asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the scheme for the reclamation of fallen women, suggested by the chief constable of Glasgow; and whether such scheme will be more fully inquired into?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have seen an extract from the chief constable's annual report for the year 1925, which I assume is the scheme referred to. The suggestions in the extract will be considered.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that John Welsh, senior, valve-shaft camp, and John Welsh, junior, intake ii. camp at Balfour and Beattie's Contract, at Fort William, were both injured at work, one suffering from head injuries and the other suffering from a fracture of leg at ankle; that both these men were under treatment at the company's hospital at Fersit camp and were both ordered to leave the hospital on 5th July: that they were again ordered to leave on the following morning; that the company having refused the request of their panel doctor to accommodate the men he, the panel doctor, sent them to the Belford hospital, Fort William, that night; that these injured men were refused admittance to the hospital and had to lie out all night: and that all the, men on the contract have deductions taken from their wages for this hospital; and whether he can state upon whose orders they were ejected from the Fersit camp hospital, and who gave the instructions that they were to be refused admittance to the Belford hospital, Fort William?

As the answer is necessarily long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

There seems to be some confusion concerning these cases, John Welsh, aged 26, was injured as long ago as 14th April, remained for four weeks in bed at Fersit Camp Hospital and for two weeks on crutches. On 7th July, after being for 12 weeks under treatment he was seen by the compensation officer, who stated he was fit for light duty. He did not accept the position, and after a further six days' accommodation at Base Camp was sent by his panel doctor to the Belford Hospital, where, after examination by the medical superintendent, he was informed that the case was not one for hospital treatment and was accordingly not admitted.

The medical superintendent's report is that the original injury was not a fracture but a severe sprain, and that recovery would be assisted by light exercise.

The other case, of John Welsh, is that of a man who received a head injury on 31st May. There was no evidence of fracture, but simply of scalp injury. He was removed on 7th July to Base Camp as not being further in need of hospital treatment. He remained at Base Camp till 13th July without being asked to do any duty. He left to see his panel doctor, who in this case also sent him to the Belford Hospital. After examination by the superintendent he was not admitted, as not being in need of hospital treatment.

I understand that contribution to the Belford Hospital is on a voluntary basis and that some men pay and some do not, With regard to the last two parts of the question, I have not yet specifically ascertained on whose instructions these men were dismissed from Fersit Hospital. The refusal of admission to Belford Hospital was given as part of his duty by the medical superintendent of the hospital.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great number of accidents to motorists at cross roads, he will, for the purpose of reducing such accidents, consider introducing and enforcing a Regulation that at cross roads the driver of a motor car should be obliged to give way to a vehicle approaching from another road on his right or off-side?

I have been asked to reply. I have no power to make such a Regulation, neither am I at present convinced of the advantages claimed for it.

The hon. and gallant Gentleman may not have power to make such Regulations, but my question is to the Home Secretary, and I thought that he would have power to deal with these matters. Has the Home Secretary any such powers?

I will consult the Minister of Transport, to see where the powers lie.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent unsuccessful prosecution by the police of an Automobile Association scout who had warned motorists to drive carefully over a certain stretch of the Great West Road: and whether. in view of the large number of accidents which have taken place on this road, he will consider a more friendly co-operation between the Metropolitan Police and the Automobile Association in the future, with the object of preventing as far as possible dangerous driving on this road instead of setting traps to prosecute motorists after the alleged offence has been committed?

My attention has been called to this case, and I understand that it was stated in Court on behalf of the Automobile Association that the action of their scout was contrary to instructions. I am happy to say that the relations between the Association and the Metropolitan Police are, on both sides, those of mutual admiration and respect, and the Commissioner will always welcome their co-operation in furthering the safety of the general public.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question in which I asked for a more friendly co-operation with the object of preventing dangerous driving on the road, instead of setting traps after the offence has been committed? I want to know if it is the policy of the police to prevent dangerous driving, or whether they allow dangerous driving so as to catch people after they have committed the offence?

The duty of the police is to carry out the law in the first place, and, in the second place, to do everything they possibly can to secure the safety of the pubic. As I have already said in my reply, the Commissioner will welcome the co-operation of the Automobile Association or of my hon. and gallant Friend in furthering the safety of the general public.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any scheme, so far as the Automobile Association scouts are concerned, to assist the police in controlling the traffic, and does he appreciate the difficulty and undesirability of any dual control?

I quite agree, but I have no such plan under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general public have a high opinion of the way the police carry out their duties in this respect, and is he aware that they resent the suggestion that they encourage crime?

I am very much indebted to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any co-operation, and, if so, to what extent, between the police and officials of the Automobile Association in giving assistance to motorists travelling over the roads within their jurisdiction?

Co-operation exists between the Metropolitan Police and the officials of the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club. The headquarters of the two associations are consulted from time to time, with advantage, on traffic matters, especially with regard to routeing and parking of vehicles off the roads. On the roads the police fully appreciate the assistance which the patrols of the two associations are able to give in traffic control.

Were the police consulted as to the signs that should be given as warnings to motorists of the presence or traps.

That was obviously not a matter on which the police would be likely to he consulted?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that out of the 232 persons summoned by the Metropolitan police for driving dangerously on the Great West Road only 11 were convicted; and whether, in view of this, he will give instructions to this Department that accusations of so serious a kind should not be made in the future based on the evidence of speed alone, and that before a summons is issued accusing a driver of dangerous driving all the circumstances of the case should he taken into account?

The persons in question were charged not with driving dangerously but with driving at a dangerous speed and alternatively in accordance with the usual practice with exceeding the speed limit. The fact that in a majority of the cases the Court decided to convict on the latter charge only does not seem to me to call for any action on my part.

Does my right hon. Friend think it is fair to charge people with driving dangerously, which is the same thing as driving at a speed dangerous to the public, when only 11 out of 232 persons were convicted?

If the police are of opinion that they were driving at a dangerous speed, I think it would be their duty to charge them; but if the Bench concludes that they were not, then I cannot interfere with the decision of the Bench.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this prosecution should be brought forward by the police on the evidence of speed alone?

The police might have a discretion as to the actual summons they issue against people breaking the law. My hon. and gallant Friend does not dispute the fact that in these cases in which prosecutions were undertaken a large majority of them were actually breaking the law. The police have been told on my instructions, that they must do everything they secure the safety of the public.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that the time has passed when there should be any speed limit at all, but on the other hand those found guilty of driving to the danger of the public should be severely dealt with?

I think the hon. and gallant Member has better put that question down.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any representations in regard to placing a refuge in the road between St. Margaret's Church and Parliament Square; whether this particular position has been considered by the London Traffic Committee since 18th February, when attention was called to the matter; and what is the number of accidents at that point reported by the police?

A suggestion to this effect was recently made by a private person. The question has not, I understand, been considered by the Traffic Committee since the date mentioned, but in view of the alterations to the kerb line at the south-east corner of the square which are now in hand, the question whether one or more small refuges can be erected with advantage will be taken up. The number of accidents reported since the Regulations came into force are as follow:

At the south-east corner 21, including slight personal injury to three pedestrians.

At the south-west corner 12, including slight personal injury to one pedestrian.

Between these two points 16, including a fatal accident to a cyclist and slight personal injury to two pedestrians.

Would the Home Secretary accelerate as much as he can the consideration of this question by the Committee to which it has been referred, in order to have the safety of the public provided for at this spot?

I will do all I can in that direction.

In conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, will the right hon. Gentleman frame some Regulations to prevent motorists in Parliament Square from changing their line of traffic, and thereby causing very great danger to pedestrians endeavouring to get over the road.

I think if the Minister of Transport in conjunction with myself decide upon some small safety stand, we may get over the difficulty, but the whole matter is being very carefully considered both by the Ministry of Transport and the Committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a complaint has been lodged with the Hendon Urban District Council by the victim of an accident on 8th July at Hendon Broadway, owing to the high speed of motor traffic through that thoroughfare, and that a child was fatally injured on this same road on Thursday, 15th July: and will he take steps to see that a stricter supervision is kept in order to limit the speed of motor traffic?

I was not aware of the complaint referred to. The only accident known to the police to have occurred in Hendon Broadway on the 8th July was a collision between a motor car and a pedal cycle, which resulted in slight damage but no personal injury. On the 15th July a girl of eight was run over by a heavy motor lorry at the junction of Edgware Road and Station Road,, and died shortly after from injuries received. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned, and there was no evidence to warrant police proceedings. Special attention is, however, being devoted to the traffic at Hendon Broadway.

Does the right hon. Baronet remember that, on the 28th June last, I called his attention to the dangerous condition of this road, and, as these accidents have happened since then, will he now see that something is done?

I am afraid the hon. Member was a true prophet. As I have said, the police are paying special attention to the traffic at this point.

What steps are being taken to prevent these prophecies from coming true?

Will the Home Secretary consider placing an officer on point duty there?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must realise that London is very large, and I cannot supply enough police to put point duty men everywhere. We must have regard to the interests of the whole of London. Special attention is, however, being devoted to this particular place.

asked the Home Secretary what actual instructions have been issued by the police to omnibus proprietors with respect to the carrying of an excessive number of passengers; and whether he proposes to publish them for general information?

I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the instructions. Full particulars of the relaxations allowed were published in the Press, and were also stated by me, in reply to a question in the House on the 19th November last.

Do these instructions refer to Sundays and Bank Holidays?

I will send my hon. Friend also a copy of the instructions, if I may, so that he will he able to see for himself.

asked the Home Secretary whether the War bonus in the case of the police, as has been allowed by a recent decision in the House of Lords in the case of Poor Law officers, can now be reckoned as part of the annual pay and pensionable?

No, Sir. I am advised that the decision has no application to the police, but as the contrary view has been suggested. I am consulting the Law Officers of the Crown.

Has the Home Secretary read the case against the South-wark Poor Law Guardians in which the Lord Chancellor drew attention to the Importance of that case because it might affect in a very important way the pensions of employés under other statutes; and whether, in considering this question, he will take into account the undoubted intention that the bonuses were granted to bring the purchasing power of the original wage up to present day requirements?

That is rather a different question. I was advised that this did not apply to the police, but my hon. and gallant Friend suggests that it does. It is an arguable point, and I am submitting it to the judgment of the Law Officers of the Crown, asking their views upon it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Wednesbury Education Committee is not administering the Feeding of Necessitous School Children Act, although the Wednesbury Trades Council has requested them to do so; and will he take steps to secure the application of the Act?

I have no information as to the position in Wednesbury, except that the authority have not decided to exercise their powers to provide meals. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member again to the reply given by me on 24th June last to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson), a copy of which I am sending him.

Will the Noble Lord make some inquiries as to the position in Wednesbury, and the need, if the need exists, for the application of this Act; and, if he finds the requisite evidence, will he use his influence to secure its adoption?

No, Sir; I cannot use my influence to do something which the Statute places not upon me, but upon the local authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education in how many cases during the past six months he has requested local authorities substantially to reduce their staffs of teachers; and whether he will give the names of these authorities?

Eighty-four authorities in England and Wales were informed that the Board were not satisfied, on the information before them, that the salary expenditure contemplated in the revised forecasts for this year might not be reduced without injury to the efficiency of the education provided. In 22 instances the Board have received explanations or modified proposal, which they could accept. The remaining cases are still under discussion. I do not think that any useful purpose would he served by my giving the names of the authorities concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will indicate the standard and type of qualification he is prepared to approve (under Schedule I (2) ( c ), Grant Regulations 8) as equivalent to those ordinarily approved for uncertificated teachers; and in what respect such qualifications will differ from those demanded from supplementary teachers;

(2) whether he will explain Schedule I, Section 1 ( e ), of Grant Regulations No. 8, 1928, by indicating the standard and type of qualifications which he is prepared to recognise as substantially equivalent to the qualifications now recognised as entitling the teacher to a certificate; and whether, before he approves of the modification of the standard of qualification on account of the available supply of certified teachers being insufficient, he will take into account how far that available supply has been depleted by the exclusion of married women teachers?

The provisions referred to are intended to meet the case of applications for recognition from teachers trained in the Dominions and Colonies or foreign countries, and other special cases, and it is hardly practicable to indicate beforehand what would be regarded as equivalent qualifications in any particular case. I may say, however, that these provisions represent no change from those previously in force. The existence of married women teachers will be taken into account in considering the available supply.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the adverse effect on the supply of rural pupil teachers which will result from the withdrawal of the preliminary examination for the certificate as foreshadowed in Circular 1372; and whether, in view of the necessity of maintaining an adequate supply of teachers suitably prepared for giving instruction in rural schools, he will consider the possibility of substituting some alternative examination leading up to a scheme of training specially adapted to the needs of teachers interested in country life and alive to its problems?

I am obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for affording me an opportunity of removing the apprehensions to which he alludes. Some county authorities have already made representations to me on this subject, and I have given assurances that, pending a more permanent arrangement, the Board will take steps to ensure that there will be an examination appropriate for these young intending teachers up to December of 1930.

The wider issue raised in the latter part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is one of the most important questions which the Board and local authorities have to consider at the present time. I think it is generally agreed that our present arrangements do not sufficiently ensure the maim tenance of a supply of teachers interested in country life and pursuits, and capable of giving that type of advanced and practical instruction most suitable to the needs of the country districts. In consultation with the County Councils Association, the Board are, therefore, considering what steps can be taken to arrange courses of training alternative to those normally adopted which, while retaining an adequate level of general education, will provide special facilities for acquiring knowledge in horticulture and agriculture and for stimulating interest in rural environment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the Hornsey education authority have been urged by the Board to make reductions in their teaching staff which would involve the dismissal of 67 of their teachers out of 210, he will give the terms of the Board's letter which states the staffing standard which they propose to enforce?

I am circulating a copy of the letter referred to in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As the right hon. Member will see, I have not required the Authority to make any specific reduction in their teaching staff. The rate of expenditure which I have indicated to them for their consideration is, approximately, the rate of expenditure in London for the current year.

Is it not a fact that the rate of expenditure which is indicated to the Hornsey local authority will demand a considerable reduction of teachers before it can be realised, and further, has not the Noble Lord indicated to the authority a definite standard as regards the number of pupils there may be in a class?

With regard to the last point, that is not correct. If the hon. Member will look at the letter he will see that there is nothing whatever about the number of pupils to a class. As regards the question whether the figure indicated would involve a reduction in the number of teachers, I have yet to be convinced of that fact. I believe I am seeing a deputation from the local authority in a few days and I will discuss that question with them. The rate of expenditure I have indicated is not one applying particularly or wholly to teachers' salaries, but covers other expenditure and costs of administration as well.

Is it not a fact that the authority, after reading the letter from the Department, and after interviews with the Board of Education, stated it in public quite definitely that the Board's demand can only be met by a considerable reduction in the number of teachers?

That is not the question on the paper.

Following is the letter referred to:

2nd July, 1926.

1. Hornsey.

2. Local Education Authority Expenditure.

J. 194 E/8.

Sir,

With reference to Mr. Allen's letter of 9th June, and to the subsequent semiofficial discussions which have taken place in regard to the authority's revised forecast of expenditure for the year 1926–27, I am directed to state that the Board have given careful consideration to the representations which the authority have made to them; but they remain of the opinion that the expenditure proposed by the authority is in excess of that which the Board can properly recognise for grant. On the bases of the figures of average attendance at the schools in the authority's area for the year 1925–26, the cost per unit of average attendance for elementary education, under the headings Teachers' Salaries, Administration, and other Expenditure, appears to amount to about 315s. 2d. This figure is very greatly in excess of the general standard of expenditure on corresponding services in other areas where the provision for elementary education is admittedly efficient and progressive, and the Board do not feel that they would be justified in recognising for grant expenditure by the authority for the current year, under these three headings, at a higher rate than approximately 285s. per unit of average attendance.

The Board do not name this figure as a definite standard of expenditure. As a matter of fact, this rate of expenditure is itself substantially in excess of that incurred on corresponding services in other areas. They put it forward for the authority's consideration as in all the circumstances a reasonable figure for the current year, on the understanding that the authority are now entering upon a serious consideration of the whole organisation of their educational services, with a view to making such reductions in expenditure, during the next two or three years, as have been found in other areas to be compatible with educational efficiency.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(Sd.) M. G. HOLMES.

To the

Local Education Authority.

asked the Home Secretary which areas have appointed probation officers under the Probation Rules, 1926; how many of these are full-time, part-time, or voluntary, respectively; and to what extent voluntary societies have co-operated under the above Rules?

The Probation Rules, 1926, only came into force on the 1st July, and I am not as yet in a position to make any comprehensive statement as to what is being done under their provisions. I hope to be in possession of full returns relating to the matters covered by the question by the end of the year, and will then, no doubt, be able to furnish the hon. Member with the information he requires.

Is the right hon. Baronet satisfied with the general principle of these appointments?

As the House knows, I had the privilege of introducing the Bill last year, and since then the number of appointments has enormously increased, as I believed it would.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the cause of the treatment of Signor Italo Parodi by the officials at Newhaven in causing him twice to be placed in a detention room and to re-cross to France; and whether he has taken any action in the matter?

When Signor Parodi first arrived at Newhaven on 8th July, he intimated that he wished to stay for about a fortnight visiting friends, and that his car would follow on a later boat. As his total visible means consisted of a single ticket to London, a few toilet necessaries and about 25s. in cash, which was obviously insufficient for even a short stay, he was refused leave to land. When he again arrived, on 12th July. he was still without funds, but had the car with him. He was met by friends who undertook that he would be supplied with money, and on receipt of assurances which had meanwhile been sent by the Italian Consul-General, he was allowed to land. I see no reason for any action on my part in the matter.

Is it really the case that the test of a visitor's eligibility is the amount of money he can show in his pockets?

Is it not necessary, in order to keep out some undesirable aliens, that we should see before they land that they have sufficient money

The Aliens Order, which Parliament has called upon me to administer, definitely provides that leave to land shall not be given to an alien unless he is in a position to support himself and his dependants.

Has the right hon. Gentleman heard the sentence inflicted en the Tory candidate at Wallsend?

When the right hon. Baronet appeals to the Aliens Order, is he not aware that he is merely appealing to an Order which he himself made?

And a very good law too!

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that, following upon a number of previous convictions for crime, Philip Lewis, a Russian, was sentenced recently at Manchester Assizes to three years' penal servitude for housebreaking; whether he is aware that on two occasions this alien has been recommended for de- portation; and if he will state why these recommendations have not been given effect to?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the case of Phillip Lebovitch, who has been convicted and recommended for deportation as stated. He is believed to have been born in Petrograd, and came to this country with his parents at the age of three. In the absence, however, of any evidence of his nationality, it has proved impossible to secure his recognition as a Soviet citizen, and he cannot, therefore, be returned to Russia.

May I ask how long this country is going to be a place of refuge for these people who would not be allowed in their own country–the débris of Continental cities?

Of course, my hon. and gallant Friend can hardly regard a baby of three as débris. That was the age at which he came over, and, if he has become so bad as he has, one must consider, perhaps, that he became bad while lie was here.

Have not the learned Judges given consideration to these cases, and is it not true that this is the third time he has been ordered for deportation? Does not my right hon. Friend think that the learned Judges would give due consideration to all the facts of the case? We do not want these people here.

I am inclined to agree with my hon. and gallant Friend, but I cannot turn a man out of this country unless he is a citizen of some other country which is prepared to take him. It may be very difficult to establish where anybody was born many years ago, and I cannot establish with certainty that this man was born in Petrograd.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the annual Returns for the year ended 31st December, 1925, made by the trade unions, will be issued by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies: and whether he is at present able to give the Returns made by any of the trade unions for 1925?

I have been asked to reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. With regard to the first part of the question, a summary of the annual Returns, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, will be published about December next. Fuller particulars will be given in Part 4 of the Chief Registrar's Annual Report, which will be issued later. As regards the second part, the Returns which have been made can be inspected at the Registry of Friendly Societies, Central Office, at 17, North Audley Stret, W.1.

Are members of the public entitled by law to receive copies of the accounts of each of the trade unions on payment of one shilling?

I cannot say off-hand.

If I address a question to the right hon. Gentleman, will he look into it?

Certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that trade unions are not entitled to send their annual return for 1925 until May?

I believe that is so

asked the Minister of Health if he is able to make any statement upon the proposals dealing with slum areas?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

When is it proposed to carry out the slum clearance in Tabard Street, which was supposed to be commenced in 1912?

I must have notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate at the earliest possible moment in what way one clears slums as long as there is a Rent Restrictions Bill?

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses erected by alternative methods of construction during the last 12 months as compared with those erected by these methods during the preceding year?

Statistics are not available showing the total number of houses of alternative methods of construction which were completed during the periods in question. Estimates based on returns obtained from local authorities in connection with the State-assisted schemes under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924 show that some 15,630 houses have been completed under these Acts by special methods of construction of which some 12,140 were completed during he 12 months ended 1st July last. I egret that similar figures for the previous 12 months are not available.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of subsidy houses to date built by local authorities and private enterprise during the 12 months ending 30th June; how many are under construction; what is the average price of the parlour and non-parlour types, respectively; and how does that calculation compare with prices in 1925, 1924 and 1920?

52,308 subsidy houses were completed by local authorities and 65,737 by private enterprise during the 12 months ended 30th June last. The numbers under construction on 1st July were 51,116 and 41,299 respectively. The average prices of parlour type houses in contracts let by local authorities during the month of June, 1926 (excluding the cost of land and development), was £501, and of non-parlour type £435. The corresponding prices for the month of June in each of the years 1925, 1924 and 1920 were £485 and £442; £462 and £421; £972 and £860. I have no information as to the average prices of houses erected by private enterprise.

Was the construction during the last three months equal to the average for the three previous quarters?

Yes, it was in excess of it.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of houses that have been purchased through the medium of the various Housing Acts since 1919, either through building societies, local authorities, or direct from builders, all such houses being of the type to earn the subsidy; what is the estimated total value of capital so invested; and whether the rate at which houses for the working classes are being so acquired is greater now than in the years before the War.

I am afraid that it is not practicable to give the number of houses purchased since the War with assistance under the Housing Acts or to frame any reliable estimate of the capital so invested. I have no doubt, however, that the number of owner occupiers of working class houses has increased very largely. For example, to take only two sources of supply, loans sanctioned since the Act of 1923 up to the end of July for advances on mortgage by local authorities amounted to over £29,000,000, as compared with £898,000 for the period 1899 to the end of July, 1923, while the amount advanced on mortgage by building societies during the year 1924 (the latest date for which complete figures are available) was £40,290,137, as compared with an average annual advance of about £9,000,000 during the five years before the War.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the attitude of his Department towards the policy of erecting blocks of tenement dwellings to provide alternative accommodation for those people now crowded into insanitary areas; and whether, if his Department approves the policy, he proposes to recommend its consideration to the different local authorities?

Where proposals for clearing insanitary property are approved, it is the practice of my Department to require that provision shall be made for rehousing the persons to be displaced. The precise form of the provision will depend on the circumstances of the particular case. While I think the working classes can generally be housed better in cottages than in blocks of tenements, there are certainly cases in which it is necessary to adopt the latter form of accommodation, and in such cases the erection of tenements would be sanctioned.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government proposes to adopt the Report of the Select Committee on Nursing Homes; and whether he is aware of the urgency of action which is needed in this respect to meet the condition of less well off middle-class families?

There has not yet been time for the Government to consider the Report, and I am accordingly unable to make any statement on the first part of the question. The second part of the question does not appear to arise out of the Report, and I can only say that there are in any case no funds at my disposal enabling me to meet what I understand to be the object of my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost of concessions made in the Finance Bill, as finally passed, since the introduction of the Budget?

The cost is estimated at about £36,000 this year and £58,000 in a full year.

Does that include the reduction in Income Tax?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a bet made on a racecourse during a race meeting between a backer and a bookmaker both attending that particular race meeting but on a horse, or horses, running at another race meeting in another part of the country on the same day will be taxed at the higher or lower scale?

The bet in question would be taxed at 2 per cent.

What will happen with flat racing in France?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that wireless reception constitutes a national recreation and education subscribed to by the people, there will be any guarantee that the funds of the British Broadcasting Company will be reserved exclusively for the purpose of maintaining the efficiency of the service and the broadcasting movement?

I can add nothing to the statement made on the 14th July by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General on the subject of broadcasting in the Debate on the Post Office Estimates. The arrangements to be made for regulating the finance of the new corporation are still under consideration.

May we take it there will be no raids on this surplus?

I cannot give any assurance in regard to that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the average cost of printing a private Member's Bill as introduced and ordered to be printed by the House; can he state what is approximately the cost per page in the case of Bills consisting of a number of pages; and whether there is any sale of such Bills to the public as a reduction of the charge to public funds?

The average cost of printing a private Member's Bill, as introduced and ordered to be printed by the House, is £8; the approximate cost per page in the case of Bills consisting of a number of pages is £1. The total cost of printing private Members' Bills for the Session 1924–25 was about £850, and the receipts from sales for the same period were about £290.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think this cost always justify?

That is a question of opinion.

How many of these Bills were turned into Acts?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the

total of the imports and exports of the following groups of manufactured goods during the first six months of 1925 and 1926, respectively, those manufactured goods on which new Customs duties were imposed by the legislation of 1925, and all other manufactured goods?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the available information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information promised:

It should be noted: (1) The exports in general include re-exports; (2) To obtain comparability the figures for motor cars, etc., include non-dutiable cars and parts, as separate figures for the latter are not available for 1925; (3) Imports of goods now dutiable were in most cases increased by forestalments in the first half of 1925, which may still have been having some effect in diminishing imports in the first half of 1926; (4) Exports of silk and lace in 1926 are actually larger than the figures shown, as since the duties were imposed, a part of the re-export trade has been diverted into "transhipment under bond" traffic, detailed particulars of which are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury has in recent years made grants to any land drainage bodies for specific schemes or to assist them in their current expenditures; which these bodies were; and how much were the grants?

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

Following is the answer:

Grants were made during the four years 1921–22 to 1924–25 to a large number of commissioners of sewers, drainage boards and other statutory drainage authorities towards the cost of approved schemes. These grants were made primarily with the object of alleviating unemployment in rural areas during the winter months.

The total net cost to the State of these schemes was as follows:

The figure for 1924–25 is approximate, certain accounts having not yet been finally settled.

The number of separate authorities who participated in these grants was 177, and I therefore hesitate to specify them in detail, but if my hon. Friend has any particular area in mind and will communicate with me, I will endeavour to give him the desired information.

Further moneys have been set aside for the purpose of assisting these bodies to carry out, during the five years commencing on the 1st April, 1926, more comprehensive drainage schemes designed to confer a wide benefit on agricultural land. Thirteen schemes for 11 authorities have already been approved by the Ministry, the amount of the contributions which the Ministry may be called upon to make being estimated at £23,000 up to the present date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he is aware that the expenses in connection with tithe redemption are assessed under different scales; that in a recent case at Knighton scale C was employed, entailing a charge of £216, whereas at at Wotton-under-Edge, in a similar case, scale A was employed! and, seeing that if scale A had been employed in the former case the amount would have only been £86, will he state how the Department reaches a decision to operate under a particular scale; and whether the Treasury participates in these fees or whether these cover the expenses of the Ministry of Agriculture only;

(2) Whether, with regard to the action brought by his Department to recover an unpaid balance of tithe redemption money and expenses at Knighton, he is aware that his Department in this case redeemed the tithe for a sum of £358 while the fees and expenses connected therewith were £216; and, in view of the great disparity of these amounts, will he state how such fees and expenses were assessed?

The facts to which my hon. and gallant Friend calls attention are substantially correct, and I recognise that there are certain disparities in the existing method of assessing the expenses in cases of compulsory tithe redemption. I regret that I have no power to reduce the charges in the particular case referred to, but I am considering whether it is not possible to revise the scale of fees so as to remove in future the anomalies which may occur under the present system. I may add, however, that no profit accrues to the Exchequer from these transactions, and that, taken as a whole, the fees do not quite cover the expenses of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings purchased by the occupiers under the respective Small Holdings Acts of 1892 and 1908 and the Land Settlement Act, 1919?

Fifty-nine small holdings were sold to the occupiers under the Small Holdings Act, 1892, up to 31st December, 1907. The provisions of this Act as to purchase were incorporated in the Consolidating Act of 1908, and under the latter Act 67 holdings were sold up to the passing of the Land Settlement Facilities Act, 1919. The number sold since 1919 is 43. In addition, 185 small holdings have been purchased by sitting tenants from their landlords with the aid of advances made by county councils under Section 19 of the Act of 1908.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to translate the laws of Kenya Colony which affect native races into their own language of Kishwahili?

As far as I know, no such proposal is contemplated, and it is doubtful whether it would be effective in view of the very small number of literate natives. Ki-Swahili may be described as a lingua franca of the East African coast and is not the native language of the inhabitants of the Colony, the majority of whom speak other languages.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the Government's intentions with regard to the proposed reform of the House of Lords; and whether he proposes to deal with this matter during the lifetime of the present Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the last part in the affirmative.

What answer did the Prime Minister return to the assertion by the right hon. Member for Wells (Sir R. Sanders), that the Conservative party do not represent a majority of the electors of this country?

I do not know to what my hon. and gallant Friend alludes.

Does the Prime Minister really believe that this Government has any right whatever to make such a huge constitutional change for the purpose of protecting his own party now against public opinion?

The right hon. Gentleman must see the proposals before he describes them as "a huge constitutional change."

Is the Prime Minister aware of the result of the Wallsend by-election; and, in view of that result, does he not think it unwise to do anything with the House of Lords?

Is it intended to introduce this proposed Measure in the Autumn Session this year?

The words used were "in the lifetime of the present Parliament."

The right hon. Member for Wells, who introduced the deputation; said that the Conservative party do not represent a majority of the electorate. I ask the Prime Minister whether that is his opinion, and what answer he gave?

I did not hear such a statement from the right hon. Baronet.

Could not this particular desire for reform be met by a little accelerated promotion?

That is a very indelicate suggestion.

Hon. Members must not make their requests so publicly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that, with the exception of the auxiliary or part-time sorting force employed within his Department, all other grades and ranks of postal servants receive a night allowance of eight and a-half minutes between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., he will now consider the advisability of granting the same privileges to those at present exempted?

The matter referred to is one of several on which representations have been made by a deputation from the Auxiliary Sorters' Association. The association have been informed that their claims will be reconsidered in the light of whatever award is made on the claims on behalf of the larger Post Office classes which are being referred to the Industrial Court.

Can the Noble Lord say when a definite answer is likely to be received by these people?

It depends upon the date of the award.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state what are the net receipts from the Royal Air Force display at Hendon this year; which Royal Air Force charities will benefit; and what is his estimate of the number of persons who witnessed the display?

As regards the first and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Acton on the 15th instant; as regards the second part, the proceeds will go to the Royal Air Force Memorial Fund.

I have put this question twice. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman when I may put it again for an answer?

I am sorry that I cannot give an answer now. I have not yet received the details, and I am afraid they are not under my control. As soon as I receive them, I will let my hon. Friend know.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say under whose control they are?

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the absence of anti-aircraft protection for Sheffield and the Midlands; and if any steps are being taken to remedy the deficiency?

I have been asked to reply. The defence of the areas referred to is an integral part of the scheme for the defence of this country against air attack. It would not be in the public interest to discuss the actual dispositions of the units included in that scheme.

Is it to be understood that there are no anti-aircraft defences in the Midlands whatsoever?

The hon. and gallant Member must understand nothing except what I tell him in the answer.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the only real anti-aircraft protection there can be for this particular area is a policy of peace?

That obviously does not refer specifically to my Department, nor does it arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to give commercial facilities to civilian air travel on an equal scale to that given in France, Germany, and the United States of America?

I am not clear as to the exact information which my hon. Friend desires, but if he is referring to aerodrome facilities, wireless, meteorological, and other ancillary services for the assistance of commercial flying, I am able to state that this country is not, in these respects, behind the other three countries mentioned. If, on the other hand, he is alluding to "subsidies," whilst France and Germany subsidise commercial aviation on an extensive scale, no subsidies are, so far as I am aware, given to air transport companies in the United States of America. I may add that my hon. Friend will find some useful information on the subject in the "Annual Report on the Progress of Civil Aviation" for 1925–26, which will shortly be laid before the House.

Is not our civilian air traffic far ahead of that of the United States of America?

It is difficult to make comparisons. There is no civilian air traffic, strictly speaking, in the United States of America. There is only a postal service. I would rather not be drawn into making any comparisons.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department why a temporary messenger who was a non-service man has recently been promoted to record and paper keeper in the Department of Overseas Trade, when ex-service men with equal qualifications were available in that Department for such a promotion?

The claims of all the ex-service messengers in the Department were reviewed for the post in question, but they were not considered to be so strong as those of the man who has been appointed, and who had performed the duties of the post for upwards of seven years. With regard to the question of military service, the messenger referred to volunteered in 1915 for War service and under the Derby scheme in 1916. He came up four times for medical examination, but was rejected on all occasions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if, taking the whole of the retirements of civil servants, he will give the percentage who retire at different ages from 55 onwards?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total number of hours overtime, paid and unpaid, performed by the established and temporary clerical staff of the taxes branch of the Inland Revenue Department for the year 1925?

The total number of hours overtime, paid and unpaid, worked by the established and temporary staff in question during the year ended 31st December, 1925, was some 932,000. This figure represents 105 additional hours' work per annum per unit of staff.

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to introduce the Bill dealing with road vehicles?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, which I gave on the 29th June to the hon. Member for Southwark Central.

May I ask if, before this Bill is introduced, the hon. and gallant Member will take the guidance of the National Union of Teachers and the National Association of Chief Constables, and see that both children and civilians are properly considered in regard to protection?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give the figures showing the imports and exports between this country and Finland, the Baltic provinces, and Poland, for the years 1912 and 1913, and for the last six years; (2), if he will state the imports and exports between Russia and this country

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the invention of the Schermuly pistol rocket apparatus; whether the apparatus has been submitted

for the years 1912 and 1913, and for the last six years?

I will answer these questions together, and, as the answer involves tables of figures, it will be circulated, should my hon. and gallant Friend agree, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

to any tests by the experts of his Department; whether it is proposed to adopt the same as part of the life-saving equipment for the coast-watching service; and whether he will recommend that all passenger and commercial vessels should be equipped with the apparatus?

My attention has been called to the invention to which the hon. Member refers, and arrangements have been made for the apparatus to be tested by His Majesty's Coastguard. The Board of Trade have issued a notice recommending that line-throwing appliances should be carried on merchant ships; but it is not the practice of the Department to recommend any particular proprietary appliance.

asked the Secretary for Mines how much money has geen granted from the Miners' Welfare Fund for mining education in each year since the passing of the Mining Industry (Welfare Fund) Act, 1920?

The first allocation from the Miners' Welfare Fund for education was made in 1922. The total amount allocated to date for that purpose is £540,805; this includes a recent allocation of £150,000 for endowing a national scholarship scheme, and also allocations amounting to £254,022, which are at present provisional

asked the Secretary of State for War how many youths at present in junior divisions of the Officers' Training Corps joined at the age of 13, 14, 15, and 16 years, respectively; and whether there is a maximum age for joining a junior division?

only, pending acceptance by the grantees of the conditions imposed upon them. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the separate figures of confirmed allocations for each year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is seeking to strike a mortal blow at the development of mining education by passing the Mining Industry Bill?

No.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this sum includes any grants made by the local district committees?

Yes, Sir. I cannot give the actual figures off-hand, but it does include that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this sum is the chief sum which is being applied to mining subjects strictly, and whether the additional sum which has gone to other forms of education are included in this amount?

I must have notice of that question.

The figures of confirmed allocations are as follow:

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the number of boys who are joining the association is large or small?

It was at the hon. Member's request that I undertook to get a Report of the last year's working of the Officers' Training Corps placed in the Library, and it is there now.

That Report does not give any figures with regard to the number of boys of the age of 13, and I am asking whether there are a large number of them joining at that age?

I can give no information. As I have said we have no information on that point.

In view of the fact that the general age as regards industrial occupations is 14, does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that for the purposes of apprenticeship to a military vocation the age of 13 is a little too low?