asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether in spite of the amount of deflation in the Indian currency of approximately £10,000,000 from 31st March to 15th June 1927, he can state the estimated amount it will still be necessary to deflate in the next three months so that the market rate of exchange will be nearer the official rate?

No, Sir. The action of the currency authority in regard to expansion or contraction of the currency depends in India, as elsewhere, on developments that cannot be predicted. It cannot, therefore, be assumed that there will necessarily be any further contraction of currency in India during the next three months.

Does my Noble Friend realise that the market rate has not reached the official rate up to the present time?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in 1925–26 India imported 738,224 tons of refined sugar as against 670,965 tons in the preceding year; and whether it is proposed to set up a sugar research institute with a view to expanding the production and refining of sugar in India in order to make India self-supporting in this direction?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A scheme for the establishment of a sugar research institute was laid before the Government of India some years ago. The Government of India intimated last year that they did not know when they would be in a position to give effect to the scheme, which involved a heavy outlay.

Is the Department here in touch with India, to see whether this matter is being proceeded with, even in face of the heavy outlay?

That is really a matter for the Government of India. The hon. Gentleman is probably not aware that a great deal is being done now to increase the production of sugar in India, and also to improve the quality of the sugar grown.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. V. S. Subramaniya Iyer was at the Mandapam health resort refused permission by the station master to occupy part of one of the two bungalaws at that place, in spite of the fact that advertisements were displayed asking the public to travel to that health centre at cheap return rates; that Mr. Iyer was informed that the bungalows were meant only for Europeans and Americans and were not available for Indians; and whether any steps are being taken, or are contemplated, to deal with this racial discrimination?

I have no information as to the occurrence of any such incident.

Will the Noble Lord make some inquiry regarding this discrimination?

No, Sir; it is not a matter for the Secretary of State, but is purely a matter, if it occurs, for the local authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if his Department is in possession of the name of the terrorist organisation with which the prisoners detained under the Bengal Criminal Ordinance Act and Regulation 111 of 1818 are said to have been connected?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Bengal Gaols Inquiry Committee recommended that the political prisoners should be removed from gaols altogether; and whether it is proposed that separate gaols should be constructed for them, or what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

The Committee recommended, from the point of view of their inquiry, that detenus should be removed from gaols altogether, though they specified other alternative arrangements. The interval since their Report was made has been too short to enable me to say what action is proposed to be taken.

Is my Noble Friend aware that in the same Report it is stated that these political prisoners are allowed to play badminton and tennis, and enjoy amenities that are not granted to other prisoners, and has not such special treatment a very demoralising effect on the other prisoners?

I am aware that the Committee reported that the conditions under which these detenus are kept in ordinary gaols are demoralising to the other prisoners, and for that reason they recommended that they should be removed elsewhere.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any steps have been taken, or are in contemplation, to carry out the resolution moved in the Council of State in 1922 by Sir P. C. Sethna, and accepted by the Government of India, regarding the Indianisation of the higher grades of the Port Trust Service?

My Noble Friend has no information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to abolish the Army clothing department at Madras and to hand the work over to private contractors; and whether he will ascertain the reason for the wholesale dismissals from that department at the beginning of June?

The Administration Report of the Ordnance and Clothing Factories for 1924–1925 contained a recommendation that the clothing factory at Madras should be closed. I am not aware that wholesale dismissals have taken place, but if the hon. Member wishes I will make inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give particulars of the representations made to the Government of India by the All-India Postal Union, Madras Circle; whether he will state the present starting pay of postmen, overseers, sorters, head postmen, and departmental branch postmasters, and the leave and pension rules applicable to the men in the lower grades of the postal services; and whether the Government of India intend to introduce a uniform scale of pay for postmen for the whole of India, and Burma, with suitable local allowances?

No, Sir. The conditions of service of these grades are within the discretion of the Government of India, and my Noble Friend is not disposed to call for any report on the matter from them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when it is anticipated that the new India, House in London will be completed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 9th May to the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly).

Has work been started on this building?

The hon. Member asks in his question when the work will be finished. That question I answered on the 9th May.

Can the Noble Lord say whether work has been started?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down another question as to that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the desire in India for the creation of an Indian Mercantile Marine; whether the Government of India and the Secretary of State have considered the Report of the Mercantile Marine Committee; and whether it is proposed to take any action on that Report?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. It has been decided to establish a training ship at Karachi. The training ship is expected to be in working order in September next.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the net profits from the working of forest departments in India in 1924–25 was Rs.21,400,000, showing a yield from forests of about 2 annas per acre; that about one-fifth of British India, approximating to 250,000 square miles, is covered by forests, but of this only about 100,000 square miles are under intensive management; that it has been calculated that if by proper development the yield was increased, as it can be to Rs.3 per acre the total income would amount to about Rs.400,000,000 per annum; and, in view of the fact that, with the exception of Bombay and Burma, forests are a reserved subject, any steps are being taken, or are proposed to be taken, to develop this source of income for India?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The calculation in the third part of the question has been brought to my notice before. The steps that have been and are being taken to develop this source of revenue for India are described on pages 261 to 265 of the Report on the Moral and Material Progress of India during 1925–26. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the progress in forest development is necessarily slow and the authorities who look forward to a revenue of Rs.400,000,000 no doubt recognise that many years' work will be required before this result can be attained. The revenue has nearly doubled since 1913–14.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make regarding the unrest in the Khyber Pass district?

The only tribal unrest in the neighbourhood of the Khyber Pass calling for any special notice recently has been in the Mohmand country, where early in June a force of hostile Mohmands attacked clans friendly to Government and threatened an incursion into British India. The Government of India took defensive measures in the shape of bombing operations, which were entirely successful in dispersing the hostile tribesmen, and it was reported a day or two later that the situation was now practically normal. No importance other than local is attached to the disturbances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what concession has been granted to private companies to operate commercial aircraft in the Crown Colonies?

No private company has at present any concession for operating commercial aircraft in any non-self-governing Colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sum has been allotted from the £1,000,000 grant to the Empire Marketing Board to the marketing of British barley?

No grant has been specifically made in regard to the marketing of British barley, but I am informed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is conducting an investigation into the marketing of cereals, as part of the work now being carried out with the aid of the grant of £40,000 a year which has been made to the Ministry by the Empire Marketing Board.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the British grower of barley is the hardest hit of almost any arable producer, and will he do what he can to assist him to find fresh markets, if possible?

I think that if my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question of that kind to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries it will be easier. The Marketing Board only make grants when the matter is put up to them through the appropriate Department. Any case for the improvement of the marketing of a particular home product would come to us through the Ministry of Agriculture.

Is it the policy of the Board to make specific grants for specific commodities, or is it merely general?

In the main, it is general.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in connection with the grant of £1,000,000 to the Empire Marketing Board, what sum has been allocated to protect the interests of home producers in England and the direction in which this sum is being spent; and how much money has been allocated for the assistance or fostering of British deep-sea fishing?

A grant of £40,000 per annum has been made available from the Empire Marketing Fund for the improvement and development of the marketing of home agricultural products in England and Wales. This grant is being administered on behalf of the Board by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Ministry's programme of work includes the investigation of marketing conditions, the publication of reports on marketing, and the practical demonstration of improved methods of packing, grading, etc. Demonstrations on these lines are being given in the present summer at a number of agricultural shows in various parts of the country. The Ministry has also made grants for such purposes as the standardisation of cheese and the development of grading and packing stations for fruit and vegetables. With regard to the last part of the question, the Board has undertaken to contribute a sum not exceeding £1,500 during the current year towards the cost of experiments carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research into the long-distance transport of fish. The Imperial Economic Committee is at present investigating fishery problems, and the Board awaits the issue of its Report and recommendations before making any further grants.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that £1,500 is a suitable amount, out of £1,000,000, for one of our great industries, namely, deep-sea fishing?

Oh no, I do not wish to be taken as saying that at all. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the Board, before doing anything in this matter, must be advised by the Imperial Economic Committee. The Imperial Economic Committee has in hand an ad hoc investigation into Empire fish as a whole—Canadian fish, British fish, and all the rest; and when we get their Report as to what assistance can best be given, and all the data, we shall be in a position to consider what grant may be desirable.

Will any part of this grant be spent in Scotland?

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research covers the whole of Great Britain. This is a question more particularly in regard to the long-distance transport of fish, which is a very difficult problem, and, if it is solved in the case of England, it will be solved in the case of Scotland.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to see that the same amount of money is spent in advertising British products as in advertising Colonial products, as the money is found by the British taxpayer?

From the very first the Empire Marketing Board has made it clear that Great Britain is within the Empire.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a definition of what is Empire fish, as distinct from other fish?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the advertisement hoardings of the Empire Marketing Board have been placed in parks, commons and, open spaces in London; that these boards spoil the appearance of these green places and interfere with the enjoyment of them; and whether he will take steps to have them removed to more suitable sites?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I should like to take this opportunity of saying how grateful I am to my Nobs Friend the First Commissioner of Works and the various local authorities who have assisted the Empire Marketing Board by giving permission for the display, of their posters where ordinary advertisements would not be allowed. In reply to the second and third parts of the question, I believe the House will agree with me, that the display, on special designed frames, of these posters by loading British artists, does not spoil the appearance or interfere with the enjoyment of the open spaces where they are exhibited. No site of this description is selected in any part of the country without the fullest consultation with and the prior concurrence of the authority within whose jurisdiction the site lies. But I need hardly add that if in any case it is found that there exists a substantial and well-founded complaint that any of the Board's special hoardings are interfering with the public enjoyment, the matter will be very carefully considered and steps taken to secure an alternative site.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these boards has been put in the middle of Clapton Common?

I shall be very glad to receive any representations from the Clapton authorities in the matter.

How many of these boards are put up?

I think about 500 are up and altogether there are to be 700.

Does the right hon. Gentleman I know that what is everybody's business is nobody's business, and he is not likely to get complaints though the public eye a may be offended?

We make it perfectly clear before any of these boards are put up that the local authority who is responsible for what should or should not be accepted in any open space is consulted and its concurrence obtained.

Is it not a fact that these designs are artistic and have created the greatest interest wherever they have been put up?

We are not only encouraging marketing, but also employing first-rate British artists.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade. Department the amount of brandy produced during each of the last five years in Palestine, Australia and the Union of South Africa; and whether these countries impose any restrictions as to maturity before brandy can be exported?

I have been asked to answer this question. I regret that the information at my disposal does not enable me to state the amount of brandy produced in the countries in question but only the amount of locally produced brandy exported from those countries. I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In reply to the last part of the question, Section 12 of the Spirits Act, 1906, of the Commonwealth of Australia provides that no spirits distilled in Australia may be delivered from the control of the Customs unless they have been matured in wood for a period of not less than two years. In the Union of South Africa a maturity of three years is required by Customs regulation. I regret that I have no information as to the provisions, if any, which are in force on this point in Palestine. Cyprus is also a brandy-producing country.

Does this Empire Marketing Board propose to ask people to drink Empire brandy, and, if so, can they-guarantee its quality?

The Empire Marketing Board does not aim at advertising specific commodities but, generally speaking, it would be to the advantage of this country and of our oversea possessions if people would consume British Empire wines, and brandy would be included under that heading.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware whether Empire brandy is sold in the bars of the House of Commons?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the proportion of the total import and export trade of each of His Majesty's Dominions which was done with the United Kingdom in each of the last three fiscal years?

The answer consists of a tabular statement of figures. Perhaps the hon. Member will, therefore, agree to its circulation in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will have prepared a statement showing how far the policy of Great Britain is in harmony with the findings of the Economic Conference?

I think it is well known to the House that British policy and practice in matters of commerce is in general accord with the recommendations of the Economic Conference. Those recommendations fall broadly under the following heads:

Will the hon. Member consider the issue of the statement in parallel columns of the final recommendations of the Economic Conference and the statement that he has now given in rather general form, for more precise use?

The recommendations of this Conference are so many and so important that I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not press for any definite or immediate reply, because replies might be given which might have to be qualified afterwards and they might put my right hon. Friend into the position of having said something about which he has not had full time for consideration.

Will the hon. Member press on the Government the importance, at a time when all the European nations are tending more towards a policy of freedom of trade, that the Government's policy should not be directed in the opposite direction?

Will the hon. Member, when he is considering the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Swansea (Mr. Runciman) for information in parallel columns, also give us the list of the 5,000 articles which at present are taxed for protective purposes?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which parts of the Empire have now passed reciprocal legislation in connection with the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920; and whether those parts of the Empire which have not yet passed such legislation have announced their intention of doing so in the near future?

Legislation reciprocal to the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920, has been passed throughout Australia, in New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, in all the Colonies not possessing responsible Government and in all British Protectorates. In Canada the question of such legislation is one which falls within the jurisdiction of the several Provinces, and it is understood that the Provincial Governments are not at present prepared to take steps for the passage of such legislation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Provincial Governments of Canada as to the great hardship this country is suffering from the failure to pass the necessary legislation?

We cannot make representations direct to the Provincial Governments, of course, but the matter is under the consideration of the Dominion Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a definite agreement has been arrived at in connection with the control and working of Kilindini Harbour; and when a copy of that agreement will be published?

The heads of the agreement were published in the Press on 11th May. I will place a copy of the agreement itself in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received representations urging him to agree to the surrender by the natives of Southern Rhodesia of the right which they possess under Article 43 of the Constitution to purchase land in Southern Rhodesia upon the same terms as the white settlers; and whether he will give an assurance that in the event of the constitutional right being surrendered a much larger area than the suggested allotment of 8,000,000 acres for purchase by the natives shall be set aside in order to see that adequate provision is made for the future development of the native people?

My right hon. Friend is not in a position to add anything to the reply made to the hon. Member on 26th May except that he understands the Southern Rhodesia Legislative Assembly have now adopted a resolution approving generally the principles of the Report of the Land Commission with the exception of the recommendation relating to so-called "neutral areas."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will now make any further statement as to the method of working the licence system under the French embargo scheme affecting imported coal, or whether there is any prospect of the abolition of the scheme?

Our Ambassador has been informed by the French Government that restrictions are now only being applied to coal required for administrative and public services, i.e., Government Departments, railways, gas and electrical works. The amount of reduction effected is 250,000 tons per month and is being applied to coal from all sources. Licences for the importation of coal from this country for the first three months of the operation of the restrictions have now been issued to an amount exceeding 3,000,000 tons. The French Government are not yet in a position to state for how long the restrictions will be maintained.

How recent is the hon. Gentleman's information, and what are all the sources?

We received a telegram from His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris this morning, therefore the information is up-to-date. What I meant by all sources is this. The reduction referred to in the reply includes coal from German trade sources and, I believe, from German Reparation sources.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether it is proposed to remove the painting depicting the Unknown Warrior's Grave from St. Stephen's Hall; and, if so, whether it will be placed in some other part of the House of Commons where it would be of ready access to the public view?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that it is proposed to move the picture of the Burial of the Unknown Warrior into the King's Robing Room and place it so as to hide a very beautiful piece of tapestry; and whether, if it is necessary to move the picture at all, he will take steps to have it placed in a position to which the public has more easy access.

The picture in question will, with the consent of the Lord Great Chamberlain, be placed for the time being in the King's Robing Room, in a position where it will not affect the tapestry. The decision to place the picture in the Robing Room, which is the first apartment on the line of route followed by visitors to the Houses of Parliament, was reached after very careful consideration, and my right hon. Friend is unaware of any more suitable position.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this room is not open to the public at all when the House is not sitting, and is only open to those who go round with Members of the House, and that no one will have a chance of seeing the picture at all?

My hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken. The Robing Room is open on Saturdays for visitors without Members being present.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the removal of this picture from St. Stephen's Hall is very unpopular?

It would not fit in with the scheme of pictures in St. Stephen's Hall, which are to be unveiled on Tuesday, and that is the only reason it had to be removed. It is out of no feeling of disrespect to the artist or the donor or anyone connected with the picture. We are trying to find the best alternative position.

I would like to ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman not to take the decision to place the picture in the King's Robing Room as a definite decision, for I heard many adverse comments this morning when showing parties round, the feeling being that such a national picture deserves a more suitable place.

I was very careful in my answer to say that the picture would only be in the Robing Room for the time being. If any hon. Member has any suggestions to make as to a better position for this picture, my right hon. Friend will be prepared very carefully to consider such suggestions.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think a permanent place in Westminster Hall would afford the greatest access to the public to view the picture, and that it would not interfere with any scheme of decorations at all in the building?

That position has been suggested to my right hon. Friend. The only drawback I can think of at the moment is that Westminster Hall is not heated, and it is possible that the picture might in consequence be damaged, but that alternative position will be taken into consideration.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say who has the final say in the removal of any gifts by Members of this House to any other section of the Palace at Westminster?

In my reply I said that with the consent of the Lord Great Chamberlain it had been placed in the present position. There are several people who always are consulted in connection with the position of the pictures, but I think I am right in saying that the Lord Great Chamberlain is primarily responsible.

Is the picture depicting the Speaker being held down in the Chair opposite where the Speaker's Chair used to stand to be replaced again?

No, Sir. That picture is now in Committee Room No. 14.

That is a downright shame!

Again, I understand there is a probability of Room No. 14 being placed in the grand tour of the Houses of Parliament.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this picture is of much more interest to the public than most of the pictures are, and will he not consider putting it in the place of some other pictures, even if it does not match the decorations?

I am afraid it is too late to do anything in relation to the present scheme in St. Stephen's entrance—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—but from the point of view of prominence, perhaps it would satisfy the House if it were placed in Westminster Hall. That position will certainly receive consideration.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say why these removals were made without any consultations with Members of the House?

I do not think it is necessary to ask permission of Members of the House, but I may add that their wishes will be given every possible consideration.

Is there any Committee of Members of the House of all parties to consider the removal of any pictures from one part of the House to another?

No, Sir, not at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as there is no Minister responsible to the House of Commons for the actions of Queen Anne's Bounty with respect to the administration of the Tithe Act, 1925, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation for this purpose?

The Tithe Act, 1925, entrusted to Queen Anne's Bounty certain duties in regard to the collection and ultimate redemption of ecclesiastical tithe rentcharge. The Bounty have for many years past dealt with redemption and allied questions affecting such tithe rentcharge, and I see no reason why their administration in regard to matters which are domestic to the Church should be subject to constant review in this House. I am not prepared, therefore, to introduce legislation of the kind indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is it a fact that a very large number of tithepayers are now brought in under the control of Queen Anne's Bounty under the new assessment who never were so closely connected with Queen Anne's Bounty before, and should they not have some right of redress if anything goes wrong?

That is true, but Parliament was no doubt aware of the large area to which Queen Anne's Bounty was to be applied, and I think my hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that at first, when the change over takes place, a certain amount of inconvenience is inevitable, and as there may be a special distribution in July, Queen Anne's Bounty are doing all they can to mitigate the loss.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average price of fat cattle and sheep in our principal markets last week, six months ago, and a year ago?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the desired particulars.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average retail price of beef and mutton in our principal towns last week, six months ago, and a year ago?

I have been asked to reply. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what foreign agricultural products have been considered for marking by the Committee set up under the Merchandise Marks Act; when will this Committee report on these products; and whether he can give producers of British eggs any idea as to the date when unmarked foreign eggs will be prohibited from coming into this country?

Four applications in respect of currants, raisins and sultanas; eggs; meat, including bacon and ham; and honey have already been submitted to the Committee. The case of imported oatmeal is also under consideration. I regret that it is not possible for me to give the dates on which the Reports of the Committee may be expected. As regards the last part of the question, I am unable to pre-judge the recommendations of the Committee.

asked the Minister of, Agriculture what funds the Crown Lands Office has at present at its disposal; what is the capital value of the present investments held by the office and the approximate annual income from these investments; what is the acreage of the land now administered by the office; how much has been bought and sold, respectively, during the last five years; and the total amounts realised and expended on the sale or purchase of land?

The cash value of the securities held by the Commissioners of Crown Lands is £2,457,193; and the approximate annual income therefrom is £115,699. Exclusive of copyholds, held of the Crown, foreshores and areas in which the Crown owns the minerals but not the surface, the landed property extends to 226,000 acres, of which 108,000 acres are agricultural land, 6,500 acres are under timber and 81,800 acres of unenclosed wastes are subject to common rights. During the last five years about 9,900 acres of land have been sold, producing £458,000; and about 7,300 acres have been purchased at a cost of £356,000.

In view of these very large sums at the right hon. Gentleman's disposal and the very heavy transactions which have taken place, would he consider the purchasing of 50 acres of land near Stonehenge which are threatened with building operations?

That matter does not come within this question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state, with regard to the 2,403 employers' associations concerned with labour matters, whether these associations exist for regulating the relations between workmen and masters, or between masters and masters, or for improving conditions, or the conduct of any trade or business, or for what purpose they exist, and in what way and for what purpose the Ministry come in contact with them; and whether, in regard to the 100 principal associations, he can give the same information regarding membership, income, expenditure, and funds as is given in the Eighteenth Abstract of Labour Statistics in regard to 100 principal trade unions?

The employers' associations enumerated in the Ministry of Labour's Directory of Employers' Associations, Trade Unions, etc., are those which are known by the Department to concern themselves in some way with matters relating the employment of labour. The Ministry of Labour comes into contact with many of them in the conduct of Departmental business, for example, in connection with negotiations and the collection of statistical and other information as to conditions of labour. I am unable to give the information asked for as to the membership and finances of these associations. Such of them as are registered trade unions are included in the Annual Report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what was the character of the negotiations which took place?

Negotiations generally in which we assist in the settlement of disputes. We obtain statistical and other information of the kind indicated in the question, where we can, in order to place them in our records.

Can the hon. Gentleman say who is the authority who decides whether or not these associations are trade unions, registered or unregistered.

I cannot answer that question without notice, but any registered association under the Friendly Societies Act must comply with the rules laid down by the Registrar.

I am not asking that. Who is the authority who decides whether they are trade unions, registered or unregistered?

That question, again, I cannot answer without notice.

What is the authority that decides whether or not they are trade unions? I ask for the purpose of information.

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to put that down in the form of another question.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that cases have arisen where ex-service men of 100 per cent. disability pension have subsequently died from a disease not attributable to service and, as they were unemployable and uninsurable, the widows and orphans are not eligible for benefit under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925; and whether he will consider bringing such cases within the Act of 1925?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend of the special provisions which were inserted in the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, to enable ex-service men to secure the benefits of the scheme. One of these provisions had the effect of giving to those who had served for not less than 104 weeks in the late War the necessary qualifications for becoming voluntary contributors under the Act, if they were not required to be insured thereunder, while another was designed to facilitate payment of the contributions of voluntary contributors who were in receipt of war pensions. My right hon. Friend is afraid that no further concession is possible.

asked the Minister of Health what number of local authorities have decided to put the Housing (Rural Workers) Act into operation?

Proposals have so far been submitted by 38 county councils and seven other local authorities under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, and others have schemes under consideration, but have not yet actually submitted proposals.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses erected by county councils for their employés in each year from 1920 to 1926, inclusive?

With the consent of the hon. Member, my right hon. Friend will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT, giving the information desired.

asked the Minister of Health the average rent at which houses in agricultural parishes under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, are let; and the number of land workers who have obtained houses under that Act?

Statistics are not available giving the information desired by the hon. Member. I would point out, however, that houses erected under the 1924 Housing Act have to comply with the conditions as to rentals prescribed by the Act.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform me of the approximate average?

No, Sir. I think the hon. Gentleman will find that that question—perhaps I can send the reply to him as it gives some examples—was answered a few weeks ago.

is it not a fact that a rent of 7s. a week, plus rates, has usually been asked?

I would not care to commit myself to a general statement of that kind, but there are instances that have already been furnished to Members of the House.

asked the Minister of Health what is the average amount of cement used in the building of a subsidy house; how much foreign cement has been used during the 12 months ending May in the building of subsidy houses; how much cheaper per ton is the foreign cement compared with Scotch manufactured cement; and will he consider the advisability of withholding the subsidy where foreign cement is used?

It is estimated that, on an average, about 2½ tons of cement would be required in the construction or a brick subsidy house, in cases where cement is used. I have no information as to the quantity of foreign cement used in the building of subsidy houses. According to recent quotations in Glasgow, the price of Scottish cement (blast furnace) was 47s. 6d. per ton, as compared with 47s. for foreign cement. As regards the last part of the question, Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, provides that, in approving proposals for the construction of houses, the Minister of Health shall not impose any conditions which would prevent the materials required being puchased in the cheapest market at home or abroad. My right hon. Friend has, therefore, no power to carry out the suggestion of the hon. Member, but the Government have urged local authorities to arrange that all contracts for or incidental to works carried out by them should, in the absence of special circumstances, be placed in this country.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is not a fact that a great deal of foreign cement is used in these houses?

No, Sir; I cannot say that.

Are not these houses quite expensive enough without adding to their cost by insisting on British-made materials?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the joint committee of the Industrial Conference of 1919 expressed the opinion that child labour was bad in principle and tended in practice to decrease the chances of adult employment, and that, consequently, the age at which a child should enter employment should be raised; and whether, in view of these expressions, it is proposed to take any general action to give effect to the unanimous recommendation of the conference.

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the recommendation to which the hon. Member refers. Since 1919 the employment of child labour has been further restricted under Statute, and in particular by the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, 1920. The question of what action should be taken in the future is largely bound up with that of the school-leaving age in regard to which I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my Noble Friend the President of the Board of Education on the 16th June, 1927, to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. R. Richardson).

Will that mean, as far as the Government are concerned, leaving the applications entirely to the local authorities who desire to put it into operation, and that nothing further is contemplated?

I think that question should be addressed to the President of the Board of Education. If the hon. Member looks at the very long answer which he gave on the 16th June, he will see that he dealt with it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that 2,500 men employed at six collieries in Glamorganshire have received 14 days' notice to terminate their agreements; and will he ascertain from the firm concerned whether any steps can be taken to avert these discharges?

I have seen a statement to this effect in the Press, but I understand on inquiry from the company concerned that they still hope, if the state of trade permits, to continue working on day-to-day contracts after the notices have expired.

In view of the fact that these six collieries belong to Baldwin's, Limited, cannot the hon. Member ask the Prime Minister whether he can use his influence—

Order!

Has this anything to do with the French embargo?

Yes, Sir. It is attributed partly to the French embargo and partly to the depression in the iron and steel trade.

Is it not a fact that men are getting notices like these throughout the length and breadth of the land, including the best districts such as South Yorkshire?

Not for the same reason.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the proprietors of these collieries trying to work on the one-shift system, instead of two shifts, which we find in some parts of the country is the best way of keeping the men together?

Hon. Members can rely upon the Government doing the best they can at the moment.

Is the Government's "best" likely to be no better than it was last year?

Is it not a fact that a great many new coal sources were opened up on the Continent last year on account of the coal strike which have not yet been shut down and that that is responsible for a good deal of the trouble?