asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to make any further statement on the question of the future status of Tangier?

No, Sir. The Franco-Spanish negotiations are not yet concluded.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nationality of the Sheikh of Mohammerah: and what is the particular interest of His Majesty's Government in this potentate, in view of the fact that he is apparently under the jurisdiction of the Royal Persian Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Persian." The interest of His Majesty's Government in the Sheikh is based on long-standing friendship. His Majesty's Government have, however, in no single instance, suggested that he is other than a Persian subject.

Can we have some further explanation at a convenient time as to why we are pressing the Persian Government about this Sheikh without the knowledge, as far as I know, of this House?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will communicate with me the exact nature of the information he wants I will try to get it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the terms of his last note to the Shah of Persia have been published in a paper printed in English in Iraq; and whether, in view of this, he will communicate the contents of the note to the House?

No, Sir. I am not aware that the terms of any of the communications recently addressed to the Persian Government have been published in the Press. It is neither customary nor desirable to publish correspondence regarding questions still under negotiation with a foreign Government, and I am therefore not able to make a communication to the House at present.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the reprint from an Iraq paper that appeared in the London "Times" of 17th inst.? How is it that this leakage has taken place to the Iraq papers, and we are refused information?

I have seen that, and it was after seeing it that I said in my answer I was not aware of the terms of any communication to the Persian Government having been published in the Press. A certain caution in the amount of confidence the hon. and gallant Gentleman attaches to reports of that kind might be desirable.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to lay papers on this question?

It is neither conducive to successful negotiations nor courteous to the Government with which one is in negotiation to lay papers in the middle of negotiations.

When?

I must therefore wait till the conclusion. When that will be I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that by a decree issued by the Governor-General of Lourenco Marques the Portuguese Government propose to confiscate without compensation the business of landing and shipping at Lourenco Marques at present carried on by British firms; whether he is prepared to make any representations to the Portuguese Government for these firms to carry on their business, on which they pay a tax of 6d. per ton on the tonnage handled; and, if not, whether he will ask for compensation for the loss of business which these firms have built up during the last 30 years?

A decree was issued on 31st December, 1927, providing for the landing and shipping of merchandise in the port of Lourenco Marques to be taken over by the Administration of the port and railways of Lourenco Marques as from 1st January, 1929. Loading equipment is to be taken over at an agreed valuation. The preamble to this decree states that, as the affected firms are also agents of shipping companies, stevedores, forwarding agents and general commercial agents, they will not be compelled to discontinue their activities. His Majesty's Consul-General at Lourenco Marques is in touch with the local British firms, and I cannot say at present what action, if any, it may become desirable to take on their behalf.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the Sudan accords any tariff preferences in favour of British goods?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

May I point out that the name is not Bohra, but Mohamed Ali?

I presume my Department, with more knowledge than I possess, rightly interpreted the question. The answer is as follows:

"Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to this case, but I have no official information as to what actually occurred, and in the absence of a British Consular Officer in Italian Somaliland some time must necessarily elapse before an official report can be obtained. Natives of India enjoy the same degree of protection abroad as all other British subjects."

Has the right hon. Gentleman received information as to other British subjects having been imprisoned and fined for similar acts of omission, and, secondly, what steps can a British subject take in this ceded territory in order to make complaints, when they have to make complaints, in the absence of a British Consul or Vice-Consul?

As far as I know, this is the only complaint that has come to- our knowledge, but I will not speak definitely without opportunity of reference. They must address themselves to the nearest British official.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to inquire either from the people who have been deported or from the authorities of Kismayu into the occurrences there? Is he taking any active steps, or is he leaving it to further complaints from the people who lost their property?

I am trying to secure information as to what exactly took place.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many beds there are available in the naval hospitals in this country; and what was the maximum number occupied on any one day of last year?

The reply to the first part of the question is 1,912, and to the second, 1,804.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make it plain that pensioners from the naval service may exercise their full political rights in the same way as any other citizen?

The existing Orders are clear that there are no restrictions in this matter upon naval pensioners, except if, and when, pensioners are recalled to service in emergency and so are serving precisely as though they were active service ratings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Order is not quite clear, and will he take steps to amend it?

If the hon. Member will read paragraph 4 of the Fleet Order, I think the meaning is quite clear.

"4. These prohibitions also apply to retired officers and officers on the emergency list and pensioners when such officers or men are called to service or re-employed and to officers and men of the Reserve Force when actually serving."

I think that is perfectly clear.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the recent Order governing political meetings and candidates for Parliament, whether he will define what is meant by the restriction which is made to apply to retired officers and officers on the emergency list and pensioners?

When officers or men of these categories are for any reason recalled to full active service, the restrictions appropriate to active service personnel in this matter are applied to them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether half-pay officers are free to take part in political activities in common with other citizens?

Half-pay officers are required to be subject to the same conditions as regards Parliamentary candidature and political activities as full-pay officers.

Does that mean that there has been no alteration at all since the matter was raised last Session with the Prime Minister, and when the Prime Minister, in answer to representations from both sides of the House, promised to look into it?

The position of half-pay officers has been fully considered in accordance with the undertaking to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers, and I understand that the Prime Minister is satisfied.

Does my hon. Friend realise that it is a totally new ruling given after Parliament had adjourned, and that the memorial from the Admiralty to the Cabinet said nothing whatever about half-pay officers but only active list officers and candidates; for Parliament? It is something that has been sanctioned under false pretences.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister stated on Monday that there had been no change in the procedure, and is it not quite clear that a very drastic and fundamental change has been made?

I did not see the answer given on Monday, but I presume it meant that there had been no change in our position between when that question was asked and to-day.

No!

I will look at the answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if anything has been done in the case of half-pay officers who are Peers; whether they will be allowed to carry on political activities forbidden to Commoners in this House?

In order to clear up the position whether the Admiralty has any jurisdiction, can the right hon. Gentleman bring up a half-pay officer before a court-martial if he disobeys an order of the Admiralty?

That is a question of which I should require notice. I have forgotten the question asked by the hon. Gentleman opposite.

It is whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Prime Minister stated on Monday that there had been no change whatever in the practice concerning the political rights of naval officers and men?

I will look into the matter. I would rather it not be taken that my answer is a final one.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this Order was issued a very distinguished Admiral, Lord Wester Wemyss, made a political speech in the House of Lords, and that he is an Admiral who is not on half-pay but on full pay?

He is on half-pay.

No, he is on full pay, which makes it worse.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the Admiralty have ruled that its industrial employés are not eligible for vacant appointments under the Ministry of Labour as third class officers?

No such ruling as that stated in the question has been given by the Admiralty; but having regard to the qualifications required by the Ministry of Labour for the posts in question, candidates from the clerical class seemed more suitable than those drawn from the industrial class of Admiralty employés.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of Labour has indicated that the Admiralty take objection to the engagement of these men, and in view of the prevailing unemployment in dockyard towns, will he bring pressure to bear on the Ministry of Labour to accept discharged Admiralty employés?

I am quite unaware of the attitude of the Ministry of Labour but I will get in touch with them.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say on what basis the Admiralty arrived at their discrimination against the industrial employés?

The terms of the letter we received from the Ministry of Labour indicated that candidates were expected to be men serving on the clerical staffs under the Admiralty.

May we take it that the Admiralty will raise no objection to the employment of these men?

I think I can give that guarantee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the shortage of naval interpreters with a knowledge of Eastern languages, he will consider granting allowances as an inducement to officers and ratings to study for conversational ability in the most commonly useful languages?

Payment is made to officers for two distinct grades of interpreter in each language (including Eastern languages) and it is not considered worth while to grant an allowance for any lower standard such as purely conversational ability. Payment to men is made when actually employed as interpreters regardless of standard.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the destroyers engaged in the suppression of gun-running and slave-trading in the Red Sea cannot follow native dhows into the numerous shallows, owing to their deep draught and the very light draught of the native craft, he will consider the use of coastal motor boats as an auxiliary force?

The question of employing coastal motor boats or other small craft, to assist in the suppression of the slave traffic and gun-running, has received careful consideration, but has been abandoned because of its very doubtful utility, and of the expense it would entail.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that no messing allowance is paid to the accountant officer in charge of general messing, he will state how much per man per day he is allowed to expend to provide a free supply of necessary food for naval ratings messed under the general messing system?

The accountant officer is allowed to spend such an amount as is necessary to provide a suitable standard of messing. As stated in paragraph five of Admiralty Fleet Order 347/1928, the amount required varies with prices and other conditions, and, generally speaking, is less in shore establishments than in seagoing ships.

Then there is no definite sum mentioned?

The sum varies according to stations.

It varies from what—a penny to ten shillings?

If the hon. Member would like me to do so, I can give him details.

Thank you.

General messing from 1st April next, the average daily cost of general messing should not exceed the following:—Men's messes, 1s. 4½d.; boys' messes, whether afloat or in training establishments, 1s. 6d.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will take steps to secure that no loss is incurred by the Greenwich Hospital Fund when the rent is fixed for the Naval Museum in the present Greenwich Hospital School buildings; and that this amount shall be at least equal to the income from the sum expected to be realised by the sale of this site and property?

I can assure the hon. Member that the interests and responsibilities of Greenwich Hospital will be fully considered, though I am unable to accept the implication that it is open to the trustees to sell the Queen's House, which is one of the historic buildings at Greenwich.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that lower deck ratings who were promoted to mate rank after the 4th October, 1925, are paid at a reduced rate of pay; and whether, in view of the Prime Minister's promise in 1924 that the rates of pay for all ranks and ratings then serving would remain as approved by the Jerram Committee, he will issue the necessary instructions that these officers are to be paid at the old rates?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any reason for altering the present arrangement, which is in accordance with that adopted in the other services for soldiers or airmen granted commissions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men employed by the Admiralty at Malta in December, 1927, and January, 1928?

The numbers were 6,714 in December, 1927, and 6,757 in January, 1928.

asked the Minister of Labour which fresh training centres in England and Wales his Department contemplate opening; whether these training centres will be residential or non-residential; and when it is proposed to open them?

A non-residential centre was recently opened at Dudley: another will shortly be opened at Bristol. These are all that I contemplate at present.

asked the Minister of Labour the nature of the training given in the various centres for the training of seamen which juvenile employment committees are recommending; whether the training is under the auspices of the Admiralty; and whether the aim is to prepare men for general seamanship or for the Navy?

The training given in the sea schools recommended to boys in appropriate cases by juvenile advisory committees includes courses in seamanship and physical training as well as general education. The aim is to prepare boys for a career at sea, and the majority of the boys enter the Merchant Service. The Committees also make known to suitable boys the scheme of direct entry to the advanced class in naval training establishments. These establishments are under the control of the Admiralty and the aim is to prepare boys for their duties in the Royal Navy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while there is no shortage of recruits for the Navy at all, there is a shortage of trained boys for the Merchant Service, and will he stress the mercantile side of this scheme and, if possible, extend it?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give figures?

If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will give him any figures that I can, but I am not at all sure how far I have got statistics. The whole object is, of course, to put unemployed boys into suitable places and to enable them to get a job and be available to the Merchant Service.

asked the Minister of Labour by what method the 74 persons who are to receive training at Wallsend from Glasgow were chosen; what method was taken to notify suitable persons; if he can state how many persons were refused training; and if any age-limit is imposed?

I am making inquiry into this matter and will supply the hon. Member with such information as is available as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received the remonstrance sent to him by the Central Committee on Women's Employment as to the amount of the grant, together with a request that extra assistance should be given to Scotland and to certain distressed areas in England as well as to Wales; and whether he can hold out any hope of making the additional grants requested?

I have re received this letter and have it under consideration.

Can the Minister hold out any hope of being able shortly to make a statement?

I hope that it will not be long. I am actually considering the matter.

Is the Minister aware of the acuteness of the position in parts of Scotland?

Yes.

Are we to understand that the proposal which the Minister is considering is to give an additional grant to the North of England, seeing that he has given £10,000 to South Wales?

I have already said, in reply to the question, that I have this letter. If the hon. Member will read the question, he will see that my answer covers the point.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed persons have been disallowed unemployment benefit in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, owing to the receipt of old age pensions at 65; and if he will state whether any of them and, if so, how many remain on the live register?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Tottenham North (Mr. R. Morrison) on 9th February. The total figure for Great Britain of 28,500 given in that reply is divided as follows:

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any figures of the numbers of persons who have been deprived of their unemployment benefit on reaching the age of 65, and to whom no pension has been paid?

No.

Is it possible to obtain those figures?

I will inquire.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to ascertain the additional charge upon the boards of guardians as a result of these figures?

I am not sure that I have any figures of that kind.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 1,132,000 applicants for employment registered at the Exchanges on 31st December, 1927, were 65 years old and upwards?

The only available statistics relate to persons aged 65 and over on the registers of Employment Exchanges with claims to unemployment benefit current at 2nd January, 1928, who numbered 28,500. Statistics are not available regarding the ages of uninsured persons on the register.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons over 65 years of age who ceased to receive unemployment benefit during January, 1928, owing to the operation of the Pensions Act at the Wigan Employment Exchange?

The only available figure is that for the number of persons aged 65 and over with current claims to benefit at the Wigan Employment Exchange at the beginning of January, 1928, namely 160. The number then in receipt of benefit was something less than this total, but I cannot give the precise figure.

asked the Minister of Labour how many meetings were held by the Unemployment Grants Committee during 1927; the number of schemes for work submitted; the number sanctioned; and the number of men to be employed on such schemes?

During the year ended 31st December, 1927, the Unemployment Grants Committee met on 20 occasions. The number of schemes submitted during the year was 101, and 68 schemes were approved for grant. These schemes were estimated to provide 41,177 man-months' work.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of workpeople engaged in the tin mines, of Cornwall, and the number of men registered in January, 1928, as unemployed tin miners?

I am informed by the Secretary for Mines that, according to returns received by him, the number of workpeople of all ages, exclusive of salaried officials, employed in the tin mines in Cornwall in December last was 2,980. The estimated number of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts classified as belonging to the tin, lead and copper mining industry in Cornwall at July, 1927, was 3,550, and the number recorded as unemployed at 23rd January, 1928, was 596.

Have any steps been taken by the right hon. Gentleman to find opportunities for the employment of these unemployed tin miners?

I have no doubt that at the Employment Ex-

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women registered as unemployed brewery workers in the months of November and December, 1927, and January, 1928, respectively?

For the purpose of unemployment insurance statistics, this industry is included with aerated water manufacture and the bottling of wines, spirits, beers, etc., to form a group covering the whole drink industry. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the figures available for this group as a whole.

Following is the statement:

changes, in regard to tin miners and others, every possible opportunity is taken to let them know of places where they can get work.

Have any representations been made to the owners of these tin mines, asking them to open up some of the mines which were closed a short time ago?

Not that I am aware of.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Industrial Transfer Board has to deal with these tin miners, or only with coal miners?

At present they are concentrating their attention upon coal mines.

Is it not a fact that the owners of the tin mines in Cornwall are invariably the same people who own tin mines abroad, and that they only find work for British tin miners when it is profitable to do so?

asked the Minister of Labour if the alterations at Springburn Employment Exchange have begun; and when these are expected to be finished?

The plans of this proposed extension, which present certain difficulties, are still under consideration, but everything possible is being done to expedite the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour when the new Exchange for Central Glasgow is going to be proceeded with and if the contracts for it have been settled?

Plans of the proposed building are in course of preparation and while, as I told the hon. Member on 14th December last, there will be no avoidable delay, he will realise that the various stages will take some time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the percentage of insured persons registered as unemployed on 16th January was 8.2 per cent. in Kent and Hants, 8.4 per cent. in Dorset, 9 per cent. in Somerset, and 9.1 per cent. in Devon, he will state what industries either in the South of England or around London hold out a prospect of being able to absorb unemployed workers transferred from the more distressed areas?

These general percentages are consistent with much lower figures in particular trades and areas in which they fall to as low as 2 or 3 per cent., and I do not think there is any reason to suppose that a certain number of opportunities of employment cannot be found for those who are willing and anxious to obtain work.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not say into what specific industries the unemployed from the North of England should go?

Not without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that persons who come here from the North, looking for work, are probably on arrival disqualified by his Department for not genuinely seeking work?

If the hon. Member will give me definite instances I will look into them.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that definite instances have been sent to him, and that the mere fact of having left the North and come here was taken as evidence that they were going away from work and not looking for it?

I cannot take that on the hon. Member's simple statement. I shall be glad to look into any cases sent to me.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman ask for notice, in order to answer a question which has been put to him on the Paper, as to what industries in the South of England can absorb unemployed people?

I will gladly inquire and let the hon. Member know.

That is the question on the Paper.

Is it not possible to get an early answer to this question, as to the industries in which men and women can find work? The question has never been answered.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 16th January last, according to the local unemployment index issued by the Ministry of Labour, there were 17 per cent. of the insured persons in Northumberland unemployed; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this state of affairs?

(2) whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 16th January last, according to the local unemployment index issued by the Ministry of Labour, there were 25 per cent. of the insured persons in Durham unemployed; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this state of things?

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 16th January last, according to the local unemployment index issued by the Ministry, there were 68.9 per cent. of male insured persons unemployed in Merthyr, 51.9 per cent. in Pont Lottyn, 61.9 per cent. in Blaina, and 50.7 per cent. in Ystalyfera; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this matter?

(2) whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 16th January last, according to the local unemployment index issued by the Ministry, there were 24.6 per cent. of the insured persons in Glamorganshire, 26 per cent. in Monmouthshire, and 37 per cent. in Carmarthenshire unemployed; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this matter?

The high percentages of unemployment to which attention is called relate to mining areas and are explained by the general conditions of the coal industry. The problem presented by these and other areas in which unemployment is severe is engaging the attention of the Government. So far as relief may be possible by the transfer of labour to other occupations or other districts, this is a mater which is under consideration by the Industrial Transference Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of unemployed insured persons last year in the county of Durham was between 10,000 and 12,000; and what hope is there in bringing miners from Durham and Northumberland into the South, where there is so much unemployment? Would it not be better for the Government to do something to find employment for these men in the county?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks what steps he proposes to take to deal with unemployment in the county of Durham?

I have already said that the principal steps that can be taken are being taken by the Government and by the Industrial Transference Board in trying to find openings for them either in other parts of the country, or, in cases where they are willing, by emigration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what the Transference Board are doing? Have they transferred one miner during the whole time that they have been in existence?

That is really a matter for debate.

I submit that it is a fair question. The Transference Board is dealing with this matter, and I have put a fair question. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us of one miner in the county of Durham who has been dealt with by the Transference Board?

The hon. Member can take an opportunity at Eleven o'Clock of debating the question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of children between the ages of 14 and 16 years who were unemployed during the month of January?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons in employment for a series of past years and for the latest convenient date?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

In the following Table an estimate of the numbers in employment in Great Britain has been made by deducting from the estimated number of insured persons the number recorded as unemployed, as shown by the lodged unemployment books (including the "two months" file), and making an allowance for sickness and other unrecorded non-employment, and also for trade disputes.

Under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, persons aged 65 and over are excluded from unemployment insurance as from 2nd January, 1928. The figures for January, 1928, therefore relate only to persons aged 16 to 64. In order to make the figures comparable throughout it has been necessary to exclude from the earlier figures the estimated number of persons aged 65 and over. The Table,

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases which were disposed of last year by the Court of Referees in Glasgow; the number at which there were present no employers' representatives; the number at which there were present no workers' representatives; and the number at which both were absent?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour how many miners were refused benefits at the Wigan Employment Exchange during the quarters ending June, September, and December, 1927, and January, 1928, stating the reasons for the disallowances?

I regret that statistics regarding the disallowance of benefit are not available in respect of particular industries or occupations.

asked the Minister of Labour how many insured persons were refused benefit at the Wigan

therefore, relates throughout to insured persons aged 16 to 64 inclusive.

Employment Exchange in the months of September and December, 1927, and January, 1928, respectively, and the reasons for the disallowances?

It has not been possible in the time available to tabulate the information required in this question, but I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if there are any special reasons why a permit was refused to Miss Alden Gray, an American actress, to appear in a production entitled "Married Bachelors" at the Q Theatre; and whether, any correspondence has passed between his Department and the United States Consul-General in London to ascertain the exact status of American actors or artists in Great Britain?

I was unable to advise my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to agree to this American subject being engaged for this employment, because the employer did not satisfy me that every effort had been made to secure the services of a British artist for the part. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any regulations in the form of a quota which prohibit more than a certain number of American artists appearing in this country?

It is not a question of a quota, as, I think, the hon. Member knows.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in America a great many English artists, actors and others, obtain employment, and has he borne that fact in mind?

I have all these matters in mind. I might also add that quite a considerable number of artists from other countries do get employment here, and are given permits. It is a complicated question as to the propriety of reserving certain kinds of employment in this country which can properly be filled in this country, and, from the artistic point of view, the propriety of giving leading artists, musical people and others, permission to perform at concerts and on the stage.

Who is to be the judge and to say whether these artists are able to perform their alloted tasks?

I am, for this purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of these artists come over to this country and draw large salaries and pay no Income Tax?

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to qualify himself for the part he is now playing?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his Department has investigated the ray known as the invisible ray searchlight, which is used for spotting aeroplanes unknown to their pilots; and whether any negotiations have been entered into for acquiring such rights?

The Air Ministry is in touch with the latest developments of the so-called invisible ray searchlight, but it would not be to the public interest to give a more detailed answer to this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many beds there are available in Air Force hospitals in this country; what was the maximum number occupied on any one day of last year; and what is the annual average number of beds occupied?

The answer to the first part of the question is 440; to the second, 368; to the last part, 266.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) if the option of repurchase of airship R100 by the Airship Guarantee Company for £150,000 is exercisable at any time or only subsequently to the successful fulfilment of her specified trial tests;

(2) if he will give full information as to the state of the negotiations now pending between the Airship Guarantee Company and his Department for the repurchase of R100?

The negotiations which have taken place to date are of a provisional and preliminary character and, pending the return of the Airship Guarantee Company's representative from the United States, they are temporarily in abeyance, though I have every hope that they will in due course be brought to a successful issue. In these circumstances I have no further statement to make upon them for the time being. So soon as the company's proposals take a more concrete form I shall, of course, be prepared to give the hon. Member full information as to the main lines of any agreement which may be negotiated.

Has the right hon. Gentleman forgotten—has he ever been aware—thattheoriginal statement made in this House by the present Leader of the Opposition in 1924 declared specifically that the option of repurchasing would not be exercisable until this ship had passed all its necessary tests?

Yes, and certainly the ship will have to pass all the necessary tests. The contract stands in the actual words in which it now is and if any alteration is made or proposed, I shall, of course, take an early opportunity of informing the House.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever heard of or known the meaning of the word "bunkum"?

Yes, and I will leave the House to draw its own conclusions from my answers and the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how much time would be saved by taking the route across France, the Mediterranean, the Sahara, the Cameroons, and thence to Cape Town, rather than by the East Coast; whether landing grounds could be as suitably and cheaply created; and to what extent as to these points and as to commercial and revenue-producing possibilities the two routes would vary?

On the assumption that my Noble Friend desires a comparison between the route which is outlined in his question and the normal flying route to Cape Town, the answer is as follows: The saving in distance, if my Noble Friend's suggestion were adopted, would amount, it is estimated, to about 850 miles, representing approximately eight and a half hours' flying time. On the other hand, more than three-fourths of the western route would lie over foreign territory, of much of which no detailed survey has been made. The establishment and maintenance of landing grounds and the equipment of them with adequate supplies of petrol and oil would be very expensive, while in regard to commercial and revenue-producing possibilities the suggested route appears to compare very unfavourably with the normal flying route.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if his Department has any code of regulations governing lighter-than-air airship construction for civil passenger-carrying purposes embodying specific conditions as to passenger and crew accommodation, sanitation, medical service, life-saving apparatus, etc.; and, if so, will he publish them?

One of the objects which the construction of the two new experimental airships will, I hope, achieve, is to indicate the regulations which will be necessary for passenger-carrying airships. Until practical experience has been gained by experimental flights it would be premature to lay down general regulations, and in the meantime it is sufficient to deal with any individual applications which may be received for certificates of airworthiness for airships and the safety requirements which should be fulfilled on their merits.

Are we to understand that airships are to be built under no regulations at all and that the public will be invited to take passages in ships which have not been certified under any specific code or regulation?

No, Sir. The hon. Member must make no such assumption. Each case will be taken on its merits, and no airship will fly without having an airworthiness certificate.

Is it not the fact that the Secretary of State for Air has no regulations at all, and that these matters are subject entirely to caprice?

No, I have told the hon. Member that each case is taken on its merits.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say upon what these certificates will be based? If we can be told that we shall know what is behind it.

They will be based on experience and technical knowledge.

Experience and technical knowledge is a wide term. May we know what part of experience and knowledge is going to be applied to air?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any particulars as to the decision of Mr. Orville Wright to present us with the first airplane that ever accomplished flight; and where it is to be housed?

I understand that Mr. Orville Wright has very generously lent to the Science Museum, for a period of five years, the actual aeroplane in which he and his brother accomplished their first flights on 17th December, 1903. The machine will be exhibited in the Aeronautical Collection of the Museum.

asked the Attorney-General the number of county advisory committees and borough advisory committees for the selection of those persons suitable to be nominated as justices of the peace which have not been revised since 1923 and which have not yet come under the new system which the Lord Chancellor has set up for appointing such members for a fixed term of office of six years; and how many of these committees have been reappointed during the past 12 months?

I have been asked to reply.

There are 99 advisory committees acting for counties or parts of counties. Thirty-one of these committees have been reappointed for fixed terms of office since 1923 and five of the 31 have been so reappointed during the last 12 months. There are, therefore, 68 county committees remaining to be dealt with. Advisory committees have been appointed for 212 boroughs which have separate commissions of the peace. Seventy borough advisory committees have been reappointed for fixed terms of office since 1923, and 26 of these have been dealt with during the past 12 months.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that there are in this country a large number of councils who have not the requisite number to form a quorum on these committees and will he take some action in the matter?

The hon. Member should put that question down.