asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information regarding the production of leather gloves since the import duty was imposed?

According to returns furnished by the industry, the

Sometimes one and sometimes the other, but I think we have arrived at general agreement as to what are the important commodities to which to direct their attention.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether safeguarding has had any effect on the price to the consumer?

I should like notice of that question, but, speaking from memory, I do not think prices have risen at all.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the comparative periods there has been an increase of £150,000 paid in wages, and that, so far from there being any unemployment in the industry, there are nearly 1,000 additional employés in it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information regarding the production of fabric gloves since the duty was imposed?

According to returns furnished by the industry, the output of fabric gloves in the last quarter of 1926 exceeded the output in the last quarter of 1925 by over one-third.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if there are enough glove workers to go round? Could we train some more?

Has there been any increase in the price of fabric gloves since the duty was imposed?

Again, I should like notice of that question, but I have certainly received no complaints on that subject. With regard to the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft), I understand that apprentices are now being taken on in the trade, where there were none being taken on before.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information as to the increase in the number of workers in the leather glove industry since the import duty was imposed?

From information furnished by the Joint Industrial Council for the Leather Glove Industry, which represents about 88 per cent. of the workpeople employed, it appears that between the last quarter of 1925 and December, 1926, the number of workpeople employed increased from 7,430 to 8,149.

Would not the increase have been much greater if there had been a sufficient number of cutters to supply material for the other hands?

That is a matter of opinion. In any case I would ask my hon. Friend to put his question down.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information that wages have increased to the operatives in the industry?

Not that I have noticed. Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down also.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of applications for safeguarding which have been referred to his Department: the number of such applications which have been referred to committees; and the number of the applications which have been granted?

The number of definite applications made to the Board of Trade in accordance with the provisions of the White Paper relating to the Safeguarding of Industries is 42. Committees have been appointed to consider 15 of these applications, and safeguarding duties have been imposed in the case of six.

Would it not be better for the right hon. Gentleman to be consistent and to go in for complete Protection?

No. Whatever may be said on the ground of consistency or merit, there is a far greater argument for keeping our pledges.

In view of the success of this policy, will the right hon. Gentleman use all his powers to speed up the machinery in regard to applications that are now pending?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received the Report of the inquiry in to the application for a safeguarding duty for the china trade; and, if so, when he proposes to make it public?

I have not yet received this Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to provide that, on applications for the safeguarding of industries, all evidence of the unfair foreign conditions referred to in the Board of Trade White Paper, which is obtainable by the Government through their foreign commercial attachés, shall be made available for the use of committees without expense to the parties to the application?

The Board of Trade are always ready to put at the disposal of committees any information in their possession which can properly be made public. I have already explained to the House the reasons which make it undesirable to disclose information obtained from confidential sources.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the exports of razors and parts of razors in 1925 and 1926?

The value of razors and parts of razors of United Kingdom manufacture exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to all destinations amounted to £140,529 in 1925 and to £184,114 in 1926.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that that is due in any way to the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

Certainly, it follows chronologically upon it, and I think it is not unfair to infer the connection.

Was not the principal objection to this duty that it would decrease exports, and has it not had the effect of encouraging them?

I think the hon. and gallant Member would like to hold a debate on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of appointing direct representatives of the rank and file, or of disabled ex-service men, upon the Board of Commissioners of Cheisea Hospital?

I see no grounds for an alteration of the present constitution of the Board on the lines suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of capital invested in the business of producing and exhibiting cinematograph films in Great Britain, respectively?

I am unable to supply any precise data of the kind asked for. Estimates made by various sections of the trade as to the capital invested in the exhibition side of the industry vary from £30,000,000 to £50,000,000. I should hesitate to give a reliable estimate of the capital employed in production: but I should think that at the present time it does not exceed £4,000,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it has increased since his first pronouncement as to the introduction of the Cinematograph Films Bill?

I cannot say that, but I have no doubt that it will increase.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what have been the exports of gramophones from the United Kingdom since the import duties on musical instruments were reimposed?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the information asked for.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the exports have decreased or increased?

The exports have increased.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the first and last dates of the present close season for plover prevailing in Scotland; and whether he will consider making that season uniform?

The close time varies between county and county. I shall be giad to send my hon. Friend a schedule showing the position, if he so desires. As regards the second part of the question, I do not wish to anticipate discussion on the Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Honiton (Sir C. Morrison-Bell), but it will be noted that that Bill is designed to secure a uniform close season for this and other birds according to their categories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that included in this uniform close season is the much disputed farm at Erribol?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amounts advanced each year from 1919 onwards under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts in Scotland; and the number of houses to which the loans applied?

In order to give the figures desired, I should require to call for returns from the local authorities under the Acts, and I am not satisfied that the work involved would be justified. I may say, however, that I have information which indicates that since the passing of the Housing etc. Act, 1923, 14 local authorities have undertaken to advance £585,041 in respect of 1,116 houses.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in order to keep a record of what is being done, have that record got out?

This is a matter which primarily concerns local authorities, and it would entail a great deal of expense and research.

If this House is involved in the voting of that money, is it not essential to know the absolute details of how the money is spent?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the proprietor of Scarristavey, in South Harris, was prepared to negotiate with the Board of Agriculture for the sale of that farm; whether he can state if any negotiations took place; and whether the correspondence between the Board and the proprietor will be submitted to the House?

The basis which the Board considered appropriate in the case of this farm was not purchase but a scheme under Part II of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, and the Board are not aware what were the proprietor's intentions with respect to the question of sale. Proposals for a scheme of settlement under Part II were made to the proprietor in May last and are still open for his acceptance. I do not propose to lay the correspondence before the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he is aware that a number of men have taken possession of the farm of Scarristavey, Harris; that they are now being threatened with interdict; that some of these men are living under deplorable conditions through lack of employment and adequate housing; and that some of them have 25 years' service in His Majesty's forces and hold decorations for long service and good conduct; and, seeing that the Government during and since the War promised them that their claim for holdings would be met, will he state what steps will now be taken to implement these promises?

I understand that interdict was obtained against certain men who have been in illegal occupation of parts of Scaristaveg Farm. I would remind the hon. Member that in introducing the Vote for the Board of Agriculture for Scotland last June I referred to this particular case and stated that I would not entertain the claims of any men who raid, and that I would not give way to unfair or unreasonable action on the part of a small section to the detriment of others who are in equally difficult circumstances. I regret that any ex-service or other men should have prejudiced their case by illegal action but I must adhere to the statement to which I have referred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the War ended in 1918, and that these ex-service men are still waiting?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that, and I am also aware of the fact that the Government have done a very great deal for ex-service men.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what demand for small holdings still remains unsatisfied in Lewis and Harris; how many applications the Board of Agriculture have in hand from men in these districts desirous of obtaining holdings; an I what step? the Board is taking to meet the requirements of these applicants?"

The number of applications received by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for new holdings in Lewis and Harris which remains undisposed of is 746. The Board are at present considering the possibility of effecting further settlements in Harris, but I would remind the hon. Member that land suitable for sub-division and close settlement in the area referred to in his question is very limited and it is not desirable that all farms of size should be broken up into small holdings.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give the names of the members of the Standing Joint Committee on Mineral Transport?

As the Committee is a large one, I will circulate the names of its members and its terms of reference in the OFFICIAL REPORT. This information was published in the Press on 18th February.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the number of works in existence in Great Britain which are manufacturing by-products from coal; and the number of workers employed;

(2) the number of by-product works in connection with the coal-mining industry; the number worked as part of the colliery; the number worked as separate companies; and the dividends paid in each of the years 1924, 1925 and 1926, respectively?

It appears from the information supplied to the Board of Trade in connection with the Third Census of Production that the average number of persons (including operative, clerical and administrative staffs) employed at coke works at collieries in 1924 was 13,348, and the number at coke works at blast furnaces 5,200. At all the latter works by-products are manufactured, but at the former the plant includes a considerable number of beehive ovens, some companies recovering no by-products.

I may be able at a later date to give the numbers of persons employed at works at which by-products are manufactured, and as to the number of coke works, but these particulars are not at present available. I am also not in possession of information as to the dividends paid by companies owning coke works.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any action has been taken to secure the standardisation of coal wagons; and if he can state the number of wagons that would be required for the transport of coal if they all had a capacity of 20 tons, and the number at present in use?

In reply to the first part of the question, this matter is now under the consideration of the recently appointed Standing Committee on Mineral Transport. In reply to the latter part, I cannot give the hon. Member the precise particulars for which he asks, but he will find a great deal of interesting information on the subject in Chapter IX of the Report of the Samuel Commission.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of companies that have amalgamated under The Mining Industry Act, 1926: the districts where they are situated; and the amount saved to the companies in respect of stamp duties?

The only scheme of amalgamation which has yet been confirmed by the Court under the Mining Industry Act, 1926, is that of four collieries in South Yorkshire. I am informed that the stamp duties which would have been payable but for the Act would have amounted to £76,000 or more, a charge which it was stated by the promoters would have been prohibitive.

May I ask whether other applications have been before the Department?

I think the hon. Member had better give me notice of that question.

May I ask whether the recent amalgamation of anthracite mines comes under the Act and whether the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has included that?

No, Sir, I have not included that; but it certainly does come under the Act.

asked the Secretary of Mines whether his attention has been called to the many cases of victimisation at the various collieries since the end of the coal stoppage; and, if so, whether he intends to take any steps with a view to such victimisation being brought to an end?

I would refer the hon. Member to what was said on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in the Debate on the Motion of the hon. Member for Bothwell on the 2nd March.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of workers employed in each of the 13 coal-mining districts in Great Britain in February, 1926: and the number who were working in each district in the last complete week in February, 1927?

I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister if any arrangements have yet been made for the transfer of unemployed miners to districts where employment is available?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has communicated to the associations representing employers and workers in the coal mining industry proposals regarding the recruitment of workers in the industry, and is awaiting their replies.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the biggest difficulty is the lack of housing accommodation in the districts to which it is intended to send these new men, and is he aware that the result of the Government blocking the subsidy in those particular districts is that they are now building fewer houses than they otherwise would be doing; and in view of the special circumstances of this neighbourhood, will he give the matter further consideration?

No doubt all these matters will be considered by the associations which are now considering them. The result of their deliberations and conclusions will be included in the reply which we hope soon to obtain.

Is it proposed to give financial assistance to the miners to enable them to remove from one district to another?

I cannot say anything more until we get the replies, and it would not be proper for me to do so until we get the views of the associations whom we have consulted.

When may we expect the replies?

The circulars went out on Saturday last. and we hope we may get the replies in the near future without any avoidable delay. That, of course, rests with those to whom we have addressed inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) how many collieries in Great Britain have steam-driven winding engines and electrically-driven winding engines, respectively;

(2) how many accidents have occurred during the last five years due to over-winding; how many have occurred since 1st December, 1926; how many deaths occurred as a result of such accidents; and in how many cases was electrically-driven winding gear in use?

About 2,440 collieries have steam winding engines and 240 electric. In the five years 1922–26 58 accidents occurred causing injury to persons employed, including 14 deaths; since the 1st December five such accidents have occurred, causing three deaths. One of the former, causing injury but not death, and none of the latter, occurred with an electric winder.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures prove that electrical winding-gear is safer than the other gear? Is there sufficient proof to warrant that?

I think, generally, that is so.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continued delay over the proposed new bridge at Thorne, near Doncaster, and the unsafe condition of the approach to the old bridge; is he aware that no warning sign is exhibited when the present bridge is open, and that one motorist drove right into the canal last summer and another motorist drove into the canal this year, due to the absence of any warning sign; and will he now insist upon the erection of the new bridge and allocate the expense equitably on all responsible parties?

Although I am not aware of the particular accidents to which the hon. Member refers, I am well acquainted with the inadequacy of the present bridge, and the unfortunate delay in the negotiations. My Department has made every effort to promote a settlement and will continue to do so, but I have no power to impose terms or to compel the responsible parties to collaborate in the provision of a new bridge.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the navigation company refuse to take any steps towards the building of a new bridge; and does he not think, if he has not got the power already, that he ought to obtain power to compel such a body to do something in such a ease.

I know the unfortunate conditions, because I visited this place some six weeks ago in order to get acquainted with them. I do not think the position is exactly as the hon. Member states. I think the canal company are willing to enter into an arrangement to find a portion of the cost—that is my recollection—but the difficulty is that neither the county council nor the company can come to an agreement as to who is to operate the bridge.

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the West Riding County Council have agreed to pay pretty well four-fifths of the money necessary for the new bridge; and seeing that a similar question was put down three years ago, does he not now think it is time that something was done?

I quite agree that, if the Government had the power,, it would be desirable to compel these parties to come to an arrangement, but I have not got those powers.

asked the Minister of Transport how many non-combine omnibuses have been absorbed by the London General Omnibus Company during the past year; whether, in these cases, the same rate of passenger fare has been maintained after the absorption; and whether, on any route, there is a discrepancy between the fares charged by the London General Omnibus Company in their regulation omnibuses and the rates charged in the late privately-owned omnibuses?

The number of independently-owned omnibuses in which the London General Omnibus Company have now acquired a controlling interest is 207. This covers a period of about 18 months. The fares charged on these omnibuses have been adjusted to accord with those charged on the rest of the London General Omnibus Company omnibuses. I am informed that 937 alterations have been made in the fare boards of these vehicles. In 476 cases the fares have been increased and in 461 cases they have been reduced. In addition, facilities, such as exchange tickets for omnibus and rail, return tickets, etc., afforded to passengers using London General Omnibus Company omnibuses, have been extended to passengers travelling on the acquired omnibuses.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that the result of the London Transport Act has been to give a monopoly to the combine without getting anything in return?

I do not think any acquisition of independent omnibuses by the London General Omnibus Company has anythng to do with the Transport Act.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of the volume of traffic on those routes where there has been a decrease and of the volume of traffic on those routes where there has been an increase?

No, I have no statistics to show that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to extend throughout London the system of the erection of signs, Please cross here, now in operation in Parliament Square, so that the public should be better acquainted with authorised crossing-places?

It is proposed to extend this experiment to Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch and Oxford Street. If it appears in the light of the experience thus gained that these notices sensibly reduce accidents, I hope that the local authorities concerned with undertake further signposting on the same lines.

Would the Minister consider the question of recommending the erection of these signs at the Elephant and Castle, in the borough of Southwark, where it is particularly dangerous to cross the roads?

I think we had better experiment in these other areas first of all then we can go on to other places.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from any of the railway companies or other bodies making a request that the Government should introduce legislation having as its object the reduction of fares charged to the travelling public on railways in Great Britain to the rate of 1d. a mile; and. if so, can he state the Government's attitude to this request?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part docs not, therefore. arise. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Railway Rates Tribunal has been established as the authority for determining matters relating to charges by railway.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is proposing in his Road Traffic Bill to insert a clause empowering him to deal with smoking in omnibuses?

The draft Road Traffic Bill which has been published contains provisions which would enable me to make Regulations to deal with this matter.

In taking any action in connection with this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the vote-catching power of the Prime Minister's pipe?

asked the Postmaster-General with what success the tests have been made for wireless telephone calls between Germany and America, via London, and if an agreement between the British and German postal authorities for wireless telephone conversations has been entered into; and whether experimental tests have taken place, and with what success, for telephone conversations by Transatlantic radio telephony between Lisbon and London, via Madrid and Paris, and Vienna and London, via Berlin?

No radiotelephone tests have been made between Germany and America via this country, nor has any relative agreement been entered into. I am afraid I do not clearly follow the second part of the question. The Transatlantic radiotelephone service has no bearing on the prospects of telephone communication between this country and Lisbon or Vienna.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of stamp-selling machines installed in Wednesbury; and whether he will arrange for the installation of machines outside district post offices for the convenience of the public when such offices are closed?

Pairs of stamp-selling machines supplying ½d. and 1d. stamps, respectively, have been installed at the chief post offices in Wednesbury and Darlaston: no others have yet been erected in the Wednesbury area. The supply of these machines outside important post offices is being extended as rapidly as circumstances permit.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether those stamp-selling machines are made in Britain?

I think so, but I would like the hon. Gentleman to give me notice of that question.

May I ask whether the Post Office stocks any question-asking machines?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the occasions when these machines are most required, that is, on Sundays, when the post offices are closed, they are usually empty?

I have not heard that, but if the hon. Gentleman will bring any case to my notice, I will see that it is attended to.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the number of combined telephone, stamp-selling machines, and letter-box kiosks now erected in England and Wales?

One.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made in the establishment of the Beam wireless system between England and Australia; whether successful trials have yet taken place; what stations are being fitted in England and Australia, respectively, for the exchange of messages; and when he expects to be able to commence a regular service?

The Beam wireless stations erected in this country for the Australian service have passed the seven-day test required by the contract and are about to be taken over by the Post Office. The sending station is at Grimsby and the receiving station at Skegness. The corresponding stations in Australia are at Ballan and Rockbank near Melbourne; and it is pro- posed to operate the service between Lonon and Melbourne. Many detailed arrangements have still to be made, and I cannot yet state on whate date the service will be opened to the public.

Could any indication be given of the cost of these services?

The capital cost?

No, the ordinary cost per message.

The rates? No, not at present. That is one of the subjects which is under discussion.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the desirability of retaining such non-pensionable workers as there are in the employ of the Department until they are 65 years of age, seeing that under the Widows,' Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act the old age pension is payable at 65 years of age?

It is already the practice to retain non-pensionable officers of the Post Office until the age of 65, or even longer, provided that they are fully efficient and that the interests of the service do not require their earlier retirement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the printing contract for the "Radio Times" was fixed after competitive tenders were received; whether the State printing works were invited to tender; if the present contract provides for a break; and how long it has yet to run?

The British Broadcasting Corporation took over the printing contract made by the British Broadcasting Company subject to certain modifications in the Corporation's favour. The Corporation inform me that they did not invite competitive tenders, but they are satisfied that the terms secured are satisfactory and the responsibility for the contract rests with them.

Has the Postmaster-General made any communication to the British Broadcasting Corporation, that it would be inadvisable in future to give large public contracts without having competitive tenders?

The British Broadcasting Corporation make many hundreds of contracts; the responsibility is theirs, and I do not propose to interfere.

asked the Minister of Pensions, seeing that sums paid in error are recovered from pensioners, if he will make arrangements so that a pensioner might receive arrears of allowances in respect of children when, owing to ignorance, the claim for the allowance, in addition to pension, was not made until the child was several years of age?

It is not the case that all sums paid in error are recovered from pensioners. The full circumstances of each case are taken into consideration in determining the question. Allowances are awarded in respect of all children known from the pensioner's own statements to be eligible, and the basis of payment is indicated in the notification of award issued to the pensioner. In the circumstances I should not be justified in extending the Ministry's liability in the manner suggested.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will take action to remove the seven years' limit during which a claim to pension must be made after the termination of active service in the case of men suffering from gunshot wounds, and, in cases where there is evidence that the gunshot wound was due to service and no claim to pension has been made, authorise the issue of treatment allowances to men receiving treatment in a Ministry of Pensions institution for the said wounds?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for the Elland Division (Mr. W. Robinson) on the 10th ultimo, of which I am sending a copy. The arrangements I have made are satisfactorily meeting the needs of the class of case referred to. A patient in such a case is not entitled to the allowances payable under the Warrant, but an allowance may be issued under special sanction for the support of his family during the period of treatment.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of pensions awarded under Circular 30, Correction of Errors, and the number of applications that have been rejected.

The aggregate number of cases in which additional grants have been made under special sanction (including cases of secondary disability, re-amputation, change of diagnosis and other cases) has amounted during the past three years to approximately 3,800, or less than 1 per cent. of the final awards declared. These cases are not the subject of application, but arise in the course of medical treatment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the overlapping on so many questions of the Ministry of Transport and the Home Office, he will consider the advisability of making the Ministry of Transport into a branch of the Home Office?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 10th February in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Heywood and Radcliffe.

Is the Prime Minister aware that when questions are put to the Minister of Transport we are referred to the Home Office, and when questions are put to the Home Office we are referred to the Minister of Transport, with the result that the grievance is never remedied?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, will he take into consideration that, when my friends come into office, and we take over the railways, we shall need a Minister of Transport? [An HON. MEMBER: "Which friends?"]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the inequality of allowances as; granted to a widower who has a female relative or other female acting in the capacity of housekeeper, and the spinster whose profession necessitates the same female assistance; and will he consider amending this particular Section of Income Tax law so that allowances shall be equal in each case?

Opportunities for discussing this and similar questions will no doubt arise in the course of the Debates on the forthcoming Finance Bill, and the hon. Member will not expect me at the present time to anticipate those discussions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of this inequality, and can he not say to the House at all events that he will consider seriously the squaring of the matter as between a spinster and the widower, who are in similar circumstances?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that owing to the inadequacy of the phrasing of the general rule, No. 19, of the Income Tax Act, 1918, numerous people in poor circumstances who, having assisted State housing by purchasing their houses under schemes approved by the Ministry of Health, are being made to bear the additional burden of Income Tax in spite of the fact that their incomes from their employments are far below the taxable scale, and have in some cases been threatened with distraint notices whilst unemployed; and will he look into the matter?

I do not understand how the burden of Income Tax has fallen upon the people to whom my hon. Friend refers, but if he will let me have particulars of any cases in which difficulty has arisen, I will gladly have them investigated and will communicate to him the result of my inquiries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give under the following heads, for the period 1922-26, the number of Income Tax appeals heard in the United Kingdom by special commissioners or general commissioners; the number of decisions given in favour of the Crown; the number of decisions given in favour of the taxpayer; the number of cases in which a case is demanded by the Crown: and the number of cases in which a case is demanded by the taxpayer?

The information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks in regard to the very large number of appeals heard annually by the special commissioners and by the 700 bodies of general commissioners throughout the country, is not available. I am, however, able to give my hon. and gallant Friend some particulars relating to Income Tax appeals to the Courts during the five years 1921 to 1925; during this period there were 103 appeals to the Courts from decisions by the general commissioners and special commissioners, 43 by the Revenue and 60 by taxpayers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury up to what date in the current financial year will payments made in respect of Income Tax and Super-tax be accounted for in this year's revenue?

As and when realised and transmitted to Headquarters, all sums received in payment of these taxes are credited to the general account of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue at the Bank of England, and the Commissioners transfer every day to the Exchequer the total amount available in their account after allowance has been made for any repayments. All sums received by the Exchequer up to and including the 31st March will be included in this year's revenue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the interest on the National Debt paid during the present financial year up to 12th March had already exceeded the estimate for the whole year to 31st March by the sum of £10,834,787?

The principal reason is that, as my hon. Friend may remember, during last year there was for some time a cessation of work upon the coalfields.

Will the Chancellor tell me specifically whether the cause is an increase in the rate of interest on the Floating Debt, or are there other causes as well?

I shall have to deal with this matter on the 11th of next month, and I do not think I should anticipate the considered statement which it will then be my duty to make.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount received in respect of the Betting Duty for the month of February?

The revenue derived from betting taxation during the month of February was £92,700.

In view of the fact that the total amount collected, including the sum the right hon. Gentleman has just mentioned, is considerably less than the estimate, can he tell the House whether this is due to the fact that his estimate of the total amount of betting was faulty, or whether it is due to a reduction in the amount of betting?

I have no doubt that various explanations could be put forward, according to taste, on that subject, but I shall in the course of the discussion on the Finance Bill very likely be afforded an opportunity of dealing with the Betting Duty, and I should prefer to make my statement as a whole.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether he is receiving any deputations on this matter?

Yes, Sir. I am receiving one amalgamated deputation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider imposing a poll tax upon all aliens in Great Britain and Northern Ireland who are employed in a wage-earning capacity?

My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to anticipate the Budget statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the vast number of people of foreign nationality who are now holding positions in this country to the exclusion of our own people, and does he not think the time has come when some form of protection for British labour should be introduced?

I was always under the impression that, on the whole, there was a smaller proportion of foreigners resident in Britain than in almost any other large country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the putting of a tax on the people who are holding the land of this country idle?

I think all the budding Chancellors of the Exchequer should wait a little bit.