asked the Postmaster-General when the present telegraphic cable to the Island of Lewis was first laid down; whether it was new or second-hand when laid; the number of times it has broken down; and the aggregate cost to the public for repairs?

The cable when laid in 1872 was new. Since then it has broken down on 20 occasions, and only about two nautical miles of the original cable now remain. The cost of the repairs between 1872 and 1920 is not readily available; the cost between 1920 and 1926 amounted to £7,940 in all.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the success which has attended the cash-on-delivery system in relation to the parcel post, he proposes at an early date to introduce the application of the scheme to the letter post?

The question of extending the cash-on-delivery system to the letter post is still under consideration, and I am unable at present to make any definite pronouncement on this subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the installation of a public service in Germany for sending photographs by wire, he will institute a similar service in this country; if so, on what basis; and, if not, what are the obstacles?

I do not propose at present to institute such a service in this country. There are not, so far as I am aware, any technical difficulties which could not be overcome; but I have no evidence at present of any demand for a service in this country, and in view of the comparatively short distances to be covered and the highly developed postal system, there is not likely to be much scope for it on a remunerative basis.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what percentage of men who join His Majesty's Army are allowed to engage for pension; and what percentage of that percentage actually re-engage and obtain a pension?

Soldiers are normally enlisted for 12 years, of which generally only six or seven are with the Colours and the remainder with the Reserve. The numbers to whom the privilege of extending their colour service to 12 years is granted are regulated by Service requirements, as for example, the need to build up adequate reserves, and consequently the percentage varies from time to time and with the different arms of the Service. Soldiers who have been permitted to extend their colour service to 12 years are generally speaking allowed to re-engage to complete 21 years service for pension, and it is estimated that 75 per cent. of those eligible do in fact re-engage. The hon. Member will find much statistical information about extensions and re-engagements in Part V of the General Annual Report on the British Army.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of civil servants employed on the staff of the War Office for the year ended 31st December, 1913, and for the year ended 31st December, 1926?

The numbers of the civil staff of the War Office included in Army Estimates for 1913–14 and 1926–27 were approximately 1,600 and 2,100 respectively. These numbers include typists, messengers and cleaners and also Local Audit Staff at outstations, but exclude Metropolitan Police and staff on loan to other Government Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in the case of Charlotte Leitch, sentenced at Dundee on 25th November to two months' imprisonment without the option of a fine on a summary complaint charging her with perjury, consideration can be given to the case of the prisoner, who is medically certified as in ill-health and still maintains her innocence of the charge?

I have carefully considered the case to which the hon. Member refers, and I regret that after inquiry I find no sufficient ground to justify me in advising any interference with the sentence. The prisoner's health is being kept under observation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether legislation has yet been introduced into any of the Crown Colony legislatures for the purpose of encouraging the production and exhibition of British cinematograph films?

A Bill has recently been introduced in the Straits Settlements, but as yet I have no information of similar action in other Dependencies, which will no doubt wish to consider our legislation on the subject before taking action.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the recent raids by the Wahabi Arabs on Iraq and Kurweit; and what casualties, if any, were sustained by the Iraq forces?

As regards the raid upon a post in Iraq territory, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) on the 25th November. As regards the reported raid upon Kuwait territory, I have received no information beyond that which has appeared in the Press.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Kenya proposes to remove the Atharaka Natives from a district comprising some 500 square miles on the east of the Garba Tula road in the Meru district, and that this land was included in the provisional boundaries of the Meru reserve as gazetted in October, 1925; what object the Kenya Government has in view in proposing to evict these natives; and whether, if there is no valid reason for such eviction, he will use his powers to obtain the restoration of this land to the Meru reserve and to the use of its present occupants?

I have no information on this subject, and will make inquiries of the Governor.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any agreement was reached at the recent Conference at Delhi of provincial representatives with regard to the establishment of Public Service Commissions in the separate provinces; and whether such a proposal has the approval of the Government of India?

I have as yet received no official Report, but am inquiring. Before this Conference was held the proposal of two provincial Governments to set up Public Service Commissions if their Legislatures agreed had already been sanctioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give information with regard to the recent outbreak of cholera in Bengal; the districts affected; the number of cases reported and the number of deaths; and whether he will state what steps are being taken by the Government of India to help the provincial government to arrest the spread of the disease?

I have no information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what considerations the Government had in withholding from publication the Report of the sub-committee of the Indian Sandhurst Committee; whether he is aware that none of the witnesses before the Committee or sub-committee claimed any privilege or sought permission to give evidence in camera; and whether, in view of these facts and in view of the importance attached in India to certain evidence recorded by the sub-committee, the Government will reconsider the question; of publishing the full Report of that Committee?

The Report embodies evidence given by official witnesses which it has been decided to treat as confidential. That decision rests with the Government and is not affected by the suggestion contained in the second part of the question. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any action has been taken by the Government on the resolution adopted by the Indian Legislative Assembly at the Delhi session asking for the appointment of a Commission or Committee, with a majority of Indian members and an Indian chairman, to investigate the present position of banking institutions in India and the facilities afforded, and to make recommendations regarding the extension of such facilities; and whether the whole question of indigenous banking and credit, including the operations of shroffs and the establishment of land mortgage banks, will fall within the terms of reference of the proposed inquiry?

As regards the attitude of the Government of India towards the proposed Commission, I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the debate in the Legislative Assembly of 25th August last, a copy of which is to be found in the Library.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is prepared to issue to local education authorities a special instruction to take immediate steps to provide the necessary open-air school accommodation for the increasing number of children in the mining areas who, by reason of the distress prevailing, are suffering from latent tuberculosis, debility and anæmia; and will he consider whether the emergency calls for special organisation on behalf of the child sufferers from industrial depression?

In regard to the general question of open-air schools. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 17th February last. I am inclined to doubt whether the effect of the industrial depression in mining areas on the health of the children has been as serious or as general as the hon. Member suggests, and whether any ill-health which does exist can be dealt with by the provision of open-air schools accommodation, but I am taking steps to have a special inquiry made by one of the Board's medical officers into the whole situation in South Wales.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Forestry Commission is failing in the New Forest to cut back furze, etc., from the highways and to cleanse ancient watercourses which take the surface water from the channels at the side of the roads, as is the case with private owners when called upon to conform with the law; and what steps he is taking to see that the Forestry Commission fulfils this necessary duty?

It is not the duty of the Forestry Commission to cut back furze, etc., from the highways through the unenclosed common lands of the New Forest, or to cleanse water courses which take the surface water from the channels at the side of the roads on to the unenclosed common lands of the New Forest, nor have the Crown or the Forestry Commission ever carried out such works. Where, however, the highways or roads adjoin any lands enclosed for the growth of timber or trees in pursuance of the New Forest Act, 1877, the Forestry Commission do carry out such works.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what action is being taken by the Air Ministry to retain the Schneider Cup next year?

The whole question is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the estimated total expenditure on the aerodromes, air defences, and other works and equipment, the cost of which will fall on his Vote, for the new naval base at Singapore?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him on the 6th instant by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Ex-chequer on this subject of the estimated expenditure at Singapore. It is not practicable at present to give any total estimate of the ultimate expenditure to he borne by Air Ministry Votes for this service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that Plymouth at present provides the naval ratings for the hospital ship "Maine," he will consider the possibility of making the Plymouth command her headquarters when in England, instead of Portsmouth?

"Maine" belongs to the Mediterranean Fleet, and has no headquarters other than Malta. Her last visit to this country was in 1925, when she called at both Plymouth and Portsmouth. She is about to revisit this country, but this time the port she will stay at is governed by her having to be refitted at Chatham.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware, by the reading of Admiralty Fleet Order No. 2639/27, that the ratings mentioned in that Order will be required to wear Class III uniform with black horn buttons and red cap badge for at least two years, whereas other ratings when advanced to the rating of petty officer are confirmed at the expiration of 12 months and are then eligible to wear that uniform with gilt buttons and gold cap-badge; and whether it is intended that these particular ratings shall serve one year as confirmed petty officers before being eligible to wear gilt buttons and gold cap-badge?

This is not the intention, and as the Admiralty Fleet Order referred to by the hon. Member apparently gave rise to some confusion on the subject, an amending Order No. 2947/27, dated 18th November, has since been issued.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of arranging, in the case of a single rating or a small number of ratings travelling by rail on long journeys, that naval meal orders shall be accepted on restaurant trains?

The existing arrangements respecting meal orders for naval ratings do not contemplate the supply of meals except at refreshment rooms, and I am doubtful of the practicability of extending these arrangements in the direction suggested, but the matter will be considered.

asked the Attorney-General what are the dates and the periods of appointment of the advisory committees for the appointment of justices to the Grimsby Borough and petty sessional areas?

The Grimsby Borough advisory committee was originally appointed in 1912, and the advisory committee for the Parts of Lindsey, which selects persons for appointment to the bench in the Grimsby petty sessional area, was appointed in 1911. New members have since been appointed to both committees to fill casual vacancies. Neither committee is appointed for a fixed term of office.

asked the Attorney-General on how many occasions since the coming into operation of the Administration of Justice Act, 1925, there has been in respect to the circuit assizes no business, or no substantial amount of business, to be transacted; what were the number of days occupied in the actual trials of civil and/or criminal cases at the various circuit assizes since the Act, and the number of Judges occupied thereby; has any order been made under Section 1 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act, 1925, dispensing with the holding of assizes in places where necessary; and, if so, when, and in respect of what assize towns?

No information is available with regard to the first part of the question either for the parts of the years 1925 and 1927 or for the full year 1926. The number of days occupied in the actual trials of civil and/or criminal cases at Assizes during 1926 was 1,088* days. The number of Judges who went on circuit during that year was: Winter Assize, 14; Spring Assize, 4; Summer Assize, 15, and Autumn Assize, 11. One Order has been made, under Section 1 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act, 1925, since the Act came into operations, dispensing with the Assize Town of Appleby on the Winter Assizes, 1926.

* If two or more Courts are sitting on the same day, each sitting is recorded as a separate day.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the latest figure showing the total imports of wheat into this country; and what percentage of the whole imports of wheat comes in in the form of flour?

The following table shows the quantities of wheat and of wheat meal and flour imported into the United Kingdom in the 10 months ended 31et October, 1927, and the proportion which the imports of wheat meal and flour bear to the total imports of wheat: January to October, 1927. Tons. Total imports of wheat meal and flour 454,192 Total imports of wheat (grain) 4,659,936 Approximate grain equivalent of imports: ( a ) of meal and flour 630,800 ( b ) of meal, flour and grain 5,290,700 Proportion per cent. of ( a ) to ( b ) 11.9

The grain equivalent of imported meal and flour has been estimated on the basis of an extraction of 72 per cent. flour and 28 per cent. offals.

For corresponding particulars relating to the complete years 1924, 1925 and 1926, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 5th December to the hon. Member for the Southern Division of Norfolk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the total amount of offals of which this country is deprived by the importation of flour; and whether there are any figures showing the quantity of offals exported from this country and the average price at which it is sold?

For the three years 1924–1926 the average net imports (imports less re-exports) of flour have been 495,000 tons. On the assumption that the foreign flour has been milled at an extraction of 72 per cent., the average for the three years in question of the offals retained abroad from the flour imported into the United Kingdom is 192,500 tons. The average annual import of offals in the same period was 205,000 tons. The exports of wheat offals and the average declared value per ton of such exports since 1924 have been as follow: — Quantity. Declared value. Average declared value per ton. tons. £ £ s. d. 1924 69,336 580,676 8 7 0 1925 66,476 533,458 8 0 0 1926 60,256 407,694 6 15 0 1927 (to 31st Oct.) 52,392 414,796 7 18 0

MINIMUM RATES OF WAGES for Ordinary* Male Workers of 21 Years of Age and over and for Female Workers of 18 Years of Age and over in each Area in England and Wales in force on 1st December, 1927. Area. Male Workers. Female Workers. Minimum Weekly Wage. Hours in respect of Minimum which Minimum Weekly Wage is payable. Minimum Rate. In summer. In Winter. In Summer. In Winter. Per hour. s. d. s. d. d. Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire. 30 6 30 6 50 48 6 Berkshire 30 0 30 0 50 50 5† Buckinghamshire 31 0 31 0 50 48 6 Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely 30 0 30 0 50 48 5½ Cheshire 35 0 35 0 54 54 6 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 31 0 31 0 51 51 5‡ Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness District of Lancashire. 32 6 31 0 54 48 5½ Derbyshire 8d. per hour 8d. per hour 54 54 5 Devonshire 32 6 32 6 52 50 5‡ Dorsetshire 30 0 30 0 51 48 5

asked the Minister of Agriculture the minimum rates of wages, with hours, for male and female agricultural workers in the various areas under his administration, the average minimum rates, and the percentage increase over pre-War rates?

The following statement gives the minimum rates of wages and the hours on which they are based for adult male and female agricultural workers in each county. The average of the ordinary minimum rates throughout England and Wales is in the case of male workers, 31s. 8d. per week and in that of female workers, 5⅓d. per hour. Insufficient information is available as to the wages paid in 1914 to enable a precise comparison for each county to be made for that year, but the average of the weekly minimum rates at present in force for male workers in England and Wales shows an increase of approximately 76 per cent. on the estimated average wage in 1914. This comparison, however, takes no account of overtime payments nor of extra earnings at special seasons and no allowance is made for the shorter hours now worked. I have no details as to the pre-War wages for women.

Area. Male Workers. Female Workers. Minimum Weekly Wage. Hours in respect of Minimum which Minimum Weekly Wage is payable. Minimum Rate. In summer. In Winter. In Summer. In Winter. Durham 30 0 31 0 50 50 2s. 6d. per day of 8 hours. Essex 30 0 30 0 50 48 5½║ Gloucestershire 30 0 30 0 50 48 5 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 30 6 30 6 51 48 5 Herefordshire 31 0 31 0 53 48 4½ Hertfordshire 31 0 31 0 48 48 24s. per week of 48 hours.† Kent 32 6 32 6 52 48 5½ Lancashire (excluding Furness District). 33 6§ 33 6§ 50 50 6 Leicestershire 34 0 34 0 54 54 5 Rutland 32 6 32 6 54 54 5 Lincolnshire: Holland 35 0 35 0 50 48 6 Kesteven and Lindsey 32 0 32 0 52 48 5½ Middlesex 34 4½ 33 0 50 48 25s. per week of 50 hours in Summer; 24s. per week of 48 hours in Winter. Monmouth 32 0 32 0 50 48 6 Norfolk 30 0 30 0 50 48 5 Northamptonshire and Soke of Peterborough. 30 0 30 0 50 48 6 Northumberland 32 0 32 0 52½ 48 5 Nottinghamshire 32 0 32 0 50 50 5 Oxfordshire 30 0 30 0 50 48 6 Shropshire 32 6 32 6 54 54 5 Somerset 32 0 32 0 52 50 6║ Staffordshire 31 6 31 6 54 54 5 Suffolk 30 0 30 0 50 48 5║ Surrey 32 3 32 3 50 50 5½ Sussex 31 0 31 0 52 48 5 Warwickshire 30 0 30 0 50 48 5 Wiltshire 30 0 30 0 50 50 5 Worcestershire 30 0 30 0 50 48 4½ Yorkshire: East Riding 35 0 35 0 52½ 48 6 North Riding 33 0 33 0 52½ 48 6 West Riding 36 0 36 0 52½ 48 6 Anglesey and Carnarvon 31 0 31 0 50 50 6 Carmarthenshire 31 0 31 0 54 54 5 Denbigh and Flint 30 6 30 6 50 50 5 Glamorganshire 36 0 36 0 52 48 6 Merioneth and Montgomery 31 6 31 6 54 54 5 Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire 31 0 31 0 54 50 5 Radnorshire and Breconshire 31 0 31 0 54 48 5 * In certain areas special minimum rates of wages have been fixed for certain special classes of male workers (e.g. horsemen, cattlemen and shepherds) whose duties in connection with the care of stock involve the working of longer hours, and such rates have also been fixed for female workers in Middlesex. † 19 years of age and over. ‡ 20 years of age and over. § Southern area only. ║ 21 years of age and over

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that no further funds are in the hands of the Public Works Loan Board out of which advances can be made under the Agricultural Credits Act of 1923, and that applications from farmers are, in consequence, being refused without examination; and whether, considering the pressing needs of agriculture, he can state at what date the promised new Agricultural Credits Bill will be introduced into Parliament?

I am aware of the position referred to in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 10th November by the

Year. Average price of British wheat per 480 lbs.* Percentage increase over the average of 1911 to 1913. Highest and lowest monthly average price.* Highest Lowest s. d. Per cent. s. d. s. d. 1924 … … … 49 3 52 54 8 42 2 1925 … … … 52 2 60 58 3 44 8 1926 … … … 53 3 64 60 0 48 3 * As ascertained from returns received under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, and the Corn Sales Act, 1921.

asked the Home Secretary whether any prosecutions have been undertaken by his Department against bookmakers operating on greyhound racing tracks for offences against the Betting Act; and, if so, with what result?

The Home Department does not undertake proceedings of this kind. As regards the Metropolitan Police, I am informed by the Commissioner that no prosecutions have been instituted.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the serious fire which occurred in a cabinet-making factory in Weymouth Terrace, Hackney Road, E.,

Minister of Agriculture to the hon. and gallant Member for the Sudbury Division (Colonel Burton).

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average prices of British wheat per 480, lb, for 1924, 1925 and 1926, the percentage increases over the average of 1911 to 1913, and the lowest and highest monthly average price in each year from 1924 to 1926?

The average price of British wheat per 480 lb. in England and Wales during the years 1924, 1925 and 1926, the percentage increases over the average of the years 1911 to 1913, and the highest and lowest monthly average price in each year, are shown in the following table:

recently, which resulted in a number of persons being injured; and whether any outside iron staircase was attached to the building as a means of escape?

I have received a report on this case, which shows that no outside staircase was provided and that the employés on the upper floor had to make their escape through a window. I am glad to say, however, that only one person was injured. It appears that the factory had only been opened in August last, and that the factory inspector, who visited it at once on receipt of the notice of occupation, considered the means of escape inadequate, and notified the London County Council accordingly, and I am informed that the council had surveyed the premises and prepared plans and were about to formulate their requirements for further means of escape at the time that the fire broke out.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state what steps he has taken with respect to George Wakeham, aged 18, who on Monday, 14th November, was sentenced at Portsmouth Police Court to two consecutive terms of imprisonment for larceny, after having been previously imprisoned for larceny and forgery; and whether an inquiry has been made into the mental condition of the lad?

I have now made full inquiry about this case, and have been in consultation with the justices. After reviewing all the circumstances, I have authorised the lad's transfer to a Borstal institution. In reply to the last part of the question, I have obtained a special medical report, which shows that Wakeham is perfectly sound, physically and mentally.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, although

National Debt, 31st March, 1927. Currency. Debt. Amount. Per head. (1) U.K. … … £ 7,622,900,000 168.5 (2) France … … Paper France Internal 293,647,000,000 7,207.1 External 182,784,000,000 4,486.2 Total 476,431,000,000 11,693.2 (3) Germany … … Reichmarks (exclusive of debt for reparation). 4,351,200,000 68.8 (4) U.S.A. … … Dollars 18,726,760,000 160.6 (1) The figures for the United Kingdom include external debts payable in United States dollars amounting to $4,662,727,800, converted into sterling at par of exchange. (2) The figures for the external debt of France represent the equivalent in paper francs, at the current rate of exchange, of the various obligations of France in foreign currencies, including the war debts to this country and to the United States, at their nominal amounts. (3) The figures for Germany represent the amount of the public debt of the German Reich, but do not include either the debt of Germany for reparations or the debts of the separate German States. (4) The figures for the United States represent the debt of the Federal Government and do not include the debts of the several states of the Union. It should be borne in mind that, apart from the qualifications referred to in the above notes, the nominal totals of public debts afford no measure of their real burden and any comparison between the various figures of the debts per head, taken by themselves, would be misleading.

at one time an alien could not be elected to be a member of a borough or county council because candidates were confined to those whose names were on the register of electors, recent alterations in the law enable a person possessing 12 months' residence in the area to sit on a local authority; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to enable aliens in certain circumstances to sit on a local authority?

I am doubtful if the hon. Member is right in the first part of his question, but I certainly do not propose to remove any disqualification in this respect applicable to aliens.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the figures showing the total burden of the National Debt and the amount per capita in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States of America, respectively?

The following are the figures, with notes explaining the basis on which they are compiled:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the figures, showing the taxation per head of population in the United Kingdom,

Taxation per head. — United Kingdom. France. Germany.* Italy. U.S.A.* £ s. d. Francs. Reichmarks. Lire. $ 1913 or 1913–14 … 3 11 4 84.5 31.3 53.8 6.8 1919 or 1919–20 … 21 14 5 221.1 —† 179.3 53.8 1920 or 1920–21 … 22 0 8 393.2 —† 248.7 45.2 1921 or 1921–22 … 18 1 10 426.9 —† 313.9 32.5 1922 or 1922–23 … 17 8 1‡ 467.7 —† 327.7 28.6 1923 or 1923–24 … 16 2 5‡ 522.7 —† 373.2 29.7 1924 or 1924–25 … 15 9 0‡ 676.1 117.0 380.4 27.5 1925 or 1925–26 … 15 2 8‡ 702.4 108.4 426.8 29.6 1926 or 1926–27 … 14 11 8‡ 910.2 113.4 394.4 30.0 * Excluding taxation raised by States. † Owing to the depreciation of the paper mark, the annual returns of tax revenue during the period 1919 to 1924 are of no statistical value. ‡ Excluding Irish Free State.

asked the Minister of Health the nature of the preservatives most commonly used in the imports into this country of dairy produce, especially as regards the following articles: butter, cheese, cream, liquid milk, and condensed milk?

Preservatives are not now allowed in any dairy produce, whether imported or produced in this country, except butter and cream, and the prohibition will apply to these articles also on the 1st January next. I am informed that, when butter or cream contains preservative, the substance used is usually a preparation of boric acid.

asked the Minister of Health what was the total number of beds provided in voluntary hospitals throughout the country on the 31st December, 1925, and what is the number to-day; what was the financial position of voluntary hospitals in the aggregate at the latest date of which he has information; and what powers have the Cave Committee to mitigate the financial difficulties of these hospitals?

France, Germany, Italy, and the United States of America, for 1913, and for the years 1919–26, inclusive?

The following are the figures:

I have no official figures showing the position at the end of 1925, but the survey carried out by the Voluntary Hospitals Commission showed a total 50,460 beds in voluntary hospitals in England and Wales at the end of June, 1924. On the best information at my disposal, the corresponding figure at the 31st December, 1926, was 54,406 beds or an increase in the interval of 2½ years of 3,946 beds. As regards the second part of the question, according to the reports of King Edward's Hospital Fund and of the Red Cross Society, the London hospitals showed an aggregate deficit of £39,000 in 1926, and the rest of England and Wales showed an aggregate surplus of £286,000, the combined figures giving a net surplus of £247,000 for the whole of England and Wales. As regards the third part of the question, Lord Cave's Committee completed their inquiry six years ago. If the hon. Member is referring to the Voluntary Hospitals Commission, the answer is that the Commission have already distributed the full amount voted by Parliament, and they have no funds now at their disposal. The figures I have given are sufficient to show that the financial position of the voluntary hospitals generally has greatly improved since Lord Cave's Committee issued their Report in 1921.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that in 1926–27 the official tests of his Department of samples of suet showed that nearly one in six were adulterated, he proposes to take further steps to secure better control of such popular articles of food?

The tests to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers are made not by my Department, but by analysts appointed by the local authorities responsible for administering the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts. It is an offence under those Acts to sell articles of food which have been adulterated, and I am not satisfied that the powers of local authorities are inadequate.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that in 1926–27 his Department in examining samples of liquid eggs found that one-third of the quantity were either adulterated or not up to standard, and that in 1926 28,600 tons of this article were imported into this country of which 9,533 tons may be proportionately regarded as equally unsatisfactory, he proposes to make further investigation to prevent the influx of such material which is not up to the proper standard of good human food?

I understand that some, if not all, of the samples of liquid egg which were reported against by the public analysts in 1926 were regarded as adulterated by reason of the presence of an excessive amount of boric acid preservative. The complete prohibition under the Preservatives Regulations of the presence of any preservative in egg yolk and articles prepared therefrom takes effect on the 1st January next, and as these Regulations apply to importation as well as sale it may be expected that further cases of such adulteration will not occur.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the interests of children, he will consider the desirability of making further restrictions on the importation and sale of such articles as skimmed condensed milk, powdered milk, and liquid eggs, as the majority of purchasers do not understand the low food values of these commodities?

I am advised that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the commodities referred to are of low food value, although skimmed milk is unfit for infant feeding, and I could not on public health grounds take steps to prohibit their importation into this country.

asked the Minister of Health in which district in Great Britain outbreaks of small-pox have been most prevalent during the three months ended to the last convenient date; and whether he has yet received the Report of the Committee on Vaccination which was appointed last year?

The answer to the first part of the question is—in the County of Durham. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give statistics, with explanatory comments where necessary, as to deaths by starvation in the United Kingdom in periods of 10 years prior to the War, during the War period, and in each post-War year, if any?

The statistics for which my Noble Friend asks are not available, but I would invite his attention to the replies given to questions on the subject on the 19th May and 18th June, 1925, copies of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the master's statement at a recent meeting of the Warminster Board of Guardians that he did not know where to accommodate the casuals, and that they had to lie on the damp floors, he will instruct the Wilts Vagrancy Committee that they must open some of the casual wards in other parts of the county which are now closed?

The Wiltshire Vagrancy Committee have considered the matter and are of opinion that the pressure on the casual wards of the War- minster Board of Guardians is not due to the closing of other casual wards in the county but to other causes. It may, however, be necessary that the accommodation for casuals provided at the Warminster institution should be increased, and I am obtaining a report upon this aspect of the case.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction in the Bedwellty Union with the present administration of Poor Law relief; and is it his intention to make some statement, in view of the triennial elections which are due to take place in April next?

No, Sir. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for the Bedwellty Division (Mr. O. Edwards).

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the wife of a man who was regularly insured under the National Health Insurance scheme from 1912 and who was in employment until September, 1926, when he reached the age of 70 years, and who, therefore, contributed under the provisions of the 1925 Act, does not receive the old age pension at the age of 65 because her husband has reached the age of 70 years before January, 1928; and whether in view of the fact that the husband has contributed a certain amount of money to the pension fund, these cases can be considered and, where possible, sympathetically dealt with?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's answer on the 23rd November in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Elland (Mr. Robinson).

asked the Minister of Health the grounds of the refusal of the petition sent to him by 200 ratepayers and subsidy house owners of Torquay asking him to have an inquiry made into their position?

The petition to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers related to certain defects which became evident during the progress of the local authority's subsidy scheme. I communicated with the council on this matter and steps were taken to improve the administration as regards future subsidies, and the scheme has now been brought to an end. I have given the matter my careful consideration, and I am satisfied that there would be no advantage, either to the public generally or to the purchasers of subsidy houses in particular, in now holding an inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has reached any decision as to the best means for dealing with the problem of slum areas in Southwark and other London boroughs, and the provision of suitable accommodation in the same neighbourhoods for those families to be displaced by slum clearances?

Under the Housing Act, 1925, in the Metropolis it is the duty of the London County Council and the Metropolitan borough councils to deal with slum areas in accordance with the provisions of Part II of that Act. A number of schemes which have been confirmed by my Department have either been carried out or are in course of execution, and in confirming such schemes full consideration is given to the question of the extent to which rehousing accommodation should be provided on the cleared site or in the immediate neighbourhood.

asked the Minister of Health what local authorities have built, or are building, houses by direct labour under the Housing Acts, 1919 to 1924, showing the number of houses for each authority under the appropriate Acts?

I will have a complete statement prepared, and send it to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses built in Devonport during the years 1925, 1926, and 1927, respectively, under which Act, and whether by private or public

— Houses completed during the year ended 30th September. 1925. 1926. 1927. By Local Authority. By Private Enterprise. By Local Authority. By Private Enterprise. By Local Authority. By Private Enterprise. State-Assisted Schemes under the — Housing, etc. Act, 1923 142 47 18 58 — 81 Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924. — — 192 20 322 116 142 47 210 78 322 197 Houses erected without State Assistance. — 323 — 300 — 338 142 370 210 378 322 535 512 588 857

At the 1st December, 1927, the number of State-assisted houses under construction was 418, namely, 13 by private enterprise under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, and 387 by the local authority and 18 by private enterprise under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924. Information relating to the number of unassisted houses under construction is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the pressure upon hospital accommodation and treatment caused by the number of motoring accidents, he. will consider the desirability of obtaining power to make grants from the Road Fund for the purpose of enabling such hospitals to meet the extra costs so incurred?

I do not think that contributions of the nature suggested by the hon. Member could properly be made from the Road Fund in view of the purposes for which that fund was instituted.

erection; and how many are in course of erection?

I am unable to give separate statistics for Devonport, but the number of houses completed in the county borough of Plymouth in each of the years ended 30th September, 1925, 1926, and 1927 respectively, are as follow:—

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the London and North Eastern Railway Company have withdrawn the gatekeeper at the Stagebank level crossing right-of-way, in the Parish of Heriot, Midlothian, that the gates are now left unattended; that this is dangerous to people using this right-of-way and to all passenger traffic on the Edinburgh-Galashiels route; and what action does he propose to ensure the safety of foot and railway passengers?

I am not aware of the circumstances referred to, but I will make inquiries and afterwards communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport the totals of the approved grants from the Road Fund-for the years 1926, 1927 and 1928, respectively?

The grants made in the years 1925–26 and 1926–27 are given in the Annual Reports on the Adminis- tration of the Road Fund for those years and are as follow:

£ 1925–26 17,389,301 1926–27 18,050,673

The total for the current year is not yet complete.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will ensure that it is a condition of contracts for the laying of transmission lines by the Electricity Board that British steel is used throughout and not steel rolled from Continental billets?

I have no control over the Central Electricity Board in regard to this matter. I may, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that,

Period. Carpets, Carpeting and Rugs of Wool (including Carpets and Rugs on a wool or jute basis). Jute Carpets and Rugs. Quantities. Declared Values Quantities Declared Values Total Imports: Square yards. £ Square yards. £ 1925 4,529,000 2,636,900 2,006,600 287,200 1926 4,467,100 2,516,200 1,748,600 261,800 1927 (1st 10 months) 5,195,300 2,728,500 2,950,300 268,800 Exports of Imported Goods: 1925 786,000 1,313,900 42,600 7,400 1926 761,900 1,122,500 33,900 5,900 1927 (1st 10 months) 869,100 1,336,900 25,200 4,300 Retained Imports: 1925 3,743,000 1,323,000 1,964,000 279,800 1926 3,705,200 1,393,700 1,714,700 255,900 1927 (1st 10 months) 4,326,200 1,391,600 2,925,100 264,500

as explained in the answer given on the 29th November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the question asked by the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth), Parliament has advisedly declined to impose any such condition as he suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of carpets imported into this country in the years 1925, 1926, and up to the 31st October, 1927, respectively?

The following table shows the quantities and values of the imports, re-exports and imports retained in the United Kingdom of carpets and rugs of wool and of jute in the years 1925 and 1926, and in the first 10 months of 1927.