asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to present to the House a statement of the aggregate loss which Great Britain and Northern Ireland has sustained consequent upon the general strike and the coal stoppage since the 1st May in the present year?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now able to give any revised and up-to- date estimate of the aggregate loss caused by the coal dispute to the trade of the country?

The loss in production due to the cessation of work since 1st May by miners and others, and the reduced activity consequent on this increase in unemployment, may be estimated, on the basis of calculation I have used in a previous answer, as amounting to between £250,000,000 and £300,000,000. Losses due to disturbance of trade connections, and to contracts and orders not secured, are not included in this estimate. It would be impossible to estimate these.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position later, if I put a question down, to give a nearer figure of the total amount of loss sustained?

No; I could not give any nearer figure than the figure I have given, because no one can say what contracts have been lost.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the strike of 1921, which only lasted 13 weeks, it was estimated that it would cost the country £500,000,000?

That estimate included a great many other things besides the very limited figure I have given of £250,000,000 to £300,000,000, which is only the direct loss in production.

May I ask if this loss is not largely due to the intimidation of those who are desirous of working?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can state the total amount of coal raised during the period of the coal dispute from ordinary mines and from outcrop workings respectively?

About 10,500,000 tons of coal have been produced from mines in Great Britain from the beginning of May up to the present time. I do not know what is the total production from outcrop work- ings during that period, but at the end of July it was estimated to amount to about 50,000 tons a week, and at the end of August 100,000 tons a week.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the quantities of coal imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland since the 1st May in the current year; the quantities of such coal imported at the instance of His Majesty's Government and by private contract at the instance of firms and individuals; and the average price per ton paid for coal imported by His Majesty's Government?

Between the 1st May and 30th October approximately 15,400,000 tons of coal arrived at ports in Great Britain. As regards the rest of the question, I do not think that it would be in the public interest to give these particulars at present.

2. Increase in cost of relief.

Records showing the cost of relief during the period of the earlier disputes are not available, but it is estimated that, during the dispute in 1921, the cost of outdoor relief in money and kind in the areas directly affected increased by at least £850,000. As compared with the rate of expenditure in April, 1926, the cost of outdoor relief in money and kind was greater, during the period from the beginning of May, 1926, to the end of October, 1926, by, approximately, £5,800,000 in the areas directly affected by the dispute.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Health whether he

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give comparative statistics of the numbers of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief, and of the cost of such relief as a result of the disputes in the coal mining industry which took place in the years 1893, 1898, 1921 and 1926?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

It is estimated that in the course of the four disputes mentioned the following increases occurred in the numbers of persons in receipt of domiciliary relief and in the cost of such relief. It is impossible to state definitely that these increases were entirely due to the disputes or that they indicate the whole effect of the disputes upon pauperism.

is aware that the Morpeth Board of Guardians last week suspended the distribution of out-relief, and that there is serious hardship in Ashington, the largest mining centre in Northumberland; and whether he will press the Morpeth Guardians to continue the payment of out-relief?

My right hon. Friend is aware that these guardians resolved that relief required by miners' families should ordinarily be afforded in an institution, but he is informed that this resolution has been rescinded by them and did not come into operation.

Would the same decision apply to other boards of guardians who have come to a similar decision?

Obviously, I must have notice of that question.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Health whether the Lichfield Board of Guardians have suspended the payment of relief to miners' wives and children, and, if so, what provision is being made by the board to relieve destitution in its area; and whether he is satisfied that the board is adequately fulfilling its statutory duties?

The Lichfield Guardiane have decided that relief required by miners' families shall ordinarily be afforded in an institution. My right hon. Friend has no information which would lead him to suppose that the guardians are not fulfilling their statutory duties.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the Lichfield Board of Guardians has sufficient indoor accommodation for all the applicants who were previously receiving outdoor relief?

I have no knowledge of that. We understand that they have fulfilled the duties imposed upon them by Statute.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that it is more expensive to keep them inside than to supply the relief outside?

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries whether the opportunities for relief are adequate to the needs of the area?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any case where the duties of the guardians have not been properly fulfilled, I will inquire into it.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been prosecuted under the Emergency Regulations up to the latest date; how many have been convicted; what is the total amount imposed in fines; and the total period of imprisonment imposed?

I gave in the last Debate the figures up to 16th October, the latest date for which I have a complete return. I propose to call for another return in about a fortnight's time.

If I put down a question in a few days, may I have an answer?

Certainly, a full answer.

Are there any other cases pending?

:

May I ask for an articulate reply?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not possible, in order to help the negotiations that are going on, to suspend the operation of the Emergency Powers Act?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government have given further consideration to the present position of iron and steel production in Great Britain; and if he is prepared to refer the application for the extension of safeguarding to these industries to a committee, in accordance with the provisions of the White Paper?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Penrith (Mr. Dixey) on 26th July, a copy of which I am sending him.

Does my right hon. Friend really mean to leave the question there? Will nothing be done to give relief to the present condition of the steel industry in this country?

I have nothing to add to the answer which the Prime Minister gave.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that the Joint Film Trade Committee have failed to come to an agreement to make suggestions for the improvement of the British film industry, he will introduce early legislation to encourage the production of British films in keeping with the traditions, the life, and interests of the people of this country, and for the benefit of the Empire?

The question is at present being considered by the Imperial Conference, and it is not yet possible for me to make any statement of policy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trade generally does not want any legislation of any kind in this matter?

No, Sir.

Is it not equally true that the British Empire does want the British films?

Yes, Sir; certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the great problem at the present time is that the producers cannot give exhibitors a guarantee that they will produce attractive films?

There are a great many things which may be said on both sides, but I do not think they Dome within the compass of question and answer.

Is it not a fact that what we want now is a supply of briquettes with the ex-Kaiser stamped upon them?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in contravention of the clean meat Regulations, meat is being displayed for sale in many parts of London on counters grouped on pavements in front of butchers' shops, and that such meat is not shielded from the street dust; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter?

My right hon. Friend has been asked to reply to this question. He has no information as to the conditions mentioned. The enforcement of the Regulations in London is in the hands of the borough councils, and if my hon. Friend will give any instances in which it is alleged that the Regulations are being contravened, my right hon. Friend will communicate with the council concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that you want an inspector at every one of the stalls in the streets of London to safeguard this?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps were taken to ascertain whether the Gillette Safety Razor Company, to which a War Office contract has recently been granted, was a British company; when it became a British company; and whether they ascertained the, proportion of its capital which is held by British nationals?

The company was registered at Somerset House in 1915, and half of its capital is held by British nationals.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the names of the 20 firms from whom tenders for safety razors were called, distinguishing between British and non-British firms?

It is not the practice to disclose the names of firms invited to tender for Government contracts. In the case of the safety razor contract, tender forms were sent to 22 firms or limited liability companies, all carrying on business in Great Britain. Nine of these tendered, two offering razor and blades made in the United States, six razors and blades made in Great Britain and one (the accepted firm) razors made in Great Britain and blades made in Canada.

May I ask how it is that in his letter upon this subject to a Member of the House, the right hon. Gentleman referred to two of these firms being American firms?

I cannot remember the terms of the letter. They were not American firms; they were firms in this country offering razors and blades to be made in America, and on that ground their tenders were refused.

May I ask, further, how it, is that when we are so desirous of promoting British trade we should be asking American firms to tender at all; secondly, whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that only two firms who are members of the Sheffield Manufacturers' Association were asked to tender, and the largest and oldest safety razor manufacturers in the country were not asked to tender?

No tender forms were sent to any firms other than British firms. With regard to the last part of the question, whether they were members of the association or not, I do not know, but I have heard the last allegation that the largest firm was not asked to tender, and I have asked to be supplied with the name, because I am told it is unlikely to be so.

May I ask, with reference to the letter to which I referred just now, whether the term "American firm" is incorrect?

I have told the hon. Member that I do not remember the exact expression in the letter. It was British firms offering American goods.

What is the reason for not mentioning the names of the firms? Is not the strict rule with regard to not mentioning the amounts of the tenders?

I believe the rule is that the Government Departments do not mention the names of the firms from whom tenders are not accepted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that for a good number of years all the contractors' names have appeared in the "Labour Gazette" every month, and is that practice to be discontinued?

I should have to inquire.

Is it not a fact that the "Labour Gazette" contains only a list of the successful tenders?

I believe that is so—that the "Labour Gazette" contains only the names of the accepted contracts.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the opinion of the rank and file of the Army was ascertained when it was decided to substitute safety razors for the old-fashioned stropping razor; how much the old razor used to cost the soldier; how long it was expected to last him; and how much it is estimated that the soldier will have to expend each year in the purchase of renewal blades?

Units of all Home Commands were consulted, and there was a general condemnation of the old type of long-handled razor. A free issue of that razor used to be made to each recruit. No definite life was assigned to it, replacement being made by the soldier, when necessary, out of his general kit allowance. The amount which the soldier will spend in the future on replacing the blades of his safety razor must necessarily vary with individual circumstances.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many razor blades will be supplied to the soldier's kit?

The soldier can buy them where he pleases. They are stocked by the Navy, Army and Air Force Canteen, and that will he a very convenient place to make the purchase.

Are there any circumstances in the mind of the War Office other than the stiffness of a particular soldier's beard?

The hon. Member has put it more bluntly.

In the event of a patriotic soldier refusing to shave himself by means of an American blade, is any action to be taken against him?

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the revised conditions of service of Army schoolmistresses recently issued forbids Army schoolmistresses to marry a soldier below the rank of sergeant?

An Army schoolmistress is not forbidden to marry a soldier below the rank of sergeant. If she marries she is liable to be compulsorily retired, but it has been customary not to enforce retirement if she marries a soldier of the rank of sergeant or over. This rule is not a new one; it is over 20 years old.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that George Price, 8, Greenfield Terrace, New-bridge, Monmouthshire, late private, No. 390267, South Wales Borderers, C Company, Second Battalion, was discharged on 25th November, 1921; that he applied to the Army Pay Office, Shrewsbury, in January, 1922, for a statement of his accounts; that he was told to wait; and. that he has applied frequently since for a statement but has not received it; and will he see that this ex-service man is supplied with a statement of his accounts and paid any moneys that may be due to him?

There is no record that Mr. Price has made applications for a statement of his accounts. I regret that it is not now possible to supply such a statement since the relevant pay documents in possession of the paymaster have been destroyed, after having been retained for the period prescribed by the Public Record Office Act. But since it is the practice to keep a record for six years if any credit balance is still due to an ex-soldier, and there is no such record in the case of Mr. Price, there is no reason to believe that any money is due to him from Army Funds.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the facts connected with the conviction of George Mack, at the Selkirk Sheriff Court, in July of this year; and whether he will consider this case with a view to reducing the sentence?

I have inquired into this case, but, after careful consideration, find no sufficient ground for advising any interference with the sentence.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any churches or manses have been handed over to the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland; and, if so, how many?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand, however, that in several cases arrangements for transfer have been so far completed that petitions have been presented to the Sheriff for the issue of the statutory certificate that the heritors' obligations have been fulfilled.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the action of certain members of the police in raiding the house of a man called Marcovitz, residing at 132, Thistle Street, Glasgow, without a search warrant, on account of an alleged theft of cigarettes by another person; that no prosecution took place; and that Mr. Marcovitz was guiltless of any crime; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

I have made inquiry, and am informed that Mr. Marcovitz's shop and an apartment in rear were searched by the police on the 7th May last in consequence of a statement by a man then in custody (who was later sentenced to 60 days' imprisonment for theft of cigarettes) that he had sold a quantity of the stolen property to Mr. Marcovitz. The search disclosed no evidence on which proceedings could be taken. On the information before me I have no reason to think that the circumstances were such as to require the possession of a search warrant by the police. I see no ground for action on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Weir houses erected in Glasgow, the cost of erection of each and the number of houses which have been let, and the rent at which they have been let?

By 31st ultimo 198 Weir houses had been erected with the aid of State funds, and 96 had been let, the annual rents being £27 10s. for three-apartment flats, £28 for three-apartment bungalows, and £34 for four-apartment cottages. The cost of erection cannot yet be stated as the Contracts are not completed.

Do these rents include the rates?

I should require notice of that question.

Are the houses of the Weir type which have been erected up to the number the Government expected would be built?

Yes, I think the progress is quite good.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that only 1.1 per cent. of the area of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark is open space, and the population averages 14,500 persons to the acre of such open spaces, he will consider the possibility of closing certain streets in the area to vehicles on certain fixed days in order that children may have opportunities for uninterrupted play?

I am advised that it would require legislation to enable the hon. Member's suggestion to be put into force, and, while the object he seeks to obtain, namely, additional facilities for children to play,' is one that has my sympathy, the practical difficulties of his proposal are too great.

asked the Minister of Transport the number and names of authorities or companies owning electric tramcars within the metropolitan area that derive their power from overhead wires; whether his attention has been drawn to the danger experienced by pedestrians owing to the breakage of uninsulated wires; whether any action is possible with a view to avoiding such danger; and, if so, will he consider introducing legislation making it compulsory to prevent this danger?

There are 12 authorities or companies working tramways in the Metropolitan Police Area on the overhead trolley system, namely, Barking Urban District Council, Bexley and Dart-ford Joint Committee, Croydon Corporation, East Ham Corporation, Erith Urban District Council, IIford Urban District Council, London County Council, London United Tramways, Limited, Metropolitan Electric Tramways, Limited, South Metropolitan Electric Tramways and Lighting Company, Limited, Walthamstow Urban District Council, and West Ham Corporation. The number of reported cases of injury caused by the falling of the overhead conductor wires of tramway systems in the Metropolitan Police Area is very small, and it would not seem from the reports received that legislative action is necessary. The duty of proper maintenance of such wires rests with the tramway authorities, and I have no evidence at present of any general neglect of this duty.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is expected that the sub-committee which has been set up to consider the question of crawling taximeter cabs and to suggest a remedy will report?

The subject in my hon. Friend's question is at present under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee and I cannot say when they will be in a position to report to me upon it. The subject is one of considerable difficulty and complexity.

asked the Home Secretary how many taximeter cabs with cheaper fares are now plying in the London area, what are the prospects of the near future under the £350,000 guarantee, and how many of these cheaper taximeter cabs are being placed on the streets by the Beardmore Taxi-cab Company?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that no taximeter cabs are yet licensed in the Metropolitan Police area to ply for hire at the cheaper rate of fare. Two different types of cabs, namely, "K.R.C." and the "Beardmore," have been approved by the Commissioner. In the case of the "K.R.C.," delay in licensing is attributed to the fact that it is not possible to obtain the materials for manafacture, owing to the present dislocation of industry. With regard to the "Beardmore," it has been ascertained that the cab, which was approved as the first of its type, has been sent to Scotland for the making of patterns and laying down of plant, etc., for the purpose of production. No definite information can be obtained as to the number it is proposed to place on the streets.

In view of the fact that there must be prolonged delay in putting these cabs on the streets for the use of the public, will my right hon. Friend reconsider the position and lower the present fares?

I think it would be impossible to do that till the promoters of two-seater cabs have been given a chance, which, really, they have not had.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can make any statement as to the date of the introduction of his promised Bill dealing with motor and other transport?

I am not in a position to make any statement regarding the date of introduction of the proposed Bill dealing with road transport, but I cannot hold out any hope that it will be during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to issue the Report of the public inquiry held by the London Traffic Advisory Committee last autumn into the inadequacy of travelling facilities in North London?

The Reports of the London Traffic Advisory Committee on the inquiries held into the passenger travelling facilities in North and North-East London and East London are now in the hands of the printers and will be published as soon as possible. The printing, however, may take a few weeks.

May I ask whether anything has been done in regard to an underground railway to the North of London?

Obviously nothing can be done until those Reports have been fully considered.

asked the Minister of Transport, if he will bring to the notice of the railway companies concerned the need for an improved and cheaper ferry service between Gravesend and Tilbury?

I have communicated with the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company, who state that a new steamer specially designed for vehicular traffic was placed on this service in October, 1924, and that, in view of the increasing number of motor cars using the ferry, they are considering the question of providing an additional steamer of the same type. I am also informed that the ferry charges were revised at the beginning of this year and were reduced in several cases. The company assure me that the ferry service is continuously under consideration and that they will take any reasonable steps to meet the wishes of the travelling public.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can now make any definite statement as to the working of the one-way traffic experiment in London, and more especially as to its effect on the shopping centres?

If, as I assume to be the case, my hon. Friend refers to the "roundabout" systems of traffic control which have been put into operation in London, I think there can be no doubt that from a traffic point of view they have proved very successful. The Westminster City Council have, however, informed me of complaints which they have received from shopkeepers in certain areas where these systems are working, to the effect that their trade has been adversely affected. In the case of one street, the Haymarket, the Council have asked for a reconsideration, and I am hopeful that a satisfactory arrangement may be reached.

In view of the recently published statistics showing an alarming increase in the number of traffic accidents in London, can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is no connection between that state of affairs and this new roundabout system?

I have not known of anybody being directly injured by the roundabout system, and there has only been a very short time to get accustomed to it.

asked the Minister of Transport in how many CUSOK, since 1st January, 1925, he has investigated tramway accidents which were in any way connected with the braking system of the vehicles; whether in any of these cases the braking systems were found to be defective; and whether he is satisfied that as a general rule the braking systems of tramcars are fully adequate for all purposes?

Apart from a number of cases in which inquiries and recommendations have been made by correspondence, formal inquiries into six tramway accidents have been held by inspecting officers of railways during the period to which my hon. Friend refers. In one of these cases it was found that the accident was primarily due to an undetected flaw in the brake mechanism. I am advised that the braking systems in use on tramways are generally adequate for all purposes, provided, of course, that the mechanism is properly maintained and handled, and the regulations complied with.

asked the Minister of Transport how many borough councils have applied for grants under Circular 234, and how many have received grants; and whether he will state how he decides whether the area of a borough council is rural in character?

Applications for grants tinder Circular No. 234 have been received from 56 borough councils in England and. Wales. Eleven of these boroughs have been accepted as eligible for grants under the scheme. The decision in each case is based upon a careful study of the general character and population of the locality.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us how he judges whether a borough council area is rural or not?

I rather hesitate to give reasons for my decision, as some of them might be challenged, but, broadly speaking, our view is that the areas should be rural in character and the population not more than one to the acre.

asked the Postmaster-General whether inquiries are made from time to time by his Department with regard to the, progress of broadcasting in other countries: whether any system exists for the interchange of information; and, if so, whether that information is received and sent out at regular intervals?

Information as regards the progress of broadcasting in other countries is received from various sources, and, where desirable, inquiries on specific points are made of the Governments concerned. A memorandum as regards broadcasting in certain countries will be found in the published Report of the Broadcasting Committee of 1923, and further particulars were placed at the disposal of the Committee of 1925.

asked the Postmaster-General the average number of parcels being handled per day under the cash-on-delivery system, and the total number of parcels delivered to date?

The average number of inland cash-on-delivery parcels handled daily during October is 3,782. The total number of such parcels delivered between the 29th March, when the service was introduced, and the end of October is approximately 550,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an estimate of the revenue derived from this branch?

I do not think I could do that offhand.

Is the Department losing money over this?

Oh, no, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received any protests with reference to the proposed advertising scheme by postmarks: and whether he has taken legal advice as to the right of the Government in so utilising mail in transit?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

May I ask what the right hon. Gentleman is going to do about it?

As I told the House I should, I have been inquiring into the probable revenue to be derived from schemes of this kind. My inquiries have shown that the revenue to be derived in present circumstances is quite small, and it is therefore not proposed to put the scheme into operation at present.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give approximate figures of the loss sustained on telegrams during the past 12 months?

I gave the figures which my hon. Friend desires in the Debate on the Post Office Estimates on 14th July last to which I would invite him to refer. Including interest and depreciation, the deficiency was about £1,300,000.

asked the Postmaster-General the average time taken for the conveyance of mails by sea from this country to Australia, New Zealand, India and Ceylon, respectively, in the years 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1926?

Except during the War and the early post-War period, the average times taken in the conveyance of mails to the destinations named have not varied much. The mails for Australia now take 29 days to Adelaide as against 31 in 1900, and to Auckland via North America 31–34 days against 35 in 1900. To Bombay and Colombo the times (14½ days and 16 days respectively) are practically the same now as in 1900.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is time that his Department, or the Government, got into communication with some of these shipping companies, in order to see whether they would put on quicker steamers so that the passage may be accelerated?

I would refer the hon. Baronet to the Report of the Imperial Shipping Committee, where the matter is most fully discussed.

Is the Postmaster-General not aware that these suggestions have been brought forward by the Prime Minister of Australia in regard to acceleration, and are the Government doing anything with regard to these proposals?

I am fully aware of the facts, and all these schemes are being considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men whose malady is admitted to be attributable to, or aggravated by, war service, are awaiting sanatorium or hospital treatment at the present tune; if thee is any accumulation of such waiting cases; and when his Department expects to be able to deal with them?

The number of ex-Service men awaiting admission to sanatoria or hospitals was, at the end of September last (the latest date for which figures are available), 328. This number is well within the average weekly number of admissions to Ministry hospitals alone, and I am satisfied that there is no accumulation of cases awaiting treatment.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Postmaster-General if dismissal notices have been issued, or are about to be issued, to any or all of the overseas ex-Service Grade III temporary male clerks employed in the Post Office Savings Bank Department, Blythe Road, West Kensington?

Notices of discharge were issued recently to certain ex-Service temporary clerks who v. ere employed in the Post Office rind whose efficiency was not regarded as justifying their further retention. The number of men concerned in the Savings Rank Department was 15, but the notices have not all vet taken effect. It will probably be necessary soon to discharge other temporary clerks from the Post Office in order to make way for candidates who qualified in the Southborough Examination and who have a prior claim to employment. This question is at present under consideration.

May we take it that preference will be given to ex-Service men, or in other words, that non-Service men of a temporary nature will not be retained at the expense of these ex-Service men?

Subject to the Southborough Agreement, that rule already obtains.

What is the length of service of these employ és who have received notice?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any figures showing how the harvest this year compares with that of last year, especially as regards wheat?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a statement recently published by my Department showing the production of the corn and hay crops for 1926 with comparisons for 1925, and a similar statement for hops. I will also send him a. further statement relating to the production of roots and potatoes as soon as it is issued.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease from the beginning of the year to the latest available date, and the estimated compensation paid?

One hundred and ninety-one outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed in this country since the 1st January last, and the estimated amount of compensation paid has been £175,000.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated number of allotments in England and Wales at the latest available date, indicating the amount of loans sanctioned by the Ministry of Health during the past three years for the purchase and adaptation of land for the purpose of allotments?

The estimated number of allotments in England and Wales on the 31st December, 1925, was 1,106,000, with an area of 163,000 acres. The amount of loans sanctioned by the Ministry of Health during the three years 1923–25 for the purchase and adaptation of land for allotments was £228,374.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, taking each sugar-beet factory now operating, he will state the capital in each case and the aggregate amount of subsidy hitherto received by each?

asked the Minister of Agriculture for what period the present embargo upon the importation of fresh meat from the Continent is Continent is operative; and whether it is the intention of the Government to guarantee the continuance of the embargo for a period of years?

While the position on the Continent of Europe as regards foot-and-mouth disease remains in so unsatisfactory a state, I cannot contemplate any substantial modification or the withdrawal of the Order in question. It is impossible for me, however, to guarantee that the restrictions will remain in force for any specified time.

Is the right, hon. Gentleman aware that the extension of growing in this country, which everyone hopes for, can only come about if some guarantee is given?

I think the farmers can pretty well assess the chances of improvement on the Continent. As a

I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate in the OFFICIAL EFFORT a statement giving the desired information.

Following is the statement:

matter of fact, since we put on the embargo Continental conditions have become much worse; and in France, Belgium and Holland whereas in May they had 7,086 outbreaks, in the last available month, that is September, they had 38,548 outbreaks, and we can compare that with our comparative immunity under the embargo of one outbreak in the last three weeks.

In view of these figures, world it not be advisable to give at least a limited guarantee to the growers in this country that this embargo will continue for, say, a year or two years?

While the disease danger is as it is at present, clearly we cannot contemplate any relaxation, but it would he impossible, in view of the possibility of change, to mak any lasting pledge.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the campaign now being promoted in many urban districts with the object of authorising all medical officers in any district to which milk is supplied to inspect the farm or farms from which such supplies originate; what is the attitude of his Department on the matter; and whether he is aware of the objections from every standpoint of the dairying interest to such policy?

My right hon. Friend has been asked to reply to this, question. He has received copies of resolutions passed by a number of urban authorities in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend. My right hon. Friend is aware of the objections of the dairying interest to the policy recommended in these resolutions, and he does not at present contemplate the introduction of legislation to amend the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915, which now governs this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to exempt from the Milk and Dairies Order farmers who sell milk only to their own farm workers and their families?

As at present advised, my right bon. Friend sees no reason for exempting from the requirements of the Order farmers who sell milk only to farm workers and their families. There seems no reason why such persons should not have the same protection as is accorded to the rest of the community by the Milk and Dairies Order.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, if this Order is enforced, a large number of farmers will cease to supply milk to their men?

I hope that that is not the case. I venture to suggest that this is only a reasonable requirement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that guns supplied by British armament firms were used by enemy countries against the British and Allied troops in the recent War; and if he will prohibit the export of arms to foreign countries in future?

Except for captured guns, His Majesty's Government are not aware that guns supplied by British armament firms were so used. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not a fact that this material was used in the manner described largely owing to the treacherous action of the Russian Government?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, with a view to preventing the growth of Government staffs, the Government will refuse to sanction any further large building schemes for Government accommodation?

The object desired by my hon. and gallant Friend would not necessarily be secured by the means which he suggests. Indeed a large building scheme may in certain circumstances be more economical than a number of small schemes or new hirings of premises. Each case has to be carefully considered on its merits.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. J. Thoms, formerly employed as ganger in Hyde Park, and' who has performed Sunday duty for 32 years, has now been refused permission to include the wages of this day among his emoluments reckonable for pension or gratuity, and that the Department contends that this permission is only earned when the Sunday duty is both regular and compulsory; whether he is aware that the duty was admittedly regular, and that Mr. Thoms was verbally told at the commencement of his service that such duty was a part of his condition of service, and whether, in view of the fact that he was so allowed to serve throughout his whole service life without question, he will have this case reconsidered?

I have been asked to reply. As I informed the hon. Member privately, the First Commissioner has given the fullest considera- tion to the claim made by Mr. Thoms for the inclusion of his Sunday duty pay in the emoluments reckonable for gratuity, but is unable to trace any circumstance which would justify a departure from the rule which has been applied to all similar cases and which excludes such pay from the calculation for gratuity on retirement. The Sunday duty was not compulsory, and there is no evidence in official documents that Mr. Thoms was informed that it was part of his conditions of service.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the debt which Great Britain is now repaying to the United States of America which was incurred prior to the Armistice; and what proportion this sum bears to the whole debt?

The United States Government advanced $3,696,000,000 to His Majesty's Government before the Armistice and $581,000,000 after the Armistice. But on the other hand His Majesty's Government after the Armistice but before the debt settlement paid $496,000,000 to the United States Government as repayment of principal and as interest, and expended $151,000,000 in winding up pre-Armistice munitions contracts, making a total of $647,000,000 as against $581,000,000. Accordingly the whole amount of the debt which Great Britain is now repaying may be regarded as having been incurred prior to the Armistice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the recent American electioneering campaign it was generally stated that the debt which America was asking to he repaid to her was practically all post-Armistice money?

Our time has often been taken up in dealing with misstatements.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of immigrants allowed into the United States from the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively; and what will be the numbers when the new law comes into operation?

The number of quota immigrants permitted to enter the United States from the United Kingdom and Germany respectively in any one year is at present 34,007 and 51,227. The calculations necessary to determine the quotas for the period after the 1st July, 1927, in accordance with the provisions contained in the United States Immigration Act of 1924, have not, so far as I am aware, yet been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the need to husband British credit in order to reduce taxation by conversion of debt, steps will be taken to secure that no loan shall in future be placed on the Trustee list under the Colonial Stock Act, 1900, unless a sinking fund for repayment within a specified time is provided; and also that the prospectus of any such loan shall give details of the financial position of the borrower and of the purpose for which the loan is required?

I agree that my hon. Friend's proposals are desirable both from the point of view of the investing public and, since the judgment of the market finally decides the terms on which loans can he raised, from that of borrowing Governments. But, as I stated in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Coventry on the 25th March, I am not at present advised that I have power to compel borrowers to comply with such conditions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of discussing this matter with the Dominion Premiers who are in this country, and will he also ascertain the opinion of the Stock Exchange Committee 'is cc, whether it would be desirable, in the interests of the Dominions as well as of our own, to have some legislation dealing with this matter as soon as possible?

Opportunities for an exchange of views will be taken as they arise.

Does the right hon. Gentlemen consider it patriotic to make these insinuations against our Dominions beyond the seas, and does he think it will help their credit?

I do not think there is anything unpatriotic in answering the question put on the Parr I am sure the hon. Gentleman does not wish British investors to be misled in any way, and that is the only object.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider, as a matter of justice, of so amending the provisions of the Betting Duty that a bookmaker who has now to pay the tax on a bet in respect of which his client fails to pay may claim a refund of the tax, especially in view of the fact that the bookmaker is at a total loss of both the money staked and the tax paid?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Central Division of Southwark on the 4th August last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of amending that reply in order that justice may be done?

No, Sir.

Has there been any picketing while the bookmakers were out on strike?

I understand that things have been happily arranged.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in regard to the tax payable in respect of transferred bets, the bookmaker who accepts the bet is immediately liable for the tax and the bookmaker to wham the bet is transferred is also liable for the tax in respect of the same bet; and whether he can see his way to permit the bookmaker who originally accepts the bet to deduct the tax from his weekly account, seeing that he is being deprived of the use of a certain amount of capital of his business during the time he is waiting for the money he has advanced to the Treasury, and which he is entitled to claim, to be refunded?

The charge to duty is on every bet made with a bookmaker, and therefore the legal position is generally as stated in the first part of the question. It is also provided that a rebate of duty may be made in the case of transferred bets where the Department is satisfied that the bet has actually been transferred to another bookmaker. The procedure adopted has been laid down in order that the Department may be satisfied as the law requires and, as at present advised, I am not prepared to authorise any modification.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he is now in a position to say whether the war bonus of the police can be reckoned as part of their annual pay and pensionable, as was recently decided in the case of Poor Law officers?

As I told my hon. and gallant Friend, this point has been submitted to the Law Officers of the Crown, and I have not yet received their advice on the question.