asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have accepted the Report of the East African Guarantee Loans Committee on the subject of the Zambezi bridge, or whether they will seek any further opinion?

In accordance with the recommendation of the East African Guaranteed Loan Committee, a railway expert is visiting Nyasaland to examine the railway communications. Arrangements are also being made for expert reports in a northwesterly railway extension, on dredging the Shire River and on the economic prospects of the country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Blantyre Resident has issued a circular to landowners calling upon them to assist him by telling the natives to pay up their tax at once; and whether, before issuing this circular, any approval was sought from the. Secretary of State?

The answer is in the negative. It is no doubt sometimes necessary in Nyasaland, as in this country, to make urgent demands for the payment of arrears of taxes, and the terms of the question do not imply that any abuse has occurred.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the Government in Nyasaland has antedated by three months the financial year, it is proposed for the nine months in question to demand from the natives the full annual tax of 6s.?

The Government of Nyasaland proposes to adopt the calendar year for financial purposes with effect from 1st January, 1928, and in order to bring about this change the forthcoming Estimates will cover only the nine months, April to December, 1927. This involves no alteration in the arrangements for the collection of the hut and poll tax which is payable by law on 1st January each year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the number of undesirable cinema films now being exhibited in various Crown Colonies and Protectorates; and whether he will arrange, in consultation with the various Governments concerned, for the institution of a stricter censorship?

I have been in communication with the Governors of the Dependencies in connection with the subject referred to by my hon. Friend, of the importance of which I am well aware. Adequate censorship powers are held by their Governments, and I think they can be relied on to use their discretion effectively in a matter where a full knowledge, of local conditions is essential.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether satisfactory progress is being made with the construction of the harbour at Takoradi, in the Gold Coast; and how much of the main and lee breakwaters are now complete?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. At the end of September, 6,210 lineal feet of the main breakwater, out of a total of 7,631, and 2,420 lineal feet of the lee breakwater, out of a total of 4,749, had been constructed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the uncertainty prevailing as to the actual quantity of rubber held in the East against unused export rights, he can state what the exact amount was on 31st October last?

I am informed that no useful figures are yet available, but I will ask my hon. Friend to put his question again as soon as I receive information from the Governments in Ceylon and Malaya.

I should like to thank the right hon. Gentleman, and I should like him to inquire whether the amount of rubber coincides with the unused coupons issued and, if not, what action will be taken in regard to the excess of unused coupons against which no actual rubber was stored at the end of October.

I will try to get the necessary information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received a copy of the instructions recently issued to administrative officers in Kenya with the object of obtaining labour from the native reserves for work on the plantations, and, if so, whether he will place it in the Library?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the question of the hon. Member for Coat-bridge on 5th July last, and to the memorandum embodied in Section 9 of the Summary of Proceedings of the East African Governors' Conference, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. I have now approved of that memorandum being adopted by the Government of Kenya as a basis for the guidance of administrative officers in dealing with the question of native labour, but I have no knowledge of any special instructions on the subject having been issued recently. On the contrary, the Governor informed me in July last that it was not the intention to draw up any-such instructions at present, apart from the memorandum. The importation of contract labour is not contemplated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire if such instructions have been issued?

Yes, but my impression is that it is not contemplated to issue any instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received a petition on behalf of the widow and children of the late Paulo Pinto, who was killed by Masai during the rising of 1922; and if he can state whether it is intended to pay any compensation to the widow in respect of her husband's death and the loss of his property?

A petition was received and answered in July last. The murderers were tried and condemned to death, no compensation being ordered by the Judge. The petitioner claimed compensation from the Masai tribe sufficient to provide maintenance for the widow and family, and both the present Governor and his predecessor regarded the claim as inadmissible. I saw no reason to dissent from this view.

Was not a very heavy fine imposed on the Masai in respect of this rebellion, and could not sufficient compensation be paid to the widow out of the balance of the fund?

I am not aware of the circumstances, but I think the custom of paying blood money to individuals is not one we could very well take up in British law. Compensation for the actual losses caused was offered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the question of the New Hebrides is being discussed at the Imperial Conference; and whether negotiations have been renewed with France

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

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what proportion of the sum of £1,000,000 earmarked for furthering Dominion trade is allocated to Australian dried fruits?

The Empire Marketing Board, by whom I am advised in the administration of the grant in question, has recommended that no attempt should be made to apportion the grant in detail amongst various parts of the Empire. While, therefore, I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that the needs of the Australian dried fruit trade, whether as regards research or publicity, have by no means been overlooked, I cannot specify any definite amount as having been allocated for its benefit.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of marketing Australian dried fruits in this country is stated in the trade to be ten times as much as the cost of figs from Smyrna?

I cannot answer as to the exact amount off-hand, but I fear there is a considerable disproportion. We are endeavouring in every way to improve the marketing facilities for this fruit in this country. All I wish to say is that we have not proceeded on the principle of allocating a definite amount to that particular trade.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the disproportion he refers to is due to transport, labour, or any other cause of that sort?

I believe all the facts are set out in a very interesting report by the Imperial Economic Committee, but I cannot give an answer on the details off-hand.

Is not Australian fruit much better, cleaner and in better condition, and is that not more expensive to market than the dirty fruit coming from the Mediterranean?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of cinema films of an undesirable character now being exhibited in India; and whether he will take steps, in consultation with the Government of India, to bring about a stricter censorship of films intended for public exhibition?

The matter is one which is kept under close observation, and the Secretary of State is in regular communication with the Government of India regarding it. Under the existing laws the arrangements for censoring films in India ought to be adequate, but it must be recognised that it may be more difficult in that country to secure the experienced examination that is possible m this country.

From where do these films come?

They come from a great number of places, the majority of them from America.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the important advantages offered to India by the projected new Imperial line of fast steamships in reducing the mail transit time between England and Bombay by five days and the all-sea voyage between England and Bombay by seven days, and providing for the first time a fortnightly service of fast ships between Australia and India, offering facilities for a rapid growth in trade between those countries; and whether, in view of the benefits offered by a group, including sonic of the foremost shipbuilding experts in England, he is in a position to give an assurance that the Imperial and Indian Govern- ments will extend to the scheme the fullest co-operation possible with the Australian Commonwealth Government?

The proposals referred to are under the consideration of a Committee of the Imperial Conference, and my Noble Friend is therefore not at present in a position to give any indication as to any action which His Majesty's Government or the Government of India may take in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what action is being taken with a view to carrying into effect the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Superior Civil Service in India regarding the Indianisation of railways?

My Noble Friend in April last approved of a scheme submitted by the Railway Board for the future recruitment of superior staff for the Indian State-worked railways, with the object of giving effect as rapidly as possible to the recommendations of the Lee Commission. The companies working State railways have also agreed to adopt these recommendations.

Is it not the fact that all the railways in India are bringing these recommendations into effect as rapidly as possible?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how soon the Government of India will be prepared to declare its policy in regard to the Report of the Royal Commission on Indian Currency and Finance?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can announce the policy in regard to the Report of the Indian Currency Commission?

I would refer my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford (Sir F. Wise) and the hon. Member for Finsbury (Mr. Gillett) to the announce meat issued on 4th August, intimating the acceptance by the Government of the recommendation in the Royal Com mission's Report regarding the ratio of the rupee to gold. As regards the other main recommendations, I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but I hope that the decisions of the Government on them will be announced at a very early date.

Will this House have any opportunity before Christmas of discussing the Commission's Report?

Any question as to business should be addressed to the Prime Minister, but I should think it very unlikely. Most of the recommendations are hardly those which require consideration by this House before they are Rut into operation.

Will the matter be discussed in this House at all?

As I have just indicated, any question on that matter should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give definite information as to the decisions come to in regard to the extension of the provisions of the Lee Commission Report to officers of the provincial services of non-Asiatic domicile appointed by the Secretary of State in Council, as well as to officers of the same denomination and domiciliary position appointed by authorities other than the Secretary of State in Council; and, if so, whether he can supply, for the information of the House, a full list of the beneficiary officers?

A large number of decisions has already been taken, but my Noble Friend would prefer to postpone publication of the names of beneficiaries until decisions have been arrived at on the remainder still under discussion with the Government of India. He fully expects to be able to publish a comprehensive list before the end of the Session.

Is not the noble Lord aware that this is a very old story now and the decision has been very long delayed?

I am aware that there has been long delay between the time the Act came into operation and the actual decision, but I must not be taken as admitting that the delay could be avoided. A number of consultations had to be made with the local govern- merits before any final decision could be reached.

asked the Under- Secretary of State for India what action the Government of India proposes to take in view of the resolutions recently passed on the subject in the Legislative Assembly and certain of the legislative councils with regard to the nomination of women to the central and provisional legislatures?

The action to be taken upon the resolutions referred to is laid down in the Electoral Rules, of the relevant portion of which I will send the hon. Member a copy. The Government of India have already taken the necessary action as regards the Legislative Assembly, and the local governments concerned will no doubt take similar action very shortly if they have not done so already.

asked the Under- Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the case of certain Sikh political prisoners in the Central Gaol, Vellore, Madras, who are unable to express their grievances to the authorities owing to the fact that they can only speak their native tongue and that there is no interpreter of Punjabi on the prison staff; and whether it is customary in penal institutions where prisoners from foreign-speaking districts are detained to have on the staff interpreters competent in the languages of those districts?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars as to the information on which the question is based, I will look further into it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any further progress has been made with the proposal for the family pension scheme for the All-India Service; and whether he can state when this scheme is likely to be introduced?

The scheme is still under consideration by the Government of India and it is impossible at this stage to say when a decision will be reached.

Is. the Noble Lord aware that the long delay in publishing this is causing a great deal of inconvenience and grievance among the people affected?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of this I will see whether a decision can be accelerated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Indian Government has sanctioned the application by Mr. Harvey, the superintending engineer, housing and suburban circle, for the criminal prosecution of Mr. K. F. Nariman; and, if so, upon what grounds?

My Noble Friend has no information on the subject beyond what has appeared in the Press.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the percentage of our total wheat requirements imported in 1924 and 1925; and what proportion came from British Dominions and from other sources, respectively?

The proportion of the total supplies of wheat and flour in the United Kingdom represented by total gross imports was 82.4 per cent. in 1924 and 79-4 per cent. in 1925, while the proportion from British possessions and foreign countries respectively was 43.2 and 39.2 per cent. in 1924 and 44.5 and 34.9 per cent. in 1925. These percentages do not, however, necessarily represent the amounts passing into consumption as to which no precise information is available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many times the National Agricultural Wages Board met in the last financial year; and what was the cost of this Board both in administrative control and expenses paid to members of the Board?

The Agricultural Wages Board met 16 times during the last financial year, the payments to members in connection with attendance at the meetings being £678. The cost of the administrative work in connection with the Board cannot be stated separately, as it is merged in the Ministry's expenditure on the general administration of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924.

Is it not a fact that the Board do nothing except register what the district board does?

Their activities ensure that the orders are made on a uniform plan. It may be that the fact that the Board has the power to make orders in default of the county committees makes it effective in inducing the county committees to frame orders.

Is it not a fact that a great many members of the Board think it ought to be abolished?

That, I am afraid, I do not know.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he will introduce the new Bill dealing with the drainage of the River Ouse, and when he expects to take the Second Reading?

I hope to introduce the Bill referred to early next Session.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give the amounts of subsidy paid on sugar and molasses for each of the beet-sugar undertakings whose balance sheets have been published in White Paper No. 133 on 3rd August, 1926; whether he is aware that apparently, after taking into account the subsidy paid, three of those companies still show a loss on their profit-and-loss account; whether in the eases of the Anglo-Scottish Beet-Sugar Company, Limited, the West Midland Sugar Company, Limited, the United Sugar Company, Limited, and the Orchard Sugar Company, Limited, any attempt has been made to write off a part of the preliminary expenses; whether, in the case of the United Sugar Company, Limited, he is satisfied with the report of the accountants which states that no provision has been made for depreciation of properties, plant, and machinery; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take in this matter; and whether, in regard to the Orchard Sugar Company, Limited, he is prepared to publish the report of the chartered accountants accompanying the balance sheet subject to which alone they certified it to be correct?

The amounts of subsidy paid on sugar and molasses to each factory company operating in the 1925–26 season were given in my reply of the 11th instant to the hon. Member for Blackburn. I am aware that after taking into account the subsidy paid, three of the eight companies whose balance sheets are included in the White Paper made losses. The balance sheet of the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd., shows that £2,600 of the preliminary expenses were written off. So far as I am aware no amounts were written off in the other cases referred to by the hon. Member. As regards the United Sugar Company, I see no reason to be dissatisfied with the report of the accountants attached to the balance sheet, which does not omit to state that no depreciation has been allowed. The Orchard Sugar Company's Balance Sheet complies with the requirements of the Companies Consolidation Act, 1908, in regard to the auditor's certificate and the requirements of Section 2 of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act are met by the publication of the balance sheet in the White Paper.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that in view of the fact that it is the declared policy of hon. Members opposite that it is wrong to carry on business at a profit, they will be gratified to hear that this business is being carried on at a loss?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, why Miss Dorothy Gish, a film actress, was ordered out of Hyde Park while being photographed for the British film "London"?

Although I have not been able to obtain any information as to this incident, it is the fact that the photographing of scenes in connection with film plays is not permitted in the Royal Parks.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that a permit was granted by the Office of Works, the First Commissioner, with the object of showing the world something typically British?

I know nothing about that.

Seeing that it is the policy to increase British films, is it not a mistake not to use all places for them?

The parks were instituted for different purposes.

As the hon. and gallant Member cannot find out anything against this matter, would he like to see Miss Dorothy Gish, and get her version?

As a married man, I ought to have notice of- that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will submit a photograph to me in the first place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will appoint a committee to consider and report as to the steps which might be taken to stimulate the manufacture of British films and to encourage their exhibition in this country and in the Dominions, and as to the possibility of securing revenue from the present unrestricted and untaxed presentation of foreign films?

The question of the steps which should be taken to stimulate the manufacture and exhibition of Empire films is at present receiving the attention of the Imperial Conference. As regards the second object of the suggested in- quiry, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 2nd March, a copy of which I am sending to him.

What are the steps that are being considered? Is it not a fact that Australia and New Zealand allow British films to come in free of duty? Why cannot we adopt the same measure with regard to the importation of films from the Dominions?

As I have said the matter is now before the Imperial Conference. I cannot anticipate what may be decided.

Is it a fact or is it not that Australia and New Zealand give preference to British films and we do nothing at all on the same lines?

My answer is that the matter is being considered.

Is there reason why the Government should stimulate British films any more than British drama or British music or art?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the legislation of Tangier is controlled in any way by the British, French, and Spanish Governments?

The Tangier Convention provides that certain regulations and fiscal enactments shall be in force for two years, after which they may be modified or abrogated. The Committee of Control, which consists of foreign consular representatives, is bound to veto any legislation which infringes the provisions of the Tangier Convention. Apart from this right of veto the action of the legislative Assembly at Tangier is not controlled by the British, French or Spanish Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to the future policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to the manner in which the Mandates Commission carries out the duties entrusted to it?

His Majesty's Government propose in future as in the past to co-operate with the Mandates Commission. His Majesty's Government have recently been asked by the Council of the League to express their views on two specific points raised by the Commission in regard to its procedure, and after discussion with the Prime Ministers of the Dominions concerned a letter has been addressed to the League. I shall be happy to table the correspondence as a Command Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish the papers in connection with the Wanhsien incident, giving the correspondence between the Home authorities and the Commander-in-Chief before and after the incident, the orders issued to the officers who carried out the expedition to Wanhsien, their reports of how they executed their orders, and the reports of the consular officer who was sent to negotiate with Yang Sen?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the right hon. Member for Platting on 10th November.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any effective form of co-operation, and, if so, of what nature, exists between the Powers interested for the protection of the lives and property of their nationals in China?

Co-operation in defence of the lives and property of their nationals in settlements and concessions in China has always been practised as far as means permit, but such co-operation is not the subject of any formal agreement.

Is anything practical being done?

That is not a question which is very easy to answer in that general form. Practical co-operation has been secured quite recently.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that His Majesty's Government will not hesitate to take any steps which they think necessary, not only to ensure protection and security for British subjects, but also to ensure that British lives and property and other British rights are not infringed or interfered with?

His Majesty's Government will continue to do their best to protect British lives and interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Minister-designate to China, who left London on 22nd October, is bound for Peking; whether he will present his letters of credence upon arrival in Peking; if so, to what authority he will present them, seeing that there is no President of the Republic of China; and whether any instructions have been issued to His Majesty's Minister-designate as to entering into relations with any Government in China other than the Government at Peking?

Mr. Lampson is proceeding to Peking. The second and third parts of the question were fully answered in a reply to the hon. Member for Camberwell North on the 11th November. As regards the fourth part, no special instructions have been issued, but the right hon. Gentleman may perhaps be glad to have his attention called to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for Willesden West, also on the 11th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in communication with any foreign Powers with regard to the elimination of further visas; and, if so, with which are such negotiations taking place?

Negotiations for the elimination of visas are at present in progress with the Portuguese Government. A proposal for the abolition of visas between Great Britain and Germany has also been received from the German Government, and is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as Arcos, the Soviet trading concern in Great Britain, enjoys privileges which are dependent upon Soviet avoidance of hostility to British trade in other parts of the world; and, as this condition has been broken by the Soviet Government, will he consider the desirability of making a new trade agreement?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. Arcos, Ltd., receives no privileges.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the state of the Macclesfield Unemployment Exchange; if he is aware that a number of unemployed workmen, ill clad and in a state of poverty, have to wait in a cold place, with no protection whatever from the weather; and if he will make some alteration which will protect these workmen from damage to their health?

I have made inquiries and am informed that any waiting by applicants outside the Exchange premises is due to their attending in advance of their scheduled times and not to inadequate accommodation. A timing system is in force, adherence to which should prevent any necessity for queues.

asked the Minister of Labour how many cases brought to his notice of men penalised by their trades unions for working during the general strike have been withdrawn; how many are still outstanding and which are the trades unions concerned; and what action does the Government intend to take in the matter?

Cases affecting 99 men who were said to have been threatened by their unions or branches of their unions with penalties for working during the general strike have been brought to my notice. Of these, 42 have been already disposed of. The remainder, which concern members of eight different unions, are at present outstanding. I am circulating a list of these unions in the OFFICIAL REPORT. My Department is continuing its efforts to expedite a settlement of the outstanding cases.

May I ask what action the Government are going to take in the event of these unions refusing to come to any settlement?

I hope any action will be unnecessary; I hope that these cases will be settled. If they are not, then the situation will have to be considered in the light of the position which has arisen.

Has the hon. Gentleman got the names of the firms who are persecuting men since the general strike?

I cannot admit the hon. Member's statement In any case, it does not arise out of the question.

What does the hon. Gentleman mean when he says that these 40 cases have been dealt with?

Actually settled satisfactorily to both sides.

Following is the list promised:

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that no national memorial has yet been erected to perpetuate the memory of the Earl of Ypres, who commanded the British Army during the first period of the Great War; and whether it is proposed to erect such a memorial?

While I fully appreciate the great services rendered by the Earl of Ypres, I do not think that this is a matter in which the Government should take action.

asked the Prime Minister when the promised Bill to reform trades union law will be introduced?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on Thursday last in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bath.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience of discussing after 11 p.m. important Measures under the Enabling Act, 1919, such as the Union of Benefices and Disposal of Churches (Metropolis) Measure, 1926, and the Benefices (Ecclesiastical Duties) Measure, 1926; and whether he will take steps to ensure to this House an opportunity for adequate discussion and examination of such Measures?

In the present state of public business I regret that the Government cannot afford facilities for the discussion of the Measures referred to by my hon. Friend.

May I make a suggestion to the Prime Minister for his consideration? Since I put down the question, the City Churches Measure, and another Measure, has been put down for Thursday next, which is also to be devoted to the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill. As these Measures have only one Reading and no Committee stage, may I suggest that he should follow the practice adopted in regard to Private Bills, and that at 8.15 on Thursday the Debate on the Appropriation Bill should be suspended in order that these Measures may be considered, and then the Debate on the Appropriation Bill can be resumed afterwards.

I think the Measure in which the hon. Member is interested would have more time for discussion if it were taken after eleven o'clock. It is necessary to get the Appropriation Bill through.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give facilities this Session for the passing of the Licensing Act (1921) Amendment Bill, now on the Orders of the House, and thus remove the anomalies as regards the hours of sale of liquor in licensed premises and in clubs, which are the cause of public inconvenience, or whether he proposes to introduce legislation to amend the existing law in this respect?

No, Sir. The Government do not propose to give time for the discussion of this Bill which raises controversial questions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by Navy and Army pensioners who emigrate to British Dominions in consequence of the higher rents and cost of living which render it impossible for them to make both ends meet; and whether he will consider the possibility of granting to pensioners settling in our Dominions the same allowances as are made by the Dominions to their own ex-service men?

My right hon. Friend has no power to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, nor does he feel that he could properly recommend its adoption.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any disability pensions are being paid in respect of encephalitis lethargica (sleepy sickness) due to war service?

The reply is in the affirmative. I regret, however, that the statistical records of the Ministry do not enable me to state the precise number of cases.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the action of certain boroughs in paying salaries to municipal officials on a scale which brings them above the current rates paid to such officials; and what action he is taking in all such cases by way of surcharge of the councillors concerned?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to this question in the case of certain metropolitan borough councils. In a number of instances the district auditor, who alone has the power to surcharge referred to by the hon. Member, has made disallowances and surcharges in respect of payment of wages.

May I ask whether any of these surcharges are ever enforced?

My hon. Friend must give me notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health the number of steel houses of different types that have been erected in England, and the number at present inhabited?

The number of external steel or cast iron houses, the erection of which has been authorised in England and Wales, is 993, excluding those erected for demonstration purposes. Information is not available as to the number of these houses actually erected or inhabited.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me whether there have been any complaints from those who inhabit these steel houses?

Not that I am aware.

Has there been any general report received from various districts as to the unsatisfactory state of these houses?

No, Sir. I apprehend there has been general satisfaction

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a great number have been ordered for London, and that it is impossible to get deliveries?

No, Sir. If the hon. Member will put a question down, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Health how many medical officers of health and sanitary inspectors respectively have been appointed to the public health service in England and Wales for the first time during the last three years?

My right hon. Friend regrets that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Sir Alfred Woodgate, chief commissioner of the West Ham Union, has issued printed forms to the relieving officers in the southern part of the borough which requires the workman to authorise his employers to deduct from his wages any sum advanced to him by the board of guardians on loan, and to accept the receipts of the treasurer of the guardians as part of his wages; whether he is aware that the action of the chief commissioner is a direct violation of the Truck Acts; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been called to this matter, but he will make inquiries.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will at the same time consult the Law Officers of the Crown in regard to the Acts of 1887 and 1896, and also the Memorandum issued on 31st March, 1898.

No, Sir. I think we had better ascertain the facts first.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the annual amounts of subsidy for civil flying granted by Great Britain, France and Germany respectively; and whether every effort is being made by His Majesty's Government to give at least similar support to the development of our civil air service as is the case in the other two countries referred to?

As regards the first part of the question, the total sum allocated to the development of civil aviation in Air Votes for the current year is £462,000. In addition, £362,000 is being expended on airship development, which is, to a large extent, for civil aviation purposes. It is difficult to give exactly comparable figures in respect of France and Germany, but the following are approximate: France.—78,175,000 francs. Germany.—24,661,500 Reichmarks. Actual subsidy payments to civil air transport companies are as follow: Great Britain.—£l67,000. France.—59,500,000 francs. Germany.—8,371,500 Reichmarks. As regards the second part of the question, the policy of His Majesty's Government is to spare no effort to place the operation of civil air transport on a commercial footing as early as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much the francs and the marks exceed the £?

It depends on the rate of exchange. I suggest the hon. Member can do the sum himself as well as I can.

Is it not a fact that the amount granted by the German Government is £600,000, as against £400,000 in this country?

I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman has done the sum right. If he has done the sum right, no doubt the figure is so.

Is it not a fact that the large subsidy paid by the German Government for civil aviation enables Germany to control and operate 75 per cent, of the civil air lines in Europe?

I do not think that arises out of the question. I should like to have notice of the question. I do not know whether the percentage given is accurate or not.

Would not the policy of the development of civil aviation be much more improved if the administration were transferred to the Board of Trade?

That, obviously, is a question which I am not competent to answer.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the possibility of conveying parcels to naval men in foreign stations at inland postage rates?

Revised rates of postage for parcels for H.M. ships outside home waters were introduced on 1st October, 1925. They are now uniform for ships in all parts of the world, and in many eases represent a substantial reduction on the rates formerly in force. They are not more than sufficient to cover the actual cost of handling and transport; and I regret that a further reduction is not practicable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of Royal Naval seamen boys who have qualified for, and been entered as, naval cadets under the special promotion scheme?

My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to the facilities which have existed since 1918 for boys entered for training as ratings who show exceptional promise, to compete at the special entry examination. The number of boys who under these arrangements have qualified for and have been entered as naval cadets is three, two of whom were seamen class boys.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the senior accountant officer of flagships is paid flag allowance whilst a fleet or port accountant officer is borne on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief; and, if so, what duties does he perform to merit payment of flag allowance?

If a fleet accountant officer is borne on the staff of a Commander-in-Chief, flag allowance is only paid to the senior accountant officer of the flagship when the fleet accountant officer is accommodated elsewhere than in the flagship, and then at half rates. In the latter case, the senior accountant officer of the flagship performs, in addition to his ship duties, such staff duties of an urgent character as may be required of him by the Commander-in-Chief. No question arises in the case of port accountant officers, as flag allowances are not payable at the three home ports.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of officers of the accountant branch borne in His Majesty's Ships "Barham," "Malaya," "Warspite," "Valiant," "Resolution," "Revenge," and "Renown"; and what particular duties they each perform?

The number of accountant officers (commissioned and warrant) borne in the ships named is 63. Of these, 21 are employed on accountant and store-keeping duties, 33 on staff and secretarial duties, of whom 26 are on the staffs of flag officers, including the Commanders-in-Chief of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets, and nine are junior officers under training.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that storekeepers and clerks in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, although enlisted soldiers on the strength of the corps, are refused the vocational training given to other soldiers during the last year or two of their service; and whether these men could be permitted to have tuition in poultry and bee keeping, or the management of small holdings, to enable hem to compete successfully for employment in civil life?

Vocational training courses are, generally speaking, not open to those men, such as clerks and storekeepers in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, whose military duties have already given them qualifications for civil employment. My right hon. Friend is considering the question whether such men shall in future be eligible for courses of training for over-seas settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances, and subject to what conditions, have some 170 Russian aliens been granted permission to reside in England?

I assume this question refers to the remnant of a party of transmigrants who arrived in this country in 1923 on their way to the United States. These people, being unable to obtain admission to the United States at the time, were detained in the transmigrants' hostel at Eastleigh to await opportunities of continuing their journey. The bulk of them have now done so, but it is unlikely that the remaining 176 will be able to proceed for some two or three years. In these circumstances, and having regard to the fact that 130 of the number are women and children, my right hon. Friend agreed on humanitarian grounds that these unfortunate people, who had already been detained for three years in the hostel, might be at liberty in this country until they can proceed, as they all desire to do, to their destinations in the United States. Certain conditions were laid down for the purpose of preventing them settling here permanently and for protecting the interests of British workers—one condition being that the responsible committee which is supervising the arrangements should guarantee that if it is necessary for any of these people to take employment, such employment should not displace or compete with British labour.

Would the Minister ask the hon. Member who put this question to attend Prayers every day and listen to the latter part of them?

Would it not be possible to employ these people's time in the meanwhile in teaching the Russian language to right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite, so that they might get their knowledge first hand?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Report of the Colwyn Committee on the National Debt, etc., will be available?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the Report from the Committee, but he believes it will be delivered shortly.

Will it then he available for Members of Parliament?

That question is not on the Paper. I presume it will, but I would not like to be positive about it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person or persons obtaining an order in the High Courts of Justice for the return of duty paid to the Customs is debarred from obtaining costs against the Crown; and whether he will consider legislation that will afford to successful litigants the costs incurred in vindicating such rights?

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been drawn to this matter, which I understand is under the consideration of the Committee dealing with the subject of legal proceedings by and against the Crown. I would point out that the Common Law rule that the Crown neither receives nor pays costs is general and not limited to Customs cases, and that on balance it operates much more in favour of the subject than the Crown.

Is the learned Attorney-General aware that attention was drawn to this matter by a learned Judge in 1857?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if there are any appointments in the Civil Service reserved, or available for, qualified accountants; and, if so, what is the method of entry for an accountant into the Civil Service?

Posts in the Civil Service, the duties of which require specialised knowledge of accountancy, or other professional qualifications, are relatively few, and are commonly filled, as there is occasion, by the appointment of individuals having the requisite qualifications who are selected by the head of the Department concerned with the assistance and concurrence of the Civil Service Commissioners and the approval of the Treasury. If the competition is Lot confined to unestabl staff already employed on the professional duties, a selection board, on which the Civil Service Commissioners are represented, may he convened to interview qualified candidates from outside the service who apply in response to newspaper advertisement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that during the last 12 months 29 motor accidents have occurred in the vicinity of Farningham, Kent, in which 14 persons required medical attention, and in which seven persons received fatal injuries; and will he consider what steps can be taken to prevent the continuance of similar accidents on the network of dangerous cross-roads in this locality?

I am aware of these regrettable casualties which have occurred on a four-mile stretch of the London-Folkestone Road. In few of these cases can the accident be attributed in any way to road conditions. I understand that the Kent County Council have under consideration proposals for dealing with one road junction where two accidents have occurred and where an improvement is thought to he practicable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Home Secretary, and ask him to transfer some of the traps on these straight roads to places similar to that named in the question?

I am sure that my right lion. Friend can be fully trusted to carry out his duties in connection with these matters?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the reason for the decision to close the Crown Colony at Patrington, Yorkshire; and whether, in the interests of the men concerned, the decision can be reconsidered and the closing down postponed pending an inquiry into the management?

The profit-sharing farm settlement at Patrington is to be closed at Lady Day next year on account of the heavy farming losses which have been incurred annually during the last eight years. For further, information on this subject, including the result of an independent inquiry ordered by my predecessor, I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Proceedings of the Ministry, under the Small Holdings (Colonies) Acts, for the years 1923 to 1926, which was published at the end of last week. I regret that I can see no grounds for reconsidering or postponing the decision, which was only arrived at after the most exhaustive examination of all the circumstances.

In view of the fact that there are about 257 men now employed on the estate, can any arrangement be made to absorb them into industry anywhere, or will they become unemployed?

I think the hon. Member has stated a much larger figure than the actual figure. It is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 60. We are doing everything in our power, and are in touch with the ex-service men's organisation with a view to finding occupation elsewhere for the men who cannot be continued on the estate.

What was the total loss at Patrington?

I must ask for notice of that question.