asked the President of the Board of Trade what action His Majesty's Government has recently taken, or intends soon to take, in pursuance of its policy of promoting international uniformity in the matter of ships' load-lines; and is he now prepared to propose that this question be investigated by a committee of the League of Nations?

The load-line rules are being revised by a strong technical committee, and, when the revision is complete, they will be sent to Dominion and foreign Governments for their consideration. Every effort will be made to secure international agreement, but it is too early yet to say what the precise steps will be. As the hon. Member was informed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 21st March, this subject is not one which would in the ordinary course be brought before the League of Nations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Foreign Secretary promised to pursue a steady policy with regard to this matter, and may I ask when it is expected that this committee will report?

I am not sure; I cannot hurry them. No one knows better than the hon. Gentleman what a very technical subject this is. I had hoped that I might have the Report in time for the International Conference next year, but, while it is possible that I may have the Report by then, I do not think that all the countries concerned will have had time to consider it. Certainly, however, there will be no delay.

Are all ships flying the British flag working according to what is known as the old Plimsoll line?

Every ship on the British register, certainly, is ordered to comply with its load-line regulations, and, so far as ships leaving British ports are concerned, I am satisfied that we maintain our regulations completely. It is more difficult in foreign ports where you cannot have British surveyors.

If the Board of Trade find shipowners under the British flag departing from what is known as the Plimsoll load-line, is action taken against them?

Certainly; wherever there is a breach which can be proved, proceedings are taken.

Is not all this delay due to the fact that previously when the load-line has been altered it has been done by a Board of Trade regulation?

I am afraid I do not follow that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what is the cause of all this delay with regard to the load-line, because, when the load-line was altered before, it was done merely by a regulation of the Board of Trade?

I beg pardon. It is because it is necessary to have the very best possible expert advice before any alteration is made. It is quite true that it may be done by a single regulation, but you do not want to make that regulation until you have the best expert opinion.

Will the Board of Trade satisfy themselves that all possible precautions are taken to prevent further loss of life at sea?

Yes, certainly.

As I am sending to-day to the Board of Trade particulars of two ships now in British ports against which there has been some charge, may I suggest that the officers of the Department might inspect the records on the ships, in order to ascertain whether there have been any previous breaches of the Regulations?

Any case that is brought to my notice alleging a breach of the load-line Regulations will be most carefully inquired into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has recently received representations to the effect that there is regular and systematic overloading of ships at certain ports, and especially on ships engaged in the American coastal trade; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the due observance of the Regulations under the Merchant Shipping Acts?

The Board of Trade have been collecting such information as is available as to the manner in which ships are loaded in different trades, and have received statements to the effect that overloading takes place in certain trades, including trades from some ports in America. The question whether any, and, if so, what action can usefully be taken here, is being considered, and will be discussed with the interests concerned.

When does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate being able to make a statement, in public or in this House?

As soon as the matter has been fully discussed. We have collected all the evidence that we can, and have now sent it to the shipping associations, and, after the matter has been sifted there, I shall probably be in a position to make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there have been any resignations from the advisory committee appointed by him according to the provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, and can he give particulars?

Following upon a resolution passed by the Council of the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association, and endorsed by its members, to the effect that it was undesirable for persons who were officers of renting or producing concerns, or companies associated with such concerns, to be exhibitor members of the advisory committee, Mr. Ormiston and Mr. Blake placed in my hands their resignations, which, after discussing the matter with the association, I felt bound to accept. With regard to a third member of the committee there has been some misunderstanding which is not yet cleared up.

In filling up these vacancies on the Advisory Committee, will the right hon. Gentleman give other associations besides the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association the opportunity of recommending to him suitable members?

I propose to follow exactly the same course which I followed before, and which I think gave universal satisfaction, namely, that the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association should circularise the whole of their members, and that those members should vote for candidates to fill these posts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very important provincial association's nominee was not accepted, and that they have now sent a further nominee; and have they not an equal claim to consideration with the other associations?

I think that generally the election is by majority, and I understand that the people who are members of this association are all members of the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association. It is quite true that they put forward a candidate last time, but he did not secure as many votes as the other candidate, and the one who received the largest number of votes was taken.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise only one association in this matter, that is to say, the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association?

I recognise the opinion of the majority unless there are very good reasons to the contrary.

On a point of Order.

We must get on more quickly than we are doing at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any action has been taken by his Department against persons for infringements of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; and can he give particulars?

Yes, Sir. A firm of renters were convicted and fined on 24th July for booking a film to exhibitors before it had been trade-shown and application made for registration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Blue Bird Motor Company have published no accounts since May, 1925; and whether, in view of the provisions of the Companies Acts, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have seen statements in the Press relating to the matter referred to in the question. The matter appears to be one for the consideration of the shareholders rather than of the Board of Trade, and, so far as the balance sheet filed at Somerset House is concerned, I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the Companies Bill now before Parliament has not yet the force of law.

Do I understand that no balance sheet has been filed at Somerset House, and that no steps have been taken by the Board of Trade to get one?

No, Sir, the hon. Member must not understand that. A balance sheet has been filed, but that balance sheet, I think, would not be satisfactory under the terms of the new Bill, though it complied in detail with the provisions of the existing Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the estimated gain to the bread trade, since the establishment of the scale of charges laid down by the Food Council, caused by the number of days' delay in bringing down their prices to the level indicated by the Food Council according to the price of flour, the estimated loss through similar delay in raising it, and the estimate of the difference between the two; and whether any steps are to be taken to give further safeguards to the consumer in the event of the gains predominating?

The Food Council's scale was published on 17th November, 1925. During 1926, a year of exceptional difficulty, the price recommended by the bakers' associations was ½d. above the Food Council's scale on 27 days. From 1st January, 1927, to 30th June, 1928, the number of days on which the price was ½d. below the scale exactly counteracted the number of days when the price was ½d. above the scale. During this month the recommended price has been reduced 13 days after the corresponding reduction in the price of flour, but if the recent practice of the bakers' associations is continued this will be balanced on some future occasion.

Have the Food Council taken any further action in relation to the London Millers' Association?

I should like notice of that question. It does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of persons who have emigrated to each of our Dominions or dependencies and to the United States of America during the year ended 30th June, 1928; and can he state how many of these persons who migrated within the British Empire were granted free or assisted passages?

The answer is in tabular form, and the hon. Member will perhaps agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle.

I rose, Sir, before you called on the hon. Member.

The question did not seem to me to need a supplementary at all.

I had started to ask a supplementary, and I submit that I am

The figures are subject to slight amendment on further scrutiny.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the extent of the purchases abroad of wheat by the Soviet Government and as to the effect of these purchases upon the price of wheat and the supplies required for this country?

As to the first part of the question, I have no information other than that which has appeared in the Press. As regards the second part, the purchases referred to have not prevented a substantial fall in wheat prices.

entitled to put it. Will the right hon. Gentleman give me the total of the latter part now?

The total number of emigrants to the British Empire is 108,695, and to the United States 22,773. The number of emigrants whose passages were free or assisted was 47,892.

On a point of Order. Would not the hon. Member have had all this information in the answer?

Following is the answer:

The numbers of British subjects who were recorded as leaving permanent residence in the United Kingdom during the year ended 30th June, 1928, to take up permanent residence in the undermentioned parts of the British Empire, and in the United States, and the numbers of these emigrants who were granted free or assisted passages, are shown in the following table:—

Is it not then a fact that the bulging corn bins given as a reason for trading with Russia exist only in the imagination of the Leader of the Liberal party?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now operating the Section of the Weights and Measures Act which prescribes the use of milk bottling and measuring machines; if so, when this Section of the Act became operative; and what steps have been taken to carry it out?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in respect of the sale of milk, he can state the cause of the delay in issuing Regulations to enable adequate control to be maintained in connection with methods of filling milk bottles; and whether he is satisfied that the public are at present adequately guarded against short measure being supplied?

There is no Act of Parliament which prescribes the use of milk bottling and measuring machines, but draft Regulations, applying to such machines the general provisions of the Weights and Measures Acts, are now under consideration by a small committee representative of local luthorities and other interests concerned. I hope to be able to issue the draft shortly for public information. In the meantime, the provisions of the Sale of Food Act, 1926, which make it an offence to give short measure, are available for the protection of the public.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any application from shareholders in Radiation, Limited, for the appointment of inspectors to investigate the affairs of that company; and, if so, what action, if any, he is taking in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. A. V. Alexander) on the 18th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total values of exports of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, the United States, and Canada in 1880, 1900, 1913, and 1927, respectively, with the percentage increases between 1880 and 1927; what were the figures and percentages of exports of manufactured goods for the same countries in the same years; and, if the figures for 1927 are not obtainable what are the returns for the latest completed year.

A table giving the information desired is being prepared and, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as it is ready.

Do these figures deal with the facts given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last Tuesday?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will be able to see that when the figures have been ascertained.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the Chancellor's statement with regard to the exports of ourselves and Belgium?

Might it not be advisable to send copies to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as well as the hon. and gallant Gentleman?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that foreign matches are being sold in this country under British trade-marks of British firms which have long been out of business; that the country of origin is printed in small type; and what action does he propose to take in the matter.

I understand that my hon. Friend has two cases in mind. That of the "Thistle" brand of matches was dealt with in my answer to the hon. Member for Dulwich on 5th July, in which I said that the Customs were insisting on a more conspicuous indication of origin. The other case is new to me, and I shall be glad to look into it if I can be furnished with further particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a charge of 3½d. per letter is made by the Imperial War Graves Commission to the relatives for engraving the headstones of soldiers who were killed and buried in cemeteries abroad; and whether he will consider the withdrawal of this charge.

The Imperial War Graves Commission erect on every war grave a headstone bearing the regimental number, rank, name and regiment of the deceased soldier together with the regimental badge and date of death. All these particulars are engraved free of cost to the relatives. In addition, relatives may, if they wish, add a short inscription of their own choice as an expression of personal feeling and affection. These inscriptions are quite optional. The Commission decided to recover the cost of these inscriptions—3½d. a letter—from the relatives because of a very general desire on their part to be allowed to contribute in some personal way to the cost of the memorials. It was felt that to allow them to pay for an inscription of their own choice was the best way of meeting this wish.

While appreciating that point, in such cases where there is real financial hardship and a desire at the same time that some inscription should be given on the headstone, is it possible for the Imperial War Graves Commission to meet the cost?

If the hon. Member will give me any particular case, I will see whether there is any fund out of which that can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, the metal recruiting posters which were affixed to trees in the Wirral peninsula have now been removed, and recruiting officers informed that such disfigurement of the countryside is to be avoided in the future?

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, issued instructions on 1st June last that immediate steps were to be taken to remove from trees, etc., all recruiting notices which could be held to disfigure the countryside.

Has the order been carried out entirely?

It was issued on 1st June last, and I have not the slightest doubt that it was carried out in the first week in June.

asked the Secretary of State for War, seeing that the widow of a man killed while in civilian employment may draw compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Acts in addition to pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, if he will, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, make provision that the widow of a soldier killed while on service shall draw a pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, in addition to the small pension of 10s. or 17s. 6d. which she is entitled to under the Regulations, or, alternatively, that the War Office shall pay to the widow a lump sum not less than would be payable under the Workmen's Compensation Acts to the widow of a civilian killed in an accident at work, as all soldiers contribute to the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?

The payment of the two pensions together is precluded by Statute, and I regret that I cannot accept the hon. Member's alternative suggestion for the payment of a lump sum in lieu of one of them.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in the case of gentlemen cadets recommended commissions to the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, how long an interval is allowed between the date of the gazette commissioning them second-lieutenants and the date they are ordered to join, in order that they may provide themselves with their necessary uniform and equipment?

Officers are required to join their unit as soon as possible after the date of gazette, but when they leave the Royal Military Academy, they are in practically every case already aware of the unit to which they will be gazetted. Except in special circumstances, at least a month elapses between the date of leaving the Academy and being gazetted to a unit.

How does that compare with cadets commissioned from Sandhurst?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Report he has received on post-operation tetanus; and can he say what action he proposes to take?

I hope that a decision in the matter will be reached on an early date, and I shall communicate it to the hon. Member.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman said he would make a statement on this before the House rises?

I hope to do so, and, if the hon. Member will put down a question for Friday, it may be possible to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that at two successive polls the Whiteinch ward of the City of Glasgow has adopted and confirmed a no-licence resolution, and that notwithstanding this action certificates of registration have been granted to five clubs within this area for the sale of exciseable liquors; whether he is aware that sheriffs have taken widely differing views as to their powers to grant or refuse certificates of registration where the statutory conditions have been fulfilled; and whether he is prepared to take any action so as to secure fuller expression of the mind of the electors and the more effective carrying out of their express desires in these matters?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second part in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, any variation of the resolutions competent under the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913, would require legislation and I cannot hold out any prospect of this.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that sheriffs have taken different action, some holding that they must grant registration automatically if the statutory conditions are fulfilled, others, as in certain cases in Ayrshire, holding themselves free to refuse registration if they consider the granting of it would be opposed to public policy?

No, I am not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give the details of the Report made by the officers of the Board of Health regarding the alleged pollution of the River Lochy; and whether he will give the particulars of the analysis of the samples taken from the river by those officers in May?

As the Report is long and contains certain technical details, I propose to send a copy to the hon. Member for his information. With regard to the last part of the question, the Board's officers themselves took no samples of water from the river for chemical analysis.

How can a satisfactory report be made when the right hon. Gentleman's officers took no samples for the purposes of analysis and for comparison with the samples previously submitted?

I will send the hon. Member the full report, from which he will see that the matter was very thoroughly and properly investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses completed in Scotland each month from January, 1926, under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, and the average price of three- and four-apartment houses, respectively, in the contracts sanctioned during each month since January, 1926?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate a tabular statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In giving that Report, will the right hon. Gentleman make a distinction between houses built under the Wheatley Act and under the Chamberlain Act?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action, if any, has yet been taken to effect the sanitary improvements promised at the Office and Castle Row houses in Arniston, Gorebridge, Midlothian?

I am informed that the Lasswade and Gala Water District Committees, as public health authori-

I shall answer the question on the Paper. If the hon. Member requires anything further, perhaps he will put down a question.

Following is the reply:

ties, have considered reports on the question of the sanitary arrangements at the houses mentioned, and that negotiations are proceeding with the Arniston Coal Company. As regards the houses at Castle Row, which are considered to be most urgently in need of improvement, I understand that plans of drainage and general sanitary improvements have been adjusted with the company, and it is anticipated that they will be formally submitted to the local authority for approval at an early date. As regards the houses at Office Row, a report on the clearance of the ashpits has been obtained from one of the Medical Officers of the Scottish Board of Health, whose recommendations have been submitted by the local authority to the company, and an early decision by the company is expected.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have received a somewhat similar answer to the one that he has just given for the last three years, and may I ask if some move is going to be made by the Scottish Board of Health to compel this colliery company to give decent conditions to its workpeople?

I have no doubt that progress will be made, as the improvements that I have indicated are very shortly going to take place.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average rent of houses in slum clearance schemes in Glasgow built by Government aid; and if he is aware, of any difficulties experienced in meeting these rents?

In the case of houses built by the Corporation of Glasgow with State assistance for the accommodation of persons displaced by the clearance of slum areas the average annual rents are £12 10s. for two-apartment houses and £15 10s. for three-apartment houses. As regards the latter part of the question I would refer to my reply given to the hon. Member on the 6th March last to which I have nothing to add.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not make inquiries to see if these rents cannot be reduced seeing that it is impossible for many of these people to pay their rent together with the rates which they are called upon to pay?

All that I can say is that the arrears on the 31st March last were only £336 out of a gross rental of £44,645.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the slum people do not stay in these houses be- cause they cannot pay the rent, that other people for whom the houses were not intended get them, and that that is why the rents are not reduced, and cannot he make some inquiries?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered any representations made to him by the distributors of fresh cream in Scotland regarding the loss involved in the observance of the regulations prohibiting the use of preservative in cream; if he is aware that large quantities of cream sent daily from the creameries is unfit for use before it reaches its destination; that as a consequence tinned foreign cream is rapidly taking the place of home-produced double fresh cream in the Scottish market; that the foreign cream is inferior in food value; that before the passing of the present regulations a harmless and minute quantity of boron preservative was allowed, which was sufficient to keep cream in perfect condition for three days or more; and if he will now consider the desirability of suspending the regulations referred to?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received any communication from the distributors of fresh double cream drawing his attention to the effect of the prohibition of the use of .04 per cent. of boron preservative in cream; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose in the interests of farmers, distributors, and the general public?

Representations on the various points mentioned in the questions have been received but, for reasons which I have already given, I am not prepared to suspend the operation of the Preservative Regulations in regard to double cream. This matter has been long and carefully considered, and the Scottish Board of Health are satisfied that if proper attention is given at all stages to the production of milk and the handling and transit of cream it ought to be possible to market fresh double cream in a sound condition. In regard to the suggestion that the amount of preservative added to double cream before the regulations came into operation was harmless and minute, I would point out that the amount used was 0.4 per cent., and that the Departmental Committee on Preservatives reported against the use of boric acid in foodstuffs in the interests of public health. So far as concerns the interests of farmers, the National Farmers' Union of Scotland and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society have passed resolutions in favour of the prohibition of preservatives in cream. I am sending to the hon. Members copy of a letter on the subject addressed to the hon. and gallant Member for Dumfries (Brigadier-General Charteris) and published in the Scottish Press in May last.

Has my right hon. Friend any evidence to show that there has been death or illness due to the presence of this minute quantity of boron preservative in cream?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only .04 of preservative and not .4 is mentioned and, secondly, that one creamery alone has had its sales reduced from 12,000 or 15,000 gallons per week to 200 gallons per week?

Is it not the case that the 1924 Government really meant to operate this regulation which the right hon. Gentleman is now operating?

In reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, I say that this matter was very carefully examined by the Departmental Committee, who found that the addition of boron preservative was injurious to health. In regard to the other supplementary questions, my opinion is that it was not .04 but .4 that was used, and I wish to correct that. As far as I am concerned, I think that we are right in carrying out the regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average amount allowed by the parish councils in Glasgow for a married couple and each child, and the same figures for the parish councils in Lanark?

As the answer is 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:

The Scottish Board of Health have not complete information in regard to the rate of poor relief allowances paid by parish councils but according to the latest information in their possession, the amount payable to a married couple in receipt of relief under the Poor Law Act of 1845 in the parish of Glasgow is 25s. per week with an allowance of from 4s. to 5s. per week for each child and in the parish of Govan 26s. per week with an allowance of from 3s. 6d. to 4s. for each child. These rates are subject to a maximum in the case of Glasgow of 46s. 6d. per week and in the case of Govan of 45s. per week. In the industrial parishes in Lanarkshire the rates for a married couple in receipt of relief under the Poor Law Act, 1845, vary from 18s. to 25s. per week. The allowances for children vary in the different parishes and in accordance with the number of children in the family, but the average weekly amount payable appears to be from 3s. to 4s. per week. In regard to relief under the Poor Law Emergency Provisions Act of 1921, most of the parishes referred to (including Glasgow and Govan) allow 23s. per week for a married couple with 2s. for each child, but in some of the parishes in Lanarkshire smaller allowances (from 20s. to 22s. 6d. per week) are payable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of children which were given free meals in schools in the Glasgow area this year and the same figures for last year; and if he can state the standard of need placed on parents by the education authority?

I learn from the education authority that 3,709 children were supplied with free meals during the year ended 15th May, 1928, and 4,639 during the previous year. With regard to the second part of the question, it is for the education authority to determine the necessity in accordance with the circumstances of each case as it arises.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether inspectors of mines in any cases give notice of an impending visit to the local management; and, if so, whether this practice will be discontinued in future?

These visits are made without notice except in cases in which it is essential to the purpose of the visit that the inspector should see some particular person or persons at the mine when he gets there; for instance, when an accident is to be investigated. In these cases short notice may be given in order to avoid delays and obviate waste of time. This arrangement clearly makes for efficiency as well as for convenience, and I see no reason for varying it.

Did my hon. and gallant Friend see the allegations that were made at the Conference of the Miners' Federation the other day?

I did read the report in the newspapers.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the telephone system is used when the inspectors are about and that it is known all over the pit in a few minutes?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that at every pit where the inspector makes a visit preparation is made the day before for his coming the next day?

I think that my answer makes it perfectly clear that notices are not ordinarily given by inspectors, but only in special cases.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make special inquiry to see whether the allegation is justified or not, as there is very great suspicion prevailing among miners throughout the coalfields, at the coal face and elsewhere, that it is a remarkable coincidence that inspectors appear after the place has been specially prepared for them?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is the policy of the Government to close the pits in the Somersetshire coalfield or to attempt ameliorative measures; and whether, seeing that the unemployment figures for the Bristol area exceed 15,000, he will reconsider that question with a view to providing as much work as possible in this district?

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government to do everything possible to stimulate the sale of British coal, and the proposals for that purpose which have recently been announced apply to Somerset equally with other coalfields.

Is it not a fact that the policy of His Majesty's Government has been a failure in that respect until now?

No, Sir. I always deprecate judgment before a policy has been revealed.

Is it not a fact that the sale of coal has been going down every month since the lock-out stopped?

Is it not a fact that in 1913 we sold 6,000,000 tons of coal to Russia, and how are we going to get back that market?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will provide statistics showing the amount per ton estimated as a relief to the mining industry of South Wales and Monmouthshire as the result of the reduced transport charges operative on 1st December, 1928; whether he can state approximately the number of miners that will be absorbed into the mines of South Wales and Monmouthshire as a result of the reduced transport charges; and whether he anticipates, as a result of the reduced transport charges, any expansion in the volume of trade and, if so, to what extent?

I have been asked to reply. In the Debate on Tuesday last my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer mentioned 7½d. as the estimated relief in freight rates for coal for export and foreign bunkers and 10½d. for coal for iron and steel. These figures relate to the country as a whole, and I regret that it is not yet possible to give figures for separate districts. In reply to the remainder of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

Yes, but the figures of 7½d. and 10½d. do not apply to the coal for export, but only to the coal carried on public railways; not to the coal carried over private railways?

That is the estimated relief due to reductions in rates given to the railway companies.

But only to public railways, not to private railways?

Yes, I am referring to public railways.

The output figures were affected by Whitsun holiday in 1924, 1925, and 1927, but in 1928 these holidays did not occur in June.

asked the Minister of Transport where in London there are stretches of roadway experimentally paved with rubber; and what conclusions has his Department reached regarding the suitability of this material for urban road surfacing in the matter of cost, durability, non-slipping qualities, and particularly sound-deadening properties?

There are experimental stretches of rubber carriageway in New Bridge Street, Blackfriars, and Thurloe Place (Kensington). My staff are keeping careful observations upon these interesting tests, but a longer time must elapse before definite conclusions can be reached upon the points raised by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) on what basis his Department distinguishes between a railway and a light railway that is open for passenger traffic;

asked the Secretary for Mines how many pits were working in the County of Durham on 30th June for the years 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, and 1928; and how many employés were engaged for each of the dates mentioned, together with the amount of coal raised for each of the months named?

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

Following are the figures:

(2) when the last light railway was authorised by Parliament; what is the total mileage of light railways in this country; and what is the total number of persons employed on those railways;

(3) how many Regulations and Orders of his Ministry apply to railways and how many to light railways; and how many companies are there in Great Britain operating light railways, as distinct from tramways and mineral railways?

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

Following is the answer:

The distinction between a railway and a light railway depends upon the particular purpose for which it requires to be made, but, broadly speaking, a light railway is a railway authorised by an Order under the Light Railways Acts instead of by a Special Act of Parliament. The constructional requirements made by my Department in connection with the opening of light railways depend upon the circumstances of each particular case, but an indication of their general nature is contained in the published Requirements for Passenger Lines. The last extension of a light railway was authorised by an Order made by me a few weeks ago. Particulars of such Orders are contained in the annual published reports of my proceedings under the Light Railways Acts. There are 20 cross-country light railways in Great Britain worked by light railway companies, and in addition there are certain light railways worked by the main line railway companies. The total mileage of these light railways is approximately 650. The number of persons employed is approximately 500, excluding the persons employed on the light railways worked by the main line railway companies, for which separate figures are not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is his intention to extend the grant-in-aid for the construction of the new bridge at Charing Cross and the transfer of the Southern Railway station to the south bank of the river so as to include a scheme for the improvement of the area between the County Hall and the proposed new station?

The London County Council have under consideration the provision of road facilities and other improvements on the south side of the river, to the west of the proposed site for the new Charing Cross Bridge, as part of the modified scheme. No decision has yet been reached as to the assistance which can be offered from the Road Fund towards the cost of this extension of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state, with regard to the conference held at his Ministry under the chairmanship of Sir Henry Maybury, between representatives of the London County Council and the tube, omnibus, and district railways, with a view to a joint management and control of the means of transport in London, if any agreement has been concluded and, if so, the nature of the arrangements by which there will be an elimination of all competition?

Negotiations are still proceeding, and I am not in a position to make any statement at the present time.

If an arrangement is arrived at, will it be necessary for the Minister to give his approval, and will it require any legislative sanction?

In any case, legislation will be required.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and from the Commercial Motor Users' Association with regard to an increase in the existing maximum speeds for heavy motor cars, as laid down in the heavy motor car orders, particularly as regards an increase in the permissible speeds of heavy motor cars fitted with pneumatic tyres; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have decided to make an order which will come into force on the 1st October next and which will have the effect of fixing the legal maximum speed of a heavy motor car, if fitted entirely with pneumatic tyres, at 20 miles per hour instead of the present limit of 12 miles per hour. The maximum speed of a heavy motor car, drawing a separate trailer, will, at the same time, be increased from five miles per hour to twelve miles per hour if both vehicles are fitted entirely with pneumatic tyres, and to eight miles per hour if both vehicles are fitted entirely with tyres made of soft or elastic material, though not pneumatic. The same order will provide that all heavy motor cars shall be equipped with driving mirrors unless a conductor or other person is carried on the vehicle who is in a position to draw the driver's attention to the fact that the drive of a vehicle in the rear is desirous of passing.

Does the Minister consider that the pneumatic principle would be a very desirable one for pedestrians?

asked the Minister of Transport if his Department have in hand any scheme for the reduction of the cost of electricity both for power and lighting, with a view to the reduction of cost falling upon industry and distribution?

The schemes recently adopted and in process of being carried out by the Central Electricity Board are directed to securing economies in the generation of electricity by the pooling of resources over wide regions. These economies will be reflected in the price at which wholesale supplies will be available to authorised undertakers for distribution in their areas; and, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 1926, will be further reflected in the price charged for lighting and power to individual consumers.

Can he give any idea when the scheme will be completed for the county of Durham?

No, I cannot. That area is being taken in hand now.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state the total number of telephone call boxes and telephones installed in the county of Lindsey in the year 1927 and in the first six months of the year 1928?

As no telephone area coincides exactly with the county of Lindsey, I regret that I am unable to give my hon. and gallant Friend the precise information he requires. The following particulars, however, relate to an area which includes almost the whole of the county of Lindsey, and, in addition, one or two places outside the county:

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state, as any improvements in local rural postal facilities must be preceded by a specific request from the local council, why no other ways are taken of ascertaining the sentiments of the residents affected; and whether it is the policy of the Post. Office, before introducing improvements either in the collection or delivery of letters, to wait for local action to be taken rather than act on its own initiative?

I think the hon. and gallant Member must be under some misapprehension. The Post Office is constantly reviewing the postal arrangements in rural districts with the object of effecting improvements in the services. When it is desirable to ascertain the views of the residents regarding a projected alteration I know of no more appropriate method than consultation with the local authority, but representations from private individuals always receive full consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Post Office could be run by private enterprise more efficiently than it is run now?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is now in a position to inform the House of the decision of the Government as to the conditions under which the present rates of all pensions and allowances under the great War warrants can suitably be stabilised against any variation in consequence of a fluctuation in the cost of living; and, if such stabilisation is effected, will he state what is expected to be the additional liability involved?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is yet in a position to make any statement as to the stabilisation of pensions granted in respect of disabilities and deaths due to service in the great War?

I must apologise for the length of the statement I have to make; the decision is, however, one of great importance.

The Government have for some time been very carefully considering this subject. Great War pensions were fixed in 1919 at rates appropriate to the high cost of living which then obtained and were due to vary as that cost rose or fell. Notwithstanding the substantial fall in prices since that date the Government have refrained from enforcing any reduction in pension rates so long as the cost of living remained at a high level and had not reached a reasonable measure of stability. In the view of the Government, however, the time has arrived when the issue should, in the interests of pensioners, be finally settled.

In coming to this decision the Government have had regard to the fact that Great War pensions are a unique charge and do not stand on the same footing, having regard to the occasion of their grant, as either pay or pension in the normal service of the State or in industrial life. Moreover, under the scheme or War Pensions, which has been the work of all parties and Governments, the pension list is necessarily a finite list and involves a steadily diminishing liability. At the same time, any measure of stabilisation as a settlement in advance of rates of pension for more than a generation ahead, must clearly take account of future conditions so far as it may be necessary to safeguard the interests both of the State and of the pensioner. The conditions which in their view must govern stabilisation of the Warrant rates of disability pension, so far as they are dependent on the cost of living, are the following:

( a ) In the first place, it must be understood that the present rates remain based, as under the Royal Warrants, on the cost of living for the standard year 1919. Those rates will not be reduced however much the cost of living may fall. At the same time the Government do not withdraw the existing provision by which the rates of pension are liable to be increased if (but only if) the cost of living should ever come to exceed that of the year 1919. In that event the existing Warrant (subject to the three years average which was laid down in 1925) would operate.

( b ) In the second place stabilisation must be on the basis that the present scope of the War Pensions scheme, as laid down in the Warrants and War Pensions Acts, and the existing principles of their working, are in substance maintained unchanged. The State's future liability must be safeguarded to the extent that, were any substantial change to be made by the addition of new classes of beneficiary, to whom the present high rates would automatically become applicable, the Government of the day must be free to review its rates of pension in the light of its aggregate liability.

It is also the intention of the Government to stabilise the other provisions of the present Warrants, and in particular those relating to medical treatment, and the existing lines of their working, for the cases to which they are applicable. At the same time I take this opportunity of pointing out that these provisions were drawn in 1918 and 1919, during the war and demobilisation periods, with a particular class of case in view—namely, the case for which a special course of treatment of a remedial nature was essential in order to effect a cure or permanent improvement. Provision may become necessary in the future for a different class of case, namely, the case which has reached the stage of needing institutional care and attention rather than a course of remedial treatment. The former class of case will, of course, continue to be provided for on existing lines, but other provision will probably have to be made for the latter class of case.

With reference to the last part of the first question I estimate that had present arrangements been allowed to operate so as to reduce the rates of pension and allowance in accordance with the cost of living, as has hitherto been provided by the Royal Warrants, the result would have been a reduction of £6,500,000—or about 12 per cent. of the annual cost of War pensions—and a reduction of 84 millions in the aggregate future liability for War pensions. Nevertheless subject to the foregoing conditions the Government have decided to maintain the rates of the Great War Warrants so far as they are expressed to depend upon the cost of living. The House will realise the importance of this decision both to the pen- sioner and to the State. But I am confident that it will be approved both by the House and by the country generally.

In view of the importance of that statement, may I ask the Minister of Pensions whether he will be prepared to take part in some discussion on the subject if time can be found in the course of Thursday or Friday next?

I shall be very happy to take part in any discussion. I am in the curious position of not having yet addressed the House this Session. If the Opposition wishes to raise any question affecting my department, I shall be happy to deal with it.

Is it not the case that this concession, however desirable, will cost nothing unless the cost of living figure falls below 60?

I was asked what is the difference between the new system and the old system, and the difference is £6,500,000 a year, as stated.

Arising out of the reference that the Minister made to treatment, can he give a further explanation as to what he means by stabilisation of treatment?

I mean stabilisation of the treatment allowances now payable.

Would that limit the opportunities for further application to be made for treatment allowance?

No, not in any way.

asked the Minister of Pensions seeing that article 1092 of the Royal Warrant for the pay, appointment, promotion, and non-effective pay of the Army, 1926, makes provision for the granting of pension by the Army Council should a soldier's military service or the incidents thereof merit a pension for which provision is not found in current regulations or in regulations in force at the date of the soldier's discharge, whether action under this article is delegated to him, as representing the Army Council, in respect of service during the Great War, August 1914, to August 1921, inclusive?

I am empowered to represent exceptional cases of the character mentioned to the Treasury with a view to an award under the corresponding Article (1201) of the Pay Warrant of 1914.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the annual value of the concessions made in the Budget between its first introduction and the Third Reading of the Finance Bill?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the statement I made on the Third Reading of the Finance Bill on Friday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether officers of the Customs Department have informed bookmakers in London that providing the Betting Duty was duly paid no interference would be made with the postal business; that despite this assurance certain bookmakers who paid the full duty have been raided and fined; and that subsequently bookmakers who have been fined have for the past three months declined to pay the Betting Duty without being sued in the Civil Courts; and what steps he now proposes to take in the matter?

So far as I am aware there is no foundation for the suggestion contained in the first part of the question. On the contrary, Customs and Excise officers have been instructed to inform inquirers that the possession of a bookmaker's certificate or the payment of Betting Duty will be no defence against prosecution for an infringement of the general law relating to betting. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise. As regards the third part of the question, certain bookmakers in Scotland who were found to be evading duty have been prosecuted and convicted. They have appealed against their convictions and the result of the appeals will be considered in due course.

Is it not the case that the Chancellor of the Exchequer informed the deputation from the Churches, by implication at any rate, that postal betting was legal, and is it not the case that from June to September, 1927, bookmakers with branches in London who had paid the duty on postal betting were subsequently raided and that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has not collected any revenue from these people?

:I do not administer the criminal side of the law at all. It is quite possible that I made some such statement to the deputation as that to which the hon. Member has referred, and I was under the impression that it was the interpretation of the law at that time. I am speaking from memory. Subsequent judgments have altered it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether during the three months I have given, from June to September, he has collected any revenue from these bookmakers?

I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state approximately the amount in pounds sterling invested by British subjects in French war stock; and whether, seeing that the recent stabilisation law has in effect reduced this stock to one-fifth of its value and that it was originally bought with a view to helping an Allied nation, he will try to obtain from the French Government special terms for British holders of these securities?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that the proceeds of the French 4 per cent. and 5 per cent. loans national defence, London issue, were used in the repayment of advances previously made by the British Government and in view of the fact that the French franc is now stabilised, he will consider approaching the French Government with a view to the interest thereon being paid in sterling to the original subscribers at the same rate of exchange as that which was fixed by the French Government at the time the subscriptions to the loans were made, seeing that it was officially stated at the time of issue that the Bank of England, with the approval of His Majesty's Government, was authorised by the French Government to receive applications?

The amount of the public subscriptions to the issues of French Rentes made in London during the War was approximately £50,000,000. It is not the case that the proceeds of these loans were used, in whole or to any considerable extent, in the repayment of advances previously made by His Majesty's Government. So far as I am aware, the only case of this kind was a repayment of £3,500,000 made out of the proceeds of the issue of November, 1918; and this repayment was fully covered by the amount of Rentes of this issue taken up by His Majesty's Government. For the rest, the proceeds of these loans were used by the French Government to finance its purchases in this country and for its other general purposes.

The words "issued with the consent and approval of the British Government" were inserted in the prospectuses of these issues because, under the system of control exercised during the War over the London market, the issue of loans for foreign countries was forbidden unless the permission of His Majesty's Government to make the issue had been obtained, and the words in question did not imply any acceptance of responsibility for those issues on the part of His Majesty's Government.

I realise that the position brought about by the depreciation of the franc, which the recent Stabilisation Law has made permanent, is naturally viewed by British bondholders with grave dissatisfaction, having regard to the heavy loss it has entailed upon them. As however the loans in question are denominated in francs, without any exchange guarantee, and as there has been no discrimination against British holders, there is no legal ground on which official representations can be made to the French Government in the matter. There is, however, in existence an influential British Committee of Bondholders who are certainly entitled to press their moral claims upon the French Government as opportunity may offer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really serious when he says that the British Government will not take any active part officially on behalf of the British bondholders, having regard to the fact that the British Government recommended British bondholders to take up this as a good security?—Moreover, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, owing to this system of the de-valuation of French currency, British holders have lost 80 per cent. of their holdings, and at the same time the French Government are paying the United States Government their War Debt in full at the expense of British bondholders, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware—

I would suggest that the hon. Member should put his supplementary question in shorter form.

All these matters are fully covered by the answer which I have just given.

My point to the right hon. Gentleman is this. He says that there is an unofficial committee, and he says that he is not prepared to take official recognition of this matter with the French Government, and I am asking him whether he is prepared to consider that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the unemployment situation, he is now in a position to state the Government's intention regarding the afforestation programme to be commenced in April next.