asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many complaints have been made to his Department concerning the infringement of Part I of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; and can he say what action his Department has taken with regard to them;

(2) whether he is now in a position to state the number of complaints received by his Department from various sources making allegations concerning the infringement of Part I of the Cinematograph Films Act; whether these complaints have been made before the Advisory Committee appointed under this Act; whether the Advisory Committee have issued their Report on these complaints; and can he say what action has been taken?

I have nothing to add to the answers which I have already given to the hon. Member on the subject.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to tell us the number of complaints that have been made with regard to infringement of this part of the Act?

No. There was a general suggestion that there were breaches of the Act. I have already told the hon. Member that if there are cases in which I am satisfied that an offence can be proved, I shall not hesitate to prosecute.

Since there was a complaint of a general character of some breach of this part of the Act, did the right hon. Gentleman or his officers not think it worth while to inquire of the people who were making the complaints to specify the breaches mentioned?

I did, and it is the case that where any action arises on which I am advised that a prosecution can take place a prosecution will he instituted.

Is it not a fact that more than one complaint has been made with regard to infraction of this part of the Act?

If there is a suggestion that there are breaches, that in itself involves a suggestion that there is more than one complaint, but I cannot deal with general suggestions of that kind. I must deal with specific cases on which I am advised I can successfully take action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British delegate at the recent League of Nations conference was instructed to support the French or the United States attitude as to autonomy in cinematograph film legislation and the right to place restrictions on the display of American films?

I understand that the British delegate at the conference took no part in the discussions to which my Noble Friend doubtless refers, and which related to the question whether the legislation in regard to films in certain countries other than the United Kingdom were consistent with the Import and Export Restriction Convention. Moreover, the conference did not feel it necessary to express any opinion on the point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has separate figures showing the annual value of the British import and export trade with Manchuria; and, if so, what are these figures for the last complete year for which he has the information?

Separate figures of imports into the United Kingdom from Manchuria and of exports to that province from the United Kingdom are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the date on which Mr. H. J. Hewlitt was first employed by the Departments for the administration of German, Austrian, Hungarian and Bulgarian property; what was the total amount received by him as remuneration and expenses; whether he is aware that Mr. Hewlitt is an officer of the Abbey Road Building Society, the chairman of which is also administrator of German, Austrian, Hungarian and Bulgarian property; and what are the total amounts paid to the other valuers separately since the date of Mr. Hewlitt's appointment?

Mr. Hewlitt was first employed by the Department in September, 1925. It is unnecessary for the purpose of the Clearing Office work to keep personal ledgers showing the fees received by their various agents, and the amount of the fees paid respectively to the many valuers employed throughout the country could not be ascertained without a very serious expenditure of time and labour. I have, however, had an estimate prepared of the total amount of the fees received by Mr. Hewlitt on account of valuations and sales, and I find they have amounted approximately to £1,500. I understand that Mr. Hewlitt is not an officer of the Abbey Road Building Society but is only one of many valuers employed by that society. I would add that I am satisfied that the employment of this gentleman has been of very definite financial advantage to the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the duties allocated to the lady assistant commissioner employed under the General Board of Control for Scotland?

The normal duties of the lady deputy commissioner consist of visiting lunatics and mental defectives under guardianship in private dwellings throughout Scotland. Occasionally she inspects lunatic wards of poorhouses.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that these are all the things that she ought to do? Does he not think that her powers ought to be greater in regard to looking into more matters?

I think, broadly speaking, that she is employed on those duties for which she is most suitable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the assistant commissioner has any powers over the food supply, whether she inspects the kitchen and the sanitary accommodation, and whether she has the right to make reports as to defects in the food supply?

I have no doubt that she would make reports on anything that came to her notice. I have no reason to doubt that she does not do so.

How is it possible for her to make reports on things in regard to which she is not allowed to have any control?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the diplomatic immunity of the United States of America shipping lines was specifically upheld by the Court of Appeal in the case of Compania Mercantil Argentina v. United States Shipping Board; and whether his present negotiations are directed to remedying this position?

I understand that the decision to which the hon. and learned Member refers was given in 1924, and that its effect was that the United States Shipping Board was held to be an executive branch of the United States Government and, as such, was entitled to claim immunity in our Courts. I am advised that the Draft Convention for the Unification of certain rules relating to the immunity of State-owned vessels would, if adopted by the Government of the United States, cover the case referred to above.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the information regarding the proportion of rating relief which will go to firms making a large proportion of the profits and to firms making the remainder of the profit or losses, which has already been published for other industries, is not available in respect of the mining industry?

The estimates for the proportions of rating relief which will go to firms making profits and losses respectively were based on sample investigations made in 1923, and conditions in the coal trade have altered so much since that date that the Inland Revenue Department find that these samples cannot be used as a basis for an estimate of the same kind for that trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a communication from the joint secretaries of the board of conciliation for the coal trade in South Wales, calling his attention to the fact that over 7,000 miners have ceased work in South Wales since 31st March last, and that there are a large number now on notice or working day-to-day contracts and liable to cease work any day; and will he now state whether it is the intention to expedite the relief to be given to the coal trade under the Budget proposals, or give some immediate relief to the coal export trade?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. T. Griffiths) on the 12th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

Does it mean that it is not the intention of the Government to provide any measure of relief in time to save this industry?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said that he is watching with much concern this matter and hopes to give information before the end of the Session.

Are we to understand that we are going to get a definite statement from the Government as to this problem before we rise for the Recess?

asked the Secretary for Mines the name and situation of each colliery company in each British coalfield that has gone into liquidation since 31st December, 1926, up to the latest available date; the total number of persons employed at each of these collieries who were in receipt of compensation for accident or industrial disease up to the date of liquidation; and the total number of such disabled miners who are still disabled and have been deprived of their compensation owing to the liquidation of these colliery companies?

The information asked for by the hon. Member could not be obtained except with an amount of labour and expense which I do not think could be justified.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction in all the coalfields in regard to this matter? Is it not a fact that, owing to the depression in the coal industry, a large number of collieries have closed down and have gone into liquidation and that a considerable number of miners, possibly thousands, who are idle on account of accidents or industrial disease, are not now being given their compensation money, because of these liquidations? If that has happened, and I suggest that it has, is it not time for the Government to legislate in this matter in order to put right this injustice to the miners?

That is not the question on the Paper. I was asked whether I could give information as to precise particulars, and I cannot do that without making exhaustive inquiries over every company which has gone into liquidation and into the detailed accounts which may come before the liquidator.

Why cannot the Minister do that in view of the fact that this is a very grave matter affecting many thousands of miners? Is it not a very great injustice that miners who are idle because of accidents arising out of their employment are deprived of compensation because these companies deliberately go into liquidation?

There may or may not be a case for altering the law about companies going into liquidation and evading their financial responsibilities, but that is not the question on the Paper, and I do not express any opinion upon it. I am asked whether I can authorise a very exhaustive and very expensive inquiry, which would be useless.

Since we are not likely to get amending legislation unless and until this information is forthcoming, will the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of these victims of misfortune, obtain information for that purpose?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that falls of roof are the most prolific cause of accidents in coal mines, he will state what steps are being taken by the Mines Department to expedite the use of steel props in coal mines; in how many coal mines steel props are now in use; and whether the experience gained proves their superiority over timber props?

The full influence of my Department is being actively exerted to encourage the use of steel supports instead of timber in suitable cases. I regret that I am unable to answer the second part of the question. With regard to the last part, in the opinion of my advisers, steel is superior to timber in many cases, but the basis of experience is not yet broad enough to enable me to generalise. I am glad to say that in addition to the interest stimulated by the activities of His Majesty's inspectors, the British Colliery Owners' Research Association and the Midland Institute have each appointed special officers to investigate this subject.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that the Yorkshire miners have always opposed the use of steel props, and is he further aware that it has been proved in Yorkshire that steel props are more dangerous to the men than timber props?

That does not affect my answer.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say the difference in the cost?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary for Mines the nominal capital value of colliery concerns which have closed down since 1st January, 1925?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the figures showing the annual productive capacity of the pits which have been closed down since 1st January, 1925?

Excluding pits which have been abandoned, the annual productive capacity of the seams which were being worked at pits closed down since 1st January, 1925, is estimated to be approximately 30,000,000 tons.

Can the hon. and gallant Member give us the figures for each mine separately?

Not without unreasonable expense and trouble.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that the ratio of rates to profits in 1927 is estimated to have been 27 per cent. in the case of mines, he will state the amount of profits for the mining industry in that year?

It is not possible to give from the information in the possession of the Mines Department particulars of the profits of the coal-mining industry which will be comparable with those on which the figure of 27 per cent., to which the hon. Member refers, was based. That figure was calculated, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained, as a sample of returns of mining undertakings which paid Income Tax and therefore necessarily omitted undertakings which made a loss. The position in regard to the coal-mining industry as a whole is made available in the quarterly summaries published as Command Papers by the Mines Department.

Is it not true that the hon. and gallant Member could give the profits of the mineowners for the year 1927, if he wished?

No, Sir.

Am I to understand the hon. and gallant Member to say that he is unable to give the profits secured by the mineowners in any given year?

The hon. Member is fully aware that the information which I have in regard to the profits of individual companies I am not at liberty to disclose.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether pulverised coal is now being used as fuel on a commercial basis, either experi- mentally or as an established success; and whether his Department is promoting any tests in this direction?

Pulverised coal is being used as fuel on land on a commercial basis with established success; the use of this fuel at sea has not yet however reached that stage. As regards experimental work on this fuel in this country, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the President of the Board of Trade on 5th July to the hon. Member for the Bedwellty Division of Monmouth.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that some hon. Members on this side of the House think that it would be a good thing if the present Government were jolly well pulverised?

Is it not possible for the Government to induce the Naval Department to use one or two of their old ships as experimental vessels for the purpose of testing the use of pulverised coal at sea, as that appears to be the most difficult aspect of the problem?

Can the hon. and gallant Member say what funds exist for the promotion of these tests, and does he think under the circumstances, in view of the importance of the matter, that the funds are sufficient?

The tests are carried out under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, through the Fuel Research Board.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say how long these tests have been going on in any ships of His Majesty's Government?

Not without notice.

Is it not the case that the Fuel Research Board, with which the hon. and gallant Member is in contact, although he is not responsible for it, is promoting such tests, and can he say whether those tests have proved successful or not?

If the hon. Member will refer to the reply of the President of the Board of Trade he will see what is being done in that regard.

Can the Secretary for Mines tell the House what is the saving accomplished by pulverising a ton of coal, and adding the cost of pulverising, as against using a ton of ordinary round coal?

Obviously, not without notice.

I thought so.

asked the Secretary of State for War, seeing that the compulsory school-leaving age has been raised to 15 in certain districts, a practice which is likely to be increased, if he will make provision for the payment of family allowances in respect of the children. of men serving in the Army until the age of 15?

Provision has already been made for the payment of marriage allowance to be continued in respect of children if they are required to attend school up to the age of 15.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the regulations concerning the employment of regimental bands to play at party political demonstrations; and if he is aware that military bands have played at certain political demonstrations recently, the bandsmen being in their uniforms?

Military bands are not permitted to play at political meetings. My attention has been drawn to a case in which an engagement had apparently been accepted for such a meeting. I have called for a report on this case and in the meantime have had instructions issued that the engagement is to be cancelled. I am obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for his courteous letter on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the forma- tion of a London company to organise a touring tattoo under Mlle title of British Searchlight Tattoo; and whether this project has been sanctioned by the Army Council?

My attention has been called to some statements in the Press. In contradistinction to the Military Tattoos organised by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in Commands, the profits of which go to military charities, this project is purely a commercial undertaking for which it is said the public are to be asked to subscribe a large sum of money. The scheme has not been framed in consultation with, nor is it approved by, the Army Council, who are not prepared to permit the participation of Regular or of Territorial troops in any of its activities.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Law Officers as to the legality of the uniform of His Majesty being used for such purposes by a private company?

I have no evidence at present that this private company intends to use the uniform of any existing units. Should that appear to be likely, I will be advised upon the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the law at present is that a uniform that approximates to His Majesty's uniform is prohibited for such purposes, and is not the Minister himself most concerned to see that no such use is made of it?

I am most concerned to see that no improper use is made of His Majesty's uniform.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take notice of the fact that clothing having the appearance of uniform is being used by certain party organisers?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many claims have been received for widows' and old age pensions, respectively, under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Con- tributory Pensions Act, 1925; and how many have been refused and the reasons for their refusal?

As the answer is rather long and contains a number of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

As at the 13th July, 1928, 39,258 claims for widows' pensions under the Act had been received in Scotland and of these 7,567 had been refused. The reason for refusal in 59 per cent. of the cases was that, in respect of the special categories of applicants provided for in Sections 18 and 19 of the Act, the condition that there should be at least one child under 14 years of age was not satisfied. The remainder were refused principally on the ground that the statutory conditions with regard to insurance were not fulfilled. Up to the same date 75,155 applications had been received for old age pensions payable under the Act to persons between the ages of 65 and 70, of which 10,491 had been refused. Of the claims refused 56 per cent. had been submitted under a misapprehension as to the conditions of eligibility mainly by uninsured women claiming pensions in respect of the insurance history of husbands outwith the age limits or already deceased. The principal reasons for refusal in the remaining cases were that the statutory conditions with regard to age and insurance were not satisfied. In addition 45,077 claims had been received for pensions payable to persons over 70 years of age by virtue of the Act and of these 4,932 had been refused mainly because they did not satisfy the conditions as to age and insurance; while 31,148 claims had been received from persons over 70 years of age in receipt of pensions under the Acts of 1908 to 1924 for exemption from inquiries as to means and of these 7,013 could not be admitted.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many widows, having received pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, have now ceased to receive benefit owing to their youngest child having reached the age of 14 years and 6 months?

The number is 3,850.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to give the results of his inquiries into the flooding of agricultural lands at Garmouth, Morayshre; and what steps it is proposed to take to ensure this year's crops from being destroyed by the overflowing of the River Spey?

I have received a report from the Board of Agriculture which confirms that, as a result of the exceptional floods of last autumn and winter, damage has been done to land and buildings at Garmouth. In all some 65 acres of land have been inundated. The flooding is believed to be due chiefly to the fact that the river has recently taken a definite change of course, with the result that the main current now impinges on arable land near Garmouth. I understand, however, that although the river has been in flood a number of times since last August, the serious flooding of arable land was confined to one occasion when similar conditions were experienced in other parts of the country. I am advised that to protect the land against further flooding it would be necessary to erect a flood bank at fairly considerable cost. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on 1st May, on the subject of the flooding of the river Kelvin. Under the existing law the situation can only be dealt with by the riparian owners concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman contemplating at an early date introducing legislation to stop this enormous waste in agricultural crops

The question of early legislation, I am afraid, is prohibited by the circumstances in which we are, but I am in agreement with the hon. Member that something requires to be done.

In view of the unanimity that could be secured in the House for protection of this kind, would the right hon. Gentleman not consider legislation?

If there were unanimity in the House, that might put a different complexion on it, but, in fact, there are so many complicated questions arising on the subject that it is far from being an agreed problem.

If it becomes necessary to erect the bank mentioned in the answer, on whom does the responsibility of the expense fall?

Upon the riparian owners.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be better to deepen the river rather than have this annual waste by overflowing?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, during the distress at Barra in the winter of 1923–24, the Scottish Board of Health provided, through the Goschen Loan Committee, to the local parish council, 50 tons of potatoes; that about 17 per cent. of these potatoes were unfit for consumption and had to be dumped in the sea or used as manure; that these diseased potatoes were inspected before destruction by a supervisor from the Scottish Board of Health; and that the Scottish Board of Health has admitted the justice of allowing the parish council a rebate for the destroyed potatoes; and if he can explain the cause of the delay in making the necessary financial adjustment?

I am informed that in connection with the relief of distress in the Outer Hebrides during the winter of 1923–24 the Scottish Board of Health and the Board of Agriculture for Scotland simply acted as agents for the parish councils concerned, including Barra, thereby enabling a considerably lower price to be obtained generally, and that the two Departments took every possible precaution and cannot accept responsibilty for unavoidable loss. I am advised that the fact that payment for the potatoes was being made from money advanced on loan by the Goschen Committee has no real relevance to the question of responsibility for the loss incurred by Barra Parish Council.

Is it not the case that the supervisor from the Scottish Board of Health who saw the potatoes realised that they were rotten, reported the fact to the Scottish Board of Health, and that the Scottish Board of Health did, as a matter of fact, make application to the Treasury to have the Barra Parish Council forgiven this debt? Will the right hon. Gentleman further consider the matter so as not to have litigation over 8½ tons of rotten potatoes?

As I have stated in my reply, I am advised that there is no claim that can be made on this point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if I submit to him a letter from the Barra Parish Council on the subject, undertake to give the matter his personal investigation?

Certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why compensation should be paid in consequence of Scotland being one of the richest parts of the Empire?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if and when he intends to issue a report showing the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief on a given date in Scotland, similar to the Report just issued by the Minister of Health in respect to England and Wales?

Information with regard to the number of persons in receipt of poor relief in Scotland is published annually in the Report of the Scottish Board of Health. I am not satisfied, therefore, that the preparation of further particulars on the lines of the Return mentioned in the question would be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is intended to introduce during the lifetime of the present Parliament a Smoke Abatement Bill for Scotland on lines similar to the Act of 1926, which applied to England and Wales?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if it is his intention at an early date to bring in a Bill to extend the powers granted in England under the Public Health (Smoke Abatement) Act, 1926, to Scotland?

I can hold out no hope of early legislation on this subject, and I am not in a position to make a statement as to the prospects of legislation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why Scotland should not have the same consideration as England, having regard to the fact that there can be no exception taken to this legislation? Is there any reason why it should not be submitted?

As I understand it, the legislation which has been passed for England merely brought England into line with what obtains in Scotland to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the statement in the White Paper that under the new rating proposals rates in Glasgow, judged by the 1927–28 basis, will be reduced 3¾d per £of rental, the property owners are to benefit by that reduction, or whether the Government will ensure that any such benefit will be refunded to tenants of houses, seeing that property owners were given power to increase rents partly because of high local rates?

Owners and occupiers in Glasgow, as elsewhere, will benefit from the relief in the proportion in which they respectively bear the rates at present. No provision requiring the owner to pay over his share of the relief to the occupier is contemplated.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is very unfair that since rents were increased on account of high rates and in order to help the owners, now that these owners are getting relief some of it should not find its way hack again?

I have no reason to suppose that they will not share in proportion as the benefit is given.

In what part of the one Clause in the Bill dealing with this matter is there any provision made for the return of any part of that which is going to the landlords or to the owners?

As I have said in the answer, they will benefit from relief in the proportion in which they respectively pay the rates at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement which is now made only refers to one section, because my question deals with those who are paying rent. Is he going to state now whether he is going to make provision before the Bill becomes an Act in order that this sum to be given in relief will go back to those upon whom the increased rents were levied?

I made it clear in my answer, that no provision requiring the owner to pay over more than his share to the occupier is contemplated.

That means that you are going to give benefit to the owner to the disadvantage of the tenant.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount paid in subsidy in connection with the various housing schemes in Scotland; and what the amount would have been on the eleven-eightieths basis of the total amount spent in the United Kingdom?

Up to the 31st March, 1928, the total amount paid by the State towards the cost of the various housing schemes in Scotland was £7,923,424 1s. 6d. As regards the amount paid in England and Wales for the same period I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. It is not I fear possible to compare the figures for the two countries on an eleven-eightieths basis since there are several factors which are not strictly comparable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether on the eleven-eightieths basis there would be more or less paid in Scotland?

No, Sir, as I pointed out it is almost impossible to get comparable figures, but I might remind the hon. Member that Scotland has got all the money necessary to meet the outlay on houses which have been constructed.

The right hon. Gentleman does not tell us whether there has been a greater amount spent proportionately in Scotland or less as compared with England.

The hon. Gentleman knows as well as anybody else that our progress in housing has been slower than in England for various causes.

Then I may take it that, because of the slow progress in Scotland, Scotland has not got the proper amount of money in this connection? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us why progress has been so much slower in Scotland?

No, Sir, the hon. Gentleman must not take it that there has been any lack of money on the subject. That has not been the case, and the slowness of progress is due to a great many factors which I cannot go into at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that the Government charge such a high percentage on money loaned for housing purposes when France only charges 2 per cent. on money borrowed for the same purpose?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what opportunities of institutional treatment are open to an ex-service man when he is recommended by the Ministry of Pensions for treatment at home by his panel doctor and the panel doctor certifies that institutional treatment is necessary.

Where the Ministry of Pensions decide that an ex-service man is not eligible for or does not require such a course of treatment as the Ministry provide, the opportunities of the ex-service man to obtain institutional treatment on the advice of his insurance practitioner are the same as those open to all insured persons. In cases where the condition of an insured person is such as to require treatment not within the scope of the practitioner's obligations under his Terms of Service, it is the duty of the practitioner to advise the insured person as to the steps which should be taken in order to obtain that treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many plainclothes policeman and special officers were present at the meeting in Glasgow in St. Andrew's Hall, presided over by the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) and addressed by the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton), on 8th July, 1928: and for what purpose they were present.

At the meeting referred to by the hon. Member 11 detective officers were present, but no plain-clothes policemen. I understand that it is the practice for police officers to be present at all large political meetings in Glasgow. On this occasion their presence was considered to be particularly desirable because information had been received that an organised attempt was to be made to obstruct the proceedings at the meeting. The officers were present to detect the persons responsible for any outbreak of disorder that might take place.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us if those responsible for the meeting made any application for the presence of such officers, and whether at Conservative gatherings similar steps are taken?

I am not aware that any application was made by those responsible for the meeting, and my information is that at all meetings, irrespective of party, there are always police present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these detectives were in plain clothes or whether they were disguised in any way?

I have said in answer to the question that there were 11 detective officers present and no plainclothes policemen.

Were the detectives in plain clothes? May I press for an answer?

I do not know, but, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman desires the information, he had better put the question down.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me know?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman has had a very full answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a request from the town clerk at Gates-head, on behalf of a conference of local authorities, to meet a deputation for the purpose of laying before him the serious position arising from unemployment in the north-eastern area and whether he proposes to meet this deputation and on what date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently received a deputation representing the local authorities and industries of the North-East Coast which fully placed before him the situation in that area. My right hon. Friend promised to bring the views of the deputation to the notice of the Government, which he has done. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in reply to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. T. Griffiths) on the 12th instant in reference to similar representations from South Wales, the Government are not yet in a position to give any further information to the House, but they hope to be able to do so before the end of the Session. In all the circumstances, I hardly think it is necessary for me to receive a further deputation from the north-eastern area.

Is there not some mistake? Was not the deputation which the Chancellor of the Exchequer received altogether different from this. That was a deputation of employers of labour, whereas this is a deputation representing local authorities; and, seeing the importance of this deputation, will he not spare half an hour to meet them?

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that the deputation which the Chancellor of the Exchequer met was of representatives called personally by the Mayor of Newcastle-on-Tyne and not a deputation of local authorities at all? These local authorities which are faced with ever-increasing poverty have certain proposals to make to him.

Is it not the fact that the deputation referred to was representative of every grade and section of the North-East Coast?

I have not the least objection to spending time with this deputation, but other deputations which have been received, together with reports sent to various Government Departments, gave us full knowledge as to the state of things; and we are investigating it now. I hardly think it would be worth the expenditure of money and time to receive any further deputation on this point on which we are already fully informed.

Does not the Prime Minister consider that it would be a matter of courtesy to a representative deputation like this to receive them?

I really think it is an unnecessary expenditure of money to bring the deputation to London when already these matters have been brought to our notice by representatives from that district, and when we are really familiar with the circumstances.

Does the Prime Minister mean to tell the House that if there were tens of thousands of his own class starving, as there are tens of thousands of the working classes starving, he would not meet them?

asked the Prime Minister the reason for the delay in placing the Report of the Industrial Transference Board in the hands of Members; and whether he can give the House the assurance that it will be in the Vote Office this week?

The Report is under the consideration of the Government, and it is hoped to publish it shortly.

May I ask how much longer this Report is to be under consideration?

It is a big Report, and I am anxious to release it at the earliest possible moment. I cannot name a date, but I will do all that I can to expedite it.

May I recall to the right hon. Member's mind the fact that he said that he hoped there would be an opportunity of discussing this Report before the vacation, and, therefore, is it not desirable that hon. Members should have it in their possession as soon as possible so that they may be able to study it?

I entirely agree with that, and that is why I am anxious to publish it as soon as possible. I hope that we shall have the pleasure of sitting together for nearly three weeks.

Is there any hope of the Government acting on the Report?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is proposed to abandon the Overseas Betting Bill for this Session; and how much money is estimated to have been lost to the Treasury since 1926 by it not becoming law?

It is the intention of the Government to introduce the Betting Overseas (Prohibition) Bill this Session and to proceed with it in so far as the arrangements of the House permit. It is not possible to frame any estimate in reply to the second part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any figures showing the amount of money passing through the totalisators in the Dominion of New Zealand in any one year and how much is spent in this way, per head of the population, in that Dominion?

The amount of money passed through the totalisators in New Zealand in the year ended 31st July, 1927 (the latest for which information is available) was £7,553,000, which represented approximately £5 7s. per head of the population.

Is it not the fact that the totalisator is working very satisfactorily in New Zealand?

Has it increased, or decreased, the amount of betting in Australia and New Zealand?

Does it not seem to indicate that a large amount of money is spent on betting by the people of New Zealand as a result of the facilities which are given by the totalisator?

I am not a competent judge of that.

Does not the amount vary considerably from year to year, and is not the totalisator proving an excellent barometer of the trade of New Zealand?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider freeing from taxation small engines used for propelling invalid's chairs and the driving licence for them, which are used in the main by injured workmen?

I have been asked to answer this question. The annual tax on motor-propelled invalid chairs is 5s., and I do not think there is any ground for remitting this nominal registration fee. The same considerations apply to the driver's licence, the annual charge for which is also 5s.

As the amount is extremely small, and the people who use these invalid chairs are only in receipt of a few shillings a week compensation, surely the Government can better afford to give up this small sum than the people are able to pay it?

It is certainly a small amount, but I do not think it is an unfair duty.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can reconsider the case of ex-Warder R. Bailey, formerly of Pentonville Prison, seeing that he responded to the order and did his duty in a reestablished capacity; and whether he will exercise his discretionary power of pensioning men who may serve over the normal pension limit?

This case was carefully considered on several occasions by my predecessor. I am sending the hon. Member copies of the answers which he gave on the 13th July, 1926, to the hon. Member for the Edge Hill Division of Liverpool (Mr. Hayes) and on the 14th April, 1927, to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald). I have considered the case afresh and regret that I cannot depart from the decision reached.

Is it not the fact that this man obeyed an urgent call to duty, and that he is suffering because of that—his pension is withheld. Is it not the fact that in 1920 there were five male warders over 60 years of age all of whom were receiving pensions?

I took an opportunity to study this case very carefully on Saturday. I am aware of all the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but I see nothing in the files relating to this case which would enable me to alter the decision already reached.

Is it reasonable or fair that because a man obeys a call to duty he is to be penalised by having his pension withheld?

It is not for me to pass an opinion on the matter. On the facts as I see them, and I have looked through the files, very carefully, I see nothing to justify me in altering my decision.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any consideration is given in the assessment for Income Tax purposes upon the income of an unmarried person living at home whose income has been taken into previous consideration by the Employment Exchange officials in rejecting the claim of a brother who was seeking unemployment benefit under the Act of 1925: and whether he will instruct the surveyor of taxes to have regard to the claim for abatements made in such circumstances?

The income Tax Acts do not authorise an allowance to be given to an unmarried person in respect of a brother unless the brother is either a child in the custody of and maintained by the taxpayer or a person who is incapacitated by old age or infirmity. In the circumstances the hon. Member will appreciate that instructions as suggested in the question cannot be issued.

Can the Financial Secretary say what assistance this individual, who is maintaining his brother, can have in these circumstances?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from the Deptford Borough Council regarding the increasing number of road accidents occurring in that district, and suggesting that drivers of vehicles should be prohibited from passing on the near side of stationary tramcars when the latter are setting down or taking up passengers; whether the council's suggestion has been considered; and, if so, with what result?

A letter was recently received from the Deptford Borough Council to the effect that the council were in agreement with the views of the Deptford Labour party, who had made representations to me on this subject. The Deptford Labour party were informed that I was not satisfied, under the traffic conditions at present prevailing, that legislation of the character suggested is necessary or desirable, as, in my opinion, the existing powers under the Motor Car Act, 1903, dealing with dangerous driving should be sufficient to enable the police to deal with the matter. It was also pointed out that several attempts had been made in recent years by local authorities in England to obtain powers in a local Act to make a by-law of the character proposed, and that in every case Parliament had refused to confer the power. I caused a copy of this reply to be sent to the Deptford Borough Council.

If other vehicles were drawn out on to the off-side, would it not increase the difficulty, and make the danger much greater?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that owing to the increase of accidents on thoroughfares there is a real need for fresh legislation?

No. I am in agreement with the views which Parliament has expressed on this matter.

May I ask whether this is not a case of the great danger to the public of tramways in crowded thoroughfares, and that the Deptford Town Council have not been up-to-date in replacing them with other vehicles?

Is the Minister not aware that this Parliament, which has expressed its opinion on this matter, is predominantly a Parliament of motorists and not of pedestrians?

asked the Minister of. Transport whether, considering that the Bridges Bill has been dropped, he proposes before the close of the present Session to make any statement of policy in regard to the reconstruction of canal and railway bridges?

I hope that an early opportunity may present itself for the introduction of legislation on the lines of the Bridges Bill to which the hon. Member refers.

:: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain parts of the country, such as the Black Country, where there is a network of canals, several local authorities are threatened with injunctions and are in a very difficult position, and will he try to give them the utmost assistance?

I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman, but this is a matter that requires legislation, and the hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do the difficulty of getting legislation through in the closing years of a Parliament.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Joint Select Committee which dealt with the Railway (Road Transport) Bills, reported that the passing of the Bridges Bill was urgent?

I do not know if they dealt specifically with the Bridges Bill, but they dealt with road legislation, and said that it was urgent.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the powers of Section 11 (1) of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, have in any case been exercised; and, if so, in respect of what roads?

Except in certain eases where it has been necessary to purchase surplus land in order to avoid claims for severance, I have not seen occasion to invoke my powers under this Section.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, if this were carried out, it would give his Department some voice as to what types of buildings should be erected?

This is a matter upon which it has been my practice, almost invariably, to consult the Chief Valuer. So far, the Chief Valuer has advised me that the recoupment would be so small or would be so long delayed that I do not think it would be worth while to set up a special land purchase department to deal with the matter.

Does not the Minister realise that the country is being ruined by the appalling buildings which are being put up everywhere.

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. These powers are not. given to me in order to preserve the amenities of the countryside, which I would like to see preserved, but in order to enable me to get back some of the cost.

asked the Minister of Transport in what places in the Metropolitan area is the one-way traffic system now in operation?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The "one-way" traffic system is at present in operation in the whole or parts of the following streets or places in the Metropolitan area:

Parliament Square.

Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria.

Queen Victoria Memorial.

Hyde Park Corner.

The following streets off Piccadilly:

Bennet Street.

Arlington Street.

Dover Street.

Albemarle Street.

Piccadilly Circus.

Haymarket.

Regent Street (the lower portion).

Charles Street.

Pall Mall.

Trafalgar Square, including:

Cockspur Street.

Pall Mall East.

Duncannon Street.

The Strand (between Duncannon Street and Trafalgar Square).

Long Acre.

Upper St. Martin's Lane.

Great St. Andrew Street.

Little St. Andrew Street.

Aldwych.

Marble Arch.

Church Street and the Mall, Notting Hill.

Albert Gate, Knightsbridge.

Knightsbridge (junction with Brompton Road and Sloane Square).

Sloane Square.

King Street, The Grove and Beacon Road, Hammersmith Broadway.

Finchley Road, Avenue Road and Adelaide Road, Swiss Cottage.

Chapel Street, St. Marylebone.

Mare Street, Hackney.

Bow Road, Poplar (by St. Mary's Church).

High Road, Lee Green.

Montpelier Vale, Blackheath.

The Triangle, East Sheen.

The Triangle, Palmers Green.

Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross.

In the City of London:

Queen Victoria Street.

Cannon Street.

Queen Street.

Poultry.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is yet in a position to state that the improvements needed at Ferry Lane, Tottenham, will shortly be carried out?

This matter, to which the hon. Member has previously drawn my attention, has long been the subject of negotiation and I am glad to inform him that agreement has now been reached between the several authorities concerned and particulars of the proposed improvement have been submitted to me by the Middlesex County Council. So soon as these have been fully examined. I expect to be able to make an offer of assistance from the Road Fund, and I hope that the local authorities will then proceed to carry out the scheme.

Is there any chance of the scheme being started before the coming winter?

I think that depends upon the expedition of the Middlesex County Council and my Department. I will endeavour to speed up both.

Seeing that the local authorities are in agreement and that the matter has now reached the Minister's Department., will he try to get the work put in hand as rapidly as possible, because accidents are still of frequent occurrence at this place?

I know the place, and I realise that the work is urgently necessary.