asked the Minister of Health whether any alteration has been found necessary in the arrangement for the hearing of appeals by applicants whose claims to pensions by virtue of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, are rejected by the Minister; and, if so, will he give all available information as to the existing and proposed arrangement, and, in particular, as to the remuneration, if any, which has been, or will be, paid to the referees and women assessors appointed under the Act, as to the conditions attached to the appointments, and as to methods which will be adopted for informing the House and the public of the judicial rulings given by the referees and of their duties and work in general?

No alteration has up to the present been found necessary in the arrangement for the hearing of appeals under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925.

asked the Minister of Health the death rate of women in child-birth, birth-rate, infantile mortality, and mortality of persons from tuberculosis in all forms, in Scotland, England (excluding Monmouthshire), and Wales (including Monmouthshire), and in the 13

Area. Mortality of Woman in Child-birth per 1,000 live births. Births registered per 1,000 of the Population living Deaths of Infants under one year per 1,000 live births Deaths of presons from all forms of Tuberculosis per million civilian population 1923. 1924. 1925. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1923. 1924. 1925. England (excluding Mon-mouth 3.68 3.79 4.01 19.6 18.7 18.1 69 75 74 1,052 1,052 1,036 Wales (including Mon-mouth) 5.42 5.14 4.97 21.6 21.0 20.1 74 77 82 1,180 1,171 1,106 Anglesey 8.00 8.69 2.32 19.3 17.6 16.4 84 97 80 1,598 1,473 1,224 Wales (including Mon-mouth) 5.42 5.14 4.97 21.6 21.0 20.1 74 77 82 1,180 1,171 1,106 Brecknock 6.53 8.30 0.84 19.8 19.3 19.2 72 81 71 859 1,159 741 Cardigan 6.61 10.26 7.22 15.7 15.1 14.3 76 78 71 1,746 1,887 1,794 Carmarthen 5.02 5.97 4.24 21.0 20.3 19.5 72 82 80 1,416 1,223 1,121 Carnarvon 4.93 5.28 5.46 16.9 15.8 15.2 78 71 84 1,630 1,705 1,609 Denbigh 7.79 5.27 6.15 19.0 19.2 18.4 72 79 85 931 887 840 Flint 3.39 6.82 7.30 20.0 19.6 19.5 68 61 70 1,083 834 925 Glamorgan (with County Borough). 5.53 5.09 5.39 22.8 22.4 21.3 76 78 84 1,184 1,188 1,145 Merioneth 6.48 7.68 8.28 18.2 17.9 16.9 76 72 72 1,536 1,910 1,424 Monmouth (with County Borough) 4.61 3.45 3.66 23.2 22.2 21.4 72 75 85 934 951 920 Montgomrey 3.96 5.01 3.29 19.7 19.3 17.6 58 62 61 1,151 910 867 Pembroke 5.02 4.13 3.81 19.5 18.3 17.0 68 70 69 1,312 1,350 1,202 Rador 9.50 4.96 7.43 19.1 18.2 18.1 48 64 57 1,222 991 1,166

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, following the new rule relating to the grant of leave to officers who served in Waziristan in 1925, leave will be extended to other ranks of the Indian combatant personnel?

No, Sir. The Waziristan concessions do not in the case of officers confer any additional leave; they only affect the period of leave during which full pay may be drawn. Indian other ranks always draw full pay while on leave.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that out of the 627 factories referred to in the

Counties of Wales separately, for 1923, 1924, and 1925, respectively?

The information asked for as regard England and Wales is given in the statement below. With regard to Scotland the hon. Member should address an inquiry to the Secretary of State for Scotland:

annual Report by the Government of India only 200 were inspected twice yearly as laid down by the Factory Acts; that 285 were inspected once only, while 35 were not inspected at all during the year 1924—25; and what action has been taken with a view to the provisions of the Act being carried into effect?

These factories are perennial factories referred to in the Report of the Presidency of Bombay for 1924, not as stated by the hon. Member in the Government of India's Report. The Government of India's statistics for 1924 (the last year available) show that 5,349 factories were inspected out of a total of 6,406; 3,753 being inspected once, 1,145 twice, 315 thrice, and 136 more than three times. The Factory Acts themselves do not, as alleged in the question, lay down that factories should be inspected twice a year. Rules regarding inspection and other matters are made by the local governments, which are responsible for the administration of the subject of factories, and my Noble Friend has no reason to doubt that all possible and suitable measures are taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if his attention has been drawn to the resolution carried at the mass meeting of the Mussalmans at Lucknow on Sunday, 13th June, regarding the treaties entered into between the British Government and Ibn Saud; and what steps the Government have taken to meet the views of Indian Moslems on this subject?

I have seen a number of resolutions reported to have been passed at this meeting. I cannot say more than that the views expressed will be taken into account.

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

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

To AUSTRALIA. — Men. Women. Children. Total. 1926 … 8,536 6,826 11,036 26,398 1925 … 10,271 6,061 5,681 22,013 To NEW ZEALAND. 1226 … 2,587 2,445 3;765 8,797 1995 … 2,737 2,843 4,172 9,752

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Governor of Malta is absent on leave; and whether the Lieutenant-Governor or the senior military officer would in the absence of the Governor be the officer to refuse or support any request from local authorities for the use of Imperial troops in support of the civil power?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, in the absence of the Governor on leave the local authorities should address such a request to the Lieutenant-Governor who, in his capacity as officer administering the Government exercises the powers of the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of cases brought under the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act; and the proportion of cases in which it has been possible to enforce payment of the order?

I have been asked to reply. There were only a few cases before 1923, and since 1923 certain figures have been published in the Criminal Statistics. During the years 1923, 1924 and 1925, 398 orders have been forwarded overseas and 73 received from overseas. I have no information of the extent to which the orders are being complied with.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many representative teachers of building are attending the conference in London this month; and whether attention is being given to the question of speeding up and improving the standard of house building?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the short course organised by the Board for teachers of building subjects, particulars of which I am sending him. Seventy-four teachers are attending the course full-time and a few others are attending certain of the lectures. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that special attention is being given to both these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that prior to 1924 defensive gas instruction, including the use of box respirators, was not in use in the Army, and was resumed in 1924; and will he state whether such instruction is now given?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. Training in anti-gas measures, including the use of respirators, has been given continuously in the Army since 1915.

asked the Secretary of State for War the average age of Army recruits for each year since the War?

I would refer the hon. Member to Table 7 on page 17 of the General Annual Report on the British Army for the year ending 30th September, 1925, which I hope will give him the information required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the site of the Greenwich Royal Hospital School, Greenwich, will be sold when the school itself is removed to the new site; and if the money so obtained will be used to increase the number of scholars and for their benefit or for what other purpose?

It is under consideration to utilise the land and buildings comprising the Royal Hospital School at Greenwich, after they have been vacated by the school, as an extension of the present Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and to pay over to Greenwich Hospital funds from Navy Votes a correspondingly increased rent for the Royal Naval College. Any increased revenue from this source would be used for the general purposes of Greenwich Hospital. The complement of the school is 1,000 boys, and it is not intended to increase this.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction prevailing in the Birmingham telegraph department as the result of the abolition of telegraph controlling positions; whether further reductions in the telegraph controlling staff at Birmingham are contemplated; whether he is aware that male controllers and staff in the telegraph service, who were specialised by the Post Office in the interest of efficiency, are now menaced with a grave worsening of prospects; that administrative changes in the telegraph service are being carired out without equitable provision being made for the human element adversely affected by them; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

I am aware that it has been necessary to abolish certain posts on the telegraph supervising establishment at Birmingham on account of the falling off in telegraph traffic, and that further reductions may be required. I regret the adverse effect of these measures on the prospects of the officers concerned, but I should not be justified in maintaining, in the interests of the staff, posts which are not required by the work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to the best means of operating the Tuberculosis Order, 1925, he will consider if the admission of live Canadian cattle into this country would help to secure the objects of that Order?

The Tuberculosis Order was designed to deal with certain forms of bovine tuberculosis, and I therefore fail to see how the admission of live Canadian cattle into this country would help to secure the objects of that Order. I would remind the hon. Member that live Canadian store cattle may already he admitted into this country under the Importation of Animals Act, 1922.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of proceedings instituted against farmers under the provisions of the Agricultural Wages Act; and the number of convictions obtained, together with the amount of wages arrears subject to the charges?

Proceedings have been taken under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, against 80 employers. Convictions were obtained in 62 cases, 15 cases were dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act, and three cases were settled out of Court. The arrears of wages recovered totalled £1,302.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that recently there have been further out-breaks of foot-and-mouth disease in South Lanarkshire; that this is causing increased anxiety and alarm not only among agriculturists but among the public in general; and, while it is recognised that the authorities whose duty it is to cope with this outbreak have been most energetic, will he consider the advisability of giving the authorities increased powers to deal with the situation?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that further out-breaks of foot-and-mouth disease have recently occurred in the Lanarkshire area, but I am advised that there is no cause for undue alarm. The position is well in hand, and I am satisfied that both the Ministry and the local authorities concerned have all the powers necessary to enable them to deal promptly and efficiently with the situation. Stockowners in the affected area can materially assist the authorities by confining their stock under cover wherever practicable within two miles of any outbreak, and by preventing the admission of strangers and visitors to any buildings or lands where livestock are located. Forms of notice, under Section 13 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, have been made available by the local authority. These notices, which may be obtained by stockowners free of charge, indicate that it is an offence for any person to enter premises to which the notices apply unless he has received permission from the owner or person in charge of the animals.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total of the amount of subsidies paid to encourage the production of beet sugar; where new factories are being built; and what is the estimated production of home-grown sugar this year?

The total gross amount of subsidy paid to date under the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act in respect of the output of home-grown beet sugar and molasses produced during the manufacturing seasons 1924–25 and 1925–26 is £1,607,240 13s. 3d. New factories are being built at Peterborough; Poppleton, near York; Felstead, Essex; and Cupar, Fifeshire. On the basis of factory estimates of the beet acreage sown, the production of sugar during the 1926–27 campaign will probably be between 130,000 and 140,000 tons.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the terms of the Flour Millers' Federation agreement of 20th February, 1919, granting a holiday of one week to men engaged in the industry; if he is aware that the federation are now refusing to grant such holiday; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I understand the question at issue was whether a holiday was due under the agreement to men who went on strike. The matter has been dealt with by the Joint Industrial Council of the industry, by which the agreement was made, and I see no ground for intervening.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total number of persons ordinarily employed in the Government Civil Service, divided into categories as far as possible, at a given date in 1890, 1900, 1910 and 1925, respectively?

I regret that these particulars are not available. The hon. Member will find a comparison of the numbers of Civil Servants in 1914 and 1923, divided into categories, in the Report of the Committee on Pay, etc. of State Servants, 1923, and will find details of the total number of Civil Servants in 1914 and at different dates since the War up to 1925 in the Memorandum on Present and Pre-War Expenditure, etc. (Command Paper 2428 of 1925). For such particulars as exist for the other years mentioned in the question, I am afraid that I must refer the hon. Member to the Annual Estimates. He will, however, find a statement of the number of persons in the Established Civil Service on the 31st March, 1902, and the 31st March, 1911, in Parliamentary Papers, No. 409 of Session 1902 and No. 210 of Session 1911.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the cases dealt with at the Old Bailey on 19th July of R. V. Robinson and R. V. Benny, special constables enlisted during the strike; whether he is aware that these men, with another still at large, were billeted on Sir W. Bass, at 78, South Audley Street, in accordance with a Home Office scheme of hospitality, contrary to the authority of Sir W. Bass, who had confined his invitation to Government clerks or typists; whether any of the three men had been previously convicted; what guarantees or credentials are required of men offering themselves as special constables; what amends, if any, have been made to Sir W. Bass for the theft of his property by these men; whether he is aware that Sir W. Bass has been compelled to issue process against the Commissioner of Police to regain possession of the articles stolen by members of his own force; and whether any reply, other than a bare acknowledgment, has been sent to Sir W. Bass's repeated written requests for an explanation?

I am aware of the circumstances of this case, and that, through an unfortunate misunderstanding, which I much regret, three special constables were sent to Sir William Bass's house, though his invitation had been confined to lady workers. The two men who were mentioned in the question had been previously convicted. In the emergency, 50,000 special constables were enrolled in one week, and I am afraid that the careful inquiries which are ordinarily made had not been carried out in these cases when the men were sent to Sir William Bass's house. As the most valuable part of the property was claimed by the pawnbrokers who were in possession of it, the Commissioner of Police was not in a position to return it without an order by a competent Court. Sir William Bass has been so advised, and I understand that the case will be heard to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the delay which has taken place at His Majesty's Customs, Hull, in connection with the release of a piece of summer saxony suiting to Messrs. Stockwell & Company, Limited, carriers, of Finsbury Street, London, on behalf of a London firm of woollen warehousemen, to whom it is being returned by a Copenhagen customer on account of its being slightly defective and for the purpose of being put right; whether he is aware that this piece of suiting was despatched from Copenhagen on the 27th May of this year and has not yet been released by His Majesty's Customs, and that it has undergone no process of repair, manufacture, renovation, alteration, or addition while abroad; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to its release at the earliest moment

The delay in this case was due to the fact that the particulars of the consignment entered on re-importation differed materially from those in the export specification. A declaration of identity was called for, and immediate release of the goods was offered on deposit of the duty pending production of the declaration. This offer was not accepted, and the declaration was not forthcoming until 30th June last. The goods were released on the 17th July.