asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of relaxing the War-time restrictions of 1917 whereby the names of directors in all new companies, and partners in all firms, must be published on all communications issued from the company?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in describing these provisions as "Wartime restrictions." The Registration of Business Names Act was pressed for by the Chambers of Commerce and others for many years before the War. Within the last few years the opinion has been expressed by representative bodies that it is in the interests of the commercial community that the Act should be maintained, and the Companies (Particulars as to Directors) Act is an essential corollary to the Registration of Business Names Act.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the suitability of these, directors to hold the positions which they occupy?

No, Sir. That is no part of my duty or of my powers under the Act. All I am entitled to do is to inquire who the directors are.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the London Master Bakers' Protection Society has decided to ignore any further representations made to them by the Food Council; and what steps he proposes to take to make future representations by the Council effective?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the response of the master bakers to the recommendations of the Food Council; and whether he is prepared to take any steps to enforce these recommendations?

I understand that the Food Council have been informed by the London Master Bakers' Protection Society that the letter of the Food Council of the 14th February, which was published in the Press, is being brought before the executive committee of the Protection Society, and that the Food Council have not yet received any further reply to that letter. If the Protection Society should refuse to accept or discuss the proposal made by the Food Council, which seems to me to be an eminently reasonable one, I assume that the Food Council would, in accordance with the plan proposed in their letter, publish at stated intervals the number of days for which the bakers ought to give credit, or would be entitled to take credit, in the succeeding period.

Seeing that the Food Council was set up by the Government, is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take any further action with an organisation like this, in order to prevent a Department set up by himself from being treated with contempt?

No, Sir. That is not a fair way of putting the position, what I am prepared to do is to back up the Food Council in that course, in informing public opinion, so that it may be able to assert itself.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the statement made by the President and Secretary of the Master Bakers' Society to the effect that they intend to throw Communications from the Food Council into the waste paper basket does not enhance the prestige of the Food Council in the eyes of the public?

I do not think that an ex-parte statement made by anybody will be in the least likely to detract from the reputation and success of the Food Council. I should like to say—I have looked into this matter rather carefully—that the statement to which the hon. Member refers was a statement made by gentleman in his individual capacity. As I have stated in my answer, the Society say they are considering the proposal. With regard to the question of the date at which prices should be altered. I am sure the line which the Food Council are taking is sound, and it is exactly the line which they took in regard to the general price scale and which has been eminently successful.

How does the right hon. Gentleman expect the public to protect themselves?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider publishing a statement showing the total imports during 1926 from each part of the British Empire, together with the percentage of such imports which received a customs preference on importation?

The values of the total imports during 1926 from each Empire country are set out in the issue of the monthly accounts relating to Trade and Navigation for last January. More detailed information, as to the several imports making up these totals, is not available; but when it becomes so, I will consider whether a statement as to imports receiving a customs preference can be extracted from it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the lace imported into the United Kingdom for the year 1924 and the two subsequent years?

The value of the imports, into the United Kingdom, of lace of all descriptions, less re-exports, was £505,257 in 1924, £609,880 in 1925, and £458,555 in 1926.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the linen exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Malta during the year 1924 and the two subsequent years?

The value of linen goods—the produce of Great Britain and Northern Ireland—exported to Malta amounted to £5,381 in 1924, £5,325 in 1925, and £4,981 in 1926.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total value of British exports to China for the last three months of 1926 and the figures for the last three months of 1925?

The value of the exports of British produce and manufactures consigned to China was £3,240,000 in the last three months of 1925, and £2,570,000 in the last three months of 1926. The figures are given in the accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom for January, 1927.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the reason for the falling off in exports?

I should think it is through the unsettled condition of China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that certain British forces have undertaken police patrol work on the outskirts of the international settlement at Shanghai previously performed by the Chinese authorities, he will say whether

So far as I know, British forces have not undertaken any police patrol work previously performed by the Chinese authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities of cotton piece goods exported to China in 1925 and 1926 by Great Britain, the United States, and Japan, respectively?

The answer involves a statistical table, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War the strength and composition of the British force which was at Tientsin before the despatch of the Shanghai defence force; has any reduction of the force taken place at any time since it was established in 1900; and are any other foreign troops stationed at Tientsin?

The establishment of the British force at Tientsin is one infantry battalion. From this force a company is detached for duty at Peking, and a platoon at Wei-hai-wei. From 1900 to the present date the composition of the garrison of Tientsin has varied from time to time, but the maximum establishment during the period, which was reached in 1912, was two British and one Indian battalions together with certain details. There are detachments of American, French, Italian and Japanese troops at Tientsin, totalling approximately 3,400.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the position of the railway industry as disclosed by the annual accounts of recent years, and having regard to the importance to all other industries of transport facilities supplied at a reasonable cost, he will advise the appointment of a Royal Commission or a Departmental Committee to carry out an exhaustive inquiry and make recommendations for the reorganisation of the railway industry?

I have been asked to reply.

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Railways Act, 1921, provided for an extensive reorganisation of the railways. Important changes of this kind cannot yield their full results at once and I do not consider that any such inquiry as is suggested in the question would serve a useful purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that, since 1921 the financial position of the railway com- panies has become worse, and that it is largely due to the policy of driving traffic on to the roads?

No, Sir. If the financial position of the railway companies has become worse since the date mentioned by my hon. Friend, it is largely due to a period or bad trade, the, general strike and the coal strike.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the rapidly increasing number of fatalities at the railway level crossings, and to the opinion contained in his Inspector's Report into the collision which happened at Naworth, London and North Eastern Railway, on the 30th August, 1926, respecting the general adoption of interlocking of signals with crossing gates; and whether, in the event of the opinion not being given effect to, the other suggestion contained in the same Report may be given effect to, and that a warning gong be affixed to crossing gates, which gong only operates when danger is present, which device can be immediately installed at little cost, and which provides practically all the elements of safety incorporated by the interlocking of signals with crossing gates?

The number of persons killed in accidents at public and private railway level crossings in Great Britain was 55 in 1925 and 59 in 1926. These figures show a, slight diminution when compared with the corresponding average figure of 67 for the five pre-War years ended in 1914, but the figures have varied considerably. As regards the particular accident mentioned, the railway company have informed me that they propose to adopt both the recommendation as to interlocking and the suggestion as to the provision of a warning bell, to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is considering a proposal to reduce any omnibus services from Finsbury Park northwards; and, before he sanctions any reductions, whether he will give the local authorities in the areas concerned an opportunity of submitting their views upon the proposals?

No such proposal is at present before me, but I understand that the London Traffic Advisory Committee are considering proposals for a reduction of omnibus services on certain routes from Finsbury Park northwards. The Committee, I am informed, propose to confer with the local authorities concerned before making any recommendations to me in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the dangerous state of the roadway across the middle of Wimbledon Common, passing the windmill; and whether he will take steps in the public interest, to see that the repairs are undertaken without further delay?

I am familiar with the problem of the roads across the Common, which are repairable by the Wimbledon and Putney Conservators. My officers have taken part in negotiations between the Conservators and other public bodies, in the hope that arrangements might be made for the transfer of the roads in question to certain highway authorities, but I regret to say that no feasible solution has yet been found. I am not in a position to impose requirements upon, or to make grants to the Conservators, who are not a highway authority.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is the direct road from the West of London to Surrey and Sussex, and does he not think that some steps should be taken to get this quite impassable roadway repaired?

All I can say is that I personally have no authority to impose any rules upon the Conservators, nor am I able to make any grant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the dangerous overcrowding of trains on the underground railways, particularly in the mornings when men, women and young people are travelling to their work; and will he take steps to insist upon the companies concerned providing better facilities for the travelling public?

So far as I am aware, the companies concerned are doing what they can to minimise overcrowding on underground railways, but if the hon. Member will give me particulars of cases where avoidable overcrowding occurs, I will bring them to the notice of the railway company.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is so general that he can find examples of it on each of the underground railways in London any morning?

yes, but the hon. Member puts down a question on these lines, and I think it is up to him to give instances in support of his contention.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that the Traffic Advisory Committee, on which he relies for advice in this matter, has stated that no improvement can occur in the North Eastern Railway service until that line is electrified? Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to take any steps to expedite electrification?

The original question related to the underground railways.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that or a recent morning, on the occasion of a breakdown on the District Railway, when there were large numbers of people held up on the Putney-Wimbledon line, the additional coaches put on during rush hours were taken off as if there had been no congestion?

Notice should be given of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men trained at Catterick; the number who have emigrated after training; and, if possible, to indicate the proportion of favourable reports which have been received?

The total number trained in all trades at the Vocational Training Centre, Catterick, is approximately 1,320, of whom approximately 410 were trained in farming. Of this latter number, about 190 emigrated after training. As regards the last part of the question, reports are not called for, but a number of favourable reports have been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the drill hall, Penicuik, Midlothian, is at present used as an ex-service men's club; that they have received one month's notice to vacate the hall; that the reason given for such action is that the War Office are exercising their prescriptive rights over the drill hall, which is to be sold as quickly as possible; and will he have inquiries made into this case with a view to having the hall retained for the benefit of ex-service men?

This drill hall is vested in trustees and does not belong to the War Department. It was at one time used for Territorial Army purposes, and in 1910 in order to extend the accommodation a loan of £200 was made from Army Funds on the security of the property, subject to repayment if at any time the hall was no longer required for the Territorial Army. As this is now the case, it has been decided to call in the mortgage, but if the Trustees have any proposals to make regarding the repayment of the amount due, I shall be prepared to give the matter full consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to grant me an interview immediately after Question Time, in order that I may place before him the facts which I have just received?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total sum expended on land settlement and on all other activities of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland during the year ending 31st March, 1926, and up to the last convenient date in the current year?

During the year ended 31st March, 1926, the total gross sum expended on land settlement was £215,950, and on all other activities of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland £286,189; for the half year to 30th September, 1926, the corresponding figures are £104,464 and £104,595. These figures are exclusive of administrative expenses, which for the year to 31st March, 1926, amounted to £129,766 and for the half year to 30th September, 1926, amounted to £63,652.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the price of transfer of the five-year-old ewes was fixed under the special agreement with the purchaser of the Erribol sheep stock?

The price of the five-year-old ewes transferred to the purchaser of Erribol estate was fixed at the average of the prices realised by the Board of Agriculture for the cast ewes.

Is it not extraordinary that the price of these younger classes should be fixed by the price received for the old cast ewes being sold off the farm?

That is a matter of agricultural opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at what amount the Erribol sheep stock was valued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in their accounts as at Whitsunday, 1925, and Whitsunday, 1926, respectively; and whether acclimitisation value is included in both these valuations?

The answer to the first part of the question is: at Whitsunday, 1925, £20,954; at Whitsunday, 1926, £17,808 2s. 6d. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is not the fact that these sheep were valued at £20,000 in 1925, at £17,000 in 1926, and were finally sold for less than £10,000, sufficient justification for the large number of questions that have been put on the Paper?

Is not this case a great warning as to the dangers of adopting the Liberal land policy?

Is it not the fact that the Secretary of State for Scotland has adopted the Liberal land policy?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much longer this volcano is going to be allowed to erupt?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children in Peeblesshire of school age resident more than three miles from the nearest school; and what provision, if any, the Peeblesshire Education Authority make for the conveyance of children residing without the three miles limit from the nearest school?

The education authority inform me that they have not been able in the time to obtain the information necessary to answer the first part of the question. They state, however, generally that all applications by parents resident more than three miles from the nearest school for assistance to enable their children to attend school have been granted, with the exception of a new application which will come before the authority at their next meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in Scotland with the recent Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926?

As the hon. Member is aware, the first step towards putting the Act in operation is the preparation by the local authorities of a scheme of assistance and its submission to the Scottish Board of Health for their approval. To date, draft schemes covering the districts of 11 local authorities have been submitted to the Board, who are in correspondence with the local authorities concerned regarding details of these schemes. In addition, from the inquiries received by the Board it would appear that many other local authorities are considering the adoption of schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Local Taxation, he will consider the desirability of introducing to Parliament at an early date legislation to amend the present law and practice with respect to the valuing of waterworks and other public undertakings; so as to remove the anomalies and inequities which at present prevail?

The position of waterworks and other public undertakings will be considered in connection with any legislation which may be introduced amending the Valuation Acts. I regret I am unable to give any undertaking with regard to the introduction of such legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the parishes of Strathmiglo, Culross, Falkland, Auchtermuchty and Tulliallan, in Fifeshire, are declared to be infected areas under the Wart Disease of Potatoes (Scotland) Order, 1923; that out of 915 gardens visited and inspected last year only three cases of disease were discovered; and that farmers whose land is within a mile of a garden found to be affected several years ago are still prevented under the Order from marketing their crops in the export market; and whether he can promise any modification of the Order which would remove this hardship, in view of the satisfactory results obtained in the County of Fife from the county council's efforts to control and eradicate the disease?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not aware of the number of gardens inspected last year by the local authority's inspector; but since occupiers of gardens are now restricted generally to planting only varieties of potatoes immune from wart disease, the fact that few cases of disease were discovered is not a true index to the condition of the land. The three outbreaks referred to were probably due to a contravention of the Regulations or to the planting of impure seed. Farmers whose land, whether within or without an infected area, is not more than one mile from the nearest known case of wart disease are prevented by the Regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from sending to England seed potatoes of varieties susceptible to wart disease. As no means of eradicating wart disease from the soil has yet been discovered, land which is known to be infected must be regarded ask infected far an indefinite period. I regret that as at present advised I cannot hold out any immediate hope of a relaxation of the present restrictions.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed at the separate Unemployment Exchanges in the County

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House any information inconnection with the mining disaster at the Marine Colliery, Monmouthshire?

I greatly regret that I have to announce to the House that I have received the following information from the divisional inspector in Wales:

"A disaster has taken place at the Marine Colliery, Monmouthshire, owned by the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron, and Coal Co., Ltd. An explosion occurred about 1 o'clock this morning, but as yet the cause has not been ascertained. Two seams are involved, the Old Coal and the Black Vein. There are 23 men dead in the Old Coalfield, but before the Black Vein workings can be explored—and every effort is being made

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

That is your reorganisation scheme! You are killing miners!

I will renew my question to-morrow.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners now working between the ages of 60 and 65 years, 65 to 70 years, and over 70 years, respectively, in or about the coal mines of Great Britain?

The latest information is that obtained from the Decennial Census of Population of 1921, when 3.2 per cent. of the men employed in the coalmining industry were between 60 and 65, 2 per cent. between 65 and 70, and 0.7 per cent. 70 or over.

asked the Secretary for Mines the maximum hours, per day and per week young persons under the age of 16 years are employed underground in mines; and what is the youngest age at which these young persons are allowed to be thus employed?

In coal mines the maximum hours allowed by law are the same for boys as for adults: that is to say they may not be below ground during any consecutive 24 hours for more than eight hours, exclusive of winding times. No maximum on a, weekly basis is prescribed. The minimum age at which a boy may be employed underground is 14 years.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Returns of serious and fatal accidents since the general resumption of work in December are available for the first two months?

From the beginning of December, 1926, to the end of January, 1927, 173 persons were killed and 793 seriously injured at mines under the Coal Mines Acts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to state the increase in accidents in coal mines as a result of the passing of the Eight Hours Act?

I could not say—

That is a question which cannot be answered without notice.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any part of the Reorganisation of Mines Act has been applied in any mining area?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Mining Industry Act, 1926, but I do not quite follow his question. The provisions of that Act, with one or two exceptions, automatically applied to all mining areas as soon as it became law.

If there is any sincerity in the Government how is it that wheelless trucks are still being used in coal mines in Somersetshire and the men made into beasts of burden by having to draw these trucks in an almost naked state?

I could give an answer to any question of the hon. Member if he will give me proper notice. The question he has now asked does not seem to me to have anything to do with the question on the Paper.

The question on the Paper is what I am asking now. What I want to know is whether any part of the reorganisation proposals have been put into effect?

I am in a position to answer any question of which the hon. Member gives me notice, but it is quite out of accordance with the precedents of the House that on a not very clear question on the Paper a number of specific supplementary questions should be asked.

The question is on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines, if there is a shortage of metallurgical coke; how many coke ovens are at work and how many idle; and what amount of coke was imported during the month of January, 1927?

I know there is a shortage in some districts, but I cannot say how many coke ovens are at work and how many are idle. The quantity of coke, other than gas coke, imported during January, 1927, was 17,000 tons.

Is it not the fact that a record of the ovens blown in and blown out is obtained week after week, and why cannot we get a return of these figures before the end of the month?

They are not given week by week, but if the hon. Member will put down a question I will tell him exactly what records are obtained. Certain records of the iron and steel trade are obtained but the hon. Member will appreciate the fact that they only cover about 40 per cent. of the coke ovens. There is no record of the total number of coke ovens.

Is it not the fact that in answer to a previous question I got the number of coke ovens that were working and the number that were idle; it was given me in a very short time.

From time to time a special and lengthy inquiry is made in order to ascertain facts. I have no doubt that, the hon. Member having put his question, a, careful inquiry was made of the whole country.

A reply was given in three days.

That shows how efficient the department is. I suggest to the hon. Member that it is not a happy moment at which to put a question in view of the long stoppage that has occurred, as it takes time to put coke ovens into order, and the number is increasing each day. A census taken now would not be at all useful.

As there was such great efficiency in the department at the time I asked my last question, how is it that there has been such a degeneration since?

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider legalizing motor spot-lights, with a view to greater safety being afforded motorists, especially during foggy weather?

I am considering this question in connection with the Bill for the regulation of traffic on roads.

Will my right hon. Friend also consider the question of dipping and swivelling headlights?

All relevant considerations will be taken into consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the use of spot lights in France and other places abroad?

I will do so. I have made some, but I will make further inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say when the Bill to which he has referred will be ready for hon. Members?

Very shortly.

Is it not the fact that this is the only country where spot lights are not allowed?

I could not say.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation for the purpose of enforcing the use of mud-splashers on motor vehicles generally, but with special reference to commercial vans and lorries?

No anti-splash device has been brought to my notice, which has been found sufficiently effective, under practical conditions, to justify the introduction of legislation, or the issue of Regulations, making the use of such devices compulsory.

asked the Minister of Transport the total number of licences issued in respect of motor vehicles, private and commercial, during 1926?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a statement which was issued to the Press a short time ago, and which gives the information he asks for.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation has decided on its policy with regard to the building of high-power stations in order to provide alternative programmes all over the country; if so, how far the work has progressed; has he been consulted as to this policy; and, if so, what has been the Government opinion expressed?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 15th February. The present position is that the British Broadcasting Corporation are arranging to carry out certain experiments, and when these are concluded they may be in a position to submit proposals.

May I have an answer to the last part of my question, in regard to Government policy?

In this matter the Government can form no opinion until they have seen the result of the experiments.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) how many villages in the county of Lindsey are without telephone call boxes; and what steps he is taking to provide them;

(2) the total number of telephone Ball boxes and telephones recently installed in the county of Lindsey; and how many have been withdrawn?

I will answer these two questions together. I regret that the statistics asked for in the first question are not available. I will certainly examine the question of extending telephone call office facilities to any which my hon. and gallant Friend may have in mind. With regard to the second question, no telephone.area coincides exactly with the county of Lindsey, and accordingly precise figures are not to hand. The following returns relate to an area which includes almost the whole of the county of Lindsey, and one or two places outside:

	Installed during year ended 31st December 1926.	Ceased during year ended 31st December, 1926.
Call Offices	9	2
Other telephone stations	1,603	638

Would my right hon. Friend say what conditions require to be fulfilled in order to justify the putting in of a call box?

Conditions vary in different localities.

Will my right hon. Friend also consider the advisability of putting call boxes at country railway stations in Lindsey?

I am not aware that any additional facilities are required at railway stations.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of 1s. postal orders issued in Manchester in December, 1926; and if he can state the approximate number that were used in connection with cross-word puzzle competitions?

I regret that the information is not available as regards the whole of Manchester without 'entailing considerable labour; but the number of 1s. postal orders issued there at the head and branch Post Offices only, during December, was 13,940. I am afraid I have no means of ascertaining how many of these 1s. postal orders were used in connection with cross-word puzzle competitions.

asked the Postmaster-General the cost of the special provision made for dealing with letters in connection with cross-word puzzle competitions in Glasgow, London and Manchester, and the approximate number of letters delivered in connection with these competitions in the six months ending 31st December, 1926?

No record is kept of the numbers of the letters to which my hon. Friend refers or of the cost of dealing with them. It may, however, interest him to know that the estimated number of letters sent in connection with competitions of all kinds to addresses in the East Central and West Central Districts of London during the month of January was approximately 13,000,000. There is no reason to suppose that the postage does not cover costs.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state the loss in revenue involved during the three months ending 31st January, 1927, through the disuse of telephones and telegrams since the introduction of the Betting Duty and the consequent decrease of business experienced by licensed bookmakers?

As I stated on 30th November, in reply to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, I have no data upon which to form any precise estimate of the effect of the Betting Duty on telegraph or telephone traffic. All I can say is that there has been no appreciable effect upon telegraph or telephone revenue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the tithe and works systems of taxation still continue in Cyprus; and, if so, whether he will inquire as to whether the benefit of the alterations proposed for Palestine might usefully be extended to Cyprus also?

The tithe has been abolished, but the property tax to which the right hon. Member refers still continues. No proposals for the alteration of the Palestine Property Tax have yet reached me, and until they do it is not possible for me to answer the second part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that, according to the latest available figures, the contribution per head of the white population towards the defence of the Empire ranged from 53s. 8d. in Great Britain and Northern Ireland to 5s. 6d. in Canada, he will table this subject for discussion at the next Imperial Conference?

I have been asked to reply. It is somewhat premature at present to consider the agenda for the next Imperial Conference, but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the discussion of questions relating to defence invariably form a considerable part of the work of the Conference. In this connection I would invite reference to pages 34 to 37 of the Summary of Proceedings of the Imperial Conference of 1926 (Cmd. 2768), and pages 159 to 192 of the Appendices (Cmd. 2769).

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the desirability of establishing a Ministry of Social Insurance which should deal with health and pension insurance, unemployment insurance, the payment of Civil Service pensions, and the award of service and disability pensions in respect of service in the forces, in view of the possibility of effecting economy by this co-ordination of social pension service?

The whole problem of the distribution of the business of Government Departments is constantly under review; and His Majesty's Government would not hesitate to adopt any scheme of reorganisation which might be expected to lead to greater efficiency and economy of administration. But such schemes, if they are be successful, must be introduced at the right moment; and whatever view might be taken of the advantages of the particular rearrangement suggested in the hon. Member's question, I do not think that changes could profitably be contemplated at the present time, in the existing pressure of public business.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that there are approximately 2,000,000 bachelors in Great Britain; and will he consider introducing legislation that will nave as its object the taxation of all bachelors over the age of 25 years?

The hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate the Budget Statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the Income Tax system already differentiates very much against bachelors?

Yes, Sir. It would seem that in the event of it being decided to tax the bachelor further, certainly it would be for consideration whether, in the event of his being found to have an accomplice in this mal-practice, the burden should be shared.

If this national injustice cannot be cured in any way, in the interests of humanity will my right hon. Friend consider an age limit?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the new Treasury notes are to be issued; and whether they differ in size and design from those now in circulation?

I am not aware of any intention to adopt a new design for Treasury notes, though a slight change in the wording will be necessary when legislative sanction has been given to the change in style adopted by the Imperial Conference.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the registered imports into Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the year 1926 of American films, including both positives, pictures ready for exhibition, and negatives, photographs from which positives can be printed; what was the declared value of them; and what profit came from their import to the Exchequer?

The registered imports into Great Britain and Northern Ireland, during the year 1926 of positive and negative cinematograph films consigned from the United States of America amounted to 13,610,164 linear feet of a declared value of £813,879. No information is available as to the amount of Customs duty which has been paid in respect of such of these films as have been delivered for home use.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that £600,000 could be obtained by levying Income Tax on the amounts paid to film producers abroad, he will consider the advisability of imposing this tax?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the final sentence of the reply which I gave him on the 24th February. To this I have at present nothing to add.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider the advisability of taxing this, as over £3,000,000 is paid to America alone; and, in view of the burden which falls upon us in the payment of debt to America, has he not considered this as a legitimate subject of taxation?

I cannot anticipate the Budget statement, but I will consider this and all other matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received representations from certain trade organisations on behalf of a proposal that the shilling should be divided into ten pence; if he is aware that this proposal has received the approval of the Trade Union Congress and the General Federation of Trade Unions; and if the recent arguments in support of the suggestion will receive his sympathetic consideration?

My right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Financial Secretary recently received a deputation from the Trade Union Congress on this subject. It was explained to the deputation that this proposal, which is far from being a new one, is, like other schemes for altering the value of the penny, open to many grave objections pointed out by the Majority of the Royal Commission on Decimal Coinage (Command Paper 628).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if this suggestion were adopted, the only result would be that we would pay one-tenth of a shilling for everything for which we now pay one penny?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that motor-car hides are being imported free of duty; and if he will take steps to see that this duty is collected in accordance with the Finance Act?

If the motor-car hides to which my hon. Friend refers are unshaped hides for use in the upholstery of motor cars, they are not chargeable with motor-car duty as they are not identifiable on importation as component parts of a motor car.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the motor-ear hide is very different from any other form of hide; and is he also aware that there is great hardship among the manufacturers of these hides in this country, causing serious unemployment?

The principle is that the article which is to bear duty must be definitely identifiable as a part of the motor car, and it follows that it must not be capable of being used for other purposes.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman samples of these things and prove to him that they are definitely identifiable, will he take steps to see that the matter is dealt with?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any information with regard to the invested reserves of cooperative societies; and what amount could be derived from them if they were taxed in the same way as ordinary businesses?

Particulars of the capital investments of co-operative societies will be found in the Annual Reports of the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies. The figure of £100,000 which I gave in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question on the 17th February as the estimated gain of tax if co-operative societies were charged in the same way as other businesses was computed on the assumption that their investment income as well as the gain on their mutual trading would be charged to tax. I may add that in considering this figure of £100,000 in relation to the surplus shown by co-operative societies after payment of discount, it must be borne in mind that the societies pay out a large amount of interest on share capital on which the Exchequer receives at present the tax to which it is entitled, and that the amount on which the societies already pay tax under Schedules A and B has to be credited against any profits that would come under charge.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much he is losing in respect of businesses which formerly paid Income Tax but which are now being taken over by the co-operative societies?

I dealt with that matter, if my memory serves me right, in an answer last week; and I should not be prepared to give any Estimate in answer to a Supplementary Question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the chairman of the Electricity Board is in receipt of superannuation from the Government post which he previously held; and, if so, the amount of the same?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the guaranteed loan of £2,000,000 has yet been raised by the Societé Générale Hellenique?

Arrangements have been made for raising the whole loan by instalments as the money is required. I am informed that the amount raised to date is £375,000.

With a view to protecting the interests of the British taxpayers, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, either from the Societé Hellenique or from the Greek Government, as to whether any change is desirable in that guarantee, having regard to the opposition at Athens to the proposals of the Societé Hellenique?

I think that question really covers the same ground as the question which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman put the other day, and to which I replied that this loan has been sanctioned by the present Government and confirmed by the Assembly. In these circumstances I think it is impossible for us to question its validity.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make inquiries to ensure that the interests of the British taxpayers are being looked after.

Yes, but I am not sure that the making of such inquiries might not lead to misunderstanding.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if this loan will be offered to the public?

I cannot say without notice. I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the establishment of the police force on 31st December, 1925, and 1926, respectively?

The nearest date for which exact figures are available is 28th Septem- ber. On this date in 1925 the total authorised establishment of all forces in England and Wales was 57,043 and the actual strength 54,354. On the corresponding date in 1926 the figures were 57,089 and 55,659.

asked the Home Secretary, in regard to the Northern Ireland Land Act, 1926, the number of estates in Northern Ireland where sale has been completed by the 1st November, 1926; the number where sale had been completed up to date; the number of estates for which the money had been lodged in Court; the number of estates from which the money has been paid; the number of estates in which the bonus has been paid; and, if there is any delay, will he ascertain the cause of it and take steps to have payment expedited?

The question does not state the procedure quite accurately. The number of estates vested in the Land Purchase Commission under the new Act by the 1st November was 147, and up to date is 235. Bonds representing the purchase money on 130 estates have been brought to credit and the purchase money and bonus for 19 estates have been distributed. I might perhaps explain that before the purchase money can be allocated a careful examination of the title to the estate, often involving much time and labour, has to be conducted and rulings thereon issued to owners' solicitors who have to satisfy requirements of the Commission. Titles have been read and rulings issued in 117 estates. All possible steps are being taken by the Commission to expedite the work, and my right hon. Friend has under consideration proposals recently made by them for securing this end.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Rhodes himself visited Kalymnos in order to acquaint himself with the Tiliakos affair?

The answer is in the negative. His Majesty's Vice- Consul was, however, instructed to take the matter up with the Governor of Rhodes, from whom he obtained the information, subsequently confirmed by His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome, upon which my right hon. Friend's previous reply on 16th February was based. The results of my right hon. Friends inquiries were communicated to Mr. Tiliakos on the 17th December and no further communication has been received from him. My right hon. Friend regards the incident as closed.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider, having in view the nature of the complaint, that to make inquiries from the Italian Government at Rhodes or at Rome was the best way to find out the true facts of the case?

I think we did find out all the facts. Compensation was offered to this lady and full apologies were made and she refused compensation. I believe that now she is absolutely satisfied with what has been done.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the dead body of an inmate, who died in one of the wards of Swaffield Road Workhouse, Wandsworth, was left unshrouded from 8.40 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. recently, notwithstanding the fact that a number of old, people in the ward, some of whom were more than 85 years of age, were served with dinner whilst the corpse was thus exposed; and will he cause an inquiry to be held into the whole matter of administration at the institution mentioned?

My right hon. Friend has made inquiries in this case and finds that although there was a certain amount of delay in providing a suitable shroud, the body was decently covered throughout and the bed was properly screened. He understands that the guardians are already engaged in a full inquiry into the administration of the infirmary wards of their institution.