asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Annual Report for the year ended 31st March, 1928, will be presented before the end of April; and, if not, when it is anticipated that it will be available?

Much of the material required in the Annual Report of my Department is not available until some time after the end of the Financial Year. I could not therefore undertake to issue the Report by the date suggested. I took steps last year to expedite the issue of the Report for 1926–27, and the Report for the Financial Year just concluded will be issued with the least avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the advisability of amending the War Pensions Regulations to provide that a claimant may qualify for pension if the evidence available indicates the probability that his disability was due to, or aggravated by, war service, although such evidence may fall short of definite proof?

Positive evidence in a legal sense has never been, as is suggested, a condition of the admission of a claim under the Royal Warrants. Every case is considered on merits in the light of all the evidence available in regard to it and it is the practice of my Department to give every claimant under the Royal Warrant all possible assistance in procuring the necessary evidence.

asked the President of the Board of Education in how many schools the cinema is more or less regularly used in imparting instruction; and how many of these schools are in Wales, giving the numbers for each county?

I am afraid that I cannot give the particulars asked for by the hon. Member. The cinema is, of course, used occasionally in a number of schools as a means of supplementing and reinforcing the ordinary class-room instruction.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of including in the elementary school curriculum, Standards 6 and 7, a primary course of economics?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the advisability of including a primary course of economics in the elementary schools curriculum; and if he can make any statement as to the practicability of doing so?

The Board do not prescribe the subjects to be included in the curricula of schools. Economics is, however, taught in many secondary schools, particularly those which provide commercial courses, and also in a considerable number of technical and continuation schools; but its teaching as a distinct subject is not really suitable for children of elementary school age, and simple lessons on the elementary principles of economics are more generally and, I think, more effectively given in connection with lessons in history and geography.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the nature of the Board's grants to the Workers' Educational Association; and if he is satisfied with the manner in which these grants are expended by this association?

The Board do not pay grants to the Workers' Educational Association as such, but to the district organisations of that Association in respect of the salaries of tutors conducting one-year and terminal classes approved by the Board under their regulations. These grants are limited to a maximum of 75 per cent. of the salary of the tutor, exclusive of his expenses. Where the classes are conducted under the direction of the local education authority the authority's approved expenditure in aiding them is recognised by the Board for grant. In addition to compliance with the Board's regulations, classes assisted from public funds are required to satisfy certain general conditions which were laid down in 1920 by the Associations of Local Education Authorities and accepted by the Workers' Educational Association. I will circulate a copy of these conditions in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The classes are visited and inspected by the Board's inspectors, and I believe these conditions are generally observed by the tutors and by all those directly concerned with the organisation of the classes. Members of the Association not directly concerned with the organisation of classes in the district will, I am sure, realise, on their side, the desirability of abstaining, in the pages of the "Highway" or otherwise, from expressions of opinion on matters of current political controversy which may give the public a wrong impression of the character of the Association's strictly educational work.

Has the Noble Lord at any time received reports from his inspectors making complaints about the work done by this Association?

I have received criticisms from my inspectors in the same way as I have received criticisms of all classes of education, but, as regards any serious complaint of political bias in teaching, I have received no such complaints.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Workers' Educational Association was at one time intimately connected pith the National Council of Labour Colleges, which is avowedly an extremist organisation; that comment has been aroused by the fact that in one class a Communist, teacher is employed; and that considerable doubt exists in the minds of Members on this side of the House as to whether the educational classes are conducted in the way in which he has said they were.

As regards the last of these supplementary questions, I hope that, if there be any doubt in the minds of the people, it will be allayed by the answer which I have just given; these classes are carefully inspected. As regards the second supplementary question, if my hon. Friend has any instance where he thinks a class is not properly conducted, and he will give it to me, I shall be glad to go into it. In reply to the first supplementary question, I really think that my hon. Friend is misinformed. So far from being closely connected with the National Council of Labour Colleges, an organisation which is not concerned with education, but with pure political propaganda, the Workers' Educational Association has always, in its published aims and in its activities, tried in every way to dissociate itself from the ideals of the National Council of Labour Colleges.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to set up a committee to inquire into the general question of the training and supply of midwives; and have any members of this committee yet been appointed?

I have invited certain ladies and gentlemen to serve on this committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the names of the committee will be announced.

I have not yet received replies from those I have invited, but as soon as I have, I shall be in a position to announce the names.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has any statistics of the number of deaths of women in pregnancy from septic peritonitis; and whether he proposes to take any steps to safeguard them against the onset of this condition at maternity welfare centres?

The last year for which a detailed classification of the deaths due to pregnancy and childbearing is at present available is 1925, and in that year there were 84 deaths from septic peritonitis, perimetritis, and pelvic peritonitis. As regards the second part of the question it is one of the duties of the doctors at ante-natal clinics to detect and remedy any focus of infection which might later be a cause of septic infection.

Can the right hon. Gentleman have the returns of his Department kept a little more up to date—those are for 1925—and, further, may I ask whether he is not aware that septic peritonitis almost always supervenes upon attempted abortion, and is not that brought about by the policy of his Department in denying information on birth control at maternity and welfare centres?

In what way is it possible to get rid of septic peritonitis by anything that is done at an ante-natal centre?

Will the right hon. Gentleman deny the suggestion that his policy, approved by this House, of refusing Government information on birth control is in any way responsible for this state of affairs?

Yes.

Is it not the fact that the lack of information as to restriction of families does cause these cases?

Question time is not the time at which to pursue these controversial questions.

asked the Minister of Health the estimated number of persons in England and Wales suffering from tuberculosis on 1st January, 1928, or on the latest convenient date?

According to the returns furnished to my Department, the total number of notified cases of tuberculosis which remained on the registers of Local Authorities on the 31st December last was 363,187.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of sanatoria for the treatment of tuberculosis in England and Wales, distinguishing between those maintained wholly or partially from public funds and those supported by fees paid by the patients?

The number of institutions approved by my Department for the residential treatment of tuberculosis under the schemes of local authorities in England and Wales (excluding general hospitals) is 349, of which 215 have been provided by local authorities and 134 by voluntary bodies. These are all maintained wholly or partially out of public funds. I have no complete information regarding those institutions not so maintained.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in England and Wales who underwent treatment for tuberculosis in sanatoria during the year 1927, and the average duration of such treatment?

Complete particulars for the year 1927 are not yet available. During 1926 the number of persons who received residential treatment for tuberculosis under the schemes of local authorities was 63,680, and the average duration of treatment was approximately 150 days.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to appoint a Departmental Committee to investigate and report upon the social and industrial position of the deaf and dumb?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question put on the 4th instant by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Basingstoke (Sir A. Holbrook) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health the last occasion on which the in specters of his Department visited the Hollesley Bay colony and the Belmont institution when the last reports were made by his inspectors on the administration of these establishments; and whether the improvements recommended by his inspectors have been carried out in accordance with their recommendations?

As regards the Hollesley Bay colony I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) on the 21st March last. The Belmont institution has been inspected from time to time, the last occasion being on the 28th February last, and suggestions made for improvements in points of detail have been adopted. I am not, however, satisfied that the best use is being made of the institution, and conferences between my officers and the committee of management have taken place with a view to reorganising the arrangements.

Have the improvements recommended by the inspectors of the Institutions been adopted by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Many of them have.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the rest will be, because what is the use of sending inspectors dam there to make suggestions if they are not carried out?

I am not in a position to say that every single detail has been carried out, but the majority of the recommendations have been.

asked the Minister of Health whether arising out of the necessity to continue the arrangements for the detection of small-pox amongst casuals and the issue of Circular 830 pointing out that casual wards should not be closed except in the most exceptional circumstances, he can give any indication as to the extent the advice contained in the circular is being carried out by boards of guardians who have closed, or were contemplating the closing of, casual wards?

The circular in question deals with the detection of smallpox among casuals and advises boards of guardians that in the event of a case of small-pox being found in a casual ward the temporary closing of the ward should not be necessary if certain precautions are taken; the circular does not in any way deal with the question of the permanent closing of redundant casual wards.

To what extent have the Minister's views been accepted by these hoards of guardians?

I shall very soon have to say.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the proposals made by the Yeovil Board of Guardians for the solution of the vagrancy problem; and whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Departmental Committee to study these and similar proposals and report on the problem?

Yes, Sir. The proposals of the guardians are not essentially new, the question of establishing labour colonies and of detaining casuals for prolonged periods having been con- sidered on several previous occasions. I doubt whether there would be any advantage in the appointment of such a Departmental Committee as is proposed at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, under Acts of Parliament of 1834 and 1841, farmers delivering goods at shops in Exeter have to pay tolls whereas goods arriving by train escape these tolls; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to repeal these Acts?

I presume that the provisions which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind are those under which persons selling from door to door certain articles of agricultural produce, etc., are liable to pay the same toll as if the goods had been taken into the market. The Acts in question are private Acts relating to Exeter, and any proposal for the alteration of these particular Acts would have to be by Private Bill, or by Provisional Order.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that these tolls act as a. direct tax upon home grown produce and that they are escaped by foreign produce? Cannot the Government take any action to do away with this injustice?

I think this is rather an ancient survival from other times. I suppose the toll in question was intended to protect local markets. As I have pointed out, the remedy is in the hands of the local authority.

Will the Minister be good enough to make representations to the Minister of Transport advising him to get rid of these tolls?

This has nothing to do with the Minister of Transport.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Acts were passed at a time when there was no foreign competition and when the produce was sold in the streets?

asked the Minister of Agriculture which countries are now prepared to receive animals from the new quarantine station; and whether negotiations are in progress to endeavour to extend this arrangement to all countries?

I understand that the Union Government of South Africa (with the Mandated Territory of South-West Africa), Northern and Southern Rhodesia, Kenya Colony and the Govern- ment of Palestine are prepared to receive animals from the quarantine station. Other Dominions and Colonies have been informed of the provision of the new station but have not yet indicated their readiness to accept animals which have passed through the station.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many animals can be accommodated at the new quarantine station at the East London Docks; to whom the applications for accommodation should be sent; and what is the cost per animal whilst they remain there?

The Station contains 28 boxes and 18 pens, and the maximum accommodation, which depends on the size of the animals, would be about 50 cattle and 36 sheep and pigs. Applications for admission should be sent to the Secretary, Royal Agricultural Society of England, 16, Bedford Square, London. The charges for care and maintenance are £3 per head for cattle and £1 for sheep and pigs for the quarantine period of 14 days. For each separate consignment of animals from the same premises there is a fee of 10s. to cover the Ministry's out-of-pocket expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applicants for small holdings are on the waiting list in Scotland?

The total number of applications for small holdings outstanding at this date is 4,996 and for enlargements of existing holdings 3,299.

What is the intention of the Department in regard to giving a greater outlet for those who are standing idle?

My right hon. Friend has made his policy and the policy of the Department very clear on more than one occasion.

When was the list revised and how old is it?

I am afraid that must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport if attention has been called to the fact that the fee for transfer of motor car registration numbers is a flat rate of £5; if he is aware that this is a prohibitive sum for many owners of small cars who may wish to transfer their old numbers: and whether he will consider allowing a sliding scale of charges for the transference of motor numbers in the same ratio as the annual taxation of cars?

The registration numbers are required as identification marks, and it is not desirable that transfers should be numerous. While the fee of £5 is sufficient to act as a deterrent against unnecessary transfers; I do not think that it can be regarded as prohibitive in cases where, for sentimental or special business reasons, it is desired to transfer a registration number from an old car to a new one, and I do not propose to disturb the existing arrangement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put down this question before the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement, and now that motorists, and especially small motorists, are to be called upon to contribute so much money to the revenue, could not this concession be made to them, even in sentimental eases?

I confess that my personal sympathies are rather with the hon. and gallant Gentleman in this matter; particularly as I was obliged to pay £5, but on going into the matter I saw the justice of the claim and reluctantly agreed with it.

The latter part of the question specifically asks that the concession may be made in the case of lighter cars. The Minister has agreed that the charge more than meets the cost of the transfer. Is it not neither more nor less than a system of profiteering at the expense of motorists?

No, I cannot agree with the hon. Member. The registration system is a very useful help to the police in identifying cars, and, if it were changed, it would make their task very much more difficult.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a merchant who is compelled by the exigencies of his business to keep a spare motor for use in the event of a breakdown in his regular car transport, is forced to take out a full quarter's licence for his spare ear should it be called into use, although only for one day; and whether, in view of the hardship thus caused, he will make provision for the sale of temporary licences of short duration, either by the police or the post offices?

By taking advantage of the provisions for the surrender of a licence made under Section 18 of the Finance Act, 1924, the owner of a motor vehicle can, in effect, limit his payment of duty to the cost of a licence for any one licensing month in the year. I am not prepared to make provision for the issue of licences for any shorter period.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is a gross injustice in a case where a man's car is not in use, although he has already paid the licence fee for it, that he should be compelled to pay even a month's licence fee for a substitute car for, possibly, only two days' work?

No, Sir, I do not.

is not this a very sensible question, and would it not be a sound business proposition to issue a weekly licence at a price which would pay his Department and be of advantage to the user?

Are not all Labour questions very sensible questions?

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many Royal Air Force pilots have been killed while flying since 1st January, 1928, both in this country and overseas; and will he give a detailed statement of the various causes which led to their deaths?

As regards the first part of the question, the number of Air Force pilots killed while flying since 1st January is 15, of whom one was shot down in action. In addition, the following fatalities to personnel of the three Services were involved in these accidents: Royal Air Force, six; Army, two; Navy, two. As regards the second part of the question, I would deprecate, for the reasons given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his statement regarding Air Force accidents on 10th March, 1927, the giving of detailed particulars of the causes of the various accidents.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that frequently the Air Ministry reports in cases of individual accidents the cause of the accident such as "an error of judgment," and why can be not classify these accidents so that hon. Members may be in a position to decide what is the main cause of accidents as a whole?

I am afraid that I cannot add anything more to my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he can supply particulars of the forthcoming air display at Hendon?

The final details of the programme have not yet been decided, and I cannot add anything at present to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 27th February.

Is it intended to follow the example of last year and have a bombing expedition?

That has not been settled.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many qualified mining engineers with underground experience are now employed by his Department as mine surveyors apart from the inspection staff?

One

Is that one engaged in the Mines Department, or is he in the country at the present time?

He is engaged in the Department.

asked the Minister of Health the terms of employment of the temporary women staffs engaged for work in connection with the Central Index Committee and the number of occasions on which their period of employment has been extended?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown) on the 5th instant.

asked the Minister of Health how many members of his staff are now engaged on overtime duties?

78 members of the staff of my Department are at present employed upon overtime, of whom 29 are typists or messengers, 24 are employed in regional and provincial offices, and 25 at headquarters.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received the accredited representatives of the ex-Service temporary clerks employed in his Department who are liable to a week's notice terminating their employment; and, if not, whether he is willing to receive a deputation in order that he may hear the men's side as well as the official side?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown) on the 5th instant.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the operations of the so-called five counties coal-marketing scheme, which came into operation on the 2nd of April last; if he is aware that this combine is restricting output, with consequent loss to the coal-export ports of the Humber; that during April the collieries affected were only allowed to raise 65 per cent. of their basis tonnage of output; and that, in consequence, since the 10th of April last it has not been possible for coal-exporting firms at Hull to obtain best South Yorkshire hards and washed smalls either for cargo or bunkering purposes and buyers have not been able to purchase either what is known as subsidised or non-subsidised coal, and ships of regular lines trading to Hull have been refused supplies and their custom driven elsewhere; whether he was consulted before this scheme was put into operation; and what action he proposes to prevent this artificial creation of unemployment and loss of trade and shipping to British seaports?

I was not consulted before the Midland Marketing Scheme was put into operation, but I am aware that a quota of 65 per cent. of basic tonnage has operated for April under that scheme. I am informed that there has been a shortage of South Yorkshire bards and washed smalls for shipment from the Humber during the current month. This shortage is probably due partly to the closing of the pits for the Easter holidays and partly to the initial difficulties connected with the launching of the scheme. Further experience of the working of the scheme is, therefore, necessary before its effects can be judged. As the hon. and gallant Member may be aware, one of the principal objects of the scheme is to stimulate the export trade from the Humber.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that during the last 50 years we have never had a shortage of this kind; that the present scheme is driving British ships for bunkers to Rotterdam; that, since I gave notice of my question, small parcels of the best Yorkshire bards and washed smalls have been available at an advance in price of 3s. 6d. a ton for the hards and 2s. 3d. a ton for the smalls, and that, unless he does something, this is going to ruin a very important export trade?

Is not that an argument against nationalisation and amalgamation?

May I have an answer to my question?

I have nothing to do with that matter. I was not consulted about the scheme, and I have no responsibility whatever for its effects. I am watching the scheme, and the answer I have given correctly describes the position. The Hull exporters are in close communication with the coalowners under this scheme.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the shipments are exported to a specification, and the holding up of any particular parcel for the mixing of that coal automatically has the effect not only of filling an empty road with full trucks of coal but of putting men out of work for the day?

I am sure those responsible are fully aware of the facts.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that at a conference of these people yesterday it was stated that in fifteen days there has been 30,000 tons short of the quota in Hull alone, and that the price had been advanced by 3s. 6d. a ton. Is he also aware that at the same conference it was stated that in con- sequence of that thirteen pits in South Yorkshire would not work again this month?

Having regard to the serious effect upon the trade of this country, and particularly upon the shipping trade, is it not desirable that the Department should keep in constant touch with the coalowners on this matter, and will he see that the coalowners are consulted in connection with schemes of this sort before they are put into operation?

As I have already stated, I am in close touch with the coal-owners.

Is the Secretary for Mines going to do anything to increase employment in those pits and endeavour to keep prices down?

One of the objects of the scheme is to increase prices for export coal.

I give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will cause centres to be established in Scotland without delay to train miners who are out, of work, both for home and oversea employment?

This matter is at present under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea when the centres will be established?

No, Sir, I cannot.

Is it not the business of the hon. Gentleman to ascertain when this important Committee, which is undertaking such an important function, will report to his Department on this matter?

No, Sir; that is not a matter for me, but is a matter for the Committee themselves to decide.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us a pledge that there will be a statement before the House rises at Whitsuntide?

Oh, yes; I understand that the Ministry of Labour Estimates are to be discussed on Monday, when, no doubt, a statement will be made.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the nature and length of training given on the Ministry's farms at Claydon and Brandon; how long these farms have been in being; how many men are at present in training there; where and in what industries these trainees were previously employed; whether they receive any payment whilst training; what employment is subsequently offered to them; and what is the cost to the Government of these farms?

I am sending the hon. Member copies of leaflets with details of the courses of farm training given at the Claydon and Brandon centres, which were established in November, 1925, and February, 1926, respectively. There are at present 483 men in training for farm work overseas-240 at Claydon and 243 at Brandon. These men are drawn from every part of Great Britain and from many types of occupations. Some have never had regular employment. On arrival overseas they are placed on farms by the Dominion authority concerned. The estimated current expenditure averages about 45s. per man per week.

Is it compulsory on a man to accept training under penalty of losing his unemployment benefit?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the nature and length of training given at the Ministry's handicraft training centres at Bristol, Birmingham and Dudley; how long they have been established; how many men are at present in training there; where and in what industries these trainees were previously employed; whether they receive any payment while in training; what employment is subsequently offered to them; and what is the cost to the Government of these training centres?

I am sending the hon. Member a leaflet with details of the training. The Birmingham centre was opened in October, 1925; that at Dudley in January last, and the Bristol centre on the 12th of this month. There are at present 964 men in training at these three centres. The bulk of the men at Dudley and Bristol are drawn from the South Wales mining areas; those at Birmingham are local men representing many types of unskilled labour. The employment obtained by men after training covers more than 100 different occupations. The estimated current expenditure averages rather less than 30s. per man per week, apart from the benefit drawn by the men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any foreign countries have lowered their tariffs since the resolution of the Economic Conference at Geneva last summer in favour of lower tariffs; and what countries have since raised their tariffs?

Reductions of Customs duties of varying magnitude have been effected since the Economic Conference, mainly as the result of the conclusion of Tariff Treaties, in Czechoslovakia. Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Serb-Croat-Slovene Kingdom, Switzerland and Turkey. On the other hand, tariff increases covering a wide range of goods have been brought into operation in France, Chile, Salvador and Poland. Tariff increases of a less extensive character have taken place in Italy and Portugal. In Austria, Cuba and Belgium there have been changes in both directions. In most other countries there have been no changes of duty of importance.

May I ask how it is that the hon. Gentleman does not mention the tariffs that have since been put on in England?

I am sure the hon. Member knows that our import duties are countervailed by Excise duties, and are, therefore, purely for revenue purposes.

Has my hon. Friend's attention been called to the desire of numerous Members on the Opposition side for prohibition, and may we take it that that is a suggested solution?

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the duties imposed by the present Government carry no countervailing excise, and can he say whether the Government propose to reduce the duties and follow the good example of these countries?

Those duties which are protective in character only apply to some two or three per cent. of our total imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, at the time of the War period, all patents were automatically extended by two years, but that a further extension can only be obtained pursuant to an originating summons in the High Court, involving the expense of retaining counsel, solicitors, and patent agents; and whether, as a means to assist industry and stimulate employment, he will consider an amendment of the Law to provide facilities for such further extension of patents to be obtainable in appropriate cases without involving the expenditure of time and money necessitated by the present procedure?

I am aware that by the Patents and Designs Act, 1919, the normal term of all existing patents was extended from 1.4 to 16 years, and that, with a view to cheapening the cost of obtaining an extension of this term when the patentee had suffered loss or damage through the War, the same Act provides that such application for extension may be made to the Court by way of originating summons instead of by petition. I regret that I do not consider it practicable to introduce legislation to alter the decisions made, after the most careful consideration, in 1919.