asked the President of the Board of Trade the weight of dyestuffs imported in 1927 and the estimated weight of dyestuffs produced in the United Kingdom in 1927 and, for comparison, the corresponding figures in 1913; and how the general level of prices of dyestuffs in 1927 compared with that in 1913?

The imports into the United Kingdom of synthetic dyestuffs amounted to 40 million lbs. weight in 1913, and to 4¾ million lbs. weight in 1927. Production in the United Kingdom amounted to about 9 million lbs. weight in 1913, and to 35½ million lbs. weight in 1927. I understand that the average price of these dyestuffs is at present about 1s. 7d. a lb., as compared with 1s. a 1b. in 1913.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the exports of British goods during 1927 to the principal foreign and Empire countries expressed per head of population of the respective countries?

The answer has been prepared in tabular form, and my hon. Friend will perhaps permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Glebe Mill, Hollenwood, Oldham, has been sold at a break-up price and the machinery shipped to the Far East to be operated by cheaper labour and for longer hours; that 400 workers are thus unemployed in this country; whether there are other similar sales of machinery projected to Indian and Japanese capitalists; and what steps, if any, does he propose to take in the matter?

I am not aware of the particular case mentioned by the hon. Member, but it is the fact that a number of cotton-spinning mills are being closed down and their machinery sold. Some portion of such machinery may be shipped abroad, but I have no power to prohibit such export.

The question does not ask the right hon. Gentleman as to his power of prohibiting exports. Can he answer the last part of the question, which asks what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter, or whether he proposes to allow this proceeding to continue?

I understood that that referred to the question as to whether I could stop the export of materials, but, if it refers generally to the position in the cotton trade, I really have nothing to add to the rather long speech which I made on that subject in the course of the Debate the other day.

If this machinery is exported to Japan or India will not these machines operate in those two countries, and will not that mean keener competition for this country?

That may be so to some extent, but the only power I should have to stop machinery being exported would be if this House were to pass an Act of Parliament to say that machinery could only be exported under a licence of the Board of Trade, or if the export were prohibited altogether.

Does this mean that, so far as employers are concerned, they do not care where the machinery goes as long as they get the money?

I do not think that is at all a fair reflection to make. If a company goes into liquidation and its assets are disposed of, it is inevitable that the machinery is sold. What is much more important is that there should be amalgamation and reconstruction in this trade, but that must come from within the trade—[An HON. MEMBER: "Oh!"] of course, it must—so that new machinery may be installed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are other means and other methods besides prohibition of export of machinery by which this situation can be dealt with?

There is always the possibility of giving subsidies to industry, but I think that is a thoroughly unsound practice, which would not commend itself to the House. The other alternative is for the industry itself to try to make itself as efficient as possible.

Does not the manufacture of machinery employ a great number of engineers, many of whom are out of work, and is it not desirable that the export of machinery from this country should go on?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences for the export of arms and munitions have been issued to private persons and companies during the last three years; what was the total value of the arms and munitions exported by such persons and/or companies under licence during the same period; and what were the total quantities of cannon, aeroplanes, machine guns, rifles, and ammunition, respectively, exported by private persons and/or companies during that same period?

The total number of licences issued for the export of arms, ammunition, gunpowder, military and naval stores, etc., during the three years 1925, 1926 and 1927, was approximately 35,300, but less than 3 per cent. of this total represents licences issued to private persons and companies for the export of military materials to foreign countries. The great majority of the licences were for the export to British Possessions of non-military materials such as sporting weapons and ammunition, and

When the right hon. Gentleman circulates that information, could he differentiate what is not for Government service, and what has gone to foreign countries, as regards both values and quantities?

As regards the first point, yes, because the list I circulate gives aeroplanes, arms, and ammunition. With regard to the destination, I do not think it would be possible to state the exports to each foreign country without an enormous amount of labour.

I do not want the destination. Could the right hon. Gentleman give me information as to how much has gone to foreign countries without specifying which foreign countries?

I have already given that information in the answer, which says that about 3 per cent. of the total export of material represents export to foreign countries.

Is not the President calling for a weekly or monthly returns of all licences issued for export for military purposes, so that he may keep some check on this point?

I issue the licences.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the value of the material proposed to be imported representing dyestuffs of British origin is required before there is

The hon. Member will see from Section 2 (4) of the Act that it is necessary for the Licensing Committee to be satisfied that the goods, to which an application for a licence relates, are wholly produced or manufactured in some part of His Majesty's Dominions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether it is necessary for the 40,000 users of imported coloured inks, manufactured in America with British dyes, to make individual representations to the Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee, giving detailed information as to their specific requirements and definite evidence showing precisely in what respects the drawing inks obtainable from British sources are unsatisfactory for their purpose; and under what provision such imported inks are refused importation to this country;

(2) why, as there is no prohibition on the importation of articles treated by dyestuffs, British or other, coloured ink from America manufactured with British dyestuffs is now held up at the London Docks?

As I informed the hon. Member on 28th February, the importation of inks which are "synthetic organic dyestuffs, colours or colouring matters," is prohibited by the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act. The Licensing Committee, constituted under the Act, are, however, prepared to consider representations from any users who claim that they are unable to obtain satisfactory inks of British manufacture.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the injury which the abrogation of the Trade Treaty with Germany would inflict on British exports to that country, he has formed any estimate of the value of trade that would, be adversely affected in this way?

No, Sir. I have not thought it necessary to consider such a hypothetical case, seeing that the Treaty will in any event remain in force till 8th September, 1930.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take this fact into account when he is proposing additional safeguarding, and does he not realise that the injury to British exports may be far greater than any gain he may expect to get?

That is a matter for argument.

Are the Commercial Relations Department considering the Treaty?

No, Sir. The Treaty continues in any event till the 8th September, 1930, and in any consideration given to this or a future Treaty the policy of His Majesty's present advisers will be guided solely by the interests of British industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what developments have taken place up to the present in the installation of wireless beacons round our coast; and how the costs of establishment and upkeep compare with those of lighthouses?

The answer is a rather long one. Accordingly, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present strength of the British Army of Occupation in Germany; and what is its approximate annual cost?

The hon. and gallant Member will find the figures, which include the small detachment in the Saar, on pages 294 and 295 of Army Estimates, 1928.

Is the Secretary of State aware that that does not include the cost?

Yes, it does.

I looked, but I could not find it.

It is indeed included, because I looked myself this morning.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any system of censorship of cinematograph films in the occupied territories in Germany in the area occupied by His Majesty's Army; if so, who exercises this censorship; and whether British and American films are subject to the censorship or only German films?

Under an Ordinance of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission the exhibition of films of any nationality is forbidden if they are such as would prejudice public order or endanger the security or dignity of the High Commission or of the Troops of Occupation. In cases of emergency, films which contravene this Ordinance may be seized by order of the military authorities. Films dealing with the late War or those directed against the Army of Occupation are prohibited. Apart from this there is no censorship of films by the Allied authorities.

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question? I want to know who actually sees these films and decides whether they shall be shown?

The Rhineland High Commission. As stated in my answer, the British military authorities can act in an emergency.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any British films have been banned under this ordinance?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of civilians employed by his Department at the Singapore base; and what rate of wages is paid to labourers employed by the War Department at Singapore?

As regards the first part of the question, the information is not available in this country. As regards the second part, the rates of wages paid to labourers are fixed by the General Officer Commanding in accordance with the current local market rates.

If this work is let out on contract and there is a Fair Wages Clause in the contract, how is it that the War Department has no knowledge of the wages paid, in order that they can see that there has been compliance with the Clause?

I am afraid that no single one of the supplementary questions of the hon. Member arises out of the original question, but if the hon. Member will put them down I will give him an answer.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any personal knowledge, or has his Department any knowledge, of the social and housing provisions made for these civilian workers in Singapore?

That question does not arise.

On that point, I submit that the question of the condition of the civilians employed there is a matter of importance to this House, and from my personal observation the conditions are not satisfactory.

"Order!"

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider an amendment of the new Article, No. 627a, in the Royal Warrant, issued on 25th October, 1927, so as to include the 500 ex-officers who were serving on a normal engagement at the outbreak of war in August, 1914, and who were awarded only temporary commissions?

No, Sir, the Article refers to the future only.

May we take it that the new Article 627a is an admission on the part of the War Office of the injustice meted out in the War to the long-service men in the ranks in putting them in a different position from the short-service men?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there have been any prosecutions during the past 12 months in Scotland under the Firearms Act, 1920, in connection with the sale and possession of so-called toy pistols and revolvers; and, if so, with what result?

According to my information during the past 12 months there were two such prosecutions. One of the offenders was admonished, and the other, who was charged with breach of the peace by discharging a loaded firearm and being in possession of a firearm without a certificate, was sentenced to three months imprisonment.

Does the law in Scotland enable a person who purchases firearms in this country to proceed beyond the border without running the risk of being arrested?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Department of Education has approached the railway companies with a view to reaching an arrangement enabling students to travel between their homes and their universities at reduced fares?

The reply is in the negative.

Would the right hon. Gentleman himself apply this legal power, having regard to the fact that political parties received these cheaper fares, and does he not recognise the advantage it would be to the students at these universities to receive similar facilities?

I think the proper parties to negotiate with in this matter would be the authorities at the universities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to state when the Nairn Committee on the Finance of Land Settlement in Scotland will present a Report; and whether the Report will be published?

I am informed that the Committee are now engaged on the drafting of their Report, but that they cannot state when the Report will be presented to me. The question of publication of the Report will be considered after I receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why no advance has yet been granted in the salaries of the staffs of the Scottish colleges of agriculture; and why the governors of the respective colleges are prevented by the Board of Agriculture from giving adequate remuneration to their staffs?

The revised scales of salaries which have been approved by the Treasury after discussion with the Board of Agriculture have recently been communicated by the Board to the college authorities. There is no foundation for the suggestion in the second part of the question.

Is it not a fact that the authorities of the college are anxious to increase the salaries beyond the scale which has been approved, and that, as a matter of fact, this advance is being held up for that reason?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, a good deal of negotiation has taken place, and matters have recently reached a point more advantageous than the position in which they were before. I think it would be as well to wait and see the result of the decision which has been reached.

Are the negotiations still proceeding?

I think they have reached a stage of approval of the conditions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now considered the obstacles placed in the way of the transfer of British Government stock according to the law of Scotland between persons domiciled in Scotland: and whether he has decided to take any steps to ensure that the laws of Scotland as to heritages and transfers shall be applied in the case of Government securities?

This matter has been examined, and it is clear that legislation would be required to give effect to the wishes expressed by my hon. and learned

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that His Majesty's inspector at Swansea, Mr. J. Dyer Lewis, declared at a meeting of mining engineers in 1921 that a

Can we get any indication from the Government as to when this matter is going to be dealt with?

I cannot say that, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter is being considered at this moment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the number of accidents from shot-firing that have occurred from 1921 to 1926?

As the reply involves a table of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether there is an increase or a decrease between 1921 and 1926?

There has been a slight increase in the fatal accidents, but the hon. Member will see the figures.

I assume that the hon. Member refers to certain observations made by Mr. Dyer Lewis at a meeting of the South Wales Institute of Engineers in 1919, in the course of discussion on an appliance for withdrawing the detonator in case of a misfire. Tampering with missed fire-shots is prohibited by the Explosives in Coal Mines Order, and I am advised that if the procedure prescribed by that Order for dealing with missed fire-shots is carried out, there is no need to use appliances of the kind referred to. The appliance in question, known as the "Adder," was, however, exempted from the prohibition by an Order in 1920, but so far as I am aware it has never been brought into use.

Does not the Minister attach some importance to the opinion of a man so experienced on this subject as Mr. Lewis?

Certainly I do, and I think the answer conveys the opinion of the Department on the invention.

Is it not a fact that before the exemption was granted to this appliance the Department had gone into the whole business, and had satisfied itself that it was a really good thing; and, in view of the answer given to the last question to the effect that the number of fatal accidents from this cause has gone up, is it not time that steps were taken to make the use of this appliance compulsory?

If the hon. Member looks at my answer to the previous question, he will see that the death-rate is not so high as he seems to think.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that in 1926 the death-rate was the highest for the previous five years, and is it not time, in view of our knowledge on this question, that the death-rate went down instead of up?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give a record, as the result of his inquiry, of the accidents that have happened to private users of anthracite coal which have been attributed to explosives or detonators in the coal sold to customers at home and abroad?

As a result of inquiries into explosions in anthracite stoves in 1922 and 1923, the owners of anthracite mines changed the type of explosive used. One such explosion occurred in 1924 and one in 1925, but since the latter year no reports of similar explosions have reached my Department or the Home Office.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the experiments to displace the use of the guss for hauling wheelless tubs have proved successful; if so, what is the nature of such experiments; and when are they likely to be fully adopted?

I regret that I am unable to anticipate the report of the Commitee.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is yet in a position to state the full terms of the coal-marketing scheme recently set up by the coal owners in the Midland counties?

No, Sir, I am advised that the terms of this scheme are not finally settled.

Is the secretary for Mines aware that, in anticipation of the application of this scheme, miners all over South Yorkshire have been put on short time or dismissed?

I think that subject is dealt with in the next question.

May we take it that when this scheme is finally settled the Department will issue the terms?

Certainly I expect the terms will be issued.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners dismissed from the collieries in the Midland counties as a result of the operation of the new coal marketing scheme?

As this scheme is not in operation, this question does not arise.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that, although the scheme has not been fully settled, many of the collieries have partly adopted it, and is he not aware that in a few months as a result in five Exchanges round about Doncaster the number of unemployed rose from 3,000 to over 8,000?

No, Sir, I cannot understand how that can be affected by a scheme, the details of which have not been settled.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that, although the scheme has not been finally settled, it has been partly put into operation, and that what I have just stated is the first result of it?

I cannot understand how the scheme can be put into operation when it has not yet been definitely settled.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that the number of men going on short time is nothing at present compared with what it will be when the whole of the Samuel Report is adopted?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the people in the mining valleys in South Wales caused by the continued depression in the coal industry; and what steps, if any, the Government propose taking to deal with this matter?

I have been asked to reply. The Government are, of course, aware of the continued depression in the mining valleys of South Wales, and of the great difficulties which it is bound to create, and they are keeping in close touch with the situation, but they have no evidence so far that the various existing forms of social assistance, though necessarily subjected to great strain, are inadequate to deal with it.

Have the Ministry, of Health or the Government conducted any inquiry to ascertain whether the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman is right or not?

Yes, Sir; we are in close touch with our officials.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any plan ready for the time when the strain on these local agencies becomes too great?

That is another question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both the Miners' Federation and the coalowners are complaining of this position, and is it not high time that the Government, who are the chief cause of it, took action?

There are great doubts about that.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position, bad as it is, is becoming acute and is getting worse day by day, arid, in view of the fact that we are constantly reading of mines being shut down and more men being thrown out of work, is he prepared to do anything in regard to the amalgation of mines, so that the miners can get work?

The hon. Member is simply repeating the original question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the London Traffic Advisory Committee have considered the introduction of the roundabout one-way traffic system at the Elephant and Castle, in the borough of Southwark; and whether he can state what decision has been arrived at?

The Committee have considered this matter and have advised me that it would not be practicable to operate a roundabout one-way traffic system at the Elephant and Castle for a variety of reasons, and that the best method of affording relief would be to provide alternative routes enabling traffic to by-pass this congested point. A start has already been made in this direction by widening Harper Street and Union Street and negotiations are proceeding with a view to further improvements.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company have discontinued the passenger train service on the branch line between Blackmill and Gilfach Goch, Glamorganshire, and substituted a very unsatisfactory road motor service; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the mining population of about 15,000 in and about Gilfach Goch, he will take steps to have this passenger train service restored without delay?

I understand that the passenger train service referred to by the hon. Member was withdrawn by the railway company in consequence of the small number of passengers using it, but that in view of the representations received, the company have agreed to reinstate it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department will be represented at the road transport illumination demonstration to be held in Richmond Park on 29th March under the auspices of the Royal Automobile Club; and will the results of the tests be officially published?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I cannot say what steps will be taken by the Royal Automobile Club in the direction of the publication of a Report on the results of the demonstration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the introduction of six-wheeled motor-omnibuses of increased length, weight and passenger-carrying capacity, he has instituted any inquiries to ascertain whether the additional physical strain imposed upon the drivers of these vehicles is likely to result in danger to themselves and the public?

I am advised that there is no reason why vehicles of the kind to which the hon. Member refers, if properly designed and constructed, should impose any increased strain upon the persons who drive them. No complaints have, so far as I am aware, been made to my Department that vehicles of this type actually in use have proved difficult to handle, and I have, therefore, not thought it necessary to institute any general inquiries into the matter.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not noticed the careworn faces of these drivers as compared with the robust faces of the horse omnibus drivers?

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman taken into consideration any representations from the men concerned, or has he had any discussions with any of them on this matter?

Not that I am aware of. No representations have been made, and no consultations have taken place.

Does the Ministry of Transport keep an eye on the number of hours these men work on the long distance routes?

No, Sir; that has nothing to do with the Ministry of Transport.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which Department deals with this question?

I should be loth to ascribe duties to a brother Minister, but I should say it would be a matter for the Minister of Labour.

asked the Minister of Transport why it is not practicable to make reduced grants from the Road Fund to local authorities which do not use British materials?

There are many works of road maintenance carried out by highway authorities which do not come under the review of my Department, and which are not assisted by grants from the Road Fund. While impressing upon highway authorities the importance of using British materials to the utmost possible extent, I am not prepared entirely to remove their discretion in the matter, nor do I think it would be practicable to insist as a general practice on receiving information as to the origin of materials used on works which are the subject of grants as distinct from other works carried out by the same authority.

Would it not be quite simple for the right hon. Gentleman to demand a guarantee from the local authorities that they were using British materials, and, if not, to reduce their grants by 5 or 7 per cent.?

I am not prepared to do that, and I cannot interfere with the discretion of the local authority.

Could they not have discretion as to whether they accepted a 5 per cent. reduction or used British materials?

asked the Minister of Transport the value of the road stone, setts, and kerbs imported during the year 1927; and how much of this sum is covered by grants from the Road Fund?

The following is the declared value for the year 1927 of the importation into Great Britain and Northern Ireland from foreign countries of materials to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers:

	£
(1) Granite, other than setts and pavement kerbs and monumental and architectural objects	232,305
(2) Granite setts and pavement kerbs	365,375

It should be observed that the first category may include classes of material which are not used as road-stone. I cannot say how large a proportion of these imported materials was utilised for works eligible for assistance from the Road Fund.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to sanction the reduction of omnibus services during slack hours upon certain routes north of Finsbury Park; and whether, in view of the increasing congestion upon these routes during the rush hours, he will ask the London Traffic Advisory Committee to consider the provision of additional facilities during the morning and evening periods?

I have already asked the local authorities in this area to furnish me with their views on this subject, and the whole matter is now under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose, after all the agitation of the local authorities in that neighbourhood, to sanction a reduction of their present facilities without giving them any relief in the rush hours?

I have stated that I have asked them to furnish me with their views, and that the whole matter will be considered.

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman will not sanction this proposal if the whole of the local authorities are opposed to it?

No; what the hon. Member may assume is that I shall not come to a decision without considering very carefully the views of the local authorities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman Say that, if he is called upon to sanction this proposal, he will endeavour to get the London Traffic Advisory Committee to provide increased facilities in the rush hours, in order to compensate for the reduction in the other hours?

I think the hon. Member may rest assured that I will do my best.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from the Commercial Motor Users' Association, and from chambers of commerce and other representative bodies in different parts of the country, as to the serious loss and inconvenience caused to trade and industry by the existence of weak bridges and level crossings on many important roads; and what special action he proposes to take with regard to the reconstruction of these bridges and the substitution of bridges for level crossings in urgent cases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. During the coming financial year I propose to set aside a, sum of £250,000 to be distributed by way of special grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of the reconstruction of weak railway and canal bridges and the construction of bridges to replace level crossings on important roads. I would also draw attention to the Bridges Bill recently introduced by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Ludlow Division (Lieut.-Colonel Windsor-Clive). The provisions of the Bill, of which I am generally in favour, have, for a long time, been the subject of negotiation between representatives of the county councils and of the statutory undertakings concerned with the assistance of my Department. The Bill supplies greatly needed machinery for facilitating the reconstruction of weak bridges which are the property of statutory bodies other than highway authorities.

Does that answer mean that the Corporation of the City of Hull can now re-open the question of level crossings, which has been turned down against the recommendations of the right hon. Gentleman's own experts last year

There is nothing to prevent the Corporation of Hull communicating with me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman incorporate this in the Road Traffic Bill next year?

I am not sure whether it comes within the scope of the Bill, but I will certainly consider the question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Thomas Connor, of Peebles, after completing 18 years and nine months' service in the Black Watch, was given a certificate of exemplary character, granted the long service and good conduct medal, the 1914 Star and Bar, and British War and Victory medals; that he registered for employment as a permanent postal worker; that his application has been rejected on the grounds that he is under the height as fixed by the Post Officer employment regulations; and is he prepared to have altered those regulations to bring them in line with the minimum height regulations for service in the Army or Navy

Mr. Connor was, as stated by the hon. Member, rejected for established appointment as postman on the ground that he was under the minimum height. In view, however, of the special circumstances in his case, I hope that it may be possible to find him a suitable permanent post, provided that he is eligible in all other respects.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to an advertisement of a well-known bookmaker in a certain periodical in which appear the words Represented on every course by His Majesty's telegraph office; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent such use of the name of a Government Department

I am obliged to the hon. Member for calling attention to the advertisement in question, and I am considering what steps can be taken in the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount of unclaimed deposits in the hands of the Post Office Savings Bank for which no application has been made during the last 10 years?

Statistics of the deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank on which no transactions have taken place for 10 years could only be obtained by an analysis of some 10,000,000 accounts. I do not think that the cost of this analysis would be justified. Moreover, it would be impossible to take as the test of an unclaimed deposit the fact that no application has been made for 10 years. Applications are frequently received after much longer intervals.

Can the hon. Gentleman state in what way or by what Department this interest is being used?

All these matters are dealt with by the Post Office, and I can only suggest that the hon. Gentleman should address a question to that Department.

Do I understand that the Postmaster-General pinches all the interest on this money?

I am not aware that the Postmaster-General pinches anything.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is any scheme of insurance, and, if so, what, against robberies from post offices during hours when the premises are closed for business?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General the hours during which the telephone operators, women and girls, are expected to remain on duty at the Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, automatic telephone exchange?

Female telephonists at the Hanley exchange are employed normally only at hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., but occasionally, in consequence of a temporary shortage of male night staff, their attendance has been extended on overtime up to 10 p.m. I am making inquiry to see whether these occasional late attendances can be obviated.

Has the Postmaster-General received notice that some of these girls have been subject to hysterical fits as the result of these long hours?

No, I have not.