asked the Home Secretary the number of special constables that were recruited in the Metropolitan police district from 1st May, 1826, to and including 12th May, 1926.

The number of special constables enrolled in the Metropolitan Police District from 1st to 12th instant inclusive was 51,000, apart from the Civil Constabulary Reserve.

asked the Home Secretary the strength of the mounted unit of The Special Constabulary recruited since 3rd May.

The Mounted Special Constabulary consisted of four troops of 25 mounted men each, inclusive of the Inspector in charge.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, under the subsidy given for molasses, a further grant of 4s. 7·1d. over and above the 4s.3·8d. above per cwt. is given provided such molasses contain about 2 per cent, to 3 per cent. of extractable sugar, and that such sugar is wasted since the product is comparatively valueless; and whether he will consider the desirability of continuing such assistance?

I am aware of the differences in the rates of subsidy payable on molasses as set out in the First Schedule to the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, but I would point out that the rates are related to the percentage of sweetening matter present, and not to the percentage of crystallised sugar which may be extractable from molasses by further independent process. I am assured that the factories endeavour to extract all possible sugar from the beet juice so as to leave as little sugar as possible in the residue in order to earn a greater amount of subsidy on sugar as sugar. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 4th May to the hon. Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece). The cessation of State assistance upon any class of sugar product upon which subsidy is paid and Excise duty imposed would reduce the total measure of assistance granted by Parliament to the industry as a whole and would be a breach of faith. I am therefore not prepared to consider any alteration in the molasses scale.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention had been drawn to the increasing use of the ultra-violet ray by masseurs, barbers, and other unqualified persons; and, in view of the danger produced by over-dosage in certain cases, if he will consider action with a view to the registration of all persons who utilise this method of treatment?

I have not received any evidence of injury resulting from the use of ultra-violet rays by unqualified persons, but if the hon. Member is aware of any specific cases in which such injury has arisen I should be glad if he would furnish me with particulars with a view to further inquiry.