asked the Minister of Agriculture what success has been achieved by the second dipping of sheep for sheep scab; if there have been any reported losses through arsenic or other poisoning; and if he has any statement to make?

The second dipping at the prescribed interval is essential in the treatment of sheep scab, and is based on the life cycle of the sheep scab parasite. Double dipping h~a3 been found to prevent the development of sheep scab in sheep which have been exposed to infection, and by this means the disease is controlled. Owing to losses which occurred after the second dipping of sheep in dips containing arsenic, the Ship Dips (Regulation) Order was issued in April, 1926. This Order prohibits the use of any dip containing arsenic for the second dipping of sheep which are required to be twice dipped within the prescribed interval under any Order of the Minister or Regulation of a local Authority. Since the Order came into operation, the losses following dipping have been negligible, only 14 cases of loss occurring after dipping carried out in compliance with the Order being reported to the Ministry during the period 15th May to the 31st December, 1926. During 1925, the losses reported as occurring after the use of arsenical dips for both dippings amounted to 1,088.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the number and total acreage of small holdings above one acre and under 50 acres in the county of Wiltshire; what number and acreage are on land belonging to the county council; how many approved applicants have still to be provided with holdings; how many applicants are still awaiting interview; what reason is assigned for the non-provision of further small holdings; and what steps are being taken in regard to small holdings and cottage holdings under the Act of 1926?

The number of agricultural holdings above one acre and not exceeding 50 acres in Wiltshire, as recorded in the Agricultural Returns for 1926, was 3,831. The area of approximately the same number of holdings in 1924 was 61,035 acres, which is the latest figure available. The county council have provided 788 holdings on an area of 16,410 acres either purchased or leased by them. The number of approved applicants who have still to be provided with holdings is 85; and five applicants are awaiting interview. In reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I would remind him that from the 1st April, 1926, until the 15th December, 1926, when the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926, received the Royal Assent, councils were not empowered to acquire land for small holdings purposes unless they were able to do so without incurring loss; and that in present circumstances it is only in exceptional cases that holdings can be provided on an entirely self-supporting basis. A small area of land has been acquired since the 1st January, 1927, and the council are at present engaged in negotiating for further properties.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many county authorities have submitted schemes under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926; and how many schemes have been approved by the Ministry of Agriculture?

I have been asked to reply. Five county councils have submitted seven schemes under the Act in question. One scheme has been approved by the Ministry; the other six are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the price paid for land taken over by the Soke of Peterborough County Council for small holdings under the Land Settlement (Facilties) Act, 1919; and what was the gross rent paid by tenants on the land in 1914 and prior to acquisition of the land by the county council?

The price paid by the Soke of Peterborough County Council for 3,017 acres of land purchased by the council under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, was £191,605. An additional sum of £28,064 was paid as compensation for other matters than the purchase of the land. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the rent paid for the land in 1914. Prior to its acquisition by the council, the greater part of it was being farmed by the owners and not let to tenants.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would have been the cost to the Treasury if the Corn Production Act had been continued, and had been made applicable to wheat only, in each year to date since the repeal of that statute?

I have been asked to reply. The Corn Production Act, 1917, as amended by the Agriculture Act, 1920, provided that if the average price of wheat of any year was less than the minimum price as fixed in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the occupier of any land on which wheat had been produced should be entitled to payment in respect of each acre of a sum equal to four times the difference between the average price and the minimum price per statutory quarter.The minimum price of wheat of each year was to bear the same proportion to 68s. per customary quarter as the cost of production of wheat in that year bore to the cost of production in 1919, but in ascertaining the variation in the cost of production no account was to be taken of any variation of rent, except any variation that was attributable to a variation in the cost of maintenance. The variation in costs of production as compared with 1919 was to be determined by three commissioners appointed under the Act. In view of the repeal of the Corn Production Acts no commissioners were appointed and consequently the necessary information to answer my hon. and gallant Friend's question is not, available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Royal Commission on Land Drainage will contain any member who has acquaintance with Wales and its special conditions?

The personnel of the Royal Commission on Land Drainage has already been announced. One of the Commissioners, Colonel F. D. W. Drummond, is a prominent public man in Carmarthenshire, and is Well acquainted with agricultural conditios in Wales.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in connection with the Imperial airways scheme, it is the intention of the Government of India to proceed with 15 additional stations and the appointment of staff for the same; whether he will inform the House of the total cost involved in carrying out this scheme; and whether the whole amount will be chargeable to Indian revenues and subject to the vote of the Indian Assembly?

The total demand for civil aviation in the Budget for 1927–28 was Rs. 3,96,000. This was all votable and has actually been voted. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for India has not received full details of the man- ner in which the money is intended to be used, and cannot say how many new stations are to be proceeded with?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it has been finally decided by the Government of India to appoint an agent in the Union of South Africa, in accordance with the agreement regarding the status of the Indian community in South Africa recently arrived at between the representatives of the Governments of South Africa and India; and, if so, when he hopes to be in a position to announce the name of the person selected by the Government of India to fill this post?

—	(1) Number of Factories in which normal weekly hours are—						(2) Number of Factories in which majority of operatives are exempted from certain provisions of the Indian Factories Act.
	For men—			For women—			Section 21.	Section 22.	Section 27.	Section 28.
	Not above 48.	Above 48 and not above 54.	Above 54.*	Not Above 48.	Above 48 and not above 54.	Above 54.*
Madras†	250	188	619	240	121	509	65	92	49	49
Bombay	174	112	1,035 '	91	146	750	85	24	—	—
Bengal	539	212	397	453	121	158	279	607	333	4
United Provinces‡	49	24	200	11	7	136	51	167	109	—
Punjab	51	27	449	—	—	333	37	37	330	—
Burma	161	94	631	119	47	240	38	43	—	38
Bihar and Orissa	87	47	108	48	33	30	163	83	62	18
Central Provinces and Berar.	55	23	566	30	22	453	18	22	—	—
Assam	427	78	84	489	39	14	554	558	546	2
North-West Frontier Province.	6	6	3	—	—	3	—	—	—	—
Baluchistan	—	—	5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Ajmer-Merwara	8	—	27	—	—	27	—	—	23	—
Delhi	16	18	24	4	—	5	11	11	18	6
Bangalore.and Coorg	8	7	—	2	1	—	—	1	1	1
Total, 1925	1,831	836	4,148	1,487	537	2,658	1,301	1,645	1,471	118
* The legal maximum prescribed by Section 27 of the Indian Factories Act is 60 hours per week
† Particulars of 64 factories not available.
‡ Particulars of 3 factories not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received a resolution passed by the Madras Vakils' Association urging the Government to delete the Section in the Government of India Act requiring the Chief Justice of the High Court of India to be a barrister, and urging on the Gov-

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given to the hon. Member for the West Division of Leicester (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence) on Monday last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the average number of hours that men and women are employed in the factories of India; and how many of the factories have been granted exemption from various provisions of the Factories Act?

The following statement gives the particulars asked for, for 1925, the last year for which information is available:ernment the claim of a vakil to be appointed Chief Justice; and what steps the Secretary of State has taken or proposes to take in the matter?

As was announced last month in the Council of State my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for India has agreed, when opportunity offers, to promote the necessary legislation to remove the disability which, it has been held, attaches to vakils in the matter of eligibility for the appointment of Chief Justice of Indian High Courts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received a resolution from the Madras Vakils' Association urging the Government to fill the vacancy on the bench of the High Court by increasing the Vakil element on the bench; and what steps the Secretary of State has taken, or proposes to take, in the matter?

I invite the hon. Member's attention to the answer given to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for West Willesden.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when the Report of the Indian delegation which proceeded to Fiji in 1922 was received by the Government of India; whether a copy of the Report has been received by the Secretary of State; and whether he will inform the House as to the cause of the delay in making known the findings of the delegation?

The Report was submitted to the Government of India in the latter part of 1922. The Secretary of State has received a copy. Its submission was followed by further discussions and correspondence regarding the position of Indians in Fiji, and a final decision regarding publication of the Report was deferred while these were in progress. Later papers have now been published, and it has been decided not to publish the 1922 Report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that on the occasion of the disturbances which took place at Kulakati on 2nd March the magistrate ordered firing to take place at six-feet range on an unarmed crowd, causing 19 deaths and seriously injuring many others, of whom 12 are not expected to recover; is he aware that no injury was inflicted by firearms on either magistrate or police; when he will be in a position to put before the House the official report on these events; and is it proposed to hold a special inquiry into the matter?

I circulate the three telegrams received from the Government of India, which constitute all the information I have at present on this lamentable occurrence. It will be clear from the terms of these reports that I cannot accept as entirely accurate all the implications in the hon. Member's question. As the reports show, a special inquiry is being, or has been, conducted by the Commissioner of the Division, and I am taking steps to obtain the substance of his findings without delay.

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the total cost incurred, under the Feeding of School Children Acts, for the feeding of school children for the period 1st May to 31s.t December, 1926, in the area of each education authority in each coalfield in Great Britain; what was the total number of school children so fed; and the total average cost per meal provided by each education authority?

The particulars given hereafter relate to the local educa-

PROVISION OF MEALS.
Particulars of provision and cost during the period 1st May to 31st December, 1026, in Mining Areas
Local Education Authority.		Highest number of children fed in any one week.	Total number of meals provided.	Estimated total cost.(4)	Total estimated average cost per meal.
(1)		(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)
				£	d.
Cumberland	…	1,352	403,321	4,244	2·5
Whitehaven	…	—	—	—	—
Workington	…	383	148,112	1,499	2·4
Derbyshire	…	466	20,487	184	2·2
Chesterfield	…	20	865	17	4·7
Ilkeston	…	1,327	114,884	1,621	3·4
Durham	…	64,746	19,387,504	283,781	3·5
Hartlepool	…	189	23,240	484*	5·0*
Felling	…	2,457	731,657	9,954	3·3
Hebburn	…	1,476	212,872	3,104	3·5
Gateshead	…	1,330	270,072	4,745	4·2
South Shields	…	2,396	292,761	6,102	50
Sunderland	…	4,430	1,103,618	15,649	3·4
West Hartlepool	…	434	63,933	666	2·5
Gloucestershire	…	3,964	484,163	4,594‡	2·3‡
Kent	…	2,349†	247,642*	3,611*	3·5*
Lancashire	…	20,540	2,180,646	24,436	2·7
Ashton-under-Lyne	…	98	33,265	499*	3·6*
Colne	…	63	8,205	205*	6·0*
Darwen	…	24	593	4*	1·5*
Leigh	…	1,538	218,581	8,196	3·5
Middleton	…	276	30,412	304*	2·4*
Widnes	…	7	655	10	3·5
Farnworth	…	785	120,462	,741	3·5
Hindley	…	192	13,285	171	3·1
Ince	…	199	25,456	206	1·9
Radcliffe	…	90	17 960	449*	6·0*
Swinton and Pendlebury	…	815	139,508	l,899	3·3
Burnley	…	1,304	456,885	3,686	4·5
Oldham	…	158	28,632	489*	4·1*
St. Helens	…	6,742	1,965,890	26,467	3·2
Wigan	…	8,667	662,838	8,286	3·0
Leicestershire	…	1,556	98,612	712	1·7║
Northumberland	…	1,516	243,499	2,029	2·0
Blyth	…	2,109	217,430	4,953	5·5
Wallsend	…	—	—	—	—
Newcastle-on-Tyne	…	2,776	418,300	3,528	2·0
Nottinghamshire	…	3,609	437,509	5,469	3·0
Shropshire	…	893	44,109	665	3·6
Somerset	…	17	1,180	18	3·5
Staffordshire	…	1,664	232,563	2,298	2·3
Cannock	…	4,301§	459,344§	600§	—
Rowley Regis	…	294	9,989	146	3·5
Tipton	…	31	3.915	35	2·2
Stoke-on-Trent	…	5,724	139,166	2,144	3·7
Walsall	…	—	—	—	—
West Bromwich	…	13	129	2	4·0

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the precise terms of reference, or what is the specific purpose, of the special Committee appointed to consider the education of mentally-defective children; if any member of the Committee is a representative of local education authorities or of the teaching profession; and whether, if there be no such member, he will invite such representatives to act upon the Committee?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to page 139 of the Chief Medical Officer's Report for 1923, and pages 145 and 146 of his Report for 1924. None of the members of the Committee were appointed in a representative capacity, but two are officers of local authorities, and one is the head of a special school for mentally-defective children.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children attending the primary schools in England and Wales and the number that it is estimated will be in attendance in the year 1927–28; and what economies have been effected to secure the reduc- tion of £394,808 in the provision made for elementary education in the Estimates for the year ending 31st March, 1928?

The average number of children in attendance at public elementary schools in England and Wales for the quarter ended 31st December, 1926, was 5,005,376. The number estimated for 1927–28 is 4,980,000. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to page 26 of the published Estimates of the Board for the year ending the 31st March, 1928.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the delegacy to be set up by the University of Wales, in consultation with the authorities of training colleges, is not likely to function till 1928; and whether, in view of this delay, he will take steps to add to the Departmental Committee, considering the training of teachers. interested in rural life and occupations, a member acquainted with Wales and its conditions?

I know of no reason why the delegacy should not be in a position, before the end of the summer, to consider the training of teachers interested in rural life and occupations in Wales, and I should like to see the Principality make its own independent contribution to the solution of this problem.

asked the President of the Board of Education, if he can inform the House of the number of elementary school children in Lancashire and Cheshire who passed the necessary examination qualifying them for entry into a secondary school; and for how many such children places were found?

I have not the information for which the hon. Member Asks. The number of children who are recorded as having left public elementary schools in the areas in question during 1925–26, in order to attend secondary schools, was 5,130 boys and 3,979 girls.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received any reply from the Lancashire education authority with respect to his inquiry as to their provision of secretaries for school medical officers: and, if so, has he come to any decision as to the necessity or otherwise for such appointments?

I have received a report on this subject. I understand that the 15 clerks employed as secretaries discharge a number of duties which, in other areas, fall upon the headquarters clerical staff and they are, therefore, not to be regarded as a net addition to the staff required for the purposes of the School Medical Service. I hardly think the Board are called upon to pronounce an opinion on the merits of minor administrative arrangements of this kind, which must necessarily be left to the discretion of the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will furnish a return showing the number of and duties of officials whose salaries are borne on the Board of Education Vote who are in receipt of pension for service in His Majesty's forces or the police exceeding£250 per annum, giving the total salary, including bonus, and the amount of pension in each case?

There are two such officers in my Department. One is the officer referred to in the reply which I gave the hon. Member yesterday. The other is first class supervisor of warders at the Bethnal Green Museum and is in receipt of a weekly salary of £3 18s. 1d. (including bonus) and a Navy pension of £253 10s. a year. The titles of the posts will sufficiently indicate the nature of the duties performed by these officers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will furnish a return showing the number of persons in each Department of the Civil Service and His Majesty's forces who are in receipt of a pension of £400 or more per annum in addition to their salary?

The information asked for is not immediately available and could only be obtained by an amount of labour and expense which I do not think it would be justifiable to incur for the purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that on the 3rd February, 1927, an agreement was reached on the Departmental Whitley Council that certain sums should be paid to clerical officers who, after reorganisation, had been employed on higher duties, but subsequently replaced; and when it is anticipated that such sums will be paid to the. officers concerned?

Payment was made on the 11th instant to these clerical officers in respect of whom agreement was reached on the Departmental Whitley Council on the 3rd February last.

asked the Attorney-General (1) the number of clerks serving in the District Probate Registries who were appointed to their positions before the passing of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Officers) Act, 1879; what is the date of their appointments, respectively, and what salaries they are receiving; how many of the clerks in such registries were appointed since the date of the said Act; and how many of these are in possession of a Civil Service certificate;(2) what scale of salaries is paid to clerks in District Probate Registries; and what payment, if any, is made to them on retirement from the Service; and(3) whether he is aware that clerks in the District Probate Registries who were appointed to their positions before the passing of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Officers) Act, 1879, were at one time entitled to pensions on retirement; if they are still entitled to pensions on retirement; if not, when and why they were deprived of the right to pensions; and what provision is now made for them on retirement?

Besides temporary clerks, 121 clerks are serving in District Probate Registries, of whom seven were appointed before October, 1879, when the Supreme Court of Judicature (Officers) Act of that year became law. The salaries paid to these clerks are regulated by directions given from time to time by the President of the Probate Division, with the approval of the Treasury, under Section 110 of the Court of Probate Act, 1857 (now Section 109 (1) (a) of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Consolidation) Act, 1925). Many of these clerks are in receipt of additional allowances in respect of agency work or lodging, or are in enjoyment of housing acommodation in the offices of the Court. Figures are not available showing the total amount of remuneration received by each pre-1879 clerk. None of the clerks has been appointed with Civil Service certificates, nor were those of them who were appointed before 1879 at any time entitled to pensions, though for a short period (between 1912 and 1913) pensions were awarded to such clerks under a misapprehension of the law. When they have been required to devote their whole time to their official duties, they are eligible for compassionate gratuities under Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, as amended by Section 3 of the Superannuation Act, 1914. Legislation is in course of preparation to provide for the staffing of the District Probate Registries on a Civil Service basis with regular scales of salary, pension privileges, &c, in accordance with a scheme of reorganisation which has been discussed with, and agreed to on behalf of, the Clerks' Association.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that several boards of guardians have recently, passed resolutions regretting the number of ex-service men, debilitated by wounds or sickness incurred during the Great War, who are to-day recipients of poor relief; and whether he can state the approximate numbers of these and the reasons why they are not receiving sufficient pensions to maintain them?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the same subject on the 22nd February to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. J. Hudson), of which I am sending him a copy. I have no information as to the number of the cases referred to.

asked the Minister of Pensions if, in view of the fact that light metal limbs are only granted to pensioners with below-knee amputation on the special recommendation of the surgeons, he will consider the desirability of certain other circumstances, such as long distances the pensioner may have to walk or long working hours, being taken into consideration when a pensioner's application for light metal limbs is under consideration?

All the circumstances of a case are taken into consideration in determining the nature of the limb to be supplied. With regard, however, to the particular circumstances referred to by the hon. Member, I would remind him that, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Ripon (Major Hills) on the 10th instant, a wooden limb can now be supplied which is actually lighter than a metal limb for the purpose of amputations below the knee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any loss has been incurred by defaults under the exports credits schemes in connection with guarantees given for transactions with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia; and, if so, the amount of the loss for each country concerned?

The amounts written off as loss during the last six years in connection with guarantees given for transactions with Poland is £628. Nothing has been written off as loss on transactions with Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia. Payments have, however, been made by the Department under guarantees given for certain transactions with the countries to which the hon. Member refers. The net amounts now outstanding are

	…	…	…	£
Poland	…	…	…	25,071
Lithuania	…	…	…	Nil.
Latvia	…	…	…	5,898
Estonia	…	…	…	818

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many companies and private firms and individuals carrying on business in the United Kingdom are allowed under licence to sell armaments of any description for export abroad; will he inform the House what amount of war material was exported from this country during the years 1912, 1913 and 1914, and the years 1924, 1925 and 1926; to which ports such material was consigned; and will he give a description of the war material exported?

Before a firm can sell arms (other than shotguns) or ammunition there for it must be registered with the police under the Firearms Act, 1920, and any such firm may apply to the Board of Trade for the licence which is required before such arms can be exported to any destination. Licences to export war material to foreign countries were issued to 26 such firms in 1926.In answer to the second part of the question, the total value of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores of United Kingdom manufacture exported was as follows:

	…	…	…	£
1912	…	…	…	3,877,256
1913	…	…	…	4,706,546
1914	…	…	…	4,800,937
1924	…	…	…	3,703,222
1925	…	…	…	4,405,372
1926	…	…	…	3,820,966

The above exports include sporting arms and ammunition, industrial explosives, etc.,, many of which cannot be distinguished from war material.Full particulars of the exports of the various descriptions of these goods to individual countries for the years 1912 to 1914 are given on pages 272 to 282 of Volume I of the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1914, and for the years 1924 and 1925 on pages 459 to 472 of Volume III of the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1925. Similar details for the year 1926 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to how many Powers was sent the questionnaire of the League of Nations, in January, 1923, on the subject of the private manufacture of armaments; and which Powers have sent replies of any kind?

The questionnaire was sent to all Governments, whether members of the League or not, and the following have replied:

South Africa.	Italy.
Bulgaria.	Egypt.
United States of America.	Rumania.
	Great Britain.
The Soviet Union.	The Netherlands
New Zealand.	Cuba.
Turkey.	Norway.
Greece.	Sweden.
Latvia.	Venezuela.
Czechoslovakia.	Belgium.
Australia.	France.
Poland.	Colombia.
Japan.	Monaco.
Austria.	Denmark.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which of the arms-producing States have ratified the Convention upon traffic in arms and munitions of war?

France is the only State which has hitherto ratified the Convention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider publishing the replies of the arms-producing States to the suggestion made to them by His Majesty's Government last year that all the arms-producing States should take steps towards the simultaneous ratification of the Arms Traffic Convention?

I do not feel that there is any advantage to be gained by publication, and, in any event, I could not do so without permission from the Governments concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether claims for widows', orphans', old age, and blind pensions which are incomplete by reason of the claimant or of any other person required in the capacity of witness or otherwise having omitted to sign or mark the claim, are treated as invalid; whether any such pensions have been forfeited permanently, or in respect of considerable periods, owing to such omission; and, if so, whether he will furnish a statement describing in detail the action, if any, at present taken in the Ministry towards obtaining the necessary signatures or marks in such cases, and state the number of old age and blind pension claim forms originally received during November, 1926, at the Insurance Department of the Ministry of Health at Bromyard Avenue, stating how many were signed and not signed, respectively, and the intervals that elapsed between the receipt of the respective unsigned claim forms and their return for signature?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; as regards the second and third parts, in all cases arising under or by virtue of the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, the claim is treated as having been made on the date on which it is first received in the Department. I am advised that unsigned claims for a pension under the Old Age Pension Acts, 1908 to 1924, are invalid, and that a pension cannot be awarded in respect of any period before their completion. There have been no cases in which the delay in the completion of a claim has involved the permanent forfeiture of such a pension and very few in which more than a few days loss of pension has been involved. Arrangements have now been made under which any person submitting an incomplete claim will have an immediate opportunity of completing it and so avoiding any loss of pension. I regret that the information sought in the last part of the question is not available.

asked the Minister of Health the total amounts advanced each year from 1919 onwards under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts in England and Wales; and the number of houses to which the loans applied?

Information is not available showing the actual amounts advanced by local authorities in England

Year.					Amounts of loans sanctioned by the Ministry of Health under—		Total.
					Small Dwellings Acquisition Act.	*Section 92 of the Housing Act, 1925.
					£	£	£
1919	…	…	…	…	5,533	—	5,533
1920	…	…	…	…	197,523	—	197,523
1921	…	…	…	…	90.741	—	90,741
1922	…	…	…	…	30,515	—	30,515
1923	…	…	…	…	569,062	866,761	1,435,823
1924	…	…	…	…	4,600,427	2,494,179	7,094,606
1925	…	…	…	…	6,809,770	4,116,442	10,926,212
1926	…	…	…	…	9,316,091	4,054,051	13,370,142
					21,619,662	11,531,433	33,151,095
* Formerly Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1923.

In addition the London County Council, between 1st January, 1923, and 31st December, 1926, sanctioned or advanced over £2,800,000 under these Acts, and the Birmingham Corporation advanced during the same period under special powers over £1,760,000.The total numbers of houses in respect of which advances had been made under the two Acts up to the end of 1926 were:

Under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act	40,636
Under Section 92 of the Housing Act, 1925:
(a) Advances	24,577
(b) Guarantees to Building Societies	5,937
	71,150

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the desirability and Wales during each year since 1919, and the number of houses in each year for which advances were made, but the following statement shows for each year the amounts of loans sanctioned by my Department to local authorities for the purpose of making advances under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act and under Section 92 of the Housing Act, 1925, together with figures as to the total number of houses in respect of which advances have been made:of establishing a national society for State insurance, so that deposit contributors may receive the same benefits in respect of their contributions as are received by members of approved societies?

The provision of the ordinary benefits of National Health Insurance on a basis of mutual insurance to deposit contributors who can show that they are unable, by reason of the state of their health, to obtain admission to an Approved Society, was included in the recommendations of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance and is now under my consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been arrived at relative to the removal of the Army Clothing Store at Pimlico?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of young officers under the rank of captain in the cavalry who have been obliged to send in their papers on account of their inability to meet their mess bills and other expenses during the last year?

I am not aware of any such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any change being made or contemplated in the cavalry branch of the Service which would cause promotion to be retarded to a greater degree than exists at present?

Owing to the reorganisation of some cavalry regiments, to which I referred when introducing the War Office Estimates, a number of officers, warrant officers, and non-commissioned officers will become supernumerary, and until they are absorbed promotion will be retarded.

asked the Secretary of State for War the date on which the 1st Durham Light Infantry will be moved from Northern Ireland; and where they will be stationed?

This battalion is under orders to move to Devonport during the next trooping season.

asked the Secretary of State for War who are the members of the Small Arms Committee; by whom are they appointed; how often do they meet; what are their functions; and do these include experimental work?

The composition of the Committee is shown on page 946 of the current monthly Army List. The Chairman is appointed by the Army Council; the members are similarly appointed on the nomination of the Departments which they represent. The full Committee meets every month. Its functions are to investigate, and arrange for the carrying out of trials and experiments in connection with, all matters relating to small arms and machine guns, their ammunition, equipment and appurtenances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the reduction of the staff at Bermudas which, according to the Army List, consists of one brigade major and seven other administrative staff officers to deal with a garrison of two companies of infantry and one company of Royal Engineers?

I regret that a reduction is not possible. Apart from the brigade major, the officers referred to are in charge of the Royal Artillery, and the Royal Engineers, and Medical Army Service, Ordnance and Pay duties of the Command. It would not be possible to combine under one officer the work of one or more of his colleagues.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the present staff at Jersey and Guernsey, as given in the Army List, is to be retained or whether, in view of the fact that at Guernsey there is only one battalion of infantry and one company of Royal Engineers and in Jersey no troops at all, he is considering the possibility of effecting economy by a reduction of the staff, consisting of two D.A.As. and W.M.Gs., one S.M.O., and four other administrative staff officers?

Although only one infantry battalion is stationed in Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey at present, the normal establishment of infantry there is two battalions. It is not considered that any reduction of the staff is possible. The officers in charge of Engineer, Army Service Corps and Ordnance Services act for all the islands.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is at present intended to send any further British troops to Shanghai?

The 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, are at present en route from Hong Kong to Shanghai. I cannot forecast what other changes it may be found necessary to make in the composition of the force at Shanghai.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has now decided to publish further papers with reference to labour conditions in China; and, if so, when they will be issued?

A Memorandum summarising such information as we have on the subject is now in preparation and will be issued shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any negotiations have taken place between the Nationalist Commander in Shanghai and the British authorities; and whether he can make any statement with regard to the same?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Consul-General with his Japanese and French colleagues, the Commissioner of Customs and the Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, met the Nationalist General yesterday morning and urged him to control the irregulars and to stop the sniping which had already caused casualties to the foreign forces. The Nationalist Commander, whose attitude was moderate and reasonable, said that he assumed responsibility for the maintenance of order and was taking steps for the elimination of unauthorised bodies functioning in the name of the Nationalist Government. Fie hoped that the strike would be called off to-day. His Majesty's Consul-General reports that the attitude of the irregulars and armed labourers led by Communist agitators is still uncertain, but that order prevails in the Settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that Hankow mobs have, by threats of murder, compelled the British-owned paper, the "Central China Post," to shut down; whether he will instruct the British diplomatic representative on the spot to investigate the facts and press for proper protection both for the staff and the paper; whether the new municipality now functioning has any police force to assist in maintaining order; and, if not, whether there is any British force on the spot to assist British subjects in emergencies?

I have received a report from Hankow that the "Central China Post," and also an American-owned paper (the "Hankow Herald"), have been compelled to close down owing to the whole of their staff having been forced to strike, and I have no doubt that His Majesty's representatives there will make every proper endeavour to secure protection for this interest. I have no definite information as to the nature of the police arrangements now in force, but the various reports received from Mr. O'Malley indicate that the police are to be under the control of the new municipality. This is also provided for in the regulations for the ex-Russian Concession where, I understand, the offices of the "Central China Post" are situated. There are at present five warships at Hankow, including the flagship of the Rear-Admiral.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Kuomintang has suppessed the British-owned paper, the "Central China Post," at Hankow, by threatening all foremen with murder if they did not call out the staffs; and what steps will be taken to protect British interests in the Settlement?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government has joined in any representations, verbal or written, to the Yugoslavian Government on the subject of that country's attitude towards Albania?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communication has been made by His Majesty's Government to the Govern- ment of Yugoslavia in connection with the Albanian and Italian situation; and, if so, what were the terms of the communication?

The desire of His Majesty's Government being to remove so far as they can any causes of friction which may exist between the Yugoslav and Italian Governments on the subject of Albania, I have counselled moderation and conciliation both at Belgrade and Home and to the representatives of both Governments in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the diplomatic situation which has arisen between Italy, Yugoslavia, and Albania and the possible danger to peace arising there from, he is prepared to take steps under Article XI of the Covenant to bring the matters in dispute before the League of Nations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government would be prepared, in the interests of the independence of Albania and peace in the Balkans, to invite the Council of the League of Nations to appoint immediately an impartial commission to investigate the Albanian situation, and at the same time to urge Italy and Yugoslavia to abstain from any military action until this commission has investigated and reported on the situation?

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney (Captain Garro-Jones) yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the question of the relations between Italy, Yugoslavia, and Albania was discussed in any form at the recent meeting of the Council of the League of Nations?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to make any statement on the recent meeting of the League of Nations Council?

A printed Report of the ordinary kind will be issued as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has made any decision as to the optional clause of arbitration under Article 36 of the International Court of Justice, whereby this country would agree, subject to certain reservations, to arbitrate first upon all matters of international dispute?

If the hon. Gentleman will refer to the published Summary of Proceedings of the Imperial Conference he will see that the Conference decided that it was at present premature to accept the obligations under the Article in question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty has reached any decision with regard to giving some additional work to the dockyards, and thereby reducing the number of discharges?

I regret that nothing can be done to reduce the number of discharges that must he made. With a view to the employment of the full numbers remaining it is intended to give the Royal Dockyards every opportunity of tendering for minor productive work.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that under the present system of collecting and distributing naval ratings to and from the Royal Naval Hospital, Stone-house, hardships and unnecessary exposure occur, arrangements could be made to collect and distribute these ratings to ships in His Majesty's Dockyard and the Royal Naval Barracks, with- out first taking them around the various ships afloat in the harbour before they are finally landed either at the dockyard or Royal Naval Barracks?

Such matters are naturally left to the local authorities, and I have had no reason to think that the existing arrangements involve either hardship or unnecessary exposure, but I will make further inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty upon what service the steamship "Kilmun" is engaged; whether he is aware that although the crew are civilians they are classed as petty officers and men, and are compelled to wear naval uniform when coming on and leaving duty, such uniform being provided at their own expense; and whether he will consider placing these men on a similar footing as all other naval ratings and grant them a kit allowance if they are compelled to wear uniform?

The service is that of laying cables; when on duty and when proceeding to and from their ship the crew are required to provide themselves with and to wear uniform, which is not the same as but resembles naval uniform. These men serve under special conditions and receive special rates of pay, and I regret that the suggestion in the last part of the question cannot be adopted.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from the corporation of the city of Glasgow a resolution conveying a petition to the Government that legislation be introduced providing that the present system of valuation for local rating, namely, the letting value of land and buildings, including improvements, should be replaced by a system under which local rates would be imposed on the capital value of the land in the area of the rating authority, irrespective of the value of buildings and improvements made by the owner, and providing that the Government make up a valuation roll showing the capital value of all land in Scotland and furnish each rating authority with a copy of such valuation for their district; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I have received a copy of the resolution referred to in the question. I cannot undertake to introduce legislation on the lines suggested.

asked the Minister of Labour how many seasonal workers there are at the present time who are affected by the Regulations of the Unemployment Insurance Acts and the names of the districts or towns in which these workers mostly live?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of his Department to open day training centres in London for young men similar to the centres opened in the Midlands; and the cost per head of each person trained at the day centres; the amount of money paid to trainees; what meals are supplied in addition to money payments; how many men have passed through the day centres since their establishment; and what number are at present in attendance?

I cannot make any statement on the first part of the question. The average weekly cost per head of training at the non-residential centres, exclusive of capital charges, is about 25s. Men in training receive a free mid-day meal, travelling fares to and from the centre, and a personal allowance of 2s. 6d. a week in addition to any unemployment benefit to which they are entitled. Up to the 16th March, the number of men who had passed through a course of training at these centres, or who had left before completing the course in order to take up employment, was 1,979. This number is exclusive of men who either voluntarily withdrew from training or were discharged. 787 men are at present in training.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were refused any benefit during the months of November and December, 1926, at the Walworth Road (Borough) Employment Exchange because they were resident with relatives whose joint income was considered sufficient to include the maintenance of such persons; what is the minimum amount of income per head which entitled the Employment Exchange authorities to refuse the grant of unemployment pay; and whether, in fixing this minimum amount, full account is taken of rent and all other expenses incurred by the members of the family who are at work?

The numbers of applications for extended benefit recommended for disallowance by the local committee at the Borough Employment Exchange because the applicants were resident with relatives whose joint income was considered sufficient to include the maintenance of such applicants were 71 in the four weeks ended 13th December, 1926, and 39 in the four weeks ended 10th January, 1927, these figures including 17 oases of married women being maintained by their husbands. No rigid income limit has been laid down below which benefit should always be allowed or above which it should always be refused. Oases are dealt with on their merits, but memoranda for the guidance of local committees have been issued, and copies are in the Library. The memorandum chiefly relevant on this point is L.E.C.82/21, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been directed to the case of John T. Crabtree, of 29, Park View, Harrogate, who has been refused unemployment benefit by the Harrogate office of the Ministry of Labour on the ground that he is not unemployed; and whether, seeing that he lost his employment as milk roundsman on 24th January, and now is only following a secondary occupation, namely, an agency with a local firm, which brings him in an average of 6s. a week, and therefore much less than the 3s. 4d. a day maximum earnings allowed, he will have the case reconsidered and unemployment benefit paid?

The claim was disallowed not by the Harrogate Employment Exchange but by the Chief Insurance Officer, who is the statutory authority. The disallowance was confirmed on appeal by the Court of Referees who, after having the appellant before them and questioning him, considered that the agency work was the appellant's ordinary occupation and not a subsidiary occupation and that he was not unemployed. I have no power to reopen the case.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of Whitley Councils at present functioning; the number that have ceased to function; and the principal reasons for such suspension?

53 Whitley Councils and Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committees are at present in existence and are doing valuable work. Of the number originally established 40 have ceased to function. Many of these were set up in industries in which the organisation on both sides was not sufficiently complete for the effective operation of a council. Other important factors have been the abnormal circumstances existing during recent years and the divergence of sectional and district interests. Full details are given in the Report on the Establishment and Progress of Joint Industrial Councils, 1917–1922, and in the Report of the Balfour Committee on Industrial Relations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of the old Sinking Fund available for the reduction of debt in the years 1924–25 and 1925–26; and what was the net amount of the new Sinking Fund in each of those years?

In 1924–25 the old Sinking Fund amounted to £3,658,883 17s. 9d. and the new Sinking Fund to £45,000,000. In 1925–26 there was no old Sinking Fund, the deficit on the year being £14,038,119 19s. 7d. The new Sinking Fund was £50,000,000. The result in practice was therefore that from the two Sinking Funds about £36,000,000 net was available for debt redemption.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the amount of Entertainment Duty paid to the Exchequer in respect of concerts for the years 1923, 1924, 1925, and 1926?

I regret I am unable to furnish the information required, as it is not possible to state the amount of Entertainments Duty paid in respect of any particular class of entertainment,

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the total amount of the guarantees given to sugar-beet companies under the Trade Facilities Act?

Guarantees have been given to sugar-beet companies under the Trade Facilities Acts in respect of loans amounting to £2,215,000.

asked the Postmaster-General why the amateur transmitter's licence issued to 2 H.D. contains conditions different to those imposed upon other amateur transmitters' licences; whether he is aware that this is the experimental station of the oldest radio society in Great Britain; and why he is discouraging this bonâ fide amateur experimental work?

The Postmaster-General's attention was called to the fact that this experimental wireless station was being used for the broadcasting of concerts contrary to the conditions of the licence. The society were asked to refrain, but as they did not do so their licence was withdrawn and a fresh licence issued containing revised conditions. The new licence affords ample facilities for bond fide experimental work, but prevents the use of the station for the transmission of concerts.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any representations have been made to him relative to the sugges- tion that British opera shall be subsidised from funds which have accrued in respect of wireless licences?

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to a similar question on 1st March.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the present contract for the printing of the "Radio Times" provides for a break; and how long the contract has yet to run?

I am not in a position to furnish this information. The British Broadcasting Corporation makes numerous contracts, for which it alone is responsible, and I do not consider that it should be required to furnish particulars of these contracts for publication.

asked the Home Secretary whether any grant from public funds will be paid to the Brighton Corporation in respect of the miniature pill-box police stations now being equipped in that area?

The details of this scheme are still under examination.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inadequacy of Upper Thames Street to cope with the heavy and increasing traffic which it has to carry; and if he will cause investigation to be made by the London Traffic Advisory Committee?

I am aware of the congestion in this street which is due to waiting vehicles having business at the wharves and warehouses. The Committee have already considered this matter, but I understand that owing to the nature of the business in this area they hold the view that congestion is unavoidable. The Commissioner of Police for the City has the street constantly under observation, and does everything possible to alleviate the position.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider making provision in his Road Traffic Bill for compelling all drivers of vehicles approaching a main road from a side road to see that the main road is clear at the junction before coming out of the side road?

The Draft Bill in its present form would enable the Minister of Transport to control the nature of warning signs and the places where they should be erected. These provisions in conjunction with the provisions with regard to dangerous driving would practically meet my hon. Friend's point. There are, of course, considerable practical difficulties, which would need to be carefully weighed before any definite action on a large scale could be taken, should the Bill become law.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will draw the attention of the London Traffic Advisory Committee to the irregular and unpunctual running of circle trains on the Metropolitan District Railway, which has the effect of throwing additional traffic on to the roads?

Total Collections (Motor Taxation) Less Costs of Collection.
Administrative County.				1923–24.			1924–25.			1925–26.
				£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Cheshire	…	…	…	200,857	12	1	221,009	5	5	241,847	18	11
Lancashire	…	…	…	359,768	19	9	388,781	6	5	422,361	15	10
				Grants made from the Road Fund.
				£			£			£
Cheshire	…	…	…	284,311			287,053			273,725
Lacashire	…	…	…	694,395			711,091			604,059

Separate figures for grants made towards the construction of new roads could only be extracted by a consider-

The punctuality of train services is not a matter in connection with which I have any compulsory powers, but I was recently informed by the railway company that the regularity of the service to which my hon. Friend refers was a matter that was engaging their special attention, and that they hoped that in a short while there would be no occasion for complaint in regard to it.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can inform the House of the total amount contributed by the local authorities in Lancashire and Cheshire to the Road Fund for the years 1923, 1924 and 1925; what is the total sum returned to the same authorities for expenditure purposes during that period; and what proportion of the latter item was earmarked for the creation of new roads?

As I have stated on previous occasions, the Road Fund is a national fund, and I deprecate any comparisons between the amounts collected in motor taxation in an area and the amounts of the grants made from the Road Fund to highway authorities in the same area. With this reservation I can give the figures asked for by the hon. Member as regards the administrative counties of Cheshire and Lancashire:able expenditure of time and labour, and I hope the hon. Member will not press for them.