asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any representations relative to the annoyance caused to residents in the New Cross area owing to the use of certain roads in that district for omnibus tests, and whether he will inquire into the matter?

No, Sir, but a complaint reached the police, who took up the matter with the omnibus company concerned, and they have promised to discontinue the practice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way, before carrying out a reduction in taximeter cab fares in London, to give consideration to certain alterations in the regulations of Scotland Yard with regard to specific requirements for taximeter cabs, and thereby enable would-be owner-drivers and others to purchase a vehicle at least as efficient and at a considerably less cost than is necessary to-day?

If specific suggestions are made for alterations in the prescribed conditions of fitness, the Commissioner will give them careful consideration, but the safety of the public must be the paramount consideration, and the Commissioner would not feel justified in whittling down the margin of safety.

Is it not a fact that these conditions hold good in every other city; that the London taxicab driver has to pay mere for his cab, with these restrictions, dial] any other taxicab driver anywhere else, and should not this be taken into consideration?

I bear all these facts in mind, and if the hon. Member will make any concrete suggestions. I will see that they are considered by the Commi ssioner of Police. The paramount consideration must be the safety of the public who have to travel in these taxicabs.

If they are authorised to carry four people, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they do carry four people, without an extra charge being made?

Under the existing system the additional fares, other than the first two passengers, are part of the remuneration of the taxi-driver.

Is it not a fact that excellent closed cabs driven with absolute safety by private owners are sold at a cost less than half it costs to buy a taxicab, and will the right hon. Gentleman carefully inquire into it?

It has been inquired into carefully during the past few months, and I have raised the point with the Commissioner of Police. The reply I received was that a car may be sufficiently sound, but that quite a different standard of stability is required for a taxicab which is constantly driven about the streets.

Do they not have to pass an examination every year; and is it not possible that a vehicle could be provided at a much cheaper price, and the public get cheaper fares?

asked the Home Secretary what instructions are given to the police with regard to stopping motorists driving through the streets of London and other large cities with open exhausts; whether offenders are warned and summoned after warning; and, if so, how many convictions have taken place during the past 12 months dealing with this nuisance?

I am not aware of the exact terms of the instructions given by each chief officer of police to his force on this matter, but they no doubt direct police to take all practicable steps to enforce the law, which prohibits the use of cut-outs or other similar fittings permitting the exhaust gases from the engine to escape without First passing through a silencer. It is no doubt the general practice to warn offenders in suitable cases; but where proceedings are to be taken, no purpose would be served by a warning in addition to a summons. In the time available I have been able to obtain particulars of convictions only for the Metropolitan Police District and the City of London. In the former there were 9,575 during 1926, and in the latter 377 between 1st March, 1926, and 1st instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Great Portland Street many motorists are going up and down with open exhausts, and will he instruct the police in this neighbourhood to pay special attention to it?

I made a public announcement in the House about a week ago that I had instructed the police to do away with this real nuisance, and from the figures I have given about 9,500 persons were prosecuted and convicted in the last 12 months in the Metropolitan district. We shall continue this policy. Cars can be used without open exhausts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these cases refer to motor bicycles?

If the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question, I will give him the relative figures.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the penalties in these cases are such as will do away with the evil?

The question of penalties is one for the Magistrates, and I am afraid there would be a great outcry if I attempted to coerce them in this matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether prisoners in Ms Majesty's prisons are informed that they have the right to complain to the governor of the prison if officers use foul language?

All prisoners are informed on the cards exhibited in their cells that if they wish to make any request or complaint they can have an interview with the Governor, the Chaplain, or the Medical Officer on any day, or with a member of the Visiting Committee at, his next visit; or with an Inspector of Prisons at his next visit.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that convict H. Smith, at His Majesty's detention prison, Camp Hill, in August, 1926, charged an officer with the use of foul language and that he was himself subsequently charged with making a false accusation against the officer; what sentence was inflicted upon him; whether, before being sentenced by the visiting justices, Smith had undergone any other punishment; whether he is aware that Smith asked to be allowed to call witnesses to corroborate his charge against the officer; why he was refused per- mission to do so; and whether the officer concerned produced any witnesses to corroborate his denial of the charge of using foul language?

Yes, Sir I am aware of this case. The convict in question was charged on 9th August last with making a false accusation against an officer of the prison. He was brought before the Board of Visitors of the prison at their next meeting on 3rd September, and awarded nine days' close confinement on No. 1 punishment diet, with reduction to the penal grade for one month. He was not otherwise punished in respect of this offence. The Board of Visitors, after hearing his evidence and that of the officer, decided that no further evidence was necessary.

How could they decide that no further evidence was necessary if they refused the prisoner the right to call further evidence?

The Board of Visitors are quite independent of the Home Secretary, rightly so, and I have no authority over their proceedings. This independent body who heard the case came to that conclusion, and I have no means of re-opening the case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that about seven years ago a large site in the Euston Road was purchased in order to build quarters for married policemen; and, seeing that the site has remained derelict ever since with consequent loss of money in interest and the land is now four sale, notwithstanding that these men have even greater difficulty in finding house room, will he reconsider this matter?

The site was purchased as stated with a view to the erection of a block of married quarters. It has not been used, because more suitable sites have been found, and a larger number of quarters have been erected, or are in course of erection, elsewhere. I have little doubt that the site will be sold on favourable terms.

Has there been any provision of married quarters?

I myself opened some married quarters about six months ago not far from this spot, and they are admirable buildings.

Has any attempt been made to sell this site, which has been lying idle for several years?

Yes; steps are now being taken, at my direction, to dispose of this site.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that over Christmas, 1026, the convicts at His Majesty's prison, Parkhurst, were locked in their cells, with the exception of an hour's exercise morning and afternoon, for four days; that no work was done by them during this time; that there was no service or celebration of any kind; and that permission to hold an afternoon concert on Christmas Day was refused; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

There was naturally a reduced staff on duty at the time referred to. On Friday, 24th December, and again on Monday, 27th, the convicts had three hours' exercise, and as many as possible were employed out of their cells upon domestic work. On Saturday, Christmas Day, there were two hours' exercise, a celebration of Holy Communion, a morning service, and an afternoon service. On Sunday there were two hours' exercise, and services morning and afternoon. I know nothing of any proposed concert on Christmas Day.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think it more in keeping with his own views, and with mine, to give these people some pleasure at this period?

That is a much larger question, and does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Were these restrictions due to a shortage of staff?

There was naturally a reduced staff on duty.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a grinding wheel, situated in Whiteley Woods, Sheffield, in the occupation of a grinder named Hinde, has been ordered to be closed as unhealthy by an inspector of factories; that the grinding wheel has been in the occupation of the same family for three generations; that the grandfather and father of the present tenant worked there constantly until after the age of 70; that the present tenant has worked there for 50 years without a day's illness; that the closing of this wheel will throw three men out of employment without any hope of securing work elsewhere; and whether he will explain the grounds on which an order involving the consequences indicated was made?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The inspector has not made and has no power to make any such Order. What has happened is that the inspector has called on the Sheffield Corporation, as the owners, to make certain alterations necessary to bring this old grinding wheel into conformity with the Regulations recently made under the Act for the cutlery industry, but the Corporation, rather than incur the expense, has decided to discontinue the factory, and has given notice accordingly to the two or three remaining tenants.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this particular factory consists of two rooms, the windows of which are partly unglazed, and also two doors" and that only three workmen are employed? Is he aware that this particular grinding wheel is situated in a public park, that it is an object of great interest to the very many thousands of people who go through the park, and that it represents a very ancient industry?

I was not aware of all those additional facts. All I can say is that the Regulations were made after most careful consideration, purely in the interests of the health of the workmen, and that it was in consequence of the Sheffield Corporation not feeling inclined to bring this building up to a proper state that I received notice that they preferred to do away with it rather than improve it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is the custom of the trade to work with open windows?

That may be so.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the effect of community singing as exercise for the lungs and body and as mental relaxation, he will consider the advisability of recommending school authorities under his control to adopt this feature for exercises and practice?

My right hon. Friend is of the opinion that it is better to leave this to the teachers.

Is the Noble Lady aware that there has been a certain amount of community singing in the schools in the last 30 years, and that an increase of it will be of great advantage to the children?

That goes to show that this community singing is increasing in the schools without any action by the Board.

Will the Noble Lady introduce this practice into the Cabinet, in order to cultivate a little more harmony?

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the number of existing elementary schools condemned as unsuitable and incapable of improvement; and the number of children attending such schools?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that there are schools housing more than 500,000 children which are totally unfit for the purpose and should be closed forthwith; and what steps are taken to see that these schools are replaced by buildings of a more healthy type?

I will answer these questions together. The number of schools, on List A—that is, schools which have been reported as unsuitable and incapable of improvement—is now 623. The number of children on the registers of these schools is about 160,000, and not, as suggested by the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Barker), more than 500,000. The latter figure is an estimate of the total number of children attending the schools originally included in the Lists A and B. In a number of cases the requisite action has already been taken, and proposals have been received for dealing with a large number of other schools on the lists. The programmes which have been submitted indicate that authorities contemplate being able to deal with the bulk of the provided schools on the lists by the end of the programme period, and my right hon. Friend is now considering what further steps should be taken to secure that the whole problem, both as regards provided and non-provided schools, is treated on a systematic basis.

Is the noble lady aware that the statement appeared in the "Times" supplement of 31st July of last year that there were half a million children attending schools not fit for pigs?

I can only add that the information I have just given to the House is officially correct and vouched for.

asked the Minister of Health the amount raised in rates by all local authorities in the country in 1914 and in 1926, respectively, and in each case the amount per head of the population?

The amount of rates raised by all local authorities in England and Wales was £71,276,000 (or £l 18s. 11d. per head of estimated population) in the year ending 31st March, 1914, and, approximately, £147,500,000 (or £3 16s. 5d. per head of estimated population) in the year ending 31st March, 1926.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, for each of the years 1913–14 and 1925–26, the total amount of revenue raised by local taxation in England and Wales and the total amount paid as grants-in-aid by the Treasury in relief of local taxation; and, if the sum is to be treated as distinct from grants-in-aid, what amount was spent upon highways from the proceeds of motor taxation?

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

asked the Minister of Health if his Department takes any action in compelling, or has authority to compel, local authorities to reinstate insanitary houses at the expense of the owners of such property which is a menace to the general health of the public and the tenants in particular?

Part I of the Housing Act, 1925, contains the provisions enabling local authorities to secure the repair, maintenance, and sanitary condition of houses at the expense of owners, and provision is also made for their enforcement by Order of the Minister of Health if, after receiving a complaint and holding a Local Inquiry, he is satisfied that there has been default on the part of a local authority.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain districts where houses were condemned 1914, these houses are still occupied, and that the local authorities have done nothing to put them into repair?

The hon. Member will understand from the reply that the initiative in these cases does not rest with me. Complaint has to come from someone in the locality. Then it is for the Minister to act.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on the Streatham Vale estate, South Streatham, where some hundreds of houses suitable for the accommodation of the working classes are being erected, four of the streets are divided in half by an open stream, known as the River Graveney, which crosses

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses that have been built by the local authorities in Stourbridge, Oldbury and Halesowen (including Cradley and Hill and Cake-more), and the number in course of erection or due to be completed by October, 1927?

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

My attention has not been previously drawn to this matter. In London, control of the lay-out of streets is vested in the county council, and it is for them to consider, so far as they may have powers, what measures to take in any case of this kind. I have no authority to intervene, but I am sending the council a copy of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the Exchequer contributions made each year in respect of housing schemes in England and Wales under the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Act, 1919, the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, and the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926; and show the number of houses in each case for each year in respect of which subsidy was paid?

The particulars for which the hon. Member asks are being prepared, and can be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT if the hon. Member will repeat the question at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the judgment in the Court of Appeal in the case of the Pontypridd Union v. Drew, he will promote legislation whereby the liability of a person receiving relief and who is in a position to repay the same, either at the time of receipt or subsequently, may be defined and the guardians given the necessary power to recover the expenses incurred according to the circumstances of the case?

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to empower boards of guardians to recover the expenses of relief to persons in a position to repay the same?

I will reply to these questions together. I can only say at present that the matter is receiving my consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether, with regard to the fact that his Department has issued an official statement to the Press setting forth that, out of 625 unions in England and Wales, 64 were inefficiently administered, and including Birmingham in the list of the 64 unions so described, he will state his reasons for this inclusion of Birmingham?

asked the Minister of Health with regard to the official statement that it is his intention to supersede the some 64 elected boards of guardians and replace them by persons appointed by himself and naming the Edmonton Board of Guardians as one of those to be so treated, whether be has had occasion to take exception to the manner in which the Edmonton Board of Guardians has carried out its duties, and what response has been made by that body; and, if no such representations have been made, will he first inform the board in what way they have been remiss before he takes the action indicated?

I will answer these questions together. No such state meat as is quoted has been issued by anybody representing or acting on behalf of or with the authority of my Department, nor does the statement referred to in any way represent my views. In these circumstances, the other questions do not arise.

Has my right hon. Friend any means of preventing statements of this kind being made in newspapers about the best administered city in the world?

With the last part of the question I agree.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea as to how that particular list of specific boards of guardians got into the Press?

I have no official communication on the subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a fit subject for investigation?

Ministers cannot control the newspapers.

asked the Minister of Health what reduction of expenditure has been effected in West Ham since the appointment of Special Commissioners, eight months ago, in place of the elected guardians; and whether it is his intention to appoint Commissioners in other Poor Law unions where similar conditions exist?

It will not be possible to state precisely what reduction of expenditure has been effected in West Ham by the present board of guardians until the accounts to 31st March, 1927, have been finally made up, but it is estimated that the reduction will be at the rate of about £800,000 a year. I am afraid I cannot make any statement on the last part of the question, except to say that I hope the need for action on my part in other cases will not arise.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the reply sent by the Poor Law Union officers to the statement he has just made?

The hon. Member must be referring to some other place than West Ham. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, West Ham!"]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very misleading pamphlet on this subject has been issued to all Members of Parliament to-day?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that in the Press this week certain local boards of guardians have been specified as coming within his contemplation? Is there any foundation for that?

The hon. Member was not in his place. We have had that question already.

asked the Minister of Health whether notice has been drawn to the refusal of the Public Control Committee of the London County Council to amend the massage licence to include ultra-violet ray treatment under medical supervision, on account of the violet ray lamp being a potential danger in the hands of an amateur and inexpert; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to restrict the sale or use of violet ray apparatus to persons with medical experience only?

I have no information as to the fact stated in the first part of the question, and I am not aware of any necessity for legislation of the kind suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the expressed opinion of the majority of medical people in this country that these lamps in the hands of inexperienced people are an absolute danger to the public?

Before my right hon. Friend replies, may I ask him whether the questioner has not failed to differentiate between the violet and ultraviolet rays, which are quite different things?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many masseurs are very skilled electricians, and that there are certain private individuals, including, I believe, Members of this House, who administer this treatment to themselves without any danger?

I have not had any information which would lead me to suppose that any legislation is necessary.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the growing practice of defacing the pavements of the public highway, particularly in the East End of London, with announcements of forthcoming processions, demonstrations, and meetings of a political character; whether he has sanctioned a by-law to deal with this nuisance in the area of the London County Council similar to that operated by the Essex County Council; and, if so, seeing that it is not enforced, will he consider the advisability of legislation upon the subject?

I have been asked to reply. No reports that the practice is increasing have reached me. The London County Council have not made any by-law on the subject, but many of the Metropolitan borough councils have done so, in terms similar to those of the Essex by-law. I am not aware that the by-law where it is in operation is not enforced, but I will make inquiries.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the esthetic sense of the East End of London is not offended by this practice?

No, I am not aware of that.

Is it not a fact that a great many of these advertisements can be fittingly inscribed only where they are inscribed—on the pavements?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the number of blind persons, including children, in the United Kingdom?

As regards England and Wales, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject, on the 10th instant, to the hon. Member for Wednesbury. Any question affecting Scotland should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland, or affecting Northern Ireland to the Home Secretary.

What proportion of these eases are due to War service?

I cannot say. If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will see whether the information can be obtained.

Do the figures include children?

I think they include all persons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of Austrian bonds that His Majesty's Government received in 1923; were they taken in settlement of our cash advances at par value; at what average price were they disposed of; and to what account were the proceeds of the sales credited?

His Majesty's Government received in 1923 £3,118,900 (nominal) guaranteed Austrian Bonds, being the equivalent at the then net issue price of certain cash advances to Austria plus accrued interest. The amounts received from the sale of these Bonds in 1923 and later have been paid into the Exchequer as Miscellaneous Revenue.

Why is this repayment of loans which is repayment of capital transferred to revenue account, and not to capital account?

All that would have to he considered in the light of the particular circumstances. It all comes to the same thing. We provide out of revenue a specific fund for the amortisation of the debt.

Is it the practice of the Treasury, when loans are refunded, to treat that money as part of the revenue of the year instead of as cancellation of debt?

It depends. Our policy is to have the new sinking fund fixed by Parliament at a certain figure, and to utilise any accruing surplus at the end of any year for the redemption of debt.

The original loan of which this is a repayment was, I presume, a capital loan; it was not out of the revenue of the year. It was not in the ordinary Budget for the year, was it?

It was advanced from the Vote of Credit. It is difficult to lay down a general principle apart from the circumstances of each case. No question of principle is raised, because the repayment of debt is arranged either by the old or new sinking funds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the unpaid arrears of Excess Profits Duty and of Corporation Profits Tax at the latest date for which the figures are available; and how much of these arrears are likely to be recoverable?

It is estimated that the total amount of Corporation Profits Tax in assessment but unpaid at the 28th February, 1927, was £9,350,000, and that the amount of Excess Profits Duty in assessment but unpaid on the same date was in the neighbourhood of £100 millions. These arrears are subject to reduction on appeal or otherwise, and I am unable to say how much will ultimately prove to be recoverable. As regards Excess Profits Duty, however, I may say that the amount likely to be collected in the future is very small, as almost the whole of the amount nominally in assessment will fall to be discharged.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider, in view of the serious epidemic of influenza, releasing from bond the requirements of responsible druggists of sherry used for medicinal purposes?

I am informed that special consideration is given by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to applications for the delivery of wine to be used in the manufacture of medicated wines.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce a Bill to amend the Companies Acts, promised in the King's Speech?

I have been asked to reply. I hope that the Bill will be introduced in another place at an early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to Award No. 1262 of the Industrial Court, in which the Court unanimously finds that the Government has failed to comply with a promise or honourable undertaking in relation to Civil Service salaries which both parties (the Government and superior officers of the Civil Service) thought and intended should be implemented to the full; and what action he proposes to take?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the unanimous finding of the Industrial Court (Award 1262), expressing its view that it is only natural that feelings of resentment should aroused in the Civil Service when the super-cut was put into force without consultation on the Whitley Council, and expressing the additional opinion that, as there was a Whitley Council for Civil Service matters, every effort should be made to bring forward all questions within its jurisdiction for discussion before executive action is taken; and what action, on this finding, the Government propose to take?

Yes, Sir; I have considered this award. The expressions of opinion quoted by the hon. Members form no part of the award of the Court upon their terms of reference, nor indeed is the question of the administration of the Whitley system in the Civil Service within the scope of the jurisdiction of this Court. The decision reached by the Government in July, 1921, regarding the Civil Service bonus was announced to and received the approval of the House of Commons, and while the Government have every intention of continuing to make the fullest possible use of tile machinery of Whitley Councils in Civil Service matters when it is appropriate, they cannot in the exercise of their responsibility to this House surrender their liberty to take such action as may appear to them in any case to be required in the public interest. This discretion is a recognised condition of the establishment of Whitley Councils in the Civil Service and the Government do not intend to waive it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it advisable, first to consult the Whitley Council before taking action in the House of Commons? Is it not better to convert people rather than compel them?

No, Sir; not in all cases.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will issue instructions that the pre-War practice of civil servants passing to pension on reaching the age of 60 shall again become the rule of the service; and that officers of 60 years of age and over shall be retired at the earliest possible date?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as regards pre-War practice in this matter. The rule of the Service was and is that a civil servant may retire, subject to the convenience of the public service, at the age of 60, and must retire at 65, or such earlier age between 60 and 65 as may be decided upon by the head of his Department. It would not be in the public interest to restrict the present discretion of heads of Departments in this matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether open competitions are shortly to be held for officers of Customs and Excise and for posts in the clerical class (women); and why, when so many temporary employes could be absorbed, it is proposed to introduce into the Civil Service further candidates from the outside?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter half of the Question, it has been decided that it is necessary in the public interest, in view of the qualifications requred, that open competitions should be held for these services.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the British community at Shanghai offered, either during or immediately after the War, to pay Income Tax and Super-tax; and why that offer was refused by the Treasury?

Suggestions regarding the collection of Income Tax were made by certain associations of British subjects in China during the War, but were not pursued in view of the difficult constitutional issues which they involved. The patriotism which inspired the offers is indisputable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make application to these patriots in Shanghai for some contribution towards the cost of our Defence Force?

No, Sir, certainly not at the moment when they are suffering more anxieties than any other class of British subjects.

Does the offer include the payment of Excess Profits Duty?

I think the offer was made before that impost was devised.

Is it the case that firms out there were, paying no Excess Profits Duty, while competing firms registered in this country were paying it?

In view of the statement which he has just made, does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has come when the very unworthy taunts levelled at this community by the Socialist party should cease?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, following the lead given in the Customs examination on board the Pullman trains from Calais to Paris, he will carry out a similar examination on this side, thereby saving considerable time in the journey between Paris and London?

The railway and other companies concerned are aware that any proposals which they may wish to make in this connection will receive full consideration.

That is not an answer to my question. Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the British Customs authorities are just as quick and capable as the French, and will he do his best to have the examination carried out on this side as in France?

I certainly would not put any obstacle in the way, but the Southern Railway must move in the matter first. It is for them to make suggestions. Anything we can do which adds to the convenience of passengers, and promotes the speed of travel, without detriment to the revenue, will be very carefully considered.

Suppose the Southern Railway refuses to move, is there anything we can do in the matter?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount assessed for Income Tax in Great Britain For the year 1925–26, and the amount assessed as earned, unearned and Supertax, respectively?

The total amount of actual income assessed to Income Tax in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the year 1925–26 is estimated at £2,375 millions, of which about £1,300 millions is earned income, The income liable to Super-tax for the year 1925–26 is provisionally estimated at about £558 millions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that old age pensions are now payable to insured persons and their wives over the age of 70 without any inquiries about means or nationality, whether he is aware that pensions officers are still continuing to cross-examine insured applicants and their wives over 70 years of age as to their moans, rent, allowance from children, etc., and to require them to produce savings bank books; and will he give instructions for this practice to cease so far as insured applicants are concerned?

I am not aware that claimants entitled to contributory pensions without regard to means under the Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, are subjected to the inquiries mentioned by the hon. Member. I would, however, point out that if a claim under that Act fails, it may fall to he dealt with under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–1924, in which case the usual in-quiries as to means, etc., are necessary.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the many industrial assurance policies that have lapsed and are lapsing in the mining areas as a result of the prolonged dispute in the coal industry last year; and whether he will call for a Report on this matter from the Industrial Assurance Commissioner and inform the House of the result of it?

My right hon. Friend has no official information with regard to the lapsing of industrial assurance policies in consequence of the coal dispute, and the Industrial Assurance Commissioner has no power to call for information with a view to a Report. The hon. and gallant Member has no doubt seen the statements in the Press as to the steps that are being taken by leading companies to prevent lapsing.

If I provide some information on that matter, will the hon. Baronet, have it looked into?

Yes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in one of the great industrial companies something like 1,500,000 policies have been specially kept in existence which had really expired in the way suggested in the question?

I am aware of that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to announce details of the toll concessions to be introduced at the Menai Bridge?

As from the 1st April next, the existing tolls of 1s. 9d. and 1s. 2d. will be reduced to 1s. 8d. and 1s. respectively. Season tickets for periods of three months will also be available on and after the same date in respect of all vehicles, other than hackney carriages, at charges equivalent to half the reduced amount which would otherwise be payable by daily users of the bridge.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hopes that tolls are likely to he reduced in a great number of other cases, or abolished altogether?

That is another matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the increased danger and delay caused at the level crossing of the London and North-Eastern Railway Company in High Street, Lincoln, by the installation of mechanically-operated gates; and what steps he is taking to ensure the public safety and the minimum of delay and inconvenience?

I am aware that electrically operated gates were recently installed at the level crossing to which the hon. Member refers, but I am advised that this method of operation is not more dangerous than the method of hand operation formerly in use. I am afraid that at level crossings where the volume of traffic passing both by railway and by road is heavy, inconvenience must necessarily arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have some inquiries made on the spot as to the increased danger from these mechanically propelled gates, and is he not aware that the Lincoln City Council at their last meeting passed a resolution urging that something should be done to remove this danger?

If the hon. Member will kindly communicate with me privately, and give me some of those facts, I will have them looked into.

Thank you very much.

61. The Hon. Member further asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make representations to the London and North Eastern Company requiring them to relieve the congestion caused at level crossings in the City of Lincoln by the construction of a short avoiding line from Pyeroife to Washing- borough, in accordance with the Parliamentary powers granted to this railway company in 1924?

I have no power to require a railway company to construct a line which is authorised, but not yet constructed. I will, however, bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the railway company concerned.

asked the Attorney-General the number of county advisory committees and borough advisory committees for the selection of those persons suitable to be nominated as Justices of the Peace which have not been revised since 1923, and which have not yet come under the new system which the Lord Chancellor has set up for appointing such members for a liked term of office for six years?

There are 99 advisory committees acting for counties or parts of counties. 25 of these committees have been re-appointed for fixed terms of office since 1923. There are 212 advisory committees acting for boroughs which have separate commissions of the peace. 38 of these Committees have been re-appointed for fixed terms of office since 1923.

Can the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Lord Chancellor that this reform in a complete form is long overdue and that there is great discontent throughout the country at these committees not being reformed?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Lord Chancellor to see if the advisory committees could not be made more representative of the public life of both boroughs and counties than they are at the present time?

In answer to the latter question, if the hon. Member has any matters to put before the Lord Chancellor, I shall be very glad if he will send them direct instead of through myself. In answer to the first supplementary question, I will see that the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is brought before the Lord Chan- cellor, but he will understand that it is not a matter over which I have any personal control.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a Report from the Governor of Ceylon with regard to the causes of the recent strike of dock workers at Colombo?

No, Sir. I have asked for a Report by mail, but the reply cannot be expected for some weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the most recent figures showing the estimated value of all stores held by the Royal Air Force?

The question of valuing the stores held by the Royal Air Force has been under the consideration of an Inter-Departmental Committee, presided over by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewisham, East, and I would suggest that the hon. Member should await the report of the Committee, which it is expected will be published shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total value of the 21 contracts of £50,000 or over that have been placed with contractors without competitive tenders; and what is the nature of goods so purchased?

The answer to the first part of the question is approximately £1,750,000; to the second, that the contracts were for the supply of new aircraft and aero-engines, overhaul of aero-engines and supply of aero-engine spares.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many of the 28 squadrons of the Home Defence Force are bombing squadrons?

The answer is 16 squadrons.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the total acreage of land afforested under the auspices of the Forestry Commissioners in Great Britain since 1919; the number of forest holdings actually created and occupied; and the number of men at present engaged in the work of afforestation?

The area planted by the Forestry Commissioners to the end of the 1925–26 planting season was 71,000 acres; to February the area was 81,000 acres, and by the end of the current season should be 93,000 acres; the number of forest workers' holdings created and occupied in 243; 159 additional holdings are in progress; the number of persons employed by the Commissioners in February in the work of afforestation was 2,952.

Is it not a fact that the Acland Committee calculated that five holdings should be established for each thousand acres afforested, and in view of that fact, what is the explanation that there are only 200 families with 80,000 acres, when it should be something like 800 families?

If the hon. Member makes the calculation 80,000 acres at five per 1,000 acres, we have 243 holdings occupied, and another 159 in progress.

Is it not a fact that the number stated by the Acland Committee was not one family per 1,000 acres, but five families per 1,000 acres?

Five holdings.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us the average acreage allowed for each one of these small holdings that has been created?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the Army Estimates for the year 1927, it is estimated that the amount of stores held by the Army at the end of the financial year 1927 will have increased or decreased; and what is the estimated value of such changes?

On the whole stocks of Army stores will decrease during 1927, owing to the consumption of war surpluses. I am not in a position to estimate the total money value of such decrease, but the hon. Member will find certain information on pages 143 and 151 of the Estimates for 1927.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the material collected by the fishermen at Shoeburyness which was not taken over by the late contractor or paid for by him will be accounted for to the fishermen by the late contractor?

The whole of the material collected during the period of the late contract has not yet been taken over by the late contractor. He is, however, being pressed by the Department to pay to the fishermen such sums as may be properly due to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the failure to receive payments due is causing great hardship and distress to some of these poor people?

Yes, and because of that, I am doing more than I really ought to do, because this is a question solely between the fishermen and the contractor. I am putting what pressure I can on the contractor, and it may be that the fishermen will have to take legal proceedings against him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the advisability of increasing the life-saving facilities available on the West Coast of Wales; and whether he is yet in a position to make any pronouncement as to his intentions in that direction?

Yes, Sir. This matter has been receiving very careful consideration, and I hope it will soon prove possible to open mobile rocket life-saving apparatus stations at Aberstwyth and Barmouth, and to arrange for watch to be kept at these places when the conditions of weather make that desirable. A new coastguard station will shortly be opened at Penmon on the Isle of Anglesey, and it is proposed to place a coastguard station at Abersoch.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to damage done by irresponsible persons and children to the telephone kiosks erected in the Brompton Road and other public places in London; and whether he will consider providing the doors with penny-in-the-slot machines which would restrict entrance thereto to persons genuinely desiring to telephone?

Reports of such damage to telephone kiosks have be-en occasionally received, but the damage has been trivial, and I do not think that any special action is called for.

Will the Noble Lord call the attention of the police to the damage that is caused?

We have not been able to discover that there is any damage.

Will the Noble Lord see that the telephone kiosks are reduced to a minimum, and thus avoid the danger to pedestrian traffic in crossing the road?

On the contrary, I think we require a great many more of these kiosks.

asked the Postmaster-General the maximum, minimum, and average length of time which it takes for letters to reach London from Malta?

For recent mails from Malta the maximum time taken was 4 days 23 hours, the minimum 3 days 20 hours, and the average slightly under four days.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, if he will obtain, for the information of British traders, the amount of the German tender for engines recently accepted by the South African Railway Board and the amount of the nearest British tender; and will he ascertain the approximate time of delivery required by the succesful German tendering firm and that required by the nearest British tender?

I am instructing His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in South Africa to furnish any information which may be available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, if he can give any indication of the effect of the recent increase in railway rates on the different agricultural crops estimated per acre?

I regret that I am unable to form any such estimate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the use of stocks is still continued by the Government of Burma for the purpose of the confinement of arrested persons; and whether he will give instructions to have this method of confining persons done away with?

The use of stocks as a means, not of punishment, but of detention of violent criminals prevails to some extent in Burma. The local Government have already appointed a Committee which will consider the matter as part of its inquiries, and it is not proposed to issue any instructions regarding it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government have had under consideration the question of the appointment of the Statutory Commission on Indian Constitutional Reforms at a date prior to 1929; and, if so, whether he will inform the House as to the decision arrived at?