asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give particulars as to the amount of rates paid respectively by Chinese residents and foreign residents in the International Settlement at Shanghai; and whether he can state the number of the Chinese ratepayers and of the foreign ratepayers, respectively?

The Shanghai municipal, land and general rates in 1925 produced amounts roughly equivalent to £325,000 and £570,000. It has been estimated that the approximate proportions of these amounts paid by Chinese are 35 per cent. and 60 per cent, respectively. The number of foreign ratepayers on the 31st March was 2,684. The exact number of Chinese ratepayers is difficult to ascertain, since the great majority of Chinese landholdings are registered in the names of foreigners.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government intends to instruct our representatives on the spot to support the request made by the annual meeting of the ratepayers of the International Settlement of Shanghai that three Chinese members shall be appointed to the municipal council at an early date; and whether he will urge upon our representatives, in order still further to satisfy the aspirations of the Chinese for a share in the municipal government and to allay the prevailing unrest, the desirability of according representation to the Chinese in the International Settlement in proportion to the rates they are paying?

It should, in the first place, be borne in mind that what now constitutes the International Settlement at Shanghai was originally an area set aside by the Chinese Government as a residence for foreigners who were debarred from the right of unrestricted residence on Chinese soil, and that large numbers of Chinese have subsequently of their own accord elected to come and reside within this area, in order to enjoy the advantages the efficient European municipal administration which has been established there.

In course of time this process has led to the result that Chinese residents greatly out-number the European residents, and His Majesty's Government and their representatives in China fully sympathise with the natural desire of the Chinese element to be represented now on the Shanghai Municipal Council. Negotiations with this object in view were in fact opened between the Chinese Government and the representatives in Peking of the Powers concerned some time before the request of the ratepayers referred to in the question, and His Majesty's Government hope that, as the Chinese gain experience in the arts of governing a great city, meats may be found of satisfying their legitimate aspirations for a greater share in the administration of the settlement.

They are, however, convinced that so drastic a change in the existing régime as would be involved by the introduction of the principle of representation of nationalities on the Municipal Council in proportion to the rates paid by such nationality would render the election of an efficient Municipal Council extremely difficult, and would be detrimental alike to the Chinese and foreign interests concerned. They are, therefore, not prepared at present to lend their support to any such proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the progress so far achieved by the Commission on Extraterritoriality now sitting at Peking?

Since it assembled in Peking last January, the Commission has been engaged in studying China's legal codes, actual and prospective, in establishing the scope of its inquiry and in examining the work of the Courts and conditions of the prisons in the capital. The Commission has now nearly completed this part of its task, but owing to the disturbed conditions in China and the interruption of railway communications with the provinces it has as yet been unable to make any progress with the examination of the application of the existing legislative system in the provinces. It is, however, still hoped that the Commission may be enabled to carry out at least some portion of this part of their programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) the sum suggested by the Canton Government to the Governor of Hong Kong that would be necessary to meet the claims of the strikers as compensation;

(2) the number of Chinese coolies, seamen, and engineers who left the Colony of Canton last June and the number that have since returned; and what steps are being taken by the Government in order to bring about a return to peaceful relations?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of the 19th April, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps will be taken to insure that the Commission on the constitution of the Council of the League of Nations shall hold its meetings in public?

The usual procedure followed by Committees of the Council is to consider and decide at their first meeting whether subsequent meetings shall be held in public or not. I assume that this course will be adopted in the present instance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended that the Committee to study the problems connected with the composition of the Council of the League of Nations shall make recommendations involving the entire revision of the constitution of the League, in so far as the composition of the Council is concerned, or whether it is intended merely to find a solution of the present difficulties?

The right hon. Gentleman probably has in mind the resolution of the Council establishing the Committee, and I need not read it to the House. I cannot predict on what lines, within the limits of the resolution, the Committee's deliberations are likely to develop. I have no information yet as to whether all the States invited to serve on the Committee have accepted, but I do not anticipate that there will be any refusals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agenda has yet been prepared for the forthcoming League of Nations' Commission on the constitution of the Council of the League; if so, whether it will be published; whether all the States invited to serve on the Commission have consented to do so; when the Commission will hold its first meeting; and whether he will now make a statement as to the policy to be pursued by the British representative?

The primary object of the British representative at this Committee, as on the Council, will be to secure the admission of Germany to the League with a permanent seat on the Council. He will be guided generally by the instructions given to Lord Cecil and myself in March which I read to the House after our return, but in view of the new situation created by the March meeting His Majesty's Government have announced that they will enter on the consideration of the future of the Council free from all engagements to support any particular claim.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British ratification of the Arms Traffic Convention adopted in Geneva in 1925 is considered by His Majesty's Government to be conditional upon ratification by other States; if so, the adhesion of What other Governments is considered to be indispensable; what negotiations have been entered upon with these Governments; and whether there is any prospect that ratification will take place in the early future?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the danger and alarm caused to British subjects resident in the city of Peking by recent aircraft bombardments, he will make representations to the Governments of other Powers in favour of the simultaneous ratification of the Arms Traffic Convention and its application to China?

His Majesty's Government consider that it is in the interest of all the arms-producing States to bring the Convention into operation by ratifying simultaneously, and they have recently made this suggestion to the Governments of Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Sufficient replies have not yet been received to enable me to answer the last part of the question. China is also a signatory to the Convention.

asked the Secretary of State far Foreign Affairs whether, before approving of a loan to the Bulgarian Government to be made under the auspices or with the approval of the League of Nations, he will obtain the views of His Majesty's Minister in Sofia as to the possibility of securing the restoration of civil law in that country, an amnesty for the political prisoners, and such control over the expenditure of the money as shall ensure its use for the refugees or prevent its use for maintaining the increased police force?

Should a refugee loan for Bulgaria be floated on a guarantee from the League of Nations, it will be for the League to stipulate the conditions of issue and the uses to which the money is to be put, but I think that it may be taken for granted that if such a loan were floated its proceeds would be earmarked exclusively to refugee purposes.

May we have it also from the tight hon. Gentleman that if such a loan should be floated, 'some stipulation will be urged by the British representative that there will be a restoration of civil law in Bulgaria and an amnesty for the 1,200 political prisoners?

There has already been a very wide amnesty, including, I think, several thousand people. I do not think the Council of the League would be well advised to attempt to exercise control over the domestic affairs of the country, in or through such a loan proposal.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will, as is suggested in the question, make inquiries from our Minister in Sofia whether it would not be possible to make some amelioration in these directions dependent upon our support of this refugee loan?

No, Sir; I do not think I require any special.

Is there any suggestion that British credits should be given in connection with this loan?

This is really a hypothetical question, and all the questions arising out of it are hypothetical and all the answers are hypothetical, and I am not sure that any of them are in order.

Is it the case that a loan is being raised in London for refugees in Bulgaria and, if so, what progress has been made?

That question should be put down.

asked the Secretary of State for. Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House as to what Minister will represent His Majesty's Government at the forthcoming Passport Conference in Geneva; and what will be his instructions?

His Majesty's Government will be represented by His Majesty's Minister at Berne, who will have the assistance of officials of the Foreign Office and Home Office. The instructions to the British representative are not yet completed. I will consider whether, when complete, they can be laid before Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister whether he accepts the Continental interpretation of Article 16 of the Covenant, namely, that no nation party to the Covenant can remain neutral in a dispute between any two other European countries concerning any infraction of any of the Peace Treaties; and is he aware of the implications involved in forcing such an interpretation of Article 16 upon Germany at the present time as committing His Majesty's Government to a similar interpretation?

The view of His Majesty's Government on Article 16 was stated in the letter signed by the representatives of Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, Czechoslovakia and Poland and handed to the representative of Germany in London on the 1st December last. It was founded upon the terms of the Article and the resolutions of the Assembly of the League, and is declaratory and not legislative. I am not aware that any different view is held on the Continent or elsewhere.

Do I gather from the right hon. Gentleman's reply, that the view of His Majesty's Government as to Article 16 is identical with the view held by Dr. Benesh?

As Dr. Benesh signed the letter to which I referred, which has been published in the White Paper laid before Parliament, I presume I may take it that his view is as expressed in that letter, and so is the view of His Majesty's Government.

But is it the right hon. Gentleman's view that' the letter published in the White Paper is identical with the views of Dr. Benesh as expressed in the Memorandum sent to the German Government as a protest against their action in forming a Treaty with Russia which would involve neutrality in certain circumstances?

I am not aware that the Czechoslovakian Government sent any Memorandum.

A minute?

Or minute.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the number of the Admiralty Headquarters Staff and the total numbers serving under the Admiralty command in April, 1914, and at the present time?

I regret that figures for 1st April, 1914, are not available. The figures for 1st August, 1914, are 2,072 and 215,331, respectively, and for 1st April, 1926, 3,271 and 177,537. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that, awing to the nature of the service, married officers of the Navy have to live apart from their wives for very much longer periods than married officers of the Army and Air Force, and that this adds very considerably to their expenses; and whether he will consider the grant of some form of separation allowance to naval officers to help them to pay these extra expenses;

(2) whether he is aware that married officers of the Army either receive lodging allowances or married quarters and that married officers in the Navy, with a few exceptions, do not receive these privileges; whether he is aware that the pay of naval officers not on the lodging list compares unfavourably with that of Army officers who are on the lodging list; and whether be has any suggestions to make for bringing the pay and allowances of married naval officers up to the same standard as that of their brother officers in the Army?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the reply furnished on the 15th March to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend of a similar nature (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 36–37).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has further considered the possibility of giving children's allowances to married officers in the Royal Navy?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of the 8th March last (OFFICIAL REPORT, Col. 1959).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Committee on National Expenditure in 1922 recommended economy being effected in regard to oil stocks and oil storage for naval requirements; and whether this subject has been considered and expenditure reduced?

The Committee on National Expenditure, in 1922, stated that

"the question of the fuel reserves of the Navy is a matter of high policy. We refrain from discussing it in this Report."

The subject is constantly under consideration by the Admiralty, and is reviewed each year by the Government in connection with the Navy Estimates, and all economy in this direction, which is at present possible, has been effected.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers and ratings, respectively, have refused duty or been guilty of other acts of insubordination during the last 12 months as the result of supposed Communist propaganda and incitement; and whether he has traced any weakening of the discipline of the Royal Navy as the direct, or indirect, result of such alleged incitement and propaganda?

Insubordination may result from Communist propaganda without disclosing its cause, but in the last 12 months no refusal of duty or other act of insubordination plainly connected with Communist propaganda has come to notice. There has been no weakening of the discipline of the Royal Navy.

May I ask whether Communist propaganda and in citement is not directed to mass insubordination in certain circumstances which have not yet arisen?

I cannot usefully add anything to the original answer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps have been taken towards providing housing accommodation for the employés transferred from Rosyth and Pembroke to Chatham dockyard?

The local authorities have been made aware of the numbers of men likely to be transferred to Chatham Dockyard. I have no information yet as to what action has been taken by them in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has made any further inquiries into the financial plight of many naval chaplains; and whether, in view of the fact that these chaplains receive less pay than their brother officers and receive no marriage allowance, he can seriously consider ameliorating their position?

I regret that I have nothing to add to my reply of the 18th December last on this subject (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 1830–1).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are many established men, discharged at the age of 60, whose applications to extend their service for a few months in order to complete an extra full year's pensionable service, are refused; and whether, when this concession cannot be granted, he will consider giving these men a refund of the weekly deduction from the wages of established men in respect of the odd months of their service which are not counted towards their pension?

The retention of established men over the normal age for retirement involves the payment of wages in addition to enabling the men to increase their service for the calculation of retiring allowances. Men who can be economically employed may be and frequently are retained beyond the age of 60 years for periods not exceeding three months to complete an additional year of pensionable service; but there can be no general undertaking to allow such retention, and where it is not allowed there can be no additional payment, in respect of any difference between the wages of men on the hired and established lists, respectively, for the odd months of service not counted for pension.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a request that men generally should be allowed to stay on; and is it not the case that if they have not completed a full year's service they get no advantage whatever of the contributions from their wages towards pension, and, further, is it not very unjust in particular cases that they should not be allowed to complete their time or alternatively have some refund of the monies deducted?

I will consider that matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the statement of the Lord Provost of Glasgow that Inspector Vance, of the Glasgow Police Force made a report to the Admiralty regarding the sinking of His Majesty's Ship "Hampshire," he will say why, in the face of this report, which has not been published, he has stated on several occasions that all information regarding the matter has been published?

The Lord Provost of Glasgow informs me that he has made no statement as to Inspector Vance having made any report regarding the sinking of the "Hampshire." No such report, so far as I can trace, was ever made to the Admiralty, and I know of no foundation for the suggestion that he has some special information on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the references in telegrams which passed from the Admiral commanding at Orkney and Shetland to his Flag Admiral, and that these were the officers in charge at Longhope at that time?

I have seen the telegrams to which the hon. Member is referring and there is nothing in them to show that any report was made on the "Hampshire." I have had a letter from the Lord Provost at Glasgow in which he says that he never said that any report had been made about the "Hampshire" by Inspector Vance. All he said was that any reports on any subject which Inspector Vance might have made would have been forwarded to the Admiralty official at the Orkneys.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive proof of the statement having been made in telegrams by the Lord Provost?

I am prepared to read out the Lord Provost's answer—

"The last two telegrams referred to in the 'Referee' arrived in Glasgow when I was from home, and were answered by my secretary. It is quite clear to me, as I am sure it must be to you from a perusal of these telegrams"—

and so it would be to the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. Scrymgeour) if he would read them carefully—

"that I made no statement about Inspector Vance having made any report regarding the sinking of the Hampshire.' "

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to hear this statement by the Lord Provost? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] I am asking if this is not correct? It is from the Lord Provost—

"All reports furnished by Detective. Inspector Vance during his stay in Orkney were made to the Admiral Commanding Orkney and Shetland at Longhope, or the Flag Admiral.—Lord Provost, Glasgow."

There is one mistake in the hon. Member's quotation. He says "all reports," and he seems to indicate all reports on this matter. But what the Lord Provost said was that all reports furnished by Detective Inspector Vance were made to the Admiral commanding at the Orkney and Shetland or to his Flag Admiral, and there is no reference whatever to the "Hampshire."

With regard to the "Hampshire," the question is—

The hon. Member had better submit any further question.

I am prepared to submit it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that none of this discussion nine years after the event would have taken place had the Admiralty followed the invariable practice of the Navy in former days of holding a court-martial whenever a ship was lost; and will he see that in future that takes place when a ship is lost?

I hope that no such circumstances will arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the latest figures of unemployment in the leather and fabric glove industry and the corresponding figures of 12 months earlier, and the total number of people employed in these industries at the same dates?

asked the Minister of Labour what is the state of employment at the present time in the leather and fabric glove trades?

Separate figures for the leather and fabric glove industries are not available, as these are included with other industries in the group "Other Dress."

Are figures available for the fabric and leather glove trades together, or are there no figures available for the glove industry as a whole?

We have not got those figures. As I have said, they are under the general heading of "Other Dress," and we have no separate figures.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of having these figures so tabulated?

I will certainly consider that.

Is it not a fact that in this particular industry of fabric and leather gloves there is practically no unemployment at the present time?

I. could not answer that without notice. If my hon. and gallant Friend wants the information, will he please put a question down?

asked the Minister of Labour how many men are employed in the manufacture of pianos; and how many men in the industry are at present unemployed?

Separate figures for the manufacture of pianos are not available, as this industry is included with others in the group "Musical instruments."

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the answer to the question with regard to the unemployed in the industry?

The latest figure that I have for the number insured in the "Musical Instruments" group is, on the 22nd March, 1926, in Great Britain, 21,590, and the number unemployed was 1,596, or 7·4 per cent.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if that is an improvement on the figures of last year?

It is an improvement from 7·8 last year to 7·4 now.

Is not this improvement far less than the improvement in other industries which have not been protected?

Is it not a fact that if the figures for the first three months of the present year are taken, there is more unemployment in the musical instrument trades than there was last year?

I could not answer that question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed British seamen registering in the port of Liverpool on or about 17th March last; whether arrangements exist between the shipping companies and the Employment Exchanges for filling vacancies in crews of ships signing articles in Merseyside ports; and whether any steps can be taken to prevent the importation of Arab and other alien seamen while Merseyside seamen are out of work?

The number of unemployed British seamen registered at Liverpool on the 17th March was 4,392. There are no special arrangements between the shipowners and the Employment Exchanges for filling vacancies in crews signing articles at Merseyside ports. The importation of alien seamen from abroad is a, question which involves the general regulations affecting aliens for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Home Affairs is responsible.

Could not the Department collaborate with the President of the Board of Trade to see whether the difficulties arising from this matter could not be adjusted?

Well, that is a difficult question, as we are bound, of course, by the Merchant Shipping Act, and to alter it would require statutory authority.

Is the Minister of Labour satisfied with a state of affairs under which employment in many other industries is forbidden to aliens, but in the shipping industry it is almost encouraged?

I could not accept the latter part of the question. With regard to the question as to how far we could collaborate with the President of the Board of Trade, I will consult with him on that point, but, as I have already stated, we are bound by the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act.

asked the Minister of Labour what weekly rent he pays for the use of premises in Long Street, Middleton, Lancashire, and also in Milton Street, Middleton, Lancashire?

I have been asked to reply, on behalf of the First Commissioner of Works, that it is not the practice of the Department to disclose rents paid for individual premises, as such disclosures may prejudice future negotiations.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Long Street premises are used as a, Liberal 'Club and as an Independent Labour Party Club, and that the rents are £108 and £62 10s.?

The hon. Member seems to know more than the Minister.

On a point of Order—

The time for giving information is after 3.45, not at Question Time.

What precautions are taken in different parts of the country to see that the lowest possible rent is paid for Employment Exchanges?

Precautions are taken to see that the rent is the lowest possible.

Is not the rent paid far in excess of the assessment of these premises?

I am going to give further consideration to this case, as I think there may be something in the question which at present I do not understand. I should like to confer with my hon. Friend.

But is it not rather upsetting to find a case of this kind at all?

If this is happening in one place, may it not be happening all over the country, and may we not be paying much too much for these premises?

asked the Minister of Labour under what authority unemployment committees may refuse unemployed benefit to a person who is otherwise entitled to benefit on the ground that he has done work, or is doing work, on his allotment, or may threaten to prosecute a person receiving unemployed benefit because he has done, or is doing, work on his allotment?

The claim to unemployment benefit of a person who has ordinarily worked on his allotment in his spare time is not affected, so long as he is otherwise entitled, unless his remuneration or profit from the allotment exceeds £1 a week. If, for the purpose of obtaining benefit, he knowingly made a false representation, he would be liable to prosecution. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any specific case he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

Is it thought by the Ministry that there is a possibility of any allotment holder making over £l a week, when a farmer cannot do it on an acre?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Trevor W. Gwynne, 32, Crown Street, Crumlin, Men., insurance agent, 'has been refused unemployment benefit; that Gwynne has two and a half years' credit of stamps with the insurance unemployment scheme and has received no benefit from them; will he therefore have this case fully investigated with a view to benefit being paid in this case?

I am making inquiries into this ease, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason for the alteration of the hour when unemployed must sign the register at the Borough (Walworth Road) Employment Exchange; the reason why five signatures, per week are now required instead of three as hitherto; and will he cause the recent alterations mentioned to be withdrawn?

It is the practice to alter the times of attendance of individuals periodically. As regards frequency of attendance, I understand the actual requirement at present at this Exchange is attendance on four days a week (not five as stated in the question), except in the case of casual workers. I should point out that the Regulations under the Unemployment Insurance Acts normally require attendance on each day of unemployment, and the relaxations allowing less frequent attendance can only be permitted so long as they are unavoidable.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the compulsion of making these men sign on early in the morning stops them from having any opportunity of obtaining work?

No, Sir, but it is necessary from time to time to alter the hours, owing to the fact that there may be a greater rush at one hour and less pressure at another time, and so we endeavour to regulate the attendance.

When you are about to alter the hours for signing, are the men made acquainted with the fact a day or two before?

I am not sure about that, but I think it is only reasonable it should be done, and I will inquire about it.

Has the time been altered to 10 or 11 o'clock in the morning so that the excuse can be given that they are not genuinely seeking work?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, seeing that two years ago a test was carried out under the auspices of the Air Board for tanks for use in aeroplanes which would not leak when crashed from 100 feet or when perforated with machine-gun bullets, and that certain tanks satisfactorily passed all the tests imposed, but in spite of this have not been put into general use by the Air Ministry, he will explain why these tanks are not being used in view of the recent serious accidents which have occurred?

The production for use in service aircraft of a petrol tank which will be proof against fire has been the subject of many experiments, and these experiments are being, and will be, steadily pursued. There are, however, considerable technical difficulties which have not been overcome, and I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that a type of fireproof tank suitable for service use is already in existence. He may rest assured that the-importance of producing a fireproof tank is fully realised.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is a deficit for 1925–26 on the working of the Cranwell Railway; and, if so, whether, having regard to the loss in 1924–25, considerably exceeding that in 1923–24, and to the fact that motor omnibuses run between the points served by the railway, he will consider whether economy could be effected by closing the line and selling the undertaking?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the deficit or, as I should prefer to call it, the net cost, is likely to be less than in the previous financial year, and proposals which may still further reduce it in future are now under consideration. As I stated last year, however, receipts cannot he expected to balance expenditure on a line of this nature. As regards the second part, the size and situation of the station make the railway indispensable. Even if it could be closed down, no economy would result, in view of the high cost of road transport of heavy stores. A spur line of this sort would have no sale value except as scrap, and any private enterprise would have to be heavily subsidised to run it.

Might I ask my right hon. Friend what was the loss on this railway?

I have not the exact figure in my mind. It was less last year than the year before, and we hope to diminish it still further this year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that in future years there will be a deficit, and, if so, does he not think that if the deficit is large enough it would be an economy to do away with the railway?

I have looked into the question with that in my mind, but I have satisfied myself that, as things are at pre- sent, it is cheaper to have the railway than heavy road transport. If economy could be shown to exist, I should obviously prefer the second alternative, but at present it does not exist.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the sheet-metal workers engaged in the construction of the all-metal aeroplanes by the firm of William Beardmore and Company, Limited, Dalmuir, are now on strike because the firm announced a reduction of 50 per cent. on the basis time for riveting; and that the work is now being done by unskilled labourers and is so inferior that it is not being passed by the Government inspectors; and whether he will see that fair wages are paid by those contractors?

A complaint was received with regard to the rate of wages paid by Messrs. Beardmore to certain workmen employed in aircraft manufacture, and the Air Ministry requested the complainants to furnish further information with a view to the investigation of the case. The information asked for has not yet been furnished, but, in view of the particulars now given by the hon. Member, my Department has addressed an inquiry to the company in regard to the matter in dispute.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the falsification of accounts by an accountant officer, referred to on page 65 of the Air Service Appropriation Account, 1924–25, he will cause all officers handling public funds to enter into a guarantee bond equal to the amount of money likely to be handled by them during the course of their duties?

The proposal for a guarantee bond has been considered and discussed on various occasions, and more particularly when the Accountant Branch of the Royal Air Force was first established. It was decided, however, to adhere to the general practice of the public service, which is not to require such bonds in the case of permanent pensionable posts. The prospect of losing pension or gratuity constitutes the fidelity guarantee, and the Government follows its usual practice in carrying its risks, which is considered less expensive than insurance or its equivalent in extra pay to meet the cost of personal premiums.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is yet in a position to publish a Report of his inquiry into the subject of short weight in rail-borne coal?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend regrets that it has not yet been possible to complete this inquiry. The position is still as indicated in the reply that he gave to the hon. Member for Tradeston (Mr. T. Henderson) on the 16th February.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many accidents due to broken winding ropes have occurred at collieries in Great Britain during the last 10 years; how many persons were injured in such accidents; and in how many cases did the injuries prove fatal?

I have been asked to reply. The recent accident at the Old Hemmingfield Pumping Shaft is the only fatal accident from this cause since the beginning of 1916. As regards non-fatal accidents, returns were not collected during the War years 1916, 1917 and 1918: from 1919 to 1924 inclusive there were nine accidents causing injury to 21 persons: the figures for 1925 are not yet available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Lancashire particularly there are at least three cases where apparatus is in use which has prevented accidents, and which has been tested to carry 10 tons. Will he make inquiries as to these machines with a view to the prevention of accidents in future?

I will represent that to the Minister.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses in mining districts have been built or have been authorised to be built in England and Wales since 1st January, 1919; what is the amount of money contributed from the Exchequer or authorised for such houses; what amounts have been loaned or guaranteed to colliery companies for housing; and how many local authorities have given, or are giving, financial assistance from the rates for the provision of houses in such districts?

My right hon. Friend will have a statement prepared giving the information desired by the Noble Lady as far as it is available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Arab seamen were brought from Cardiff to Liverpool for the crew of the steamship "Benecia," owned by the Oriel Shipping Company, the articles of which were signed at Liverpool on 17th March last; whether the officers of his Department are instructed to take exception to this procedure in view of the several thousand unemployed seamen registering in Liverpool each week; and, if not, whether he will consider the taking of steps to prevent a recurrence of such action, which has caused considerable resentment among unemployed British seamen on the Merseyside?

I am informed that 12 Arab seamen brought from Cardiff were engaged for service on the steamship "Benicia" at Liverpool on 17th April. This is not contrary to law, and, so long as the provisions of the law are fully complied with, the Board of Trade have no power to forbid such engagements.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he appreciates the intensity of the feeling of unemployed British seamen when Arabs are imported while there are 4,000 or 5,000 seamen unemployed, and the danger that may arise from racial feeling growing up, which everyone would deplore? Cannot his Department do something to get at grips with this question of employing British seamen on ships registered under the British flag?

I appreciate the feeling to width the hon. Member refers, but we are bound by the law: The Aliens Restriction Act requires that the captain, the chief officer and the chief engineer must be British, otherwise aliens may be employed, if they can pass the language test, provided they are paid wages which are the same as the Maritime Board wages. Beyond that the law does not allow the Board of Trade to intervene. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour said just now he would confer with the Board of Trade on this matter, and I shall be very glad to talk it over with him.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us the difference between the wages of Arab seamen and British seamen?

I did not quite catch that question.

Is it not a fact that in the case of certain ships going to tropical places it is necessary to have natives, and that this does not in any way affect the general principle of not employing aliens instead of British seamen?

This is a question involving the possibility of legislation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many houses in mining districts have been built or are authorised to be built in Scotland since 1st January, 1919; what is the amount of money contributed from the Exchequer or authorised for such houses; what amounts have been loaned or guaranteed; and how many local authorities have given, or are giving, financial assistance from the rates for the provision of houses in colliery areas?

I am obtaining the information, arid will communicate with the Noble Lady when the same is available.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) the number of elementary teachers in Scotland and the number of secondary teachers, and the cost of salaries in each case, and the number of children receiving elementary and secondary education, respectively;

(2) the estimated cost per child, and the estimated teacher cost per child, in elementary and secondary schools, respectively, in Scotland?

In Scotland the relations between primary education and secondary education are so close and intimate that it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to arrive at figures which would not be purely arbitrary and therefore misleading in one direction or the other. I will, however, see what can be done and will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Would the right hon. Gentleman use his best endeavours to get me the estimated cost per child and the estimated cost per teacher as soon as possible, and let me have the information?

Yes, Sir; I am making what inquiries I can, but it may be extremely difficult to procure these figures.