Written Answers
Ministries (Reorganisation)
asked the Prime Minister what is the intention of the Government with regard to the proposed abolition of the Department of Overseas Trade, the Mines Department, and the Ministry of Transport?
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which gave yesterday to the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. Morrison) in reply to a question on this subject.
Old Age Pensions (Age Limit)
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the continuance of the large number of unemployed persons and of the fact that there are a large number of persons employed in industry who are over 60 years of age, he will consider the desirability of appointing a committee to inquire into the possibility of a pension scheme for all workers over 60 years of age, so that they may be taken out of the labour market?
The cost of pensions for all workers over 60 years of age at such rates as would induce them to give up their employment would be serious. Taking a rate of 30s. a week, pensions for all would cost £350,000,000 a year, rising to nearly £600,000,000 a year in 1960. I can see no advantage in appointing a committee to consider the possibility of any such scheme. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for the Bedwellty Division (Mr. C. Edwards) on the 15th June and 21st July last.
India
Manganese (Import Duty, United States)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have received representations from Provincial Governments with reference to the recent increase in the United States of America of the import duty on manganese; and, if so, what action it proposes to take in the matter?
My Noble Friend has not heard of any such representations having been made.
Road Development
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to make a survey of the roads in India with a view to the appointment of a road board for the purpose of promoting road development?
Following a resolution adopted by the Council of State in February last, a Committee including Members of the Central Legislature has been appointed with the following terms of reference:(1) To examine the desirability of developing the road system of India and, in particular, the means by which such development could most suitably be financed; and(2) To consider, with due regard to the distribution of central and provincial functions, whether it is desirable that steps should be taken for the coordination of road development and research in road construction, by the formation of a Central Road Board or otherwise.
Amir Of Afghanistan
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what considerations the Government had in refusing permission for the All-India Trade Union Congress and the trade unions of Bombay to present an address to the Amir of Afghanistan on his visit to Bombay?
My Noble Friend has no information on the subject referred to by the hon. Member.
Mica (Import)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether the Indian Tariffs Board has under consideration the composition of a tariff on imports of mica; and, if so, what recommendations, if any, have been made by the Board in the matter?
My Noble Friend has no knowledge of any examination of this question by the Tariff Board.
Akalis, Shanghai
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any information with regard to the alleged murder of Akalis in Shanghai; and, if so, whether the Government of India are taking any steps with a view to an inquiry in the matter?
My Noble Friend has not received information of any such occurrence.
Trade Mission
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the personnel of the Commission which it is the intention of the Government of India to appoint for the purpose of making a survey in a number of countries as possible markets for Indian goods; and when its recommendations are likely to be made known?
According to the latest available information, the intention is that the trade mission should consist of an official and a nominee of the Bombay Mill-owners' Association. The association has nominated its secretary, Mr. T. Maloney. My Noble Friend has no official information as to the official member of the mission, but has seen in the Press that the Government of India have appointed their Director-General of Commercial Intelligence.
Housing
Statistics
asked the Minister of Health the number of Nash houses built and building up to the last convenient date?
I am sorry that statistics are not available giving the information desired by my hon. Friend.
Manchester, Vaughan Road
asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a petition from owners of subsidy houses in Vaughan Road, Manchester, as to the type of road which the Manchester Corporation proposes to make in that neighbourhood and the cost which the paving of such a road will impose on frontagers; and what reply he is returning to the petition?
I received on the 17th instant an appeal from certain frontagers in Vaughan Road, but I am not at present in a position to state whether I have jurisdiction. I propose to communicate with the town council on the subject.
National Health Insurance
asked the Minister of Health the number of persons insured under the Health Insurance Acts and the number of children under 14 years of such insured persons?
The number of persons insured under the National Health Insurance Acts in Great Britain on 31st December, 1926 (including persons over 70 years of age), was approximately 16,265,000, made up of 11,024,000 men and 5,241,000 women. I have no information as to the number of children under 14 years of insured persons.
asked the Minister of Health the number of persons over 60 and over 65, respectively, who are insured under the Health Insurance Acts; and the numbers of such categories who are employed in the mining industry, the shipbuilding industry, and the iron and steel trades?
At the date of the last valuation of approved societies, the number of insured members of such societies in Great Britain who were 60 years of age or over, was as follows:
| Age. | Men. | Women. | Total. | |
| 60 to 64 | … | 437,000 | 95,000 | 532,000 |
| 65 to 69 | … | 283,000 | 54,000 | 337,000 |
| 70 and over | … | 230,000 | 40,000 | 270,000 |
| Total | … | 950,000 | 189,000 | 1,139,000 |
Vaccination (Committee's Report)
asked the Minister of Health on how many occasions meetings have been held by the Committee on Vaccination which was appointed last year; and whether, in view of the recent outbreaks of small-pox, he can take steps to hasten the Report?
The answer to the first part of the question is 30. As regards the second part, I understand that the Committee are now considering their Report.
Surveyors, Board Of Trade
asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the qualifications necessary for appointments as Board of Trade surveyors for ship and engineering departments, respectively; and if sea-going experience is compulsory in both departments?
I am sending my hon. Friend papers showing the qualifications required for the posts he mentions, and he will see that sea service is required in the case of engineer surveyors but not in that of ship surveyors.
Condensed Milk (Imports)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the imports of tinned skimmed milk for each complete year since 1913, mentioning the quantity and value in each case?
The following statement shows the imports into the United Kingdom of sweetened condensed milk, separated or skimmed, in each of the years 1913 to 1926, and in the period January to November, 1927. Similar particulars are not available for unsweetened condensed milk, separated or skimmed.
| Period. | Condensed Milk, Sweetened, Separated or Skimmed. | |
| Quantities. | Declared Values. | |
| Cwt. | £ | |
| 1913 | 720,800 | 992,900 |
| 1914 | 745,600 | 1,037,800 |
| 1915 | 755,100 | 1,260,100 |
| 1916 | 418,600 | 1,097,300 |
| 1917 | 358,800 | 1,417,000 |
| 1918 | 269,100 | 1,511,000 |
| 1919 | 181,800 | 885,500 |
| 1920 | 464,600 | 2,472,200 |
| 1921 | 873,200 | 3,650,300 |
| 1922 | 1,250,000 | 3,337,500 |
| 1923 | 1,430,400 | 3,673,600 |
| 1924 | 1,479,200 | 3,460,700 |
| 1925 | 1,596,100 | 3,208,600 |
| 1926 | 1,773,400 | 3,177,400 |
| 1927 (11 months) | 1,718,400 | 3,020,500 |
Migrant Wildfowl (Inter National Conference Report)
asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any report from the International Conference on Migrant Wildfowl, which sat in London in October last; and whether he will publish such report if and when received?
Yes. The report is being printed, and will be issued as a Stationery Office publication.
Canteens, Government Offices And Police Stations
asked the Home Secretary how many canteens there are in Government offices and police stations in London; and whether all or any of these are duly registered as clubs under the provisions of the Licensing Acts, 1910 to 1921?
I have authorised the sale of beer and cider in 100 police canteens in the Metropolitan Police area; and these places do not require to be registered as clubs under the Licensing Acts. As regards Government offices generally, I have no jurisdiction.
Unemployment
Insurance Bill Amendments
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can tabulate the concessions made by the Government in the Unemployment Insurance Bill since its introduction, giving the costs thereby involved where this arises?
The following statement sets out the Amendments (other than those of a drafting character) made by the House of Commons in the Unemployment Insurance Bill. An estimate of the increased cost of benefit on the basis of 9 per cent. of unemployment is added in those cases where the Amendment makes a direct and substantial addition to the amount of benefit payable.The references are to the Clauses of the Bill as passed by the House.
Rates of Benefit.—(Clause 4 (1).)
(i) The rates of benefit for young men and young women aged 19 and 20 were increased, as shown in the following table:
| — | Increased Rate. | Rate originally proposed. | ||
| s. | d. | s. | d. | |
| Young men aged 19 | 12 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Young women aged 19 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Young men aged 20 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Young women aged 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Estimated annual cost—about £450,000.
(ii) In addition, the Bill was amended so as to provide for the payment of the adult rate of benefit (17s. for men and 15s. for women) to young men and young women between the ages of 18 and 21 who are also in receipt of additional benefit in respect of a wife or child or other dependant.
Estimated annual cost—about £20,000.
The 30-contribution, rule.—(Clause 5 (4) and (5).)
The Bill, as introduced, provided that where failure to satisfy the 30-contribution condition is due to incapacity by reason of sickness, the period of two years during which the 30 contributions are to be paid should be lengthened by the period of incapacity up to a maximum of three years. The Bill was amended so as to extend this maximum to four years.
The Bill as introduced provided that in the case of ex-service men whose failure to satisfy the statutory condition was due to their disability, the number of contributions for the purpose of the condition should be 15 instead of 30. This number—15—was reduced to 10.
Extension of the "Continuity Bridge."—(Clause 7.)
At present the maximum period, of employment after which a person can resume benefit without the requirement of another waiting period (of six days without benefit) is six weeks. By a new Clause (Clause 7) this maximum period was extended to 10 weeks.
Estimated annual cost—between £250,000 and £300,000.
Provision for grants out of the Unemployment Fund towards the cost of courses of instruction.—(Clause 8.)
By a new Clause (Clause 8) the Bill gives the Minister power to authorise payments out of the Unemployment Fund towards the cost of approved courses of instruction for boys and girls aged 16 to 18 who are insured persons under the scheme or are normally employed, or likely to be employed, in an insured occupation. The grants are not to exceed the net amount provided for the same purpose out of the Exchequer.
The amount which this will involve in 1928–29 cannot yet be stated, as the Estimates have not been settled.
Arrangements with associations.—(Clause 10 (1).)
A reduction was made in the yearly amounts of benefit which an association's rules are to be required to provide out
of its own funds in order that the association may be eligible to make an arrangement for paying out State benefit to its members. The yearly amounts originally proposed by the Bill and the reduced amounts are as follows:
| — | Reduced amount. | Amount originally proposed. | ||
| s. | d. | s. | d. | |
| In the case of men 21years and over. | 75 | 0 | 120 | 0 |
| In the case of women 21 years and over. | 60 | 0 | 100 | 0 |
| In the case of young men and boys aged 16–21. | 37 | 6 | 60 | 0 |
| In the case of young women and girls aged 16–21. | 30 | 0 | 50 | 0 |
Exemption.—(Fourth Schedule. Amendment of Section 3 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920.)
An Amendment relating to exemption from unemployment insurance was redrafted so as to provide expressly that persons whose only insurable employment is ordinarily confined to a seasonal occupation ordinarily carried on for not more than 18 weeks in a year may claim exemption.
Fourth Schedule.—(Amendment of Section 26 (4) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920.)
The Bill as introduced proposed to extend from four to twelve months the period for which preferential claims for unpaid contributions could be made against companies which are being wound up. An Amendment was made which has the effect of making the same extension of period in the case of bankrupt employers who are not companies.
Relief work subsidised by Poor Law authorities.—(Fourth Schedule. Amendment of Section 47 of the Unemployment Insurance Act,1920.)
The Bill as introduced proposed to make uninsurable all work provided by arrangement between a local authority and a Poor Law authority under which the latter contributed towards the worker's remuneration. The Bill was amended so as to restrict the effect of this to the case of persons who have not previously been in receipt of unemployment benefit, or who are not employed full time under the arrangement.
Employment excepted by Minister's Certificate.—(Fourth Schedule. Amendment of First Schedule, Part II, of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920.)
The Minister has power under certain conditions to grant Certificates of Exception covering the permanent employés of local authorities, railway companies, public utility companies and other employments to which a statutory superannuation scheme applies; but it is in general necessary for contributions to be paid by such employés for the first three years of permanent service. At present, a person who is covered by such a Certificate of Exception and who leaves the employment and goes to another local authority, etc., which also holds such a certificate, must in general again pay contributions for three years under the new employer. A provision was inserted in the Bill under which this will not be necessary, and such a person may immediately be excepted in his new employment.
Fourth Schedule.—(Amendment of Section 5 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1921.)
Words were added which will make it possible for the interest on the debt of the Unemployment Fund to be paid direct to the National Debt Commissioners instead of through the Treasury as at present.
Grants Committee (Report)
asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Grants Committee proposes to issue a Report covering the period June, 1926, to June, 1927; and, if so, when publication is expected?
Yes, Sir; I am informed by Lord St. Davids that the Report in question may be expected in January.
Blind Persons
asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the particulars showing which local authorities have accepted responsibility for bringing the income of blind unemployable men and women up to a stated fixed amount; and will he give the figures in each case?
The following local authorities have accepted responsibility for bringing the income of blind unemployable men and women up to some fixed amount:County Councils:
- Brecon.
- Glamorgan.
- London.
- Monmouthshire.
- Northumberland.
- Oxfordshire.
County Borough Councils:
- Bristol.
- Bradford.
- Carlisle.
- Croydon.
- Gateshead.
- Halifax.
- Hull.
- Leeds.
- Liverpool.
- Nottingham.
- Norwich.
- Plymouth.
- Portsmouth.
- St. Helens.
- Southend-on-Sea.
- Walsall.
- Warrington.
- York.
The information available in the Ministry of Health does not enable me to give the actual figures in each case.
Birmingham Small Arms Company (Works, Redditch)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the fact that the Birmingham Small Arms Company are proposing to close their works at Redditch, he can state the number of people who will be thereby thrown out of work?
I have been asked to reply. In the event of the works being closed, about 1,300 workpeople would be affected, but I understand some of them would be offered employment at another of the company's works.
Armaments (Expenditure)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage of the national income which was spent on armaments in 1899 as compared with 1926?
No estimates of national income are available, so far as I am aware, for the years in question; but taking unofficial estimates for the nearest years available, namely, 1903 and 1924, the effective expenditure on armaments would in each case work out at about 2.5 per cent. of national income.
Bookmakers' Certificates
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of bookmakers' certificates that have been cancelled under Section 17 (3) of the Finance Act, 1926?
The number of orders of disqualification for holding a bookmaker's certificate which were made by competent Courts under Section 17 (3) of the Finance Act, 1926, up to the 30th November, 1927, was 32.
Government Printing Establishments
Committee Of Inquiry (Recommen Dations)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can now say what action it is proposed to take on the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into Government Printing Establishments?
I am now able to announce the action which it is proposed to take on the principal recommendations in the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Government Printing Establishments. In the first place, it has been decided to accept the recommendation of the Committee that the Government should continue to produce approximately one-third of its printing requirements at the State Printing Works. Secondly, as regards the Harrow Printing Works, the Committee recorded the fact that the savings effected by the works in succeeding years have followed an upward curve; and gave it as their unanimous opinion that neither on administrative nor on financial grounds should the factory be closed or disposed of at the present time. In these circumstances, the Government do not consider that any definite date need be fixed for a further special examination of the question of continuing this establish- ment, having regard to the fact that the operations of the Harrow Printing Works will come under periodic review both by the Treasury and by the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons.Thirdly, the Government have taken note of the Committee's view that the Hare Street buildings are not entirely satisfactory, and that the work should be carried out elsewhere. A proposal is now Under consideration for transferring the work now done at Hare Street to a building in Pocock Street, Southwark, already in Government occupation, which can be made available. It is expected by this means to increase still further the economies accruing as the result of the working of the Hare Street Factory. The Treasury are satisfied, after examination of the position, that discontinuance by the Government of the arrangements now made for this work (which includes the printing of the Parliamentary
| — | 1913. | 1918. | 1926. |
| (1) Number of Writing Assistants (or members of grades subsequently merged in that grade). | 490 | 1,408 | 4,603 |
| (2) Number of Writing Assistants promoted to the General or Departmental Clerical Classes, or to classes subsequently merged in those classes. | 2 | 38 | 267 |
| The figures under (2) do not include those appointed to the Clerical Classes by open or limited competitions. | |||
Closed Coal Mines
asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the Cwmaman collieries, some of the Powell-Duffryn collieries, and the Nixon Navigation colliery, all situated in the Aberdare Valley, are still closed down; and, in view of the hardship caused to the popuation, can he now state whether it is the intention of the colliery companies concerned to reopen these collieries in the near future?
I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on 22nd November by the Secretary for Mines. I have no further information.
Post Office
Facilities, Finchley
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the existing post office facilities in Finchley
Debates) would not only result in no saving—indeed the contrary—but would involve the risk of a material loss in administrative and Parliamentary convenience. The remaining recommendations of the Committee are under consideration with the Departments concerned.
Government Departments (Writing Assistants)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of writing assistants promoted to the grade of woman clerk in 1913 and 1918, respectively, and the number who have been promoted to the clerical class or allied departmental clerical classes in 1926–27, together with the number actually employed during each of these periods?
The particulars asked for are as follow:are inadequate; that there is a general demand that these facilities should be improved; and what steps he intends to take to meet this demand?
I have received representations from time to time about the post office facilities in Finchley. I am making further inquiry, and I will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend in due course.
Telephonists, Leeds (Promotion)
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the discontent prevailing among senior telephonists at Leeds owing to further promotions which involve the passing over of qualified telephonists on the acting list; that within three months a second instance has occurred of the passing over of 13 telephonists who have served on the acting list for many years, some of them from the war period, without being informed that they were below the standard needed for promotion; that certain telephonists on the acting list, senior to those appointed, have been engaged on acting duties over a period of years for a larger number of days than those who have been promoted; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that full weight is given to the ability and service of these officers?
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Bristol East (Mr. W. Baker) on 15th November last.
Lights On Vehicles (Fog)
asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the danger caused to the public on account of vehicles not being compelled to carry lights in the daytime during fog, he will consider the necessity of making Regulations compelling all vehicles to carry both front and rear lights at all times when weather conditions make it necessary?
I have no power to make such Regulations.
British Guiana (Status)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information with regard to the appointment of a local commission in British Guiana for the purpose of reducing the status of British Guiana to that of a Crown Colony; and, if so, under what authority has the Commission been appointed?
I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the local Commission which has been published as a Command Paper (Cmd. 2985), and which states that the Commission was appointed by the Governor on the instructions of the Secretary of State.
Adult Education Committee
asked the President of the Board of Education the names of the reconstituted Adult Education Committee; and whether this Committee is engaged on any special inquiries at the present time?
The names of the members of the Committee as reconstituted have been published in the Press, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Press announcement. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the Committee will be considering the matter at its forthcoming meeting after Christmas.
Afforestation (Ex-Service Men)
asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what number of men are employed on afforestation schemes, and what percentage of the number are ex-service men?
The November return shows a total of 2,439 men, of whom 38 per cent. are ex-service men.