asked the Minister of Pensions what reduction of staff was effected in the Ministry of Pensions daring the year 1925; and what were the respective percentages of reduction in Scotland and in the rest of the country?

The staff of the Ministry were reduced, during 1925, by 4,356, from 16,475 to 12,119; the percentage reduction in Scotland being 23·5 and, in the rest of the country, 26·7.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the staff in Scotland has been consistently larger through out in proportion?

I think the main reason is that the region is still surviving in Scotland, but I am glad to say that many of the staff in Scotland, who have done such good work, have passed the recent examination. Many of them, therefore, will not lose their employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the whole cost of administration of all British Government services, that is, the aggregate total of all salaries and wages other than those paid to soldiers, sailors, airmen, workmen in royal dockyards and arsenals and manipu- lative grades in the Post Office, together with all payments for the rents, rates and maintenance of all buildings used by administrative staff, and all the stationery, printing and office supplies used by them; and what was the corresponding total in 1914, the cost of services relating mainly, or exclusively, to the area of the Irish Free State being excluded in both cases?

The expenditure incurred on account of charges for rents rates and maintenance of buildings, and for stationery, printing and office supplies, are not recorded separately for administrative and other staffs, and I regret. that the allocation of these charges in the manner proposed could not be ascertained without an amount of labour and expense which I should regard as altogether disproportionate. In any ease figures could not now be ascertained for 1914 on the basis suggested. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Darwen (Sir Frank Sanderson) on 28th May last, and to the comparisons of national expenditure in 1914 and at the present time contained in the Tables relating to national expenditure recently presented to Parliament (Command Paper 2613), and in the Memorandum on Present and Pre-War Expenditure which is presented annually shortly after the Estimates for the year, the latest issue being Command Paper 2428.

May I ask whether any consideration has been given to the problem of overhauling administrative methods in Government Departments and bringing them into line with those adopted by large private concerns, thereby effecting very large economies?

We had the advantage of the advice and opinion of Sir Eric Geddes two or three years ago on the whole of this question.

But you did not take it!

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can grant further consideration to the children of men killed in the War for grants for secondary education in all cases where the men's former employers are able to certify that they would have reached the necessary positions to justify such grants had they lived and remained in their service?

The question whether a grant in aid of education should be made out of public funds is determined only on consideration of all the circumstances of the case, but I am glad to be able to assure my hon. and gallant Friend that full weight is given to information of the kind referred to, which is commonly obtained by the Special Grants Committee in dealing with applications.

Can I understand that any special case which is brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice will be dealt with?

I shall be very happy to give full consideration to representations made by my hon. and gallant Friend on behalf of these children.

Can the right hon. Gentleman also assure us that further consideration will be granted to those children who may not come under the rule as it now stands, but who have gained scholarships and are ruled out because of the harsh interpretation which now exists?

It is not the case that harsh interpretation exists, but, as I think I have already informed the hon. Member, the point raised in this question will be taken into account in the interests of the children

Is it not a fact that the real difficulty in this matter is that an alteration is required in the Regulations governing the Advisory Committee, and if the right hon. Gentleman has got this under consideration, does he anticipate reaching any decision on the point soon?

I have already informed the hon. Member that I am going through this matter with the new Advisory Committee, and I think that, until they meet, it would be unwise for me to come to any conclusion without awaiting the advice which they may give me.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Special Grants Committee not to vary the practice of causing police inquiries to be made into charges of immorality, etc., against female pensioners; whether he has received representations on this matter from the Liverpool, Bootle, Waterloo and District War Pensions Committee; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The practice referred to, which has been frequently considered both my myself and by my predecessor, is of long standing. Procedure by which evidence for or against cases of this type is obtained in the first instance by independent inquiry has in long experience been found to be the most satisfactory course by the Special Grants Committee in the discharge of the quasi-judicial functions imposed on them by Statute in connection with the forfeiture of pension. I am informed that the Liverpool and District War Pensions Committee propose to seek an interview with me on certain difficulties of their own in connection with this practice, and, if so, I shall be quite prepared to discuss the matter with them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the difficulty of the work of the reclamation of these women by local war pensions committees when inquiries have been made by the police, either in plain clothes or in uniform, seeing that the people in the locality know it is a police officer?

I quite appreciate the point, and I am glad to say that there are cases in which, after an interval, the pensions have been restored.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that it is the practice for the police to make inquiries, at the request of the Special Grants Committee of the Ministry of Pensions, into charges of misconduct of female war pensioners; whether such inquiries are made by officers of the uniform or detective departments; whether such reports are privileged; and whether the personal attendance of the officers making the inquiries can be demanded by the pensioners at any subsequent inquiry?

I am aware inquiries are made by the police in certain cases, generally by officers not below the rank of sergeant, in plain clothes. Any such reports are confidential, and it is not anticipated that any question will arise of the attendance of the officer concerned at any subsequent inquiry.

Would it not in these eases act unfairly to the war widow, who never gets a real opportunity of submitting her views and examining the individual who has reported against her?

I must demur to that. I do not think it is unfair at all. Somebody must make inquiries, and the police are men of discretion. We de not send officers below the rank of a sergeant, and I think that any statements that are made to them might fairly he relied upon. If there is any suggestion that they are not, I will cause the closest inquiry to be made into it

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at least in one case that has been brought to the notice of his colleague a statement was made which has since been proved to he false, and yet the woman has been deprived of her pension for a period of four years?

The hon. Member should give notice of any particular case

asked the Minister of Pensions whether appeals against reduction of pre-War dependence pensions in Scottish cases are settled at. Edinburgh, or whether they are settled in London?

When certain pre-War dependence pensions were in process of review my predecessor specially arranged that any representations by pensioners in Scotland (as in other regions) dissatisfied with the reassessment of their pensions should he considered not in Edinburgh, but in London at the head quarters of the Ministry. As awards of this class of pension ceased as from lot April, 1922, and the review of existing pensions was completed in the first six months of 1924, the question raised by my hon. Friend does not now arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why this is?

Of course, I am not fully aware as to the motives of my predecessor in the late Labour Government in making this change, but it was, at all events, in complete accord with his declared policy, which he stated in a letter, dated 25th July, 1924, as follows:

"it is the definite policy of the Ministry, in which I entirely agree, that all regional headquarters should in course of time ho absorbed in the central office in London."

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has looked further into the question of stage plays which have been banned by the Censor as undesirable but are presented on Sundays by semi-public associations; and whether any action is intended?

Yes, Sir. The Lord Chamberlain, in consultation with my Department, has framed new conditions to govern the performance of stage plays on Sunday, and the matter is now being taken up with the licensees of the theatres. I will let the hon. arid gallant Member know when the conditions are settled.

Will that include the ban on plays that have been censored otherwise for public performance?

I have said that the conditions are not quite finally settled, Ina when they are, I will send them to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Thank you.

asked the Home Secretary the number of taximeter cabs licensed to ply for hire in the Metro- politan area which are, respectively, more than 12 years old, more than eight years old, and more than five years old?

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available. It would be an almost impossible task to ascertain from the records in the possession of the Metropolitan Police the origin of every cab plying for hire in the Metropolitan area.

Is it not a fact that some of these older cabs have been well looked after by their owners, and that they go very well, and is it not a great hardship for their licences to be withdrawn?

That does not quite arise out of this question. It is quite true that some of them arc well cared for, and it is equally true that some of them are not.

asked the Home Secretary with whom rests the decision as to the fitness of a taximeter cab to obtain a licence to ply for hire in the Metropolitan area; and whether there is any fixed standard of engine efficiency, of condition of bodywork, and upholstery by which such fitness is judged?

The condition of body work, upholstery, and the vehicle generally is subject to the standard laid down in the Commissioner's conditions of fitness for taximeter cabs. of which I will send a copy to my hon. Friend.

If the right hon. Gentleman should find it necessary to licence an extra number of two-seater cabs, will he take into consideration the advisability of removing from the streets some of those cabs which really are not fit for hire by the travelling public?

I should like to meet my hon. Friend's wishes, but my difficulty is this: As I have explained before, so many of the least efficient cabs are run by the owners themselves, who are many of them ex-service men, and I should he very loath really to exercise my powers in regard to them, but I hope that in due course the condition of the cabs will gradually improve.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that slow-moving traffic in London constantly violates the Regulation that it should keep close to the kerb; and will he issue instructions to the police to enforce this rule more strictly, with a view to accelerating the movement of traffic?

This is a matter with which it is very difficult to deal by police action, but the police take such steps as they can to enforce the law, and I see no cause for further instructions.

asked the Home Secretary if he is now able to state whether the Government has decided to appoint a Committee to inquire into the law dealing with street solicitation for the purpose of prostitution; and, if so, what form the Committee is to take?

I am considering the terms of reference and the personnel, but my Department is at present very overworked, so I hope my hon. Friend will not press me too urgently.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make in regard to the deputations he recently saw relating to the hours of licensed sale of intoxicating liquor in clubs?

As I promised, I have placed this matter fully before my colleagues in His Majesty's Government., and we have decided to await the Report of Lord Southborough's Committee, which is now sitting on a branch of the licensing law, namely, disinterested management, and if it be necessary after consideration of such Report, the Government will direct a full inquiry into the whole of the questions raised before me by the various deputations.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can now say if he is prepared to approve the provision of an open-air school in Cambridge?

Yes, Sir; I have informed the authority that I am prepared to agree to their proceeding with this school.

What is the expenditure in providing open-air Schools, as they are held in the open air?

Open-air schools are not entirely in the open air. There are some buildings.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any local education authorities have during the last four months either raised the fees fox entrance to secondary schools or reduced the number of free places; and, if not, whether any such authorities have notified their intention to do so?

No proposals to in ct case fees in provided schools have been received in my Department during the last four months. As regards free places, variations in the number of awards do not require my specific sanction unless a variation in the limits prescribed in the Regulations is involved. So far as I am aware, local education authorities are acting on the view, stated in paragraph 6 of Administrative Memorandum 44, that it is not desirable to interfere with the normal entry to secondary schools or to re duce the number of free places.

Does not the question of economy, as interpreted by the Noble Lord, affect the number of free places?

The question of economy, as interpreted by me, is in terpreted in Memorandum 44, and 1 would suggest that the hon. Member should read it.

Has it not. actually made for a reduction in the number of free places?

No, because a reduction in the number of free places is specially excluded in that document, if the hon. Member will read it,

asked the President of the Board of Education what is at present the average cost of each additional secondary school place and what items are included in the cost; and whether, in the present state of financial stringency, the Board of Education propose to sanction more schools, involving this average expenditure per place, or if they are considering any scheme for reducing the minimum requirements now insisted upon by the Board?

Building costs depend upon a variety of local factors, but., generally speaking, the average cost per place, exclusive of site and furniture, in secondary schools is at the present time £100–£120, according to the type of accommodation provided. Capital expenditure on secondary schools in relation to net increase in the number of pupils has recently been in creasing at a, much greater rate than this, owing mainly to the replacement or improvement of existing school buildings. As regards the second part of the question, I have appointed a. committee of experts to advise me upon the construction of school buildings with special reference, among other things, to the reduction of cost.

Might I ask the noble Lord whether he has been entirely misrepresented in the statement that it was something like £240, which purported to be a report of his speech in Rugby?

I deal with that in my answer, if my hon. Friend will look at it. The other figure was that of the rate at which capital expenditure on secondary schools was increasing in pro portion to the increase of the number of pupils, owing to the large amount of capital expenditure, not on providing new places, but on replacing accommodation for existing places.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is possible to persuade the building unions to speed up the construction of school buildings, so that provision may be made more rapidly and more cheaply of necessary school places for the children of the people?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the bricklayers are using bricks as fast as they are being produced in this country?

I do not think, as far as secondary schools are concerned, that delays in building are really responsible for the cost of these schools. The cost is caused by present standards of provision and the requirements of the present curriculum. I think the whole question as to the scale in providing secondary schools is a very grave one, which will have to be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many secondary schools have since 1st January, 1926, intimated their intention to increase their scales of fees; and how many secondary schools have indicated since the same date their intention to reduce the number of free places?

As stated in my answer to the hon. Member for Don caster (Mr. Paling) to-day, no such applications have been received from local authorities. As regards non-pro vided schools, six proposals for an increase of fees, and one proposal for a reduction in the number of free places, have been received by my Department since 1st January last. This compares with seven such applications approved by the Board in the first three months of last year.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received a resolution, passed by the Plymouth Incorporated Mercantile Association, that an advisory council should be appointed to act jointly with the Education Board in arranging the curriculum of the schools, especially in relation to the requirements of trade and industry; and if he will state whether he is in favour of adopting such a proposal?

I have received the resolution in question, and have brought it to the notice of the Committee which has been appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and myself to inquire into and advise upon the public system of education in England and Wales in relation to the requirements of trade and industry. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Board already have the assistance of a statutory consultative committee, which is now conducting an inquiry into curriculum for the older pupils in the elementary schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of applicants for admission to teachers' training colleges who have been refused admission; and whether he will increase the number of places available in the cases of those colleges which have sufficient accommodation?

I have not the information asked for, but I have no reason to believe that the number of students for whom places are available is insufficient to meet the needs of the schools.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has issued a permit for a further visit to this country of Mr. Soermus; if so, for what period the permit was issued, and whether it has been renewed?

I recently authorised the grant of a visa to enable Mr. Soermus to travel to this country for a visit of 14 days for the purpose of seeing his children. No extension of this period will be allowed.

What is the legal nationality of the gentleman?

I think he is a Russian, but I cannot carry the nationality in my head. I will let my hon. Friend know if he wants to know.

Are the children of the same legal nationality as their father?

I believe they are legal children, and therefore they must be of the same. nationality.

In those circum stances, could the right hon. Gentleman say why they are still here?

I am not quite certain. I would prefer to have notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what crime this gentle man has committed?

I am not suggesting that he has committed any crime.

The questioner has.

asked the Home Secretary the approximate number of aliens who took up domicile in Great Britain during the year 1925?

I regret I am not in a position to give the information asked for. A detailed analysis of he statistics of aliens who entered and left the United Kingdom in 1925 will appear in the Annual Return for that year, the preparation of which is not yet complete but which, I hope, will be published shortly. In any case, the permanent addition to the alien population of the United Kingdom during last year was inconsiderable.

Is there any means of ascertaining the number of British subjects who, in the same period, cook up their domicile abroad?

We have no record here. The hon. and gallant 3entleman might ascertain the information by inquiry abroad.

asked the Home Secretary the approximate number of aliens who purchased houses in Great Britain during the year 1925?

No, Sir; I regret that I am not aware of any source from which the information asked for could be obtained.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that there are a good many points in regard to an amendment to the Shops (Early Closing) Act whereby cigarettes, matches, and chocolates can be purchased after 8 p.m., he will appoint a Committee to investigate the various aspects of this question and report their recommendations?

There are certainly a number of points which will call for careful inquiry before any fresh legislation is passed, and it may be necessary to set up a Committee for the purpose. The matter is receiving my consideration, but I am not in a position to, give any definite undertaking on tine point at present.

asked the Home Secretary how many deaths occurred during the past five years either by misadventure or by suicide as a result of the taking of human or animal medicines; if any, how many deaths were due to human and animal medicines, respectively; and the number of cases in which such medicines were supplied by medical men or chemists?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that materials are not available enabling me to answer the question of my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that orders have recently been issued by the police authorities forbidding the instalment of wireless sets and the use of wireless sets already installed in public houses and other licensed premises unless such premises are also licensed for music and singing; under what Act this order is made; whether it also applies to gramophones and other music-making instruments; and whether he will take steps to prevent the issue of such orders?

My attention has not been specially drawn to any such action by police authorities as is described in the first part of the question; but the matter is not, in any event, one in which I can take any steps. The question whether a music licence is required for the use of wireless sets, or of other particular forms of entertainment, in licensed premises is one for the local authority and involves questions of law which can only be decided by the Courts. The enactments from which local authorities derive their powers in the matter of music licences vary according to the locality concerned.

Is there any reason for supposing that sounds from wireless sets can be described as either music or singing?

I think that is almost a question which might be asked of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

asked the Home Secretary what is the position with regard to the proposed prosecution of the publisher or the author of "The Cantab"?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Director of Public Prosecutions made an application at Bow Street on the 15th March for the issue of a search warrant in respect of the book The Chief Magistrate, after expressing his views plainly about the hook, decided to adjourn the application in order that it might be ascertained whether the book was being effectively withdrawn by the publishers (Messrs. Chatto and Windus). It is only fair to add that the publishers are co-operating with the police in the recovery of unsold copies of the book, which will be destroyed.

The fact is the book is going to be withdrawn?

Oh, yes; we have received the most unqualified undertaking from the publishers that they will withdraw it. The police are co-operating with them in recovering the unsold copies of the book, and they will he destroyed in the presence of the police.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the complaints of residents in the Trinity Street area of Southwark as to the pollution of air and the nuisance arising from brick-crushing operations carried out in Borough High Street; and, in view of the fact that the local authorities concerned have no power to deal with this problem, will he take steps to have this practice stopped?

Yes, Sir; my attention has been drawn to this matter, and I am looking into it, with a view to seeing if anything can be done.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received representations from the Metropolitan Borough Council of Southwark objecting to the definition of a lodging-house as laid clown by the London County Council in the suggested by-laws forwarded for confirmation under Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1925; and will he, before confirmation of such by-laws in their present form, carefully consider the alternative proposals of the borough council concerned?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for South-East Southwark on the 15th instant, and I will send him copy of the letter referred to in that reply.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount sanctioned as subsidies for the erection of houses under the 1923 and 1924 Housing Arts; and how many houses have been built for sale and how many have been built to let at weekly rentals under them

The estimated capitalised value of the subsidies payable by the Government under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 194, if the houses authorised up to the 1st instant are duly completed, is £37,856,000. Information is not available as to the total numbers of houses which have been built for sale and for weekly letting, but as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, houses built under the Act of 1924 must be available for letting. On the 1st instant the number of houses authorised under the Act of 1923 was 265,128, of which 141,714 had been completed, while under the Act of 1924, 110,474 had been authorised and 25,856 completed.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government are considering the abolition or reduction of the subsidies granted for the erection of houses for the working classes?

Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1924, requires that after the 1st October next the Minister of Health and the Scottish Board of Health shall take into consideration the expenses likely to be incurred during the next two years in connection with the provision of assisted houses and to have regard to the expenses actually incurred in connection with such houses during the previous two years and thereafter an Order may be made modifying Exchequer contributions in respect of houses built under the Acts of 1923 and 1924. Accordingly I do not propose to anticipate the review which m 1st be undertaken under the Statute Seven months hence.

Does not the Minister realise that it is embarrassing the local authorities who arc buying new estates and making contracts, if they do not know whether there is to be a subsidy in October, as many of these houses will not be completed by October?

I think there is bound to be some embarrassment obviously, when there is going to be a review of the conditions that have obtained. These conditions may be altered, but I have done my best in the statements I have made in public to minimise that embarrassment, and to give the local authorities confidence that they can go on building.

Will the undertakings entered into be fully honoured by the Government?

I have never said that.

Are we to under stand that in the housing contracts already entered into before the close of October that those concerned will get an altered subsidy?

No, Sir, it is not a question of contracts entered into; it is a question of what has been done to the houses. What I have said was that any houses substantially begun before the 1st October, will certainly receive the old subsidy under the old conditions. A contract might be made now for a house, and the house might not be commenced for a couple of years, and I could not give a guarantee that in those circumstances the matter would come under the old Order, and might not have to come under any altered conditions that were made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now say if his Department is making any special provision for housing the in creased population of Devonport, owing to the influx of personnel from Pembroke and Rosyth?

I am considering the representations made to me by the deputation from the Town Council of Plymouth which I met on Tuesday last.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that women attending for medical examination at the Ministry of Health Centre, Saint Barnabas Church Hall, Lavender Gardens, Clapham, S.W., for panel benefits on account of pregnancy, are obliged to disrobe in an insufficiently heated room and afterwards to walk along a cold corridor to the medical officer's room; and will he cause adequate provision to be made for the comfort and welfare of women in future attending the centre for such medical examinations?

I have not received any complaints with reference to the matter raised in the question, but I have caused inquiries to be made, and I am assured that the heating apparatus in the insured persons' dressing room is adequate, and that the medical officers and nurses at the centre have the fullest regard to the comfort and welfare of the patients. The corridor leading to the medical officer's room is only six yards in length and is closed at each end, and patients passing along the corridor can wear as much of their indoor or outdoor clothing as they may wish.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is fair to ask these women to attend for this examination in a very advanced stage of pregnancy?

That is not the question put down—

No, it is a supplementary—

It is one of which I have not had notice, but I have no reason to suppose that any complaint can be made on that score.

asked the Minister of Health what approved societies make pro vision for dental treatment; and if he will take steps to ensure that dental treatment and the provision of dentures shall be included in the treatment provided under the National Health Insurance Acts?

Some 3,500 approved societies and branches in Eng land, having a total membership of over 10,500,000 insured persons, have adopted schemes of additional benefits that include payments towards the cost of dental treatment. These numbers are likely to be materially increased from next July, when schemes following the second valuation will become operative for societies and branches valued as at the end of 1923. The Royal Commission on National Health Insurance, who considered the subject exhaustively, came to the conclusion that, while a complete dental service for the whole insured population would be eminently desirable, it is not at present financially practicable, and they recommended that the general arrangements for dental services under additional benefit schemes should be continued. Societies and branches having a sufficient disposable surplus on valuation are reminded of the possibility of their adopting dental benefit as an additional benefit, and I propose that this shall remain the practice.

Would it have been financially possible to give dental treatment if the Fund had not been raided by the reduction of the percentage grant from the Government?

No, Sir. If the hon. Member will read the Report of the Royal Commission, he will see that it was not possible.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the abattoirs established by county boroughs and other local authorities, respectively, use some form of humane killer in slaughtering animals?

I regret that this information is not available in my Department.

asked the Minister of Health the number of people in receipt of Poor Law relief in Great Britain on the 1st January, 1925, and the 1st January, 1926, respectively; and the number in Durham County on the same dates?

The total numbers of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on the 1st January, 1925, and 1st January, 1926, were. 1,205,267 and 1,441,500, respectively. The corresponding numbers for Poor Law unions situated wholly or mainly in the County of Durham were 53,061 and 129,800. The figures for the 1st January, 1926, are approximate. As regards figures for Scotland, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Does not that indicate that unemployment has not really gone down, and is being pushed on to the Poor Law?

No, Sir. I do not think it indicates anything of the sort.

What does it indicate—better trade?

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that payments from the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund to London boroughs axe frequently 12 months in arrear; and what steps are open to boroughs whose money is thus withheld to overcome the financial difficulty thereby created?

It is the fact that payments from the Common Poor Fund are normally made some 12 months in arrear. I cannot, however, agree that at the present time this leads to any financial difficulty which requires to be dealt with, for the guardians in any half-year receive from the fund a sum sub stantially equivalent to the amount which will ultimately be due to them from the fund in respect of their expenditure in that half-year.

With respect to the six months' payment which is in arrear, would it be possible for guardians to obtain some loan on account during that six months?

They have pc veers to borrow under the Act of 1921.

asked the Minister of health how many persons it is estimated Will become eligible for old age pensions at 70 or over on 2nd July next as a result of the abolition of the means limit in Section 20 of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act; and whether a person aged 67, who has been in an insured occupation since the commencement of the Insurance Acts but is not now in employment, will receive the advantage of the abolition of the means test for an old ago pension on reaching the age of 70?

As regards the first part of the question, the estimated number of persons eligible for the full old age pension of 10s. is 87,000. As regards the second part of the question, title to an old age pension without a means test on attaining 70 will, in the circum stances mentioned, depend on whether the man will be qualified for a contributory old age pension on 2nd January, 1928. The fact that he is at present out of employment will not of itself prevent him from satisfying the qualifying conditions on 2nd January, 1928.

If a member has left his approved society and has not remained a contributor, will he be able to qualify at 70 without a means test, if his last employment was an insurable occupation?

That will depend upon what happens on 2nd January.

asked the Minister of Health under what circumstances men inspectors arc required to ask questions of widows making claims under the Pensions Act relating to their moral character; and whether he will give instructions that such inquiries shall be undertaken in future by women inspectors?

It is not necessary for investigating officers to satisfy themselves that a claimant is not leading an immoral life. Section 21 of the Act does, however, provide that a widow is disqualified from obtaining a pension, if and so long as she and any other person are cohabiting together as man and wife, and an officer must obviously make inquiry in any case where it comes to his knowledge that cohabitation may be taking place. The hon. Member will appreciate that such information may reach an officer only at a late stage of the investigation, and, in the circum stances, it would be impracticable to give any undertaking that inquiries in such cases should be made only by the women investigating officers.

Where there is no such evidence, and it is simply an inquiry because the woman has not been living with her husband at the time of his death, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it undesirable that men officers should put questions to women?

No, Sir; I can not give any such general opinion.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of encephalitis lethargica notified during each of the years 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the action which has been taken by the Hull Corporation to provide a minimum income to blind persons ordinarily resident in their area under the powers given by the Blind Persons Act, 1920; and if he will bring the matter to the notice of other local authorities throughout the country, with a recommendation that they should take similar action?

I am aware of the action which the Hull Town Council have under consideration in this matter. Other authorities under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, have already made, or have under consideration, arrangements of a similar character, and as at present advised I do not think it is necessary to take the action suggested in the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the serious delay which has taken place in connection with the printing and circulation of the draft Order proposed to be made under the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915, and to the consequent difficulty of making its contents known to the great number of persons affected; and if he will extend the time during which representations may be made to him with regard to the provisions of the draft Order?

I am aware of the delay referred to by my hon. Friend, and I shall, in view of it, be pleased to extend the time during which any representations may he made to me as to the draft Order until the end of April.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre Committee is contemplating the acceptance of a site in London for the building of a national theatre, and in view of the committee's avowed intention to appeal for Government support when the site has been acquired, the Government will, before any irrevocable action has been taken by the Memorial Committee, take steps to inquire into the suitability of the proposed site for the purpose of a national theatre?

This is a hypothetical question. I do not think that in present financial circumstances the Government could take any step which would give the committee reason to expect that a Government contribution would be forthcoming.

May I, as a member of the committee and a trustee of this fund, ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not the fact that application was made. to the Government for a site and was refused; and whether, in view of the statement in the question that the committee contemplate the acceptance of a site, it would not be wiser in the circum stances, for hon. Members not to count their chickens before they are hatched?

That question seems to answer itself.

Why not put up a monument to Robert Burns?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that during each year a number of officers and, men are invalided cut of the Army, Navy, and Air Force suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis; that, as a rule, it is impossible to accurately determine whether the disease is attributable to the conditions of service or not; that the large majority of cases are decided as not being so attributable and, consequently, receive no pension on account of their disability; and that the only money the men receive during their pro longed and debilitating illness is from the National Health Insurance, which is inadequate for the purpose; and whether he will consider the possibility of instituting a form of insurance (compulsory or otherwise) for officers and men in these Services against this disease, so that, on being invalided out of the Services for this disease, they may receive a pension which will be adequate for their needs until recovery or death?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL ROPORT.

asked the Prime Minister when it is expected that the committee to consider possible changes in the constitution of the League of Nations is to meet; who will be the British members of this committee; and who will be the British representatives at the next meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations?

I have been asked to reply. The date fixed for the meeting of the committee is 10th May. I am not in a position at this stage to answer the other parts of the question.

Will the House be informed of the general instruction to be given to our representatives on this committee before it meets?

I cannot say that.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have yet been taken, by consultation nr otherwise, with regard to the suggested amendment of the Standing Order governing I he. suspension of Members: and whether he has any statement he can make to the House on the subject?

Yes, Sir; consultations have taken place between the leaders of the parties, and a suggested Amendment to Standing Order No. 18 will appear on the Order Paper to-morrow.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain statements have appeared in the Press, presumably official, as to certain periods of suspension, and that those periods of suspension do not accord with the preponderant feeling in the House?

I am not responsible for any notices appearing in the Press, and my hon. Friend may take it that none is official.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the artificial sunlight treatment has been introduced into the hospitals in this country; and whether this form of treatment is proving successful?

I have no complete information as to the number of hospitals in this country in which this form of treatment is provided, but arrangements for the provision of this treatment have been approved, in connection with tuberculosis and maternity and child welfare schemes, in the case of 26 hospitals and sanatoria (exclusive of tuberculosis dispensaries and maternity and child welfare clinics). Reports on the approved schemes are now being considered in my Department, and I am not yet in a position to give a complete reply to the second part of the question, but I may say that this form of treatment, if appropriately applied, is undoubtedly beneficial in many cases.

Is it not a fact that several Members of the Cabinet have undergone this treatment, which has resulted in strengthening their vitality?

I have not heard, and I have not noticed that any Members of the Cabinet showed any want of vitality.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what he is doing to provide natural sun light for the people by abating the smoke in the country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the measure which has already been introduced in another place.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of male servants for whom licences were taken out in 1924 and 1925, including gardeners, keepers, chauffeurs, hunt servants, etc.; and how much money did it come to?

The number of male servant licences taken out in the financial years ended the 31st March, 1924 and 1925, was 173,363 and 174,274 respectively. The net receipts were £130,009 and £130,698.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the intention of the Government to abolish the General Commissioners of Income Tax; if not, whether he is aware of the shortage of suitable Land Tax Commissioners for selection as General Commissioners of Income Tax; and, in view of the fact that it is now 20 years since a Land Tax Commission Act was passed in the House of Commons, whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill for the appointment of Land Tax Commissioners at an early date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. A Land Tax Commissioners Names Act was last enacted in 1906, but I am not aware that there is a shortage of suitable Land Tax Commissioners for selection as General Commissioners of Income Tax. I am unable to forecast the introduction of a further Names Bill, but any indications of the need for such a Measure will continue to receive my careful attention.

Will the right hon. Gentle man allow me to forward him some evidence that there is a shortage?

Certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the credit facilities obtained by the Dominions and corporations in issuing loans which may be subscribed for by trustees under the Trustee Act and of their increasing requirements, if he will take steps to ensure that the investing public is provided in the prospectuses issued with more detailed information as to the general financial and budgetary position of the borrowers, and that the example set by the Government of New Zealand and the Crown Colonies is one that should be more generally followed?

I do not think that. I have any power to insist on the publica- tion by borrowers under the Colonial Stock Acts of detailed information with regard to their budgetary position. But I should certainly welcome the extension of the practice, already adopted in many cases, of giving such information.

Could conditions be attached to the granting of credit facilities?

It is not a question of granting credit facilities, but of the issue of loans.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give any estimate of the costs incurred by the Treasury in clerical and other expenses in the Income Tax Departments, rendered necessary by the fact that the banks do not deduct income Tax when paying or crediting back accounts with accrued interest?

I am unable to state what fraction of the cost of the Inland Revenue Department may be referable to the assessment and collection of Income Tax on the income to which the hon. Member refers. I would add, that I am advised that the change in the treatment of bank interest, which the hon. Member is advocating in his following questions, would not necessarily secure any economy in administration costs, inasmuch as on balance it would be likely to add to the work involved in claims to repayment of tax.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether this would result in a largely increased revenue or not?

I am led to believe that it would not tend to any large increase in. revenue. If I were led to believe to the contrary, I should look at it with very great interest.

Arising out of the supplementary reply, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a Royal Com mission on the subject came to exactly opposite conclusions to those which he has just expressed?

Yes. I had the opportunity of perusing passages from the Report of the Royal Commission Ix fore I made my answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that the Royal Commission on Income Tax [Cmd. 615] reported that there was considerable evasion of Income Tax in regard to bank interest credited to deposit and other accounts; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to ensure collection of such Income Tax at the source; (2) whether he is aware that on the Committee stage of the Finance Bill (No. 3), 1915, the Government with drew its proposal to authorise deduction of Income Tax by the banks upon interest paid on bank deposits, and announced that an agreed Clause in another form of words would be substituted; and, seeing that no such substituted Clause was pro posed, has he any intention of taking steps to ensure that this form of income shall no longer largely escape taxation?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will answer these questions together. I am aware of the circumstances to which he alludes, but, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on the 11th March, the question of the collection of Income Tax at the source on bank interest credited to deposit and other accounts involves a number of important and difficult considerations. I do not share the hen. Member's view that there is a large loss of revenue under the existing procedure; I can assure him that the problem of the evasion of liability to income Tax receives constant attention in all its aspects.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers from his own Department gave evidence before the Income Tax Commission to the effect that they estimated that about £100,000,000 of money had escaped taxation during a particular period?

The evidence and the Report of that Commission are continually considered in the Treasury, and we do our utmost to turn to the best advantage the information and advice which the Commission gave.

But is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Government, acting presumably upon the advice of its Treasury Department, actually brought in a Clause on the Finance Bill to bring about this reform, and that the late Chancellor of the Exchequer or his assistant declared in this House that an agreed form of words had been come to and would be introduced next day, and that such agreed form of words has never yet been put before this House?

It is in the light of those facts that I have given the answer which I have just read out, but, as I say, all questions relating to the more efficient collection of the revenue will always be approached by me in an unprejudiced and hopeful spirit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Isle of Man Legislature is being requested by the Imperial Government to adopt the protective duties enacted by the Safe guarding of Industries Act, he will say whether, until these duties are imposed, he proposes to instruct the Customs authorities to examine the luggage of all tourists returning from the island?

Duties corresponding with those imposed by the Safe guarding of Industries (Customs Duties) Act, 1925, arc already in operation in the Isle of Man.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of persons in respect of whom Death Duties were paid from 1900 to 1925, stating separately the number of assessments from £500,000 to £1,000,000, and from £1,000,000 upwards

I would refer the hon. Member to the tables contained in the 54th, 64th and 67th Reports of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, which give the information desired for the years up to and including 1923–24.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the sugar-beet yield for the past season, 1926–26, and the aggregate amount of pure sugar manufactured from such beet?

According to the latest information furnished by the factory companies, the quantity of sugar beet delivered to the factories in the 1925–26 season was 434,226 tons: and the amount of refined sugar manufactured from this beet was 51,140 tons.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has recently received any information as to the conditions under which decrepit horses are exported; and, in view of the continued agitation, can he make a statement on the matter?

The Departmental Committee which reported on the 31st July, 1925, stated that they were satisfied that no horse which could be described as decrepit has been passed for export by the port inspect ors since the reorganisation of the Ministry's arrangements in 1921, and that the provisions of the Acts of 1910 and 1914 are being efficiently carried out. I am satisfied that this continues to be the case, and I will see that the standard required by the Regulations is fully maintained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to warn the public that There is no necessity to give funds to these bogus societies?

I think it is realised since the issue of the Report that horses are not allowed to be exported unless they are fit to travel and work without suffering, and there are many horses working on our streets that do not come up to the standard for export.

asked the President of the Board of if he is aware of the continued and heavy unemployment among British merchant seamen; and what steps he is taking to encourage shipowners to employ a greater proportion of British seafarers in their crews?

There is a certain amount of unemployment among British merchant seamen, but it is not possible to give exact figures or to make an accurate comparison with the pre-War position. Taking the engagements at the Mercantile Marine Offices, the engagements of aliens amount to about 5 per cent. of the total. While I have every desire to see the percentage of British seamen even lager than at present, I do not think that representations to shipowners, who are fully aware of the position, would serve any useful purpose.

The hon. Gentleman talks about "a certain amount" of unemployment, but will he be good enough to visit Hull during the Recess? If be does and goes down to the Postern Gate any morning he will see a large number of able and excellent sea men without ships.

I do not want to give it false impression by my reply, but when I used the words "a certain amount" I was aware that there is too much unemployment. The point of the question, however, was not that, but whether we can relieve unemployment by increasing the number of British seamen in British ships. It is that part of the question to which I was referring, and I do not think that any report such as the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggested would do any good.

Has the Department taken any steps to deal with crews such as those which were referred to in the House the other day, which contain every nationality except British, and yet are registered in a British port?

Yes, Sir; as far as we can we do everything to meet such cases.