asked the Minister of Pensions if he has yet come to any decision with the Glasgow Corporation as to the future of Bellahouston Hospital; if it is proposed to have it closed; and if he can state what arrangements have been made for other hospital accommodation in the Glasgow area, or if it is intended to have patients removed to the east of Scotland?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement which I made last Thursday in reply to three questions by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a public statement has appeared in the Press to the effect that the right hon. Gentleman has come to an arrangement with the Glasgow Corporation?

I think the hon. Member will understand that I must await the official reply. I have asked for an extension, and I hope to get a satisfactory reply, but I cannot publish the reply till I get it.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether withdrawals from motherless children's accumulated balances have been sanctioned with or without the recommendation of war pension committees; and what, in general, are the purposes to which these withdrawals have been applied.

Withdrawals from balances of an orphan's pension accumulated under the Ministry scheme are made, in accordance with the terms of the scheme, only after a recommendation of the war pensions committee. The purposes for which such withdrawals have been made are mainly for equipment, including tools, clothing, etc., in connection with the calling adopted by the child.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether there is any intention of providing Dundee with only a part-time office at which a medical officer resident in Aberdeen will attend three times weekly; and, if so, whether he will be prepared to reconsider the proposal on presentation of grounds urged by the British Legion in the interest of the many ex-service men's appeals having yet to be dealt with?

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. The hypothetical medical arrangements to which he refers in his question are, in fact, those which already exist at Dundee, where for more than a year past the facilities at the disposal of pensioners have not involved attendance by a medical officer otherwise than on a part-time basis. No complaints have been reported to me. The medical service is working well and will not be affected by any reduction in the general office arrangements which may be necessitated by the natural decline in the volume of work.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider the idea of appointing a local medico to act part time, to obviate the possibility of danger in special cases arising between Tuesday and Friday?

I gather from the question that the hon. Member has been misinformed by the British Legion. In case of emergency the services of an examining medical officer resident in Dundee are available.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received any applications from ex-service organisations on the question of the seven years' limit; and whether any proposals are to be announced shortly?

I have seen a Memorandum from Glasgow, which was not, however, addressed to me. Among other things it contains a misstatement of the position and practice of the Ministry in this matter. With regard to the latter part of the question, I have nothing to add to the statements I have already on more than one occasion made to the House regarding the arrangements which I have been empowered to make to consider exceptional cases arising beyond the time limit referred to.

If I present the right hon. Gentleman with cases will he then give me a reply?

I shall be glad to consider any cases the hon. Member sends me. He has only sent four such cases in the last five years, and the first of those cases was rejected under the seven years' limit by the Labour Government.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any request made to his Department, arising out of the seven years' arrangement for pensioners in whose case a new form of ailment supervenes, like neurasthenia, in consequence of the treatment that has been received and the number of operations they have undergone and who have been excluded from consideration on the ground of a seven years' limit?

Any cases of that sort would be considered in the light of the evidence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to alter the limit of seven years now, in view of the fact that the death of the late Earl Haig was certified as having been caused through service in the War?

I am not prepared to reverse a decision which has been maintained by successive Governments and embodies the unanimous decision of the House of Commons, but I am prepared, as my hon. Friend knows well, to consider exceptional cases beyond the limit.

Does the original reply mean that the right hon: Gentleman does not contemplate any change in practice in regard to the seven years' limit?

I am certainly not prepared to recommend a repeal of the law, but I am prepared to consider exceptional cases, and as far as my experience goes, exceptional cases are being dealt with satisfactorily.

Is it not the fact that when applications are made to any area office after the seven years' limit they are always turned down?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is entirely misinformed. I wonder that he is not aware that I have already informed the House that a considerable number of these cases have gone through, and arrangements are in force under which any evidence in support of cases outside the seven years' limit can be considered.

Have those cases to be submitted to the Minister, or are they considered at the area office?

They are, of course, dealt with in the first instance at the area office.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the amount standing to the credit of the Civil Liabilities (Military Service) Commissioners; the number of claims that have been made and the amount of money disbursed; the number of claims outstanding and the conditions under which belated claims may be made?

I have been asked to reply. The sum voted for this service in the current year is £10,000. Up to December, 1927, 321,092 claims had been received and the grants paid amounted to £3,986,487. One hundred and two claims are now outstanding. Grants can still be made in exceptional cases, such as those of men who have been almost continuously on treatment with allowances from the Ministry of Pensions since discharge from the forces, or in lieu of training, or after a period of institutional training in substitution for a full or partial improvership.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are proposing to take to give effect to the Finlay Committee Reports on legal aid for poor persons?

Several recommendations in the First Report were given effect to by the Poor Prisoners (Counsel and Solicitor) Rules No. 537 of 1927, and the Costs of Poor Prisoners Defence Regulations No. 538 of 1927, which were sent to all Courts with Home Office letters, calling attention also to the recommendation in paragraph 13 as to the desirability of early grant of legal aid in criminal proceedings. Other recommendations in the First Report require further consideration and I fear I shall not be able to propose legislation during this busy Session. The recommendation in the Final Report is for the Lord Chancellor to consider, and I understand that my Noble Friend has been in communication with the Law Society upon it.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case at the East Ham Police Court, when five Chinamen admitted they had not the authority permitting them to land in this country; and if he has any information showing how foreigners of this type can evade the law and settle in this country?

asked the Home Secretary whether the police raids which have recently been made upon the Chinese quarters in several ports have produced any evidence that Chinese are being secretly introduced into this country without passports?

Having reason to think that arrangements to bring Chinamen into this country by irregular means were in existence, I determined recently on a search of Chinese establishments. The five Chinamen referred to in the question by the hon. and gallant Member for Everton (Colonel Woodcock) were arrested in the course of this search. These cases must be considered sub judice at present, and it is not, I think, desirable that I should at any time specify in detail the information which has come into my possession as to the methods of those who have been responsible for the irregularities. I can assure the House that I am keeping a very sharp watch on this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of Chinamen have recently been arrested at the Embassy Club and the Kit-Cat Club?

Perhaps the hon. Member has more knowledge than I have.

I thought perhaps the right hon. Gentleman might impart some information about the Kit-Cat Club.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he made a similar search in West End restaurants and hotels he would find a large number of other nationalities Who got in by irregular means?

I shall be most grateful if the hon. Gentleman will place any information at my disposal.

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's job or mine to exclude aliens?

It is the job of all loyal Englishmen to assist the law.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a number of persons of foreign birth who have resided in this country for a long number of years and who have excellent characters, and who in some cases served in the War and in others had sons and relatives serving, are kept from securing citizenship of this country by the fee charged; and if he will consider lowering this fee and making character and length of residence the main test for citizenship?

I am not aware that the present fee of £10, which I do not consider too much for the high privilege of British nationality, acts as a serious deterrent to would-be applicants for naturalisation, and the number of applications I receive does not suggest this. I have always regarded character and length of residence, in conjunction with assimilation of British ideas and habits, as the principal qualifications for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation.

asked the Home Secretary the number of Chinese who have been arrested in this country since 1st February, the grounds of arrest, and the time detained; and how many were released without any charges being made against them and the charges made against those who have not been released?

I regret that I am not in a position to supply the particulars asked for by the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that within the last fortnight there have been many arrests made of Chinese people in various restaurants and clubs?

I said, in answer to a question earlier in the day, that I had directed searches to be made of all Chinese haunts, because I had reason to believe that Chinese were coming in without proper passports.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these Chinese haunts was the Embassy Club and the other the Kit-Cat Club, and is he aware——

Order!

These particular cases ought to be put down on the Paper.

I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that some of the Chinese who have been taken to the police station by the police were put into cells for two or three hours and that when it was found that their papers were in order they were released; and will he make inquiries into the matter?

It is quite impossible to answer questions of detail of that kind, but, if the hon. Member will give me notice, I will inquire into any particular case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a circular letter from the National Federation of Meat Traders' Associations pointing out the increase in Sunday trading in meat; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to check this practice?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the growth of the practice of selling fresh meat on Sundays; and does he propose to introduce legislation to deal with the matter provided he has not the power under existing Acts or Orders?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for South Islington (Mr. Cluse) on the 16th of last month.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has observed that the measures which he took last year against many owners of noisy motor vehicles have not resulted in any general improvement; and whether he contemplates taking fresh action with a view to combating this nuisance?

I think there are signs of improvement. Apart from continuing the measures to enforce the law which are already in operation, I do not propose any fresh action at present.

What action has the right hon. Gentleman taken since I asked my last question?

I try to remember all the hon. Gentleman's questions. I am pursuing the even tenour of my way.

asked the Home Secretary whether the proposal to allow advertisements inside or outside taximeter cabs in the London metropolitan district has again been before him; and, if so, what is his intention with regard to this proposal?

This matter is dealt with in the Report of the recent Committee which I appointed, and the Report is now under my consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that advertisements will not be allowed in or outside taxi-cabs without the House being consulted?

I am afraid I cannot give any such assurance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is an Imperial City. Surely there should be some public vehicles without advertisements in them?

May I ask if some of these advertisements are not Imperial works of art?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider an alteration in the present method of allocating grants from the Road Fund for the maintenance of roads, so that those local authorities who use the largest proportion of British road-stone shall receive larger grants than those who use a large proportion of foreign materials?

I have been asked to reply. While fully sharing my hon. Friend's desire for the widest possible use of British materials, my right hon. Friend does not consider the suggested method of encouragement practicable. Circulars urging the use of British materials wherever reasonably practicable were issued by the Government to all local authorities, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the latest such circular.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister to look into the question of the imports of foreign road materials, and the number of people in the industry in this country who are on part-time?

I will convey the hon. Member's request to my right hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the more these commodities are protected, the higher the price will go?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that in a large number of factories situated in the West of Scotland particularly employing young female labour factory inspectors rarely, if ever, visit; and what steps he is prepared to take to secure safety by having proper inspection made?

The hon. Member exaggerates the position. I am informed that out of 157 factories in the West of Scotland employing young girls which were not inspected last year, 86 had been visited within a period of 15 months and all but six of them within two years. I have repeatedly stated that I am not satisfied with the present strength of the inspectorate and that I propose to set up a Committee to examine the question. As the Committee would have to take account of the new situation created by the Factories Bill, I had not contemplated appointing it until the Bill had been passed. I am very anxious, however, particularly as the Bill has been postponed till next year, that no time should be lost, and I am proposing to advance the commencement of this inquiry and proceed with the appointment of the Committee in the autumn.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the nature of the Committee which he intends to set up?

Well, it will be intelligent, and comprehensive, and represent the interests, I hope, of all parts of the country.

I expected that a Committee appointed by the right hon. Gentleman would be intelligent, but he seems to have misapprehended the question that I wished to ask. I wanted to ask whether it was to be a Select Committee or a Departmental Committee?

I think a Departmental Committee will be quite satisfactory, and I do not want to impose upon Members the burden of sitting upon a Select Committee during the Autumn.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman want another Committee at all? If he wants more factory inspectors, why does he not appoint them?

Has it not been admitted by several of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessors that the number of factory inspectors has been for many years grossly inadequate?

I have not scrupled to admit myself in this House that it is inadequate.

Why do you not appoint more?

It is a question of finance very largely. In addition, there has to be considered the question of the further possibility of a new Factory Bill being passed. All that has to be taken into consideration. It is no good making two bites at one cherry.

I would point out that we have many questions on the Paper to-day.

asked the Home Secretary the amount of compensation paid in 1927 under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and the number of persons who were paid compensation for less than four weeks?

I regret that the figures for 1927 are not available and cannot be ready for some months yet. A number of the returns have yet to come in and the tabulation of the returns takes a considerable time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea as to when the return will be available?

I think about the middle of the year.

asked the Home Secretary whether a greyhound racing company is at this moment in negotiation to complete the purchase of a site and to erect a greyhound racing track at Ilford; and, seeing that the borough council and the great majority of the residents of Ilford are opposed to this track, will he say whether he will consider taking steps to make the erection of a greyhound racing track conditional upon the sanction of the local authority?

I am afraid I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. Morrison) on the 23rd February.

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to set up an inquiry into the measures to be taken in order to protect the community from the consequences arising from the procreation of the mentally unfit?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Monday to a question on the same subject put by the hon. and gallant Member for Southport (Sir G. Dalrymple-White).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of cases of anthrax in this country for the last three years for which statistics are available, and the origin of infection in each case?

I can give only the figures for cases reported from premises under the Factory Acts. The information can best be shown in tabular form, and with my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any evidence that, during the recent outbreaks of small-pox, the disease in many instances was spread from place to place by persons admitted to the casual wards of Poor Law institutions; and whether he will consider amending the existing legislation so that the medical officer of health shall be empowered to detain and isolate for the necessary period persons in these institutions who are suspected to be suffering from or who have been in contact with small-pox or other infectious diseases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have in consequence given instructions that, with a view to detecting cases of smallpox, all persons admitted to the casual wards of Poor Law institutions shall be medically examined. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given on this subject on the 5th instant to the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. C. Edwards).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a shortage of sugar in this country; whether he is aware of the extent to which jams and other preserves are still being manufactured with glucose as a substitute; and if he will make inquiries into this matter, with the view to restricting the continued use of glucose in these manufactures, if unnecessary, and as being against the interests of public health and pure food consumption?

I am informed that, so far as can be judged, there is no evidence of any shortage of cane sugar in this country. I understand that some manufacturers use a proportion of glucose in jam making, but the question of the proper composition of jam is a matter of interpretation of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, and I have no power to impose any special restrictions on the use of glucose. I am advised that no objection can be taken, on grounds of public health, to the use of pure glucose in food.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the existing practice in regard to the figures of police court separations of husbands and wives is to include them in the criminal statistics under the head of quasi-criminal matters; and will he consider removing this reflection upon poor people, whose only remedy lies through a punitive court by including the figures in the civil and judicial statistics?

It is not, easy to think of an entirely suitable heading to cover the miscellaneous matters dealt with in certain parts of the criminal statistics, and it is for the general convenience to have the particulars shown in that volume; but I will consider whether a more suitable heading can be framed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists with the system of investigation of matrimonial cases of separation, etc., by the police court administration; and will he consider the advisability of establishing special courts to deal with such cases affecting the poor?

I have seen some criticisms, but I believe that the interests of persons of modest means have been well served by the extension of the jurisdiction of the Summary courts in these matters, and I know of no ground for considering any change of system.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in the case of prisoners sent from North Wales to Walton Gaol, no official provision is made by which prisoners can be administered to by Welsh chaplains or seen by Welsh visitors; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this state of affairs?

The hon. Member has, I am afraid, been misinformed. Very complete arrangements exist for regular ministration to Welsh prisoners in Liverpool Prison by Welsh ministers, including weekly services on Sundays and meetings on Fridays. There are also two specially appointed Welsh visitors, while several officers of the prison speak Welsh.

Is it not a fact that all these arrangements are purely voluntary and that no provision at all is made by the State for those prisoners who are compelled to be sent to Walton Gaol in Liverpool on account of the closing of the gaols in North Wales; and is it not part and parcel of the duty of the Home Office to provide for such men, and to provide for them in their own language?

I have told the hon. and gallant Member that we do provide for them. I have bad a very long report indeed from the Governor of Walton Prison. There is most ample provision made for the religious needs of all Welsh prisoners who go to that gaol, and a meeting of Welsh ministers in Liverpool arrange details.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are very few Welshmen in any prison?

That is a matter for the hon. Gentleman to settle with his hon. and gallant Friend.

Is it not a fact that no official provision is made for these prisoners, and that the provision to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred is entirely voluntary and depends entirely upon individuals in Liverpool itself?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is asking the same question a second time.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Evan Owen Williams, who was brought to this country under an extradition warrant from his home, wife, and work in Canada upon a charge of which he was found to be not guilty at the recent Assizes in Carnarvon; whether he is aware that after the trial Mr. Williams was left stranded in this country to make his way back to Canada and his family as best he could, and that, in order to return, he had to borrow money and incur a debt of £56; and whether, in view of the special circumstances, something can be done to repay to this man the expenses incurred by him as the result of a charge of which he was proved to be not guilty?

I am aware that Williams was acquitted; but after inquiring closely into the circumstances of the prosecution, I do not see my way to make any payment in respect of the expenses he incurred.

asked the Home Secretary (1) who advises him as to which cinematograph films coming from abroad he is to admit into this country or to prohibit from entering; and on what principle he acts when deciding whether to exclude or admit certain films;

(2) what steps he takes to prevent the importation into, and exhibition in, this country of cinematograph films to which he takes objection by reason of their being injurious to public morals, liable to cause a breach of the peace, or other reasons; whether, if so satisfied, he has ever made representations to the British Board of Film Censors or to chief constables, chairmen of watch committees, or other persons concerned; whether he, or any member of his Department or staff, had any part in banning the film Armoured Cruiser Potemkin, dealing with episodes which occurred some 23 years ago; and if he is aware that the film has been shown in many foreign cities, including Berlin and New York?

So far as they concern the general question of the censorship of cinematograph films, I can add nothing to the answers which I gave recently, especially a reply to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock on the 16th February. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, I have power to prevent the importation of any film as of other matter which is injurious to the public interest or security. Such a power is very rarely exercised, and before taking any action I should receive the advice of the officials of my Department. The particular film referred to was rejected by the Board of Film Censors after it was submitted to them. The Board consulted me about it, and I told them that I agreed with their decision and would support it. I understand that the film has been shown in some foreign countries but prohibited in others.

May I have an answer as to who advises the right hon. Gentleman in this matter. Does the same gentleman advise him who advises the Foreign Secretary?

No. The question is whether any of the powers which I exercise against the importation of foreign films are only in cases where the films are injurious to the public weal. In that, I am advised by my legal authorities.

Has the right hon. Gentleman an official status with the British Board of Film Censors, and can he say whether they decide or he decides whether consultations should take place between their officers and his officers in these matters?

The responsibility for exercising the prerogative of preventing films coming into this country which I believe to be injurious to the welfare of the country, rests upon nay shoulders alone. I am not bound to consult the Board of Film Censors, who are a purely voluntary body. I am advised on this question by my own legal advisers.

The right hon. Gentleman refers to prerogatives. Will he say whether he acts under any Statute, or under what aspect of the prerogative, in keeping out these films; and whether he sees the films before excluding them, or who sees them.

The prerogative, as the hon. Member probably knows, is the old standing right of the Sovereign of this country to provide for the well-being of this country, and those powers, such as they, are exercised by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. I do not see the films in question but I get reports on the films, and, after full consideration of the reports, I decide whether or not the films are of such a nature that I should prevent them from coming in.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman as Home Secretary is, in fact, exercising a political censorship?

That question does not arise.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the reasons why a case containing films, brought by Mr. James Larkin from Moscow under bond, with the object of continuing under bond to Dublin, was held up by the Customs officials at Harwich, thus interrupting the journey of Mr. Larkin and the case to Dublin?

I have been asked to reply to this question. These films were detained on my instructions in order that they might be examined. As a result of the examination no objection has been raised to their delivery.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee of inquiry to ascertain in what way employers might be encouraged to give a fresh chance to those who have been imprisoned and are desirous of making a new start in life?

It is certainly desirable to do everything possible to encourage employers to give a fresh start in life to deserving ex-prisoners, and I am glad to say that many employers help in this way. The problem of securing employment for ex-prisoners in these difficult times is under the constant consideration of Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies attached to local prisons and in touch with local employers and others, and of the central bodies which organise the after-care of discharged prisoners and convicts, and I do not think that the setting up of a committee of inquiry would materially assist at this moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present arrangements for dealing with these unfortunate men?

I am in close touch with many of these societies and take a great personal interest in them, and I am satisfied that they are doing their work exceedingly well.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Ministry of Health on behalf of this class of prisoner, because when they go out of prison they are forbidden to receive any form of Poor Law relief, and the only means they have——

That is not relevant to the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Health if he will include in the Bill for national health insurance provisions to enable any person working for himself to become an insured person provided that his income is within the limits laid down for national health insurance?

I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health the number of able-bodied men who applied for relief to the Stourbridge Board of Guardians during 1927; the number who were given relief in return for test work; the number who were offered the institution; and the number of those who refused to accept?

I am informed that during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1927, 1,643 able-bodied men applied to the Stourbridge Board of Guardians for relief, 801 were granted relief upon the performance of test work, 18 were offered relief in an institution, and 11 refused the guardians' offer.

asked the Minister of Health the number of applicants who received relief from the Stourbridge and also the West Bromwich Board of Guardians, respectively; the number of those who were ex-service men; and the number who received relief for the first time during the last six months or the last six months' period for which statistics are available?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the lion. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire joint vagrancy committee that casual wards should only be on main roads and at distances of 15 to 20 miles apart; whether it is proposed to give effect to this proposal; and whether his Department has taken any steps in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for King's Norton (Mr. Dennison) on the 23rd ultimo.

asked the Minister of Health the number of casual wards which supply mattresses to vagrants, the number of those which supply hammocks, and the number of those where neither mattresses nor hammocks are supplied; and whether it has been reported to him that, owing to the condition of the hammocks, the vagrants in some casual wards prefer to sleep on the bare floor?

There are no recent statistics available to show the kind of sleeping accommodation provided in the casual wards throughout the country, but in 1925 there were 83 unions in which nothing but hammocks were provided, and 17 unions in which neither beds, bunks nor hammocks were provided. There are now only three unions in this last class, and in these three unions improvements are under consideration. I have received no adverse reports on the condition of the hammocks supplied in any casual ward.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons resident in Darlaston, Wednesbury, and Tipton, respectively, who were in receipt of Poor Law relief on the last available day in February?

Separate particulars are not furnished to my Department as regards the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in the areas mentioned, which are small in relation to the unions comprising them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have received similar information before, and would he therefore supply it to me?

Does the hon. Member mean that he has received it from me?

Yes.

I have not got it now.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not get this information for me, seeing that I have been supplied with it before?

I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of men and women, respectively, over 65 years of age at 1st January, 1928, who have received the old age pension under the 1925 Act up to date, and the number who were in receipt of sickness or disablement benefit whose claims have been disallowed under the new Act either to sickness benefit or to pension?

On the latest figures available, the number of persons between the ages of 65 and 70 to whom pensions have been awarded is 523,937, but separate figures of men and women pensioners are not yet available. The information asked for in the second part of the question is not available and could only be obtained by a special examination of the sickness records of the 7,000 approved societies and branches followed by a comparison with the pensions records.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a large number of people in that position who have been refused pensions and also sick or disablement benefit?

I have no record of the number of such persons.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in case the building of houses can be expedited under the condition of the reduced subsidy, he can give any guarantee that the price of houses will not be permitted to rise?

I see no reason why the recent reduction in prices should not be maintained, and I should certainly refuse consent to proposals for the erection of houses at prices which appeared to me to be excessive.

Is it not the case that the fall in the price of houses is due to the fall in the demand and that as soon as the demand increases the prices will go up?

I think the fall in the price of houses is primarily due to the reduction in the subsidy.

If the price of houses should show a tendency to rise, will the right hon. Gentleman not knock off a bit more from the subsidy?

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government contemplate any legislation amending the Rent Restrictions Act to enable the owners of single houses to have the use of their houses, purchased for their own occupation?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement in regard to the point raised by my hon. Friend.

Has this question received the sympathetic consideration of the right hon. Gentleman? Can he say whether he thinks it possible to do anything in that direction?

I think the time has hardly come to consider that question yet, as the Act does not expire until the end of the year.

When the right hon. Gentleman is contemplating such legislation, will he contemplate a reduction in the rents which were increased under the Rent Restrictions Act?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the recent visit of an inspector to investigate the housing conditions at Moxley, Wednesbury, any action is contemplated; and, if so, of what nature?

I understand that the area at Old Moxley, to which the hon. Member refers, is under the consideration of the town council of Wednesbury. I may add that a scheme under Part II of the Housing Act, 1925, involving the rehousing of 56 persons has recently been submitted by the town council and also a scheme for the erection of 80 houses by the council at Mesty Croft.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has given his sanction?

The sanction has not been given yet.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to bring in a Bill to amend the Housing Act, 1925, so as to grant just compensation for disturbance to holders of business property in what are known as unhealthy areas?

The whole subject of slum improvement is receiving my immediate consideration, but I am not yet in a position to state when it will be possible to bring in legislation.

Is it not the case that the present injustice of the Act is holding up the clearance of slum areas?

Yes, I believe that is so.

Has the right hon. Gentleman forgotten that he was chairman of a Committee which recommended that something should be done in this matter?

No, Sir, I have not forgotten that fact.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the last Report of the Poor Law guardians of Nottingham as to the serious overcrowding and house shortage in that city; and what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

My attention had not been drawn to this Report, but I am confident that the city council can be relied upon to take all necessary steps in connection with the housing needs of the city. The council have built, or aided the building, of 4,651 houses and have authority for the erection of a further 2,200, a considerable number of which are in course of construction; they are also carrying out a slum clearance scheme of some magnitude.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on 1st February, 1927, 227,094 houses were under construction or authorised, and on 1st February, 1928, the number was only 146,761; and, seeing that this drop is due to the fact that the demand for houses for sale is being met, whilst the demand for houses for renting is still serious, particularly among the poorer wage earners, whether he will use his utmost influence to stimulate local authorities to undertake wide schemes of building for letting, and to this end will he consider restoring the subsidy to its original amount for this class of house?

The figures quoted by my Noble Friend were given by me in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. Wellock) on the 23rd ultimo. It has for some time past, been the policy of my Department to encourage the erection, under the subsidy scheme, of houses which can be let at rentals within the means of the less well-paid workers, and a Circular, which was issued by me more than a year ago, referred to this matter. The reduction of the subsidy has been followed by a considerable fall in the prices of houses, thus facilitating the erection of this type of house. I am afraid that the course suggested by my Noble Friend would only result in a return to higher prices.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the new information that has come to light in connection with the document known as the Zinovieff Letter, it is proposed to set up a Committee of Inquiry into the matter; and, as the said letter was alleged to have been sent to the Communist party of Great Britain, particularly involving its representative member, the late Mr. Arthur McManus, whether the Committee will be given such Terms of Reference as will permit the investigation of this allegation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton).

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if a Debate is to be conducted upon a very mysterious affair we want some preliminary data? Does he not see the necessity that he should, before the Debate can be intelligently conducted, supply the information which he alone is able to supply?

It, is more courteous to give a reply to the Leader of the Opposition than to reply to a question from the Back Benches.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any minute in existence of the meeting between the late Sir Eyre Crowe, Mr. J. D. Gregory, and others in the forenoon of 24th October, 1924, in Sir Eyre Crowe's private room, at which meeting Sir Eyre Crowe is alleged to have announced his intention to publish the protest note to the Soviet charge d'affaires; if so, will be cause it to be laid before this House and, if such minute is not available, will he ascertain if Sir Eyre Crowe decided to publish the protest note or left it to Mr. Gregory's decision?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) and to the hon. Member for Merthyr (Mr. Wallhead).

May I know, Mr. Speaker, if the Ministers of the Crown are to be at liberty not to reply to questions because subsequently the matter may be discussed? On all topics we have debates in this House, on health, pensions and War Office questions, and does a prospective Debate in this House entitle Ministers to hide their own criminal actions?

The hon. Member should put his questions in a proper form, before I can deal with them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he contemplates introducing legislation to abolish the Welsh Board of Health?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask what the hon. Member knows about Wales?

I do not think it is a matter of privilege for an hon. Member to ask a question about Wales.

No, Sir. I may with advantage refer the hon. Member to the statement as to the constitution of this Board contained in an answer to the hon. Member for Camberwell (Mr. Campbell) on the 11th April, 1927.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that health and other services are efficiently conducted in Wales by a Welsh Board of Health?

Before the right hon. Gentleman takes any steps in this matter, which affect Wales, will he consult the Welsh Members?

I am not taking any steps in this matter.

May I ask whether my right hon. Friend is satisfied that from the Departmental point of view the Ministry of Health is not embarrassed by the presence of a Board in Wales?

Is not Wales entitled to a Board of this kind just as much as Scotland?

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the Board's system of conducting health affairs in Wales?

I am not proposing to make any alteration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether since in neither case can a pension be paid, he will state in what respects dismissal from the Civil Service differs from permission to resign as the result of an adverse Report?

The distinction marks a difference in the degree of culpability of the officer concerned; the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that there are occasions on which an officer's conduct, though not so culpable as to justify "dismissal from the service" has nevertheless been such as to make his continued employment in the service contrary to the public interest.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what grounds Sir George Barstow, late Controller of Supply, resigned from the Civil Service and, if on the grounds of ill-health, was the medical certificate usually required in such cases supplied; and what was the allowance granted to him under the Superannuation Acts?

Sir George Barstow was offered by His Majesty's Government and accepted in 1927, the appointment of Government Director, of whom there are two, on the Board of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. No payment of pension is involved at present. But as Government representation on the Board is "approved employment" for a civil award under Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1914, Sir George will be eligible, if he retires from his present employment after attaining the age of 60 or on account of permanent ill-health, for the award of pension in respect of his service prior to taking up this directorship.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether promotions in the principal officer class are made only on the recommendation or with the, concurrence of the permanent head of the Ministry; whether any such promotions have been made within the last three months; and, if so, what are the names, service, and grades before and after promotion of the officials concerned?

The responsibility for promotions within the Department, as for the whole of the business of the Department, rests solely with me. In the exercise of this responsibility I should naturally avail myself of the advice of the permanent head of the Department. Two promotions of principal officers have been made during the last three months, Mr. C. J. G. Tate, O.B.E., with 27¾ years' service being promoted from Controller, Pension Issue Office, to Assistant Secretary and Mr. T. J. Arnold, C.B.E., with 31 years' service, from Acting Principal Clerk to Acting Controller, Pension Issue Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the fact that a great number of English antiques of historical interest are going out of the country, he will consider the advisability of prohibiting or, alternatively, imposing a duty restricting the exportation of such articles to foreign countries?

The suggestion contained in my hon. and gallant Friend's question has been noted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what investments have been held by the Government since 1914, showing, for each investment, the Department concerned, the date and cost of acquiring the investment, the amount received as gross interest or dividend for each year since 1914, the date of and the amount received on disposal, and the present market value?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 8th December to the hon. Member for the Rotherhithe Division (Mr. B. Smith). I am sending him a copy of that answer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the direct additional cost to each of the chief public Departments due to the general strike of 1926?

A statement showing the Exchequer outgoings in respect of the assistance given by the Government in maintaining essential services during the emergency in 1926 is being prepared for the use of the Public Accounts Committee, and I should be glad to let my hon. and gallant Friend have a copy. He will, of course, appreciate that these figures of outgoings in no way reflect the vast cost both to the State and to the community of the long-drawn dispute of that year.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer circulate these figures so that all hon. Members can see them, and will he at the same time state what it cost the Government to assist the coal-owners during the dispute?

It is my duty to answer the first part of the question in a manner satisfactory to the wishes of the House; and if there is any desire on the part of hon. Members to have these papers, they shall be circulated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question?