asked the Minister of Pensions if he has received a resolution from the Middlesbrough War Pensions Committee in favour of full expenses being allowed in the case of all appeals against final awards recommended by local war pension committees; and what action he proposes taking?

I have received the resolution referred to. The proposal that, in addition to travelling expenses and subsistence allowance which are already paid to all appellants, further payment should be made in respect of compensation for loss of remunerative time in all cases recommended by war pensions committees would not be a matter primarily affecting my Department, but that of the Lord Chancellor, to whom I have forwarded a copy of the resolution. So far, however, as the proposal affects my Department, I may point out that its practical effect would be to make the war pension committee the normal channel of approach and, therefore, a court of first instance in all cases, notwithstanding that this position would be entirely outside their statutory functions and that they would not have the knowledge and experience necessary to deal with the cases.

Would not the granting of the request tend to increase greatly the number of appeals?

I am not certain of that, but there is not the least doubt that the proposal of the hon. Member would introduce discrimination by war pensions committees between one case and another, which would be very prejudicial to the interests of those cases not favoured by the committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of widows who have been refused pension under Article 17A though the husbands at death were in receipt of pensions with assessments varying from 70 to 100 per cent.; and on what date instructions were issued to awarding officers that in no circumstances should a widow be admitted to pension under Article 17A if the disability of the husband had only been accepted as aggravated by war service?

I do not know on what information the statement made by the hon. Member in the first part of his question is based, but it is not in accordance with the experience of my Department. No' instruction has at any time been issued to the effect suggested in the second part of the question. On the contrary, many awards have been and are being made in cases where the husband's disablement was accepted as only aggravated by though not attributable to war service.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases in which pensions have been granted to officers or men although the claim was submitted over seven years from the date of discharge?

Grants have been made in 70 cases of the kind referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the laxity of hotel proprietors who permit dogs to be taken into public rooms in hotels; and will he consider the introduction of legislation which will have as its object the prevention of dogs being admitted into public rooms of licensed hotels?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider recommending to the police that they should suggest to the licensing authorities the adoption of the proposal in the question?

I do not think that is my duty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in nearly all the Continental hotels this prohibition is in force?

I am not concerned with Continental hotels.

In view of the very trivial nature of some of the Questions on the Paper, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the usefulness of an exercise of a muzzling order in relation to some hon. Members.

I quite agree.

Does it do the dogs any harm to take them into hotels?

it depends on the hotel.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Sandhouse Hotel at Brampton, a State-management house, was sold to a private purchaser without any submission of the property to tender or other notification that it was in the market; what were the circumstances of this transaction, and why it was entered into; whether he is aware that the solicitor to the purchasers was secretary of the advisory council of the vendors; that the licensee of the said house, who had conducted the business successfully and without any complaint from the police for 25 years, was turned out of occupation with a solatium of £50; that this house appeared in the licensing statistics for 1925 as a still existing on-licence under State management, although it had been used as a temperance hotel without a licence since October, 1923; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

Yes, Sir. I have made myself acquainted with the main facts of this transaction, which took place as long ago as 1923, when I had no responsibility in the matter. A question on the subject was answered at considerable length on the 15th November, 1923, by the Homo Secretary of that time. I would only say now that the house in question was never under State management, and has not appeared as so being in any of the volumes of licensing statistics.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the Report of the Home Office Committee on the supervision of charities, he will consider the introduction of legislation making it compulsory that all door-to-door collections for charities should be licensed in future?

I have only recently received the Report of this Committee. I am considering the recommendations, but I am not in a position to make a statement as to legislation at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when these recommendations can be put into effect?

I only received within the last fortnight two or three long reports from Committees, which have been sitting for six months, and I must have some time to consider them.

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the matter, will he also consider the desirability of applying the supervision only for financial reasons?

I must consider the whole Report.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that proceedings for offences connected with motor vehicles have increased from 25,701 in 1913 to 150,733 in 1925, any additional contribution from the Exchequer has been made to police authorities or to the Courts to cover the additional expense to which they are put?

No, Sir. The financial arrangements in force are of a nature which makes it unnecessary to take such items of incrsase into account.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that by the operation of Section 62 of the Rating Act, 1925, and of the Overseers Order, 1927, the overseers will be abolished on 1st April next, and their powers and duties as to relief from poor rate in cases of sudden and urgent necessity and medical relief will be transferred to any relieving officer; that the power of any justice of the peace to order the over seers in certain cases, by writing under his hand and seal, to give temporary relief in articles of absolute necessity but not in money and, in certain cases, to give a similar order for medical relief only, will become a like power to give an order to any relieving officer; and whether he proposes to draw the attention of the justices of the peace to this change in the law?

Steps are being taken to bring the provision to the notice of justices.

asked the Home Secretary the cost per £l of wages of compensation paid in 1925, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, in each of the following industries: shipping, factories, docks, mines, quarries, constructional work and railways?

It is estimated that the compensation paid per £l of wages in 1925 amounted to 5.4d. for the coal mining industry and just under 1d. for the railways. I regret that it is not possible to give corresponding figures for the other industries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get the figures for the other industries?

I have tried, but I do not think it is possible. If I inquired all round, it might be possible to get them in time, but it would mean a great amount of labour.

The two figures mentioned are given in the statistics, and I was wondering whether other statistics could not be given in regard to the other industries.

Could not the insurance companies help the right hon. Gentleman in this matter?

asked the Home Secretary the amount of compensation paid in 1925 under the Workmen's Compensation Act, apart from fatal accidents; and what the amount would have been if the first three days hud been paid for to those cases which were under four weeks' duration?

The amount paid in 1925 in cases of disablement in the seven groups of industries from which returns are obtained was £5,778,204. The amount paid in other industries is not known. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that the information necessary to enable any close calculation to be made is not available; but if we take the average rate of compensation in disablement cases during 1925 at 20 shillings—this of course is an arbitrary figure—the additional cost of the three days in the cases mentioned would have been somewhere between £100,000 and £120,000.

Are the Government now considering the question of doing away with the period of three days?

That does not arise out of the question.

Seeing that the insurance companies are already making a return to the Government, could they not be asked to make the return suggested in the Question?

I will consider whether the information is of sufficient importance to justify the expenditure which would be necessary.

asked the Home Secretary if he is prepared to introduce legislation facilitating the amalgamation of fire brigades in adjoining local government areas?

My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that the organisation of the fire brigade service has been the subject of full inquiry by a Royal Commission. I hope there may be an opportunity to introduce legislation before long, but I regret I see no possibility of doing so this Session.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the large fire which broke out at the Douglas Works just outside Bristol; that the Bristol fire brigade were ready to proceed to the scene of the fire, but could not do so until certain formalities had been gone through, with the result that an hour elapsed from the time the fire broke out until the brigade reached the scene; and does the right hon. Gentleman not think the time has come when some steps should be taken to remove these difficulties?

My hon. and gallant Friend has not given me notice of this case, otherwise I would have inquired into it. I will inquire into it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that it was the Governor of His Majesty's Detention Prison, Camp Hill, and not the Board of Visitors, who heard the original charge made by convict H. Smith in August, 1926, against an officer of using foul language, and that on this occasion Smith was refused permission to call witnesses; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir; and I have no fault to find with the action of the Governor, whose report has been before me. The be haviour of the convict Smith was not then in question. The charge against Smith was, as I have previously said, investigated by the Board of Visitors. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Governor refused to allow Smith to call witnesses in defence of his case at that time?

I have answered questions on this case before, as the hon. Member knows. The accusation was by one of the convicts, a man named Smith, against an officer of using foul language. That accusation was heard by the Governor, and the Governor came to the conclusion that the whole accusation was a complete concoction, and directed that Smith should be charged before the Prison Commissioners.

How can it be right for the Governor to come to that conclusion when Smith offered to call witnesses and was prevented from doing to? Surely, in common fairness, he should have been allowed to call witnesses if he diseired.

Gases do break down sometimes on examination, and in this case the Governor came to the conclusion that Smith's ease broke down completely.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the increasing practice of organised gangs of interrupters preventing the expression of views by candidates and ether speakers at Parliamentary elections; and whether he will, in the interests of democratic government, ask this House for increased powers to deal with this matter?

My attention has been called to the matter; but I am not at present in a position to make any proposals to the House.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a very onesided thing, and that it always happens when anti-Socialist speakers are speaking?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the only argument which will appeal to these deluded Marxists is that of a good hammering from the supporters of the other side?

Is it not a fact that precisely the same difficulty induced the House of Commons in 1906 to pass Lord Robert Cecil's Bill, which makes these interruptions illegal at the present time, and that that Act has never been put into operation simply because politicians will not use it?

I know the difficulty in these cases, and I was much impressed by the speech the other night of the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George). If I could see my way to do anything which would prevent the breaking-up of meetings on either side, I would do it. I am strongly in favour of the right of free speech, but I am also impressed with the suggestion of the hon. Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown).

Has my right hon. Friend ever heard of a Labour meeting being broken up by Conservatives?

I did not say by Conservatives, but there are other parties who might do it.

May I ask whether this is a continuation of the Socialist policy, as evidenced by the General Strike?

In the event of the opposing side taking it into their own hands to settle their differences, would my right hon. Friend be prepared to let the police stand on one side?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has had his attention drawn to the character of the quarters provided for officers at His Majesty's Prison, Pentonville; and whether he proposes to make any improvements in these conditions?

The question of improving the block quarters at Pentonville has received repeated consideration, but owing to expense and other reasons it has not yet been found possible to improve the existing quarters or to provide additional ones.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon he will be in a position to take action to effect some improvement?

The question of improving the prison is one which has been under my close consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any reports from his Department regarding the number of people engaged in disseminating subversive propaganda in this country; and, if so, will he communicate the result of such information to the House?

I regret I can only say that I receive many reports of which it would not be in the public interest to give details.

Can my right hon. Friend state whether the persons engaged in this kind of propaganda are on the increase or on the decrease?

In the actual propaganda I should say that they are not on the increase. Certain steps have been taken to prevent it.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the powers that he has?

That is rather like offering a dog a new bone. I am, satisfied that I am making as good use as I possibly can of the powers I now have.

What is the definition of "subversive"?

asked the Home Secretary whether the police authorities have obtained any further evidence with regard to those responsible for the privately printed leaflet inciting members of His Majesty's forces to mutiny, which leaflet was recently discovered to have been put into circulation in certain garrison towns.

No evidence has been discovered.

Are the Government prosecuting inquiries with the object of elucidating whence this propaganda has emanated?

As I understand it, the leaflet to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was a highly coloured piece of paper on which there was no imprint, no printer and no name, and it was put under the rails of Chelsea Barracks, and we have not been able to find out who printed it or from whence it came.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the representatives of His Majesty's Government in another place indicated that they were in hopes of tracing it? Are they taking steps to endeavour to do so?

Perhaps my Noble Friend in another place was more hopeful than I was, but I gave orders three weeks ago to the police to discover it if it was possible. It is not always possible to discover the origin of anonymous leaflets.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Reggie Ford, aged 12, who was in 1922 committed to an industrial school and is now in a mental hospital; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the circumstances leading to his present condition?

The case of this little boy was brought to the notice of my predecessor, who made careful inquiry, and on the 27th June, 1924, stated, in reply to a Parliamentary question, that he was

"satisfied that the magistrates, who in-eluded two women magistrates, dealt with the case with the fullest sympathy and with a desire to do what was best for the boy. The parents admitted that he was given to pilfering, that he was falling under the bad influence of older boys, and that they were unable to control him; and they asked that the boy might be sent away to school."

I agrse entirely with my predecessor's statement. When the boy was received into the school, in January, 1923, he was said to suffer from a nervous disorder, and special attention was given to him under the supervision of the school doctor. As the nervous symptoms increased he was examined by a Home Office medical inspector, who came to the conclusion that the boy was probably suffering from the after-effects of encephalitis lethargica. Arrangements were then made for the transfer of the boy to another school, where, with the co-operation of the Somersetshire Education Committee, a special nurse was engaged for him for a considerable time, and where he received unremitting rare. Arrangements were also made for his special observation in a London hospital. The boy, however, steadily grew worse, and as it was impossible to keep him in the school he was discharged to the care of the guardians in July, 1925. Since then I understand that the boy has been certified under the Lunacy Act and is now in a mental hospital.

Will that boy now be classed as a mentally defective?

I am sorry to say it is more than that. I have given a full answer to the question because of the very unfair statement in a certain newspaper with regard to this boy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has sanctioned the removal of the secondary school at present in Craven Street, Hull, to another site?

Yes, Sir. I have approved the purchase of a site for a secondary school to replace the school now carried on at Craven Street, and the plans of the building are being discussed with the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that some 2,300 new houses have been or will soon have been erected on the East Hull housing estate; that the only school at present on the estate, i.e., Southcoates Lane School, is already taxed to its utmost capacity; whether he has sanctioned proposals for the building of another school; and, if so, whether building will begin without delay?

I am aware of the position as represented by my hon. Friend. The local authority have issued notices of their intention to provide a new school for about 1,200 children and are in active negotiation for a site.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of elementary school children in 1926 in England and Wales who passed the necessary examination qualifying them for entry into a secondary school. and for how many such children were places found?

I am unable to supply the information for which the hon. Member asks. The total number of children who are recorded as having left public elementary schools in England and Wales during 1925–26, in order to attend secondary schools, was 34,227 boys and 28,000 girls.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any technical schools in the County of Staffordshire are receiving assistance from the Miners' Welfare Fund; and, if not, whether grants can be allocated to such schools?

The Miners' Welfare Committee has allocated £12,000 for the establishment of a wing of the proposed technical institute at Hednesford, and £12,000 for the extension of the mining department at stoke-011-Trent. Additional equipment at the Dudley Technical College has been provided by the Committee at a cost of £500.

asked the Minister of Health the number of prosecutions that have taken place for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date against employers who have failed to regularly stamp the health insurance cards of any of their employes or for failing to return the cards to their employes on the termination of their employment?

In England and Wales, for the year ended 28th February, 1927, the number of such prosecutions was 1,130.

asked the Minister of Health the approximate sum that will accrue to proprietary approved societies as the result of the termination of sick and disablement benefits to persons aged 65 on and from 2nd January, 1928; and whether any of this money will be paid into the Exchequer either through taxation or by direct payment?

I do not know what approved societies the hon. Member has in mind. There are no "proprietary approved societies," and no sum will accrue to any society as the result of the termination of sickness and disablement benefits to persons aged 65 from 2nd January, 1928. The relief resulting from this limitation of the benefits of the system of National Health Insurance accrues directly to the insured persons and their employers, and takes the form of a reduction of contributions by 1d. a week in the case of men and ½d. a week in the case of women. This reduction came into operation on 4th January, 1326. Provision is made by Section 38 of the Contributory Pensions Act for the consequent adjustment of the reserve values credited to approved societies, and this adjustment is explained in paragraph 29 of the Report of the Government Actuary on the financial provisions of the Bill (Cmd. 2406).

asked the Minister of Health when he will be prepared to give a decision on the application of the Essex County Council for leave to take proceedings in reference to the alleged pollution of the River Chelmer by the Felstead sugar-beet factory?

I hope to give an early decision in this case. I understand that the factory is at present closed down and that the company have expressed their willingness to carry out recommendations made by an expert called in to investigate conditions at factories of this kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to announce the names of those who will form the committee to inquire into the registration of opticians?

The Committee which has been appointed jointly by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself has now been constituted as follows:

• Mr. F. B. Merriman, O.B.E., K.C. M.P. (Chairman.)
• Mr. O. Aves.
• Mr. W. B. Barker.
• Mr. H. B. Brackenbury, M.R.C.S.
• Mr. L. G. Brock, C.B.
• Mr. E. Treacher Collins, F.R.C.S.
• Mrs. W. L. Courtney, O.B.E.
• Lord Cozens-Hardy.
• Mr. R. J. Davies, M.P.
• Mr. H. L. F. Fraser, M.A., LL.B.
• Dr. C. O. Hawthorne, M.D., F.R.C.P.
• Mr. G. E. Houghton.
• Sir Henry Keith.
• Mr. J. S. Henderson, of the Ministry of Health (Secretary.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the terms of reference to the committee?

I cannot give them now, but I will give them to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses built up to date by local authorities under each of the post-War assisted housing schemes?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving particulars of house-building since the 1st January, 1919.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the effect, so far as can be ascertained, of the reduced building subsidy on the rate of building in this country; whether any concrete evidence has reached his Department that any projects of building have thereby been prejudiced; and whether the facts in his possession indicate the propriety of any further reduction in the near future?

I have no evidence to show that the reduction in the building subsidy for houses completed after 30th September next has had any prejudicial effect on the rate of building. It is too early as yet to form any conclusions of the propriety of any further reduction in the amount of subsidy and the hon. and gallant Member will be aware that under the Housing Act, 1924, the question of a further review of subsidy arrangements does not arise until October, 1928.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the Exchequer contributions made each year

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

With the hon. Members' permission I will answer these questions together, and as the reply involves a statistical statement, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Merthyr Tydvil and the Pontypridd Boards of Guardians have on their relief lists thousands of unemployed men and their dependants for whom no employment can be found; and whether, in view of the burden thrown upon the local rates, he is now in a position to say what action he proposes to take to relieve these and other unions suffering similar disabilities from these financial burdens?

I am aware that large numbers of persons are in receipt of relief in the two unions named. With regard to the latter part of the question, I can add nothing to the statements made on behalf of the Government in the frequent debates on the position of what are called the necessitous areas.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is estimated that the sum of £100,000 will have to be spent under this head by the Merthyr Tydvil Union alone, and that this represents a rate of three shillings in the pound? Is that not of sufficient importance to justify a reconsideration of the right hon. Gentleman's attitude in relation to this question?

I cannot add anything to what I have already said.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before seeking to compel boards of guardians to reduce the amount of relief paid to unemployed persons and their dependants, he has sought the opinion of his medical advisers as to the amount of food and clothing required to maintain a normal state of health amongst unemployed persons dependent on Poor Law relief?

No, Sir, but pressure has not in any case been applied to secure a reduction of scales of relief except on the ground that in other apparently comparable unions relief on substantially lower scales was found sufficient.

How does the right hon. Gentleman justify forcing down scales of relief which in the opinion of the local guardians are below the amount needed for sustenance?

It cannot be said that the scales where they are in operation are to be considered to be below the level of sustenance. I have to compare the scales whore scales are used in one union with the scales actually in operation in other unions, if two unions are comparable. I think I am justified in asking, in cases where the financial position of the guardians is as serious as it is in many of these eases. that they should do something to reduce their expenditure.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it a very reprehensible thing to force local bodies to inflict a lower scale of relief?

That is a debating point.

asked the Minister of Health in what Poor Law area the scale of special unemployment relief is as high as or higher than that paid by the Lincoln Board of Guardians?

It is difficult to make a comparison of the kind suggested with any certainty since scales of relief are not drawn on any single model and moreover are qualified by variations in the allowances given and by the method of their application to particular cases. It would, however, be safe to say that in the majority of unions in which a scale of relief for unemployed cases is in use, the scale would be no higher if as high as that hitherto adopted by the Lincoln Board of Guardians.

What are the areas which the right hon. Gentleman regarded as comparable with Lincoln when he compelled the local board of guardians to reduce their scales?

If the hon. Member puts down a question, I shall try to satisfy his curiosity.

I am asking a question arising out of the Minister's answer, and I am asking for information which it is quite easy for the right hon. Gentleman to obtain. Why cannot he give us this information?

The hon. Member has been told that if he puts down a question, the information will be obtained.

I wish to ask a supplementary question. I want to ask the Minister if he has considered this point—that if he does not make a sufficient allowance, over and above what is necessary for sustenance, the recipients will not be able to make any contribution to the guardians. [Interruption.]

This is a Tory board of guardians.

On a point of Order. Is it in order,, when a Member puts down a question to a Minister, for the Minister to reply that notice roust be given of the question which has already been put down?

The hon. Member who put down the question has been told that he can ask a further question.

On another point of Order. I have taken no part in this controversy, but may I point out that the alleged question of the hon. and learned Member for Argyll (Mr. Macquisten) was just as objectionable as any comment made on this side.

If I were to criticise the attempts at humour, I am afraid I should have a great deal of trouble. There are humorous interjections—

It is a humorous subject—to the Minister!

but all these interjections only waste the time of other Members for their questions.

asked the Minister of Health whether any representations have been made to any part of His Majesty's Dominions outside Great Britain in respect of reciprocal arrangements under Section 33 of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925; and, if so, can he state the present position?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Special Oversea Settlement Sub-Committee of the Imperial Conference which considered the question of the standardisation of social insurance schemes throughout the Empire (See page 282 of Cmd. 2769). I understand that it is hoped to address a communication dealing with the recommendations of the Sub-Committee to the Governments of the Dominions at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. G. Shepherd, of Kendal, Claim No. 362,346/27, who has been informed by the pension officer that he is eligible for an old age pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, but that the pension payable under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, would cease when the old age pension became payable; and, as this is contrary to Section 24 (4) of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, will he issue instructions to the pension officers throughout Britain calling their attention to the right of a person, if eligible, to draw the pension under the Blind Persons Act and under the Contributory Pensions Act concurrently?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this case. I may say, however, that the statement alleged to have been made in the second part of the question would not be accurate as it stands. The effect of the relative provisions of the Act of 1925 is to enable pensions to be drawn concurrently up to the age of 70 under that Act and under the Blind Persons Act.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the notice of Amendments to certain Standing Orders standing on the Notice Paper of the House in the name of the hon. Member for the Cleveland division; and will the House be afforded an opportunity of discussing them?

My attention has been called to the notice in question. I propose to set up forthwith a Committee representative of all parties in the House to determine what allocation of Private Members' time will best suit the convenience of Members.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the disclosures which have been made regarding the method of underground transport of coal in the Somerset coalfield and the physical injury and indignity inflicted thereby, the Government will give facilities for the further stages of the Coal Mines (Abolition of Wheelless Tubs) Bill?

I see no prospect at present of special facilities being given for any Private Bill.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only in the county of Staffordshire, I think, and in two collieries in Wales where this system prevails—

In Somerset.

I beg pardon, I should have said only in Somersetshire and two counties in Wales. As there is a private Bill down, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to instruct Members of his own party not to take exception to that Bill and to give it an opportunity of going to Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no demand whatever from Somerset for this Measure?

Yes, there is!

In answer to the first Supplementary Question about giving facilities for a private Member's Bill, the first business of the Leader of the House, who is responsible for business, is to get the public business through. It is quite impossible, as the House can see from this Question, to say now whether any facilities can be given during this Session for any private Member's Bill—I draw no distinction between them—and on that, I can say nothing further to-day. In regard to the Bill in question, I would only say this, that the Supplementary Question which was put by my right hon. Friend the Member for Frome (Mr. G. Peto) coincides with such facts as have come to my notice, and I think that, even if there were a possibility of finding time for this Bill, an inquiry ought to be held first into the question, and I am considering now, in view of the interest which this matter has aroused, whether that would be the proper procedure to take.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that all private Member's Bills which have not yet received a Second Reading are doomed?

I am prepared to accept the right hon. Gentleman's answer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to issue a Report from time to time showing the action taken by local authorities to apply the Milk and Dailies Order, 1926?

The action taken by a local authority under the Milk and Dairies Order is a matter to be included in the Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health. So far a & these Reports are capable of being summarised, the subject will be referred to from time to time in the Annual Report of my Department.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the valuable works of art that are being exported in increasing numbers from this country, he will consider the imposition of an export tax on all works of art over 100 years old?

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, which is not a novel one, has been noted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in regard to the guaranteed Four and a-half per cent. Irish Land Bonds, he is prepared to carry on the same arrangements with regard to double Income Tax for 1927–28 as have been in force for 1926–27?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will institute negotiations with the United States Treasury for the purpose of insuring that in cases where British subjects are married to United States citizens and wish to become ordinarily resident in both countries that only that portion of their income actually derived in the United States or in Great Britain shall be subject to the Income Tax and Super-tax of the country in which the money is derived, provided that an equitable scheme of taxation can be arranged between the two countries that will ensure that the subject or citizen, as the case may be, shall not have to pay in taxation an amount greater than would be the case if his or her whole income was derived from that country having the highest taxation;

(2) if he is aware that, if a British subject marries an American citizen, in many cases, owing to the double incidence of Income Tax and Super-tax, it is not possible for them after marriage to become ordinarily resident in both England and America; and will he initiate negotiations with the United States Treasury for the purpose of devising an equitable scheme of taxation in cases of British subjects married to United States citizens which will enable them to become ordinarily resident in Great Britain and the United States and ensure that the subject or citizen will not have to pay in taxation an amount greater than would be the case if his or her whole income was derived from that country having the highest taxation;

(3) if he is aware that in many cases where English subjects have married American citizens such married persons would establish residence in this country, thereby benefiting trade by their expenditure, if it were not for the fact that if they established residence in this country their gross income derived from property, trades, professions, employments, securities, stocks, shares and rents in the United States of America is subject to British Income Tax, and consequently British Super-tax; and will he consider amending the Income Tax law to enable this trade benefit to be obtained?

I am aware of the position to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, which illustrates a particular aspect of the problem of double taxation. The general question of double taxation is being considered by a Committee of the League of Nations, on which this country is represented. If, however, favourable indications reach me from any individual foreign country that some fair and reciprocal arrangement can be entered into, I should not feel bound to await the achievement of a general solution at Geneva.

As the United States is not a member of the League of Nations, will the right hon. Gentleman consider opening negotiations directly with that country, without waiting for the negotiations which are proceeding at Geneva?

I have said that I should not be deterred from opening negotiations with any country by the fact that the discussions at Geneva had not yet reached a conclusion.

How much would it cost the Treasury if this alteration were made?

I could not possibly say without making careful calculations, but I see no reason why advantage should not be gained by a fair and satisfactory arrangement.

Is not the United States the only country that matters, because it is only from the United States that ladies with large fortunes come?

What guarantee has the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the United States would accept any decision reached at Geneva?

I have never suggested that any arrangement with the United States would be dependent on any decision reached by Geneva.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the Exchequer would be if single men were placed upon the same footing as married men and widowers in respect of housekeepers and dependants' allowances for the purposes of Income Tax?

I regret I am unable to give an estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of placing single men upon the same footing as widowers in respect of the housekeeper's allowance.

As regards the allowance for dependent relatives, if my hon. Friend will refer to the provisions of Section 22 of the Finance Act, 1920, he will see that no distinction is made between single and others in the grant of this allowance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Treasury's estimate that it would save the taxpayers £13,000 a year, he will give instructions that in future only vouchers for third-class travelling will be issued free of charge to Members of this House?

No, Sir. Such a self-denying ordinance would not fall equally on all Members. It is, however, always open to any Member to return the difference to the Exchequer or not to avail himself of the facilities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if the Government were to arrange with the railway companies to supply Members with first-class season tickets instead of with vouchers chargeable at the full ordinary rate, they would save much money?

Is it not a fact that in every section of the British Empire, and practically every civilised country in the world, Members of Parliament enjoy first-class free passes over all the railways?

I believe that is so. In regard to the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Withington (Dr. Watts), that has been very carefully investigated in former years, and the conclusion reached was that financial advantage would not be gained.

Will the right hon Gentleman consider giving Members the alternative of either having their present first-class vouchers or third-class season tickets?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total money payments received by this country in reparations from ex-enemy countries since the end of the late War; the estimated value in pounds sterling of the reparations received in kind by this country; and what have been the total payments received by this country towards the costs of the armies of occupation in pounds sterling?

This country has received from Germany, approximately, £57 millions on account of the costs of the British Army of Occupation, and £33 millions on account of reparations. Of the above, some £10 millions were taken in the form of deliveries in kind and a further £10 millions in the form of German currency and supplies furnished to the Army of Occupation. We have received in cash from Bulgaria £133,000 on account of the cost of the British occupation, and £98,000 on account of reparation. No reparation payments have been made to His Majesty's Government by Austria or Hungary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of receipts under the Betting Duty which has accrued from racing that took place during the week ending 26th March?

I regret that the information requested is not available. It is never possible to state the yield of the Betting Duty in respect of horse racing which takes place in any particular period, as the receipts of duty in a given period have no necessary relation to the events occurring therein. The duty on bets in connection with any event may be paid in part well in advance by the purchase of revenue tickets and in part in arrear under the returns arrangement. Moreover, the betting revenue cannot be allocated to various forms of sport, e.g., horse racing, coursing, dog racing and athletic meetings.

Seeing that the anticipations of the Government have not been reached, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make any alteration in the forthcoming Budget?

I would rather deal with that when the time comes, but I really have not attempted to conceal my opinion that the tax ought to have a fair trial during the flat racing season.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that he would get at least as much from the totalisator as from the Betting Duty?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated loss of Entertainments Duty through the falling off of racecourse receipts since 1st November, 1926?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind a comparison between the Entertainments Duty paid in respect of race-course receipts from the 1st November, 1926, to some convenient date and the duty for a similar period a year ago. Particulars of the total receipts of the Entertainments Duty in respect of different kinds of entertainments cannot be obtained, as there is no official information in regard to the nature of entertainments in respect of which duty is paid by previous purchase of stamps or tickets. Hence, no precise comparison of the kind asked for can be made. But it is my intention to deal with this and all other aspects of the Betting Duty in the course of the Debates on the Finance Bill.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the present position with regard to the pictures left by the late Sir Hugh Lane?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refen the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon (Major Hills) on 5th July last. The position is unchanged since that date.

Is not the position still, therefore, that all that is required to have these pictures made over to Dublin is legislation in this House, and is it proposed to bring in that legislation?

No. The Prime Minister's answer was very clear on that point.

Is it not a fact that Sir Hugh Lane stipulated that a gallery should be built for these pictures if they were to go to Dublin, and is it not also a fact that no such step has been taken by the Free State Government?

Is at reasonable to expect a gallery to be put up when there are no pictures to be put in it?

The question of a gallery does not arise. As to the question of introducing legislation overriding the right of the National Gallery here to these pictures, the Government, after full and most careful examination of the whole question, in which they were assisted by a Committee under the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon, decided that they could not do that.