asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a return showing the number of entrants into the higher division of the Civil Service from each of the Scottish, English, and Welsh Universities during each of the last 10 years?

The following table shows the number of entrants into Class 1 of the Civil Service, through competitions held by the Civil Service Commissioners, from each of the Scottish, English, and Welsh Universities, during each of the last 10 years. The particulars given include appointments made as a result of the Reconstruction Competitions (1919–21), and special competitions for men and women (1922–24) as well as normal open competitions (not held in 1918–20 and 1922–24). In the case of attendance at more than one University, the candidate is regarded as coming from the last University. The table does not include particulars of officers promoted to the higher division.for. The following figures may, however, be of interest to the hon. Member. The number of established officers serving in the General and Departmental Clerical Classes, on 1st January last up to and including officers on the scale £300–£400, was approximately 40,000 and the number of certificates issued or endorsed in respect of appointments to the General and Departmental Clerical Classes from 1st November, 1918, to 31st December, 1927, is estimated to be in the neighbourhood of 31,500.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the Letchworth district there is unemployment amongst adult workers; and whether, in these circumstances, he will give instructions that employers of labour should not be persuaded by his Department to employ youths from other areas?

There is some unemployment among adults in Letchworth but the rate is low. I should certainly not try to persuade employers to bring in youths to perform work properly undertaken by men; but subject to that proviso I am constantly endeavouring to find openings whether for men or boys from depressed areas in places where the prospects of employment are good, and shall continue to do so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total number of officers of and from warrant rank, and the number of artificer ratings in each of the following branches: Engineering, ordnance, and electrical, respectively?

The total number of officers in the branches named of Warrant rank or promoted there from is as follows:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers and men have been lent during the current financial year to the Dominions and Foreign Governments, stating which Dominion and which Foreign Government?

The numbers of officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on loan to the Dominions and Colonies, etc., and to Foreign Governments on the 15th March, 1928, were as follow:

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that plans for new high-power broadcasting stations in Scotland are ready and that only the permission of his Department is necessary for a start to be made with the scheme, he will say if that permission is likely to be given at an early date?

I have received no application from the British Broadcasting Corporation for permission to proceed with the erection of a new station in Scotland.

asked the Postmaster-General when stamped 1½d. square envelopes will again be available for Members by purchase; and what is the reason for the delay in supply extending over two months?

I am informed that there has been a temporary shortage of the special envelopes referred to, but a fresh supply is now available.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of boy messengers who have been disqualified on account of flat foot from permanent adult employment in the Post Office for the years 1924 to 1928, respectively?

The number of boy messengers rejected for permanent adult employment on account of flat foot for each of the years 1924–27 was two, six, eight and eight respectively. One boy only has been rejected so far during the present year.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of scale-payment sub-post offices in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving the number in each country, respectively, at the following values: gross emoluments, including cost of living bonus, not exceeding £30; exceeding £30, but not exceeding £40; exceeding £40, but not exceeding £50; exceeding50, but not exceeding £75; exceeding £75, but not exceeding £100; exceeding 100,but not exceeding £125; exceeding £125, but not exceeding £150; exceeding 150, but not exceeding £200; exceeding £200, but not exceeding £250; exceeding £250, but not exceeding £300; exceeding £300,but not exceeding £400; and exceeding £400?

I am having inquiry made and will communicate with the hon. Member.