asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total quantity of wheat flour imported into this country in 1926; what was the export of by-products from flour mills in Great Britain as the result of milling the grain; and what proportion of these by-products is estimated were the result of milling wheat grown in this country?

The imports of wheat meal and flour in 1926 amounted to 533, 000 tons, and the exports of bran, pollard, sharps and middlings to 60, 250 tons. I am unable to estimate what proportion of these exports was produced from home-grown wheat.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, if, in the light of the latest available facts as to the export of milling offals, his advisers confirm the Report of the Linlithgow Committee, 1923, that an export duty would not benefit British agriculture?

The facts regarding the imports and exports of milling offals are not substantially different from what they were at the time of the Report of the Linlithgow Committee. I see no reason to differ from the views expressed by the Committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is advised of any substantial increase in the net imports of wheat flour in recent years, taking Great Britain only and allowing for exports to Ireland and elsewhere; and whether he has considered the probable effect upon British agriculture and the milling industry of duties upon these imports on the lines of proposals made to him by agricultural bodies?

I regret that there are no figures as to the retained imports of wheat meal and flour in Great Britain alone. Such figures as are available of retained imports in Great Britain and Ireland do not by any means indicate an increase in recent years in such imports, though it is true that there was a substantial increase in 1926 over 1925, in which year, however, imports were exceptionally low. The imposition of a duty would be contrary to the Prime Minister's pledge at the last General Election.

Quite apart from that pledge, can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this would have the effect contemplated in the report of the Commission which considered the matter?

I think it would have very undesirable effects in many respects, because, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Dominions are greatly interested in this export to this country, and I think they would feel it very strongly if we interfered with the natural course of trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of flour mills with a capacity of more than 50 tons output per day, and what proportion of these mills are established at various ports; how these figures compare with similar figures in 1907; what is the annual consumption of flour within the United Kingdom for the last year for which figures are available; and how does that calculation compare with 20 years ago?

There were 80 mills including 68 at ports, whose average daily production of flour in 1924 was 50 tons or more. In 1907 the number of mills whose output exceeded the limit of 50 tons was about 55. The amount of wheat flour, ground in the United Kingdom or imported, which was available for consumption in the British Isles in 1907 was approximately 4, 500, 000 tons, and the amount available in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1924 was substantially the same. These figures do not include any stocks carried forward from the preceding year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average wage paid to ordinary agricultural labourers in Scotland on one or more dates in each year since 1913, both for men and for women?

As the answer includes a tabular statement I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many smallholders have purchased their holdings since the War?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member is not available.

Is there any chance that the right hon. Gentleman will be able to get that information?

I should be glad to discuss it with the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but I think it will probably be difficult to get it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of smallholders in the County of Durham; the average size of each holding; the number of applications for such received each year since 1918; the number refused; and the average amount received in rent per acre for the years 1918 and 1926, respectively?

I assume that the question refers to statutory small holdings. As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the total sums that have been spent on land drainage in Scotland by the State and by private individuals assisted by the State, respectively, in each year since 1919?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many credit societies have been formed in each county in Scotland; and how many farmers in Scotland have received loans under the Agricultural Credits Act of 1923?

Three agricultural credit societies were formed in Scotland under Section 2 of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, one in Ross-shire, one in Renfrewshire and one in Kincardineshire. It is understood that the last-mentioned society has made loans to 20 members, but that no loans have been made by the other two societies. Up to 31st March, 1927, 160 loans amounting to a total of £544, 064, were made to Scottish farmers by the Public Works Loan Commissioners under Section 1 of the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of typewriters used at the headquarters of his Department, giving the country of origin of these machines?

The number of typewriters referred to is 381. 379 were manufactured in the United States, one in the United Kingdom and one in Canada. As explained by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Government Departments are using up foreign typewriters purchased during the War.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said that many typewriters have been purchased since 1918, and how does he make these figures consistent with the policy of "Buy British Goods"?

The position is this, that an enormous number of foreign typewriters were bought during the War, enough, I believe, to last the Department for another two years owing to the great economy in the reduction of staffs. But, in future, as new typewriters are required, every effort is made, under the present dispensation, to buy British typewriters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only last week the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said that a considerable number of foreign typewriters have been purchased since 1918?

Yes, but my Department is so economical that they go on using the old ones until they are worn out.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that certain technical employés in the Air Ministry who were placed under terminal notice were sub- sequently requested or advised to resign their appointments; and whether he will state the reason for this request?

I am aware of only one instance of the nature described. In that case the officer, while under notice, applied for an appointment in another Government Department and asked that, in the event of his obtaining this, the notice should be withdrawn. Solely with a view to meeting his wishes he was informed that, in the event in question, his resignation could be accepted.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why it is proposed to hold an open competitive examination in the autumn for recruitment to the writing assistant class, in view of the fact that the Government announced that their policy was to restrict new entrants to the Civil Service; and whether he is prepared to postpone such examination so long as there are ex-Service civil servants on the substitution pool?

In reply to the first half of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Richmond (Sir Newton Moore) on 26th April last. With regard to the latter half of the question, it is essential in the public interest that appointments to the established Civil Service should be made from time to time by open competition, and I am not prepared to accept the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that there is considerable overcrowding in the tax office at Bath; that the area of space per member of the staff is 43 square feet on the first floor and 22 square feet on the second floor; and whether, seeing that there were 187 days of sick leave during the 12 months ending February, 1927, he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to providing adequate accommodation?

I have been asked to reply to the question on behalf of the First Commissioner of Works. The First Commissioner is aware that the tax offices at Bath are congested; a scheme is now under consideration whereby additional accommodation will be afforded.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when a decision will be arrived at?

At a very early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what precautionary measures are taken to prevent foreign countries shipping cereals, to which vermin infected with disease have access, on steamers loading for this country?

I have been asked to reply. In the case of foreign countries which have ratified the International Sanitary Convention of 1912, the port sanitary authorities of plague-infected ports are required to take effectual measures to prevent rats gaining access to ships.

If such be the case, how does it come about that in the last few weeks nine ships infected with rats suffering from bubonic plague have arrived in the Port of London?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Is not this another case where it is far better to use British goods of all kinds?

Is the hon. Member fully aware of the danger of the dead bodies of the vermin being carried on the belt of the grain elevator and being wound up with the wheat for public consumption, and will he take the necessary steps to prevent such a calamity?

I would not like to assent to that. As the hon. Member knows, many precautions are taken which, I hope, are effective.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the steamship "Biela" and the steamship "Isapo," now in the Port of London with a cargo of grain have been certified by the Port Sanitary Authority to be suspect of containing vermin infected with bubonic plague; what steps he proposes to take to prevent the spread of infection; is he aware that three ships, the steamship "King Frederick," the steamship "Rossetti," and the steamship "St. Holdsworth," now in the port are suspect of carrying vermin infected with bubonic plague; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent steamers from entering the river or docks of the Port of London without examination, and to cause them, if discovered to be infected, to be placed under quarantine, and have all necessary precautions been taken to prevent the carrying of the disease into the port?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. As regards the second part, as the hon. Member is aware, the Port Sanitary Authority are responsible for the measures taken to prevent the spread of infection, and all necessary measures appear to have been taken in the case of the two ships mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the fourth part, I am informed that all vessels from South American ports bound for the Port of London are boarded at Gravesend, and that vessels from these ports carrying grain are at present receiving special attention. I think the hon. Member may rest assured that the Port Sanitary Authority will take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

My difficulty is that this question comes under three separate Departments, the Home Office, the Ministry of Health, and the Board of Trade. Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether, in fact the Home Office have issued a clean bill of health in regard to any of these ships?

I am afraid I cannot reply for the Home Office.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the risk of infection does not reside in the dead carcases of the rats which, after fumigation, are sucked up in the suckers and distributed to the various parts of London, and ultimately sold as bread mostly to poor people?

I hope that is not the case, and I can assure the hon. Member that precautions are taken.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman what precautions are taken with regard to the health of the people working the ship?

If the hon. Member will put that question down on the Paper, I will give him an answer. It is an entirely different question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that, apart from the medical officers' reports, he is safeguarding the people in the areas in the East End from this plague being carried ashore? If this plague is carried ashore in the East End, you will not be able to stop it. We know what has happened before, and there is great danger if this plague gets into the port.

I can understand the natural apprehension arising with regard to the facts governing this question, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that every step which is possible is being promptly and, I believe, efficiently taken.

Is it not possible, in view of the very serious danger with all grain on delivery after it is taken on the belt and put into the hopper and emptied into the bags, carefully to examine the grain before it goes into the bags to see that none of these dead bodies are mixed up with the grain?

I think the hon. Member may rely upon it that his suggestion will be considered. I do not think any unnecessary apprehension need arise on this matter, because I believe effectual steps are being taken to deal with the situation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any further proposals are to be made by his Department with regard to the pollution of the seas by the discharge of oil from ships?

Measures were proposed by the International Conference of last year, and these have already been adopted voluntarily by the shipowners of this and of some other countries. His Majesty's Government are doing what they can to expedite the general adoption of these provisions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of the decease of an acting warrant officer, his widow would be eligible for pension due to the widows of warrant officers?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the award of pensions under the post-War Regulations. Under these Regulations the widow of an acting warrant officer is not eligible for a pension from Army funds, unless her husband's death was attributable to service, in which case she would be considered for a pension based on the substantive rank of her husband.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the sum paid on War Office account for meat, eggs, and dairy produce annually; and what proportion of such produce comes from foreign countries through the medium of British firms?

The only figures readily available are for War Office Headquarter purchases, and (in the case of meat) Home Command contracts. For the three years 1924–26, the average annual payments, including those for the requirements of the Air Ministry and of the Admiralty for the Mediterranean, totalled about £1, 030, 000, and the average proportion of foreign produce is estimated at 12¾ per cent. of which more than two-thirds is accounted for by the purchase of American bacon.

asked the Secretary of State for War the numbers of personnel in the Army in August, 1914, and July, 1927, the numbers of the administrative staff at the War Office in August, 1914 and 1927; and whether he can give the numbers of officers and men now serving in the Tank Corps?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the War Office to acquire land at or near Elstead for the purpose of military training; whether it is the intention to preserve all existing public rights in the commons there; and whether every possible step will be taken to preserve the natural amenities of these commons for public enjoyment?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of members of the Chinese defence force that have died in China this year; the disabilities which were the cause of death; and the number of cases accepted as due to service in which the widows or other dependants have been granted pensions

I have had the information drawn up in tabular form and will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the "OFFICIAL REPORT." The figures are those included in Estimates for 1914 and 1927, respectively.

There have been 12 deaths in China among the British troops and two among the Indian troops, not forming part of the permanent establishment there. Eight of the cases were due to illness and the rest to accidents or wounds. In 11 of the 12 British cases, there was no widow and no claim has been received for dependant's pension. The twelfth case, which occurred at the end of June, is at present under consideration. I will ask my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for India to ascertain whether any pension is being granted in either of the Indian cases and to communicate direct to the hon. Member the result of his inquiry.

May I ask if cases of fever and pneumonia, and similar disabilities, are regarded as pensionable disabilities?

Each case is carefully inquired into, and it depends on the particulars of each case. I can give no general answer on the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses at present under construction under the slum clearance schemes in Glasgow, the number expected to be completed by the end of the year, and the average rent of these houses, including rates?

The number of houses under construction at 30th June, 1927, under slum clearance schemes in Glasgow was 1, 254. The number of these expected to be completed by the end of the year is 450, making together with 2, 152 houses already completed under these schemes, a total of 2, 602. The rents Of these houses including rates range from 7s. per week in the case of two-apartment tenements to 9s. per week in the case of three-apartment flats.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken by the Glasgow local authority, in accordance with their statutory powers, to require the owners to make habitable the 1, 300 houses in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow, which have been declared by the sanitary authority as unfit for human habitation, until new houses can be provided for the people concerned?

I am informed that in accordance with their statutory powers the corporation during the year 1926 called on owners to execute repairs in the case of 593 houses in the Eastern district of the city and that about half of these were in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division. A number of these 1, 300 houses, however, are beyond repair and no statutory action can be taken in regard to them until alternative accommodation has been provided, when the houses will be demolished and the sites cleared.

Does the right hon. Gentleman tell me that these houses are beyond repair and that the people inhabiting them are paying rent?

I presume so.

Am I to take it that the right hon. Gentleman will do nothing to prevent people from getting rent for houses which are uninhabitable?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the many hardships arising under the Rent Restrictions Acts; and whether he will take steps to introduce an amending Bill at such an early date in the next Session of Parliament as to ensure that time will be found for the full discussion of all the provisions of the existing Acts?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a number of suggestions for the amendment of the Rent Restrictions Acts merit careful, consideration, and can assure my hon. Friend that full consideration will be given to his suggestion.

Will the hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to cases in which ordinary dwelling houses have been transformed into shops and the tenants have been evicted?

If the hon. Member will send me some cases, I will inquire into them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to give any further information upon the proposals of the London Traffic Advisory Committees for the co-ordination of London passenger-carrying transport; and whether he proposes to publish the Committees' Report?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I hope, however, to receive the Committee's Report at an early date. Until I have had an opportunity of considering it I cannot arrive at any decision as to its publication.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that after three inquiries, in which many of the local authorities took part, there is an increasing anxiety on their part to know whether any result is to come out of all these exhaustive inquiries? Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement of some sort for the satisfaction of the local authorities?

It is obvious that I could not make any statement until I receive the Report, and then I shall have to consider it very carefully.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to receive the Report?

I think the Report will come in this week. I hope so.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with regard to his offer of financial assistance, any reply has been received from the Wimbledon local authority and the conservators of Wimbledon Common as to the repairs to be made to the roads across the common which are now closed, as being dangerous from want of repair?

To the best of my knowledge the conservators and the local authorities have not yet succeeded in agreeing upon a feasible scheme to ensure the proper repair and future upkeep of these roads. Until a satisfactory proposal to this end has been formulated, I am not in a position to offer financial assistance.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this road across Wimbledon Common, which was labelled as "Dangerous" for some time, has now been finally closed, and that it is a road which people in bad health are in the habit of using in order to take the fresh air of the common, and will he kindly communicate with the authorities to see if they cannot compose their differences in the public interest?

I have already communicated several times with these public authorities, and, unfortunately, no agreement has been reached. The hon. Member will realise that there is some compensation for those who want to take the air on the common in the fact that they can go there without being hindered by motor traffic.

May I suggest that delicate people should go to Plymouth, where there are good roads and good air?

At any rate, there is one hon. Member who bears testimony to the excellent work of the Ministry of Transport in Plymouth.

asked the Minister of Transport why a brightly coloured signpost has been erected between Halkyn House and Bathurst House, in Belgrave Square; and whether it is a unique specimen or one of a series that is to be repeated in other parts of London?

The signpost in question, and other similar ones, have been erected experimentally to indicate to drivers a route between Hyde Park Corner and Vauxhall Bridge which avoids Victoria Station and its vicinity. This route, if used to any considerable extent, would materially lessen the serious traffic congestion at Victoria. If the experiment is found to be successful it is proposed to indicate a few other alternative routes, the use of which would relieve certain highly congested streets.

Which particular authority is responsible for the erection of this atrocity? Apart from the fact that it is extremely ugly, is my right hon. Friend aware that it is very dangerous, because it looks exactly like a large Pratt's petrol pump, and a large number of cars are continually drawing up at it, only to be disappointed? Will my right hon. Friend go into the matter and try to persuade whichever authority is responsible at least to try to make it look like a signpost and have it painted a decent colour.

Is it not possibly the fact that, the sign being useful to traffic, it might destroy the amenities of the Square?

The answer is really that these are experimental signs. There is no particular virtue about the colour, and that can be considered. The House will agree, I am sure, that if we can by any means lessen the congestion on certain main arterial roads and afford some by-passes to relieve the congestion, it is a very excellent method to follow.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have tried the signpost and that as a means of direction it has failed? If I want to go to Woolwich I go in exactly the opposite direction.

Is there any sinister motive in trying to persuade the inhabitants of Belgrave Square to go to Woolwich?

I think an exchange of visits would be excellent.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these signs have been erected?

I could not say off-hand, but there is not a great number, and they are purely experimental.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the recent prolonged stoppages in the London tubes and the discomfort inflicted on the passengers by the want of sufficient air; and whether he will take steps with a view to seeing what can be done to improve the ventilation?

I am in communication with the London Electric Company with regard to the question of the ventilation of tube railways.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in accordance with a Home Office Regulation, a person who is arrested for being drunk whilst in charge of a vehicle and who demands to be examined by his own doctor, is not allowed to be so examined in private, the police insisting upon being present; and whether he will give instructions that in such cases the examination shall be private, as is the practice in an interview between an accused person and his lawyer?

I am aware that the general practice is as stated in the first part of the question, and I think this practice is right. I cannot see how the interests of the prisoner can be prejudiced by the presence of a police officer, who may have to give evidence in Court with regard to the examination. Interviews with solicitors are obviously on quite a different footing.

Would the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what advantage it is to a prisoner to allow a lawyer to be present while not allowing a doctor to be present?

The doctor is there to examine the prisoner on a question of fact, namely, as to whether he is or is not under the influence of drink, but the lawyer is there to receive any private statements that the prisoner may desire to make to him to assist in the preparation of his defence.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department obtained any satisfactory definition of drunkenness?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Section 40 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1925, while imposing penalties upon any persons convicted of being drunk whilst in charge of a mechanically-propelled vehicle, contains no provision for arrest, and that it is now the practice of the police to arrest such persons under Section 12 of the Licensing Act, 1872, and to proceed against them in the Court under the former Act where the penalties are more severe; and whether this practice is being followed in accordance with any Home Office Regulations?

I am aware that the police often arrest a man who is drunk whilst driving a mechanically propelled vehicle and the Act of 1872 empowers them to do so. Subsequent proceedings are taken under the Act of 1925, the object of which was to allow of an adequate penalty being imposed. No regulations have been issued, but the practice has my approval.

asked the Prime Minister why the Committee of engineers, representatives of the Government, the London County Council, and the Southern Railway Company which he recommended to inquire into and estimate the cost of a bridge and its approaches at Charing Cross, in further-ance ance of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on cross-river traffic in London, has not been appointed?

I have been asked to answer this question. On the 14th of May I requested Messrs. Mott, Hay and Anderson, the well-known firm of engineers, to undertake this inquiry in conjunction with Sir George Humphreys, the chief engineer of the London County Council, and with the assistance of Mr. A. W. Szlumper, the chief engineer of the Southern Railway. These gentlemen have been actively engaged upon the examination of the problem ever since.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when the Report is likely to be presented?

Oh, no I think the consideration of this question must take quite a number of months. It is a very important project involving many millions of pounds sterling.

Is the Ministry of Transport aware that it is now two years since this project was first mooted and it is a standing disgrace to London?

I am also aware that it is only two months since the Committee was appointed.

Is not the delay the fault of the Government?

Can he say what is going to happen to Waterloo Bridge in the meantime?

I understand it is going to remain as it is.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the county council do not really believe that the Government are sincere in their action?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the report that there has been a further subsidence and that this is costing £10, 000 a year?

But surely the hon. Member does not suggest that the Government should undertake a project which may cost £12, 000, 000 or £13, 000, 000 without careful and proper consideration?

I am suggesting that the Government ought to have taken this matter in hand much more quickly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the lack of adequate postal and telegraph facilities for Spitalfields market and vicinity; and whether, seeing that a suitable site has been offered commensurate with the two millions reconstruction scheme for Spitalfields market, he will consider the establishment of an office similar to the offices serving Covent Garden and Billingsgate markets?

The Bishopsgate Branch Office has recently been moved to commodious premises which are situated less than 300 yards from the centre of the new Spitalfields market and 120 yards from its extremity. This office is open for the despatch of business from 8 a. m. and telegrams are delivered from Aldgate Branch Office. I do not think that these facilities are inadequate for present requirements or that I should be justified in incurring the expense of the erection of an additional Crown Office. As regards the side of the market opposite to Bishopsgate, there is at present a Scale Payment Sub-Office in Brushfield Street, and it is proposed to maintain an office of this kind in or near its present situation.

Is it not a fact that the turnover at this particular Sub-office amounts to over £500, and was not that laid down as a condition of establishment by the Holt Committee, and has not the City of London also expressed a desire that there should be improved Post-Office accommodation here?

I require notice of any particular figures. As to the amount of traffic there, the Bishopsgate Branch Office is quite conveniently situated for the purpose of the market.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only advertisements appeared in the Press. but actually the Post Office went to the unusual length of issuing handbills asking people to put in tenders to have this Post Office, in which the emoluments are said to be £541 a year? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those who—

The hon. Member had better put those questions on the Paper.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the staff at the Bristol Post Office are dissatisfied with the policy applied this year in the preparation of the acting list, resulting in the exclusion of a high proportion of the senior officers; that insistence on the performance of writing duties by the officers to be selected for the acting list debars many of the sorting clerks and telegraphists who cannot, under the terms of the rotation scheme, hope to perform writing duties until late in life and debars all but a small number of postmen altogether; and that permission to be tried on acting duties has been refused to officers considered to possess suitable qualifications; and whether, in all the circumstances, he will see that the acting list is revised on the more equitable lines followed in recent years?

I have already had the circumstances under consideration and am satisfied that the acting list was compiled in accordance with the Regulations. It is not the case that employment on the writing duty rota is regarded as a sine qua non for inclusion in the acting list. I am also assured that none of the officers who have appealed unsuccessfully for trial on higher duties could be regarded as suitably qualified.

asked the Postmaster-General when the official test of the stations for the Anglo-Indian beam service will take place; and whether any date has been fixed when the contractors will hand this station over for the same?

The contractors hope to be in a position soon to hand over the stations for the Anglo-Indian beam service for the official test, but they are unable yet to fix a date.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to make any announcement as to the possibility of introducing improved postal facilities in the St. George, Kingswood and Fishponds districts of the City of Bristol?

I hope to introduce a later afternoon delivery in the districts in question at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has, been drawn to the number of officers and men whose earning capacity has diminished owing to the progress of their pensionable disability, three, four or more years after the grant of pension; and whether, seeing that these men are debarred from applying for an alternative pension after the expiry of 12 months from the date of the award of pension, he will consider such amendment of the Royal Warrants as will permit a claim to alternative pension when the degree of disablement has increased and earning capacity is, in consequence, diminished?

The alternative pension was a special provision of limited application designed to benefit those officers and men whose pre-War earnings had been markedly in excess of the average. As such, a time limit was placed, not as suggested in the question on the claim to alternative pension, but on the submission of evidence and the establishment of pre-War earnings. Full information as to this special class of pension and as to the time limit was given to every pensioner individually, and was widely advertised in the Press. My right hon. Friend is unable to recommend an extension of this special provision of the Royal Warrants.

Does that answer mean that in the case of a man's disability worsening, outside the time limit, no consideration can be given to him?

It does not mean anything of the sort. It means exactly what I said.

Does the answer nor imply what I have indicated?

Nothing of the sort. It implies perfectly clearly that, if a man's condition worsens that matter can be looked into under the provision as to the correction of errors. The point about which the hon. Member is asking is an alternative pension. He is mixing up two things.

asked the Home Secretary how many times during the last three years policewomen in London have appeared in Court as witnesses or in charge of sexual crimes against women and children?

I could not, without exhaustive inquiry, give the number, but I can say that statements of children in sexual cases are always taken either by the Lady Assistant or by a Woman Inspector specially appointed for the purpose, and child witnesses who have no relations or friends suitable to look after them are cared for until the proceedings are over, and provided for after the proceedings are over by either the Lady Assistant or the Woman Inspector with the help of various voluntary organisations.

Is it not true that this year we have had 250 cases of indecent assault on women, and that we have only two women police appointed for the purpose of looking after them, whereas in 1921 we had eight?

I cannot accept my Noble Friend's figures, and perhaps she will put them down in another question. I cannot answer for the actual numbers of police force on a particular duty, but I am satisfied, as I said in my reply, that the interests of the women and children are cared for by women police and women inspectors.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman get the figures from his officials? Many of us know that the number is inadequate?

The hon. Member is now giving an opinion.

asked the Chancellor of the Excheuqer whether he is in a position to state the result of the negotiations which have recently taken place with representatives of the islands of Jersey and Guernsey on the subject of measures to prevent the avoidance of British taxation in the islands?

Mc right hon. Friend is glad to say that, though various details remain to be worked out, agreement on all essential points was reached during these discussions. He hopes, therefore, to be in a position to place definite proposals before the House next year, as was foreshadowed in his Budget Speech.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the tenders submitted by the Royal Mint to the Siamese Government in competition with British firms for 30, 000, 000 copper coins; and, as this is contrary to the Regulations which set out that the Royal Mint can only tender for coins for this country and the British Colonies, if he will take steps to see that no further tenders of this character are made?

I am not aware of any such Regulations. Several contracts for foreign coinage have been carried out in recent years which, if not undertaken by the Royal Mint, would have gone abroad. The contracts entered into by the Mint frequently contain a provision permitting sub-contracts to private firms in Great Britain, and the tender to which my hon. Friend refers contained such a provision. The contract in fact went to Japan.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Consul-General favoured these tenders in this particular instance, in spite of the fact that they were higher than those of the British manufacturers?

No, Sir, I have no such knowledge.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Regulations connected with the Royal Mint distinctly state that they shall only tender for the British Government and Colonial Governments?

I am not aware of any such Regulation.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman a book containing these Regulations will he take the matter into consideration?

I shall read with interest anything which the hon. Member sends me.

Is it the case that private firms exist for the purpose of manufacturing coins, and is there not a danger of spurious coin being put into circulation in a country?

And is it not a fact that the Mint employs British labour in striking these coins?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of remission of taxation enjoyed by people in receipt of incomes over £500 per annum and of those with incomes under that figure, respectively, since he assumed office; and the reduction of indirect taxation for the same period?

It is not possible to allocate as between incomes over and under –500 the reduction in the basic rate of Income Tax from 4s. 6d. in the £ to 4s., costing £32 millions, or the increase of earned income allowance from 1/10th to ⅙th, the cost of which, including the special allowance to small taxpayers over 65 years of age, was £7½ millions. But while the reduction in the basic rate benefited all taxpayers, the benefit of the other remission was relatively greater to small taxpayers. The reduction of Super-tax in 1925 was offset by increases of Death Duties on the same class of taxpayer, calculated to yield about the same amount. Apart from this year's increase in Tobacco Duties, which is largely paid by the tobacco companies, the Changes in indirect taxation have been almost entirely in the direction of luxury taxes on silk, betting, wines and motors. The percentage of total tax revenue raised by indirect taxes in 1927, namely, 36£middot;56 per cent. is 3£middot;49 per cent higher than in 1924–25.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) to state, for the latest convenient date, the number of farmers in England and Wales paying Income Tax on the basis of profits, together with the amount of Income Tax paid on such basis;

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of farmers, owners, or occupiers of agricultural land who paid Income Tax on assessment based on rent; what was the total number who paid Income Tax on actual income assessment; and what was the aggregate total income assessed under each heading for the years 1912–13, 1917–18, 1918–19, 1919–20, 1920–21, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1924–25, 1925–26?

The conventional basis of assessment of farming profits to Income Tax, Schedule B, has varied from time to time during the years named. For 1912–13 the profits were assumed to be one-third of the annual value of the lands occupied; for 1917–18 they were assumed to be equal to the annual value; for 1918–19 to 1921–22, twice the annual value; and from 1922–23 onwards, equal to the annual value. The hon. Members will find particulars of the gross income and actual income assessed under Schedule B for the post-War years on page 79 of the 69th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper 2783); and for the pre-War year 1912–13, in relation to certain post-War years, on page 75 of the 66th Report (Command Paper 1934). No information is available as to the number of persons assessed. As regards assessments on the actual profits of farmers who elected to be asessed under the rules of Schedule D, the only information available is that given on page 84 of the 66th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, which gives particulars of numbers and profits assessed for years down to 1919–20. No similar statistics have been collected for subsequent years.

If the reports to which the right hon. Gentleman refers me do not give the information necessary to differentiate between those paying ing on rents and those paying on the basis of profits, will he undertake to get that information, in view of its importance in the consideration of the position of agriculture?

I am afraid that I cannot undertake to obtain it. I am not sure that it is procurable. I think, if it were procurable, it would be in the reports.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the intention of the Government to permit the conveyance of duty-free spirit, whether methylated or otherwise denatured, in tank wagons or by pipeline?

As I explained to my hon. Friend in my answer to his previous question on 30th June, the Finance Bill will make it, possible to allow, under suitable Regulations, conveyance by tank wagon or pipe-line in the case of methylated spirits, but not in the case of spirits which, though denatured, are not methylated. But if my hon. Friend will let me know the full particulars of any specific case he may have in mind, I shall be happy to go into the matter more fully.

asked the Home Secretary whether seeing that he received deputations from various bodies and institutions on the question of legislation affecting the sale of drink in clubs in November, 1925, that subsequently, in reply to a Parliamentary question, he stated that the Government would appoint a Committee to inquire into the regulations governing the sale of drink in club after the Southborough Committee had reported, and that the Southborough Committee reported on 12th May, 1927, he can now state the personnel and terms of reference of the new committee of inquiry?

In the reply to which the Noble Lady refers I said

"if it be necessary after consideration of the Report of Lord Southborough's Committee, the Government will direct a full inquiry into the whole of the questions raised before me by the various deputations. "

As the Government are so long in making up their mind, does it not look as though they meant to nothing and were simply wasting time?

My Noble Friend must not jump at any such rash conclusion. The fact that the Government have taken some time to make up their mind shows how very careful they are in dealing with any question in which the Noble Lady is interested.

In view of the great social value of these clubs to working men, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to take any precipitate action in this matter?

If the hon. Member will make his peace with my Noble Friend the Member for the Sutton Division (Viscountess Astor), I shall be delighted.

Is it proposed to publish the evidence given before the Southborough Committee,

No, Sir.

Is it not the case that this Committee's Report is of no value to anyone?

It does not give that leading to the Government for which I had hoped.

asked the Home Secretary whether seeing that an advertisement was recently inserted inviting welfare supervisors particularly to apply for the post of deputy-governor of prisons (women), he will say how many outside applications were received; how many welfare supervisors and others with long experience and excellent qualifications applied; and what were the special qualifications of the person appointed?

134, many of whom had good qualifications which cannot be summarised in statistical form. The lady appointed possessed, to a, greater extent than any other candidate, the necessary combination of qualifications

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will give the total sums of money granted to the Fuel Research Board during the last five years; what proportion of that has been used, and how much for extension purposes; whether the £30, 000 voted by the late Government for expenditure on problems connected with the survey of coal seams has been expended; and what results have been achieved by such expenditure?

As the reply to this question contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.