asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the removal of the Young Men's Christian Association dry canteen at Bere Island in January last; whether he is aware of the hardship inflicted upon the manageress, Mrs. Magee, wife of an Army pensioner, by such removal; and is he satisfied that the meals and facilities at present afforded soldiers on this station are adequately met?

The Young Men's Christian Association hut at Bere Island was closed early in this year as it was inconveniently situated, was not required, and was little used by the troops. As regards the second part of the question I have no information. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative.

Men. Women. 1. Number of persons in receipt of civil service pensions in 1925–26. 32,810 3,310 Average pension … … … … £ 135 12s. 8d. £73 10s. 1d. Highest pension … … … … £2,000 £629 10s. 8d Lowest pension … … … … 8s. 2d. £2 1s. 3d. (for short service followed by service pensionable from other funds). (for short service following transfer from the National Telephone Company).

2. Number of civil servants who receive additional pension under the Pensions Increase Acts. 10,756 Highest increase awarded £52 Lowest increase awarded 6d.

Numbers pensioned on account of Abolition of office. Ill-health. Age. Other Causes. 242 6,012 4,434 68

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received Reports from His Majesty's Commercial, Diplomatic and Consular Services as to the services they have been able to render to the various Governments of the Empire; and, if so, to what extent since the Imperial Economic Conference Resolution on this point was passed the Governments of the Empire had made use of these Services?

Reports of specific activities under the arrangement in question of the overseas officers referred to are regularly received by the Department of Overseas Trade. From observation of the records furnished, these services appear freely to be made use of throughout the Empire, notably in the case of Canada, South Africa and India.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of persons in receipt of Civil Service pension during 1925–26, men and women separately; the average pension paid and yearly amount of the highest and the lowest pension paid during 1925-26; the number of civil servants who receive additional pension under the Pensions Increase Act; and the rate of the highest and lowest pension so paid, giving the numbers of those who have been pensioned on account of abolition of Office, ill-health, and age, respectively?

The following are the figures asked for:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will consider the regular circulation of particulars of Civil Service examinations to educational institutions and individuals who are prepared to pay a subscription covering the cost of such service?

The Civil Service Commissioners already supply gratis on request a paper, reprinted monthly, in which are given particulars of forthcoming examinations. Copies of the full regulations for any of these examinations may be similarly obtained by persons interested without charge, while an abstract of the regulations for all examinations held by the Commissioners (a new edition of which is now being printed) may be purchased from the Stationery Office. In view of these arrangements, I do not think it necessary to introduce the system suggested in the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of supplementary allowances issued under the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee to officers and other ranks, respectively, who have served in the Navy, Army, or Air Force; and on what basis are these supplementations of pension issued?

The only allowances by way of supplement to pension provided by the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee arc the discretionary allowances in respect of the wives and, children of disabled officers. The approximate number of these allowances at present in issue is 1,950. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Officers' Regulations and would refer him to Regulation 1 under which these allowances are granted. In the case of other ranks, similar allowances are provided for by Articles 1A and 2 of the Royal Warrant by way of flat-rate addition to pension, the number at present in issue being some 450,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions, seeing that the notes on war pensions issued for the guidance of war pensions committees contain combined text of Royal Warrants, Orders in Council, and Orders by His Majesty, Commutation Regulations, and Final Awards Regulations, why the Regulatitions of the Special Grants Committee were not included?

A full distribution of the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee was made to all members of war pensions committees and to voluntary workers. A supply of the Regulations, which were placed on sale, was also sent to the Vote Office for the use of hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Pensions what modifications of the Regulations, Part I, and the Regulations, Part II, of the special grants committee have been made in the past two years; whether the current Regulations are on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office; arid, if not, whether he will arrange for an early issue of the Regulations, Part I and Part II, as amended?

The current Regulations of the Special Grants Committee for Officers, Other Ranks and Nurses were issued in 1923, and the only subsequent change in those Regulations was the addition of a provision for grants in exceptional cases of serious and prolonged ill-health of widows and children of noncommissioned officers and men. Copies of the Regulations are on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office. The Special Grants Committee's Regulations, Part II, dealt with separation and other allowances and grants to the wives and dependants of men serving in the War, and have long since ceased to be operative.

asked the Minister of Pensions if, in view of the results arising from the commutation of war pensions in order to liquidate debts owing to moneylenders, he will take steps, if necessary, to alter the provisions of the Royal Warrant to protect pensioners in this regard?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as to the position. It is not the practice of the Ministry to sanction commutation of a war pension for the purpose of paying debts, either to moneylenders or to other persons.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of contracts awarded by his Department to Elliott's Metal Company, of Birmingham, during the period the present Government has been in office, and what is the total value thereof?

Five contracts have been placed with the firm in the period mentioned. Two of them are for such quantities of wire as the Department may demand up to 31st March, 1927, and the total value cannot therefore be stated precisely, but it is about £34,000.

asked the First Lord of the Admirally the number of contracts awarded by his Department to Elliott's Metal Company, of Birmingham, during the period the present Government has been in office; and what is the total value thereof?

Twenty-one contracts have been placed with Elliott's Metal Company, Limited, during the period in question, involving a total value of some £8,600.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of contracts awarded by his Department to Elliott's Metal Company, of Birmingham, during the period the present Government have been in office; and what is the total amount thereof?

No such contracts have been placed by the Colonial Office. Contracts of this kind are made by the Crown agents for the Colonies on their own responsibility. I have ascertained that, since the 2nd December, 1924, 14 contracts, of the total value of £24,840, have been placed by the Crown agents for the Colonies with this firm.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of men, women and children, respectively, who have emigrated to New Zealand under the Empire Settlements Act, 1922, during the last 12 months, to the last convenient date, together with the number for the corresponding period of the previous year?

The numbers of men, women and children who were assisted under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, to proceed to New Zealand during the 12 months ending 31st May, 1926, and the 12 months ending 31st May, 1925, were as follows:

— Men. Women Children. Total. 1926 … 2,587 2,445 3,765 8,797 1925 … 2,737 2,843 4,172 9,752

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will lay papers before the House giving information about the adoption of land value taxation in the cities of Pretoria and East London, Cape Province, which have now abolished all rates on improvements, and indicating to what extent the policy of local land value rating is in operation in the Transvaal, Natal, Orange Free Stare, and Cape Province?

I fear that I could not undertake to lay papers on this subject, but the Ordinances of the Provinces of the Union of South Africa relating to the matter may be seen in the Library. I am sending the hon. Member a list which may be of assistance to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the amount already promised or paid by the Dominions and Crown Colonies towards the construction of the naval base at Singapore; and whether this will reduce the cost to be borne by the British Government during the current financial year?

So far as the Dominions are concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given as regards Australia to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. J. Scurr) on the 22nd February. Similar considerations apply in the case of New Zealand. As regards the rest of the Empire, the Straits Settlements Government has acquired the land for the naval and air base at a cost of £146,000, and has handed it over as a free gift to His Majesty's Government. Hong Kong has contributed £250,000 representing the profits made out of the local scheme of shipping control during the War, and as I stated in this House in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) on the 28th June, the Federated Malay States have recently voted a contribution of £2,000,000 payable in five annual instalments of £400,000 each. As regards the latter part of the question the cost to British Government funds during the current financial year will he reduced by £130,000, the balance of the contribution of £250,000 by the Hong Kong Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the amount of British capital and the amount of foreign capital invested in the British Dominions and Colonies in the years 1900, 1910, 1920, and in the last year for which figures are available?

I regret that no reliable estimates are available.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that appointments as sheriff substitutes are increasingly given to advocates rather than solicitors; and whether he will give preference in connection with the appointment now under consideration to a member of the solicitor branch of the profession?

I have received a representation to the effect indicated in the first part of the question. In reply to the second part, I can obviously say no more than that the claims of all eligible candidates will be duly considered in connection with any vacant post.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether there is a rule against the collection of money in the Royal parks; and whether, in view of the distress in the mining areas, permission can be granted for miners' choirs to sing in Hyde Park and collect money from those willing to render assistance to miners' dependants?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, the First Commissioner regrets that he cannot make any exception to a rule which is strictly observed in the interests of the general public, and in its operation affects many deserving charities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information as to the approximate date of the issue of the Circular dealing with the administrative action on the lines of the Report of the Departmental Committee on sexual offences against young persons?

The recommendations that do not involve legislation are receiving consideration; but I have been too pressed with other work to consider the terms of a Circular.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the horse-maiming occurrences in the Goole district; and what action has been taken in this regard?

I find on inquiry that there has been one such occurrence. As a man has been arrested and charged with the, offence it would not be right for me to say more.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange with all the local authorities concerned to press forward the construction of the new road between Lyme Regis and Char-mouth, in view of the accidents which are increasing in number and severity occurring under present conditions?

I understand that the county council desire, on grounds of economy, to defer the execution of this work for the present. I am not prepared to interfere in a decision of the county council on this point, but I will discuss the matter with the authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the death of George Basil Joslin, of East Grinstead, who succumbed to injuries received whilst motor-cycling at Buxted, being accompanied by a 16-stone passenger on the rear carrier of the machine; and will he consider legislation with a view to adequately dealing - with such form of pillion riding?

My attention had riot previously been drawn to the accident in question. On the general information which is before me, I do not consider that a case has been made out to justify the introduction of legislation prohibiting pillion riding.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Greek Government has disregarded the rights of a British company, which was granted a concession in Navarino Bay, and has stopped their operations after allowing work to be carried on for two years; and what steps His Majesty's Government is taking, or proposes to take, to safeguard the rights of British nationals?

The Greek Government contend that the concession in question is not valid as it has not been ratified, and that they are therefore justified in suspending the operations of the company. The situation thus created is one of some complexity and is being carefully examined, and I am not for the present in a position to reply to the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Abyssinian agreement with Italy is to be published as a White Paper; and, if so, when?

The Notes exchanged between the United Kingdom and Italy respecting Lake Tsana have already been published as Command Paper No. 2680 (Treaty Series No. 16, 1926).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the British Government has any liability for the payment of principal and interest for loans lent to the German Government under the Dawes Plan; and, if so, the extent of the commitments of His Majesty's Government?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of reparations paid by Germany in 1924–25 under the Dawes plan; what is the amount of loans lent to the German Government in 1924–25; and what proportion of such loans, if any, was subscribed in Great Britain?

The total amount paid by the German Government to the Agent-General for reparation payments during the year ended the 30th September, 1925, in respect of the Dawes Annuities (which cover all Allied claims against Germany arising. out of the Peace Treaties, whether for reparation or otherwise) was 1,000 million gold marks (say £50 million). The total amount raised by the German Government by means of the loan issued in 1924 under the Dawes plan was slightly over 800 million gold marks (£40 million). Bonds to a nominal value of £12 million were subscribed for in London at an issue price of 92 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of

— Service. Number of Pensioners. Total amount paid in 1925–6. Average Pension. Highest Pension. Lowest Pension. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Army, Navy Officers 17,704 5,669,233 320 4 6 1,701 0 0 20 0 0 and R.A.F. Officers' widows 4,410 333,930 75 14 5 466 13 4 13 0 8 Men 156,097 8,385,717 53 14 5 196 16 8 3 16 2 Men's widows 1,802 78,961 43 16 4 211 6 8 3 18 0 Disability Pensions Officers and Nurses. 26,600 3,345,000 125 0 0 1,138 10 0 5 4 0 paid by the Ministry Officers' widows and dependants. 15,800 12,248,000 142 0 0 of Pen- Men 519,000 27,771,000 53 0 0 Sions. Men's widows 506,250 25,546,000 50 0 0 Police Ex-Police Officers 31,680 4,123,666 130 3 4 1,200 0 0 15 6 7 Widows 2,145 60,387 32 7 0 115 0 0 15 0 0 Teachers 25,694 Pensions—£2,684,491 Additional allowances (lumpsums) £1,406,034) 104 9 7 754 1 7 3 2 8 Civil Service 36,120 Pension£4,693,468 Additional allowances (lumpsums) £1,038,151 129 18 10 2,000 0 0 0 18 2 For short service followed by service pensionable from other funds.

— Number of Pensions. Total Amount paid in 1925–6. Average Pension. Highest Pension. Lowest Pension. £ £ s. d. £ £ s. d. Old Age Pensions 1,195,000 27,020,000 25 13 0 26 2 12 0 The figures in the second column represent the total amounts paid to pensioners in the year, including the lump sums payable on retirement (additional allowances), but do not include gratuities payable on death or expenditure on commutation of pensions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many licences have been taken out during the 12 months to the last convenient date for armorial bearings which are painted, marked, or affixed on or to a carriage?

pensioners, the total amount. paid, and the average pension, with the rate of the highest and lowest pension paid to the following for the year ended 31st March, 1926: Army and Navy (including disability pensions), police, teachers, Civil Service, and old age pensions?

The following are the figures:

The number of licences for armorial bearings painted, marked or affixed on or to a carriage taken out in Great Britain during the 12 months ended the 31st March, 1926, was 5,532.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount per head of population distributed on the following services for the year 1925–26, unemployment benefit, Poor Law relief, old age pensions, Service and kindred pensions, including the pensions of school teachers and police, war pensions, health insurance benefits, and domiciliary Poor Law relief?

The figures for Great Britain are estimated as follow:

s. d. Unemployment benefit 20 0 Poor Law relief 19 11 Old age pensions 12 3 Service and kindred pensions 13 6 War pensions (excluding treatment allowances) 25 0 Health insurance benefits 12 6 Outdoor relief (included in Poor Law relief) 8 3

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered at the Employment Exchange at Preston as unemployed at the present time and before the commencement of the coal strike, respectively?

The following table shows the number of persons on the registers of the Preston Employment Exchange at 26th April, 1926, and 5th July, respectively:

Date. Men. Boys. Women. Girls. Total. 1926. 26th April 2,239 49 934 59 3,281 5th July 5,349 200 6,226 380 12,155

asked the Minister of Health in view of the fact that the Report of the National Insurance Audit Department for 1925 shows that, out of 9,304 accounts of approved societies, no less tin 3,586 were the subject of reservations by the auditors on account of irregularities, double the amount reported in 1914, what steps he intends to take?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to paragraph 669 of the Report of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance, in which it is stated thatwhen regard is had to the aggregate amount involved in the annual transactions with State Insurance Funds, the amount adversely reported upon is almost negligible. In 1924, on an expenditure of £19,000,000 audited in that year, only £3,878 was thus reported, a rate of 4s. 0d. per £1,000. This figure shows, we think, reasonable ground for feeling that the accounting of Approved Societies is performed with honesty and accuracy.

The figures for 1925 were slightly better than those for 1924, and while every effort will continue to be made to bring the administrative and accounting work of societies up to the highest possible level, I do not think that the present position in this respect can he regarded as: unsatisfactory.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses in England approved for subsidy to 30th June, 1926, under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, and the estimated capital value of the subsidies for these houses; and the number of houses approved for subsidy to 30th June, 1926, under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, and the estimated capital value of the subsidies for these houses?

The number of houses in England and Wales authorised on the 30th June, 1926, under the Act of 1923 was 303,008 and under the Act of 1924, 137,273; the capitalised value of the annual subsidies payable by the Government if the houses are duly completed being £22,725,600 and £21,686,875, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the output of coal and slack from the coal mines of the British Isles, with wage and salary costs of such output at pit-head, for the two periods January to April, inclusive, 191, and January to April, inclusive, 1926?

It is estimated that the output of saleable coal during the period January to April, 1914, was 921 million tons and the wages cost nearly .,,E2W; million. The corresponding figures for January to April, 1926, are 88 million tons and nearly £50 million. I have no information about salaries other than that supplied by the Mining Association of Great Britain in Table 23, Volume 3, of the Report of the recent Royal Commission.

STATEMENT A. Summary of Action taken on those Recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee which admit of Legislative or Administrative Action. The references are to:— Cmd. 1854. Interim Report on Milk and Milk Products. Cmd. 1892. Interim Report on Fruit and Vegetables. Cmd. 1927. Interim Report on Meat, Poultry and Eggs. Cmd. 1971. Interim Report on Cereals, Flour and Bread. Cmd. 2008. Final Report. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 240. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 42. The Government should consider the advisability of introducing legislation to require holding companies which are in a position similar to that of the United Dairies to file with their annual return at Somerset House a co-ordinated balance sheet giving various particulars. This is a matter for the Board of Trade. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 247. The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with local authorities should take steps to revive and extend the scheme of co-operative dairy schools. A circular on this subject was issued to all local authorities, and steps are taken as opportunity offers. Cmd. 1854: Paragraphs 255 and 256: A standing Milk Advisory Committee should be appointed jointly by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Scottish Board of Health, and the Board of Agriculture A4for Scotland to consider administrative questions affecting the industry. Separate Committees have been set up for England and Wales and for Scotland. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 257: The imposition of a legal minimum standard of fat-content applicable to both home-produced and imported whole milk cheese, and also to cream and milk powder. The Minister of Health has made Regulations which came into force on 1st May, 1925, fixing standards of fat-content for dried milk. The proposal as regards cheese and cream has been the subject of prolonged inquiry, including the examination of a large number of samples by the Government Laboratory. As a result, and after consulting the Milk Advisory Committee, the conclusion has been reached that there is not a sufficient case for the new legislatin which would be required in order to establish legal minimum standards.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in carrying out those recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee which called for legislative or administrative action, and also those which did not admit of legislative or administrative action?

The following statements indicate the progress made in carrying out the various recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee:

Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 258: The Departments of Agriculture, in conjunction with local authorities, should consider the simplest and most direct means of furnishing technical and expert advice lo producers in the preparation, packing, grading and marketing of home dairy produce. Assistance in the direction of education and advice should also be given to cooperative dairy societies engaged primarily in the manufacture of milk products. The giving of such advice forms part of the work of dairy instructresses working under the Education Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture. Experts speak highly of the work done by county staffs, and consider that all that is necessary is that its scope should be extended. A number of counties have been asked to strengthen their staffs on the dairy side. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 260: The problem of the remunerative conversion of whey into other products should continue to receive the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture. An experimental factory for the manufacture of lactose was in existence fur some time, at first under the Ministry and afterwards under University College, Reading. An account of the research conducted on the subject has been published by the Ministry entitled "The Whey Problem and a Solution"—Research Monograph No. 5. Cmd. 1892: Paragraphs 299 and 302: The practice of "averaging returns" is not infrequent among salesmen. It is illegal. Every grower is entitled to receive the actual price realised for his produce. A Bill has been prepared with the object of meeting these recommendations, and will, it is hoped, be introduced into Parliament at an early date. Another illegal practice occasionally resorted to is that of returning to the grower lower prices than those actually realised. This is dishonest. Growers are entitled to know the name of the buyer of their goods, and they should exercise this right more extensively. Some salesmen also act as merchants, buying and selling on their own account according to the trend of the market. It is illegal for a salesman to sell to himself goods he handles on account of a principal. Salesmen should state clearly on each sales account whether they have acted as salesmen or merchants. There is great variety in the methods adopted by salesmen in rendering sales accounts to growers. Every account in respect of a commission sales should show not only the gross selling price and the rate of commission charged, but also the amount of each separate deduction, such as carriage, cartage, carriage on empties, porterage, market tolls, use of empties, telegrams, etc. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 303: Commission salesmen in the wholesale fruit and vegetable markets should operate under licence, such licences to be issued only under clearly defined conditions respecting commission charges and business codes. Failing regulatory action by salesmen themselves, representative associations of growers should bring pressure to bear in the direction of securing legislative action to safeguard the producer against imposition. This recommendation has been fully explored, but involves serious difficulties. The Bill mentioned above will, it is hoped, attain the object which the Committee had in view. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 312: Improvement of existing conditions at Covent Garden Market. The possibility of transferring the market to another site is engaging the attention of the company owning the market. The Ministry is keeping in touch. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 315: The experimental work now being carried out by the University of Bristol at the research factory at Campden in co-operation with the Horticultural Research Station at Long Ashton with regard to the general question of fruit preservation, including canning, is deserving of every encouragement and should be pressed forward. A grant of over £4,000 has been made to Campden this year, and two additional research workers have recently been appointed. Special arrangements are already in existence at the Campden factory for the instruction of county staffs in the commercial preservation of fruit and vegetables. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 316: The domestic bottling of fruit is capable of considerable expansion, and should be encouraged. The Departments of Agriculture, in conjunction with local authorities, should endeavour to educate the public in the most economical methods. Courses in fruit and vegetable preservation are held for county instructors and others at the Campden factory. Instructresses in fruit preservation are attached to sonic county councils; in other counties, the horticultural instructors give the instruction required. Jam making, fruit and vegetable drying and fruit bottling on a domestic scale have also been dealt with in leaflets issued by the Ministry. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 318: The preservation of fruit and vegetables by refrigeration is in an experimental stage in this country.. … Growers and growers' organisations should consider the advisability of erecting refrigerating plant in areas where supplies of good-class fruit are regularly in excess of the immediate demand. Growers and growers' organisations are interesting themselves in this problem. A conference on cold storage for fruit was held at the Imperial Fruit Show in 1924, and was addressed by officers of the Low Temperature Station for Research in Biochemistry and Biophysics, who explained to the growers present the nature of the research which has so far been carried out. The question will receive further consideration in a Report on Fruit Marketing which is in course of preparation for issue in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications. Cmd. 1892 Paragraph 319. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 42. The attention of growers should also be drawn to the cold storage accommodation which exists in certain of the larger cities. The Department of Agriculture should publish particulars of such accommodation. Inquiries have been made to ascertain the amount of cold storage available for fruit in the principal markets. It has been found that special provision for fruit exists only in a few cases, and is not in great demand. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 322. Export markets for ware potatoes. The Department of Overseas Trade should, through its representatives abroad, provide information as to such markets and assist exporters in pushing the sale of ware potatoes surplus to home requirements. This matter has been brought to the notice of the Department of Overseas Trade, whose officers have been asked to collect information as to the prospects of developing the sale of English ware potatoes abroad. In addition, it is the normal practice of the Ministry to take every opportunity of securing modifications in the Regulations of importing countries in order to facilitate this trade. Where such Regulations require inspection and certification of potatoes before export the Ministry undertakes this on behalf of exporters. Valuable modifications of the Uruguayan, Argentine and French Regulations have been secured within the last few years. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 324. Efforts should be made to discover suitable non-returnable containers for fruit and vegetables. Many non-returnable packages have been introduced through the grading and packing scheme of the Federation of British Growers. The Ministry has secured the agreement of the trade upon standard non-returnable packages for strawberries. The subject will be further dealt with in a Report on the Marketing of Fruit which will shortly be issued in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 326: Growers should be required to declare the count or number of fruit or vegetables in each package of produce marketed, or the minimum net weight of produce it contains. In cases where produce is sold on. any other basis, a standard package should be used. The Horticultural Advisory Council has endorsed this recommendation, but the proposal presents difficulties, particularly as it would also have to he applied to imported produce. Attention is, however, drawn to the Sale of Food, (Weights and Measures) Bill now before Parliament. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 327. The general question of reducing the variety of packages in common use by the home-grower should receive the earnest attention of all branches of the industry, in order to secure greater uniformity throughout the trade. As in the case of the previous recommendation, the difficulties are great, but the industry is alive to the importance of this problem. The subject will be further dealt with in a Report on the Marketing of Fruit, which will shortly be issued in the Ministry's Economic Series of Publications. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 330. The instruction already arranged by the Ministry of Agriculture in the grading and packing of apples should be continued and extended to cover other varieties of produce. Local authorities have been asked to undertake instruction in the grading and packing of fruit and numerous demonstrations have been given. In 1923, the Ministry imported a Cutler grading machine from America, the use of which was demonstrated to growers in various districts in co-operation with Local Authorities and Growers' Associations. In 1924, the Ministry equipped an apple grading and packing station at Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, at which instruction was given to officers of local authorities in the methods of grading and packing and in the management of the Station. The Station has since been acquired by the local growers who formed a co-operative society for the purpose, which received a loan under the Ministry's scheme of advances to co-operative marketing undertakings. The working of the large fruit packing stations in Canada and U.S.A. and the methods of grading and packing employed in marketing broccoli in France have been investigated. Demonstrations have been given at Penzance, which is the centre of the Cornish broccoli industry, and efforts are being made to secure the establishment of a broccoli packing station in Cornwall. The Ministry's officers are also studying the methods of grading and packing flowers. This subject will also receive consideration in the Report on Fruit Marketing which will appear in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 337: The broadcasting of market prices by wireless telephony would be advantageous and merits investigation. If any effective scheme can be devised by the growers' associations the Departments of Agriculture and the General Post Office should co-operate in securing its adoption. Agricultural information is being broadcast by the Ministry each week. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 338: The. Departments of Agriculture, in conjunction with representatives of growers' organisations, should consider the possibility of publishing more comprehensive information regarding the total annual production of fruit and vegetable crops in this country. Returns of the extent of fruit growing have been obtained in greater detail and estimates of the production of fruit have been published in Part II of the Agricultural Statistics. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 339: The Departments of Agriculture and the representative associations of growers should consider whether earlier information in regard to vegetables could not be published during the planting season in order that the prospects of quantities available for market may be made known at an earlier date than at present. The recommendation has been looked into, but it is not considered possible to collect earlier information of a reliable nature as to the area of crops. Cmd. 1927: Paragraphs 369 and 370: If sufficiently supported, legislation should be introduced rendering it compulsory to weigh and exhibit or announce the weight of all fat cattle, sheep and pigs before sale. In the event of a preponderance of opinion in favour of compulsory sale by live weight, the Ministry of Agriculture should promote the necessary legislation. A Bill is at present before Parliament with the object of making it compulsory to weigh before sale all fat cattle offered for sale at auction marts. Cmd. 1927: Paragraphs 385 and 386: Public abattoir policy and powers of local authorities. This is a matter for the Ministry of Health. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 372: The Ministry of Agriculture should reconsider the exemptions granted under the Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Acts, 1887 and 1891, and administer the Statutes as firmly as possible. This is being done. Cmd. 1927: Paragraphs 398 and 445: It is desirable that means should, if possible, be devised to secure the effective marking of meat and eggs. This proposal is covered by the Merchandise Marks (Imported Goode) Bill now before a Committee of the House of Commons. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 400: The Departments of Agriculture should continue to encourage the scientific investigation of practical points connected with animal husbandry, and adequate funds should be placed at the disposal of these Departments to sustain and extend the work which is now in hand. The Ministry has for some years, through the medium of its livestock schemes, endeavoured to promote the improvement of breeding both for meat and milk production, and grants are made to research institutions for investigations into animal husbandry. This work is now being considerably developed. The attention of societies under the livestock improvement schemes should be directed to the necessity for improving stock for meat-producing purposes. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 404: The home curing of bacon on the farm and in villages should be encouraged. Instruction in bacon curing should he arranged at centres of agricultural education. A leaflet on the subject. has been issued. Instruction in the home-curing of bacon is given at two centres. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 420: The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with curers, should make a definite and authoritative pronouncement as to the best type of pig for the production of bacon. The schemes of these Departments for the improvement of livestock, so far as they relate to premium boars, should be adapted to the necessities of the trade. Several Conferences with bacon curers and others interested have been held by the Ministry. and a leaflet dealing with this question has been given wide publicity both by distribution to applicants and through the medium of Education Authorities. Lectures are also being given in various parts of the country. The livestock schemes of the Ministry take into consideration local requirements as to breed and type of pig required, and the Department reserves the right to refuse premiums to boars unless it me satisfied that the breed is suitable to the needs of the district. The question also receives attention in a Report on Pig Marketing which has been completed for early issue in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 394: Domestic economy instruction in educational centres can be most usefully directed to the encouragement of the economical utilisation of the cheaper joints. This matter has been considered by the Inter-departmental Committee of the Ministry and the Board of Education; the National Federation of Women's Institutes has been asked to consider the circulation of information on the subject in the form of a leaflet. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 403: City Corporation should arrange for the publication of prices of meat. The Ministry brought this recommendation to the notice of the Corporation, and effect has now been given to it. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 425: In view of the close relationship between co-operative dairying and co-operative bacon production, the Ministry of Agriculture should devise means of supporting an experiment for the co-operative production of bacon in conjunction with a co-operative cheese school. The desirability of connecting, where possible co-operative dairy schools with cooperative bacon factories is recognised, and action will be taken when a suitable opportunity arises. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 430: Proprietors of cold storage accommodation in this country should be required to furnish detailed particulars at regular intervals of the total quantity of meat of various kinds held in cold store. At present no machinery exists by which such information may be made available to the consuming public. This is a matter for the Board of Trade. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 434. The General Post Office, the railway companies, and the various road transport companies should consider the possibility of introducing a system of returning empty egg boxes at a nominal charge. The railway companies already have special favourable rates for empties, but these appear to be subject to a minimum weight of 28 lb.' The arrangement between. the Post Office and the railway companies for the conveyance of the parcel post based on the Parcel Post Acts of 1882 and 1922 preclude the introduction of a cheaper rate for returned empties. Cmd. 1854: Paragraphs 253, 259. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 294. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 435. The Post Office Authorities should consider the question of a cash-on-delivery service, and make an experimental test of the system over a sufficient period of time. The railway companies should also consider the advisability of adopting a cash-on-delivery system. A Cash-on-Delivery Service has been inaugurated by the General Post Office, but the railway companies have not yet adopted the system. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 451. A profitable trade might be established in this country by the sale of " broilers " or young cockerels, taken from laying flocks and fattened and killed at about 10 to 12 weeks old. Suitable propaganda should be conducted. This will be dealt with in a Report on Poultry Marketing which is being prepared for issue in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 458. The preservation of eggs in times of glut is an enterprise which co-operative societies might undertake with advantage. The economic possibility of preserving eggs by cold storage in the spring should be considered in conjunction with the cold storage of fruit during other seasons. This subject was dealt with in the Report on Egg Marketing (Economic Series No. 10). Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 86. Additional statistics of prices at markets where produce is sold by producers may be desirable, and, if necessary, additional funds should be placed at the disposal of the Departments for this purpose. In view of the need for reducing expenditure, no proposal on these lines has been put forward. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 89. It may be possible by collaboration between the Departments of Agriculture and Labour to secure a more complete and comparable record of producers' and consumers' prices, and we recommend that the Departments concerned should explore every possibility in this direction. The Ministry obtains information as to wholesale or producers' prices for most agricultural commodies and publishes it in the " Agricultural Market Report." Information as to retail prices is collected by the Ministry of Labour and is published monthly in the Ministry of Labour " Gazette." The possibility of using this information for the comparison of producers' and consumers' prices has been considered by the Ministry in consultation with the Ministry of Labour, but the information available is not of the kind which is essential to provide a satisfactory basis for comparison. There are serious difficulties in ensuring that any wholesale and retail prices which are compared refer to the same grade or quality, and in deciding what is the average retail price of any commodity having regard to the services such as delivery, credit, etc., which may or may not be included. In addition wholesale and retail prices are not exactly comparable in point of time and retail prices usually lag behind wholesale prices. A Memorandum on the subject was submitted to the Royal Commission on Food Prices, and is included in the evidence published by that body. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 94. Instruction in the subject of marketing should be included in the courses at Farm Institutes and other educational centres where practicable. Effect is being given to this recommendation as far as possible. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 95. The Ministry of Agriculture should consider the advisability of obtaining funds to allow of the appointment of a marketing advisory officer in each of the educational districts into which the country is at present divided. The Ministry has recently established a scheme under which Advisory and Investigational Officers in Agricultural Economics are stationed in certain of the educational districts. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 97. The Departments of Agriculture should devote snore attention to marketing and to commercial problems than has hitherto, been the case. They should keep a close watch on the whole system of marketing and distribution of agricultural produce. The material accumulated and published by the Committee in the course of our inquiry should he collated and kept up to date. The Ministry has set up a special Markets and Co-operation Branch for the purpose referred to and has appointed a number of marketing officers to carry out an extensive survey of the whole system of marketing and marketing methods in this country. These investigations are now in progress. The following Reports have been issued to date: Co-operative Marketing of Agricultural Produce in England and Wales. Large Scale Co-operative Marketing in the United States. The Co-operative Purchase of Agricultural Requisites in England and Wales. The Trade in Refrigerated Beef, Mutton and Lamb. Wool Marketing in England and Wales. Marketing of Potatoes in England and Wales. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Action taken. Egg Marketing in England and Wales. Reports on the Marketing of pigs and poultry will be published at an early date, together with a survey of markets and marketing facilities in the Midland Counties. These will be followed by reports on the marketing of other commodities, and on markets and marketing facilities in other parts of the country. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 100. The Government Departments concerned should collect and publish information as to the control and ownership of markets and any relative information likely to be useful. So far as the Ministry of Agriculture is concerned, this proposal is receiving consideration in connection with the marketing investigations referred to above. As stated, a Report on the markets and marketing facilities in the Midland Counties is nearing completion and will be published at an early date. Cmd. 1854 , Paragraph 246: Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 336: Cmd. 1927: Paragraphs 426, 459 Cmd. 2008: Paragraphs 73–78: Advances to Agricultural Co-operative Societies. A sum of money is provided by Parliament to enable the Ministry to make loans to develop forms of co-operation directed to the preparation and marketing of agricultural produce. A committee of business men and persons interested in co-operation has been appointed to advise the Ministry in regard to the making of these loans. Loans to the extent of about £36,000 have been approved to date. Cmd. 1927: Paragraphs 373, 379, 388, 437: The Departments of Health should use their influence to restrict the market tolls and charges levied by local authorities. The Ministry of Health consults the Ministry of Agriculture in this matter and such action as is possible is taken in the direction suggested. All Reports: Railway rates and charges. The Committee's recommendations have been brought to the notice of the railway companies and of the Ministry of Transport. All Reports: General recommendations with regard to the promotion of agricultural co-operation. The Ministry is giving continuous attention to this question in connection with the marketing investigations at present in hand. Reports on the Co-operative Marketing of Agricultural Produce in England and Wales (Economic Series No. 1) and the Co-operative Purchase of Agricultural Requisites (Economic Series No. 5) have been published. STATEMENT B. Summary of certain. recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee which do not admit of legislative or administrative action. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Remarks. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 225: Businesses engaged in the combined operation of wholesaling-retailing in London and elsewhere on a margin of is. a gallon should be in a position to make some concession either to producer or to consumer. The Board of Trade held a conference on the 17th July, 1923, attended by representatives of the milk trade, to discuss the Committee's Report. By the contracts made under the N. F . U. scheme for the year 1923-24 the combined margin was reduced to 11d. per gallon during three months in Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Remarks. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 225— continued. the winter. In 1924–25 the combined margin for six months was reduced to 9½d. per gallon. In 1925–26 the marriage have been: Six winter months, 11d.; April, 8d.; May to July, 1s. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 227: The practice which obtains in certain parts of the country of farmers selling milk to their own employés at wholesale rates should be more generally adopted. Under the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924, it is permissible for local wages committees to fix the rate at which milk is to be calculated as a benefit in lieu of cash wages. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 231: The principle of collective bargaining as exemplified in the recent agreements between milk producers and distributors is sound and should be maintained. The method of buying excess supplies on the basis of their potential value for manufacturing purposes is a feature of special importance. The principle of collective bargaining has been more extensively adopted. The method of paying for excess quantities on the basis of the price of imported cheese has been maintained as regards London and Birmingham. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 232: As regards the existing London agreement, the deduction from farmers' prices made by creamery proprietors in respect of transit risks should be substantially reduced. The deduction made was reduced as regards 1925-26 contracts to ld. per gallon throughout the year. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 233. As regards future agreements, producers and distributors should consider the advisability of providing for the purchase of milk at farmers' stations, rather than at those of the buyers, in order to avoid excessive haulage by rail. So far as is known, the principle of purchase at farmers' station has not been adopted. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 234. Producers should press for a form of contract with distributors which enables them to retain the option of disposing of the surplus in the most remunerative manner on their own farms or under their own auspices. The forms of contract in use this year allow producers to retain surplus milk on their farms where agreement has been reached with the distributor. Cmd. 1854: Paragraph 250. The Railway Companies should consider the question of differential rates in favour of the 10- or 12-gallon churn as against the 17-gallon churn now largely used, in view of the saving in truck space that would result. The question of differential rates for 10- or 12-gallon churns as against 17-gallon churns has been considered by a Joint Committee of the N.F.U. and the Railway Companies' Association. The companies are not prepared to give special rates for the smaller churns on the ground that any saving in truck space would be more than counterbalanced by extra cost of handling. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 293. Installation of Post Office telephones at Railway Station Offices. The railway companies are extending telephone systems to goods yards, etc., but this can only be done where it is economically justified. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 295. In many of the principal distributive markets porterage is charged on the produce handled. These charges should be clearly scheduled, exhibited in each market, and revised from time to time to meet changing conditions. This is receiving consideration in the survey now being undertaken by the Ministry into markets and marketing facilities throughout the country. Reference to Repert, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Remarks. Cmd. 1892: Paragraph 296. Many growers undertake their own unloading, but in some markets derive no corresponding relief from porterage charges. Certain charges on unloading at Covent Garden and the Borough Market should only be enforced when unloading is required by the grower, and should otherwise be substantially reduced or discontinued. So far as Covent Garden is concerned, this recommendation has been carried out as from January, 1924. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 368: There is evidence that butchers and dealers frequently form " rings " at auction sales. The representative organisations of dealers and butchers, in consultation with the Auctioneers' Institute, should endeavour to put a stop to this practice. Collaboration between the Auctioneers' Institute and the representative organisations of dealers and butchers in regard to this matter has not been found practicable. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 374: Sales accounts rendered by auctioneers should state clearly the gross price realised and the deductions made, such as tolls, commission and any other charges. The profession should adopt this method for all sales of stock in the markets. The Auctioneers' Institute has discussed this recommendation, but does not consider that any advantage would accrue to either producer or consumer by its adoption. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 390: The current rate of commission at Smithfield is 4d. per stone of 8 lbs. and is almost exactly double the pre-War charge per unit weight of fresh meat handled. This increase is greater than is justified. So far as is known, there has been no move in the direction of reducing this charge. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 408: In all markets where such a course is feasible, a system of insurance against loss from postmortem condemnation should be initiated. The parties concerned should endeavour to promote the formation of schemes, while the Auctioneers' Institute might with advantage collaborate and advise. Local authorities possessing public abattoirs should do all in their power to encourage these endeavours. This question has been discussed between the National Farmers' Union and the National Federation of Meat Traders' Associations. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 421: Bacon curers should adopt a system of payment for quality. They seem reluctant to do so for fear of offending producers. In Denmark the permanence of the supply of suitable bacon pigs has been assured by the establishment, in conjunction with the factories, of breeding centres, from which producers can obtain suitable stock. This is a question which has been brought to the public notice by the Press, and in articles in the Ministry's Journal_ For example see page 513 of Ministry's Journal for September, 1923. Cmd. 1927: Paragraph 447: The production of table poultry in this country might be developed to a greater extent. Retailers should seek to increase their sales by aiming at a somewhat lower margin of profit and thus converting the poultry trade into less of a luxury business than it is at present. This will be dealt with in a Report on Poultry Marketing which is shortly to be issued in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications. Cmd. 1971: Paragraph 196: Experimental establishment of granaries or warehouses in grain-producing areas. The possibility of any action on these lines is being investigated in connection with the marketing investigations which the Ministry has now in hand. Reference to Report, Paragraph, and Recommendation. Remarks. Cmd. 1971: Paragraph 229: Production and sale of Yeoman flour and the all-English loaf. much has been done in the direction of selling all-English flour within the limits of available supply. A leaflet entitled "Home Grown Wheat for Bread making" (No. 79) has recently been issued by the Ministry. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 19: Organisations of producers should make it their business to study closely the systems of marketing and distribution. Organisations of producers are devoting increasing attention to these matters. Cmd. 2008: Paragraph 49: Lack of account-keeping in small businesses. Need for training young men in retail business methods. It is understood that training of this nature is provided at a number of centres throughout the country. Cmd. 2008: Paragraphs 50 and 53: Possibility of reduction of retail prices by reduction in services (delivery, etc.) demanded by consumers, Establishment of retail markets under municipal control. Retail markets will receive consideration in the Report on markets and marketing facilities in the Midland Counties which;s approaching completion for issue in the Ministry's Economic Series of publications.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of animals that have been killed by lightning during last year to the latest convenient date?

I am not in possession of this information.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any action as recommended by the Imperial Economic Committee in 1925 for the encouragement of inter-Empire trade in pedigree stock?

The recommendation to which my hon. Friend refers has been considered by the Empire Marketing Board, who have asked my Department to prepare a scheme for their consideration. I propose to consult the Board of Agriculture for Scotland and the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has decided to institute an agricultural survey; and, if so, what terms of reference he proposes to lay down?

I would refer the hon. Member to the oral reply given to-day to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for North Norfolk (Mr. Buxton).