asked the Secretary of State for War how the 66 Grade 3 clerical posts allotted to Army pay offices have been divided, office by office, among the various commands, corps and infantry pay offices?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for King's Norton (Mr. Dennison) on 3rd June.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that his Department, has prohibited the exhibition on the notice boards of the Department posters advertising the "New Civilian" and "Red Tape," two Civil Service staff journals, and that his Department has sanctioned the exhibition of posters advertising the "Times" newspaper; and whether he will remove the ban on the posters of staff journals and grant to other daily newspapers facilities similar to those accorded the "Times"?

whether any change in the allocation to churches of senior appointments is contemplated?

The allocation of the establishment of chaplains to the forces of the denominations in question and the number of men belonging to such denominations, according to the figures for 1st October, 1925, which are the latest available, are as shown in the following table:

A notice was placed on the notice boards of the War Office advertising the first issue of the "New Civilian." On account of lack of space, it is impossible to advertise every issue of each of the numerous Civil Service papers. A notice has been displayed advertising an offer by the "Times" to supply that newspaper to Civil Servants at a reduced price. This notice was put up at the request of the staff side of the War Office Whitley Council.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the ease of Foreman A. Barlow, who was summarily dismissed by the superintendent of the Ellesmere Magazine, Surplus Stores Liquidation Department, on 4th March last, on a series of charges made against him; and whether, having regard to this ex-service man's good record with the Ministry, as borne out by various testimonials, he will institute an inquiry into the circumstances of the dismissal, in order to give Barlow an opportunity of vindicating his character?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The circumstances in which this man's dismissal took place have already been fully investigated, and I should not feel justified in instituting a further inquiry into the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the decision was given, whether judicial or departmental, that in the event of overpayment of either military or civil pension due to department error, the pensioner is not compelled to refund under Section 5 of the Superannuation Act of 1887?

In connection with a recent general review of such cases, the Treasury were advised that it was doubtful whether or not an overpayment due to departmental error was legally recoverable. In these circumstances, they decided to give the pensioner the benefit of the doubt, and to waive recovery. Departments were informed accordingly by Treasury Circular of 11th March. 1925.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that close upon a million hours overtime were performed by the established and temporary staff in the taxes branch of the Inland Revenue Deportment for the year ended 31st December, 1925, any steps are being taken to augment the clerical staff of this Department; and what steps are being taken to safeguard the efficiency of the taxes branch, having regard to the discharges of experienced staff which are taking place at the present moment?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The position with regard to overtime is more favourable in the present year than in 1925. I am confident that the efficiency of the taxes branch is in no degree threatened. The staff already discharged or warned for discharge are a comparatively small number of temporary clerks who either failed to qualify, or did not sit in the recent examination. Their places are being taken by successful candidates.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that cases have arisen of ex-service men who were successful at the Southborough examination having been rejected for establishment in consequence of not being able to attain the physical standard imposed by the Civil Service Commissioners; and whether he will consider applying to such officers the conditions appropriate to the clerical classes in respect of salary, leave, etc., with the exception of superannuation rights?

Yes, Sir; I am aware that cases have arisen of ex-service men who qualified at the written part of the Southborough examination but failed to pass the medical tests for establishment. I regret that I am unable to extend to persons who are unable to satisfy the prescribed tests for establishment the conditions of service of established classes with the exception of superannuation rights I have no doubt that Departments will pay special regard to these cases in making their selection of temporary ex-service men for permanent non-pensionable employment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is in accordance with general practice for a civil servant to be promoted to a higher grade during his firt year of service, and when he is still on probation?

I am not aware of any general rule or practice which would prevent the promotion of a civil servant during his first year of service, and when he is still on probation.

asked the Financial secretary to the Treasury the percentages of civil servants compulsorily retired during the last year at the various ages from 60 to 65?

A civil servant may retire, subject to the convenience of the public service, at the age of 60, and must retire at the age of 65, or such earlier age between 60 and 65 as may be decided upon by his Department. It cannot, however, be assumed that a civil servant who is called upon by his Department to retire at any age between 60 and 65 would desire to extend his service beyond that age. In these circumstances, the statistics for which the hon. Member asks and which would entail considerable inquiry would be misleading.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many successful candidates at the Southborough examination have been appointed to established posts; and whether he can give an approximate date when the whole of the successful candidates will be absorbed into the permanent establishment?

I would refer my hon. Friend, as regards the first part of the question, to the answer which I am giving to-day to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Salford (Lieut.- Commander Astbury), and as regards the last part., to the answer which I gave to the same Member on the 22nd June.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the original total of the Italian War Debt to this country and the capitalised present value of the annuities to be paid by Italy under the recent Anglo-Italian Debt Funding Agreement

The net War Debt of Italy to this country as at the date of Funding was about £570,000,000 and the present value on a 5 per cent. basis of the payments to be received in respect of this Debt under the Funding Agreement is about £76,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the original total of the French War Debt to this country and the capitalised present value of the annuities to be paid by France under the proposed Anglo-French Debt Funding Agreement?

The net War Debt of France to this country as at the date of the signature of the Funding Agreement is about £600,000,000, and the present value en a 5 per cent. basis of the annuities to be paid by France under the Agreement is about £227,000,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position of the negotiations between the British and Chinese delegations at Canton for the settlement of the anti-British boycott; whether the suggestion of the Chinese delegation for the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the question of the responsibility for the Shameen shootings of 23rd June, 1925, has been referred to His Majesty's Government: and what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government in the matter?

Negotiations are still in progress. As the. hon. Member for North Battersea (Mr. Saklatvala) was informed on the 28th of July, the suggestion for the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry has been reported to His Majesty's Government, and is being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position in regard to the Tariff Conference in China; what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards its continuance and whether any consultations have taken place with other Governments as to the advisability of continuing or otherwise?

In reply to the first and second parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker) on the 7th of June last. As regards the third part, I would refer him to the answer given to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Barker) on the 29th of July.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he intends to introduce legislation to amend the China Indemnity Bill, or whether a Report of the Willingdon Mission to China will be published first?

It is hoped that the necessary legislation will be introduced next Session, and that the Report of the Willingdon delegation will have been published by then.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aide to make any statement as to the action of the Commander of the British gunboat "Tarantula," in closing the Port of Wuchow?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Newcastle Central (Mr. Trevelyan) on the 21st of July, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give time for the Report and Third Reading of the Vinegar Bill, having in view its importance for the barley-growing districts?

In view of the controversial nature of this Bill and on account of the large amount of business to be disposed of in the autumn, I regret that I see no prospect of giving special facilities for its passage.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the cumulative losses suffered by British trade by a long continued stoppage in any important industry, he will take the necessary steps to prevent the acceptance, by either employers or employed, of money from abroad, which has the effect of making the stoppage more protracted and correspondingly benefits our competitors abroad?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I dealt at some length with this matter in my reply to questions on the 17th June, and for the present I can acid nothing to the statement then made as to the Government policy.

asked the Home Secretary if he will give the mining districts in which prosecutions under the Emergency Regulations have taken place; and the number of cases for each district, respectively?

The figures for the past two months are as follow:

Durham … … 18 West Riding … … 87 Lancashire … … 5 Staffordshire … … 40 Notts and Derby … … 11 Warwickshire … … 5 Gloucestershire … … 3 North Wales … … 8 South Wales … … 21

These figures include offences under the Coal (Emergency) Directions, so far as reported by the police.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision of the Rotherham bench, who held that a straw plaiting plant and machinery was not subject to the safety provisions as laid down by the Factory Acts; and will he consider amending such enactment in order that this type of plant may be brought within the scope of the existing Act?

The hon. Member appears co have been misinformed. It is reported to me that the justices upheld the prosecution, and convicted the occupier.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of prosecutions during the 12 months preceding the last convenient date for employing children under 14 years of age in a stage production without the necessary licence?

I regret that I cannot give these figures. In the returns made for the purposes of the Judicial Statistics, these cases are not shown separately from other offences connected with the employment of children.

asked the Home Secretary in view of the increasing prevalence of wife desertion, in many cases where children are left unprovided for, if he can state what assistance can be rendered to the wife in tracing her husband, more especially in cases where the local authority refuses maintenance claims until the husband's address is traced?

Such figures as are available do not appear to support the suggestion that wife desertion is increasing. I am not sure I understand what circumstances the latter part of the question relates to; very possibly the point involved is not one for the Home Secretary to consider, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will submit particulars, I will see.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many men, between 1st January and 30th June 1926, have been recommended by the doctors of his Ministry for medical treatment under a private practitioner; and whether any, after a report by the private medical practitioner, giving the treatment necessary, have been sent for further examination and refused such treatment?

I am afraid that these figures are not available. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that all insured persons are entitled to general

Year. Geographical Distribution. Government Securities. Muncipalities and Public Boards. Railways. Industrial, Commercial etc. Undertakings. Total. Thous. £s. Thous. £s. Thous. £s. Thous. £s. Thous. £s. 1921 British Empire 73,421 5,323 528 11,559 90,831 Foreign Countries 5,905 — 983 18,003 24,891 1922 British Empire 58,395 7,427 805 8,890 75 517 Foreign Countries 14,254 7,088 14,532 23,809 59,683 1923 British Empire 62,086 5,416 3,024 17,051 87,577 Foreign Countries 26,937 — 5,903 15,699 48,599 1924 British Empire 50,908 6,284 619 15,691 73,502 Foreign Countries 40,620 2,412 3,284 14,405 60,721 1925 British Empire 29,505 2,022 1,681 24,196 57,404 Foreign Countries 975 1,350 4,189 23,880 30 394 1926 Jan. British Empire Figures not published. 32,787 to June. Foreign Countries Figures not published. 30,426 The figures are based on the prices of issue.

practitioner treatment, and no record is kept of the cases in which a man is advised by a medical officer of the Ministry to consult his own doctor for a condition which falls within the scope of general practitioner treatment and does not call for a special course of treatment such as is contemplated by the Royal Warrant. I may add that the medical officers of my Department are always prepared to consider further, in the light of any report or opinion submitted by the man's own doctor, the question of the provision by the Ministry of a course of treatment in any particular case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give an estimate as to the amount of British capital invested abroad during each of the past five years and for the first six months of this year, distinguishing between amounts invested in the British Empire, including mandated territories, and foreign countries, and between Government securities and industrial undertakings?

According to statements published by the Midland Bank, Limited, the issues of new capital publicly announced in Great Britain during the periods specified included the following amounts offered for overseas investment:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended, and, if so, when, to introduce any legislation to give effect to the recommendation of the Committee which has recently reported on company law?

I hope that it may be possible to introduce a Bill next year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before any restrictions are imposed under the Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) Bill, full opportunity will be given for organisations of retailers to be heard, by counsel or otherwise, before the tribunal to be set up under the proposed Act?

In the Bill, as reported to the House, the committees to be set up thereunder are required to hear persons representing such interests as may appear to them to be substantially affected. It is intended that such persons should be entitled to appear by counsel if they so desire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the high prices of fresh vegetables to the consumer as compared with those paid to the producer: and whether the Food Council is considering or will consider the matter?

This is a matter which the Food Council will be asked to consider when their present work allows.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the interference occasioned on the south coast to wireless reception owing to the operation of Morse signalling from the Newhaven station; and whether he will cause the wave-lengths of the Newhaven and Dieppe stations to be raised to 800 metres in order to avoid such interference?

Traffic is already exchanged between the Newhaven and Dieppe wireless stations on the 800 metres wave, although the 300 metres wave is used for obtaining the attention of the Dieppe station which keeps watch on that wave only. Other possible methods of reducing the interference are being investigated.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to publish the amended Regulations in regard to the position of excepted persons over 45 years of age who may wish to become voluntary contributors under the new Pensions Act?

These Regulations were laid before the House. on the 26th July, and copies will be on sale shortly.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the case where an insured person died prior to 4th January, 1926, the widow, on reaching the age of 70, is granted an old age pension, irrespective of any test as to means or income?

The answer is in the negative unless the widow is in receipt of a widow's pension until she attains the age of 70 or unless, being herself an insured person, she becomes entitled in her own right.

asked the Minister of Health the death-rate of women in childbirth, infantile mortality, and the death-rate from tuberculosis for each of the Metropolitan boroughs for the years 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, and 1925, respectively?

The figures asked for are given in the following statement.:

Area. Mortality of Women in Childbirth per 1,000 Live Births. Deaths of Infants under One Year per 1,000 Live Births. Deaths of Persons from all forms of Tuberculosis per Million Civilian Population. 1921. 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1921. 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1921. 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925. City of London (including Inner and Middle Temples). 7.58 — 9.01 — — 109 61 81 117 60 1,183 1,646 1,335 1,350 807 METROPOLITAN BOROUGHS. Battersea 3.74 2.45 2.91 2.87 1.88 74 69 50 62 58 1,277 1,212 1,026 1,111 1,156 Bermondsey 2.70 1.53 1.99 3.38 3.96 93 100 73 79 76 1,535 1,734 1,463 1,433 1,398 Bethnal Green 2.33 2.35 4.51 1.89 2.66 100 91 70 77 81 1,547 1,816 1,533 1,275 1,235 Camberwell 2.87 2.59 3.71 2.91 2.88 74 78 57 70 64 1,358 1,321 1,179 1,158 1,173 Chelsea 3.65 9.35 1.97 2.16 7.49 82 65 56 64 68 1,151 939 993 1,502 956 Deptford 3.00 3.04 3.29 2.95 4.14 88 74 59 76 63 1,339 1,437 975 1,102 1,070 Finsbury 1.51 2.59 2.17 0.60 2.29 91 82 61 78 60 1,734 1,588 1,411 1,360 1,586 Fulham 3.97 4.01 4.16 3.71 3.20 84 69 65 72 75 1,1192 1,223 1,120 975 1,087 Greenwich 3.43 0.94 3.30 2.42 1.54 75 57 62 74 70 1,381 1,412 1,323 1,249 1,175 Hackney 3.82 1.90 2.48 3.08 3.67 66 73 59 59 65 1,222 1,114 1,170 1 186 1,021 Hammersmith 3.96 3.26 3.70 3.75 5.53 88 71 64 72 65 1,360 1,220 1,198 1,259 1,041 Hampstead 2.98 4.65 3.23 2.53 4.66 66 56 44 56 55 817 794 664 799 682 Holborn 3.09 1.51 3.36 5.19 3.80 79 72 79 81 63 1,103 1,190 1,107 1,249 1.247 Islington. 2.18 2.78 2.39 3.13 3.20 82 76 67 67 63 1,252 1,327 1,203 1,186 1,306 Kensington 4.10 4.76 4.81 2.06 3.52 107 84 70 75 79 1,055 960 891 835 886 Lambeth 3.56 2.83 2.72 2.89 3.24 76 77 59 67 64 1,184 1,270 1,115 1,235 1,160 Lewisham 2.02 4.05 3.94 3.30 1.72 56 55 48 48 56 978 906 921 811 808 Paddington 4.50 2.20 0.76 2.40 3.85 91 70 69 78 72 865 1,019 862 1,045 816 Poplar 3.35 2.49 3.29 2.09 2.87 83 79 60 72 76 1,347 1,346 1,190 1,178 1,145 St. Marylebone 5.11 . 3.02 7.84 4.68 73 68 69 80 64 1,169 1,198 1,101 1,130 895 St. Pancras 2.10 3.07 2.98 3.46 2.57 76 74 63 74 72 1,414 1,468 1,287 1,255 1,102 Shoreditch 2.29 2.37 1.05 3.76 2.28 111 103 83 84 88 1,683 1,767 1,610 1,371 1,454 Southwark 2.78 2.84 2.19 2.61 1.25 90 79 70 71 78 1,672 1,645 1,552 1,614 1,265 Stepney 2.10 2.66 2.71 1.65 3.19 90 80 63 76 76 1,456 1,483 1,335 1,344 1,429 Stoke Newington 0.93 6.40 6.25 3.42 3.66 54 67 48 56 67 951 931 852 869 1,072 Wandsworth 2.10 3.27 2.92 5.22 3.89 67 62 54 57 54 1,186 1,033 973 872 924 Westminster, City of 4.69 3.19 2.28 4.38 5.23 81 55 48 61 69 1,001 1,198 869 1,008 938 Woolwich 3.13 2.04 1.74 3.86 3.48 62 63 43 65 55 1,504 1,374 1,364 1,422 1.329

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the phraseology employed in Circular 715, dated the 19th July, issued to boards of guardians (England), which circular makes reference to Poor Law institutions and inmates; and whether, in view of the fact that such institutions are now officially termed hospitals and inmates referred to as patients, he will issue instructions that will result in the modern method of phraseology being applied?

The hon. Member is evidently under a misapprehension. The circular applies to inmates of all classes of Poor Law institutions, and not only to institutions for the sick.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to a recent fatal motor accident near the junction of Alexander Road, Ash, Surrey, resulting in the death of Joseph Fuller, whose body was allowed to remain on the roadside in the sun and in view of the public for nearly two hours awaiting the arrival of a horse and cart from Farnham, nearly three miles away, although the Aldershot mortuary and ambulance were less than a mile from the 'scene of the accident: and will he state whether any action can be taken in order to avoid such delays on account of district demarcation?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this case. but I am making inquiries.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that an offer of £90.000 for the Gainsborough toll bridge made by the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils and the Gainsborough Urban District Council has been refused; that this bridge was built in 1787 at a cost of £12,000 and whether, in view of this profiteering and the public inconvenience of a toll bridge on a main road, he will take compulsory powers to effect the transfer as extortion or make a substantial grant towards the erection of a new bridge?

While I am aware that negotiations have been proceeding for the freeing of this toll bridge, I am not at present in a position to express an opinion upon the terms, or to commit myself to a grant from the Road Fund.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) the amount allocated to local authorities in England and Wales for the maintenance of unclassified rural roads, and the number of miles of roads for which this grant will be used;

(2) the amount allocated to each local authority in the county of Leicester for the maintenance of unclassified rural reads, and the number of miles of roads for which this grant will be used?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the total amount set aside for grants towards the maintenance of rural roads in England and Wales has now been raised to .£1,300,000. The examination of applications received from local authorities for grants under this head in response to the Circular issued on the 10th March, 1926, is proceeding as rapidly as possible, but some time must necessarily elapse before a complete return can be made of the actual amounts allocated and the total mileage affected. These observations apply equally to the county of Leicester which forms the- subject of my hon. Friend's second question.

asked the Minister of Transport the extent to which the railway companies are using oil fuel instead of coal at the present time?

I understand that over 150 railway locomotives are now running on fuel oil, and that steps arc being taken to equip an additional number for this purpose. The matter is one to which the railway companies are fully alive, and is continuing to have their attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state the number of motor and motor-cycle accidents, fatal and non-fatal, that have occurred in the county of Fife this year and have been reported to the police, and the number of prosecutions and convictions, in the same period in the county, of persons charged with driving to the public danger

During the period 1st January to 31st July, 1926, seven fatal, and 131 non-fatal, motor and motor-cycle accidents occurred in Fifeshire, and were reported to the police. During the same period there were in Fifeshire 32 prosecutions, and 27 convictions, of persons charged with driving to the public danger.

asked the Secretary of State far Scotland whether he is aware of the fact that many farm servants in the North of Scotland were unable to vote at the last General Election in consequence of their employers failing to fill up the necessary forms of registration; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter of improving the facilities for enfranchising farm servants in future?

I have not heard of any eases of the kind referred to in the first part of the question. If the hon. Member will inform me of any particular cases or districts which he has in mind, I shall make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to the 14th Annual Report on the medical inspection of school children by the medical officer of health for the county of Moray, in which it is stated that there are no special schools or classes in the county for mentally defective children; that great difficulty is being experienced in finding accommodation, and that some children are being sent as far south as Kirkintilloch; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action with a view to providing a special home or school for those children in the North of Scotland?

The whole question of the residential accommodation available for mentally defective children in Scotland is at present being reviewed by the General Board of Control, who have recently obtained special returns from the Education Authorities with a view to considering the relative urgency of the needs of the various areas. Meanwhile I am instituting particular inquiries as to the position in the County of Moray.

asked the Minister of Labour how many employers' associations are now upon the register; what is the aggregate membership; the total contributions; the salaries paid; and the administrative expenses?

The number of employers' associations on the register in 1924, the last year for which information is at present available, was 94. According to the latest return of the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies the membership was 42,868, income from members £107,336, management and other expenses £94,860.

asked the First. Lord of the Admiralty what ranks of the Royal Navy are allowed to contribute, directly or indirectly, Lo the Press or journals and what is the reason for the exception in their favour?

All active service officers and men are forbidden to publish any matter relating to the Naval Service without the prior permission of the Admiralty. There is no exception to this rule in favour of any rank of officer.