asked the Minister If Pensions what was the total amount expended in administration and pensions during the last financial year in Scotland; and what proportion it bears to the total expenditure in the United Kingdom?

It is estimated that the total costs of pensions and other benefits for Scotland for the year 1924–1925 was £6,220,000, representing nearly 10 per cent. of the total expenditure on pensions and other benefits in the United Kingdom. I regret that it would not be possible to answer the first part of the question without an analysis, which I fear would be impracticable, of the common services of the Ministry and its Parliamentary and general administrative work.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many nurses have received pensions as a result of disabilities arising from war service; and how many have been refused such pensions?

Up to the end of February last, awards had been made to 2,542 nurses. The records of the Ministry do not enable me to give the information asked for in the latter part of the question.

Are not all applications kept and are they not available for purposes of record?

Of course we have records of the nurses who are in receipt of pension, but we have not a record of every nurse who may have applied. I have no reason to suppose nurses are not receiving as favourable consideration as any other class of applicant.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that ex-Private George Butler, of No. 3, Right Square, Stainforth, near Doncaster, who enlisted in 1914 when thoroughly fit, was wounded in 1916, and later was sent to Italy where he served throughout the remainder of the war, although still suffering from his injuries, is quite unable to follow his employment, and yet he is only receiving a pension of 8s. 6d. per week, which terminates after 104 weeks; and will he inquire into this case, and the full medical history, with a view to preventing a permanent injustice

As has already been explained to the hon. Member, no claim in respect of disablement was made in this case until July, 1925. As a result of medical examination the only wound which was found to be causing him even slight disablement was an injury to the hand, in respect of which the award referred to was made. I would point out that the man has a right of appeal at any time in respect of this decision until July next if he is dissatisfied with the award.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local medical officer declared that his present disabilities are entirely due to injuries he received during War service, and will he not re-examine the whole case in the light of that information?

I do not think the attributability is in dispute, because he is receiving compensation, but if there are any facts which have not yet been brought to the notice of the Ministry I shall be happy to receive them from the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of life pensions in issue on 24th February, 1926, to officers, nurses, and other ranks, respectively, where the assessment was 20 per cent., 30 per cent., 40 per cent., 50 per cent., 60 per cent., 70 per cent., 80 per cent., 96 per cent., and 100 per cent.; and what proportion was due to wound or injury and what proportion was due to disease?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that Pensions Appeal Tribunals have no jurisdiction to deal with appeals not entered within the statutory time limit, he will say how such appeals, if sanctioned by the Ministry, are disposed of?

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the answer regarding the law on this point given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Comptroller of the Household on the 11th instant, except to point out that my Department has no authority to sanction appeals, as suggested by the hon. Member, but only to remit them to the Tribunal when, notwithstanding that the appeal must, on the information before the Ministry, be held to be out of time, the man expressly desires that this issue should be determined by the Tribunal. In any case where the issue referred to is raised, the Tribunal decide in accordance with the law and the facts of the case.

What purpose is served by the Ministry in sanctioning appeals to the Appeal Tribunal if the Minister knows that the tribunal has no jurisdiction? Further, knowing that the tribunal has no jurisdiction over such

As the information required is very detailed, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

It is clearly the duty of the Ministry to inform the tribunal whether the appeal is or is not out of time. Any question of altering the final award can only be dealt with under the system of correction of errors which has been adopted by this and previous Governments.

Why should cases be sent to a tribunal which has no jurisdiction over such cases?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact of an appeal being out of time a good reason for delay?

It is open to any appellant whose appeal is alleged not to have been lodged within the statutory time to go before the tribunal on the issue whether he has in fact complied with the-statutory requirements and whether the tribunal has jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, when an appeal is heard and they understand from the statement of the Ministry official that it is out of time, they decline to take any evidence as to the ground why the man did not appeal within time?

The procedure of the tribunals is outside my Department.

If the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that injustice is done by the existing law, will he cause an Amendment of the law to be put before the House?

I am not prepared to suggest any wider alteration of this procedure, which I think was rightly continued by the late Government and which we are also continuing.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to announce the names and qualifications of members of his Central Advisory Committee, as reconstituted 7

The Committee will consist of nine persons (including three ladies) representing War Pensions Committees all of whom have had long and active experience of War Pensions work, while four have, in addition, special knowledge of work in connection with the welfare and education of children; eight representatives of ex-service officers and men; and four representatives of the official staff of the Ministry, central and local. I will cause the names and qualifications in detail to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is that an increase or a decrease of those appointed to look after the interests of the widows and orphans?

I am glad to be able to assure the House that, under the new system, there are three women on the Committee, which I think will be a great advantage to the Committee in dealing with problems affecting women and children. The scheme initiated by the late Government provided no representation of women at all.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many persons are now drawing pensions arising out of service in the late War, including dependants of those who lost their lives or have since died; and what is the estimated decrease in this total number during each of the next three years?

The number of persons to whom, or in respect of whom, pensions or allowances are in issue from the funds of my Department, is approximately 1,830,000. The rate at which this number will decrease will be determined by the death rate, and re-marriage rate, by the number of children growing beyond the age of dependence, and other factors, counter-balanced by the number of new claims admitted. I regret that it is not possible to estimate with accuracy the figure resulting from such uncertain factors for three years ahead. I may say, however, that the rate of diminution is slowing down. In the financial year 1924–25, as compared with the preceding year, the number of beneficiaries decreased by 12 per cent.; in 1925–26 by 9 per cent., and in 1926–27 it is estimated that there will be a decrease of only 7 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home. Department how many of the Metropolitan police have been killed in the last 12 months, and how many injured, while on point duty in the London area?

During the 12 months ended 11th March, 1926, no members of the Metropolitan police were killed while engaged on point duty; 67 were injured.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many of the widows of police pensioners who died before 1st September, 1918, do not come within the general provisions of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act; and, as they are ineligible for the widows' pension in view of the limiting provision of the Police (Pension) Acts of 1918 and 1921, will he consider the amendment of the present law so that the police widows' pension, which was given as a noncontributory pension, may be payable in respect of the older and more needy class of police pensioners' widows?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that there are many cases of widows of police pensioners whose husbands were outside the National Health Insurance scheme in 1917, and who are now out of benefit either from the police or the national scheme, he will consider the amendment of the present legislation in order to bring in all police widows irrespective of the date of the husband's retirement?

I am aware of the position of the widows in question which, so far as concerns the Act of last Session, is similar to the position of other "existing widows," but I regret that the Government cannot see their way to propose legislation to bring them within the police pension scheme.

Is it not a fact that the position of the widows of the men who were serving on the 1st September and got a pension, is due to that being one of the conditions in the settlement of the strike on that particular date, and if the attitude of the Home Office is persisted in, does it not mean that the widows of men who did not strike but retired before that date are penalised as compared with the widows of those who did strike?

With great respect, I do not think my hon. Friend is quite right in the conclusion he has drawn. In very difficult pensions questions there must always be a date fixed somewhere. This date was fixed long before I took office, and the Government do not propose to alter it.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question. Is it not a fact that the widows of the men who were serving on that date got pensions because that was one of the conditions of the settlement of the strike on that date?

My hon. Friend had better put a question on the Paper. I do not want to make a definite answer on that point without reference to the papers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind in considering this question that by the Regulations of the service the husbands, when alive in the service, were debarred from making any provision outside the provisions of the police Regulations, for their widows, and that the pension was a non-contributory one, and they gave equal service for that pension with those who came in after 1919?

That is the same question as the one on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether any Members of this House, other than members of His Majesty's Government, receive special police protection at the present time; and, if so, in how many cases is this protection given?

Yes, Sir; in two cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to ensure that British nationals who change their domicile to the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and who would be subject to Super-tax if domiciled in England, shall continue to pay Super-tax and Income Tax for a period of 15 years after change of domicile?

This question is under consideration.

If you hunt these people, will they not just go further afield?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great European country has recently passed a law that anyone of its nationals who injures the country or lowers her prestige is declared an outlaw, and does he not think that an admirable arrangement?

Perhaps I may take refuge in the well-known formula that "all relevant considerations will be taken into account."

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that cigarettes and matches cannot be sold in railway buffets after 8 p.m., but yet can be obtained through the penny-in-the-slot machines on railway platforms; and whether he will take steps to remove the restriction on the sale of matches and cigarettes in railway buffets?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affimative—subject to an exception for tobacco supplied at a meal for immediate consumption. As regards the second, the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend would involve an amendment of the Shops (Early Closing) Acts, and all I can promise is that it will be noted for consideration when any amending legislation is undertaken.

Is it not time these petty restrictions were removed?

I have said it would involve an amendment of the Shops Early Closing Act. There are a good many points which have been put to me from both sides of the House in regard to the Act, and I have said the Government are not prepared to amend the Act without a very full inquiry. We are too busy to do it this year.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a Committee to make recommendations to him?

I think that is the course I shall ultimately adopt.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think a number of these conditions quite absurd? You have to get a- meal before you can get an ounce of tobacco.

Those arc questions of relativity.

Is it not time all this War legislation was scrapped? Is he not aware that, ostensibly passed to help shop assistants, it really only helps the big store and the multiple shop against the small man?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the Government can really take useful action without the necessity for an Inquiry?

I think the Government are not averse from taking action where it is convinced that action is desirable in the interests of the community as a whole. I have not yet had sufficient evidence that there is, on the whole, a demand for the abolition of these restrictions.

asked the Horse Secretary whether he has decided to take any action with the object of reducing taximeter cab fares in the Metropolitan area; and whether it is his intention to sanction the licensing of two-seater cabs?

asked the Home Secretary whether any decision has been reached with regard to the reduction or otherwise of the fares of taximeter cabs in London; whether any decision has been reached with regard to the introduction of two-seater taximeter cabs in London; and, if it has been decided to introduce these cabs, will there be any addition to the present numbers or will the total number of cabs plying for hire remain the same?

If—as I gather—the taxicab trade is not prepared to agree to a reduction of fares—and I am awaiting their final answer—I propose to authorise the immediate licensing of two-seater cabs at a reduced tariff. There is no power to make the introduction of two-seater cabs dependent upon the withdrawal of an equivalent number of existing cabs.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in dealing with this question, that any reductions which are made merely in short distance fares—any distance under a mile—will not satisfy the demands of the public?

I want to have all the relevant considerations in my mind before I deal with a very difficult subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman he prepared to receive a deputation from the owners of cabs, if they are desirous of putting further facts before him?

If the hon. and gallant Member asks me to receive a deputation, I shall he glad to do so.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Traffic Board with respect to the introduction of a large number of extra vehicles on our already overcrowded roads?

No, Sir; but I have ascertained from my advisers that within the next few years, there will be certainly 50,000 more vehicles on the streets of London, and I should think that the addition of 500 taxi-cabs would make no material difference.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my question—whether there will be any addition to the present numbers.

I have answered that part of the question.

rose. —

We cannot debate the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a number of American sellers of shares who have landed in this country with the object of inducing investors to purchase shares of doubtful companies; and whether he will consider dealing with these visitors as undesirable aliens?

I would refer my hon. and gallant friend to the answer given yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for Mile End.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the publicity given to these cases and the fact that people are suffering, and can he not use his influence to deport these American share pushers?

Perhaps I had better read the answer which the Under-Secretary gave yesterday: "This matter is under consideration, and it is not desirable for me to make any statement." I have full cognisance of what has appeared in the Press.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these American shares are at least as dangerous as Russian violinists'?

Whether share pushing is an amusement or a musical instrument is not clear. We cannot compare one with the other. I did not deport any Russian violinist merely because he played the violin.

Are not these people obtaining money by false pretences and should not they be prosecuted in the ordinary way?

Is it not a fact that these American share merchants have registered offices in the City of London, where they still carry on their nefarious business?

I have said that this matter is under my very careful consideration, in consultation with the Chief of Police, and that I cannot answer without the very fullest inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the practice of throwing coppers from chars-a-bane by trippers, with the resulting physical and moral danger to children; and will he take such action as will result in the Metropolitan Police taking steps to check this practice?

I am aware of the dangers of this practice. By-laws prohibiting it have been made by a number of local authorities and allowed by the Home Office. I will circulate a list of the places in the Metropolitan Police area where such by-laws are in force. I am also informed that a by-law for the County of London is under the consideration of the London County Council. The police enforce the by-laws whenever an offence is detected.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a recent case at the Southwark County Court the Judge stated that this pernicious habit should he stopped by the police?

That is exactly the same question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now had replies from the Dominions with regard to the Resolution passed in this House on the 18th February, 1925, with regard to the nationality of married women; and whether he will inform the House as to their contents?

I am informed that no communication on this subject has been received from any of the Dominion Governments since my reply to the hon. Member on the 21st December last.

Seeing that a very considerable time has elapsed, can the right hon. Gentleman give us any hope that he will do what he can to accelerate the reply on this matter?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to the matter. I have already communicated with the Dominions on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received from the education authority of the West Riding of Yorkshire a protest against Memorandum 44; and whether he will say what work on schools and education in the West Riding has been disallowed following the issue of the Memorandum?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second pare, I am not aware that sanction has been refused to any proposal of this authority since the issue of the Memorandum.

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the steps which are being taken to have a complete educational record of every teacher in the country for use at Whitehall; what is the estimated initial cost and future annual cost; how many officials and clerks will be employed in compiling and keeping-this record up to date; and whether this information is already obtainable locally?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. Records of teachers have always been kept by my Department, since they are necessary for the proper administration of the Education Acts and the Teachers' Superannuation Acts. At the present time certain arrangements are being considered for the simplification of these records and a. diminution in the administrative work entailed in their upkeep, both to my Department and the local authorities. These arrangements are not yet sufficiently advanced to enable me to say in detail what the saving will be, but they will certainly enable reductions to be made in the staff engaged on this work.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether any representations have been made to him either by bodies of persons or individuals in Sheffield as to the disposal of the Redmires site; and, if so, whether he can give the names of those who have made the representations;

(2) the uses to which the site at Redmires, Sheffield, and the huts thereon have been put since they were acquired by the education committee; how many children have been in residence and for what periods; whether any Report has been received by the Board as to the benefit or otherwise derived by the children; what was the initial cost and what has been the annual cost to the education committee and to the Board; and on what grounds the Board has ordered the site and buildings to be disposed of?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will answer these two questions together. The purchase of this site was sanctioned in 1921 on the understanding that it would be disposed of if the authority were unable to put it to the use, for which it was intended, within two years. This period was subsequently extended by one year. The authority have not so far been able to develop the site, and a number of the huts have been removed and re-erected elsewhere for use in connection with public elementary schools and special schools in the area. I have recently received representations from the authority (regarding the continued retention of the site), and hope to be able to announce my decision in the matter very shortly.

The right hon. Gentleman has not replied to my last question.

I think I did. I said in my answer that I have received representations from the authority regarding the continued retention of the site.

Anyone else?

Not so far as I know.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his announcement to local education authorities that Circular 1371 should now be regarded as withdrawn affects the policy of the Government in regard to the institution of a system of block grants?

No, Sir. The Circular proposed to fix block grants for 1926–27, leaving open for consideration the amount of the block grants for subsequent years. When I met representatives of local authorities last December, I told them that if they could effect a sufficient reduction in their estimates for 1926–27, I would consider postponing the introduction of a block grant system for a year, so as to allow time for consultation. Authorities have now revised their estimates on the lines suggested 'by the Board, and this revision, with the further reductions in expenditure which I believe can be made during the year, has enabled me to bring the Board's estimates within what I consider, in the circumstances, to he a reasonable figure. I have, therefore, carried out my part of the understanding reached in December by continuing the present grant system temporarily for the coming financial year, and the Circular thus becomes inoperative. Consultations are proceeding with local authorities in regard to a block grant system for subsequent years, and the Government's policy in this matter remains unchanged.

Are we to understand that the present system is to he retained for 12 months, and that after that the right hon. Gentleman is using the block grant system?

That is my hope.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Ipswich Education Committee have, as an admitted result of Circular 1371, increased the fees in their secondary schools from £6 to £9 and reduced free places to 25 per cent.; and whether he will now advise the authority to restore its previous policy since he has announced the withdrawal of the Circular.?

I have received from the authority no intimation that they have decided either to increase the fees or to reduce the percentage of free places.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether any authority has increased the fees?

asked the President of the Board of Education on what date he received the programme of urgent capital expenditure submitted by the Surrey Education Authority; whether he has sent any reply to the programme: and what reply he has made to the request of the authority that he should receive a deputation?

The authority's revised estimates and accompanying statement were received in my Department on February 1st and have been the subject of discussion between officers of my Department and the authority, but I have not yet communicated my decision to the authority. I understand that the proposed deputation has been Postponed for the present.

Dees not the right hon. Gentleman think that these long delays are the inevitable result of the policy of treating each application on its merits

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Government have come to any conclusion as to the site for the headquarters of the London University: and whether he can make any statement of policy, so that the necessary fun Is may he collected?

I am not at the moment in a position to make an announcement.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will make a full statement of the reductions of the staff of the Board of Education and of the inspectorate which he has made or is intending to make?

The Board's headquarters staff will be reduced on the 31st of this month by the following posts; seven administrative officers, one staff clerk, 83 temporary clerks, eight shorthand typists and typists, two temporary messengers, two charwomen. Five additional administrative posts, and a number of higher clerical posts not exceeding seven, will be suppressed as opportunity offers. Proposals for the reorganisation of the Board's inspectorate are under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement as to the reductions which will be effected thereby.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give ns a statement as to which Departments he is scrapping?

I am scrapping no Department. I do not know what the right hon. Gentleman means.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement then as to the Departments which are being merged in other Departments, and what officials he is dispensing with?

If the right hon. Gentleman wants an account of the measures taken in the reorganisation of my Department he will doubtless ask for it on the Estimates, and I shall be glad to give it him.

Is not the House entitled, now that the action is actually being taken, to know what the right hon. Gentleman is doing with his Department?

Not at Question Time.

If we are not to have this information at Question Time. if I ask him for a return of some kind, will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to give it to the House?

If the right hon. Gentleman moves for a return, of course I will do my best to supply it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the percentage value of all foreign goods bought for or by the Stationery Office during the last financial year?

This information is not, available and could be obtained only at the cost of a great deal of labour. The practice of the Stationery Office is to confine purchases of foreign goods to articles which cannot be obtained of British make, such as foreign books and periodicals and certain office machines and parts. A rough estimate of the value of all foreign goods bought for or by the Stationery Office during the last financial year is from one to one and a half per cent. of the total expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in connection with the assessing of departmental marks for Southborough examination candidates, a, local conference of representatives of War Office out-stations offices in Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard was held, and that at this conference an agreement was reached that clerical employés in the Department affected should be assessed at only a percentage of the maximum number of marks fixed by the Civil Service Commissioners under this heading; and what steps he proposes to take to remove the handicap?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Tuesday last in answer to his similar question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now considered the recent Report of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to any of the recommendations which are made in this Report?

I have made myself acquainted with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance, but I have not yet been able to give them the detailed consideration which they require and I am not, therefore, at present in a position to make any statement as to the introduction of legislation to give effect to all or any of the recommendations.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider setting up a consultative committee for Wales, to correspond with the representative body which has been established in England, in connection with National Health Insurance administration

I am considering whether arrangements may not usefully be made for regular consultation on matters of sufficient importance with persons in Wales familiar with approved societies' work.

Cannot the Committee be set up again

I hope the arrangement I propose will serve the same purpose.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the death of Christopher Maund, aged 62, on whom an inquest was held at Worcester on the 6th March, when it was stated that, following his ejection from a house in November last, deceased had lived, together with his sister, in the bushes of a wood; and what steps have been taken as to the welfare of the woman in question?

asked the Minister of Health who was responsible for having turned out of his house in Worcester Christopher Wyatt, who was found dead in Perry Wood, near Worcester, after some weeks of living exposed to the snow and rain, and who was declared by the coroner to have died of starvation accelerated by exposure; and why, if the house he has been living in was condemned, provision was not made for alternative accommodation for him when he was forced to leave it?

I will, with permission, reply to these questions together, as I understand that they refer to the same man. I have been in com- munication on the matter with the Worcester Corporation, who inform me that the ejectment of Maund from his house in October last was not due to any action on their part, and that no application for possession of the house came at any time before the City Justices. I understand that the sister of the deceased man is receiving attention in the Poor Law infirmary of the Worcester Union.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a refuse dump, several acres in extent, at Greenford, Middlesex, is menacing the health of the inhabitants of this district; and will he take such action as will overcome the danger of infection during the coming summer months?

I am aware of this dump. Recent inspections showed great improvement in the conditions, and there was no evidence that there was menace to health. I have, however, directed that another inspection shall be made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when these barges arrive at this depot with refuse many dead animals are left on the dump?

If that is so, no doubt it will appear in the report of my inspector.

Is it not the case that as soon as the hon. and gallant Member has been restricted in the number of questions he can ask he usually manages to introduce an equal number of supplementaries?

asked the Minister of Health whether his inquiries into the case of ex-Private Alfred Tunstall, of 112, Holt Road, Edge Hill, Liverpool, to whom a workhouse admission order was issued by the West Derby (Liverpool) Guardians, have now been completed, and with what result?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a report which has been received in regard to this case.

Is it true that this ex-soldier was offered an order of admission to the workhouse? That is the point.

The hon. Member will find all the information he wants in the report.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to take up the position that local boards of guardians shall not offer workhouse admission to ex-soldiers, as it leaves them no alternative but living on their parents or doing something far more unsatisfactory?

I find on looking at the report that the man asked for and received an admission order.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that an offer of admission to the workhouse to these men by boards of guardians is a fulfilment of the War promises made to them?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will ascertain from the West Derby (Liverpool) Board of Guardians the number of orders of admission to the workhouse which have beer offered and issued during the last six months to ex-service men, single and married, respectively?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons are in receipt of outdoor relief from the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Guardians who have been disqualified from receiving stare and benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Acts?

I am informed that 19 such persons are in receipt of relief in this union.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of persons who regularly stay the night in casual wards; and how many of these possess unemployment insurance books?

The average number of persons who were relieved in casual wards in England and Wales on each of the 52 Friday nights in the 12 months ended February, 1926, was approximately 8,320. Information is not available as to the number of men who stay regularly in casual wards or as to the number who possess unemployment insurance books.

Will my right hon. Friend request the guardians to obtain information as to those who possess unemployment insurance books?

I will see what that entails.

also asked the Minister of Health whether persons seeking relief from the guardians on grounds of unemployment are required to maintain registration at the Unemployment Exchanges?

There is no regulation on this subject, but it would be proper and usual that boards of guardians who are granting relief on the ground of unemployment should expect the men relieved to endeavour to secure employment through registration at the Employment Exchanges and in other ways which may be open to them.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether it is in fact the practice of some guardians to require those who obtain relief to register?

I will have to make inquiries about that.

If an applicant, for relief can prove to the guardians that he is endeavouring to seek work, will he be entitled to unemployment pay?

asked the Minister of Health if lie is aware that the West Ham Board of Guardians have asked for permission to pay the rent of several persons who were in receipt of Poor Law relief during the emergency period when relief was administered under the Ministers direction, but who were unable to pay their rent; if he is aware of the following cases of hardship: W. R., wife and one child dependent, rent 4s. 6d., no rent paid during emergency period, and not in receipt of relief since 27th November. 1925; G. M. and wife, rent 7s., one child earns 10s., rent paid out of child's earnings; W. R. and wife, no dependent children, rent 8s., only income National Health Insurance 8s. 6d., pledged bed-linen to pay rent; J. B. and wife, no dependent children, rent 7s. 9d., only income National Health Insurance 8s. 6d.; C. D., age 39 years, wife and four dependent children, rent 9s. 9d., ineligible, as son earns 16s.; and whether, in view of the circumstances, he will take action in the matter?

I have received from the clerk to the guardians a letter referring to the five cases mentioned in the question. I have already agreed to the guardians exercising a considerable discretion in dealing with arrears of rent accrued during the period in question, and I am afraid that I cannot undertake to go further in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether any conclusion has yet been arrived at as to the institution of an Inland Cash-on-Delivery Service?

Yes, Sir. The Government, after careful consideration of the whole subject, have decided that these facilities ought to be afforded to the public. Arrangements have accordingly been made for the institution of an Inland Cash-an-Delivery Service as from Monday. 29th March. Details of the operation of this service will be found in an explanatory leaflet which will be available to-day in the Vote Office.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases during each of the last three years in which persons have been convicted for supplying meat which was considered unfit for human consumption?

I regret that I am unable to give the information desired.

asked the Minister of Health if the proposed by-laws regulating the conditions of hop-pickers have now been approved by his Department and the Minister of Agriculture"

A conference took place last week between representatives of my Department and of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the National Farmers' Union. There are a few points still to settle, but I hope that it will be possible to issue the revised by-laws at an early date.

Do I understand that these by-laws will be circulated to Members, or may I ask for a copy for myself?

I shall be very pleased to send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the possible connection between vaccination and encephalitis lethargica, he will give instructions that the record of patients suffering from the above disease shall contain the vaccinal conditions of patients and whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, he will not delay such a step until the Report of the Committee on Vaccination?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough on 12th February, the Committee on Vaccination will doubtless consider the desirability of such records being obtained. That Committee is empowered by its reference to report "from time to time," and there is no reason, therefore, to anticipate delay in the consideration of the suggestion of the hon. Member.

Is this disease notifiable compulsorily?

I would not like to answer without notice. I think not.

If it is not notifiable, will the right hon. Gentleman make it notifiable? It is most important.

asked the Minister of Health if persons can be admitted to Tooting Bec Hospital on paying terms as in ordinary mental hospitals?

Asylums provided by the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the reception of mentally defective persons are available only for the reception of persons chargeable to a Metropolitan board of guardians, or when there is an approved agreement to a provincial board of guardians.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses built with the aid of the subsidy during 1925 in England and Wales, and in Scotland, respectively; the cost of the subsidy during 1925; and the number of houses built without the aid of the subsidy in England and Wales, and in Scotland, during the same period?

Complete figures ate not available for the year ended December, 1925, but during the 12 months ended September, 1925, 92,291 houses were completed under the Housing Acts in England arid Wales with State assistance, and 66,735 by private enterprise without subsidy. The annual subsidy in respect of the 92,291 houses referred to amounted to £594,643. The total payments on account of housing subsidy in England and Wales in 1925 were £7,898,530. As regards similar information for Scotland, I would suggest that the hon. Member should address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the provisions of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, 1899 to 1923, have been taken advantage of during the past five years; what was the rate of interest charged and shared by local authorities on money advanced for the building and purchase of houses and if he will state the reason for increasing the rate of interest this year?

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

asked the Minister of Health when he hopes to be in a position to communicate to the House his decision with regard to the introduction of legislation designed to make relieving officers ineligible for election on any local body in the area in which they are so employed?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this matter.

In view of the answer that he gave me two or three weeks a-go, when will my right hon. Friend be able to give me a reply? When shall I put the question again?

I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend when I think it will be convenient.

Shall I put it down after Easter?

Very well.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recent municipal by-election in the Pall Mall Ward of the City of Westminister in which the unsuccessful candidate only polled eight votes; and whether he will consider the advisability of promoting legislation which will provide for the deposit of a moderate amount in municipal elections, such amount to be forfeited if any candidate polls less than a certain percentage of votes, so that candidatures of a frivolous nature may be discouraged?

I have been asked to reply. My attention had not been drawn to the election referred to. The introduction of legislation on the lines of the suggestion in the latter part of the question is not practicable at the present time, but the question will be noted for consideration when any amendment of the law is undertaken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claims for drawbacks have been lodged in London for goods to be exported containing silk or artificial silk since the 1st January to the latest date available?

The number of claims to drawback lodged in the four Customs and Excise London collections dealing with drawbacks on silk and artificial silk goods amounted to 18,878 from 1st January to 6th March inclusive. I would explain that the areas of these collections extend far beyond the boundaries of the administrative county of London, though the bulk of the drawback claims in question were made by traders resident therein. The hon. Member will realise that the collection of information of this kind imposes a great deal of extra work on the Revenue officials in the areas concerned, and though I have been able to meet his request in this instance, the general position remains as stated in the reply given to him by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in answer to a similar question on the 3rd December last.

Do not these 18,000 claims show that a lot of labour is imposed on the traders in London, making it more difficult for them to carry on their business?

That is a comment on the legislation of last year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, before recommending a guarantee under the Trades Facilities Act to the Appleby Iron and Steel Company, the advisory committee considered how long it would be before the new plate mills could be used; and whether they expressed the view that by that time the demand for steel plates would be such as to exceed the productive capacity of all existing plants?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the estimated period which it will take for the work to be finished is two years. As regards the second part of the question, it is clearly impossible to say precisely what the demand for steel plates will be in two years' time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what are the amounts of the war debts owed to this country by France, Italy, and Belgium, respectively, and how far they have been liquidated; if he will state what are the amounts owed by the same countries, and by Great Britain to the United States of America, and how much has been paid off in each case; and whether, in view of the results to this country of the one-sided arrangements that have been made with regard to the repayment of war debts, the Government will take steps with a view to the whole position being examined afresh by the Allies, together with America, with the object of coming to an all-round settlement?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the Return on Public Social Services (Total Expenditure under certain Acts of Parliament), ordered by this House last December to be printed, will be available to the public?

The Return is in an advanced stage of preparation and will be issued before the Easter Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give the estimated cost of manufacturing one ton of white sugar from beet?