asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of factory women workers in the Bombay Presidency; whether there are any women factory inspectors; if so, how many; and when these were appointed?

The num- ber of women workers in factories was 72,679 in 1924. One lady inspector was appointed in that year.

Has the Noble Lord any influence, and, if so, will he use it to get more women factory inspectors appointed?

I am afraid the answer is that this is entirely a matter for the Local Government. No doubt they will take into consideration the relevant facts of the case.

In view of the large number of people employed there, and there is only one factory inspector, will the Noble Lord make representations?

The hon. Gentleman cannot have heard the answer which I gave. I said that this was a matter for the Bomb0ay Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that no young children under the age laid down by the Factories Act are employed in match factories in Bombay where such employment was prohibited by notification from the Government authorities in Bombay, a similar notification has been issued in regard to match factories in other provinces; and, if so, in how many provinces this notification has been issued?

All the provisions of the Act apply (a) to all factories where power is used and at least 20 persons are employed, and also (b) to other places (where at least 10 persons are employed) declared to be factories by the Local Government. The Bombay Government's declaration relates to places where splints are converted into matches, and at least 20 persons are employed. The Government of Burma has taken similar action in regard to match factories employing at least. 10 persons. So far as the available information shows, no declaration affecting match factories has been made by other Local Governments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what propor- tion of the percentage of appointments of the 20 per cent. sanctioned for promotion to the Indian Civil Service has been attained and the percentage appointments of the sanctioned 30 per cent. by direct recruitment from the several provinces in each case?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As I informed the hon. Member on let April, it will necessarily take time to work up to the full 20 per cent. of superior posts, but a start has been made. I do not understand the reference in the second part of the question. Direct recruitment to the Indian Civil Service of Europeans and Indians is, however, proceeding on the half and half basis recommended by the Lee Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the number of students that can be accommodated at the Government agricultural college at Coimbatore; and whether, in view of the importance of agricultural training to the prosperity of the country and the fact that out of 170 applicants during the current year 130 were refused on the ground of insufficient accommodation, the Government of India propose to increase the accommodation at this college?

The matter is one for the Government of Madras. My Noble Friend does not know what number of students can be accommodated at the College, but understands that new buildings have recently been, or are being, constructed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is the intention of the Government of India to pass legislation similar to the Indian and Colonial Divorce Bill, so that women in Great Britain whose husbands are domiciled in India may have rights similar to those which will be conferred by the Bill on women in India whose husbands are domiciled in Great Britain?

Legislation with this object would not be within the com- petence of the Indian Legislature, but would have to be passed by Parliament. There is no intention of extending the scope of the Bill now before this House in the manner indicated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of Hindus and Moslems, respectively, employed by the Indian Government and by the more important Provincial Governments in their respective secretariats and in their police departments?

I regret that the information is not available, and that it would hardly be possible to collect it without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. Moreover, since the proportion of Moslems and Hindus varies in each Province, a return of this nature would not afford a basis for estimating the proportionate representation of the two communities in these services.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of fatalities attributable in India to inter-religious strife in the decade or decades preceding the war and in the period which has succeeded the war?

I am afraid that a statistical return of this kind would be very difficult to compile, and would involve a disproportionate amount of research in every province in India.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Governor of Kenya Colony- has stated that he is anxious to secure throughout the settled part of the Colony the appointment of unofficial resident magistrates from amongst the settlers; and whether, considering the difficulties involved in such a departure from the established administrative practice of the country, he will give the matter his consideration before any change is made?

My right hon. Friend has not received any proposals on this matter from the Governor. The hon. Member may rest assured that all relevant factors will be carefully considered if and when such proposals are submitted to him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the terms of reference of the Labour Committee, recently set up in Kenya Colony under the chairmanship of the Chief Native Commissioner, contain any instruction to them to consider any measures that may be practicable to facilitate the flow of labour from the reserves?

According to a local newspaper, the terms of reference contain, among other matters, an instruction in the sense indicated in the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of subvention paid qualified administrators have been sent to study how analogous problems are dealt with by countries such as the United States of America, France, and Holland, who also have tropical possessions?

While visits of courtesy and informal meetings are exchanged on suitable occasions between officers administering the Governments of British dependencies and corresponding foreign Colonial officers, 'my right hon. Friend doubts whether it would be practicable to arrange anything of a more formal character. Every effort is made to follow the developments in methods of administration of Colonies by foreign Powers, in particular in regard to agricultural research and kindred matters.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department he has any figures showing how many foreign contracts for British coal, and the tonnage, have been lost to this country through the coal stoppage?

I have no figures available that would give my hon. Friend a full or reliable reply, but I have no doubt whatever from the fragmentary information at my disposal, that we have lost many foreign orders for coal owing to the present dispute.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the nearest convenient date on which he can give the figures of the number of wage-earners at work in the coal mines, exclusive of safety men; and what was the number?

The latest date for which figures are available is the 24th July. On that date there were 93,370 wageearners employed, of whom 66,300 were employed at mines not producing any coal, or producing coal for colliery consumption only.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the figures of the men other than the safety men engaged in raising coal actually?

I think the hon. and gallant Member will have to give me notice of that question.

Has the number of safety men employed been reduced during the progress of the coal dispute, and, if any reduction has taken place, on what ground?

I am not aware of any considerable reduction, or any reduction, but again I must ask for notice.

May I ask the question I put to the right hon. Gentleman I wanted to get the number of men at work in the coal mines, exclusive of safety men.

The answer I have given is that 66,300 wage-earners were employed on the 24th July at mines not producing any coal, or producing coal for colliery consumption only.

Does that mean that the mine is not producing coal, or that the men employed are not producing coal?

Surely it is the same thing. If the men are not producing coal, the4 mine is not producing coal.

As the right hon. Gentleman has given the answer, it might read that there are so many men employed in mines not winning coal. I want to know the number of men actually engaged in getting coal. There is an ambiguity in the answer.

It is a matter of simple arithmetic. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see me afterwards, I will explain.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of subvention paid to the coalowners of Pembrokeshire during the subvention period?

The amount of subvention payable to owners in Pembrokeshire is not yet definitely ascertained, but it is estimated to be about £8,600.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the average wage per man shift worked paid to the coal miners of Pembrokeshire for the 12 months ended 30th April last;

(2) the average profit per ton received by the coalowners of Pembrokeshire for the five years ended 31st December last, giving each separately?

Separate particulars for Pembrokeshire are not available. The only figures available relate to South Wales and Monmouth as a whole.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the number of accidents occurring in outcrop mining by shafts, and if the Regulations imposed by the Mines Regulation Acts are enforced?

Yes, Sir. These workings are visited by the inspectors of mines, and everything possible is done to enforce the safety provisions of the Coal Mines Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether the men employed on outcrop mining have their health insurance cards regularly stamped?

Insurance cards are required to be stamped for men so engaged if they are employed under a contract of service, but not otherwise. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case which he may have in mind, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the reports by voluntary organisations from many mining areas of the distress prevailing there amongst babies, young children, pit boys under 16, and expectant mothers, occasioned chiefly by the system of relief on loan, he will sanction, for the remainder of the stoppage, the adoption by the relief authorities concerned of a more generous scale of relief?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has asked his inspectors to give special attention to the occurrence of cases of hardship, and the reports which he has received do not support the view that distress among the classes mentioned is prevalent in the mining areas.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the decision in a recent case has made it clear that the certificate of the Ministry of Agriculture's local veterinary inspector is conclusive evidence in all Courts of Justice in any case of sheep scab or other disease of animals, the Government will, in fairness to farmers, introduce at an early date legislation to amend the provisions of Section 44, Sub-section (5), of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on the 29th July to my hon. Friend the Member for the Richmond Division of Yorkshire (Mr. Murrough Wilson), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many county wage committees have fixed wages at less than 35s. per week?

Forty-one of the agricultural wages committees have fixed the minimum wage for ordinary adult male workers at less than 35s. per week, excluding overtime.

Have the National Wages Board or the Minister of Health caused inquiries to be made why so many counties are deciding upon wages at so small a figure?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade has any information showing that the French customs duties are to be raised?

The French Committee of Experts, which has recently considered French finances, has recommended a substantial increase of the existing tariff. The terms of the recommendation appear on page 70 of the Board of Trade Journal for 18th July, a copy of which I will send to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

We have no reason to think that the Wages Board are not carrying out their duties under the Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give figures showing the amount of land returned as agricultural land in England and Wales that was suitable for agricultural use in the years 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1914, and 1924, together with the population of England and Wales for those years and the number of acres per 1,000 of the population?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statistical statement giving the information desired by the hon. Member.

Following is the statement:

Was this matter mentioned at all when the negotiations for remitting part of the duties was being considered?

That question should be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Postmaster-General why it has been considered necessary to go so far down the seniority list of the tracing staff employed in the Accountant-General's Department in order to find officers qualified for inclusion on the acting list'?

A large number of supervising officers are due to retire under the age limit in the near future, and it is necessary that opportunity should be taken of testing the fitness for promotion of a certain number of officers of outstanding promise.

Will the Noble Lord kindly reply to the question, why it has been considered necessary to go so far down the list before giving opportunities for the men to act?

In the circumstances, I have explained that it was necessary to bring some men, who were regarded as being of outstanding promise, up for trial somewhat earlier.

Does that mean that all those with greater seniority have been passed over without any opportunity?

It does not mean that all have been finally passed over.

May I ask whether it is to be understood that there is any party in this House in favour of promotion merely by seniority?

This is the time for putting questions to Ministers—not to others.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the Commissioners referred to in the Central Criminal Court Act, 1834, have not power to formulate a scheme for superannuation of the officers of the Central Criminal Court; whether it is within the knowledge of His Majesty's Government that the Commissioners caused certain proposed Amendments to the said Act to be drafted, copies of which were submitted to the Lord Chancellor and to the London County Council for consideration and reconsideration; and, in view of the fact that about four years have elapsed since the proposals were first drafted, will His Majesty's Government take such action as will enable the officers of the said Court to participate in a scheme of superannuation at an early date?

I have been asked to reply. Proposals have from time to time been made for the establishment of a pension scheme for the officers of the Central Criminal Court. It would appear that, any such proposals would require the approval of Parliament, and it is desirable that before a Bill for this purpose is submitted the previous agreement of the parties concerned (that is, the Corporation of the City of London, the London County Council, and the other county councils contributing to the expense of the Central Criminal Court) should first be obtained. Efforts have been made to bring about such an agreement, but hitherto without success.

May I ask the Attorney-General whether he cannot use his persuasive powers to induce the parties to come to an agreement, in view of the fact that the Central Criminal Court is the premier assize court in the country?

That is a matter which does not rest with me but with my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor. I understand that his Department has been doing its best to produce some agreement.

asked the Minister of Health if he will explain the position of an orphan under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, who on the death of its mother is adopted by its grandparents, close father remarries and subsequently dies, leaving the adopted child still with its grandparents, and the second wife, now widow with one or more children; would such a child living with its grandparents be treated as entitled to an orphan's pension or an additional allowance; and, if so, to whom should this pension or allowance be paid?

In the circumstances indicated in the question, an additional allowance would be payable in respect of the child of the first marriage. Normally, an additional allowance is payable to the widow as part of her pen- sion, but the Act contains provisions which authorise the transfer of the allowance from the widow to the person having the charge of the child.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases where grandparents have taken charge of the child almost from its birth, and the grandparents have not been able to receive the benefit of the referee's award? Will the hon. Gentleman look into the case if I submit one to him?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the conferences with General Andrews, of the United States of America, in respect to the suppression of smuggling and granting rights of search of British or alleged British ships or other means of freighting cargoes of drink, he will insist that reciprocal facilities will be given to this country and its dependencies?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the statement made on this subject in this House on the 27th July, and to the White Paper issued in May (Command 2647). 1 do not understand how the question of the grant of reciprocal facilities to this country and its dependencies arises.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been informed of any case of an American citizen being poisoned by liquor smuggled by their own nationals or Britishers into America? Has his attention been called to the poisoning of over a score of British nationals in British territory by poisonous drink smuggled by Americans into British territory; and does he not think he might suggest to General Andrews that he should return to his own country and amend the disgraceful state of affairs there?

I deprecate the tone of my hon. and learned Friend's question. It really is not that which we should adopt towards another great and friendly nation. I have no doubt that the American Government are as anxious to put a stop to improper trading on the Canadian frontier as are the Canadian Government.

Am I not entitled to be indignant at British citizens being poisoned?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Note which has been sent by the Regent of Abyssinia to the Secretariat of the League of Nations, protesting against the recently-concluded Anglo-Italian Agreement relating to his country and stating that the Agreement was concluded without the knowledge of the Abyssinian Government and is opposed by that Government, will be laid before Parliament and whether he proposes to make any comment upon it?

The correspondence is at present incomplete, but I shall be glad to publish it when it is concluded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to answer the last part of the question, as to when he is prepared to make some comment on the matter?

I understand that the matter is to be introduced into Debate this afternoon, and I shall then have the opportunity of making a fuller statement.

Will the correspondence include the letter of the Regent of the 15th June, which I understand was sent?

That is the letter to the League?

No, the letter to the British and Italian Governments of 15th June.

I should, of course, have to have the assent of the Abyssinian Government to its publication,, but subject to that there is no objection.

Do I understand that all the papers will be laid, and that they will include the correspondence with the French Government, provided that Government do not object?

No, I do not say that all the correspondence that has passed will be found there, but there will be the Notes to the Abyssinian Government and the communications from the Abyssinian Government, the communications we received from the League and our communications to the League.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing the correspondence with the French Government?

I do not think there is occasion to do that. I will see what correspondence there is, but I am sure there is nothing material.

Will the correspondence with the Italian Government be published?

I am endeavouring to satisfy the curiosity of hon. Gentlemen, but it is unwise for me to attempt to answer detailed questions without notice. The British Government have nothing whatever to conceal in this matter, as I hope I shall make plain in the course of the discussion which an hon. and gallant Member opposite proposes to initiate.

Has there not been a lot of correspondence between Signor Mussolini and our Ambassador at Rome on this subject?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, whilst negotiating with Italy regarding the economic spheres of influence in Abyssinia, he kept in touch with the Government of Abyssinia; and whether and when the Government agreed to the building of a barrage for Lake Tsana?

The building of the Tsana barrage by His Majesty's Government or the Government of the Sudan was foreseen in assurances given to Sir John Harrington by the Emperor Menelik in March, 1902, and confirmed by an exchange of Notes, but the Agreement of the Abyssinian Government to an actual scheme remains to be obtained. The communication to the Abyssinian Government, during the course of protracted negotiations with Italy, of information regarding their progress would not have contributed to their successful outcome. Once agreement had been reached, the Abyssinian Government were immediately informed of the substance of it.

Is it correct, as stated in the Note which the Abyssinian Government sent to the League of Nations, that this Agreement was made without their knowledge?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unregistered trade unions; and how many of the above possess a membership of more than 50,000?

The number of unregistered trade unions and other employes' associations concerned with the conditions of employment of their members was 704 at the end of 1924, the latest date for which complete figures are available. Of these, two have over 50,000 members.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what those two trade unions represent?

They are, I think, the National Union of Teachers and the Union of Post Office Workers.

Does this return apply only to workmen's unions?

This answer in particular applies to workmen's organisations.

Are unregistered unions compelled to send in returns to the Registrar?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation at an early date to amend the law relating to trade unions; if so, whether one Bill will be introduced or more than one; and whether, in the meantime, he will publish the conclusions at which the Government has arrived, so that there may be a, full opportunity of discussion throughout the country?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will amend trade union law so as to ensure that no larger sum than the average of that expended by societies registered under the Friendly Societies Act shall be used for the management and expenses, including salaries, of trade unions?

I shall answer these questions together. I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Are we to understand that no promises have been made by the Government to any section of either workers' organisations or employers' organisations?

Well, of course, without notice I could not answer that as regards what any individual members have said; but to my knowledge the answer would be in the negative.

I am not referring to individual members of the Government, but to spokesmen of the Government when receiving deputations from sections of either workpeople's organisations or employers' organisations.

I should have to have notice of that question. I have not received any myself.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any method by which any member of the public may obtain information as to the expenditure of unregistered trade unions and the proportion of expenses incurred in salaries other than working expenses, strike pay and other benefits?

Unregistered trade unions are not under a statutory obligation to make returns on their financial position, and information is available to the public only in so far as they voluntarily agree to its publication.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the total annual income is used for management expenses, including salaries, by societies registered under the Friendly Societies Act?

I have been asked to reply. No statistics are available which give the precise information desired. Societies registered under the Friendly Societies Act include not only friendly societies, but also working men's clubs, cattle insurance societies, benevolent societies, and especially authorised societies. The management expenses ratio on these four classes has never been calculated. In 1924 friendly societies (other than societies with branches, which include 50 per cent. of friendly society membership, and collecting societies) received total contributions of £6,430,000, and spent on management £690,000, or about 7½ per cent. of contributions. In the same year collecting societies spent 34 per cent. of their total income on management.

asked the Prime Minister whether a gas mask sufficiently reliable to resist the newest discoveries in gases for use in warfare has been invented; and what steps do the Government propose to take to bring such to the attention of the civilian population and to provide instruction in the use of such protective measures?

There is every reason to believe that protective measures are keeping abreast of current developments in gas warfare. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Attercliffe on the 10th February.

asked the Prime Minister whether the forthcoming Im- perial Conference will consider the difficulties of extending Imperial preference which arise from the fact that mandated territories are at present prohibited from reciprocating any Customs preferences that may be granted to them by other parts of the Empire?

I have been asked to reply. I do not anticipate that this subject is likely to be raised at the forthcoming Imperial Conference.

Has the attention .of the hon. Gentleman been called to the form of this question, which speaks of preferences being " at present prohibited " .? Is there any intention of altering the article of the Covenant which prohibits preferences in any mandated territory?

I think the hon. and gallant Member is not correct in his statement. There is a great variation in the terms of the mandates. Under the terms of " C " mandates a country can receive preferences, under " B " mandates there are other conditions and " A " mandates stand in a category by themselves. The point of this question is whether the whole matter will be examined at the Imperial Conference, and I have said it will not be.

But is there any intention of altering the general principle by which these territories held in trust give no preferences?

No alteration of the terms of the several mandates can take place without the unanimous decision of the Council of the League of Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will bring to the notice of the Imperial Conference the terms of the Indian and Colonial Divorce Bill with a view to arranging for the extension Of the Bill to the self-governing Dominions and the passage of similar legislation by these Dominions?

His Majesty's Government had not contemplated extending the principle of the present Bill to cover cases of persons domiciled here and resident in the Dominions, or initiating a discussion on the matter at the Imperial Conference. But it would, of course, be open to any of the Dominion representatives to raise the question, should they so desire.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that grave objection is taken to this in Scotland?

I know that there are objections, but, as I have said, the initiative would he open to any Dominion Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if at the forthcoming Imperial Conference any schemes for the development of the uninhabited territories of the British Empire, and of the Empire generally, will be considered?

My right hon. Friend has no doubt that the question of Empire development will arise in the course of the discussion on oversea settlement which is to be included in the Agenda for the Imperial Conference. There are, also other subjects for discussion at the Conference on which such questions may arise. But, for the reasons which my right hon. Friend mentioned in the course of his statement on the 29th July, it is for the Government of the area concerned to initiate the consideration of any particular scheme or schemes of this nature.

asked the Prime -Minister whether the Government, directly or through any agent, have been in negotiation during the present year for the sale of munitions of war or armaments to the Turkish Government or its agents; and whether the negotiations are still in progress?

No direct negotiations whatever have taken place. The only indirect overtures that I can trace consisted of inquiries of private firms, but so far as I am aware nothing materialised, and no negotiations are now in progress.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been directed to an article in a London paper this morning in which specific allegations are made that an offer, through an intermediary, was made on behalf of the British Government by a Birmingham firm to supply 100,000 rifles and 100,000,000 rounds of ammunition; and whether it is a fact that this offer was made, as it is declared to have been made, on the express authority of the Foreign Secretary himself; and whether he is prepared to deny it?

I did not get further in the article to which the hon. Gentleman refers than the head lines. The facts are as stated in my answer. There is nothing in international obligations or in our relations with the Turkish Government which should cause us to prevent British firms from supplying them with armaments if they desire it.

As there is nothing in international law, may I ask whether there is not something in the actual practice of nations that precludes us from doing this sort of thing?

No, Sir.

Do not firms have to get the permission of the Foreign Secretary before they can trade in that way?

Yes, there has to be permission from the British Government for the export of arms, but that permission ought not to be capriciously withheld. There is nothing, as I say, in the state of the world or in our relations with the Turkish Government which should cause me to think it in the public interest to prohibit the export of arms to Turkey at the present day.

As a matter of fact, is it not stated specifically in one of the communications from the private firm to the Turkish Government that this kind of thing is done for the first time by this Government?

That I do not know, because I have not seen the communications which have passed between the private firm and the Turkish Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that British men-of-war were sunk in the Dardanelles by mines supplied by British firms, and is he prepared to see a repetition of that?

I am not contemplating a new war with Turkey. We have just successfully concluded negotiations which place our relations on the most satisfactory footing, and there, I trust, we shall be able to maintain them, if this House will allow us to do so.

Is it not a fact that there is in Bedford Park a large gun captured from Germany which was made in Great Britain to kill British people?

That question is irrelevant.

asked the Attorney-General if he will give the names and addresses of the County of Derbyshire Magistrates Advisory Committee?

The following constitute the Derby County Advisory Committee:

His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., G. C. M. G., G. C. V.O., Chatsworth, Bakewell (His Majesty's Lieutenant).

G. H. Strutt, Esq., V.D., D.L., J.P., Bridge Hill, Belper.

C. R. Crompton, Esq., J.P., Stanton Hall, Stanton-by-Dale, Nottingham.

The Rt. Hon. J. H. Thomas, M.P., Unity House, Euston Road, N.W.1.

Mrs. Carruthers, J.P., 8, Gower Street, Bloomsbury.

Enoch Overton, Esq., J.P., 33, Oxcroft Road, Bolsover, Chesterfield.

Edwin C. Barnes, Esq., C.B.E., D.L., J.P., Ashgate Lodge, Chesterfield.

H. St. John Digby Raikes, Esq., K.C., J.P., C.B.E., 10, Eccleston Square, S.W.1.

Lord Doverdale, Westwood Park, Droitwich.

Does the Attorney-General think that four out of five members who are not resident in Derbyshire is a proper proportion?

I have no information at all on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will consider suggesting to education authorities the institution of health and welfare courses for the older girls in council schools, on lines similar to those given at the Bedford College for Women, with a view to the better fitting of such girls for the carrying out of the duties of later life?

The subject of health education will be dealt with in a special chapter in the revised edition of the volume of " Suggestions for Teachers," now in course of preparation.

Will it, also contain a reference to the work of welfare education?

I cannot say specifically, but I think my answer covers that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the noise caused in many cases by motor cycles; and whether he will take steps to secure a stricter enforcement of the law relating to the use of silencers?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the unnecessary noises created in the outer circle of Regent's Park by motorists and motor cyclists with open exhausts; and, in view of the discomfort and danger caused to invalids in the neighbourhood, whether he will devise some means of controlling or eliminating altogether this nuisance?

This subject has been engaging my attention for some time.

The question of improving silencers in motor cycles has been under discussion between the Ministry of Transport and the British Cycle and Motor Cycle Manufacturers' and Traders' Union, but I regret nothing has resulted so far from the discussion. The only course now open to me is to instruct the police to take active steps to enforce the law, and I am accordingly doing so and issuing a warning to motorists that if they desire to escape liability to the penalty provided by the law they must see that their machines or any machine which they purchase are effectively silenced, and that they must so use and drive them as to reduce the noise of their exhausts as far as may be reasonably practicable.

Is it not a fact that officers have been specially employed in detecting these offences, and that there have not been more detections is due to the inability more of police authorities to employ more officers on this work owing to many forces being under strength.

I told the House the other day that 4,000 prosecutions took place in London last year, and that does not seem to have had any effect. I am asking the police forces to see that the law is properly carried out.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us a definition of an effective silencer?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that prosecutions for offences under the Theatrical Managers' Registration Act, 1925, can only be instituted in the district where such registration was effected; and will he consider an Amendment to the existing Act in order to provide for proceedings being instituted in the districts where performers may have been abandoned.?

So far as I can see the Act already meets the hon. Member's case as an offence has to be prosecuted before the Court of Summary Jurisdiction within the area of which the offence was committed. If, however, the hon. Member will give me particulars of any difficulty which has arisen I will consider the matter further.

Is the Home Secretary aware that just lately a prosecution took place in London where the place of registration was Newport, and consequently the magistrate could not deal with the case?

If the hon. Member will give me the details of the case I will look into it.

May I ask whether theatrical managers are in the habit of committing offences?

asked the Home Secretary if he will suggest to local authorities the advisability of by-laws being adopted with a view to the nuisance occasioned by the use of loud speakers in gardens or open spaces being abated?

It would not be proper for me to intervene in a matter of this kind. It is for the local authority in the first instance to consider whether a substantial nuisance exists in their district which can be dealt with by by-law.

asked the chancellor of the Exchequer why no Minute was presented to the House of Commons by the Treasury giving particulars and explaining the circumstances of the gift to the Iraq Government of the agreed sum due from that Government in respect of certain works and communications in Iraq?

This book debt consisted of a liability to pay the value of certain works of public utility constructed in Iraq during the period of military occupation, and subsequently transferred to the Iraq Government. The circumstances in which remission was considered desirable were explained to the House in the Report of my right hon. Friend the Member for Norwich (Mr. Hilton Young). No Minute is required to regularise the action of the Treasury in authorising remission.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider, having regard to the fact that this gift was of an unusual nature and exceeded £10,000, that it was in accordance with the Treasury Minute of the 25th May, 1923, that no information should be given to this House?

Yes, Sir.

Has the Treasury power to remit large debts like this, running into many thousands of pounds, without consulting this House at all?

Yes. Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any information as to the memorandum sent to the Reparation Commission by the German Government making a claim on the charge of the annual payments?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the 28th July.

Was there not a meeting of the Reparation Commission at the Bank of England last week?

I do not know I must have notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangement he has made with Portugal in regard to the debt of £23,000,000 due to Great Britain?

Negotiations in regard to this debt are at present taking place.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any representation has been received from the new French Government on the question whether payments from France to England should be contingent on reparation payments received by France from Germany?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost to the Govern- merit from 1st April to 30th June, 1926, and also the cost for the similar period of 1925, of old age pension, disability pension, war pension, national health insurance and unemployment insurance?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed to make a change in the design of the coinage; which coins will he affected; and what is the reason for the change?

Proposals for improving the design on the reverse of certain silver coins have been under consideration, and a statement will be made when it is possible to give details.

Has the House of Commons any control over this matter before the designs on the coinage are altered?

Not so far as I am aware.

When this matter was under consideration, did the right hon. Gentleman consider the coining of five-shilling pieces again—crown pieces?

I think that that was one of the matters that were under consideration.

Is it contemplated that the three-penny bit shall be done away with?

As the answer consists of a table of figures, perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT,

Fallowing is the Table promised:

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received a Report from the London Traffic Advisory Committee regarding prowling taximeter cabs; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to deal with this nuisance?

I have nothing to add at present to the answer which was given to my hon. and gallant Friend in reply to a similar question which he put to the Minister on the 19th July.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to state the extent of the financial liability to the Government involved in the Government's guarantee of responsibility for counsel in the recent case in which the Highland Railway Company were the appellants; whether the Government was consulted before four senior counsel and one junior were briefed; and how many counsel were briefed to represent the defendants in the case?

The extent of the financial liability cannot be determined until the final judgment in the case is given. The retention of counsel was a matter for the railway company, but the Government were aware of the company's intentions in this respect, and, in all the circumstances, saw no reason to dissent from the proposal to brief additional senior counsel in the last stage of the case. I have no information as to the number of counsel briefed by the respondents, but I understand that three appeared on their behalf in the proceedings before the House of Lords.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when he will be in a position to tell the House what is the extent of the Government's liability in this matter, and whether the Treasury were consulted before this expenditure of public money was guaranteed?

I shall be able to tell the hon. Member the liability when the case has been decided in the House of Lords. Until then I do not know.