asked the President of the Board of Education the number of schools in Wales in which the Welsh language is taught; and what is the proportion of these schools to the whole?

Welsh is taught in all except nine of the 141 secondary schools in Wales on the grant list. As regards public elementary schools my right hon. Friend cannot give the exact number, but he understands that Welsh is taught in practically every school in Welsh-speaking districts and that in other districts it is taught in a large number of the schools. The question will no doubt be fully discussed in the Report of the late Bishop of St. David's Committee, which will shortly be presented.

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the total expenditure by local education authorities in England and Wales for feeding of necessitous children for the year 1926–27?

The returns are not yet complete, but the latest information in my right hon. Friend's possession suggests that the expenditure of local authorities on this service may be estimated at between £800,000 and £850,000. My right hon. Friend will let the hon. Member have a definite figure as soon as he is in a position to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number and names of local education authorities in Great Britain where there are classes in the primary schools with over 60 scholars in the class; and what action is being taken to reduce the number of scholars in the classes of primary schools to a number approximating the maximum permitted in a class in a secondary school?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the local authorities in England and Wales in whose areas there were, on the 31st March, 1927, any classes containing more than 60 pupils on the register. For similar particulars relating to Scotland I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer him to my right hon. Friend's statement in the House on this subject on 24th March last.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether the discussions are still continuing between the Board of Education and representatives of local education authorities on the subject of grants in aid of educational expenditure; and are these discussions conducted through a formally constituted committee, or are they informal;

The Committee is a formally constituted Committee of representatives of local authorities and the Board. The Committee has not met recently, but its meetings will be resumed in due course. As at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not contemplate any announcement which would affect the estimates of local authorities for next year, nor does he know of any reason why a new date should be fixed for the submission of preliminary estimates. The system of programmes under which we are now working may possibly render unnecessary the submission of the "November forecasts" of local expenditure hitherto required by the Board, but unless they receive an intimation to this effect authorities will, presumably, submit these forecasts at the usual time.

Am I to understand from that that the same policy is to be followed in the forthcoming year and that there is to be no drastic change of policy?

I think the hon. Member will understand that it is quite impossible for me to anticipate any statement which my Noble Friend will make.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities have furnished the Board with programmes of educational work for three-year periods or for any other period; in how many cases have the Board approved of such schemes in their entirety; in how many cases has there been substantial approval except on points of detail; and in how many cases have the Board disapproved of items in such programmes?

Programmes covering three or more years have now been received from 312 authorities. In the case of 220 authorities my right hon. Friend has approved, in principle, the bulk of the proposals for capital outlay in the first year. In 56 of these cases individual items which appeared to be unsuitable or to require further consideration were excepted. In 62 cases no capital projects requiring his approval were provided for in the first year, and in nine cases the financial position of the authority has made it impossible for him to give an immediate approval to their proposals. The remaining 21 programmes are receiving oonsideration.

Will the Noble Lady explain what is meant by programmes of educational work? Does it mean work connected with teaching, or with financial expenditure?

It will cover any work which the local authorities are competent to undertake.

Does the reply mean, in effect, that in those districts where the financial position is bad the children who are unfortunate enough to have to live in them will have to suffer because of the financial position not being satisfactory to the Board?

It merely means that any new capital projects, any new capital expenditure, will have to be discussed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Conference of Extra-Metropolitan Local Education Authorities, comprising 25 representative authorities, expressed its strong objection to the general limiting standards for any part of the cost of education, as proposed in Circular 1388 of the Board of Education; and whether, in view of such overtures, he is prepared to amend the suggested procedure?

My right hon. Friend has now received copies of the resolutions of this conference. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend has nothing to add to his statement in the House on this subject on 24th March last.

asked the President of the Board of Education what local authorities undertake orthopedic treatment for children of school age; what authorities work in conjunction with voluntary agencies; and whether in all cases the Board defrays 50 per cent. of the cost to the authority?

About 175 local authorities make some provision for the orthopædic treatment of children of school age in their areas. Practically all these authorities work in conjunction with voluntary agencies. The Board pay 50 per cent. of the cost of all approved schemes.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it was on the representation of the Board that a reduction has taken place in the staff in elementary schools in West Sussex; and whether he is aware that in a number of schools assistant teachers are being removed, leaving the head teacher in sole charge of seven standards, covering children ranging from the ages of seven to 14?

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

May I ask what action the Board propose to take to compel this authority to act in accordance with the Regulations?

I think the Board are always prepared to take what action may he necessary to compel an authority to act in accordance with the Regulations.

Is the Noble Lady aware that there are hundreds of schools where the head teacher is responsible for all seven classes, the ages of the children in which range from five to 14, and that it is not correct to call that teaching?

I am not aware that that is the case in the area in question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether His Majesty's Government are intending to adopt the recommendations of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Public Libraries which has recently reported?

The Report is receiving consideration, but my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to announce any decision as regards its recommendations.

Will he be able to do so before the end of this part of the Session?

I will represent that to my right hon. Friend.

Will the Noble Lady see that librarians in all public libraries are provided with free copies of this Report?

I will represent that to my right hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any process of coal treatment developed to the point of commercial application at the experimental station is offered with full details of the process to anyone who cares to adopt such a process; and whether any charge is made for the details if so supplied?

No entirely new process of coal treatment has been developed at the Fuel Research Station to the point of commercial application. The general policy (subject to considerations of public interest) is to place the results of Government research at the disposal of all responsible persons or firms in this country engaged in the industry or industries concerned. The method of attaining this end including the question of charge may vary in different cases but in the case of many improvements to processes of coal treatment now worked on the large scale by gas undertakings in this country which have been suggested as the result of work at the Fuel Research Station, the results have been made generally available without charge. The hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that the general object of most fuel research as well as other research undertaken by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, is not so much to develop commercial processes as to provide fundamental data on which commercial processes can be developed by private enterprise.

Does the Noble Lady deny that data obtained by investigation in that Department is not of commercial value. This is rather an important question in view of the statement made by the Noble Lady when the subject of fuel research was discussed recently. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I want to ask how the statement of the Noble Lady can be made to coincide with the statement she made the other day Will she answer the question whether data obtained by investigation in the Department for which she is answering to-day becomes of commercial value outside?

Speech!

In a highly technical matter like this, I think it is only fair that notice should be given of the question.

I quite agree, but I put the question on the Paper, and it is not answered.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a further question on the Paper.

What is the use, if the question is not answered?

Order!

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that little progress has been made in carrying out the Coal Commission's recommendations to remedy the methods of production, distribution, and marketing prevailing in the coal industry, what steps the Government intends to take to accelerate those reforms which the Commissioners considered vitally necessary; and to what extent the recommendations of the departmental committee on co-operative selling, of last December, have been put into practice?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a question by the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. D. Graham) on the 5th April. As regards the last part, I believe that action on the lines recommended by the Committee is being actively discussed in several districts, but, so far as I know, no practical effect has yet been given to their recommendations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in dealing with this matter, endeavour to conceive it possible that those who are responsible for the conduct of the industry probably know more about how to run it than any politician?

That is rather like an argument.

Have not two Royal Commissions and one Departmental Committee strongly condemned the present ill-organised and chaotic condition of the coal industry?

I am not sure that the Noble Lord quite accurately describes the situation, but I know it would be a great mistake to butt in too soon.

While bowing respectfully to your ruling, Sir, may I submit that it does bear upon the question. The Government are being pressed by a lot of political busybodies to interfere, and I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will bear in mind the possibility that the people who conduct the industry have some knowledge as how to conduct it.

That is a repetition of the answer given by the Minister.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the steadily increasing poverty, suffering, and unemployment in the mining areas and to the discontent among the mining population owing to the failure of those responsible to take action to effect a remedy, and to the possibility of a new and grave crisis arising in the near future; whether the Government has considered this new situation; and what steps he proposes to take to meet the emergency?

I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government are aware of present conditions in the mining industry and are giving the matter their special consideration. I cannot say more than that at the moment.

When shall we have a reply from the Government as to what they are doing?

I think the hon. Member had better put down another question.

Are we to understand that the only effective work that is being done by the Government to deal with the crisis is to pass the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Bill?

No, the hon. Member would be entirely mistaken if he thought that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing the industry to work out its own difficulties itself?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while he is thinking about it there are thousands of miners and their wives and children who are starving?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any coal and, if so, how much coal was exported to the United States of America during the month of May; and whether any coal is being exported to the United States during the present month?

9,777 tons of British coal were registered as exported to the United States in May, 1927. British coal has also been shipped to that country during the current month, but particulars will not be available till after the end of the month.

May I ask whether there is any notable increase over the May figures in the month of June so far?

These figures will not be available yet, and I cannot compare them.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in schemes for the clearance of slum areas in poor parts of London, particularly the East End and the south side, provision is made not to rebuild on certin spaces, but to reserve them as playing-fields?

Schemes for the clearance of slum areas may provide for the reservation of part of a cleared area as an open space, and such provision has been made in some London schemes. It is usually found, however, in London, that the land is either too expensive or is required for carrying out the rehousing obligation under the scheme, owing to the lack of other suitable sites which could be used for such a purpose.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in nearly all schemes for slum clearances gardens are provided—that, for instance, in the Brady Street scheme a garden is provided?

I said so.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the annual report of the medical officer of health of the county borough of Bootle the Registrar-General's estimate of the population is used for the calculation of the death rate and birth rate, whilst a lower estimate is used in calculating the housing needs of the area, thereby minimising the housing shortage; and whether he will take steps to ensure that medical officers of health use an agreed population figure?

I find that, in the report in question, full attention is drawn to the difference between the Registrar General's estimate of population and that of the medical officer of health, and the report is, therefore, in no way misleading in this respect. I see no reason to take any special steps in the matter.

Is it not the fact that the death-rate percentages have been calculated upon the higher rate of population, while the housing needs have been estimated on the lower rate, and that, as a result, the requirements of something like 2,500 people have not been provided for; and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the dis- crepancy is so important that there ought to be an agreed figure?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this matter was fully discussed by the Bootle Town Council, and that ample reasons were given in the newspaper report—which the hon. Member for Edge Hill (Mr. Hayes) probably has not read—why there is a difference in the two calculations?

The real point is whether the report is so worded as to mislead anyone, and, as the circumstances are so fully explained in the report, I do not think it would be possible for anyone to be misled.

May I say that the reason why this question has been raised in the House is that the local Labour party, after having read the report, tried to get an explanation from the council, but failed to do so, and there was no alternative but to raise it here?

asked the Minister of Health how many and what rural district councils have been rejected by the Ministry as authorities to work the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, and for what reasons?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the 114 rural district councils whose applications to be declared local authorities under the Act in question have been rejected. The reason for refusing these applications were that the county councils propose to operate the Act.

Was that kind of refusal to rural district councils in the right hon. Gentleman's mind when he accepted an Amendment to the Bill during its passage through the House to enable these councils to become the authorities to work the Act?

My action, I think, is strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

asked the Minister of Health if he will name the 22 rural district councils to which, on 28th April last, approval had been given to carry out the Housing (Rural Workers) Act; and will he state what other councils have received similar approval from the Ministry?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the 70 rural district councils which have so far been declared local authorities under the Act in question.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to state what is the policy of the Government with regard to the continuance of rent restriction?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore Belisha) on Monday last.

In view of the widespread anxiety in connection with this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he will be able to make a statement in regard to it during this part of the Session?

Yes, I have already said so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses that have been condemned by the sanitary authority as unfit for human habitation in the Camlachie and Pollok Parliamentary divisions of Glasgow, respectively?

I am informed that a survey made pre-War by the sanitary authorities showed that 1,300 houses in the Camlachie Parliamentary division were unfit for habitation. Of these 750 have been included in three improvement schemes that have been made by the local authority under Part II of the Housing Act, leaving 550 houses still to be dealt with in that division. A recent survey of the housing conditions in the Pollok Parliamentary division showed that approximately 350 houses were unfit for habitation. Preliminary lists of these and other houses are being prepared as a first step in the preparation of a further improvement scheme.

In view of the large number of houses in this condition in the Camlachie division, will the Under-Secretary take steps to expedite the improvements so that there will be houses available for the people in this area?

In the hon. Member's division 750 houses have been dealt with, whereas the Pollok division has none, and any grievance that exists, therefore, is in the Pollok division.

In view of the fact that the problem is so much smaller in the Pollok division and that there is such a high death-rate of infants in the Camlachie division, will the Under-Secretary try to hurry up these improvements in order that some houses may be provided?

Who represents the Pollok division, where no houses have been built?

As the hon. Member well knows, the erection of houses is a matter for the local authority and not for this House, and neither the hon. Member nor any other hon. Member con claim credit or throw discredit. We are doing our best to accelerate the slum clearance houses, and, if we could have the whole-hearted co-operation of hon. Members opposite, we should get on much faster.

May I ask whether the information in this answer is supplied by the local authorities or whether the Department makes any independent inquiry?

It is an inquiry made by the sanitary authority, that is the local authority responsible.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the judgment of the House of Lords in the case of Harnett v. Fisher; and whether the Government will consider the introduction of legislation to prevent the recurrence of a similar situation?

My attention has been drarwn to this judgment, but I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on the 3rd May last year in regard to the issue raised in this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the wide feeling that exists, both in medical and in legal circles, as to this matter, as evidenced by the articles in the prominent organs of both those professions?

Nothing can be done in the matter without legislation.

asked the Minister of health whether the widow of a warrant officer who, since leaving the service, had been compulsorily insured would be treated as eligible for a widow's pension under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act in addition to the pension payable by the War Office?

The position under the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, is determined by the type of pension payable by the War Office, and, if the hon. Member will acquaint me with the particular case, I will have the position under the Act investigated.

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements have been made whereby a person in receipt of an old age pension in the Irish Free State would be eligible to draw an old age pension if he came to reside in this country?

A person in receipt of an old age pension in the Irish Free State cannot draw that pension if he comes to reside in this country, hut residence in Southern Ireland before the establishment of the Irish Free State is counted as residence in the United Kingdom for the purpose of qualifying for a non-contributory pension in this country under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1924.

Would the rate of pension which they enjoyed in this country be the same as that which they enjoy at present in the Irish Free State?

I should have to have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any reports from the officers of his Department to the effect that many cosmetics being sold at the present time are poisonous, and when applied to the skin may cause definite injury to health; and will he consider introducing legislation for the purpose of bringing the sale of cheap cosmetics, shampoo powders, lip sticks, and hair dyes under public control?

I have not received any such reports, and I have at present no reason for supposing that any action on my part is required.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had brought to his notice several cases in which poisoned faces have been caused by the use of these articles?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the conditions in which quantities of ice which may be used in drinking fluids are carted through the streets; and whether he will take powers to ensure cleanliness in the interests of public health?

I am advised that the risks to health arising from surface contamination of ice under the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers are not such as to call for the institution of special measures.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take powers to ensure that strawberries, and other soft fruit difficult to wash without damage, shall not be exposed to flies said the dust of the streets, but that some protective covering shall be used?

I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that the death of women at childbirth continues unabated; the number of such deaths during the last 10 years, indicating when the maternity benefit came into force; and what, in the opinion of his medical advisers, are the grounds for the absence of any diminution of this type of mortality?

asked the Minister of Health what local authorities undertake orthopedic treatment for children below school age; what authorities work in conjunction with voluntary agencies; and whether in all cases the Ministry defrays 50 per cent. of the cost to the authority?

The councils of 35 administrative counties, 36 county boroughs, and 58 other boroughs or urban districts in England and Wales have made arrangements for the orthopædic treatment of children below school age, and all of them except one work in conjunction with voluntary agencies as respects the whole or part of their arrangements. In all cases but one, in which the cost is