asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will assure the House that, when the Report on Western Samoa comes before the Permanent Mandates Commission at Geneva next June, the British representative will not offer any resistance to the hearing of the cause of the Mau or League of Samoans for self-government as well as the official case of New Zealand, the mandatory Power?

It is expressly provided in the constitution of the Permanent Mandates Commission that its members shall be selected on personal grounds and that they shall not hold any office which puts them in a position of direct dependence on their Government. It has further been ruled by the Council of the League that in no case shall any member of the Commission be regarded as representing the State of which he is a citizen or subject. It follows that His Majesty's Government in Great Britain are not in a position to give any assurance of the kind suggested in the question. The constitution of the Commission, however, provides that each report on a mandated territory shall be examined in the presence of the duly authorised representative of the mandatory Power from which it comes. In the case of Western Samoa, the appointment of this representative and the instructions which he receives are matters for decision by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British delegation on the Disarmament Commission at Geneva have received any instructions with reference to the Soviet proposals for general disarmament?

Yes, Sir. The British delegate on the Preparatory Committee for Disarmament has been instructed to co-operate with his colleagues in securing full examination of the Soviet proposals, and the House will note from this morning's papers that he has carried out his instructions with singular force and ability.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Russian Government is showing any desire by practical efforts to disarm, such as His Majesty's Government have already shown by reducing our cruiser programme?

That question does not arise.

Will the Foreign Secretary issue the Russian proposals in the form of a White Paper?

Whose proposals?

The Russian proposals.

Certainly not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the French diplomatic service women have recently begun to be appointed to responsible posts, other than posts of a clerical nature, in the diplomatic service, and that women have been appointed to posts of ministerial or other rank in the Russian Soviet and the Bulgarian diplomatic service; and whether he is prepared to adopt this practice in the British diplomatic service?

As regards the first part of the question, I understand that the recent decision of the French Government, to which the hon. Member presumably refers, while admitting women to certain posts in Paris, provides that no woman so admitted can be employed abroad. I am aware that women have held posts in the Rusian Soviet, and I think once in the Bulgarian diplomatic service. I do not think any change in our own rules desirable.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that British women are behind foreigners in regard to possessing the necessary diplomatic qualifications?

No, Sir, quite the contrary.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this prejudice ought to be abolished, and that if there is a woman fit for a position, her sex should not stand against it?

No, Sir.

Sir?

The Rules of the House oblige me to address the Speaker. I do not think that any prejudice enters into the matter. I think it is a matter of expediency and our Rules are best in the present circumstances.

As the right hon. Gentleman addressed the Speaker, I never heard a word he said.

Does the Foreign Secretary not consider that where a woman takes on a man's job and gets a man's pay, she ought to maintain an unemployed man and not spend the salary upon herself?

Oh!

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the general discontent in the office of the Technical Cost Section of the Contract and Purchase Department, Princes House, Kingsway, due to the severity of the discipline; if he is aware that objections are being raised to advances of money expended by members of that Department. on subsistance whilst on public service; and if he will take any action in the matter?

I am unaware that any general discontent exists in the Technical Cost Section of the Contract and Purchase Department, but, if the hon. Member will give me specific details of any complaint, I will inquire into them. As regards the second part of the question, I believe there is no foundation for the suggestion. It is the custom, whenever necessary, to make advances to the staff before expenditure is incurred on journeys on the public service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what experiments his Department has made with pulverised coal fuel; how the thermal efficiency compares with that of oil; and whether, in view of the desirability of using home-produced in preference to imported fuel, he contemplates converting oil-fired ships to burn pulverised coal?

As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) on 17th February, the Admiralty have made no experiments with pulverised fuel. I am not clear as to what information is desired in regard to the second part of the question, but, if the hon. Member wishes to know the relative calorific values of coal and oil for steam-raising purposes, they are in the ratio of 19.5 to 14.5. The reply to the third part of the question is in the negative.

In view of recent experiments which have proved the high percentage of efficiency of this fuel, and in view of the parlous state of the mining industry, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be a good thing to experiment in the Navy with this fuel in order to use coal?

If the hon. Member will refer to the answer of 17th February, he will see that we are watching these experiments very carefully with a view to finding out whether they are of any use to the Admiralty. When the hon. Member reads that answer, he will see that the stage has not arrived at which the fuel would be of any use.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any recent experiments have been carried out to test the effect of large bombs dropped from aircraft so as to explode under water on the hulls of large warships; whether, without detriment to the public interest, he can state the conclusions of the Board on this subject; and whether his attention has been drawn to the experiments carried out by the American Government for testing the effects of air attacks of this nature on warships, the details of which have been published?

A number of experiments to ascertain the effect on a ship's structure and fittings of bombs exploding below water have been carried out by the Admiralty, and recent design in under-water protection is based on information obtained from these experiments. Research is still being continued on this subject on scale models and special targets. It is not in the public interest that the details of the various experiments carried out and in contemplation should be published. All the published accounts of experiments made by the American Government have been received and noted by the Admiralty; in general they are in accord with the British Admiralty experiments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the American experiments it has been shown that large bombs dropped in this way could disable or sink the most modern ship, and does the First Lord feel satisfied that experiments on models and in tanks will prove a real test in this matter?

I did not say that our experiments were on models. I said that, we were quite aware of what has been published by the American Government, and we are keeping our eyes open.

I do not want the right hon. Gentleman to feel that he is being pressed in any way, but I wish to know if experiments have actually been carried out against floating ships?

I should like that question to be put on the Paper.

Were the experiments on central hulls?

Or on crooked shanks?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what purpose lectures on engineering subjects arc given to engineer officers of the Royal Navy; what the subjects are and whether they are confined to officers ranging from admirals to lieutenants; and, if so, whether the arrangements could be extended to chief engine-room artificers and engine-room artificers when in the depots after foreign service?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to monthly meetings of engineer officers at the home ports, which are held for the purpose of exchange of experience and opinions by means of lectures and discussions. The subjects are those of the problems of naval engineering practice and development. They are not confined to specific ranks of officers, but are open to all commissioned and warrant officers. A desire for similar meetings is not known to exist among chief engine-room artificers and engine-room artificers, but, should such be brought to light through the channels which exist for such purposes, it will receive due consideration.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman remember, if application is made for these lectures, that the men concerned are men who have to earn their livelihood as engineers when they leave the Service?

indicated assent.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of civilians employed by his Department at the Singapore base; and what rate of wages is paid to labourers employed by the Admiralty at Singapore?

The number employed on 1st February was 700; the usual remuneration for labourers amounts to $3.95 a week which is based on the current local rate. In addition the men are provided with free quarters.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Admiralty have made any inquiry as to the adequacy of this living accommodation?

I think I must have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any discharge of civilians has taken place from His Majesty's Dockyard, Gibraltar; if so, what number have been discharged and from which department; and if ex-apprentices of less than 15 years' service have been notified of the intention to dispense with their services?

Since 31st December last, 274 men have been discharged from various departments, and notices have been or are proposed to be issued to about 124 men. Included in the numbers discharged or proposed to be discharged are 31 ex-apprentices of less than 15 years' service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) with reference to £2,612,050 estimated to be expended in the coming financial year on engines and boilers of ships completed in His Majesty's Dockyards and elsewhere, which firms have been entrusted with the construction; and whether there is any Government establishment in which they could be constructed;

The amounts quoted cover not only a great number of contracts to be allocated during the coming financial year, but also various contracts placed in earlier financial years and not yet completed. It is, therefore, impracticable to furnish any statement of the contractors concerned. The hon. Member may, however, rest assured that the capabilities of the various Government establishments are borne in mind and opportunities afforded them of tendering for and manufacturing items of machinery, etc., in suitable cases.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that they are not making any of these materials referred to in my question?

I am not aware of that fact.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty with reference to the £197,800 estimated to be expended in the coming financial year on inspection of contract work, how many officers and workmen are employed in each of the private firms where the contract work is being done; and why so large a sum is expended upon this work of inspection?

The overseeing staff to which this provision relates conists of about 500 officers and workmen. Their distribution varies according to the allocation of work from time to time. I would point out that the cost of inspection is less than 2 per cent. of the value of the work involved and that the number of the staff employed is continuously under review.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say who are these people who inspect? Are they dockyard officials?

They are inspectors.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now prepared to make a substantial grant, and, if so, how much, towards the cost of extending Dock Street, Dundee, from the old flour mills to Taybank housing scheme on the Ferry Road?

I have been asked to reply. This scheme was the subject of preliminary discussion, on the 8th instant, between representatives of the City of Dundee and officers of my Department. When full details of the project have been submitted and examined, I will consider whether it is possible to give assistance during the coming financial year.

Are the details being further examined now?

Yes, they are now being examined.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to confirm the general understanding of representatives of Perthshire and Forfarshire County Councils, as also of Dundee City Council, that his Department will make a grant of 75 per cent. to the estimated cost of £64,000 for the completion of the Kingsway?

I have been asked to reply. The scheme in a preliminary shape has been before my Department on several occasions, but, until the local authorities concerned have reached a definite agreement among themselves as to the precise form of the scheme and the allocation of the cost, I cannot enter into any commitment regarding assistance from the Road Fund. No offer of a 75 per cent. grant has been made, nor is any offer of a grant at that rate likely to be made.

If the consideration of this question is proceeding apace, could not the right hon. Gentleman give them now a definite understanding as to what percentage would be granted, in order to facilitate the settlement?

No; I think I must ask the local authorities to come to some definite agreement among themselves and then come to me, and then I will consider what I can do. That is a condition precedent to such grants throughout the country generally.

As the scheme involves work for no fewer than 150 men for two years, might not the right hon. Gentleman see his way to accelerate some arrangement?

If the hon. Member will speed up the local authorities' consideration of the matter, and put the scheme up to me, I will consider it directly it arrives.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that nothing but British material is used on this scheme?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the serious danger to the inhabitants of Danbury village owing to motor cars travelling at excessive speed through the village, he will authorise the imposition of a speed limit between the Bell Inn and the Bakers Arms in the main Chelmsfor-Maldon high road?

In order to enable me to impose a special speed limit for motor cars, application for a Regulation has to be made to me by the appropriate authority under the Motor Car Act, 1903, in this case the Essex County Council. Unless the circumstances are very exceptional, however, I am not in favour of special speed limits, as I do not think that they are effective as a means of protecting the public.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on Sundays and holidays there is a great amount of traffic passing at excessive speed down the winding road on Danbury Hill, and will he not take steps to limit the speed of this traffic which is very dangerous to the inhabitants of the village?

I know the place myself, and can my hon. and gallant Friend assure me that he never goes through the village at more than 10 miles an hour?

There is no speed limit at present, and I am entitled to go 20 miles an hour.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what preliminary air trials had been carried out with the seaplane used by Flight-Lieutenant Kinkead in the recent effort to beat the speed record?

asked the Secretary of State for Air if be can give particulars of the recent flying practice carried out by Flight-Lieutenant Kinkead on high-speed seaplanes?

Flight-Lieutenant Kinkead had been engaged in high-speed flying since early in 1927, he had had experience of various types of high-speed aircraft, and he had flown one of the machines, the Gloster IV, in the Schneider trophy race last September. The machine which he was using when he met with his most deeply regretted accident was a reproduction of the machine which then won the Schneider trophy, and he had given it a preliminary practice flight on the day before his death.

Could my right hon. Friend say whether some form of ethyl petrol was being used, and whether the rumour that the fumes incapacitated Flight-Lieutenant Kinkead was true or not?

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend had better give me notice of that question, but I can say in a sentence that there is no evidence to show that the fumes had anything to do with the accident.

Was some form of ethyl petrol used?

As I say, I should have to have notice of that question.

In view of the fact that the conditions were so bad on the day an which the accident occurred, was there some special reason why the flight should have taken place on that day?

That is the subject of another question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of Question No. 32 which asks about the conditions of visibility?

That question has not yet been reached.

May I ask what practical use is achieved by experiments at these very high speeds?

They are of very great practical use. We have found that high-speed trials have resulted in distinct advances in the matter of engines, in the design of aircraft, and in the design of floats.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received the result of the post-mortem examination?

No, Sir ; the inquest has been adjourned.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the rank of the officer responsible for ensuring that the recent attempt to achieve a seaplane speed record took place under the most favourable weather conditions for safe flight; whether this officer was present when the attempt was made by Flight-Lieutenant Kinkead; and whether he received a forecast of the conditions of visibility anticipated during a period when snowstorms were occurring?

Flight-Lieutenant Kinkead was himself the officer in charge of the high-speed flying section of the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment, and as such was responsible for the arrangements for the attempt. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to institute an inquiry into the supply, pay, and training of midwives, with special reference to their distribution in rural areas?

My right hon. Friend is taking steps to set up a Committee to inquire into the general question of the training and supply of midwives.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases in which betterment has been recovered under Section 10 of the Town Planning (Consolidation) Act, 1925; and the total of the amounts so recovered?

Claims for compensation and betterment under the Town Planning Act, 1925, are not required to be reported to my right hon. Friend, and I have knowledge of only one claim for betterment, resulting in the recovery of £1,500. The right to claim betterment has been chiefly used in meeting possible claims for compensation, which, so far as may information goes, have been few.

Will the Minister consider the amendment of the Act with a view to making the betterment provisions more effective?

I should prefer the right hon. Gentleman to put that question down, but I think he will have gathered from my reply that I do not think there is any necessity for such an amendment.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses which have been dealt with under the provisions of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926; whether any and what counties have failed to put this Act into operation; and the number of houses which have been completed in agricultural parishes under the 1924 Housing Act?

Up to the end of December last, the latest date for which information is available, applications had been received by local authorities for assistance under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, in respect of 599 dwellings. At the same date, assistance had been promised in respect of 151 dwellings, and work was in progress on 89 dwellings. There are four counties (Isle of Ely, Soke of Peterborough, Merioneth and Radnor) for which no schemes have yet been submitted under the Act in question, and in which none of the district councils have been declared authorities. The number of houses completed in agricultural parishes in England and Wales under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, up to the 1st March, 1928, was 10,090.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the names of the four counties referred to?

I read them out. The hon. Gentleman will find them in the answer.

In the case of these county councils which have not submitted schemes and others that are not carrying out their duties under the Act, will the Minister consider making the rural district councils the housing authority under the Act?

That would be a matter for consideration.

asked the Minister of Health approximately how many cottages, which have been built with a subsidy under any of the Housing Acts since the War, are let at a rental or 5s. a week, inclusive of rates, or less; how many of these cottages are occupied by agricultural labourers or estate employés; and what is the number of cottages provided by farmers and agricultural landowners for their employés at 3s. a week or less?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of juvenile unemployment centres situated in the counties of Middlesex, Surrey and Sussex ; and whether it is intended to provide any additional training establishments in these counties during 1928?

There are no juvenile unemployment, centres open in these areas at the present time, and, so far as I am aware, there is no part of these counties in which the volume or duration of unemployment makes a centre necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now received an estimate of the number of persons who will be no longer entitled to benefit at the Middlesbrough Employment Exchange after April of this year; and, if not, whether he can obtain these figures?

I cannot give any figures, but there is no reason, so far as I am aware, for expecting any great change.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the board of guardians had to make a large call upon the rates in anticipation of the number who will be turned off unemployment benefit, and is it not likely, therefore, that a, very considerable number will be turned off?

I consider that, on the whole, I can form a, better anticipation than the board of guardians.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that about 100 able-bodied men under 30 are detained at the Holgate Poor Law institution of Middlesbrough; and whether, in view of the trades of the town being unlikely, in the near future, to absorb these men, he is prepared to authorise any schemes of training which will enable them to earn their living and remove them from the rates?

I will have inquiries made and communicate again with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour what reports have been received in response to C. E. Circular No. 2 regarding the redistribution of juvenile labour?

Rather less than half the replies I expect to receive have reached me. It is not possible to summarise in reply to a. question the nature of the answers I have received some of which are of an interim character.

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to inform the House of the replies with regard to the removal of these juveniles up and down the country?

I shall be glad to give the House any information in my power, but the replies are of a very interesting and varying character, and it is impossible to put all of them down in answer to a question.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number admitted to Claydon Training Centre during 1927 and the number who have settled abroad?

During 1927, 475 men were admitted to the Clay-don Centre for training in farm work for employment overseas, and 429 men trained at the centre were placed in employment on farms in Canada and Australia.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how this figure compares with 1926, and whether the accommodation is fully occupied?

I cannot say that off-hand. The accommodation at Claydon, so far as I know, is fully occupied. Of course, there has been a slight shortage, but, if the hon. Member wants details, perhaps he will put down another question.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of claims for extended benefit in each month of 1927; the number of claims disallowed; and how many claims for unemployment benefit were rejected during 1927, with an analysis of the reasons for rejection?

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

asked the Minister of Labour, whether he can enumerate the schemes for the provision of work for the unemployed initiated by the various Ministries during 1927; the total expenditure involved; and the number of unemployed absorbed in consequence?

These schemes are initiated by local authorities. During the year 1927 the Ministry of Transport have made grants in respect of 268 schemes of the estimated cost of £6,080,197, and the Unemployment Grants Committee have approved for grant 68 schemes of the estimated cost of £1,649,768. The number of men who have obtained employment in respect of the schemes in question cannot be stated, but in accordance with the monthly returns received the average number employed on schemes in operation during 1927 was 26,629.

Do I understand the Government have not initiated any schemes and that all these schemes have been initiated by the local authorities?

That is the habitual procedure.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the number employed compares with 1926?

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that local authorities, who are up-to-date, are better able to deal with the necessities than the Government are themselves?

At least, they know the local conditions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, seeing that the conditions in which the Washington Eight Hour Day Convention may be revised have not yet been settled, and that under Article 21 of the Convention the application of the Convention will only be discussed and an opportunity for revising it only arise once in 10 years, he will say which is the tenth year when the question of revision may be discussed, and from which date the 10 years are reckoned at the end of which revision may be discussed?

According to what I am advised is the better opinion, the period of 10 years specified in Article 21 runs from the "coming into force" of the Convention under Article 18, i.e., from June, 1921. I would remind the hon. Member that what Article 21 does is to require the Governing Body to consider, at least once in 10 years, the desirability of placing this question on the agenda of the Conference. There is nothing to say that the full 10 years or any other period must first elapse.

Is it not a fact that the only people who are standing in the way of the ratification are the Federation of British Industries; and why cannot the right hon. Gentleman try to persuade them?

That question does not arise now.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that Pelton Fell Colliery, County Durham, has been closed, and that the work of dismantling the mine began immediately after that decision was taken by the owners; whether he is aware that 1,200 men and boys have been employed, and that the inhabitants of a whole town are deprived of their existence by the closing of the mine; and whether he can take any steps to suspend dismantling operations until the matter is further considered?

I am aware that this colliery has been closed, but the information at my disposal leads me to conclude that intervention on my part would not serve any useful purpose.

In view of the fact that the closing of this mine will have a disastrous effect on the district and that there is some up-to-date machinery, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman get into direct touch with the people concerned to hold up the dismantling process?

The hon. Member is aware that this pit is in the hands of a receiver. I understand that it has been offered for sale for some months, and many people have examined it most carefully, but have all come to the conclusion that it is not worth opening.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman been in direct touch with those in control of the mine with a view to stopping the dismantling process, and, if he has not, will he get in touch with them?

I have no standing in the matter to ask for the stoppage of dismantling. If the hon. Member has any reason for thinking the pit can be reopened and he made representations to the receiver, I am sure they would be considered.

The Minister of Mines has some standing in the matter that a humble private Member cannot have, and he is aware that the closing of this mine will considerably increase the rates in the district and will probably have a disastrous effect upon other concerns. Will he use his influence to get into direct touch with those who control the mine to withhold the dismantling process?

I cannot add anything to what I said before. I have gone carefully into the matter. I was in the district last Saturday and had a discussion on the matter with all the mining experts

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that within the last two months scores of cases have been brought to me asking for my intervention in view of the poverty inflicted on the people who are thrown out of work, and is it not time that the hon. and gallant Gentleman intervened and tried to stop it for the sake of the workmen?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the third-degree methods by Scotland Yard detectives in the case of the widow of Harry Pace, in the Forest of Dean; if he is aware that the woman in question was interrogated by these officers for 13 hours and left Coleford police station in a state of collapse; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

; I am not in a position to reply to-day and shall be glad if the hon. Member will postpone his question.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the number of recent escapes of convicts from Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight, and the consequent crimes committed by these escaped convicts and the anxiety caused to residents living in the island; and will he restore arms to prison officers guarding prisoners in order to prevent further outbreaks?

I am aware that during the past year convicts have on two occasions escaped from Parkhurst Prison and committed offences in the locality, and I very much regret the anxiety which must have been caused to residents on these occasions. I have had under review the precautions taken at the prison, and have approved certain changes which I hope will be effective.

In view of the trouble that has arisen inside this prison on one or two occasions, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied now with the treatment of the prisoners under the disciplinary measures that have been put in force?

The hon. Gentleman has not put that question down. I think it is one that he ought not to have asked. It contains reflections on the administration of the prison. I made inquiries into the administration of the prison some few months ago and was quite satisfied with what was going on.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he himself gave me facts in answer to a question on the subject, and that that is why I put the question to him?

Is it not a fact that a large number of these offences are due to the so-called humanitarianism of certain people who interfere with the prison authorities?

Never!

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a Labour club has lately been opened in Carlisle and that, before registration, the following conditions were insisted upon; that the club should be subject to police supervision; that they should not become members of the Working Men's Club and Institute; and why these conditions were imposed?

I have no control over the registration of clubs, which is a matter of the general law over the whole country. Perhaps the hon. Member is referring to an application which has been made for my consent to the supply of intoxicating liquor in a new Labour club in the Carlisle State Management District, but he is not correctly informed as to the proposed restrictions. I am considering the application.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seing that surplus profits in the Commonwealh Trust are defined as being surplus profits after a cumulative dividend of 5 per cent. has been paid to the shareholders, and that such liability has not been discharged, he has any information as to the surplus profits from which payment has been or can be made for educational purposes in India and Africa?

No, Sir. As a matter of fact no surplus profits have been earned and no payment has been made for any purpose in Africa. In the case of the payments made in India they were made from sums earned before the formal transfer of the properties to the Commonwealth Trust as I explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Carnarvon (Major Owen) on Monday.

How soon is the right hon. Gentleman likely to be able to make a statement with regard to the negotiations that are going on?

I hope very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that the grant of £1,000,000 per annum to the Empire Marketing Board is not being fully utilised; and if he can direct that a portion of this surplus be used to advertise Lancashire cotton goods in the various parts of the Empire?

The programme of the Empire Marketing Board is planned for development over a period of years and its resources are being conserved accordingly. The Empire Marketing Board, moreover, is confined by the terms of the Parliamentary Vote to the furtherance of marketing in this country, so that in any case I could not give the direction which my hon. Friend desires.

Is it not a fact that the Lancashire market would be perceptibly helped if my hon. Friend's suggestions were adopted?

This money is being spent on the marketing of Empire produce in this country in fulfilment of a pledge given to the Dominion Governments in 1923. It could not, therefore, well be spent on encouragment of British sales in the Empire outside.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole of the money is not being spent and that there is a surplus accumulated, and we are asking if this can be utilised instead of lying dormant?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the loss caused by tides and storms to public and other property on the sea coasts of the Kingdom; whether he is aware that many local authorities are unable to provide the funds necessary to protect property from sea erosion owing to the heavy burden of local rates; and whether he will take steps to have the question further considered in view of the fact that no inquiry has been made into this matter since 1911?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5th March to the hon. Member for Anglesey (Sir R. Thomas), a copy of which I am sending him.

If I give the hon. Gentleman particulars, will he undertake to have an inquiry into the matter?

I cannot give an undertaking with regard to an inquiry, but I shall be very glad to look into the matter if the hon. Member cares to give me particulars.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman state definitely whether the Board of Trade have taken steps to increase their works against coast erosion?

I am not quite certain what the hon. Gentleman means by the Board of Trade's own works. Most coast erosion works are the duty of the local authorities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that conditions have altered considerably since 1911?

I daresay some changes have occurred. I shall be glad to receive information from the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

(for Mr. LANSBURY) asked the Minister of Health the number of men and women who were received into the Metropolitan Asylums Board's shelter on the Embankment during the last week in January, 1914, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1927, and 1928 respectively; the number sent to casual wards or other Poor Law institutions; the number sent to philanthropic, religious, or other organisations; the number sent to Employment Exchanges or other employment agencies; and the number who were found work ; whether any records are kept as to the previous history of persons using this shelter; and the number of ex-service men who nave passed through since the War, and the average ages of persons dealt with?

My right hon. Friend has asked the Metropolitan Asylums Board to supply him with as much of the information asked for by the hon. Member as is available, and will communicate with him on its receipt.

(for Mr. LANSBURY) asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the Central (Unemployed) Body for London as part of the local machinery for dealing with unemployment in London; whether he is aware that this body has not put forward a single scheme of work for men and women since 1914; that the labour colony at Hollesley Bay, controlled by this body, is being used as a mixed workhouse for men, many of whom are considered unfit for ordinary employment owing to physical or mental defects; whether he has received any reports from his inspectors dealing with this colony since the report which was presented some time ago and which called for certain changes in the administration of the colony; and is he in a position to state whether any improvement in the conditions has taken place?

In answer to the first two parts of the hon. Member's question, my right hon. Friend is aware of the position of the Central (Unemployed) Body for London and the absorption of this body is one of the features of the proposals for London Poor Law reform which have already been circulated. In reply to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question by him on the 15th of February last. With reference to the last part of the question, the Hollesley Bay colony was last inspected by officers of my Department in June, 1927. My right hon. Friend is informed by the body that improvements have been made to meet many of the recommendations resulting from the last inspection.

(for Mr. LANSBURY) asked the Minister of Health how many men can be accommodated at Belmont institution at present administered by the Fulham Board of Guardians; what is the nature of the work the men are expected to do, and is any wage or money allowance paid; will he circulate with the Votes a copy of the dietary scale and hours of labour, together with any information available, showing the remedial character of any work carried on either by voluntary effort or by the officials in charge, how many men have left the institution and found work, and a record of the ins and outs during the past five years; and will he state the total number of men who passed through this establishment during the years ending 31st July, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1927?

My right hon. Friend has asked the Fulham Board of Guardians to supply him with as much of the information asked for by the hon. Member as is available, and will send him a copy on its receipt.