asked the Minister of Pensions what amount is now available in the Voluntary Fund; whether ex-service men whose claims have been rejected by tribunals on the ground of their disability not being attributable to or aggravated by military service are eligible for grants from this fund; and if he can state the total amount disbursed from the Voluntary Fund during the six months ending 30th Tune last?

The balance of the King's Fund not already earmarked for specific distribution is approximately £17,000. Cases of the kind referred to in the second part of the question are, under the rules of the King's Fund, not eligible for grants. The total amount distributed from the Voluntary Fund during the period referred to is £12,300.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the decision was reached that such cases were not eligible?

If the hon. Member refers to the question of grants for poultry farming—I cannot give the exact date without notice—he will find that the recommendations from different parts of the country are very much against grants for poultry farming, compared with the advantages of other grants.

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the purposes for which grants are now made from the Voluntary Fund at his disposal; whether applications from ex-service men desirous of starting poultry breeding are now considered; and if he will consider applications from men in receipt of disability pensions for grants to enable them to apprentice their children and/or provide outfits or tools?

It would not be practicable to set out in detail the various types of case that are assisted from this fund, but I may say that in all cases disablement or death by war service is a condition precedent. Grants for poultry farming are no longer made as experience has shown that the venture is ordinarily not successful, and as regards children, assistan.ee is confined to cases of orphan children.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will cause further inquiries to be made into the case of ex-Private George Brown, who in 1923 and 1926 was a patient in the Lincoln City Sanatorium suffering from tuberculosis whether he is aware that this man was wounded and gassed on the battlefield and lay in an open field for two days and two nights, and that his health was undermined by privations and underfeeding whilst a prisoner of war in Germany; and whether, in view of medical evidence that tuberculosis was present before 1923, he will reconsider the refusal of the Ministry to grant a pension in this case?

The position in this case was fully explained to the hon. Member in the letter forwarded to him on the 22nd October. The facts are that Mr. Brown's medical attendant certified that he was first consulted in January, 1923, for an attack of influenza, and it was not until November, 1923, that tuberculosis was found to be present. At the hearing of his appeal, Mr. Brown confirmed the date of first attendance and put forward the contention that his condition had arisen as the result of having been a prisoner of war. Every aspect of the case was fully presented to the tribunal and, as that body, with all the evidence before them, confirmed the rejection of the claim, I regret that it is not possible for any further action to be taken in the case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that medical evidence was submitted which was not before the tribunal, and that representations were made to him with a view to his reopening this case? Would it not be possible for him to deal, under the dispensing Warrant of 1884, with a case of this kind which is one of very great hardship and is causing a great deal of public comment?

I am going to take into account the points which the hon. Member was kind enough to lay before me the other day, but I am not at all certain yet that it will be possible for

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is proposed to take action on the Report of the Departmental Committee on Offences against Young Persons, and, if so, what form will the action take?

As regards administrative action, I have already commended the Report to the consideration of Magistrates and the police. Whether any, and if so what, legislation should he proposed is a matter which will be better considered when the other Committee now sitting has made its report.

me to deal with it in the way that he suggests.

asked the Minister of Pensions the names of the areas in which chief or deputy chief area officers have been replaced by established civil servants; what was the maximum salary paid to the late officers; and what are the total emoluments, including bonus, if any, payable to those now appointed?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I am, with the hon. Member's permission, circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

asked the Home Secretary whether it was on his instructions that it was decided to ban the holding of a miners' meeting in the Miners' Welfare Hall, Clown, Derbyshire, on Sunday morning last; and whether such ban was against a meeting being held at all, or was it against the meeting being addressed by a Mr. Mullins?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. D. Kirkwood) on 11th instant, when I said that the meeting was prohibited by the Chief Constable of Derbyshire under authority given by me, in pursuance of No. 22 of the Emergency Regulations. It was prohibited in view of the fact that it was a public meeting, and was to be addressed by Mr. Mullins, whose speech was considered by the police as likely to cause disaffection. Ordinary lodge meetings have not been prohibited.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Chief Constable is delegating his powers to the Superintendent of Police?

No; that is quite impossible. No one but a Chief Constable has powers delegated from myself, and a Chief Constable has no power to delegate at all.

Is it now regarded as a crime to make a speech which causes dissatisfaction?

I did not say so.

Yes, you did, in your first reply.

Then I take it from the hon. Member that I did, but the word should have been "disaffection," and that is in the document from which I read.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that his own speeches cause disaffection?

Honestly, I do not think they do.

If the right hon. Gentleman would address open meetings, instead of private meetings, he would find that that is so.

I had a very good open meeting last night.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has sent, or instructed to be sent, to the chief constables in England and Wales, a list of speakers who are not to be allowed to address public meetings in mining areas?

I have thought it right to draw the attention of chief constables to the published list of speakers taking part in the campaign organised by the Communist party; but the decision whether any particular meeting should be prohibited rests, as I have explained before, with the Chief Constable within whose district the meeting is to take place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman supply the House with the list which is sent round to chief constables, so that we may know?

I have received information that this matter is to be discussed this evening. If the hon. Member is fortunate enough to take part in the Debate, and will put that question, I would endeavour to satisfy him.

Are there any people on the list who are employed by the Economic Union, who used to be employed by Mr. Bottomley, and whose speeches are causing great provocation in the mining areas?

The hon. Member must give me notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will furnish a Return showing the total number of persons prosecuted, together with the number of convictions, under the Emergency Powers Act and Regulations since the beginning of the present state of emergency, the Return showing also the number prosecuted and convicted for each of the main types of offence?

The latest available return giving the desired details covers the period to 16th October last, and I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures up to that date. I am obtaining further figures for the last four weeks; and will give them to the House next week.

When the right hon. Gentleman issues the Report, will he try to state how many convictions have taken place when coalowners were on the Bench?

I have not got that information, and it would cause a tremendous lot of work to get it. I am afraid that I might have to demand to know who was on the Bench when cases were dismissed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair for coal-owners or any one in the coal industry to try people in such cases?

Will the Home Secretary try to get a return showing the nature of the employment of persons convicted, and showing whether there are any coalowners or servants of the coalowners among the convicted persons?

I must ask the House to wait and see the figures which I can give. If they want any further figures that I can reasonably get I will get them. But a statement of that kind, applying to over 2,000 cases since

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the police baton charge at Abercwmboi, Aberdare, on Tuesday, 9th November, at which charge a boy, 13 years of age, suffering from epilepsy, a disabled soldier in receipt of 100 per cent. disablement pension, and other men, women, and children, were struck and knocked down indiscriminately; if he is aware that serious complaints are being made by the inhabitants against the behaviour and language of the imported police; and will he order an inquiry to be made into the circumstances of the baton charge and the conduct of some of the police now stationed in that area?

I have obtained from the Chief Constable a report on the events of the evening of the May last would involve a very heavy task, and would not be very useful.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when miners' representatives have been on the Bench they have been asked to withdraw, and have done so? Can the right hon. Gentleman not issue some general instructions?

That does not arise out of the original question.

The figures promised are as follows:

9th instant at Abercwmboi. It appears that the police had proceeded to the house of a man willing to work at the Aberaman Colliery, in order to escort him to work, and they were followed by a crowd which grew to 500. persons. The crowd commenced to stone the police, and as it was feared that they would rush the colliery premises, steps were taken to stop their advance. However, the crowd stoned the police more heavily, and attempted to rush the cordon. It was dark and heavy rain falling, and in the circumstances I am satisfied that there was no alternative to dispersing the crowd by a charge, and I see no reason for any further inquiry into that aspect of the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman meet me, in order that I may convey to him some very serious charges against the police. I do not desire to trouble the House with them now.

Of course, I need hardly say I am always open to receive the hon. Member or any other hon. Member of this House.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the headmaster of the Hedley Hill council school on various dates between 5th and 9th November refused to give food to four children, aged 14, 11, 7, and 4½, at the school canteen, their father, a coal hewer at the Hedley Hill colliery, having returned to work at the colliery on 1st November, although his first pay was not due until 13th November; that on the afternoon of 10th November, having discovered that the children had received meals that day, the headmaster thrashed the two elder children in school for having disobeyed his orders in attending the canteen; whether these facts have been communicated to the local education authority; what action they have taken in the matter; and what action does he propose to take?

I have no knowledge of this incident, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will supply me with the information in his possession, I will make inquiries.

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, if it is within the Rules of Order for an lion. Gentleman to make a very serious assertion against a particular person, and to use this House as a means of doing so, when the particular person concerned has no opportunity of defending himself?

Each hon. Member takes responsibility for what he puts on the Paper.

May I point out, Sir, that the President of the Board of Education says he has no knowledge of the very serious charges that are made in this question. These charges are made, and there may be nothing in them, but the hon. Gentleman who makes them can go off scot-free, while the teacher himself, or the headmaster, will probably have to bear the brunt of these charges.

We must wait until the matter has been cleared up.

May I ask the President of the Board of Education if he will make inquiries into this allegation, as some of us know the schoolmaster, and we are satisfied that the statement is an absolute lie?

I have said I will make inquiries.

Can we put down another question?

If the result of the Noble Lord's inquiries bear out the contention of my hon. Friend the Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson), will he see that the same publicity is given to those facts as has been given to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Hitchin (Major Kindersley)?

I cannot answer a hypothetical question. I am sure that my hon. and gallant Friend who put this question will put down a further question, and, if he does not, any hon. Member opposite can do so.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in small places local gas companies, enjoying a monopoly of the supply of coke to the public, have been demanding prices well over 80s. a ton for that commodity from which they have already extracted their gas; and if he can take steps to prevent excessive prices being charged?

I am aware that £4 per ton and more is being charged for coke in many places. But I would point out that for some months past gas companies have been dependent almost entirely upon foreign coal, which gives a relatively low yield of coke, and for which very high prices have been paid.

May I request you, Mr. Speaker, to obtain such quiet in the House that it is possible for the replies of Ministers to be heard? It was perfectly impossible to hear one word of that reply.

Members seemed to be still thinking of the previous question.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the representations made to him as to the conditions under which the methods by which the dam at Llugwy was constructed and the serious doubts which exist as to the depth of the concrete core of the embankment, he is now in a position to state what steps he proposes to take to allay the public anxiety which exists among the people in the valleys that would he affected by a break in the dam?

This dam is one of those examined by Messrs. Alexander Gibb and Partners, the firm of engineers who carried out the investigation after the Dolgarrog disaster, and the matter to which the hon. and gallant Member refers is dealt with fully in their report. As I stated in reply to a question last Thursday, the companies concerned are carrying out immediately the various works necessary to satisfy the requirements of the firm of engineers.

Has the right bon. Gentleman obtained any information as to whether work has actually been begun or not?

I have received a certain amount of information, some, indeed, that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has been good enough to give me himself. The difficulty is that I have no legal power in the matter. It might be necessary for me to ask the House for legislation to enable me to take a more active part in regard to the complaints about these dams. I have tried to proceed in a conciliatory way with the owners of the dam, and, of course, Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners are a firm of very high standing in engineering quarters.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman bring this particular class of work under the Emergency Powers Regulations?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware whether any compensation has been paid at any time to any of the sufferers arising from the disaster at Dolgarrog, and are any steps being taken to see that compensation is paid to the sufferers?

That ought to be another question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners did not recommend that the foundations should be carried down to the rock, and that other firms of engineers more experienced in this class of work think it is necessary, as in the case of other reservoirs, to carry the foundations down to solid rock? Will he consult other expert opinion on the matter?

My difficulty is that I have no powers in the matter. Up to the present Parliament has not given the Home Secretary powers over the question of dams. I have no power to spend public money to employ any firm of engineers. I arranged with the company that they were to pay the fee of this particular firm of engineers. If any hon. Member can satisfy me that there is anything really wrong with these dams, I will consider whether it is desirable to ask the House for powers.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman power, under the common law, to indict a firm of engineers or a company which has put up something that is a danger and a nuisance to the general community?

I do not think that I have any more power than any other of His Majesty's subjects. It might be open to the hon. Member to indict them. I have no more power than the local authority or the hon. and gallant Member has to indict a company who put up a nuisance.

asked the Home secretary whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to repeal the prohibition of the sale of tobacco goods in hotels, restaurants, public-houses, theatres, and music halls and other places where the public resort after 8 p.m., so that persons desirous of being supplied with such goods at convenient times may be able to have them?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to take steps to discontinue war-time restrictions upon the sale of tobacco, liquid refreshments, and other necessities of modern life, and place Britain in a position of equality with other countres where no such restrictions exist with a view to encouraging an increased number of foreign tourists to visit this country?

I would refer to the reply I gave on the 12th instant to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for North Croydon (Lieut.-Colonel Mason), and by the hon. Member for East Islington (Mr. Tasker).

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the custom of the Governor of His Majesty's prison at Cardiff to accept the lowest tenders for the supply of goods to that prison; and whether this custom was followed in regard to tenders for flour during the month of October?

All tenders for flour for Cardiff and other prisons are submitted to the Prison Commission, where they are dealt with on a strictly competitive basis, the lowest tender being accepted if it complies with the conditions of the contract. Two contracts for supplies of flour to Cardiff Prison were dealt with in October, and in each case the lowest tender was accepted.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether an official of the Co-operative Society is entitled to ask a question in this House as to why a Government Department refuses to accept certain tenders?

Certainly. He is like any other Member of this House.

asked the Home Secretary on what grounds he communicated with the Exeter Local Authority in order to induce them to discontinue the appointment they had made, under Clause 3 of the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act, 1925, of the local Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' inspector, who is also a special constable, as the officer of the local authority duly authorised as their inspector?

The question does not, I think, state the facts quite correctly. According to my information the local inspector of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was appointed a special constable for the express purpose of enabling him to enforce the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act. This is not a purpose for which under the Special Constables Order, 1923 (Statutory Rubs and Orders, No. 95), a special constable may be appointed, and I may add that it was also contrary to the intention of this House when pssing the Bill.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider legislation with a view to limiting the loads carried by horse-drawn vehicles?

It is already an offence under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, to overload a horse and there is no evidence before me that the law needs strengthening.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the stag hunt at Minehead, in which a pursued deer taking to the sea was followed by motor boats, brought back to the quay, and there killed; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such practices illegal?

I have seen the newspaper reports of the incident referred to. I am afraid I do not see what action could be taken to stop what happened in this case, short of making stag hunting illegal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a short time ago a stag driven out to sea, swam over to France; and will he consider the introduction of legislation to stop this kind of thing?

Cannot a police constable take action against anyone who is doing this, as a matter of cruelty to animals?

I am not responsible for the action of the local constabulary, and I cannot direct the local constables in every individual case. That must be left to the magistrates.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that many school children are unable to take advantage of the educational facilities provided on account of lack of footwear, any steps can be taken to empower local education authorities to provide footwear in necessitous cases?

I do not think that the provision of boots and shoes is a matter for the local education authorities to deal with.

asked the Minister of Health how many towns have begun any slum clearances under the Housing Act, 1919, and subsequent Acts?

The position in regard to the clearance of slum areas in England and Wales is as follows: 93 schemes relating to 71 local authorities have been confirmed since 1919. On 1st October last tenders had been approved or loans sanctioned in respect of 09 schemes for the erection of new houses in order to provide accommodation for the displaced population and to enable clearances of the areas to be commenced. In the case of (38 schemes the areas had been wholly or partially acquired, and clearance was in progress in the case of 50 schemes.

In view of the slow progress of slum clearance, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any action to stimulate local authorities to further efforts?

I do not admit that progress is slow, compared with the progress which has taken place in the last 20 years.

also asked how many towns have begun to formulate town planning schemes; and how many towns with a population of 10,000 or more have done nothing in the matter?

285 urban authorities have prepared or are preparing town planning schemes, a number of which extend to portions of other urban areas. The number of urban authorities with a population of 10,000 or over in whose areas formal steps have not, so far as I am aware, been taken in the preparation of town planning schemes is 281.

asked the. Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the charge of attempted murder against Reginald Farndale, aged 11 years, at Chester; and, in view of the fact that this lad was certified as a mental defective three years ago, will he state what action has been taken with a view to providing accommodation for such cases?

My attention has been drawn to this case and I am informed that accommodation has been found for the lad in an institution in Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, there is at present a shortage of accommodation for mental defectives throughout the country; and local authorities are being urged to make further provision. The local authorities in the County of Cheshire are now considering a proposal to provide a joint institution to serve the whole county.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it a deplorable state of affairs that a mental defective should have to attempt the crime of murder before he can be put into one of these homes?

That is not a correct statement of the case.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Constable said that the doctors in Chester had been trying for three years to get this lad into a home, but on account of lack of accommodation they could not do so and that he committed this crime before he could be put into a home?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions existing at the Dover mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are held in a building that is not weather-proof, and where no light warmth, or accommodation of any kind is provided; and will he take such action with the local authorities as will result in the existing state of affairs being remedied?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have, however, received a report from the local authority which appears to show that the building in question is reasonably adequate for the purposes for which it is used.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the coroner has stated that he has received complaints from every doctor in Dover that the mortuary is insufficient?

I cannot add anything to what I have said.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians not to allow any boys under their control to join any of His Majesty's forces, and what steps he proposes to take to prevent authorities entrusted with the expenditure of public money adopting such a policy?

On a point of Order. In view of your ruling of last week, Sir, with regard to questions which can be asked in this House concerning authorities subject to local election and control, and in view of the fact that an hon. Member on this side was unable to proceed with a question regarding the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians, may I ask whether this question is in Order?

This question is repeated from last week, and was already on the Paper then. I should like to near from the Minister whether he has any power in this matter. I am not clear in my own mind as to whether this is purely a matter for the local authority, or whether the Minister bears any of the responsibility.

With every respect to you, Sir, may I remind you that on another occasion, when we were discussing the right of Members of this House to ask questions about the power of inspectors of local constabulary, it was ruled—and I am not questioning the ruling—that although the Home Office make a substantial grant, and should have some say as to the doings of these people, questions regarding them were not in order.

The hon. Member is quite right in saying that I deprecate questions in this House on matters which are in the province of local authorities. In this case I must hear what the Minister has to say. I cannot be expected to be acquainted with the position.

I am aware of this decision and, in view of the good prospects open to boys who join the Services, I much regret it. Boys who have been formally adopted by the guardians are subject to their control until they reach the age of 18, and I have no power to intervene in such cases. But the guardians have no right or power to interfere with the desires of such boys after that age, or with boys who have not been adopted after they have ceased to be chargeable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the Bethnal Green Guardians the reply which he has been good enough to give here?

On a point of Order. Do you allow questions to be put where it is indicated that the action of a body of this kind indicates disloyalty to the Crown?

We cannot take upon our shoulders all the shortcomings, if such there be, of local authorities which are acting within their proper powers.

But surely this is a most flagrant case!

Is it to be understood that when a local authority refuses to provide cheap flesh and blood for the defence of property—

Order!

I deprecate bringing the arguments that might be used in the council chamber on such a subject on to the Floor of this House.

On a point of Order. Seeing that we had to wait for your decision till the Minister had spoken, I should like to ask if a question which appeared to you to be doubtful when first asked is improved because the Minister takes the opportunity to state to the House and Io you that he has no power in the matter, and then proceeds to deliver a homily to the guardians, in doing which he does admit responsibility?

Hon. Members all seem to be anxious to perform other people's duties as well as their own.

asked the Minister of Health how many applications for pension for widows and orphans under the recent Act have had to be refused; and what percentage the refusals are of the total number of applicants?

In order to give an accurate representation of the position it is desirable to show separately the figures relating to applications based on the insurance of persons who died before the commencement of the Act and those relating to applications based on the insurance of men who died after the commencement of the Act. In the first category there have been 46,687 rejections, representing 24 per cent. of the claims made, and in the second category 4,206 rejections, representing 9 per cent. of the claims made.

asked the Minister of Health if the dependants of deceased men are treated as eligible for benefit under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act in cases where they would have fulfilled the statutory qualifying condition but for the failure of the employer to pay contributions in respect of the deceased; and whether, if such dependants cannot now qualify for benefit, he proposes to enable such persons to qualify in any amending legislation?

A pension cannot be awarded under the Contributory Pensions Act unless the statutory conditions are fulfilled, but I would point out that paragraph ( e ) of Sub-section (1) of Section 30 of the Act allows regulations to be made for enabling, in prescribed cases, contributions which have been paid but not paid on the due dates to be treated as having been so paid for the purpose of a widow's or an orphan's pension. The reference to the regulations which have been made for this purpose is Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 1362 of 1925.

Do I take it that in a case where the contributions have not been paid by an employer, the applicant will have an opportunity of paying those contributions, and so qualifying for benefit?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Minister of Health whether, under Section 33 of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, any reciprocal arrangements have been entered into with His Majesty's Dominions outside Great Britain for health insurance and pensions; and whether a widow and children in receipt of pension and allowances under the Act would forfeit such pension and allowances on migration to Canada?

No reciprocal arrangements under Section 33 of the Contributory Pensions Act have yet been entered into with other parts of His Majesty's Dominions, and in their absence the position is as stated in the latter part of the question. The question is, however, being considered with other related questions by the Imperial Conference.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has taken steps to ascertain, in regard to the Milk and Dairies Order, dated 6th July, 1926, what Regulations, if any, of a similar nature obtain in countries from which we derive our imports of butter; and whether he will give the information to the House?

The laws in the countries from which our largest imports of butter are derived contain provisions which are comparable with those of the Milk and Dairies Order, in addition to others relating especially to butter. These laws are necessarily too long to set out in full in the course of question and answer, but copies or summaries of them are available in my Department, and I shall be pleased to afford facilities to any hon. Member who desires to consult them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman do his best to ensure that the supply of milk in rural villages is not stopped, because it is well known that there is a great deal of misapprehension and anxiety about this Order?

I think the question relates to butter, and not to milk.

asked the Minister of Health whether the expenses caused by the carrying out of the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926, fall on the owner or the tenant?

The obligation of complying with the requirements of the Order rests on the person who is producing or selling milk, as the ease may be. The question as to who is to bear the cost of structural alterations required to premises depends on the terms of the contract of tenancy and if not covered by the contract must be a matter for arrangement between the landlord aid tenant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to what sort of period will be allowed before enforcing these Regulations strictly?

The hon. Member will find that in the Regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not give special consideration to those small cow-keepers who are tenants and who may have difficulties in this matter, so that these small men shall not be dealt with harshly under the Order?

I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that there will not be any harshness in administering the Order, and, as a matter of fact, a very considerable period is allowed for careful consideratoin of all cases.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in many villages and sparsely populated country districts where there are no recognised milk-sellers, small farmers, who only keep cows for rearing calves and supplying their own households, are in the habit of selling their surplus milk to oblige their neighbours; and whether he will give instructions that such farmers cannot be regarded as carrying on the trade of dairymen so as to be subject to registration under the Milk and Dairies Order?

I have been asked to reply. I am advised that the question whether a farmer is carrying on the trade of dairyman is one of fact to be decided on the circumstances of the individual case, and, speaking generally, I should suppose that the farmers mentioned in the question would be regarded as not carrying on the trade, and, therefore, as not subject to registration under the Milk and Dairies Order. They would, however, be subject to the general requirements of the Order.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer apply equally to butter as to milk?

Yes, I think so.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in receipt of a communication from the Surrey County Council asking him to postpone giving his decision on a recent inquiry into the application from the Chiswick District Council respecting the utilisation of the riverside lands as a site for a super-power station until he has received representations from the Surrey County Council on the matter; and whether, in view of the objections of the residents of Barnes, Mortlake, Kew, Richmond and district to the proposal to erect a super-power station on Duke's Meadows, Chiswick, affecting as it does the county of Surrey generally from the point of view of public health, finance and amenities, and in view of the effect of such a station upon Kew Gardens, consideration will be given to the possibility of substituting some other site in another part of the country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I am afraid that I cannot postpone my decision. Full opportunity for making representations and objections was given at the recent public inquiry, which lasted several days, and the representations then made, including the suggestion in my hon. Friend's question, are receiving my consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lands referred to were originally reserved for town-planning purposes?

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 require 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 of 1887 and 1896, and the memorandum of 31st March, 1898; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

Sections 58 and 59 of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834, provide for the grant of relief in certain eases on loan and for its recovery under an order of the Court by deduction from wages. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the printed form to which he refers, and which I understand is issued by the guardians with a view to avoid- ing, with the consent of the man concerned, resort to legal proceedings. It is, of course, entirely within the option of a person receiving the form whether he will sign it or not. As at present advised, I do not see any need for my intervention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the forms in question have been sent to the employers with a view to their persuading workmen to sign the agreement?

No, I do not think they have been sent for that purpose. I think they have been sent probably with a view to facilitating this procedure, which, I think, is a very great convenience to the man himself.

Is the Minister aware that the Truck Acts formally prohibit an employer making any deduction from wages except with regard to certain matters specified in the Acts, and will he refer the matter to the Law Officers of the Crown, with a view to informing this House as to whether the provisions of the Truck Acts are being observed?

Do we understand that guardians appointed by the Minister have a right to do things which no employer of labour has?

No, the hon. Member must not think that at all. They have the same rights as other guardians, and they are not different from other guardians in that respect. With regard to the question put by the hon. Member for East Ham North (Miss Lawrence), I have examined that question, and I am informed that her interpretation is not correct.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to make an official pronouncement on the purity of white bread and thus allay the doubts concerning an article of food which is eaten by over 95 per cent. of the population; and whether he will instruct the Departmental Committee which is examining the question of flour treatment to extend its inquiries with a view to making an authoritative statement on the dietetic value of the people's staple foodstuff?

This subjects referred to in a Report entitled "Diet in Relation to Normal Nutrition," which was issued by my Department a few years ago. I will consider whether it desirable to extend the terms of reference of the Departmental Committee but I am informed that they could not take up the subject referred to in the question until they have disposed of their present reference.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Departmental Committee are likely to make their Report?

I am afraid I am not in a position to say that.

Having regard to the urgency to the public health of this matter being decided in an authoritative way as soon as possible, will the right hon. Gentleman not ask the Committee to pronounce an interim decision on this matter, which is really a very simple one, so that a Circular may be Sent round by his Department?

I am afraid the matter is not quite as simple as it appears to be to my hon. Friend. It has been under discussion for a number of years, to my knowledge, but certainly I will consider the matter and see if anything can be done.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the periodic denunciations of this staple article of diet are on a scientific foundation?

I do not pretend to give opinions on such subjects.

asked the Minister of Health whether the attention of his Department has been called to infringements of 13 and 14 Victoria, Cap. 101, Section 6, prohibiting the appointment of relieving officers to parochial and township office; and, if so, what action he has taken in such cases?

I have not received information of any such infringements as are mentioned in this question, but if my hon. Friend has any cases in mind and will forward me particulars I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the Report by the Ministry's Auditor that the Shoreditch Metropolitan Borough Council have, as regards the payment of wages in 1925–6, exceeded by about £17,000 the amounts which would have been paid if the council had continued to follow the proper awards, the Government is prepared to take any action to protect the interests of the ratepayers; and, if so, can he say what lines such action will follow?

I have received a copy of the District Auditor's report. It appears that the Auditor has made no disallowance or surcharge in the matter on this occasion, but has confined himself to warning the Council of their position for the future. In these circumstances, no question of action on my part arises in this case.

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases of encephalitis lethargica reported to his Department during the last 12 months the attack has been preceded during the previous three months by vaccination or re-vaccination?

This information is not available, but the Committee on Vaccination which I appointed last February has issued a request to all medical practitioners in this country to report to the Committee any case of acute disease of the, central nervous system in which vaccination has preceded the onset of the symptoms within a period of four weeks.

In view of the public anxiety as to the possible connection between inoculation and this disease, cannot such information be given?

I do not see that it is possible to take any action until I have more details and precise information than I have at present. No doubt they will be forthcoming when this Committee has collected the evidence.

asked the Minister of Health if inspectors from his Depart- ment visited the hopfields during the last season; if any Reports have been received from them; and, if so, if such Reports can be made available for Members of this House?

Yes, Sir. A Report is in preparation, and I will consider on its receipt how far its publication might serve a useful purpose.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Imperial Conference has had under consideration the status and treatment of the native races of the Empire?

The answer is in the negative.

I. IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS OF RAW FRUIT (INCLUDING NUTS USED AS FRUIT) 1925. Description. Total imports from all sources. Of which re-exported. Imports consigned from Foreign Countries. Of which re-exported, Quantities. Fruit and Nuts used as Fruit, raw: Cwts. Cwts. Cwts. Cwts. Apples, raw 5,989,674 352,223 3,362,741 210,789 Apricots, raw 56,180 266 55,283 173 Bananas, raw (converted at two bunches to the cwt.). 6,014,814 104,305 4,813,167 136,282 Cherries, raw 138,513 339 138,513 335 Currants, raw 95,835 2 95,716 2 Gooseberries, raw 53,706 55 53,075 1 Grapes, raw 978,910 38,400 918,410 36,781 Grape-fruit, raw 167,617 6,371 135,891 4,175 Lemons, raw 1,298,249 46,565 1,296,378 46,522 Limps and other Citrous Fruits 594 13 458 13 Nuts used as Fruit: Almonds 230,978 18,991 216,404 18,972 Barcelona and Hazel 83,706 3,246 83,696 3,236 Brazil 160,385 22,012 160,385 22,011 Walnuts 167,696 13,882 167,545 13,871 Unenumerated 579,536 81,469 413,505 62,586 Oranges, raw 7,728,601 215,658 6,231,780 155,401 Peaches, raw 16,373 1,653 5,113 541 Pears, raw 589,026 20,109 425,253 13,278 Plums, raw 507,414 3,935 497,626 2,711 Strawberries, raw 54,867 24 54,860 21 Unenumerated, raw 440,220 11,984 405,165 9,428 Total Quantity 25,352,894 1,001,502 19,530,964 737,129 Total Value £32,852,723 £1,714,397 £24,359,460 £1,215,446

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give the latest. returns of imported fruit from foreign countries, and the value of same; and what proportion was re-exported;

(2) the amount of apples imported to this country, and the different sources which have exported them?

As the replies consist of tables of figures, my hon. and gallant Friend will perhaps agree to my circulating them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the figures:

II. QUANTITY AND VALUE OF RAW APPLES IMPORTED INTO GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND DURING THE YEAR 1925. Country whence Consigned Quantity Imported. Declared Value thereof. Cwts. £ Germany 2,069 2,597 Netherlands 15,446 22,712 Belgium 44,933 57,331 France 406,933 187,671 Portugal 58,342 50,205 United States of America 2,801,301 3,639,883 Other Foreign Countries 33,717 32,504 Total from Foreign Countries 3,362,741 3,992,903 Channel Islands 422 599 Australia 887,759 1,656,994 New Zealand 95,037 223,383 Canada 1,639,794 1,661,946 Other British Countries 3,921 6,136 Total from British Countries 2,626,933 3,549,058 Total 5,989,674 7,541,901

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that the market price of the ordinary shares of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company is £6 5s. to-day, as compared with £2 10s. in November, 1923, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to sell the national holding of 5,000,000 shares?

No, Sir.

May I ask whether the right hen. Gentleman has not to thank the late Government for retaining this valuable property in the hands of the nation?

I think questions about the action of the late Conservative Government had better be addressed to those who were members of it.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer say whether it is the ease that had the Government agreed to sell out these shares at the price offered in 1923 to the late Conservative Government, the nation would have lost almost £20,000,000?

This is not the time for arithmetic lessons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will obtain from His Majesty's representative in Russia a Report on the rates of the Russian death duties?

No, Sir. I cannot see what useful purpose would be served by such a Report.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, in view of the present financial situation, a study of these death duties might be a source of fruitful inspiration to him?

It is not for me to neglect to consider any source of inspiration.

Is it not an unfriendly act to call attention to the existence of capitalists in Russia?

May I ask whether the capitalists in Russia have any capital on which to levy death duties?

I am not informed on that subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of appointments to higher clerical grade which have been made in his Department since 1st January, 1923; the number of clerical officers who have been appointed to higher clerical posts since 1st January, 1923; and the number of male clerical officers in his Department who are classified A, or above average, for promotion purposes?

The numbers are 14, 2 and 12 respectively. The first figure includes three women higher grade clerical officers who secured their posts by open competitive examination.

asked (1) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what economies he has effected in the administration of his Department since he took office;

(2) the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what economies he has effected in the administration of his Department during the year?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what economies he has effected in the administration of his Department during this year?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the minimum rates of wages and the overtime rates for weekdays and Sundays fixed by the various agricultural wages committees in Great Britain for men and women agricultural workers?

I have been asked to reply, and with the hon. Member's permission, I will answer all three of them together. The sums authorised by Parliamentary Votes for these Departments this year are within the knowledge of the House. It is not possible at this stage of the year to say what the ultimate expenditure out of these sums will be. An opportunity for reviewing Departmental expenditure is provided when the Estimates for the year are under discussion. Hon. Members must bear in mind that economies are secured, not only by the elimination or curtailment of existing services, but also by the avoidance of new commitments and by adjustment of policy with a view to limitation of expenditure.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of permanent officials of the rank of principal clerk and above employed by the Ministry on 30th June, 1922, and on 30th June, 1926; and what was the number of employ6s of all other grades and the number of beneficiaries of the Ministry on the same dates?

As the answer contains number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, under which agricultural wages committees fix minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers, applies only to England and Wales. There are no similar minimum rates in Scotland. Particulars of the rates at present in force for adult male workers in each area in England and Wales were given in a reply to a ques- tion put to me by the hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. Foot Mitchell) on the 9th instant, and I am circulating in

the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving correspondence particulars for women.

Following is the statement:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has arrived at any decision regarding the formation of pig clubs to assist those agricultural workers who take advantage of the cottage-holding provisions of the Small Holdings and Allotments Bill?

The proposals submitted to my predecessor for the promotion of pig clubs were fully considered by him and have also received my consideration. I regret that I do not see any prospect of the Government being able to provide a grant from public funds for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the question of the Tati Concession has been under the consideration of the Imperial Conference; and, if so, what steps is it proposed to take to carry cut the wishes of the inhabitants of that district?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the general position regarding the question which has been raised, concerning the possible transfer of the Tati District to Southern

BRISTOL—AYONMOUTH ROAD. Section Estimated Cost. Grant promised. Actual Cost.Payments made under the Grant. £ £ £ £ No. 1 … … 223,200 50,000 216,779 78,562 No. 2 … … 182,427 50,000 175,105 47,993 No. 3 … … 205,017 50,000 Not yet ascertained. 45,000 (on account).

As the actual costs on Sections 1 and 2 have fallen below the Estimates, the grant has been reduced pro rata in each case.