asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any further quota of the 4,000 labourers conscripted for Kenya Colony has been called out; and whether any of the labourers so conscripted in 1925 have since returned to their villages?

I think the hon. Member is under some misapprehension. The maximum period during which labour can be called upon under the Native Authority Ordinance is 60 days. As stated in my reply to the similar question by the hon. Member on the 23rd November, 1925, the number of labourers called out for railway construction in the spring of 1925 was 3,094. These labourers returned to their homes on completion of 60 days' work. Since that date no further recourse has been had to compulsory labour under the provisions of the Ordinance relating to the construction or maintenance of rail- ways or other works of a public nature. The circumstances are fully set out in Command Paper 2464, which was presented to Parliament in July, 1925, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any Report has yet been received on the working of the detention camps in Kenya Colony; and whether it is proposed to publish such Reports?

No Report has yet been received, and the question of publication has, therefore, not arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that an official of the Colonial Office has undertaken an extensive tour in Kenya Colony, any Report upon this journey will be laid before the House?

The answer is in the negative. The journey of the official referred to has been undertaken in order to familiarise him with the local conditions of the territories with which he has to deal, and he has not been instructed to make any Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) from what date it is proposed to appoint a native doctor, to succeed a European doctor, at Dunkwa, Gold Coast Colony, where there are over 40 European residents, including women; and, seeing that the nearest European doctors to Dunkwa are at Sekondi and Kumasi, 6½ and 4½ hours away, respectively, with only one train a day in each case, will he appoint a European doctor at Dunkwa;(2) whether, seeing that a European doctor has been put in charge of a native hospital at Elmina, he will say why he or some other European doctor should not be appointed to Dunkwa?

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government that natives of West Africa who are qualified medical men and otherwise suitable for public employment should be engaged in the Government service in West Africa. Three African medical officers are employed in the Gold Coast out of a total medical staff of 67. My hon. Friend will of course understand that it must rest with the Colonial Government to make the best use of the staff at its disposal; and I cannot see my way to interfere with the Governor's exercise of his discretion in a matter of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, in view of the importance of encouraging British films, the British version of the firm "The Only Way" has been banned in the Straits Settlements; and why the American version of the same film is still allowed to be shown in that area?

The decision, last year, of the official censor of the Straits Settlements Government not to authorise the exhibition of the British film "The Only Way," was upheld by the Committee of Appeal, on the ground that certain scenes in the film rendered it unsuitable for general exhibition in the colony, My hon. Friend will readily understand that, since the exhibition of the similar American film was authorised in 1923, developments have made it necessary to modify the criteria of the suitability of films for exhibition. I do not know if the official censor has considered the question of withdrawing the authorisation for the exhibition of the American film.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of European and other persons who are liable to payment of taxes in each of the six British East African territories during the last six years and the number of convictions of Europeans and others for non-payment of taxes in the same period?

I am not in possession of the particulars necessary to answer the hon. Member's question, and am most reluctant to call upon the Governments concerned to undertake the compilation of these statistics unless the hon. Member can assure me that their value, when furnished, will be commensurate with the great labour involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the legislation affecting the native races of Southern Rhodesia is reserved for final sanction; whether the Act for the indenturing of children under 14 years of age has been submitted for final approval; whether he is aware that this legislation was passed owing to the representations of the Farmers' Association in Southern Rhodesia; and whether, in these circumstances, he proposes to withhold sanction?

The reply to this question is necessarily of considerable length, and I hope the hon. Member will agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the names of the voluntary or semi-voluntary emigration societies with which agreements have been concluded or arrangements made the numbers of persons assisted by the respective societies for the fiscal year ended 31st March, 1925, and for the current fiscal year up to 3Ist December, 1926 (nine months), giving figures for single women, boys, youths, and young men (going to work), families (number of souls), orphans or unwanted children (under 14 years of age), separately for each period; the Dominions to which these persons were proceeding; the total number of persons assisted by the Government in the same periods; and the amounts contributed or promised to be contributed under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, or from other Government moneys at his disposal, to the respective societies for the periods in question, apart from payments made or to be made to, them under schemes where payments are determined on a capitation basis; if he will give figures showing the numbers of young people emigrated during the calendar year 1926 after training in this country; the names of the societies giving such training; the number trained by each society; and the estimated approximate cost of training each migrant at the respective training places?

The following are the figures:

A.
Statement showing the number of Migrants Assisted by Voluntary Societies under Agreements made under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, during the year ending 31 March, 1925, and the nine months ending 31 December, 1926.
—	Single Men.		Single Women.		Unaccompanied Juveniles (12 to 18 years).		Unaccompanied Children (under 12)		Families (Total Souls).		Totals.
	12 months to 31 Mar., 1925.	9 months to 31 Dec., 1926.	12 months to 31 Mar., 1925.	9 months to 31 Dec., 1926.	12 months to 31 Mar., 1925.	9 months to 31 Dec., 1926.	12 months to 31 Mar., 1925.	9 months to 31 Dec., 1926.	12 months to 31 Mar., 1925.	9 months to 31 Dec., 1926.	12 months to 31 Mar., 1925.	9 Months to 31 Dec., 1926.
Society for the Oversea Settlement of British Women—
Canada	—	—	3	—	—	2	—	2	399	268	449	295
Australia	—	—	2	4	—	—	—	—	16	3
New Zealand	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	8
South Africa	—	—	11	4	—	1	1	—	17	8
British Dominions Emigration Society—Canada	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	475	605	475	605
Salvation Army—
Canada	—	—	251	553	514	572	87	—	71	—	1,113	1,396
Australia	—	—	87	—	29	115	—	—	—	—
New Zealand	—	—	—	—	74	156	—	—	—	—
Craigielinn Farm—
Canada	—	—	—	—	101	86	—	—	—	—	157	96
Australia	—	—	—	—	55	9	—	—	—	—
New Zealand	—	—	—	—	1	1	—	—	—	—
Dr. Barnardo's Homes—
Canada	—	—	—	—	296	28	62	—	—	—	509	150
Australia	—	—	—	—	149	122	2	—	—	—
British Red Cross Society—
Canada	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	16	—	16	—
Fairbridge Farm School—
Australia	—	—	—	—	—	—	12	14	—	—	12	14
Maple Leaf Fellowship—Canada	11	—	17	15	—	—	—	—	—	—	28	15
British Empire Exhibition Fellowship—
Canada	—	—	—	—	—	9	—	—	—	—	—	101
Australia	—	—	—	—	—	67	—	—	—	—
New Zealand	—	—	—	—	—	25	—	—	—	—
1820 Memorial Settlers' Association—South Africa	25	189	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	215	189
Orphan Homes of Scotland—
Canada	—	—	—	—	94	39	—	—	—	—	94	39
Catholic Emigration Association—Canada	—	—	—	—	134	142	—	—	—	—	134	142
Middlemore Homes—Canada	—	—	—	—	52	7	—	—	—	—	52	7
Church of England Waifs and Strays—Canada	—	—	—	—	95	102	—	—	—	—	95	102
Church Army—Canada	—	—	—	—	54	84	—	—	—	—	54	84
British Immigration and Colonisation Association (Montreal—Canada	—	—	—	—	33	259	—	—	—	—	33	259
Mr. Oliver Hind (Dakeyne Lads' Club)—Canada	—	—	—	—	12	1	—	—	—	—	12	1
National Children's Homes—Canada	—	—	—	—	29	29	—	—	—	—	29	29
McPherson Homes—Canada	—	—	—	—	32	—	—	—	—	—	32	—
Mr. Fegan's Homes—Canada	—	—	—	—	39	29	—	—	—	—	39	29
Liverpool Sheltering Homes—Canada	—	—	—	—	169	17	—	—	—	—	169	17
Church of England Council of Empire Settlement—Canada	—	—	—	—	—	19	—	—	—	—	—	19
	226	189	371	576	1,962	1,921	164	16	994	887	3,717	3,589

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many natives of Nigeria were tried, sentenced to death, and executed during 1925 without receiving legal assistance in the Courts?

Counsel are not allowed to appear in the Provincial or Native Courts. In 1925 64 persons were executed for murder after trial before Provincial Courts and nine after trial before Native Courts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to deal with the question of infant mortality in Dar-es-Salaam?

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 40 of the Report to the Council of the League of Nations, published last year (Colonial No. 18), on the administration of Tanganyika territory for 1925. Since then considerable additions have been made to the sanitary staff, and the training of native assistants and nurses is snaking rapid progress.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in the inspection of non-provided schools for the purpose of classification as to fitness, the playground is regarded as part of the school premises; and whether the inadequacy or disrepair of a playground pre-indices the classification in cases where the school buildings alone might be regarded as suitable for a higher classification?

The inadequacy or disrepair of the playground is one of the considerations taken into account in reviewing the premises of an elementary school. How serious a view is taken of the defect depends largely upon the extent to which it appears to have a prejudicial effect upon the health and well-being of the children.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in cases of post-War disability due to service, the pensioner receives any allowance for wife and family in addition to the disability pension?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state, with reference to the technical P class of appointments for the Office of Works, the number of applicants and the number of people appointed in the classes, disabled men, overseas men, and non-service personnel, respectively?

The appointments to the "P" class technical posts in the Office of Works have not yet been completed. The numbers of officers proposed for appointment in the classes referred to are as follow:

Disabled	…	…	41
Overseas	…	…	139
Non-Service	…	…	Nil.

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Memorandum of Agreement of the 12th January, 1925, in regard to the grant of permanent non-pensionable status to temporary civil servants, whether clerical or technical, refers solely to ex-service men, and non-service men are ineligible for consideration. I should also explain that applications are not invited for these appointments. Selection is made on the recommendation of the head of the Officer's Department or Division and the list of the officers proposed for appointment has been agreed with the appropriate representatives of the staff, namely, the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to accept in full the Report of the Blanesburgh Committee on Unemployment Insurance?

I have been asked to reply. This Report has only just been received by my right hon. Friend, and he is not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to it.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the amendment of existing Regulations affecting representation on local employment committees in order that the Southwark Board of Guardians may, with a view to co-ordination, be represented on the Borough Employment Committee?

The existing arrangements enable boards of guardians to be represented, where necessary, among the additional members of Local Employment Committees. In dealing with particular cases, the Minister is guided by the views of the Local Employment Committee concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to improve the relations between Great Britain and Russia?

The obstacles to an improvement are unfortunately not within the control of His Majesty's Government. They can only be removed by the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which of the Powers signatory to the International Opium Convention, of February, 1925, have deposited ratifications of that convention; when it is anticipated that that convention will come into force; and whether The Hague International Opium Convention of 1912 meanwhile continues to be in operation?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the same question put by the hon. Member on the 17th November last, except that San Salvador has since ratified the Convention.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in how many cases bankruptcies have occurred in connection with firms which have received loans under the Trade Facilities Act; and the grant made under the Act in each instance?

Bankruptcies have occurred in four cases. The capital issued under Treasury guarantee in these cases amounted to £217,200. It is not at present practicable to estimate the recoveries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number and the worth of motor cars manufactured in Great Britain which were exported to Australia for the 12 months ending to the last convenient date?

The number and declared value of motor vehicles manufactured in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and exported to the Commonwealth of Australia during the 12 months ended December, 1926, were as follows:

	Number.	Declared Value.
Motor vehicles, complete:		£
Touring cars (including cabs)	1,527	420,463
Commercial vehicles (including motor omnibuses, motor lire engines and motor ambulances)	204	118,390
Chassis for Motor cars, etc.	13,765	2,319,430
Motor car parts, other than chassis	—	316,781

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the contracts for any of the new boats required for the improved steamship service between Canada and the West Indies, the contract for which has been awarded to the Canadian National Railways, have been placed in this country; and, if so, whether he can state the names of the firms concerned and the amount of the contracts?

I am aware that the Canadian National Railways are in the market for some new boats, and my Department has for several days past been actively engaged in dealing with the matter. But so far as I can ascertain, after inquiry to-day the Canadian National Railways have not yet placed in this country orders for any of the boats.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that the accommodation for storing the national records of Scotland is adequate and satisfactory; and, if not, whether he is considering any proposals for altering or extending the accommodation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The second part does not arise.

asked the Minister of Health the number of ex-service men and widows and orphans of men killed in the War in receipt of Poor Law relief on 31st December, 1926?

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

asked the Minister of Health if he has any statistics which show the number of cases in which children's allowances under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act are being paid to children over the age of 14 who are remaining at school?

On the latest figures available for England, Scotland and Wales children's allowances or orphans' pensions are being paid in respect of 13,424 children who have remained at school after reaching the age of 14.

asked the Minister of Health the expenditure for each year from 1923 upon provision and treatment for tuberculosis, maternity and child welfare, venereal disease, and welfare of the blind, respectively?

It is presumed that the question relates to expenditure out of moneys provided by Parliament. The amounts of such expenditure in England and Wales for the financial years 1923–24 to 1925–26 in respect of the services mentioned in the question were as follow:

—	1923–4.	1924–5.	1925–6.
	£	£	£
Maternity and Child Welfare.	791,000	814,000	897,000
Treatment of Tuberculosis.	1,337,000	1,430,000	1,547,000
Grants toward provision of Sanatoria.	87,000	15,000	19,000
Treatment of Venereal Diseases.	303,000	298,000	307,000
Welfare of the Blind.	83,000	95,000	104,000

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a firm of coal merchants in North London should have received on 24th December last 48 wagons of coal, forwarded by Notting-hamshire and Yorkshire collieries; on 8th February only nine wagons had been received; and whether he will cause investigations to be made as to why the London and North Eastern Railway Company has failed to supply the remaining 39 wagons of household coal?

I am aware that there has recently been considerable delay to coal traffic on part of the system of the railway company mentioned in the question. The particulars the hon. Member gives are, however, scarcely sufficient to enable the case he has in mind to be readily identified, but if he will supply me with the necessary information, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the generally unhealthy condition of the Llandrindod Wells Post Office; whether he is aware that there is no retiring room for the male staff and that the retiring room for the female staff is most unsuitable; what steps he proposes to take to remedy this deficiency of accommodation; and whether, seeing that land was purchased nearly two years ago for the new post office building, he will authorise immediate steps to be taken in connection with its, erection?

The defects in the existing accommodation, although not so serious as represented, are recognised. It is proposed to erect a new office, but I regret that it has not been found practicable to include provision for it in the Estimates for next year.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of post offices in the Administrative County of London at which telegraphic business can be transacted; and the number of offices at which telegraphic business can be transacted after 7 p.m., after 8 p.m., and all night, respectively?

It will perhaps meet the desire of my hon. and gallant Friend if I give the numbers applicable to the London Postal area, which roughly corresponds with the Administrative County of London, but in some districts extends beyond it. Considerable labour would be involved in extracting the figures for the Administrative County.Number of Postal Telegraph Offices 572 Of these Offices

(a) the number open for telegraphic business after 7 p.m. but not after 8 p.m. is	139
(b) the number open for telegraphic business after 8 p.m. but not open all night is	3
(c) the number open all night is	2

There are in addition 89 telegraph offices at railway stations, of which

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the wireless broadcast competition being organised by a certain London newspaper; and whether any steps have been taken or contemplated with a view to inquiring whether all entrants to this competition are holders of wireless receiving licences?

I am aware of the competition. The Postmaster-General will continue to take all necessary steps to enforce the holding of wireless licences by persons who are liable to do so, but I am not prepared to give details of the methods employed.