asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent conviction of Mr. William Jones, 3, Wagstaffe Buildings, Sumner Street, Southwark; whether he is aware that Police-constable 478, M. Division, Charles Hutchings, who declined to give evidence in support of the officers who effected the arrest, but who was not called upon to give evidence either for or against the prisoner, has been fined, reprimanded, and transferred as the result of disciplinary proceedings taken against him; that the police-constable has resigned rather than submit to the alleged unjust treatment; and whether, in view of the effect of police evidence upon which the prisoner was convicted and sentenced, he will consider the establishment of a tribunal under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, to inquire fully into this matter, on the ground that it is one of definite and urgent public importance?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that since the arrest of William Jones in Sumner Street, Southwark, on 8th May, for an alleged offence under the Emergency Powers Regulations, and for which, on police evidence, he was found guilty and sentenced to three months' imprisonment, Police-constable Charles Hutchings has resigned from the Metropolitan Police rather than submit to disciplinary action taken against him for matters arising out of his protest against the manner of the arrest of, and the evidence given against, Jones; and whether, in view of the issues raised in respect of both the constable and the convicted man, and in order that there shall be no question of a miscarriage of justice in either case, he will authorise the whole matter to be inquired into by a tribunal set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921?

I have made inquiry and find that the ex-constable was at the Court to give evidence on a minor point, but his evidence was not required. He was not in a position to see the act in respect of which Jones was arrested, and there was no question of his giving evidence with regard thereto. The offence in respect of which disciplinary action was taken against him was the use of obscene and insulting language to another member of the force. The whole case was fully investigated in accordance with the disciplinary procedure of the Metropolitan Police, and I can find nothing to suggest the need for any further investigation as regards either the case of the prisoner or that of the ex-constable.

In view of the fact that this police officer was present on the occasion, but was not shown on the charge sheet, and as his evidence was not brought to the notice of the magistrate does the right hon. Gentleman think that the magistrate would, in fact, have sentenced the prisoner to three months, if he had had the evidence of this constable?

I do not understand the question. It is not a question of whether the constable was a witness for prosecution or not. The police did not want a, witness for the prosecution except on a particular point, and the constable was not called on behalf of the defendant nor did the defendant ask to have him called.

As this police officer was the principal officer in the case and was on duty in the thoroughfare when the man was arrested, should not his evidence, whether for or against the prisoner, have been brought to the notice of the magistrate?

I do not think he was the principal officer at all and, as I understand, he was not in a position to see the act for which the man was arrested. The hon. Gentleman will forgive me if I say that he is mixing up two. One question is whether the man was rightly convicted or not, and I would point out there can be an appeal from the decision. The other question is whether the constable was properly disciplined for using this language to another member of the force, and I am bound to say I think he was.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the officers who made the complaint against this constable were in fact, all giving evidence before the magistrate, and, if so, why were they not shown on the charge sheet?

I must have notice of that question. I cannot say definitely whether they were shown on the charge sheet or not.

Has this man been released, or is he still serving the sentence?

I must ask for notice of that question also. I cannot carry all the details of every case in my head.

Is it not the fact that this man was actually released, after representations had been made by me to the right hon. Gentleman and after he had served only five weeks of the sentence and does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the matter might be looked into further?

Now that the hon. Member reminds me of the fact, I find that is so. I have been rather confused as between the two hon. Gentlemen who have put these questions. The hon. Member for Southwark (Mr. H. Guest) did come to me, and I did look into the case personally, and I did release the man. That shows that I took the case very fully into my own personal consideration, because I do not release prisoners without careful consideration. In doing that, I also considered the case of the police constable raised by the hon. Member for Edge Hill (Mr. Hayes), and went fully into it, and I am convinced that justice has been done.

Is there not a similarity between this case and the case of Major Shepperd and the famous case of Stinie Morrison, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman set up a tribunal in this case as has been done in similar cases?

I have told the House that I went into this matter very fully. If the hon. Member has any further information which he likes to put before me to convince that there should be a further inquiry, I will consider it. At present I have released one man, and I do not think there is any need for any further inquiry in regard to the other.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has had an opportunity of examining the claims made by some inhabitants of Poplar who were injured and had property destroyed by the police after the baton charge made by them on 12th May last; and what action he proposes to take to meet the claims?

I am not aware that any property was destroyed by the police. Three claims for compensation under the Riot (Damages) Act, which have been submitted, have not yet been determined but are being examined by the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District, who is the authority for dealing with such claims arising in the district.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a report from the police-inspector of Poplar who went down on purpose and was shown the property which was destroyed, in one case of the value of nearly £20?

I have received several police reports in regard to this matter, but while the case is pending it would be quite improper that I should ask for details, or to announce them in this House.

Might I remind the Home Secretary—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the answer he has just given he says that he is not aware that any property was destroyed by the police?

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that Mr. Henry Bolton, Chairman of the Blaydon Urban District Council, has been removed from the county bench on account of having been convicted, during the time of the general strike, of an offence against the Emergency Regulations; and whether, in view of the circumstances at the time, and the position of Mr. Bolton on the urban district council, he will make representations to the Lord Chancellor as to the possibility of reconsidering the matter?

Mr. Henry Bolton, who was a justice of the peace by virtue of his office of Chairman of the Blaydon Urban District Council, has been excluded from the exercise of his functions as a justice by the Lord Chancellor in consequence of his conviction for a serious offence under the Emergency Regulations, 1926. The Lord Chancellor has carefully considered the matter, and has decided that he cannot alter his decision.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether such a decision would still remain in operation if Mr. Bolton were to be appointed Chairman of the Council next year?

I think that that is a hypothetical question.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the nuisance caused in the Metropolitan area by motor cars being driven with open cut-outs, especially at night; and if he will give instructions to the police to enforce a stricter observance of the law in this respect?

I have given this matter my attention. The police do all they can to secure observance of the law, and summonses for extensive noise are frequently taken out by them, over 5,000 being taken out last year and over 3,000 in the first six months of this year. Comparatively speaking, I am glad to say that the use of "cut-outs" in the Metropolitan area is not a common one, and the noise complained of is more probably caused by inefficient silencers, particularly in the case of motor cycles. The question of improving silencers in motor cycles is now under discussion between the Ministry of Transport and the British Cycle and Motor Cycle Manufacturers' and Traders' Union.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see what can be done to get silencers put on in the shunting yards at railways?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of motor accidents, particularly in connection with motor bicycles, which are now taking place; and whether, in view of this, he will instruct the police authorities to prosecute more rigorously the riders of motor bicycles who are travelling at very high speeds, in preference to instituting prosecutions against motor-car drivers who, under reasonable conditions of traffic, drive their cars at a speed which slightly exceeds that laid down by law?

I can only say that the police will continue to do all they can to check the driving of both motor cars and motor cycles at speeds which are dangerous to the public.

In view of recent accidents, especially to pillion riders, wilt the right hon. Gentleman take some steps so that the large number of deaths, and fatal accidents may be averted?

I am not quite sure of the incidence of accidents due to pillion riding, but perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Newton Urban District Council refusing to sanction the use of foreign coal, which will result in the district being without water and light in a few days; and what action he proposes to take to see that the needs of this locality are provided for?

I am informed that the council have now rescinded their resolution. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Home Secretary the number of police constables and officers transferred to the Westhoughton township for special duties; how many are billeted at the local Conservative club premises; what are the terms upon which they are billeted there; how long is it proposed to retain them in the township; whether efforts have been made to find billets for them elsewhere; and whether he will now take steps to remove them from the Conservative club premises and place them altogether outside the possibility of political influence?

The total number of men transferred to Westhoughton is one inspector, three sergeants and 36 constables, of whom one inspector, two sergeants and 32 constables are accommodated at the premises mentioned. 1s. per day is charged for each man for the sleeping accommodation; meals are obtained elsewhere. The chief constable cannot say how long it may be necessary to retain the men in the township: he has been unable to find suitable accommodation elsewhere.

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Chief Constable of Lancashire that he should endeavour to find room for these officers elsewhere; and is he aware that some of the officers who are operating in Westhoughton have found places outside the town?

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any complaint from these constables as to their environment?

None whatever. As regards the Supplementary Question of the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Davies) he has been in the Home Office and he knows that one has to be careful in regard to chief constables who are independent officers. I can only ask them for information, and I have received the information. I can also transmit a complaint, and, if the hon. Member has any complaint from any member of this force, then of course I will transmit it to the Chief Constable.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it desirable that police officers should be billeted in a political club to whatever party it may belong?

They must be billeted somewhere and it is always difficult, as the hon. Member knows, to get billets for police officers and others away from their own homes. This was the most convenient place in which to billet them, and there have been other cases of men being billeted in other clubs of other political parties and there has been no complaint.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any control of the police outside the Metropolitan Police area?

Yes, I have a certain control. There is a financial relationship between the Government and the police outside the area and where there is a financial relationship there is always a certain amount of control.

Are we to understand then that the right hon. Gentleman can answer questions relating to police outside the Metropolitan area?

Mr. Speaker will consider the relevancy of any question which may be put.

Is it not better as these men have to be billeted in a dub that it should be in a Conservative club.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to an outbreak of intimidation against miners who wish to work in the Forest of Dean; and what steps he is taking to afford them protection?

I am aware that there have recently been a number of cases of intimidation. The police have been, and are, taking very active measures. The available strength in the coalfield has been considerably increased and further reinforcements can be sent immediately, if required. I have every confidence in the chief constable who is in close touch with my office. Proceedings have been instituted in some 60 cases, 12 of which were dealt with by the magistrates on Tuesday. I think my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the miners who wish to work will be fully protected.

Will this protection be given to these men, not only in that event, but in any form of intimidation from their union if it tries to fine them for working?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the hon. and gallant Member for Torquay (Commander Williams) that if he cares to go down the mine, he will have the same protection?

As to the first supplementary question, I think that is not under the jurisdiction of the Home Office. It is a matter for the Secretary for Mines. With respect to the second supplementary question, if any man wishes to work in a mine, he will be given protection.

Will the hon. and gallant Member for Torquay take note of that reply?

Is the Home Secretary aware that a number of mineworkers engaged in out-crop work, on coming away from that work, used provocative language to others whom they met? Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to prevent that?

What form will that protection take?

The hon. Gentleman should put that question down.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the decision of the Manchester Board of Guardians to stop all relief to the miners who are locked out in the Manchester district; and. will he say whether the guardians have taken this action at his request?

As the hon. Member is aware, the relief of miners is lawful only within the limits laid down in the Merthyr Tydfil judgment and re-stated in the circular letter issued by me on the 5th May. It was reported to me that certain miners were beings relieved in the Manchester Union in the belief that the judgment did not apply to them. I accordingly informed the guardians, after making inquiries, that on the information before me these miners appeared to be in precisely the same position as persons ordinarily employed in mines in other parts of the country and that relief could only be afforded to them within the limits mentioned. I understand that the guardians are now complying with the law in this matter.

Seeing these men are unemployed through no fault of their own, will the right hon. Gentleman get the Government to introduce legislation so that these men and women will not have to starve?

I cannot accept the premises of the hon. Member's question.

They are locked out.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the present stoppage is in any sense a lock-out?

You ought to go and work.

It would be a new experience.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet prepared to answer the question whether it is with his sanction that boards of guardians refuse relief to boys in the colliery districts who have never been employed in coal mining?

The sanction of the Minister of Health is not required for the exercise of the discretion of boards of guardians in individual cases, as long as they are acting within the limits of the law. I may, however, say that in my opinion the position of boys who have never been engaged in the mining industry would not be affected by the Merthyr Tydvil judgment.

If this board of guardians do not do their duty, will the Minister, under the new Bill which is about to become an Act, have the power to take over its work?

There is no reference in the question to any particular board of guardians.

Is the Minister aware that I raised this matter on the 15th June on the Motion for the Adjournment, I and the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. Mardy Jones); and in those circumstances does he agree with the statement of the Parliamentary Secretary that the matter had never been brought to his attention?

If the hon. Member says that is so, I accept her statement. I can only say that the matter had not come to my personal attention until the Debate the other day.

In view of the fact that many boards of guardians are refusing relief to boys who have never been employed in collieries, will the Minister give instructions to guardians that they are acting in error?

I dare say that will not be necessary after the publicity that has now been given to the opinions I have expressed.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman send a circular letter to some guardians who had decided not to pay stating that they ought to pay, and cannot he do the same in the case of these boys?

I shall do whatever I think is necessary.

Arising from that answer, which was a very nasty answer, I want to ask the Minister if he will give those instructions?

asked the Secretary for Mines the average weekly earnings in the mining industry for the last available period, together with the profits made by the industry during the War?

I have been asked to reply. The average weekly wage of all classes of workpeople (including boys) employed at coal mines during the March quarter, 1926, was 53s. 4d. As regards the second part of the question, it is impossible, for the reasons given in Appendix 38 in the Third Volume of the Royal Commission's Report, to separate the War period for this purpose from the period of control, which lasted beyond it. But during the eight years 1914–1921 the average annual profit is estimated to have been £22.7 millions, and the average amount annually paid in wages, £154.3 millions.

Is the average wage calculated on the basis of a six-day week, or is it the actual wage received, in view of short time and so on?

I will make inquiries about that.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal-miners have returned to work in the coal mines since the Coal Mines Bill became law?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. Returns of employment are made weekly, and the first return for a period following the passage of the Act will be that for the present week.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the board of guardians of the Bolton Union decided yesterday to discontinue out-relief either in cash or kind to dependants of miners at present out of employment and whether he will make urgent representations to the Board as to their statutory obligations to afford relief to destitute persons.

This decision has not previously been brought to my notice, but I will make immediate inquiries. I may, however, say that while boards of guardians are bound to grant necessary relief, the form in which that relief is to be given is a matter for their decision.

If the facts of the case are as I have given them, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the Bolton guardians carry out their statutory duties?

I cannot say what steps I shall take until I have exact information.

asked the Rome Secretary whether he is aware that the governor of Bedford Prison advised the prison doctor on several occasions on and after 19th May to remove prisoner Russell to a hospital cell and inform the relatives of the prisoner's serious illness; that this advice was not acted upon; that the doctor stated that the man was not seriously ill and would be all right in a day or two; that the governor reported to the Prison Commissioners that he was not satisfied that the doctor had done all that could have been done for the prisoner; whether these points were considered at the Home Office inquiry; and whether the Prison Commissioners took into account, when submitting their recommendations to him, the 36 years of unblemished record of the governor and his consistent advocacy for many years of prison and penal reform?

I am very sorry to have to answer questions which compel me to go into details concerning the degree of blameworthiness of an officer who, apart from this painful incident, had a long record of valuable service to his credit, and I will be as brief as possible. Every point that could be urged in his favour was considered at the inquiry, and every factor was taken into consideration by the Commissioners and by me. But the responsibility of the governor of a prison for what goes on under his management must be recognised, and I felt that it was my clear duty after what had happened in this case to take the course that I announced to the House a fortnight ago.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that, for the year ending 31st December, 1925, out of a total of 668 male aliens from European countries who were granted certificates of naturalisation 340 were Russians; and what steps are taken to ascertain that these aliens have proper means of subsistence and will not become a charge upon the rates in the near future or displace employed persons in this country?

I am aware of the figures quoted, which appear in the last Annual Return. I endeavour, by utilising the various means of inquiry at my disposal, to see that all relevant considerations are taken into account in each case before a certificate of naturalisation is granted. The question of displacement of labour does not arise seeing that only resident aliens can be naturalised.

May I point out to the right hon. Gentleman—

Order, order?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the Soviet Government will not repatriate certain of its subjects whom we wish to deport, he will consider the desirability in future of refusing any entry permits to Russian subjects whom the Soviet Government want to send to this country until for each one they take back one of the persons whom we wish to deport?

Every Government is entitled to say whether a person is or is not one of its nationals according to its own law, and I do not think that we could endeavour to force any Government in the way suggested to accept individuals whom we believe to be its citizens but whom it does not recognise as such.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that it is proposed to show in the near future another American film, based on the late War, which is calculated to prove distasteful to a large section of the British public; and will he either view the film himself or have it viewed independently on behalf of the public as a whole before it is released for public display?

Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to the film which my hon. Friend presumably has in mind. It has recently been passed by the British Board of Film Censors after careful examination, and is awaiting public exhibition; and the inquiries which I have made do not show that it is of such a character as my hon. Friend fears.

If I supply particulars of half a dozen other films, which are considered undesirable by a great many people, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the matter?

Of course, it may be that I am thinking of one thing, and my hon. Friend is thinking of something else. I have had questions about this. If he will give me particulars of the films he has in mind, I will look into the matter?

Is it not a fact that the film censor is a Member of this House, thoroughly capable, and does his work in a perfectly satisfactory manner?

Is it not obvious that if films prove distasteful to the public the public will stay away from them?

asked the, President of the Board of Education if he will consider instituting a compulsory course of swimming for school children, after passing a, medical examination, as a definite part of the school curriculum where facilities for swimming are available; and if he is aware of any education committees in the country who have already taken steps for systematically teaching the art of swimming to the scholars?

think my hon. Friend underestimates the work already being done. A large number of authorities already prescribe systematic courses of instruction in swimming and, in general, I do not believe that it is necessary or desirable that the Board should issue detailed directions to authorities in regard to curriculum.

Will my Noble Friend use his influence with the authorities that are not using a system of training to see that this very popular form of instruction is carried out?

Would it not, perhaps, be more useful for the Noble Lord to recommend that there should be a compulsory course in flotations?

I do not know quite what is the suggestion of my hon. Friend, whether he wants me to use my influence or to issue directions, which, I think, will perhaps come to the same thing.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the Report of the sub-committee of the British Medical Association dealing with the spread of rheumatic diseases among children; and what steps have been taken by his Department to carry the recommendations of this committee into effect?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. As regards the second question, the recommendations are substantially in accord with the suggestions in the Chief Medical Officer's preface to the Ministry's Report on Rheumatic Diseases, published in 1924, and continuous attention is paid to them in deciding the administrative policy of the Ministry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these rheumatic diseases in children are caused by damp surroundings, and will he give his sanitary inspectors particular instructions to see, as far as possible, that the houses are habitable?

This is a question which is continuously under the consideration of the Department, and all pressure and influence that can be brought to bear upon its betterment is used.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider introducing legislation that will have the effect that graves in new cemeteries shall not be designated first, second and third class graves?

I do not think this matter is one in regard to which I should introduce legislation.

asked the Minister of Health if and when it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance, particularly the recommendation that insurance, committees be abolished and their powers and duties transferred to committees of county and burgh councils?

The recommendations of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance are receiving careful consideration, but I am not at present in a position to say which of them are to be adopted by the Government, or when it will be possible to introduce the necessary legislation to give effect to such of them as may be adopted and require legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that, largely as a result of closing the casual wards at Beaminster, Cerne Abbas, and Wimborne from 1st April, the number of casuals received by the Yeovil Board of Guardians has more than doubled during the quarter ended 30th June, 1926, as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1925; that, if the numbers do not decrease, the Yeovil Board of Guardians will be compelled to increase their present accommodation; that the closing of casual wards restricts the routes open to men on tramp and is a hardship to those in search of employment; and whether he will, in view of these circumstances, arrange for the reopening of the three casual wards above referred to?

My attention has not previously been called to these facts. The wards referred to were closed on the recommendation of the Dorset Vagrancy Committee for an experimental period of six months commencing from the 1st April last. The ground for closing was in each case the proximity of other casual wards and there has been no restriction of the routes open to men on tramp. I will obtain an early report upon the position.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons, men, women, and children, were accommodated in casual and tramp wards in England and Wales on 31st December, 1924 and 1925, and on 30th June, 1925 and 1926; and is he now able to say that adequate and proper accommodation is made for the reception of tramps and casuals by Poor Law guardians in all the appropriate districts of England and Wales?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate ill the OFFICIAL REPORT figures, in reply to the first part of the question. I cannot answer the second part with an unqualified affirmative, but eases where conditions are not altogether satisfactory are constantly under review and improve meats are being secured.

Following are the figures:

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now completed his inquiries regarding the water supply of the village of Risley, Lancashire; and, if so, can he say what arrangements have been made, if any, by the Warrington Water Board to meet the needs of the villagers?

Yes, Sir. I understand that certain inhabitants of Risley have proposed some extensions of the mains of the Warrington Corporation but that the Corporation are under no obligation to make these extensions since the estimated annual revenue to be derived therefrom falls far short of the percentage of the capital cost of the mains to which the Corporation are entitled by Statute. The Corporation are, however, willing to carry out the requisite works it the rural district council will guarantee them over a period of years the statutory return to which they are entitled. This the rural district council are not prepared to do in view of the loss (equivalent to a 3d. rate) which it is estimated would fall on the rates of the parish owing to the difference between the proposed fixed revenue and the estimated amount of the water rates.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take in regard to houses affected by the termination of the subsidy in the case of houses which have not been completed because of shortage or delays

in delivery; and whether there has been any tendency for prices to increase in view of builders being compelled to obtain their supplies in order to complete their houses before the termination of the subsidy?

I am not yet in a position to add to the replies which were given to questions on housing subsidy which were addressed to me by the hon. Members for Shipley and Middlesbrough West on the 16th and 23rd ultimo, respectively. I will, however, bear in mind the hon. and gallant Member's point in the event of an Order being made modifying the present subsidy. 'With regard to the last part of the question, I have no evidence that there has been a tendency for prices to increase for the reason referred to in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in these cases a special price is not put in the agreement the house is to be sold for after the subsidy has been granted?

We have no power to prevent the prices being put on.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to appoint a new director of housing, in view of the resignation of the present director; and, if not, what arrangements are to be made for the discharge of the duties which this official has hitherto carried out?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Arrangements will be made whereby the duties hitherto carried out by the Director of Housing will be assigned to the permanent official in charge of the Housing Division.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual cost of maintaining the branch of the Stationery Office in Abingdon Street; what is the annual value of the publications sold or distributed therefrom; and what economy is likely to be effected by transferring this work to Kingsway?

I would refer the hon. Member to page 154 of the annual volume of Trading Accounts (House of Commons Paper 50 of 1926).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in response to the appeal of the Government for stereotypers during the general strike, Mr. Horace Barnard, a director of Hunt, Barnard, and Company, Limited, of Blandford Street, Will, induced one of their employés, Mr. Alfred Still, to offer his services temporarily to the Government; that Still is a skilled man who had been in the service of Messrs. Hunt, Barnard for 26 years, and the firm had spent a considerable amount of money in tutoring him to various branches of the trade, and more especially stereotyping; that Still is remaining in the service of His Majesty's Stationery Office at Harrow, notwithstanding the protest of Messrs. Hunt, Barnard that he was only temporarily released from his contract of service to assist in the national emergency; that His Majesty's Stationery Office has urged that his contract of service with Messrs. Hunt, Barnard was broken by reason of Still being on short time, although Still voluntary acquiesced in this alteration necessitated by the general strike; and whether he will say why in these circumstances this man is being retained by the Stationery Office?

The man in question on offering himself for employment under the Stationery Office made no reference to any such arrangement with his employers as that indicated in the first part of the question, but inquired as to the prospects of permanency. I cannot pronounce upon the legal question of his contractual relations with his former employers, but it is fair to add that the man contends that his contract of service terminated on his being placed on short time. I have no power to compel him to return to any particular firm, and there is nothing in the circumstances of the case to lead me to dismiss a man who volunteered during the recent emergency.

May I inquire whether the fact that the man's employer drew the attention of the Stationery Office to the fact that he had broken his contract does not call for some form of inquiry?

No, Sir, I do not think so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Regulations governing the conditions under which Members of this House are allowed rebate on Income Tax on their salaries as Members of Parliament; whether these conditions can be varied or interpreted by the Chief Inspector of Taxes or his subordinates without reference to this House; and if he will state who is the authority to determine what are the legitimate expenses of Members of Parliament upon which they are entitled to claim such rebate?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the question of the expenses admissible as a deduction in the computation of Income Tax assessments in respect of the emoluments of Members of Parliament. This question is governed by the general provisions of the Income Tax Acts applying to all offices and employments.

Under Rule 9 of the Rules of Schedule E in the Income Tax Act, 1918, a deduction may be claimed for expenses wholly, necessarily and exclusively incurred in the performance of the duties of an office. Under Rule 10 of those Rules, where the Treasury are satisfied with respect to any class of persons in receipt of any salary, fees or emoluments payable out of the public revenue that such persons are obliged to lay out and expend money wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties in respect of which such salary, fees or emoluments are payable, the Treasury may fix such sum as, in their opinion, represents a fair equivalent of the average annual amount laid out and expended as aforesaid by persons of that class. In pursuance of this power, the Treasury have prescribed an allowance of £100 in the case of Members of Parliament. If a Member desires to claim an allowance in excess of that amount, he is furnished by the Paymaster-General with a form on which he may set out particulars of his expenses. The admissibility of any item claimed as a deduction depends, as I have already indicated, upon whether the expenditure can be held to be incurred wholly, necessarily and exclusively in the performance of the duties as a Member of Parliament. In the event of a Member being unable to agree with the Inland Revenue authorities as to the amount of his assessment, he has the right of appeal to the Special Commissioners of Income Tax, and, if dissatisfied with their decision as being erroneous in point of law, he can appeal to the Courts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how hon. Members can convince the Treasury that these expenses are legitimate?

By the recognised processes of argument and persuasion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the Annual Report on the work of the Fishery Department will be published?

The Report on Sea Fisheries for 1925 has been sent to the printers and will be published as soon as possible.

Is the Minister aware that 200 copies only of the last publication were sold to the public; and does he not think it desirable to reduce the price of this publication, which deals with a technical subject and is written in the most attractive style, by bearing part of the cost of publication on the Votes of the Department?

I will look into that suggestion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total capital of the sugar-beet factories in Great Britain which are receiving the subsidy; and how much of this capital has been issued?

The nominal share capital of the companies which operated beet-sugar factories last season is £2,845,000. Of this sum, £2,500,507 has been issued.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of this capital is held by British subjects?

I think about £1,500,000 is held by British shareholders, and about £1,000,000 by foreign.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many men invalided from the service in 1925, and denied pensions on the ground of non-attributability, appealed to the Air Ministry against the original decision; and in how many cases was the decision modified?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given him, in response to a similar question on the 24th June last.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the comparative maximum speeds in 1918 and at the present time of the best types of machines used as single-seater scouts, Army co operation machines and two-seater fighters, respectively?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information requested by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has as yet had an opportunity of considering the first Report of the Estimates Committee this Session; and, if so, what action, if any, the Government propose to take in regard to the Committee's recommendations as to the reclassification and regrouping of the Estimates; as to the future size and composition of the Committee; as to discussion of the Committee's Reports on Supply days; and as to the present limits of discussion when the main Estimates are under consideration, respectively?

Yes, Sir. The Government accept the recommendations of the Select Committee in regard to the reclassification and regrouping of Estimates and they will give effect to them, subject to some minor emendations, in next year's Estimates. The Government do not see their way to adopt the recommendations as to the future size and composition of the Committee. It appears to them that the Committee should aim at reviewing a group of Estimates each year so as to cover the full field every four or five years and should endeavour as far as possible to complete this review before the particular group are finally disposed of in Supply. This they consider the Committee should be able to do without additional members or special facilities In particular, they do not consider that persons outside the House should be appointed to serve on Sub-Committees, but they are prepared to arrange that a Treasury witness should attend the meetings of the Committee, and assist them so far as he can.

The Government are not prepared to ask the House to accept the recommendations referred to in the last two parts of the question.

If it be the general desire of the House to discuss the Reports of the Estimates Committee on any occasion, arrangements can, no doubt, be made through the usual channels. The adoption of the recommendation relating to the limits of discussion on the Estimate of a Department, to include references to the services rendered to it by other Departments, would involve a great departure in the present procedure in Committee of Supply, and might lead to the same question being discussed on several Votes instead of on the one Vote of the responsible office.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the "established usage" contained in Chapter 18 of Erskine May, in which it is pointed out that important changes in. the customary form of the Estimates should not be made without the previous approval of the Public Accounts Committee, and whether his answer proposes a departure from that customary usage?

I have had the advantage of reading that paragraph within the last quarter of an hour, and the bon. Member will recollect that the phrase used in that paragraph is "the customary form." I am advised that such changes as are contemplated here do not conflict with that passage. I am glad the question was asked, because it gives me the opportunity of saying that my right hon. Friend, before any changes are formulated, will take the opportunity of discussing the matter with the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates. Committee.

As a counterproposal, may I suggest that the Estimates Committee should be reduced to about five members, and should appoint their own Sub-Committees?

This is rather short notice for a question of that kind, but doubtless any proposal put to my right hon. Friend will receive consideration.

asked the Prime Minister what subjects will be considered by the Imperial Conference which is to meet in October next; what will be the dates of meeting and the order of business; and what will be the probable duration of the Conference?

asked the Prime Minister whether the agenda for the Imperial Conference has been drawn up; and, if so, what subjects it is proposed to discuss?

Yes, Sir. The date proposed for the opening of the Conference is 5th October. As to the agenda for the Conference, it has been agreed (that, as in the past, its work should include a general review of foreign policy and defence, and of the questions to which they give rise, and that it should consider the development of the system of communication and consultation between the Governments of the Empire on matters of common concern.

The following are the chief economic questions which will be on the agenda: (1) Oversea settlement. (2) A general review of inter-Imperial trade, present and future, including a discussion of the work of the Imperial Economic Committee and the position of the Empire Marketing Board. (3) Communications, under which head will be included the work of the Imperial Shipping Committee and the question of commercial air services. (4) Research. (5) The exhibition within the Empire of Empire films. (6) The question of securing agreement as to the liability of State enterprises to taxation.

Will there be an opportunity for the representation of Opposition opinion as well as Government opinion at the Imperial Conference, in view of the situation in South Africa Canada and this country at the present time?

The only difficulty in regard to that is that the Imperial Conference has always been a conference of Governments, and no provision has been made for the official representation of Oppositions, either in the Dominions or in the country convening the Conference.

With regard to overseas 'settlement, will there be any investigation into the land available in the Dominions in connection with that particular question?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question to the Secretary of State for the Dominions. I cannot answer it.

Is the date, 5th October, likely to be altered because of any conditions which exist in any of these Dominions?

I could not answer that question at present.

Will this Conference discuss the powers of Governors-General with regard to the dissolution of Dominion Parliaments?

I have not had any notice that that subject will be discussed.

May I inquire whether Members of this House or of the general public will be allowed to attend the Conference?

I have not considered that question. It has never been done yet.

Will the. Prime Minister consider that, as far as Australia and this country are concerned, the Governments do not represent a majority of the voters?

That does not prevent them being Governments.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the number of steam-driven vehicles habitually poisoning the atmosphere of the streets of London with clouds of black smoke; and whether, as such vehicles slowly parading before blocks of traffic are a menace to the health and cleanliness of passengers, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. Complaints have been received as to the nuisance caused by the emission of smoke from steam road vehicles. The matter can be dealt with under the existing law. Light locomotives must, under Section 1 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, be so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted except from a temporary or accidental cause. Heavy locomotives come under Section 30 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act, 1878, which provides that such vehicles must be constructed to consume, as far as practicable, their own smoke. The enforcement of the law is a matter for the police.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the police do enforce those Regulations, because the smoke is not consumed? That is my contention, and that is the question. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the police carry out those instructions and stop this nuisance?

I will convey the substance of the hon. Member's remarks to the Home Secretary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pass on to the police the information that if they go to Commercial Road they can get six cases every morning?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a fatal accident occurred on Monday night outside this House when an omnibus ran over and killed a cyclist who was crushed beneath the omnibus; and whether, in view of the number of fatal accidents of this nature, he will take immediate steps, by Regulation of legislation, to compel all omnibuses in the Metropolitan area to provide guards or fenders on the front of the vehicles to prevent persons accidentally knocked down from being crushed beneath?

I have been asked to reply to this question. If a satisfactory device could be found, the Commissioner would be glad to make its use compulsory. I am advised that there are many technical difficulties in the application of a front guard to an omnibus. It is essential that any device so fitted should be reliable and free from danger, and, up to the present, though many inventions have been tested, none has proved effective in all respects.

If the right hon. Gentleman decides to carry out any alteration, will it apply all over the country as well as in London?

The Commissioner of Police has only power over London, and I have no power. It will rest with the Watch Committees in the separate districts throughout the country.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider a simple device, such as is now being used on motor cars, which would at least throw the person clear of the omnibus when he was struck?

And under another!

I will ask the Commissioner of Police whether his attention has been called to that particular device.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the desirability of giving to members of the British delegation at the next Assembly of the League of Nations adequate time for preparation, he will proceed immediately to the nomination of the delegation and the preparation of instructions?

I hope to be in a position to announce the names of the delegation on Monday next.

asked the Secretary of State far Air whether he is aware that the main deterrent to large numbers of potential amateur flying men is not only the first costs but the fear of accidents to their machine and of consequent upkeep costs; what would be the cost of providing an all-in insurance policy, covering pilot, machine, and third parties, for a period of 12 months; and whether he has considered the practicability of offering to defray the whole or part of such insurance costs in the case of pilots who have first qualified at an approved school?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply.

As regards the first part of the question, the information at the disposal of the Air Ministry is by no means conclusive that the main deterrent to private flying is that stated by the hon. and gallant Member; but I do not doubt that the question of upkeep and, in particular, of possible liability in case of accident must weigh to a considerable extent with potential pilots. As regards the second part, I have made inquiries of the British Aviation Insurance Group and understand that it would not be possible for the insurance companies to adopt a flat comprehensive insurance scheme of the kind suggested. The rate of premium would depend necessarily upon the applicant's flying record, the amount and nature of the flying which he intended to carry out, the type of aircraft to be flown, the locality, and other variable factors. As regards the last part, I am ready to consider any proposal designed to encourage private flying, but I feel grave doubts as to the practicability of adopting the particular suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many States of the British Empire military conscription obtains, the names of these States, the terms, and the people involved in this conscription?

Ceylon Ordinance No. 42 of 1916 prescribes that every European male resident in the Colony between certain ages must enrol in the local Defence Force. Fijian Defence Force Ordinance No. 3 of 1923 contains similar provisions. It has already been explained, in reply to a question regarding the European Defence Force Ordinance of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya, that that Ordinance has not yet been received, but an undertaking has been given to place a copy in the Library. Apart from the above, there is no similar legislation in other non-self-governing Dependencies. The hon. Member addressed the question to my right hon. Friend in his capacity as Secretary of State for the Colonies. He will no doubt address a further question if he requires information in regard to those self-governing Dominions where compulsory military training is in force in different forms.

As conscription is against the traditions of this country, could the hon. Member promise to give us an opportunity, where conscription is introduced by ordinances in non-self-governing Colonies, for this House to discuss those ordinances?

They have been in force some time, and they can be discussed on the Colonial Office Estimates, but to describe this as the raising of a permanent conscript army is a mistake. It is rather a reserve force in mixed communities in cases of emergency.

Will they provide for conscientious objectors? Will people be allowed to refuse to serve?

I do not think that that appears in either of the two existing ordinances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can yet state either the terms of reference or the composition of the Commission of Inquiry into local government in Kenya?

No, Sir; until my right hon. Friend has received the Governor's despatch containing his proposals I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend has already said in reply to previous questions on this matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us the terms of reference?

No. We have not yet had any indication as to what they are.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what length of annual training is proposed for the military conscription in Kenya, and in whose charge the rifles will remain between the trainings?