asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the advisability of amending the Regulations giving the pensioner suffering from a disability subsistence allowance if away from home for medical board for a period of four hours, as the 10 hours' minimum, as at present, acts hardly on those especially who have a wife and family to sustain solely on the pension?

The provision of subsistence allowance on the occasion of an officer or man summoned to a medical board is made on the principle of recompense for additional expenditure necessarily incurred in consequence of an absence from home substantially longer than would ordinarily have been involved in the course of employment. The present Regulations governing the matter have been in operation for the past eight years, and no general complaint has been made that they operate otherwise than fairly. In the circumstances, I regret that I do not see my way to recommend the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many established civil servants are in charge of area offices in Scotland; how many of the P Class and how many temporary civil servants; where the area offices are situated; and what is the grade and of each chief area officer?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Arcos steamships are engaged in a definite traffic of dumping anti-British agents in this country under the guise of legitimate seamen, utilising methods of intensive propaganda to pervert British seamen who are signed on in place of the agents left in British ports; and, if so, what steps he proposes taking to counteract these activities?

I am not aware that the ships of the Arcos Steamship Company or any other ships trading with Russia are engaged in such traffic, and I do not think, in view of the precautions which are taken, that it would be possible for these ships to be used for such a purpose. Under the provisions of the Aliens Order, the crews of all such ships are carefully scrutinised by the Immigration Officers, and no Soviet citizen who has been signed on at a foreign port is allowed to land for discharge at a port in this country, save very occasionally for the purpose of immediate transfer to an outgoing ship, in which case the condition is imposed that the alien concerned is to be discharged abroad. The Immigration Officers have the strictest instructions with regard to the crews of all ships trading with Russia, and I have no reason to doubt that these instructions are being followed in all cases.

May I ask whether the hon. Member, in getting this question put on the Paper, declared that he was satisfied that the contents of the question were bonâ fide?

I take it for granted.

Is there any law to prevent a foreign sailor corning ashore for a walk?

If the walk is strictly limited, I am not quite sure that there is; but if he goes on shore and slips away he is immediately arrested by the police.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had to make any representations to the Soviet authorities respecting any individuals engaged in propaganda coming into the country in this way?

Any such representation would be made by my right hon. colleague the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Is it Parliamentary language to use the word "skunk" to an hon. Member who is putting a supplementary question?

It is neither Parliamentary nor gentlemanly.

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to assist me in discovering the identity of an hon. Member opposite who, earlier in the afternoon, called me a skunk?

My assistance will be given in another direction when the hon. Member desires.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with his promise to afford an opportunity for a discussion of Anglo-Russian relations, he will make arrangements for the issue beforehand to Members of a White Paper, containing a collection of despatches and reports received from British representatives in Russia, China, Persia and other countries which bear upon the question of the observance by the Soviet authorities of the clauses in the trading agreement relating to abstention from hostile acts and propaganda?

The material which could be laid before the House consists in the main of reports of speeches, manifestoes and such like, which have received a great measure of publicity already in the Press. In the circumstances, it is not thought that there would be any advantage in laying a paper, but further consideration will be given to the question before the Prime Minister fixes a day for the discussion.

After a date has been fixed for the discussion, may I ask, owing to the widespread indignation at the manner in which the Russian Government have acted, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the question, in order that Members of this House may have an opportunity of having the whole information before them in a concise form?

If there is widespread indignation, why is it necessary to publish any document?

Hon. Members always want to make little speeches whenever the question of Russia is raised.

Will the hon. Gentleman also issue a White Paper containing an account of any conversations between the Home Secretary and the Tsarist Body?

rose—

So many hon. Members desire to make speeches. Hon. Members really must wait till the promised day arrives.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with appeal tribunals for the police forces of England and Wales?

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on this subject at an early date.

Will the draft proposals be placed before the Police Federation in order that the opinions of the federation may be obtained?

I cannot promise that.

Have the proposals beers considered by the Police Council appointed under the Police Act?

I think I may go so far as to say that I have personally been in touch with all sorts of police with regard to this matter, and have given very careful consideration to it, and I hope that the proposals I make will not be unsatisfactory.

asked the Home Secretary how much money is at the disposal of the trustees of the Police Fund; how much of this money is to be spent on police clubs in London and throughout the country; and how much money will be spent on objects of greater interest and benefit to the married men of the farce?

asked the Home Secretary if the trustees of the "Times" police fund have yet arrived at any decision as to the disposal of the money?

I will answer these questions together. I am sure the House will acquit me of any discourtesy if I say that I do not think it would be proper for me to make any statement here with regard to the activities of the trustees of the National Police Fund. The trustees will, no doubt, take their own steps to make known as far as may be necessary the decisions at which they arrive. I understand that the fund now amounts to £241,225.

Has this House not a representative on this committee, and, if so, is it not a proper thing for us to address questions to him as to the administration of the fund?

I have considered that point, and I am obliged to my hon. Friend for putting it to me. But the body is not a body responsible to Parliament; it is a body of private trustees. It is true that the Secretary of State for the time being is chairman of that body, but he is not appointed in any sense by Parliament, and, as no public funds are allocated to that body, I do not think that I am responsible to the House in regard to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that the trustees consult the proper police authorities before arriving at a definite and final decision in the matter; and will he also urge on their consideration the position of the widows of those police pensioners who retired before 20th September, 1918?

There my hon. Friend is trying to lead me into deep water. I shall be glad to receive from my hon. Friend, or from any hon. Member of the House, suggestions or representations in regard to the fund, and I will undertake to bring them before the trustees. But I do not think I could officially say, as Minister responsible for the police, that I would guarantee that there would be consultation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is some feeling among the married men that this proposal would not entirely meet their views and wishes; and will he see that the representatives of the married men in particular are consulted on this point?

That again is a question which should be addressed to me in my private capacity, and not as a Minister of this House.

When invitations to sit on this board of trustees were sent out by the Home Secretary, did he invite the Police Federation to nominate representatives on this board. If not, will he do so, and thus get the police point of view without bothering this House?

This is all outside Parliamentary business.

On a point of Order. Is it not the fact that the police force is under the control of the Home Secretary, and that it is quite unprecedented for private money to be spent on a force which is under public control in this way? If we cannot have an answer from the Home Secretary as to the manner in which this money which has been subscribed by the public is being spent on a public force, there is absolutely no control and no redress in ease of any abuse.

Will the hon. Member prepare a question on that point, and let me see it?

It is a case of bribery.

rose—

I cannot allow this to go any further.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the hardship caused to old teachers owing to the fact that pensioners in receipt of allowances under the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, receive no benefit under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924; and whether he will introduce legislation to remove this hardship?

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question, but I cannot undertake to introduce legislation amending the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, which apply to many other classes of pre-War pensioners beside teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has called the attention of the proper local authorities to the action of certain teachers who persuaded children under their care from attending village celebrations of Armistice Day and Empire Day, as described in his speech at Liverpool on 6th January; and whether the authorities concerned have taken ally steps in the matter?

I think my public reference to this matter is sufficient for the present.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether his attention has been called to the activities of the Teachers' Labour League in promoting the spread of Socialism among children attending the elementary schools; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent party politics being taught to school children;

(2) whether he intends to introduce legislation for the purpose of preventing the propagation of disloyal and seditious doctrines among school children, such as described in his speech at Liverpool on 6th January?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the Teachers' Labour League; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure that no teacher shall in school hours r on school premises teach or influence the scholars in favour of the policy of any political party?

I am aware of the activities of the Teachers' Labour League, but it would be easy to exaggerate the importance of this particular body. Its membership is insignificant, and it includes a number of teachers who are not now teaching in any school under public control. I believe the House can confidently rely upon the strong opinion of the teaching profession as a whole to counteract such propaganda. The standards of the teaching profession itself are the only sure protection against evils of this kind; but I am, of course, prepared to deal effectively with any teacher who can be shown to have abused his position in this way. I do not think new legislation on the subject is required.

How many cases have there been of teachers teaching politics in the. schools?

I do not think that arises out of the question.

One of the questions refers to "promoting the spread of Socialism among children," and asks what steps the Noble Lord proposes to take to prevent party politics being taught to school children. I ask how many cases have come to the Noble Lord's notice of any teachers teaching any kind of politics in the schools?

The question on the Paper is whether the Teacher's Labour League exists in order to encourage such teaching being given in schools, and to enable such teaching to be given. In view of the declared objects of the Teachers' Labour League, and in view of the declarations at the last conference of the Labour party in regard to the use of the schools for that purpose, I think the question is fully justified.

I shall put down a question next week.

Is it a fact that prominent Members on the Front Opposition Bench are still members of this Teachers' Labour League?

That has nothing to do with us.

Can the Noble Lord say if the general opinion and good sense of the teachers of the country can be depended on to deal with this matter? [HON. MEMBERS: "He has said so!"] If that be so, will the Noble Lord give the House a guarantee that he will refrain from making speeches such as he made on 6th January?

Is it a fact that the ex-President of the Board of Education supports the policy of the Teachers' Labour League?

In reply to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. J. Hudson) I confidently rely on the teaching profession, as I said to-day, and as I said in the speech to which the hon. Member has referred, but I think public attention should be called to the activities of those who are trying to put pressure on the teaching profession.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has completed his inquiry into the circumstances attending the recent conviction of the headmaster of Hedley Hill Council School for assaulting two children of a miner who had returned to work; and, if so, what action he has taken in the matter?

Yes, Sir. After careful consideration of all the circumstances of this case, I have informed the teacher that the Board are unable to recognise him further as a teacher in any capacity in any school in respect of which grant is paid by the Board.

On what ground is the Noble Lord taking this extreme step of cancelling this schoolmaster's certificate?

I have taken it on the round that I do not think I could take the responsibility of compelling children to attend the school, and to be placed under the care of a man who has acted as this man has done.

Is the Noble Lord aware that all the parents of the children attending the school have sent a petition, which I have in my hand, protesting against this teacher's certificate being cancelled, and saying that they are prepared to stop the children from attending school if he be refused his position?

The hon. Member has shown me that petition from a number of parents, but the responsibility for saying who teaches in the schools is mine, and I must take that responsibility.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the petition is not from "a number of parents," but is signed by all the parents who have children attending the school, including even the mother of the children who were caned?

That is a new fact which the hon. Member did not tell me this morning. It seems to me such a curious fact that I should like to know something more about how the petition was got up.

May the House take it for granted that the right hon. Gentleman will now use this action as a precedent against all teachers who take disciplinary action against their children for offences committed against the order of the teacher, and given by the teacher in the interests of the child? Is this procedure—

Speech!

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, and the importance of this case of cancelling a certificate because a teacher merely caned two children, I give notice that on the adjournment to-night I will raise this question.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he has asked local education authorities to reconsider their programmes under the head of special services, with a view to substituting proposals in regard to the school medical services in place of proposals involving additional special school accommodation?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the relevant passage in the Circular to which the hon. Member refers.

Is it not a fact that the Noble Lord asked the authorities to substitute proposals for medical services in place of special schools?

If the hon. Member wants to know what I have said, I am going to give him the actual passage.

In view of the interest that has been aroused by this Circular, will the Noble Lord arrange for copies of it to be available in the Vote Office?

Certainly.

Is the Noble Lord holding up expenditure on special schools until a Committee reports?

If the hon. Member wants to know what I have said and what I am doing, he can read my actual words.

Have we not a right to have an answer in this House?

If the matter is not clear, another question can be put on the Paper.

On a point of Order—

The hon. Member ought to put down any further questions on any point arising out of the first answer when he has received it.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that Sir George Newman in his last Report states that 57,395 children attending school in 1925 were suffering from latent tuberculosis, malnutrition, debility, and anæmia; and what steps have been taken to provide the necessary open-air recovery schools for such children?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it must not be assumed that additional accommodation is required in open-air schools for anything approaching the number of children mentioned, since most of these children would need to attend open-air schools for only a relatively short period. In the past eighteen months, the accommodation open-air schools has been increased by some 900 places, and proposals have been approved for over 1,500 further places, apart from proposals now under consideration. In addition, a number of local education authorities have included proposals for new open-air schools in their programmes.

Are we to gather that the right hon. Gentleman will favour ably consider fresh applications for grants for more open air schools?

Yes, in general, where open-air schools are needed, I will.

asked the President of the Board of Education on what estimate of the component items of expenditure the total of 45 shillings per head of average attendance is based in Circular 1388?

The figure of 45 shillings net expenditure per head of average attendance is an inclusive figure, to comprise administration and "other" expenditure, that is to say, all expenditure on maintenance except teachers' salaries, loan charges, and special services. The Circular, though it is based on a careful examination of the detailed expenditure of a number of typical authorities, does not apply interior limiting standards to the very numerous items which fall under these headings, and this is, I think, in accordance with the wishes of local authorities. If the right hon. Member will refer to the Memorandum on the Board of Education Estimates, 1926, he will see that for the current year I have allowed for an expenditure by local authorities of £11,018,000 under these heads, which is £255,000 in excess of the actual expenditure in 1924–25 and is equivalent to somewhat less than 44 shillings per head of the estimated average attendance.

Is this figure of 43 shillings an average figure for the country?

No; it is not an average figure for the country. It is a figure which corresponds to the actual expenditure and actual prospective expenditure of the vast majority of authorities. There are very few authorities in regard to whom any question will arise as to the excess.

asked the President of the Board of Education if any memorandum or instruction has been issued to His Majesty's inspectors of elementary schools with respect to the basis upon which the approved establishment of school staff is to be computed; and, if so, will he publish the standards laid down in such memorandum?

I have issued no instructions to inspectors as to the basis on which teaching establishments should be computed beyond asking them, in reporting on authorities' proposals, to have regard to the principles set out in Circular 1360 (a copy of which I am sending the right hon. Member), and to the particular circumstances of the area. Each proposed establishment is considered individually on its merits.

Will the Noble Lord consider publishing in book form these various Circulars, so that we can keep pace with them?

I will consider that. But I have issued so ninny fewer Circulars myself since I have been in office than my predecessors that I do not think it is necessary.

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:

Ninety-three schemes relating to 71 local authorities have been confirmed since 1919. On 1st January last tenders had been approved or loans sanctioned in respect of 74 schemes for the erections 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 72 schemes the areas had been wholly or partially acquired, and clearance was in progress in the case of 56 schemes.

In view of the small progress that is made with slum clearances, is the right hon. Gentleman contemplating any further steps in order to effect slum clearances?

Everything is relative, and compared with what has been going on in previous years, I do not think the progress can be called small.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities in England and Wales have failed to promote housing schemes under the Housing, &c., Act, 1923, and the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924?

The number of local authorities in England and Wales who have not promoted schemes for the provision of houses either by themselves or by private enterprise, under the Housing, &c., Act, 1923, or the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, is 158. Of these authorities, 58 carried out a housing scheme under the Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1919.

asked the Minister of Health what local housing authorities in England and Wales have under-haken housing schemes by direct labour; how many houses in all have been so built; and what was the average cost of parlour and non-parlour houses, respectively?

83 local authorities have so far undertaken housing schemes by direct labour in England and Wales under the. Hot sing Acts of 1923 and 1924. I will send the hon. Member a list of these local authorities. 10,587 non-parlour and 4,002 parlour houses are included in these schemes. I have no information as to whether all these houses have been completed or as to their final cost, but the average estimated costs of the houses prior to commencement, excluding the cost of land, development, &c., were £422 for a non-parlour and £469 for a parlour house.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons receiving outdoor relief from the Poor Law in the County of Durham on 1st February, 1927, and the number for 1st February, 1926?

The total numbers of persons in receipt of domiciliary relief (excluding casuals and persons receiving medical relief only) in the "Union" County of Durham on the nearest dates to the 1st February, 1927 and 1926, for which figures are available, namely, the 20th January, 1927, and 30th January, 1926, were 101,750 and 117,390, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision in the King's Bench Division, when it was decided that a guardian of the poor receiving treatment in the union hospital, but paying in full for such treatment, was not disqualified from holding her seat upon the board; and what steps have been taken by his Department with a view to this decision being brought to the notice of local boards of guardians?

Yes, Sir; my attention has been drawn to this case, which has already received wide notice in the ordinary newspapers and in those circulating especially among boards of guardians. I do not think it necessary to take any further steps in the matter.

In view of the importance of this decision, will the Minister consider writing to the different boards of guardians in case it has escaped their notice?

No, Sir; I do not think that is necessary. But, in view of the public interest which is aroused by the number of the hon. Member's questions, I have no doubt that any boards of guardians who may have missed the statements in the Press will now take note of them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department decided that this decision does not cover a similar incident at Bristol, and if so, does he not think that action is called for?

No, Sir; I do not know anything about the case in Bristol to which the hon. Member refers. But, in any ease, if there be some doubt, that appears to be a reason for not circularising boards of guardians.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department decided that these charges are legally made? Have the boards of guardians power to charge?

Will the hon. Member put his question down?

asked the Minister of Health what was the cost to the local authorities for the maintenance of the mental patients chargeable to them, together with the amount granted by the Exchequer in relief of such cost, for the years 1913–14 and 1925–26, respectively?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that his atention has been called by the Lambeth Board of Guardians to the number of able-bodied men within their district who are drawing both unemployment pay and outdoor relief, and that the board have suggested that the administration of all forms of public assistance should be placed under the control of one body, he will state whether the Government propose to take up this matter?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Government contemplate the introduction of Poor Law proposals in the Autumn. I can only say that the representations of the Lambeth Guardians are receiving consideration with others which I have received.

Are the Government considering any proposals for finding these men work?

That is another question altogether.

An awkward question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many persons, who were qualified on the ground of previous insurance or otherwise to become voluntary contributors under the combined health and pensions insurance scheme, have only recently become aware that the time within which they might exercise their right expired on 4th July last; and whether, seeing that a large number of these persons are desirous of joining the scheme, he can see his way to extend the period within which they may become voluntary contributors to 31st March next, or such other date as will give them a further opportunity of joining?

Wide publicity was given to the right of persons qualified by previous insurance or otherwise to become voluntary contributors under the combined health and pensions insurance scheme on electing so to do before 4th July, 1920; and, in order to meet the case of qualified persons who failed to exercise their right before that date, and could give a satisfactory ex- planation of their failure, a special extension of time until 2nd January, 1927, was allowed. In these circumstances, I regret that I cannot see my way to allow the further extension suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no information that there is still a large number of people who, without any fault of their own, are ignorant of the fact that they were not qualified under the very complicated terms of this Act, and if information can be brought to a large number of these people by some of the approved societies, will he not reconsider the question of extending the time?

That is the question on the Paper.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a certain number of people who were misled by explanations purporting to be given of this Act in the public Press at the time, and will he consider that a satisfactory reason for investigating their cases?

If my hon. Friend will give me further particulars, I will look into the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the West Ham Board of Guardians in control of the Forest Gate Sick Home, Forest Gate, E.7, have made an order which declares that when a member of the resident staff is sick he must make a claim for sickness benefit from his approved society, and that any sickness benefit thus receivable is to be deducted from his salary; and, seeing that the terms of such order conflict with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Acts, and that the guardians are not in a position to determine the rate or amount of State sickness benefit receivable, having regard to additional cash and other benefits, and in view of the complications which must arise regarding certification and sick visitation, will he take steps to rescind the order referred to?

I understand that the guardians have extended to the whole of their officers an arrangement which was already in operation for a, part of the staff: it may be assumed, there- fore, that the guardians are able to deal with the complications to which the hon. Member refers. The guardians' arrangements do not conflict with any provisions of the National Health Insurance Acts, and I do not think there is any ground for my intervention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act state definitely that this benefit shall not be taken into account by any employer in calculating the amount of wages?

I think the bon. Member is confusing wages and salaries in this case. Of course, if a man who is in receipt of wages is kept away from his work by illness, he does not then receive pay for the time he is away, but where a man is on a fixed salary, whether he is at work or not, it does not seem right that he should receive both salary and sickness benefit.

But is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the National Health Insurance Act states definitely, irrespective of wages and salary, that remuneration shall not be taken into account in the calculation?

My hon. Friend is really mistaken. I shall be happy to explain afterwards, if he cares to see me about it, that there is nothing inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.

Does not that view of the right hon. Gentleman mean that a man pays contributions to National Health Insurance in that case and receives no benefit?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the recommendation made by the Interdepartmental Committee appointed to consider the effect on migration of schemes of social insurance that the 10s. 6d. fee for the medical examination of those seeking assisted passages should be paid from National Health Insurance funds; and what action he proposes to take?

I have considered the recommendation to which the hon. Members refers. Legislation will be required to give effect to it, and I hope to include the necessary provision in the next Bill relating to National Health Insurance.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of overtime worked in his Department by the permanent and temporary grades below the executive grade during the months of November, December, and January, together with the total cost involved?

The amount of overtime worked in my Department by the permanent and temporary grades below the, executive grade during the months of November, December, and January was 10,096 hours, at a cost of £931.

May I ask if we can have the assurance that this practice is limited as far as possible?

Yes, that is so. I have taken particular pains not to have any more overtime than is necessary, and I may mention that in the course of the last 18 months no fewer than 400 temporary clerks have been engaged.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can give the approximate amount of British Government securities held by the several Government Departments and other public offices on the 31st December, 1926, or as near a date as possible?

The total amount of British Government securities of all classes held by British Government Departments and public offices on 31st March, 1926, is estimated at about £940,000,000. This figure does not include holdings of members of the public in the Post Office Register of Government Stocks and in the Savings Bank Investment Account (together about £207,000,000); nor British Government securities held by the India Office, the Crown Agents for the Colonies and the Public Trustee.