asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state what assistance is given by the Dominions and foreign food-exporting countries, respectively, in the way of bounties, subventions, and other means in the exportation, transportation, and marketing of their exportable surpluses; and if the information is not in the possession of his Department, if he will obtain from the Imperial Economic Committee a report on the subject?

The information available is too voluminous to give in answer to a question, but, if my hon. Friend desires information on any specific subject, I will do my best to supply it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any figures to show whether the imports of foreign-made joinery for house building purposes has increased in recent years as compared with pre-war years?

The answer includes a table of figures, and my hon. Friend will perhaps agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the figures of the total value of the exports, including re-exports, from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Russia during the month of April;

The value of the imports of merchandise into the United Kingdom consigned from Russia in April last was £1,399,485; that of British exports consigned to Russia, £228,374; and that of re-exports consigned to Russia, £1,172,283.

Do these figures show an increase over the previous months of the year?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of fuel oil imported into this country during the years 1910, 1912, 1920, 1923 and 1926, and, if possible, the respective values for each year?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information for which he asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Report of the Customs Commission of the French Chamber of Deputies on the proposed new tariff contains any modifications of the tariffs originally proposed; and, if so, whether there is any proposed reduction in the duties on oil engines?

The Report recommends a number of alterations in the duties originally proposed. Full particulars will be published in an early issue of the Board of Trade Journal. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman continuing to make representations to the French authorities?

I think I have explained to the House that what I am doing is collecting all the information—not making piecemeal representations, but combining it all.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman did not make any representations before the Commission presented its Report?

No, Sir. It is not very convenient by question and answer to discuss the form that representations take, but we have been in consultation on the matter. The hon. Gentleman must not assume that no representations have been made.

What bargaining powers has my right hon. Friend against a highly protected country?

Is my right hon. Friend bearing in mind the question of speed, in order that representations may be made before the new duties come into force?

Certainly. Immediately the duties were first projected, we invited all the chambers of commerce concerned as rapidly as possible to give us their comments, so that we might proceed with the matter.

Will it be possible to make these representations soon?

Yes, Sir. I think very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many permits were granted during the month of April for the export of arms to the Chinese northern armies; the nature and extent of the armaments concerned; and the names of the firms supplying them, including the names of any Government arsenals which have directly or indirectly supplied arms to these armies?

No such permits were granted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hundreds of machine guns have been exported to Japan under permits from his Department, and has he any information to show that some of those machine guns have found their way to the Chinese Northern Army?

Obviously, a question of that kind ought to be on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of British troops now in Shanghai and the total number at Hong Kong?

The British military forces now in Shanghai consist of 12 infantry battalions, and one Marine battalion, with ancillary troops. At Hong Kong there are, including the four battalions arriving, seven infantry battalions, with ancillary troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is proposing to, take any steps in the near future to bring home the Class A reservists who were sent out with the Shanghai defence force?

No, Sir.

Is it proposed to keep these Class A reservists at Shanghai just as long as the Shanghai Defence Force is there?

The hon. Member must not take it from my answer that that is so. I said that there is no immediate intention of withdrawing them.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend assure the House, and also British nationals in China, that there will be no withdrawal of the British Defence Force at Shanghai until settled conditions prevail?

I do not think that that arises out of the Question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the working capital of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes was largely derived from the distribution after the War of the profits of the Expeditionary Force canteen; and why no distribution of the Expeditionary Force canteen profits was made to the Territorial Army, seeing that the funds and profits of the Expeditionary Force canteen were derived in great part from dealings with 20 Territorial divisions at home and 14 divisions abroad?

As regards the first part of the Question, approximately £150,000 was assigned under the War Service Canteens Act, 1922, to the institutes as working capital on loan, at interest, repayable over a term of years. As regards the latter part of the question, over £6,000,000 was paid to the United Services Fund to be used for the benefit of Territorial soldiers who had served in the Great War, as well as other ex-service men.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes give a flat rate of rebate of 81 per cent. to all Regular units using them, but reduce this rate to 1¼ per cent. for Territorial units if a philanthropic body, such as the Young Men's Christian Association, has a tent or hut in the same camp; and whether arrangements can be made to give a rate of rebate to Territorial units on the same basis as Regular units?

When Territorial Army units are in occupation of War Department huts and buildings, it is obligatory on them to employ the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and they then receive the same rebate as units of the Regular Army. In other cases they are at liberty to make their own arrangements, and the terms which the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes offer are in competition with those of other contractors, and naturally vary with the particular circumstances of the camp.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Territorial units last year did not make use of the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes; and what proportion this bears to the total number?

Of the 280 Territorial Army units which attended camp last year 135, or 48 per cent. did not use the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cases of breaches of the Fair Wages Clause have been reported in regard to any contracts during the last five years?

During the last five years, 45 complaints of breach of the Fair Wages Clause in War Office contracts have been received, but in 24 of these cases it was found on investigation that no breach of the Clause had been committed.

In cases where there have been breaches, was action taken with regard to the firms in question not having complied with the Clause?

I can only give the hon. Member details with notice, but we always see that the Clause is observed.

Have any breaches occurred in connections with goods manufactured outside this country?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is a condition of all contracts that a Fair Wages notice shall be exhibited on the work; if so, what steps are taken by the Department to see that this condition is observed; and whether such notice is now exhibited in the case of all contracts running?

Generally it is a condition of War Office contracts that a Fair Wages notice shall be exhibited on the work. On grounds of expense, it is not practicable to ensure by special inspection that all contractors exhibit the notice, and it is, therefore, not possible to state definitely that the notice is exhibited in the case of all contracts now running. If the hon. Member has in mind any Particular instances of breach of this Clause, and will give me particulars, I will look into them.

Is it the practice to insist on the Fair Wages Clause being observed by all contractors?

Certainly it is.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an undertaking that, if he discovers that there are cases where the notice is not shown, contracts will not in future be given to those firms?

I could not give such an undertaking, but certainly, if the hon. Member brings to my notice any case where it is not exhibited, we will see that it is exhibited and that the terms of the contract are carried out.

Is the Fair Wages Clause inserted in all orders when goods are ordered abroad?

Speaking from memory, I think not.

Is it the practice of the War Department to order a great amount from abroad?

No, Sir, only a very small amount indeed. I think that, answering within recent months, I was able to say that only 0·3 of 1 per cent. of manufactured goods came from abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the practice in his Department for ensuring that the Fair Wages Clause is observed in all contracts?

Before a firm is placed on the War Department list, its works are inspected, particular attention being paid to the rates of wages and conditions of employment, and it is required to give a written undertaking to observe the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution. The Fair Wages Clause is inserted in all contracts, and any complaint that it is not being observed is at once investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now prepared to issue a report regarding the destruction by fire of two Weir steel houses at Bo'ness on Saturday, 12th February?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full reply given by me on 12th April to the Noble Lord, the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon).

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these houses are supposed to be fireproof?

No more than any other houses.

asked the Secretary for Mines when he proposes to take steps to make effective the Clause in the Mining Industry Act, 1926, that no person shall be employed down a coal mine unless he commenced before reaching 18 years of age?

I have been asked to reply. We are still in negotiation with the various organisations concerned with a view to arriving at an agreed procedure for dealing with the recruitment of miners.

Are we to understand from the reports which we have that the Government are trying to evade that Section of the Mining Industry Act?

No, very far from it. We are attempting to arrive at an agreed arrangement.

Is it a fact that it was understood that the Clause should be compulsory, and is it a fact that the Government are running away from that and are making it voluntary whether the mine-owners will accept it or not?

No, it is not that at all. The Government are quite determined that the Section shall be carried out. The only question at present under discussion is how best it can be carried out, whether by voluntary arrangement or not.

If the Government fail to come to a voluntary arrangement, are we to understand they will not enforce it?

The Government are quite determined that that Section of the Act shall be carried out either by voluntary arrangement or, if that fails, by Regulation.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Section has not been broken up to the present since we restarted work?

I think that question is based on a misconstruction of the Section itself. It does not come into operation until Regulations are framed.

Is it not a fact that some of the objections which have been taken to that are based on what the coalowners have done and are doing at present?

I received a deputation from the Miners' Federation a few days ago, and I am expecting to hear from them any day on the points we discussed, and I hope that as a result an arrangement satisfactory to them and to every one concerned will be arrived at.

Is the Mining Association representing all the colliery owners on this question?

I do not think it is representing them all but, of course, steps will be taken to ensure that all owners are brought into the Act whether they are affiliated to the Mining Association or not.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has obtained, since the Report of the Samuel Coal Commission, any information as to the system of family allowances in the mining industry in other countries?

No, Sir. I have plenty of information on the subject and have had no occasion to make further inquiries. Obviously, this is not a matter in which the Government could take any action unless both sides of the industry wished to adopt the system and asked for the assistance of the Government. At present I understand that the miners are adverse to the system except on the impossible basis that the allowances are paid by the taxpayer.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he has taken to carry out the measures of re-organisation contemplated in the Mining Industry Act, 1926?

The Mining Industry Act, 1926, contains provisions on a number of different matters, and the principal of them automatically came into force as soon as the Act became law, providing fresh facilities for removing obstacles to the successful working of coal, varying the terms of leases, arranging amalgamations, supplying pithead baths, etc. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question specifying those sections which did not come automatically into force in regard to which he requires information.

What progress has been made with the re-organisation?

That will automatically come into effect, and there is no need for the Government to put it into operation.

Was it not part of the Act that re-organisation should take place within three years? Has any re-organisation taken place up to the present?

A good deal has taken place. It is a matter that is dealt with by the industry itself and not by the Government, which is not in charge of the coal industry.

Was not one of the matters of re-organisation the question of amalgamation? Is it not a fact that only two amalgamations have taken place and that in both cases they were considered even before the Act was put into operation?

Questions on a specific point should be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether sales-agency commission paid in the coal-mining industry is included in the costs of production; if so, under what itemised heading is the amount entered; and what was the total sum paid for the year 1925?

The principles followed in compiling the wages ascertainments are determined by agreement between the owners' and the workmen's representatives. I understand the practice to be that selling expenses, including sales-agency commissions, are not included in the costs of production in the ascertainment statement, but are deducted from the gross proceeds of sale in arriving at the figure of proceeds to be used in the ascertainment. The amounts so deducted are confidential to the joint accountants and are not shown in their Reports.

What was the amount? The main point is that the amount of sales agency commissions and expenses is deducted from the receipts and remainder returned to the auditors as the proceeds of the coal industry. That is absurd and not true. Further, what was the amount paid out in 1925?

I have answered that in the main answer. The amounts so deducted are confidential to the Joint Accountants and are not shown in the Report.

There is no objection, surely, to giving the total amount.

I am not permitted to publish nor do I know the amount.

Having regard to the fact that, the miners' wages would be more if that money went into the industry, why is the amount not included in the expenditure?

That is the common practice under the agreement. It has been agreed to by the parties.

In view of the widespread belief, whether true or not, that these sales agency commissions are excessive, why should they be kept confidential; and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to remove any restrictions on their publication so that the country will be able to judge whether they are in fact excessive or not?

The hon. Member had better put that question to the people who have made the agreement.

I want the right hon. Gentleman to take the responsibility of seeing that they are published.

Is it not a fact that all these restrictions are passed by the auditors appointed by the miners in each case and, if they are dissatisfied in any way with the prices put on, their remedy is to dismiss their auditors and put in another firm that they can trust?

The point the hon. Member is raising cannot occur. Is it not true that the money that the hon. Member is referring to never comes to the auditors and never appears in the accounts?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of tons of coal treated at the Fuel Research Station, East Greenwich, during 1925; and if he will give the value of the gas and tar sold to the South Metropolitan Gas Company for the same period?

The amount of coal treated at the Fuel Research Station, East Greenwich, during 1925 was 3,314 tons. A considerable proportion of the products from the coal carbonised is used at the Fuel Research Station. The value of the untreated gas and tar surplus to the requirements of the station and sold to the South Metropolitan Gas Company amounted to: gas £1,249, and tar £318. In addition, £250 was received from sale of coke, the balance of gas and coke being used for other experimental work and for power production.

Can the Noble Lady say how the prices compare with the market prices of these two commodities?

Not without notice.

Can the Noble lady say whether there is a record of the number of cubic feet extracted from each ton of coal?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Seeing the widespread interest taken in this matter, will it be possible for the Department to place the last Report of the Fuel Research Committee in the Library of the House?

I understand that a Report of the Fuel Research Committee is about to be published.

Can we have a copy of the Report placed in the Library?

I will inquire.

Will the Noble Lady consider the desirability of representing to the Prime Minister that this vital industrial subject ought to be dealt with by someone other than the President of the Board of Education?

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the financial arrangements made with the colliery companies which send coal to be tested at the East Greenwich coal-washing plant?

The coal-washing plant, as is the case with other large scale plant at the Fuel Research Station, is intended for investigations of general interest, and, as a rule, the coal required is purchased. Special investigations may be carried out for interested parties, when the plant is available. In such cases the coal is provided free, and a fee may be charged in addition, depending on whether the results are of general interest, and available for publication, or of restricted interest only.

asked the President of the Board of Education the quantity of oil extracted per ton of coal treated by the Dr. Bergin's process; and if he will give the comparison between this method and the low-temperature carbonisation process?

The crude oil and spirit obtained from one ton of a suitable coal treated by the Bergius method amounts to from 110 to 135 gallons. In addition, a further unknown amount of coal is necessary for power and hydrogen production. The highest yields of dry tar and spirit, observed by the Fuel Research Staff, as obtained from the low-temperature carbonisation of ordinary coal in a large scale plant, is about 21 gallons, but the average bituminous coal will probably not yield more than about 15 gallons. Good quality cannel coal, of which, however, there is only a limited supply, may yield 50 to 60 gallons.

Is it not the fact that there has been a great deal too much tinkering with this subject altogether?

May I ask the Noble Lady, since the oil produced by the system mentioned in the question is synthetic oil, whether she can give us the actual content of the coal subjected to the process?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education the amount of coal used in Great Britain for the purpose of high-temperature carbonisation and low-temperature carbonisation, respectively, during the last year for which figures are available?

I have been asked to reply. In the year 1925 approximately 30,200,000 tons of coal were used for high-temperature carbonisation and 20,000 tons for low-temperature carbonisation.

Can the Secretary for Mines tell us the line of demarcation which compels him to answer this question while the Noble Lady answers the three previous questions put by the hon. Member for St. Helens (Mr. Tinker)?

Yes, Sir. The previous questions referred to the Fuel Research Committee, while this question refers to the consumption of coal in this country.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication as to when the low-temperature carbonisation process is likely to be a commercial success?

That is a question which should be addressed to the President of the Board of Education?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends laying, as a White Paper, the Report recently received on the subject of crawling taximeter cabs; and whether he will indicate what, if any, action he proposes to take with regard to such taximeter cabs?

The Report will be issued as a Stationery Office publication at an early date, and I hope then to be in a position to announce my decision.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make any statement as to the progress of the negotiations at present taking place upon the co-ordination of London passenger transport?

I am not in a position to add anything to the statement I made in this House on the 10th instant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when negotiations are likely to reach a stage at which he can make any announcement?

I am afraid I could not.

Will the proposed abolition of the Ministry affect this question in any way?

That is a matter of surmise.

Surmise of the Government or of the public?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the legislation necessary before the Victoria Dock Road scheme can be commenced will be in the form of a Government Bill or a Private Bill; and, if the latter, by whom it will be promoted?

The point raised by the hon. Member is one of procedure which will need to be considered in the course of the negotiations with the authorities concerned.

In consequence of the Government agreeing to provide 75 per cent. of the cost of carrying out the scheme, the London County Council finding the remainder, is it not possible to get on with the work?

I am afraid the hon. Member's statements are not quite accurate.

Did not the Prime Minister declare that the Government are prepared to provide 75 per cent., and has it not been reported to the House that the London County Council have agreed to provide the remaining 25 per cent?

The Government have undertaken to find 75 per cent. if the local authorities concerned will find the remainder.

The right hon. Gentleman must surely know that the London County Council have already agreed by resolution to supply the other 25 per cent, so there is no need to boggle about the local authorities.

Perhaps the hon. Member will let me know on what grounds he makes that statement?

Certainly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any special arrangements have been made with persons upon whose premises telephones are installed for public telephone call services so that telegrams can be despatched from those public telephone call offices by the public at any time on Sundays or Bank Holidays?

A telegram can be sent from any public telephone call office on private premises so long as the premises are open to the public. I have no power to require occupiers to keep their premises open outside ordinary business hours and I do not think there is any necessity for their doing so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how a visitor to a town can send telegrams on Sunday or Bank Holiday when the post offices are closed?

There are a great many public call offices.

Will the right hon. Gentleman then, take steps to put notices on the post offices and let the public know whether they can send telegrams.

That is a different question, but it is under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of orders for installation of a telephone service in the London Area which were unexecuted at the end of April this year; and how many of these had been on hand for more than a month at that date?

The number of orders for telephone service in the London Area uncompleted at the 30th April last was 4,068, of which 1,303 (including 380 cases in which the subscribers were not ready for the Post Office to carry out the work) had been on hand for more than a month.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken into further consideration the application of the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks for full official recognition; whether he is aware that the federation has over 200 branches throughout the country, one half of which have been granted local recognition having 40 per cent. membership of the organised staff; and whether he will now grant recognition to the federation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, a large number of branches of one of the constituent guilds of the federation—the Guild of Sorting Clerks and Telegraphists—have qualified for local recognition by attaining the 40 per cent. standard, but neither this guild nor the federation itself is yet qualified nationally. One of the other constituent guilds—the Guild of Postal Sorters—has a membership of about 50 per cent. of the sorters employed in London, and has held for some years full local and national recognition.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the question of full recognition is under discussion?

I think the hon. Member's question refers to national recognition as distinct from local recognition.

I am asking the right hon. Gentleman whether he means that the question of national recognition is now under consideration?

The question, either national or local, is under consideration continually.

Does it mean that no fresh circumstances have arisen quite recently which require renewed consideration?

No, Sir, not that I am aware of.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree there is full official recognition given under the Trade Unions Bill to this blackleg organization?

asked the Postmaster-General to state exactly what subjects with regard to the British Broadcasting Corporation he is prepared to take responsibility for in this House?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made with regard to the position of the Broadcasting Corporation on the 15th November last.

Can we have from the right hon. Gentleman what questions he is prepared to answer in this House with reference to the British Broadcasting Corporation, because when any questions are put down he says he cannot answer them?

Distinctions are difficult to draw precisely in words, but on the broad question of policy I am prepared to deal with all questions put to me. Questions in regard to day by day working are for the British Broadcasting Corporation to deal with.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the broadcasting of the regular supply of local news in the respective districts of the country has been discontinued, to the disappointment of the communities; and whether he will, in such circumstances, make representations to the Broadcasting Corporation in support of the appeals that are being made for the renewal of the localised news service?

This is a matter within the responsibility of the British Broadcasting Corporation, which, I have no doubt, will consider any representations made to it on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of this having been withdrawn through pressure being put on by the Press combination and, if so, does he not, from the Government point of view, think it advisable to stop this coercion of the Broadcasting Corporation's powers?

I am afraid I do not know to what the hon. Member is alluding.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of widows who have been refused pension under Article 17 (a), though at the time of death the husband was in receipt of a pension assessed at 50 per cent. or more and the death certificate included among the causes of death the War disability; and, if these figures are not available, will he have them extracted in respect of new claims made between 1st May and 31st August, 1927?

The records of the Department do not enable me to give the precise information required, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he does not consider that he would be justified in undertaking the additional statistical work suggested. It is thought, however, that the following figures will give substantially the information desired. Out of all the claims made, where the widow was otherwise eligible for consideration under Article 17 of the Royal Warrant, not more than 40 per cent. are finally rejected, either by the Ministry or, on appeal, by the pensions appeal tribunals. It has been calculated, from an examination of a substantial number of recent cases, that in not more than 5 per cent. of all cases was a claim rejected where a War disability, assessed at 50 per cent. or over, was given on the death certificate as one among other causes of death.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Voluntary Fund at his disposal has been registered as a charity under a scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners; and to what class of case and for what purpose are grants now made from this Fund?

The Voluntary Fund referred to has been brought under the Charitable Trusts Acts, 1853 to 1925, and a scheme for the administration of the Fund has been approved and established by the Board of Charity Commissioners. It would not be practicable to set out in detail the various types of case that are assisted from this Fund, but I may say that in all cases disablement or death by war service is a condition precedent.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether grants from this fund are made solely upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Pensions? Does it, at the present time, rest with the Ministry of Pensions?

The ultimate decision rests with the Minister who administers the Fund, but recommendations are made both by the Special Grants Committee and also by local war pensions committees.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many area offices and sub-offices of the Ministry of Pensions have been closed since the 1st January, 1925; and how many sub-offices have been altered from full time to half time?

On the 1st January, 1925, there were 135 area offices, 95 whole-time sub-offices and 224 part-time sub-offices. On the 1st May, 1927, there were 58 area offices, 45 whole-time sub-offices and 177 part-time sub-offices.

asked the Prime Minister to state who will be the British delegates to the conference to be held on naval armaments on the invitation of President Coolidge; and if it has yet been settled where the conference will be held?

The composition of the British delegation has not yet been decided. The Conference will be held at Geneva.

Will the British delegation be purely an Admiralty delegation, or will other Members of the Government be there?

I would rather wait until I am in a position, which I certainly hope to be in next week, to give the names.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that it is not fair to send only representatives of the Admiralty to a conference which will probably result to cutting down the Navy? There ought to be other representatives.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that, as has been publicly announced, the First Lord of the Admiralty will be in charge of the delegation?

I am afraid I have not seen any notice at all. No delegation as has yet been appointed.

asked the Prime Minister which of the functions of the Mines Department will be transferred to the Home Office, the Ministry of Health, or the Board of Trade; and whether any of its functions will be transferred to any other departments?

asked the Prime Minister whether the present staff of the Mines Department will be retained intact or whether it will be distributed among other Government Departments; and, in either case, whether or not it will be reduced in number?

asked the Prime Minister to state at what date he proposes to begin the transfer of the functions of the Mines Department to other Departments?

I shall answer these questions together. I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Tottenham on the 26th April.

Is the Prime Minister clear that the former question did not deal with the transfer of the Mines Department to several other Departments?

The answer is equally applicable to all the Departments.

But what we want to know is, is it the intention of the Government to transfer the whole of the Mines Department to one other Department, or to break it up?

Yes, I quite understand. That is one of the points which is being considered, and whatever conclusion is reached—and no conclusion has been reached yet—will have to be embodied in a Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the functions now performed by the Mines. Department will still continue to be performed, even though the Department may be broken up?

That, again, is one of the things which is now being examined.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Bill is likely to be introduced before August?

There is no chance of that at all.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the President of the British Association of Chambers of Commerce, dated 7th April, in which was embodied a series of reasons supporting the plea that the Department of Overseas Trade should be continued on the basis of its existing organisation; and if, before any action is taken by His Majesty's Government, he will receive a deputation from the association, who will submit further arguments in support of the president's letter?

Yes, Sir. I have had this communication and have asked my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to receive the deputation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration, in making up his mind on this subject, the injury to the expansion of our overseas trade which a great many of those who are interested in it believe will occur if the Overseas Trade Department is abolished?

That point will be put before my right hon. Friend by the deputation.

May we take it that he will be equally willing to receive another influential deputation against the abolition of the Mines Department?

I do not think we have been asked that.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unwieldy character of the existing double-Member constituencies, he will, on the presentation of the Representation of the People Bill, consider the desirability of abolishing such double-Member constituencies by dividing them into single-Member constituencies?

This point has been noted, but as I have already said, it would be premature to reply to this and similar questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received repre- sentations on behalf of the Southern Irish loyalists that the pledges which Lord Dunedin's Committee determined had been made by successive Governments are not being fulfilled owing to the restrictions imposed on the Irish Grants Committee by their terms of reference, as interpreted; whether he is aware that an offer had been made by the representative committee on behalf of these loyalists to accept Lord Dunedin's arbitration on this question; and whether the Government will accept such arbitration?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the third part, the Government must be the judges of what they are prepared to do to meet the claims of Irish loyalists, and they do not propose to vary the Terms of Reference of the Irish Grants Committee or to interfere with the discretion of the Committee in interpreting those terms; but I may say that they are satisfied that the Terms of Reference as interpreted by the Committee fully carry out the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee over which Lord Dunedin presided.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an opportunity for a small deputation representing the Southern Irish loyalists to lay their case before him personally?

I think there have been a great many deputations, but I will consider that request.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Irish Grants Committee are not carrying out the recommendations of the Dunedin Committee with reference to claims by Irish loyalists; that, instead of all claims being dealt with and awards made in accordance with Lord Dunedin's findings, only a limited class of such cases are being considered, and these compensated on a scale much below what Lord Dunedin found to be justly due; and whether he will consider such action as will secure terms on the scale recommended by the Dunedin Committee?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given this afternoon by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a similar question addressed to him by the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto).

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Irish deportees are treated on a much higher scale as regards remuneration than Irish loyalists?