asked the President of the Board of Trade whether negotiations are taking place between his Department and the various Dominion Governments with the object of passing legislation in the Dominions similar to that embodied in the Cinematograph Films Bill; and can he give particulars of the progress made?

The Imperial Conference of 1926 passed a Resolution calling attention to the importance of an increasing proportion of Empire-produced films being exhibited throughout the Empire. Legislation has been passed in Victoria, taking effect from the 1st July this year, and a Bill has recently been introduced into the New Zealand Parliament. As soon as the Films Bill has passed, full particulars of its provisions will be communicated to the Dominion Governments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the investigation, on behalf of the Canadian Government, into the operations of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association in Canada and to the Report of the Commis- sioner to the effect that the association is an organisation which has operated, and is likely to operate, to the detriment of and against the interests of the public; and whether he proposes to conduct a similar investigation into the operations of the association in this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the answer to the second part in the negative. The fixing of retail prices through the Proprietary Articles Trade Association and otherwise was inquired into by a Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since then the operations have been extended and the principle is now applied by the Association to scores of articles, to the great detriment of the consuming community?

No, Sir. The hon. Member, who has been at the Board of Trade, will remember that the whole position was inquired into by a Committee under the Profiteering Act, and a very comprehensive Report was presented.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what became of that Report? Was it shelved, like all the profiteering reports?

No it was not. It recommended that nothing should be done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very important addendum to that Report, which was signed by Mr. John Hill, of the Ministry of Labour, covered the malpractices of the Association?

If I remember correctly, seven to one were in favour of the Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total weight of iron and steel, and manufactures thereof other than pig-iron and ferro alloys, imported in the first 10 months of 1927, or longer period, compared to the like period of 1922 from the countries embraced in the steel cartel of Europe; and what were our total exports to those countries for the same periods?

The answer is rather long, and contains a table of figures. Accordingly, my hon. and gallant Friend will perhaps permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The complete particulars of imports and exports of the various items of iron and steel manufactures imported info and exported from the United Kingdom, from and to the countries indicated, during any period other than a calendar year would involve a considerable

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of iron and steel imported into Great Britain during the past 12 months; and what would have been the consumption of coal in the production of this quantity in Great Britain?

The net imports into Great Britain and Northern Ireland of iron and steel and manufactures thereof in the 12 months ended 30th November, 1927, amounted to 4,629,930 tons. It is not practicable to make a close estimate of the amount of coal which would have been required if this additional quantity of iron and steel could have been and had been produced in this country, but the amount would probably be between 12 and 15 million tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the 45 weeks' food supplies imported annually into Great Britain come from South America, Canada, and She United States?

The hon. Member is, I think, applying to foodstuffs as a whole a figure that relates to breadstuffs, when he calculates the pro-

amount of labour, and corresponding expense, to prepare.

The total imports from all countries, and from the countries understood to be covered by the steel cartel, and exports to all countries, and to the group in question in 1922, and in each of the years 1925 and 1926, were as shown below. The figures apply to all iron and steel and manufactures thereof other than pig-iron and ferro alloys; and the countries covered by the columns marked ( b ) are Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

portion of our food supplies which is imported. For different kinds of foods that proportion varies, and for food as a whole is substantially less than 45 weeks' supply. Probably 30 weeks or less would represent the position more accurately. Of the total imported foodstuffs, the consignments from Canada have represented about 10 per cent. in the last three years, and consignments from the United States and from South America slightly over 13 per cent. in each case. These percentages relate to the money value of the imports after deduction of re-exports, and cover drink as well as food.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has read the Report presented by Mr. Colijn, the Netherlands president of the International Conference for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions, to the Council of League of Nations at Geneva; if he is aware that the president stated that the Convention had been signed by 18 States; if he will state whether the British delegates of the Council have signed the Convention on behalf of the Government; and, if not, can he state the reason?

No, Sir, the Report has not yet been received. The British delegate to the Conference signed the Convention.

Are we to understand from that reply that eventually, instead of increasing the duties, the right hon. Gentleman will reduce them?

It is not a question of duties; it is a question of prohibitions. The British delegates received instructions from His Majesty's Government that we were anxious to get a unanimous Report, and I am glad to say that already some 20 countries have signed it.

Do we prohibit anything coming into this country?

Yes, a very limited number of articles.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any possibility of persuading the other countries in question to reduce their tariffs by at least 25 per cent.

Nobody would be more delighted than I if we could achieve that result. I sincerely hope that the countries with high tariffs who subscribed these resolutions of the Economic Conference will give effect to them. This country, as is well known, has taken the lead by imposing duties on only two or three per cent. of its imports. This particular Convention deals with prohibition and not with tariffs.

asked the Prime Minister why His Majesty's Government has not ratified the convention against gas and bacteriological warfare agreed upon at Geneva and initialed or signed by our representatives in view of the ratification by the French Government?

I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government have decided not to ratify until all other important Powers have ratified the protocol or have signified their intention of doing so.

If every Power is to take this view, how are we to make any progress at all? We shall never get anything done.

This is no new precedent. There are agreements of this character. Our attitude is that we do not ratify except in concert with the other chief Powers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we are getting a very bad name for initialing agreements and then refusing to honour the signatures of our representatives for one excuse or another?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any representations with regard to the proposed by-laws in respect of artillery practice from Tynemouth Castle; whether he is aware that if these by-laws as drafted come into operation they will cause annoyance and inconvenience to navigation in that area and will involve various interests in serious losses, particularly that of the Cullercoats salmon fishermen; and whether he will cause a local inquiry to be made into the whole matter before anything further is done?

I have received several objections to the proposed by-laws, as a result of the advertisement in the local and shipping Press of the intention to make them. The objections are based chiefly on grounds of interference with the interests of navigation and fishing, and they are now under the consideration of the War Office, to whom they were referred. As soon as I learn the War Office views I will consider whether a public inquiry is necessary.

Does it mean that the nets will be up at the mouth of the river when the guns are firing?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any records showing the exact number of Crimean veterans who are at present living; whether they are in receipt of pensions; and, if so, the amount?

I regret that I am unable to say how many Crimean veterans are still living. They are not necessarily in receipt of pensions, nor would it be possible to state, without considerable labour, how many of the existing pensioners served in the Crimea.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of a recent Regulation issued to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps calling upon warrant officers to qualify as clerks, Class I, before promotion to the rank of conductor; and whether, seeing that the only effect of this order is that these warrant officers who are ammunition examiners and have been many years in the service must now qualify in shorthand and typewriting, which should be the work of junior clerks and not of men so senior in the service, he will reconsider the Regulation?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. There has been no recent change in the Regulations as to the qualifications required for promotion to the rank of conductor in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, nor is it necessary for candidates to qualify as clerks, Class I. But there are two rates of pay for which conductors are eligible, and the higher, or tradesmen's rate, is only granted in the case of men, who are not already tradesmen, provided that they qualify as clerks, Class I.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the clumsiness of the title Colonel-Commandant, he will consider the change to the title of Brigadier?

It has been decided to substitute the rank of Brigadier for that of Colonel-Commandant and Colonel on the Staff, when the necessary statutory provisions have been made in the Army Act by means of next year's Army and Air Force (Annual) Act.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits between the ages of 18 and 21 who were taken into the Army during last year and the proportion this bears to the total number of men recruited in the same period?

Out of approximately 27,200 recruits taken on the strength of the Regular Army during the recruiting year, 1926–27, some 20,550 were between the ages of 18 and 21 years.

Can the Financial Secretary say whether his Department are expecting an increase in this class of recruit as a result of recent legislation in the Unemployment Insurance Bill?

I think the proportion is already very high.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the military staff now employed in Jamaica?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the information given on page 138 of the current monthly Army List.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers and other ranks in the remount service for the years 1924, 1925, and 1926, together with the total cost of their pay and allowances, and also the numbers employed at the present time?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer: The figures are (including civilians)— — 1924. 1925. 1926. 1927. Officers 77 83 83 82 Other ranks 79 72 39* 5* Civilians 462 490 530* 550* £ £ £ £ Pay and allowances. 88,000 92,800 88,800 84,800 * Civilians have to a great extent been substituted for soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the purchase by the War Office of a further 6,300 acres of land in Wiltshire, he is now in a position to have the Army huts and other buildings near Stonehenge moved to a place where they will not be visible from the monument?

No, Sir. The area purchased would not be convenient for the Larkhill ranges.

Will you be able in any way to remove these huts out of the vision of Stonehenge?

I think I informed the hon. and gallant Member some time ago that the cost of the developments has already reached £150,000 to £200,000 on that site, and it would be impossible to sacrifice that money.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that the position of these huts really makes a wholesale monstrosity on that skyline and that there is plenty of land in the possession of the War Office on other skylines near which would not interfere with the amenities of Stonehenge?

I cannot accept the hon. Member's statement

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers have been employed with his permission to assist in the making of the so-called cinematograph war films; whether it is contemplated supplying more soldiers for further films in the future; and, if so, how many more of these films has it been arranged to make?

I cannot give the figures asked for in the first part of the question without calling for returns from the Commands, and I hardly think the value of the information would justify the time and labour expended in preparing it. It is the Army Council's intention to continue to give assistance to British film companies in accordance with the policy, and subject to the conditions, explained by the Prime Minister in his answer to the hon. and gallant Member's question on the 29th November. There are at the present moment three films for which military facilities are being given or have been promised, and three other cases are under consideration.

Are the soldiers volunteers, or are they compelled to act for the films?

It is by arrangement between the units and the film companies.

Are the officers and soldiers volunteers for this service, or do they have to do it?

I understand that they are volunteers. There is no force used to make them take part.

Will the hon. and gallant Member say whether the War Office participate in the huge profits that are made out of these films?

That question is answered in the answer to which I have referred. It is either a payment or a percentage in the shape of royalties.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether the payment is a substantial one, or whether the property of the State is used for practically war propaganda?

Does it not go to British films and not to American films?

Is the Minister aware that the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) is always photographed in his uniform in his election campaigns, and does not that show that soldiers like to be photographed?

Are we to understand from the original answer that it is now the settled policy of the Government to continue with this war propaganda in films?

It is not war propaganda. It is instructional work in films.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that I have not worn my uniform at elections for nine years?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated average number of weeks' employment per person employed, with total average wages per person employed, at the Second Anglo-Scottish Beet-Sugar Corporation, Limited, works at Cupar, Fife; and the average amount of subsidy per person so employed?

I cannot at present give the information requested. I am, however, making inquiry on the subject and will communicate further with the hon. Member when information is available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is still the case that men are being employed by this firm for 81 hours per week?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many places in Scotland registration work is carried out in licensed premises; if it is the policy of the Department responsible for registration to have such work done in licensed premises; and, if not, will he take action to have the registration work in Fala and Santra parish, Midlothian, carried out in other than licensed premises?

Nowhere in Scotland is registration carried out in a licensed public house or hotel. In two parishes it is known to be carried out in a grocer's shop to which a grocer's licence is attached. The Registrar-General has no authority to prohibit the use of licensed premises for the purpose. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on the 23rd ultimo.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of barrels of cured herrings exported from Scotland to Russia for the year 1926 and the first 10 months of 1927?

As regards the first part of the question the answer is none. As regards the second part the number of barrels exported from Scotland in the period referred to was 7,185, all despatched in January.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total acreage of land under beet cultivation upon which subsidy is paid in Scotland and the amount of subsidy paid; and whether the cultivation of subsidised beet has increased employment in the agricultural industry?

In 1926 the area returned to the Board as under sugar-beet was 3,649 acres. The estimated by the companies in January, 1927, from which sugar-beet was delivered to the factories was 3,390 acres. The amount of subsidy paid was £74,058 13s. being in respect of sugar £63,980 8s. 10d., and in respect of molasses £10,078 4s. 2d. The area in 1927, as returned to the Board is 10,352 acres. The amount of subsidy paid for the crop of 1927 up to the present date is £32,316 1s. 9d., being in respect of sugar, £32,088 1s. 7d., and in respect of molasses, £228 0s. 2d. It is estimated that where a considerable area of sugar beet is grown on a farm, its cultivation requires, as compared with that of turnips, which it generally replaces, additional labour to the extent of one casual worker for 1½ weeks per acre.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in dealing with the application for small holdings of the ex-Service men at Glenshiel?

Investigations are not yet complete but I hope to be in a position to announce a decision at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any steps have been taken by the Government to carry out the recommendations of the Scottish Agricultural Conference in relation to the supply of lime for agricultural purposes?

The Board of Agriculture have recently made surveys of typical areas in Scotland which will assist in the consideration of this question. The matter is of importance to Scottish agriculture; but I can hold out no hope of a State subsidy for the establishment or reopening of lime kilns as recommended by the Agricultural Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what funds are available, during the financial year 1927–28, for drainage grants in Scotland; and whether legislation enabling drainage areas to be delineated and drainage boards to be constituted will be introduced next Session?

The funds made available at 1st April last for agricultural drainage in Scotland during the year 1927–28 amounted to £10,950. I cannot at present give any undertaking as to legislation on this subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if it is intended to promote legislation arising out of the Report of the Royal Commission on Land Drainage?

The Report has been available for a few days only, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement. The recommendations of the Royal Commission are under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any intimation as to when we may expect a statement?

I could not give any date at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the financial condition of the farmers and the disparity which exists between the prices paid for beasts and the prices charged to the public by the butchers, he will consider the re-establishment of the system of grading animals which prevailed during the War?

The grading system to which the hon. Member refers was incidental to a comprehensive control of the meat trade which involved the Government purchase of cattle from fanners on the basis of maximum prices, the fixing and pooling of intermediate charges, the pooling of other expenses and the re-sale of beasts or meat to butchers at fixed prices. I am, at present, exploring the possibility of introducing an improved system of price recording based on the weight as well as on the quality of cattle sold, but no sufficient grounds exist for placing the meat industry of this country under a form of State control which could only be justified in a national emergency and is not seriously demanded by any of the interests concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that during the War this system was very unsatisfactory as regards prices and costs?

Is it not the case that the difference between the price which the farmer receives, and the price which the butcher receives, is due to the fact that the farmer sells the animal alive and as a whole, while the butcher cuts it up into small pieces?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now any definite evidence as to the origin of the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which have spread through the New Forest and into Wiltshire; whether the recent outbreak near Southampton has been traced to the same or to a different source; and whether the source of any outbreaks have been traced to feed or bedding given to store cattle landed at Southampton docks?

Foot-and-mouth disease existed so long in the New Forest before it was reported to the Ministry that it has been impossible to obtain definite evidence of the cause of the original outbreak. The recent outbreak at Southampton was due to an infected cow which was purchased at Salisbury market on the 15th November, and it is probable that infection originally came from the New Forest. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

Would the right hon. Gentleman therefore say that the infection did not come from Southampton at all, but originally from the New Forest?

It is impossible to dogmatise about it, but we have recently found pigs in the New Forest the feet of which are growing again after foot-and-mouth disease, and it would seem that the disease existed in the New Forest without any notification to us before it was found in Southampton.

Is there any evidence of any infection coming from Southampton?

No, I think the evidence is the other way.

Have proceedings been taken against the people who failed to notify the disease?

That is a matter for the local authority, in consultation with the veterinary department of the Ministry. In all these cases, prosecutions are brought where prima facie cases are established.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of street accidents in the City of Glasgow caused by the increase of privately-owned omnibuses running on the public streets of that city; and whether he is prepared to hold an inquiry into the matter, with a view to the better control of street traffic, in the interest of public safety?

I have been asked to answer this question. The control of omnibus services with due regard to the safety of the public is primarily a matter for the licensing authority concerned. The provisions of the Draft Road Traffic Bill which I caused to be circulated some time ago would increase the powers of licensing authorities in this respect.

If that is the ease, why does the Ministry compel local authorities to grant licences when they think it is against the interests of the public and where they think they will create more danger?

I do not follow the connection between the hon. Member's question and that on the Order Paper. It is stated in the question that privately-owned omnibuses are responsible for these accidents. They are not more responsible than publicly-owned vehicles.

But if a municipality considers that a large number of omnibuses is likely to create more danger, why does the Minister compel them to issue licences when they do not want to do so?

Sometimes it is in their own interests that they do not allow private omnibuses to run.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of certain municipal omnibuses the braking system recently introduced is much above the average adopted by private omnibuses, and they are, therefore, safer to run. In that case, why does the Minister continue to insist on the inclusion of private omnibuses, when better omnibuses can be run?

Is it not the case that the streets of Glasgow are much congested by the tramways, which are, like all other tramways, out of date; and that they are really the cause of the trouble?

Have any official representations been made by the City of Glasgow authorities to the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

I must have notice of that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to an inquest held on George Sturgess, at Finedon, Northamptonshire, at which it was proved that the driver of a lorry, named Alfred Seamarks, who had been the cause of the deceased's death, had been suffering from defective eyesight from childhood; and when it is proposed to introduce legislation governing the issue of driving licences to persons suffering from physical defects?

My attention has already been called to this accident. My proposals with regard to the conditions with which applicants for driving licences should comply are contained in Clauses 14 and 15 of the draft Road Traffic Bill which I caused to he published and circulated some time ago. I am unable to say when this Bill will be introduced.

In view of the very great urgency of this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman get some more satisfaction from the Prime Minister or the Whips so as to get this Bill introduced fairly quickly?

I think the hon. Member had better wait until next Session and see what happens.

Seeing that in that Bill there is a provision for the carrying of lights

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the inadequate facilities for cross-river traffic on the River Tyne below Newcastle; whether, having regard to the conflicting local interests and the need for a comprehensive scheme to ensure that questions of particular communications will be placed in their proper perspective and considered in relation to the larger general problem which affects a wide industrial area, he will appoint a Committee to go into the whole matter and advise the authorities concerned?

This subject has been studied by the North and South Tyneside Joint Town Planning Committees, and a grant was made from the Road Fund towards the charges of the consulting engineers who were appointed to advise upon the matter. Their Report was presented in April, 1925. Having regard to the activities of these town

at the rear of cycles cannot something be done to hasten legislation?

That is the question that has just been put.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can state the number of accidents to life and limb caused by vehicles in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, respectively, with the percentage of accidents to the respective populations?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT an extract from the Return for the year 1926 which was presented to Parliament on 11th April, 1927. No later figures are available.

Following is the extract:

planning authorities there appears no reason for the appointment of a Committee.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the extent to which congestion exists on the Tyne below Newcastle, and what a relief to trade and industry it would be if this work were done?

Yes, I know; but the estimate for that bridge is about £1,000,000, and no one seems willing to contribute towards it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole of the East coast communications call for reorganisation, and would it not be better to use the unemployed for this work?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that if it had not been for the Chancellor pinching the £26,000,000 there would have been that money available for this work?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal mines in Lancashire and Cheshire producing coal on the latest available date and for the corresponding dates for the years 1924 and 1925; the total wages paid per week to the workpeople employed at the coal mines in Lancashire and Cheshire on the latest available date and for the corresponding dates for the years 1924 and 1925; and the number of workpeople employed at the coal mines in Lancashire and Cheshire for the same periods?

At the middle of November, 1927, 250 pits were producing coal in Lancashire and Cheshire and 86,900 wage-earners were employed. The corresponding figures for 1924 were 274 and 105,000 and for 1925, 254 and 95,500. During October, 1927, the latest date for which information is available, the estimated total weekly wage-bill was £187,000. The corresponding figures for 1924 and 1925 were £257,000 and £216,000.

Has the right hon. Gentleman heard that during the past few weeks a number of mines have been closed down in this district?

Yes, Sir. I believe some have closed down, but I should require notice of the question.

Do the wages paid for this year take into account the fact that the miners in Lancashire owe a debt to the owners of about 10 weeks' wages? Has that been taken into account?

I have been asked for the amount of the wages paid, and I have given the figures that have been paid.

If this be taken away, it lowers the wages paid by exactly that amount?

No, Sir. That is not the fact at all.

Is it not the fact that if the miners had only received what the ascertainment provided they would have received no wages for approximately 10 weeks?

That has nothing to do with the question asked on the Order Paper, which I have answered, If the hon. Member wants that information, perhaps he will put down a question.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamations have been proposed under the Mining Industry Act, 1926; how many have been sanctioned; and how many have actually been carried through?

As the reply to this question is a long one, and involves a tabular statement, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman is going to give us some information as to the amalgamations that have taken place?

Following is the reply: Number of Amalgamations since the passing of Number of Approximate the Mining Industry Act, 1926, including number confirmed by the Court as shown in brackets. Number of Collieries involved. Approximate Annual Output. Tons. 8(3) 70(32) 18,746,000 (5,543,000)

The hon. Member will understand that it does not necessarily follow that only those amalgamations confirmed by the Court result from the passing of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, as the possibility of using the procedure under the Act is undoubtedly facilitating voluntary amalgamations. In addition, the following selling agencies or other organisations for a similar purpose have been formed or are under discussion:

District arrangements: South Wales. Yorkshire, Notts. and Derby. North Staffordshire.

Amalgamation of existing selling agencies:

L. Gueret, Limited, with D. R. Llewellyn, Merrett & Price and A. J. Pope & Company.

The above statement does not include any information which has reached the Department confidentially, and therefore, as I have previously suggested to the House, this answer if taken by itself must necessarily be misleading and incomplete.

asked the Secretary for Mines what action it is proposed to take on the majority Report of the Departmental Committee on Co-operative Selling?

I have nothing to add to the statement made on the 22nd February last by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade during the Debate on a Motion by the hon. Member for Wigan (Mr. Parkinson).

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps have been taken in the various districts since the end of the coal stoppage to adjust the periodical ascertainment in such a way as to ensure the rating at the live market price of coal disposed of to associated concerns?

The principle that coal disposed of to an associated concern should be charged at the proper market price is generally accepted, and the method of giving effect to this principle is a matter for agreement between the owners and workmen and their respective accountants in the various districts. The question is, of course, more important in some districts than in' others, and in several cases joint committees have been set up to deal with it. I have re-

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement respecting the

ceived no representations that any particular difficulty is being experienced in doing so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us in which districts these joint committees have been set up?

Yes, if the hon. Member will put down a question.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many pits and the number employed are working under the Eight Hours Act; the earliest time for descending and latest for ascending, and the average time of the workpeople underground; how many pits and the number employed are working under a seven and a half hours' arrangement; the earliest time for descending and the latest for ascending, and the average time of the workers underground; the percentage of fatal and non-fatal accidents in the pits working under the Eight Hours Act; the percentage of fatal and non-fatal accidents in the pits working under the seven and a-half hours' arrangements; and the fatal and non-fatal accidents in both cases?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a tabular statement giving such information as is available.

Following is the statement:

causes of the recent increase in the London coal prices; and, if this is not immediately possible, will he state at what date he will be in possession of the necessary information?

I can make no statement until the replies to certain questions I have addressed to representatives of the coal merchants and co-operative societies have been received and examined. I understand that the necessary information cannot be in my possession before the end of this week, but if the hon. Member will put down a question in a week's time I shall hope to be able to give him further information.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can account for the fact that the Electricity Commissioners estimate a saving of only £90,276 to West Ham under the South-East England scheme, while the City of London Electric Company is estimated to save £825,182 on a smaller quantity of electricity consumed; and why, in view of the greater efficiency of the West Ham station, it is proposed to reduce the output of that station from 100 million units per annum to 5½ million units and thus throw idle a large quantity of up-to-date and efficient plant?

The saving which the Commissioners estimate will result to a particular undertaker depends on the estimated cost of the supply from the Board as compared with continued independent operation. These matters are at present the subject of representations to the Central Electricity Board. The use to which a selected station will be put in the production of electricity for the Board will depend upon the operation of the scheme by the Board and will be adjusted so as to secure the most economical use of the stations as a whole.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Shoreditch Borough Council anticipate that the South-East England electricity scheme will involve a loss to consumers in the borough of £33,700 a year, instead of the saving of £20,600 estimated by the Electricity Commissioners; and whether he proposes to ask the Central Electricity Board to hold a public inquiry before approving the scheme?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the estimated saving of £90,276 to West Ham under the South-East England electricity scheme is regarded as quite illusory by the corporation of that borough, which estimates that a loss to its consumers of £153,368 in the next five years will result from the application of the scheme in its present form; and if he will refer the matter to the Central Electricity Board to hold a public inquiry, as requested by a large number of authorised undertakers in the area, before proceeding further with the scheme?

I am informed by the Central Electricity Board that all representations made to them to the effect that the savings estimated in connection with the South-East England electricity scheme are not likely to be realised will be carefuly considered before the scheme is adopted.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, whether he proposes to ask the Central Electricity Board to hold a public inquiry?

As the hon. Member well knows, by Section 4 of the Act of last year the question as to what inquiry, if any, shall be held, is specifically left to the discretion of the Board.

Have all the powers of this House been given away to the Board?

My hon. and gallant Friend is as well able to judge of that as I am, by reading Section 4 of the Act.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information as to whether the Board intends to hold an inquiry?

No, I cannot say anything on that subject.

Do hon. Gentlemen opposite not now realise the effect of the semi-Socialistic Act which they helped to pass?

asked the Prime Minister how many male persons during 1926 were assisted by the British Gov- ernment to emigrate from this country and settle on the land in the British Dominions; and what was the total cost of such emigration and settlement to the Imperial Exchequer?

. The estimated number of male persons assisted to settle on the land overseas in 1926 was 17,000. The cost of their passages to the Imperial Exchequer was approximately £174,200, to which must be added certain expenditure, in some cases given by way of loan, which is incurred during the process of settlement overseas, and is spread over a period of years. In 1926 the total number of persons assisted under the Empire Settlement Act was 65,530. and the total net expenditure £1,046,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with reference to the 400 ex-British civil servants in Southern Ireland who are still waiting to retire, under Article 10 of the agreement for a treaty between Great Britain and the Irish Free State, but are unable to obtain the pensions to which they are entitled, as the compensation committee dealing with this matter has not sat for over two years, he can now inform the House as to the decision arrived at by the Irish Free State Government?

I have been asked to take this question. I can at present add nothing to the answers which the Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend on 5th December.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter has been under the consideration of the Free State Government for about two years, and, having regard to the fact that these are ex-British servants, does he not think that the British Government ought to make serious representations as to the Clause of the Treaty which is not being fulfilled in this respect?

I can assure my hon. Friend that this matter is very closely in the mind of my Department, and that so far from having lost sight of it the matter is actually this very day under consideration. Everything will be done to speed up the business.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that sanction has been given to legislation for indenturing native children in Rhodesia under the age of 14 years, he will consider whether it would be possible for His Majesty's Government to consult the Rhodesian Government upon the advisability of amending the legislation in order to introduce a downward limit of five or seven years below which children could be exempt from whipping or, alternatively, from the whole of the provisions of the indenture legislation?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister yesterday to the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the cost of administering unemployment insurance funds for the last financial year was approximately 9½ per cent, of the total expenditure, national insurance funds 13 per cent. of total expenditure, and workmen's compensation 44 per cent., including profits; and will he consider the advisability of bringing workmen's compensation under a national administration and effecting such economies as may be possible?

The figure of 44 per cent. quoted by the hon. Member applies only to the insurance companies. A large proportion, however, of the total compensation paid under the Act is paid by mutual associations of employers and uninsured employers and the cost of administration by the insurance companies must not therefore be taken to represent the cost over the whole system. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Would the hon. Gentleman say whether or not the figure referred to compensation transactions amounted to no less than £7,000,000 or £8,000,000, and is he not aware that the cost of administration of workmen's compensation insurance more than doubles the cost of administering unemployment insurance and the National Health Insurance Fund, and does he not now think it is time to take steps to minimise the expense of this Department?

I think the hon. Member hardly realises that you cannot really compare the cost of unemployment and health insurance with workmen's compensation insurance at all, because they are on an entirely different basis. The two former are on a flat rate with regard to contributions and rates of benefit; the latter is not on a flat rate and the eligibility for benefit is a much more difficult problem.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the profits alone for the administration of the workmen's compensation exceed the proportion required either for administering unemployment or health insurance. Surely there is a comparison there?

I cannot accept that statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can see his way so to amend the conditions under which the Imperial Service medal is awarded that those who have been for say 25 years on the pensionable staff of the Department, and a similar period in full-time service as scale payment sub-postmasters, would be able to claim the honour?

I have been asked to reply. The regulations governing the award of the Imperial Service medal restrict it to established civil servants of certain classes who on retirement have completed not less than 25 years of pensionable service. Service as scale payment sub-postmaster not being pensionable cannot be reckoned as qualifying for the medal. I cannot hold out any hope of an amendment of the regulations so as to extend the scope of the medal.

If two specific cases are submitted will the hon. Gentleman agree to consider the circumstances?

I cannot add anything to what I have said in the answer.

Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to set up a public telephone box either in or outside every village post office?

The provision of a public telephone call office at every village post office irrespective of cost or probable revenue from calls would involve prohibitive capital outlay and annual loss. I am prepared, of course, to consider the establishment of a call office in any given village where the prospective user is likely to cover costs or when a guarantee can be obtained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that had there been a telephone call box available, it is quite probable that the murderers of Police Constable Gutteridge would have been caught before now?

No Sir. As far as my information goes, I do not think that is the case at all.

Are we to understand that the Postmaster-General will not set up public boxes unless a profit is assured beforehand, whatever the public want?

The general principle is that there must be some limitation on the unremunerative fringe. I am prepared to consider the circumstances in any particular case, but speaking generally, it is desirable either to have a reasonable assurance that the revenue will at least cover the costs, or some form of guarantee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, if he instals these boxes, putting in the automatic system, so that people using them can get trunk calls?

Is not all this the result of having the telephones as a Government enterprise? They will not take any risks.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of wireless calls between Great Britain and the United States of America for each of the last three months; and whether the working costs are covered by the receipts?

The figures are as follow: September 148, October 162, November 202. The present revenue approximately covers working costs, but not interest, depreciation and amortisation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress which has been made during this period?

Yes, on the whole I am quite satisfied.

asked the Postmaster-General the ordinary rates for communication by the beam services and the cable services, respectively, with India, Australia, South Africa, and Canada?

The following rates per word are charged for full-rate traffic by the beam wireless services and the cable services, respectively: Beam. Cable. s. d. s d. India 1 1 1 5 Australia 1 8 2 0 South Africa 1 4 1 8 Canada (Eastern Provinces) 0 9 0 9

Why is the Canadian Service so much less than any of the others?

In the case of the Canadian service, the cable rate and the beam rate are identical and are assimilated at the same figure.

Is there any reduction of fees for the beam rate after certain hours?

There is a series of reductions in respect of mes- sages which, for various reasons, are taken at less than the full rates. The figures which I have quoted refer to full rates.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has granted permission to any amateur wireless experimenters to use other wave lengths than those previously authorised?

No, Sir. There has been no recent change in the wave-lengths allocated to experimental wireless stations.