asked the Minister of Pensions what was the cost per head per week of ex-service patients under medical treatment in institutions belonging to the Ministry and in voluntary hospitals during 1925, 1926, and 1927?

As the information desired involves a certain amount of detail, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, cause the answer to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

The following table shows the cost per week per ex-service patient in institutions belonging to the Ministry as compared with the corresponding cost of ex-service patients in other hospitals for the years 1925, 1926, and 1927:

Comparison of the cost per head as between the two classes of institution is necessarily affected by the fact that in institutions controlled by the Ministry the entire medical staff is salaried. Moreover, it is to be remembered that the Ministry only maintain separate institutions for treatment where that course is necessary to supplement existing civil accommodation or to provide treatment for special classes of disability for which hospital treatment is not otherwise available.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men, suffering from disability of any kind, for whose care the Ministry is responsible who are being treated in institutions belonging to local authorities in Scotland and England, respectively?

The number of ex-service men who are in receipt of treatment at the cost of the Ministry in institutions belonging to local authorities was at the end of January, approximately, 5,300 in England and 800 in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Pensions the date on which the last meeting of the Central Advisory Committee was held; and whether he will place a copy of the minutes of those proceedings in the Library for the information of Members?

The latest meeting of my Central Advisory Committee was held on the 30th November last. With regard to the last part of the question, I do not see my way to accept the suggestion made by the hon. Member. The proceedings of the Advisory Committee are in the nature of full and free discussion on the matters of administration and policy put before them, and this would not be the case if it were the practice to publish the proceedings.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the proposed new hospital is to be in Dunston, Gateshead; and whether it is proposed to administer the hospital in association with the Dunston after-care home for disabled ex-service men maintained out of the County of Northumberland War Relief Fund?

The average numbers of ex-service men receiving treatment during these years were 71,000, 56,500, 44,600, 34,700 and 27,700 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any Report from the Cardiff Watch Committee regarding the Chief Constable's statement concerning the amount paid in fees of £l,004 3s., by servants seeking situations to local servants' registries and that

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The premises which are known as Dunston Hill House, Dunston-on-Tyne, were formerly occupied by the Northumberland Naval and Military War Pensions Voluntary Fund. The administration of the hospital will be in the hands of my Ministry, but I have every reason to hope that some, if not all, of the members of the committee of the Northumberland Voluntary Fund will serve as members of the Welfare Committee of the new hospital when it is ready for occupation.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of established and unestablished whole-time medical officers employed by the Ministry during 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 and 1927, and the average number of ex-service cases under treatment during the same period?

In view of the detailed particulars required, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The numbers of established and unestablished whole-time medical officers (including the whole-time medical staffs of Ministry institutions) employed by the Ministry during the years in question were as follow:

only 1,714 persons were found situations, while on the other hand employers paid £342 5s., and were provided with 2,001 servants; and whether he intends to take steps to regularise these charges and prevent the payment of fees unless a situation is found for the applicant?

Yes. I have a report from the Chief Constable, and I am suggesting for the consideration of the council the adoption of a by-law similar to one which is in force in London, limiting the amount of the preliminary fee which may be charged to an applicant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ascertain that no ill effects will result from an extended use of petrol diluted with lead tetra-ethyl in motor vehicles in this country, and especially in large cities; whether he is satisfied that there will be no evil results on the health of the community; and if he is aware that stringent regulations have had to be imposed on the use of this fuel in America?

The effect of the use of this substance on the public health is a matter outside the jurisdiction of the Home Office, but in view of the possibility that special measures might have to be taken for the protection of factory workers, the Department has been following closely the investigations which have been carried out in, the United States, and I understand that no evidence has been discovered there of any injury being caused to the public. It is not the case, so I am informed, that any Regulations have been imposed in the United States on the use of this substance, but instructions are issued by the company supplying it, and the same is being done in this country. I may add that the effect on workers engaged in occupations in which there is any likelihood of their being exposed to risk from the use of this substance is being and will continue to be carefully watched. So far no case of lead poisoning has occurred.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the letter from Sir William Pope, the eminent chemist, which was published in the "Times" of yesterday, 22nd February, and has he observed the grave warning against the use of this substance made by this authority?

I know of this warning. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that I gave a very careful answer. It is a new substance, and it is under most careful consideration and investigation at the present time. If anything of that kind is discovered I need hardly say that I will deal with it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the United States of America, according to this authority, five deaths and 30 cases of poisoning occurred in the factories; and is he only going to pay attention to factory workers. Is he going to take any steps to consider the effect in city thoroughfares?

As I said in the early part of my reply, the hon. and gallant Gentleman must not confuse the duties of the Home Office with the duties of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health deals with public health; I only deal with the protection of factory life.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that lead poisoning takes a considerable time before it appears, and that that is the danger of this substance?

Can the right hon. Gentleman see to it that the Research Department make investigations into the matter?

I think I can reasonably do that. I will confer with my colleague, the Minister of Health, in order to see if one of the Research Departments can take this matter more fully in hand.

asked the Minister of Health the number of smallpox cases in the Aspull and Hindley Urban Council areas during the period from 1st January, 1927, onwards to date; what are the causes of the outbreak; and what steps are being taken to prevent the disease spreading?

During the present year five cases of small-pox have occurred in the Hindley Urban District and four in the Aspull Urban District. The source of infection of the first case in each district has not been definitely ascertained. The usual steps are being taken in accordance with a memorandum issued by my Department to prevent the spread of infection, and I am informed by the medical officer of Hindley that patients were removed to hospital; house and clothing disinfected and contacts vaccinated or re-vaccinated. Handbills were prepared and distributed to every house in the district, and large notices warning the public of the outbreak and advising vaccination were posted in conspicuous positions throughout the district. The Infant Welfare Clinic was opened as a vaccination centre, where the vaccination officer was in attendance daily. All schools were visited and special arrangements made for vaccination or re-vaccination. Over 1,000 men, women and children were treated in this short period. All efforts were centred on prevention. Absentees from works and schools were reported to the Health Department daily and visited. The picture palace proprietors co-operated and the halls were closed for matinee performances. The schools, billiard halls, Employment Exchange and the post office were also disinfected and preventive measures taken wherever considered necessary.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to overcrowding and bad sanitation in these areas which may have caused the outbreak?

I am advised that overcrowding and bad sanitation do not cause outbreaks of small-pox.

Would it not be much more efficacious, instead of taking these panic measures when small-pox m already prevalent in a locality, to re-impose the duty upon all citizens to be vaccinated?

asked the Minister of Health how many of the 7,956 cases of smallpox classified in the Report of the chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health for the year 1926 as unvaccinated had been vaccinated during the incubation period of small-pox; and the ages of such patients?

Of the 7,956 cases classified as unvaccinated in the Report referred to, 459 were persons unvaccinated at the time of infection, but vaccinated during the incubation period. As the reply to the last part of the ques- tion involves a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there is no small-pox in Ireland, seeing that we get so much in England?

There are no snakes in Ireland.

Following is the statement:

The ages of the patients were as follow:

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the greater difficulty experienced by medical officers of health in obtaining detailed information regarding the vaccinal condition of patients vaccinated during the incubation period of small-pox than in obtaining information as to their unvaccinated condition prior to exposure to small-pox, he will give instructions that, when the forms containing details of the cases are being filled up by the responsible officials, it should be stated whether the case was vaccinated during the incubation period instead of only that the case was originally unvaccinated?

I do not think that the information which would be obtained if this suggestion were adopted is of sufficient importance to justify me in imposing this additional requirement on the responsible medical officers.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the remarks made by the deputy coroner at an inquest held on Ernest Seldon Smith at Chelsea, in which it was proved that on account of the deceased's height, which was 6 feet 7 inches, there was not a bed long enough for him in the hospital; and will he give the necessary instructions that at all hospitals under his control there shall be one extra long bed for such tall patients?

I understand that the committee of the hospital have been asked to consider the question of providing for this kind of emergency. I do not think, however, that the matter is one in which I could properly issue any general instruction.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the approaching hot weather, he will issue a Circular to all local councils who have marshes in their vicinity, which are the natural breeding places for insects, advising that all such marsh lands should be sprayed so as to prevent plagues of mosquitoes this forthcoming summer?

I am advised that the indiscriminate spraying of all marsh lands is not necessary and would probably be ineffective. The pamphlet on "British Mosquitoes and their Control," published by the British Museum (Natural History) in collaboration with my Department, contains advice as to the best measures to combat mosquito pests, and my Department is prepared on request to advise local authorities in special circumstances.

May I ask whether, in view of the enormous increase of mosquitoes during the summer, the right hon. Gentleman will issue general instructions to local authorities so that they may be able to take every step that is known for mitigating this pest, which is growing?

The conditions are not the same in each locality, and it would be impossible to issue general instructions. All that I can do is to advise local authorities generally that, if they have any particular pest, they should apply to the Ministry of Health, and I can send down an expert who will be able to give them advice as to how to deal with the particular pest.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this pamphlet has been circulated to local authorities?

No. I do not think it has. It has been published.

Would it not be advisable to circulate it to local authorities?

No, I do not think that it is necessary to do more than I have done.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to limit the importation of all milk and milk substitutes under licences granted only where there are effective guarantees that the imports are produced under sanitary conditions equal to those required in this country and when analysis shows that the imported articles fulfil all requirements operative in this country?

I do not think that it would be practicable to deal with the question of imports in the manner proposed. The Imported Milk Regulations of 1926 require imported milk to comply with a strict bacterial test and to be free from tubercle bacilli, and they make provision for removing from the register of importers any person importing milk which does not comply with the required conditions. As regards condensed and dried milk (which I assume to be what my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind in speaking of milk substitutes), I may say that all imports are required to conform to prescribed standards, and that a recent inquiry showed that the sanitary conditions of milk production in the countries from which most of the imports are derived are not inferior to those existing in this country.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is considering the desirability of abolishing capital punishment and substituting for it penal servitude for life?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on the Welsh language that the provision of Section 20 of the Act of Parliament, 27 Henry VIII, cap. 26, which forbids the use of Welsh in Courts of law should be repealed; and whether he will introduce a Bill to effect this purpose?

I am aware of this interesting recommendation. The Section referred to is, I think, Section 17 and not Section 20. The question of its repeal raises important issues, some at least of which it would not be for me to decide, but I will look into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether, with a view to preventing any charge for the services of a Welsh interpreter being made on the parties to any proceedings in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, he will issue to magistrates' clerks in Wales and Monmouth instructions similar to those issued to registrars of County Courts by the Lord Chancellor in a circular dated 9th April, 1928?

I believe that the practice which the hon. Member desires to establish is already universally observed, but if he has information to the contrary and will kindly let me have it, I will certainly consider the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the suggestion made by the members of the Departmental Committee of the Board of Education on the Welsh language that a statutory Welsh form of any oath or affirmation required to be taken or made in Courts of Law should be provided, and that Welsh versions should also be provided for other statutory forms, such as the questions, cautions and explanations of charges which the Summary Jurisdiction Acts and the Criminal Justice Act, 1925, require should be addressed by the Court to the accused on the hearing of charges against them in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction; and whether he will take the necessary steps to put this suggestion into operation?

I will have this matter looked into.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the number of murders recently committed with the aid of firearms, he will take steps to amend the law with regard to the possession of firearms?

I am glad to tell my hon. Friend that figures to the latest date available do not show that the number of murders with firearms is increasing; rather the contrary.

Does the Home Secretary agree that if the Government introduced the penalty of flogging for those who shoot with intent the effect would be that bank outrages and other offences would be very much reduced?

That question is hypothetical.

In view of the recent statements made by magistrates and Recorders on the danger of firearms and easily converted toy pistols, will the right hon. Gentleman seek amending legislation in order to make it almost impossible for firearms to be in the possession of persons who have no right to have them?

May I have an answer to my question?

The hon. Gentleman's question began with the word "if," and is, therefore, as a hypothetical question, out of order.

I can only say that the whole matter is under constant care and attention. The hon. Member must realise—and I say it with great respect—that a magistrate or Recorder who has one particular case in his ken, is not in the same position to take a complete conspectus as I, who have the whole of the cases under my care. It is quite clear, as I said in my reply to my hon. Friend, that murders with firearms are not increasing. The question of the toy pistol which can be converted is already under the consideration of the Home Office. It is a very difficult question to deal with, as the hon. Member knows. I cannot destroy the trade in toy pistols.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great number of greyhound racing tracks that have been established during the past 12 months which are an incentive to gambling amongst the younger generation, he will consider the introduction of legislation making it compulsory for all grey- hound racing tracks to obtain a licence from the Metropolitan or local municipal councils?

As I said last Tuesday in reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member, I should be glad if the opinion of the House were elicited. I cannot, however, as at present advised, consider the introduction of any Government Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the difficulty of hon. Members having an opportunity of testing the opinion of the House on this subject, whether, if a private Member were to introduce a Bill, the Government would give sympathetic consideration to it as far as time is concerned?

It would depend in the first instance what the Bill contained. I would suggest, if I may, to hon. Members in all parts of the House, if there is a desire to debate this matter, that there are two more Wednesdays on which Ballots for Notices of Motion will take place and other opportunities. Surely somebody might be the lucky person to bring the matter forward, when I would give it consideration.

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases in which inquiries and reports have been submitted by the Metropolitan Police in respect of applications for the extension of hours for the sale of intoxicating liquor on licensed and registered premises between 1st January and 18th February, 1928, and the number of such applications which were granted?

I can only give the figures for the last completed quarter. In that quarter ending 31st December last, the number of applications was, in the case of licensed premises, 3,314, of which 3,242 were granted, and, in the case of registered clubs, 1,005, of which 901 were granted.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when granting these special facilities, any conditions are imposed; and, further, whether one of these conditions is that he ought not or should not auction off champagne after 12 o'clock midnight?

I have not heard of any condition of that kind being inserted nor do I see any necessity for it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks that the auctioning of champagne after the hour of midnight is one of the things which should be prevented?

What about £18 for shirt fronts?

Order, order!

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement as to the taximeter-cab position in London; and whether he can afford information as to the relative fares, cost of petrol, and vehicles in London and Paris for four persons, and the relative cost of living in the two cities?

The new tariff of 9d. per mile came into operation on the 1st May, 1927, but the fixing of the new taximeters did not commence until the 1st November, 1927, from which date all the motor cabs presented for re-licensing were required to have affixed a taximeter recording at the new scale of charges. On the 18th February, 1928, the number of such meters affixed to motor-cabs was 1,935. Negotiations are in hand with the taximeter makers with a view to the expedition of the output of new meters. As a result it is hoped that a sufficient reserve of altered meters can be maintained so that the change over can be extended to motor cabs other than those presented for re-licensing. I regret that the information available does not enable me to answer the latter part of the question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any communication from the taxicab trade that the minimum fare of sixpence is one which brings them down almost to starvation level?

May I say that the taxicab trade is always with me.

Will my right hon. Friend look into the great disparity in prices in Paris and in London with a view to taking action?

I do not quite know what action my hon. and gallant Friend desires me to take. Does he desire me further to reduce the fares? Perhaps he will take on my job.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the difference between the numbers of taxicabs in Paris and in London, seing that we have a great many more under our control than they have in Paris?

I am not so well acquainted with Paris as my hon. and gallant Friend. We might go together and inquire into this matter.

Will my right hon. Friend take into consideration every other relative difference between Paris and London?

There again I am rather in a difficulty compared with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the desirability of issuing a regulation rendering it compulsory for motorists and motor-cyclists to insure against third-party risks?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for the Everton Division (Colonel Woodcock), of which I am sending him a copy.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, which refers to his Traffic Bill, is it not a fact that this Traffic Bill is not going to be proceeded with?

In what time?

Would it not be as well if the right hon. Gentleman were to say plainly whether it is the intention of his Department to proceed with this Bill this Session, so that we should know where we are?

We cannot proceed with it this Session, but it will be proceeded with as soon as possible.

Would it not be better for the right hon. Gentleman to let the House understand that, instead of continually referring to questions on these subjects covered by this Bill, thus leading the House to hope that the Bill is about to be introduced and dealt with?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the increase in dividends announced during recent weeks by railway companies in the home counties, whether he is aware of the hardship imposed upon workmen whose fares have been increased; and, if so, whether he will direct that inquiry be made with a view to restoring the lower rates previously in force?

Jurisdiction over railway charges resides with the Railway Rates Tribunal, who recently settled new scales of charges, including the charges for workmen's tickets, after a prolonged public hearing. The new charges came into operation on 1st January last and will be reviewed by the Tribunal next year. I would remind the hon. Member that while, as a result of the new scale, some workmen's fares may have been increased, others have been reduced, and that the railway companies have given an undertaking that, where the new standard fares exceed those previously in operation, any increase charged would not exceed 1d. a day or 6d. a week.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the cases of John Ramsbottom and Samuel Seddon, who were fined at the Lancaster County Sessions held in St. Helens £10 and £5, respectively, for being engaged in snaring rabbits; and if, as this is a case of ordinary trespass and the men are only casually employed as miners an average of three days a week at the utmost, he will consider a reduction of the fines?

My attention had not been drawn to this case, but I have made inquiry and I find that this was very far from being an ordinary trespass. Seddon, who still owes £2 15s. of a fine of £5, inflicted more than three years ago for a similar offence, was caught with Ramsbottom. They had three nets, 150 yards long, 17 pegs, a drawing line and three rabbits. There are no grounds on which I could advise reduction of the fines imposed by the Court.

Is it not a fact that, no matter what the number of rabbits or the number of nets may be, persons found in possession of rabbits are not within the Game laws, but are merely trespassers? In view of all the circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman apply the more humane law of Genesis to the situation?

Genesis?

Yes. Genesis.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Richard Aubrey Dixon, who was acquitted at the Old Bailey on 23rd November, 1926, of a charge in respect of which he was extradited from Australia; if he is aware that Mr. Dixon is unable to afford a passage back to Australia; and whether he will use any discretionary power, vested in him by Section eight of the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881, to send him back to Australia free of cost or will otherwise assist his passage back to his wife and family?

This matter has been considered very carefully. It was a private prosecution and, on consideration of all the facts, including both trials, I have not been able to take the course suggested.

Is it not the case that this man was brought here for a criminal trial at the expense of the parties bringing him; that he has been acquitted and is not able to afford his passage back to Australia. Are there no Government moneys available whereby assistance can be given to the man?

It is true that I have power under the Fugitive Offenders Act to pay for the return of a defendant in suitable circumstances. I have gone very carefully into this case. I do not know whether the hon. Member has read the remarks of the Judge on this man, who prosecuted in turn for damages. The remarks of the Judge were such as to lead me to believe that this is not a case where I ought to use public funds in sending the man back.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that the man was acquitted, whatever his own action may have been, and does not that justify a grant from public funds to send him back?

I do not want to make public remarks about the man, but if my hon. Friend will read the report in the Press of what the Judge said, on the 19th January, in regard to the fortunate character of the previous trial, I think he will not press me any further in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider, in the interests of economy, the desirability of simplifying the existing forms of Returns, both in secondary and technical schools; and whether he is aware that the present forms are so complicated as to necessitate the employment of a special clerk, thus involving unnecessary expenditure of the ratepayers' money?

I have already given this question a great deal of consideration, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be interested to learn that during the last two years an overall reduction of nearly 30 per cent. has been effected in the number of forms in use, and in the case of forms relating to secondary and technical schools the reduction amounts to over 40 per cent. I hope to carry still further the process of reduction and simplification, and I shall be happy to receive any specific suggestions which my hon. and gallant Friend may be able to make to me.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many supplementary teachers there are with 20, 25, 30, or 35 years' service, respectively; how many have been created since 1914 and 1918, respectively, up to date; and what steps, if any, are being taken to efficiently train the latter?

The service of individual supplementary teachers is not recorded by the Board, and I am, therefore, unable to supply the particulars asked for in the first two parts of the question. As regards the third part, under the Code, persons employed as supplementary teachers must receive such training for the practical work of teaching as the Board require, and arrangements for this purpose are made by the local authorities in consultation with His Majesty's Inspectors. As the hon. Member knows, the number of these teachers is declining.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the continued volume of unemployment, he will suspend for a further three years paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 of Leaflet 32 (revised), National Health Insurance, in cases where insured women who have married are able to show they did not cease work voluntarily, but were unemployed owing to inability to obtain work?

The operation of the provisions of the National Health Insurance Acts referred to by the hon. Member have been suspended, in the circumstances mentioned, until the 31st December, 1928, under the Expiring Laws Continuance Act.

asked the Minister of Health what action should be taken by a married woman aged 60, and compulsorily insured, who has supported an invalid husband for 20 years but is now getting beyond work, to conserve her right to a pension as an insured person the husband being 66 years of age?

If, as would seem to be implied, the woman concerned has been insured since 15th July, 1912, the special concession contained in Section 38 (4) of the Contributory Pensions Act would apply, and she would be entitled, if she gave up work, to pay each year the number of contributions required to keep alive her pension rights.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any protest from the Wigan Board of Guardians against increased expenditure resulting or likely to result from the operation of the new Old Age Pensions Act depriving recipients of pension from receiving health insurance or unemployment benefit; whether any protests have been received from the Leigh, St. Helens, and Warrington Boards of Guardians; and, if so, what is the increased amount these guardians estimate will be payable?

I have received a resolution in this matter from the Wigan Board of Guardians but not from the other boards of guardians mentioned. The letter which I have received does not include any estimate of increased cost likely to be payable by the guardians, and on such information as is available to me, I should expect that there would be more probability of a decrease than an increase of cost as the result of the passing of the Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in several areas it has been proved that there has been an increase since the Pensions Act was passed?

I am aware that in several guardians' areas it has been proved that there has been a very large decrease.

asked the Minister of Health his attitude towards the resolutions he has received from the Wigan Board of Guardians relative to the adverse effects to the ratepayers of the passing and operations of the Unemployment Insurance and Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts?

As regards the second Act mentioned, I would refer the hon. Member to the remarks made by me in the course of the Debate last night upon the Motion of the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Cove). Questions in regard to the former Act are more for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour than for myself.

asked the Minister of Health if it is proposed to alter the disability of old age pensions not being paid to those who leave to reside in the British Dominions or Colonies immediately subsequent to having qualified for such pensions?

I would remind my hon. Friend that the Contributory Pensions Act authorises the making of reciprocal arrangements between this country and any part of the Dominions which has established schemes of health insurance and pensions substantially corresponding to the scheme embodied in the Act, and a communication on the subject has been addressed to the Governments of the Dominions. In the absence of reciprocal arrangements, I am afraid that administrative difficulties would preclude action on the lines suggested.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons actually in insurance on 31st December 1927, have been refused old age pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act; and how many wives, who claimed on the strength of their husbands' insurance, have been refused on the ground that their husbands' claims have been refused?

The work involved in the actual decision of the claims for old age pensions arising at 2nd January, 1928, has been so heavy that it has not yet been possible to classify the rejections and ascertain the numbers in the various classes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate the possibility of being able to give that information at some early date?

Yes. I would not like to specify when, but as soon as the pressure of work is over we shall turn our attention to that classification.

asked the Minister of Health what was the cost per head per week of adult persons under medical treatment in institutions belonging to boards of guardians in England and Wales during the years 1925, 1926, and 1927, respectively?

The average weekly cost per inmate in Poor Law institutions in England and Wales for persons suffering from disease of body or mind, for which separate accounts are kept (other than institutions belonging to the Managers of the Metropolitan Asylums District) was 43s. in the year ended 31st March, 1925, and 42s. 63d. in the year ended 31st March, 1926. The corresponding figure for the year ended 31st March, 1927, is not yet available, nor are figures distinguishing the cost of adult persons from that of children.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how those figures compare with the cost per patient in voluntary hospitals?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that some villages in England and Wales are many miles away from the relieving officer of the district, and that some other relieving officer is more easily available, he will make an Order or Regulation empowering such other officer to give relief in cases of sudden or urgent necessity?

As the hon. Member is, I think, aware, the responsibility of a relieving officer is not now confined to the cases arising in the district to which he is appointed, but extends to the whole union of which that district is a part. I have, however, no power to require the officer of one union to act in another union, and on the information at present before me I see no advantage in action on these lines.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses at pre- sent under construction or sanctioned under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, and the number for the corresponding period of last year?

STATEMENT showing (1) the number of houses under construction and (2) the number of houses which have been authorised for erection but which have not yet been started under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, and the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, at 1st February, 1928, and 1st February, 1927, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been improved and how many others have been scheduled for improvement in Somerset under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926; whether he is satisfied with the progress made; and, if not, whether he will appoint the 11 rural district councils who have applied to him to be the authority to carry out the Act in their areas?

Up to the 31st December, 1927, the Somerset County Council had received applications for assistance under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, in respect of the improvement of 40 existing dwellings. Grants had been promised in respect of five dwellings, and work had been commenced, but not finished, on these five dwellings. I am not satisfied with the progress which has, so far, been made, and I recently issued a circular letter to local authorities urging them to take further steps with a view to expediting work under the Act. I trust that as a result of my representations better progress will be made.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been reconstructed in the County of Stafford under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act and in each of the rural council areas contained in the county?

As the reply involves a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's consent, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The authority for the administration of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act in Staffordshire is the county council who have adopted a scheme for giving effect to the Act. Up to the end of last year no applications for assistance under the Act had been received by the council, although steps had been taken to make the county scheme known. I understand that a number of applications have since been received, and in two cases grants have been recommended.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he is meeting the demand?

As I stated in my answer, the first difficulty was that no applications were being received. Now I understand that applications are being received and are being dealt with.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any explanation from the Inter-Departmental Committee upon the prices of building materials as to why the price of kitchen ranges has risen in the Birmingham market from £7 15s. each in 1924 to £8 6s. 8d. in November, 1927?

I am making inquiry of the Committee and will communicate with the hon. Member further.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any explanation from the Inter-Departmental Committee upon the Prices of Building Materials as to why the price of white lead in the Birmingham market has risen from £2 18s. per cwt. in January, 1924, to £3 2s. 6d. in November, 1927?

No, Sir; but I understand that later reports received by the Committee show that the price is now down again to £2 18s. per cwt.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what action he takes when he gets instances like this from his Committee on increased prices? Does he communicate with the makers of these goods?

That depends on the circumstances.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to a letter in the "Manchester Guardian" in which a building contractor intimates that he has to pay 72s. 6d. per 1,000 bricks within the ring, and that he can get the same bricks from the same firm at 58s. per 1,000. Does he not think that this is a matter which should be dealt with?

I do not think we shall ever stop different prices being quoted in different areas.

Since the same firm are discriminating to the extent of 14s. per 1,000 bricks, does it not imply that the producers have got their hands on the building trade of this country?

Is it not the case that, if the present building subsidy was revised, these rates would come down?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now review the sanction hitherto given to the Seisdon Rural Council, Staffordshire, to permit caravans, tramcars, and railway carriages to be used as dwellings; and if he will consider the fixing of a time limit for abolishing these as suitable for habitation?

I am not aware of having given such a sanction. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any difficulties, I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health the rents charged for houses of various sizes under the 1924 Act in industrial and rural areas?

The rents under the 1924 Act must be fixed in accordance with the conditions prescribed by Section 3 of the Act and my specific approval is not required. Particulars of the rents actually charged are not available in the Department. Some information as to the rents charged in a number of districts was circulated in reply to a question some time ago, and I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Health what charges are being made for maintenance, management, and empties for houses under the 1924 Act; and what proportion do these charges form of the rents received?

As regards houses provided under the 1924 Act, local authorities are required to make such provision for repairs, management, empties and insurance as appear to them reasonable, having regard to their experience in administering houses already erected under the Acts of 1919 and 1923. This provision is equivalent to about 25 per cent. or 30 per cent. of the rents, exclusive of rates.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to criticisms regarding the omissions in and the obscurity of the Rent Restrictions Acts in the case recently heard by the Court of Appeal with respect to the position of sub-letting tenancies under the Acts; if he will state whether the Government propose to arrange for the further extension of the Acts or whether it is their intention to introduce legislation this Session to deal with the matter on a permanent basis; and, if the latter course is proposed, will he consider as to setting up a small body to inquire into the subject and to prepare a draft Measure for purposes of discussion as a preliminary to the introduction of the Bill to deal with the matter?

My attention has been drawn to the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the future of the Rent Restrictions Acts.

Is there any truth in the drastic remarks made by the learned Judge? If so, does my right hon. Friend not think it would be advisable to consider some small Amendment to deal with the points that were made by the learned Judge?

I certainly think that there are things in the Act that might be amended with advantage, but to the question as to when it will be possible to introduce an amending Bill I am not in a position to give an answer.

asked the Minister of Health the amount raised per head of the population in rates by all local authorities in the country for the years ending 31st March, 1914, 1926 and 1927?

The amounts of rates per head of population collected by all local authorities in England and Wales in the financial years ending 31st March, 1914, 1926 and 1927, average £1 18s. 11d., £3 16s. 5d. and £4 1s. 8d., respectively. The last amount is approximate only.

asked the Prime Minister whether the treaty concluded last year between His Majesty's Government and the King of Iraq will be laid before Parliament during the present Session, together with a statement by the Government and an opportunity for discussion by the House?

The text of the treaty was laid before Parliament in December last. As regards an opportunity for discussion, I have nothing to add to the replies which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 12th and 19th December last.

Is the Prime Minister aware that this will mean that the new Assembly at Bagdad will discuss this treaty while this sovereign Parliament will have no opportunity of expressing any opinion upon it at all?

I think the hon. and gallant Member is under a little misapprehension. The position is this. There are two subsidiary agreements, one financial and one military, to be prepared and submitted with the treaty to the Parliament of Iraq. Iraq, I understand, is shortly to have what we are all looking forward to here—a General Election. Then the treaty, with the subsidiary documents, will have to go before that Parliament. Then they will have to go before the League of Nations, and they will have to be examined there. Not until after all these things have taken place will formal ratification be made by the British Government. The hon. and gallant Member knows quite well, no one knows it better, that there will be innumerable opportunities for raising the question if he and other hon. Members so desire long before that consummation is reached.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that that is a very different matter from laying a treaty of this importance before Parliament, as was done in the case of the Irish Treaty and the Peace Treaties? This Parliament is going to have a last word after everybody else has decided upon it.

The procedure has often been explained and has been laid down clearly by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in a treaty of this kind. Such procedure is the usual one and has always been followed.

Does the Prime Minister anticipate that he is going to have an early General Election in this country?

I do not think any words of mine would lead the hon. Member to make that deduction.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Durham and Northumberland miners have again suffered reductions in their wages; and whether he will appoint a Committee to investigate the poverty existing in the mining areas in the North of England, or will he state what steps he proposes to take in the interests of the mining community?

rose —

On a point of Order. I put this question specially to the Prime Minister. Last Monday on the Adjournment we had the Departmental view, which meant nothing, and we were so dissatisfied that I have put down this question to the Prime Minister specially.

The Prime Minister is quite entitled to ask one of his Ministers to answer a question.

I make no reflection on the hon. and gallant Gentleman. Let that be understood. We had the Departmental view last Monday, and we got no further. I want the Prime Minister to face the question and answer it. If he will not, I am going to withdraw it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who are now the Government brokers; at what rate they are remunerated for their services; and what sums have been paid to them from the public funds in the present financial year and in each of the last three financial years, respectively?

The brokers to the National Debt Commissioners are Messrs. Mullens, Marshall, Steer, Lawford and Company. They are remunerated by a fixed salary borne on the Vote for the National Debt Office Subhead A. Since 1920 the payment has been £2,000 a year. So far as other Government Departments employ brokers from time to time, whether this firm or any other, the remuneration would be by commission in the ordinary way.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in framing the new Finance Bill, he will consider an amendment of the present system of assessing the incomes of married people living together by the issue of separate assessments instead of treating them as one for Income Tax purposes?

Under the existing law either a husband or a wife may elect for separate assessment to Income Tax, but the total amount of tax payable by the spouses is not thereby diminished. I assume, however, that what my hon. and gallant Friend is suggesting in his question is the adoption of a course under which a husband and a wife would receive individual personal allowances and be taxed at a rate or rates determined by their individual incomes and not, as at present, by their joint income. The Government are unable to incur the expense of a policy involving this result.

Is not that policy contravened by the Married Women's Property Act?

Which policy?

The policy of dividing the incomes?

There is nothing new in the position, winch has been established for many years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the growing tendency of Income and Super-tax payers to reside abroad for six months in each year in order to evade* the tax; and whether he proposes taking any steps to safeguard the revenue in this respect and at the same time to prevent the additional burden being put on those who do not avail themselves of such expedients?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that residence abroad for six months in any year enables a person to escape liability to Income Tax and Super-tax. He may, however, rest assured that the question of attempted evasion of taxation by means of temporary residence abroad is engaging my serious attention.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of approaching the American Government with a view to securing their assent to the payment of a part of the British obligations in kind?

No Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an estimate as to the amounts that would be raised if the present motor duties were extended to foreign lawn-mowers?

I regret that the necessary information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the statistical office in Berlin states that Great Britain bought more than 170 tons of facial preparations from Germany in 1927; and whether he will give this matter his close attention in connection with the consideration of redundancy and luxury taxes?

My attention has been drawn to a report of the German statement of exports to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. His suggestion has been noted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will experiment for one year in placing boxes in all post offices and in any other suitable place where odd change can be placed to go towards the reduction of the National Debt?

I am not greatly attracted by the suggestion of my Noble Friend.

Ought not donations to the Exchequer, even of the smallest quantities, to be encouraged as far as possible?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the predominating number of high-powered American motor cars in use in the Dominions; and whether he will re- consider the tax on horse-power of motor cars with a view to removing the handicap on British manufacturers?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is still in favour of restoring the penny post during the lifetime of the present Parliament; and whether he is considering the desirability of including the revision of postal rates in the forthcoming Budget?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury) and Basingstoke (Sir A. Holbrook) on the 21st February.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the first part of my question?

I could wholeheartedly reply in the affirmative if other circumstances did not override my wishes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any information as to the number and extent of retail businesses, hitherto carried on by individuals and companies, which have been purchased and absorbed by the co-operative societies in England and Scotland during the past five years, and the amount of Income Tax paid on the profits of these businesses on the three years' average before their absorption?