance of any trade union leader or other representative, and this trade union leader is objected to, and is told by the rota committee that they have been authorised to pass a resolution to prohibit him from attending in the future?

I am not sure whether the hon. Member is putting a hypothetical case, or whether he is referring to the case on the Paper. If the former, I must have notice of the particular case, because I cannot answer a hypothetical question; but if it is the latter, I will have inquiries made into it.

Is there anything in the Regulations to prevent an applicant bringing a representative, whether he belongs to a trade union or not?

That I could not say without refreshing my memory as to the Regulations. I do not think they do, but I am speaking from memory.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to inform the House of the progress of the Docks Decasualisation Committee; and, if the work of the Committee is not yet completed, will he indicate whether any, and what, progress has been made?

In 1924 the Committee presented two Interim Reports recommending as a preliminary to any further measures, the establishment of registration schemes for dock workers at a number of scheduled ports and the revision of the schemes already in existence at other ports. These recommendations have been or are being carried out at the principal ports scheduled, and, in view of the progress made generally, the Committee have intimated their willingness to remain in being, so that they may continue to assist in any way possible in the further measures taken to deal with the casual labour problem at the docks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make representations to West End firms to utilise disabled ex-service men in place of girls for lift and guide duties?

Representations have been made on various occasions to West End firms to employ disabled ex-service men by the King's Roll National Council, local King's Roll committee and by my right hon. Friend. Special attention has been directed to the possibility of employing these men on the work suggested by my Noble Friend. A large number of these firms appear on the King's National Roll, and I do not feel that I can usefully take any further steps at the moment. I hope, however, that the large retail establishments will endeavour to employ an increasing number of disabled ex-service men.

Can the hon. Gentleman say on what grounds the firms have hitherto refused to do it?

As I say in my answer, my right hon. Friend has approached individual firms and associations on very many occasions, and he will continue to do so whenever opportunity arises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in making this representation, be quite certain that no war widows or children are turned out even for ex-service men?

May I ask may sex should enter into the matter at all; why should a woman be turned out in order to provide a man with a job?

That, again, raises a large question, with which I cannot deal in reply to a question.

Will these girls be considered as not genuinely seeking work?

That depends on each individual case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are over 400 highly disabled ex-soldiers in Nottingham who cannot obtain employment; and whether the Government will cause fresh inquiries to be made into the problem of finding work for ex-soldiers suffering from a high rate of disability?

According to my information the number of disabled men in Nottingham classified as unsuitable for employment under ordinary industrial conditions is 39, while those classified as fit for light work under such conditions is 258. The local King's Roll Committee takes an active interest in the problem of finding employment for these men, and certain special proposals are being discussed with the Department at the present time. The general problem of finding employment for heavily disabled men is continually under review, with the advice and assistance of the King's Roll National Council.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman relax the rule in favour of the highly disabled soldiers who have already drifted on to the Poor Law—I mean the rule as to two years' employment?

The rule which says that there must be a reasonable amount of employment within the last few years is not necessarily a bar. It may be waived in suitable cases under, I think, paragraph 37 of the Instructions given to the local committees. As to the special point of the disabled men, my right hon. Friend is now specially considering it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a considerable number of highly-disabled men who have already drifted on to the Poor Law?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that over 50 per cent. of these men have not the remotest possible chance of getting work at the present time: therefore, will he give these cases further and adequate consideration?

That is the inquiry my right hon. Friend is making. I have no doubt there, are a number of cases of highly-disabled men whose chances of getting employment are not very bright.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is made a condition that a certain percentage of ex-service men shall be employed on all work done under State-aided schemes for the relief of unemployment; and, if so, whether this condition is ever relaxed and on what conditions?

It is a condition for a grant in respect of approved relief work schemes that not less than 75 per cent. of the unemployed men taken on for the work shall be ex-service men. This condition is very seldom relaxed, and only when a sufficient number of unemployed ex-service men is not available or the proportion of non-ex-service men unemployed to the ex-service men is exceptionally high.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in deference to the widespread feeling amongst many sections of the community, he will consider the desirability of introducing, at an early date, a Measure which will enable all members of trades unions to register their votes in cases of industrial disputes according to the accepted Parliamentary method?

There is no statutory restriction, except in respect of a political levy, on the freedom of trade unions to determine their own procedure for ascertaining the views of their members on particular questions. As at present advised, I am not satisfied that it is necessary to interfere with this freedom.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that this request emanates from the people most concerned, that is, trade union members and their wives; and will he also consider that these people are among the most loyal and staunch supporters of the Government?

Has the Prime Minister received representations for this reform from any of the trade unions in the country?

I have had no representations, but they would not necessarily come to me.

On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to express an opinion, as in this question, that there is a widespread feeling among many sections, when it is not true of any trade union? [HON. MEMBERS: "It is true!"]

I am very reluctant to express an opinion on the matter. Hon. Members in all parts of the House are inclined to think that there is a widespread opinion when it is their own.

On a point of Order. Are hon. Members entitled to say that a thing is not true, when every single Member on this side of the House has received such representation?

Each Member thinks his opinion to be the true one.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the summoning of a representative industrial conference to explore the possibilities of an agreed policy as the basis of an era of industrial peace in all the great staple industries of the country; and whether he would be willing to charge such a conference with the duty of considering and reporting upon a national living wage, the over-capitalisation of industry, the effect of monetary policy, and the incidence of local and national taxation upon the economic life of the nation?

As the hon. Member is probably aware, discussions are already in progress in a number of industries. I feel sure that the method of approaching the matter industry by industry is the most profitable one, and it seems to me a general conference of the kind proposed would not serve any useful purpose at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the Broadcasting Committee has reported, he is prepared to say what steps he proposes to take to determine the feasibility and desirability of permitting the broadcasting of certain specially chosen portions of the Parliamentary proceedings; and if it would be possible, as an experiment, to arrange for the broadcasting of the Budget Speech, or a portion thereof, and the considered replies, or portions thereof, of the spokesmen for the Opposition?

This is obviously a matter on which Parliament should be consulted, and I am considering the best means of obtaining their views.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it at all possible to secure any of the views in time to have the advantage of broadcasting the Budget, which appears to be an excellent opportunity for the experiment?

I could not answer that question. I propose to consult the leaders of the diffierent parties in the House as to what will be the best form to attain the object in view.

In view of the fact that the Committee set up by the Prime Minister have stated in their Report that they considered the broadcasting of Parliamentary proceedings did not come within the scope of their terms of reference, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a small Committee of this House to consider that point? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

asked the Prime Minister which day this week the House will be in possession of the Coal Commission's Report?

A very limited number of copies will be placed in the Vote Office late to-night, and full delivery to the Vote Office will be made to-morrow morning.

asked the Prime Minister if he intends to embody in a Bill the proposals of the Coal Commission and to ask the House to pass it before the Easter Adjournment?

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to make a statement to the House on the Report of the Coal Commission?

The Report is not yet available, and until the Government have had an opportunity of considering it I am obviously not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that several colliery companies in the eastern area did not supply returns of output and proceeds to the district accountants for the month of January; whether such returns are sent into the Mines Department later; whether such colliery companies are paid the subsidy; and, if so, upon what basis is it paid?