asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a petition recently addressed to the League of Nations by Macedonian émigrés in Bulgaria, calling attention to infractions of the Minority Treaty in Macedonia, has been circulated to members of the Council, including His Majesty's Government?

I am not certain to which petition the right hon. Gentleman refers, as a considerable number of such petitions have been addressed to the Secretariat of the League of Nations. If, however, he refers to the petition received by the Secretariat in March last, from the National Committee of Organisations of Macedonian Emigrés in Bulgaria, the answer is that the Yugo-Slav Government took the preliminary objection that the petition was not receivable according to the rules of the Council. This preliminary objection was examined by a Committee of the Council in June last, and the Committee decided that the petition was not receivable. It was, therefore, not circulated to the members of the Council.

Is any other course of dealing with the alleged situation in Macedonia under consideration?

Does the hon. Member mean under the consideration of His Majesty's Government? It really lies with the respective Governments concerned and not with His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the model treaty to strengthen the means of preventing war, which was drawn up by the League of Nations Committee on Security and Arbitration, will come up for discussion at the forthcoming session of the League of Nations Assembly; and whether instructions will be given to the representatives of His Majesty's Government to support its adoption?

The Report of the Arbitration and Security Committee, to which the model treaty is annexed, is on the agenda of the forthcoming Assembly. The model treaty is not a protocol open for the signature of all members of the League, but is merely intended to serve as a model for bilateral or other treaties between particular Powers who may desire to assume such obligations. The text of the model treaty, which is not yet finally settled, is being examined by His Majesty's Government, and I am not yet in a position to indicate what will be the precise instructions issued to the British Delegation.

Is not this proposal exactly in line with the principle adopted by the Foreign Secretary in 1925 when, as rapporteur, he imposed an armistice on behalf of the League on the Greek and Bulgarian troops?

As a matter of fact, the phraseology is being looked into. Until that has been decided, I do not think that I can say anything move.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what attitude has been adopted by His Majesty's Government towards the model convention adopted by the League of Nations Committee on Security and Arbitration, which provides for conciliation, compulsory settlement by judicial means, and arbitration in all international disputes of a political nature; and whether be will take steps to secure its adoption at the next assembly of the League?

The British representative on the Security and Arbitration Committee assisted in drafting the model convention which is intended to serve as a pattern for States whose circumstances may render them desirous of concluding instruments of the character in question. The British representative will vote for its adoption as such.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the list of persons claiming diplomatic immunity was last revised, and whether it is the practice of his Department constantly to revise this list; and whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the list now in operation?

The list of persons regarded by His Majesty's Government as entitled to diplomatic immunity was last reprinted and circulated in the usual official quarters in June, 1926. Names are constantly being added to it and taken from it in accordance with information received from the foreign diplomatic representatives, and such changes are invariably communicated to the authorities among whom the printed list is circulated. I do not think that the composition of the list, which is of very considerable length, containing as it does the names not only of persons employed on the official staffs of the foreign Embassies and Legations, but also of persons in the domestic ser- vice of the various Heads of Missions, is of sufficient general interest to warrant its circulation in the OFFICIAL REPORT, especially as the corrected lists can always be seen at the offices of the Sheriffs of the City and County of London. Moreover, my right hon. Friend will shortly be communicating with the foreign representatives, as is periodically the practice, with a view to the correction of the information contained in the list. I may add that in the preparation and revision of the list the question of the categories of persons properly acceptable as entitled to claim diplomatic privilege will continue to be carefully watched.

How exactly is this list compiled? Is any name submitted by an Ambassador or Minister of a foreign Power automatically put on it, whether the person is a chef or a clerk or whether he occupies any other position?

There is nothing automatic about it. Certain lists are sent in by foreign representatives in this country. They are very carefully scrutinised, and only those names are put on the list that we are satisfied ought to be there.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been directed to certain observations made by a learned Judge to the effect that apparently anyone can get on the list?

I know about the statement to which the hon. Member refers. I can assure him that it is not the case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to a recent case in which a, member of a foreign legation accredited to this country incurred heavy bills for nursing, medical attendance, food, drugs, and other necessaries, and subsequently left the country without discharging any of his liabilities; and whether, in cases of this kind, the notice of the Government concerned is drawn to the advantage taken by its representative of the privileges of diplomatic immunity?

I have no knowledge of the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I shall be happy to consider what action, if any, I can take concerning it, if I am furnished with a full statement of the facts?

Is the hon. Gentleman taking any steps to revise the procedure whereby representatives of foreign Powers and their servants obtain immunity?

Owing to a certain decision in the Courts the other day, we are looking into the whole circumstances.

Is it not a fact that the normal procedure, in the event of any member of the staff of an Embassy incurring debts on leaving, is that the Embassy usually makes itself responsible for paying the debts as a matter of international courtesy?

I will not go so far as to say that, but I think the Embassy makes itself very largely responsible.

Is there in practice any obligation on the representative of a foreign Power to disclose the fact of his position when going to a trader or other business firm, so that they may not contract with him under a misapprehension?

I am quite sure a foreign representative will always do his best to respect the rights of citizens of this country.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that this is the case of one of the modern representatives?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received details of the deportation of Jamaicans from Cuba; and whether he proposes to take any further action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My right hon. Friend stated on 23rd July that he had called for a Report on this subject from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Havana. When this Report, which I expect to receive by despatch, has been received, I shall be happy to communicate to my hon. Friend in writing any particulars which are likely to prove of interest to him.

Is it not a fact that communications are now taking place direct between Cuba and Jamaica, and is the Foreign Office not aware of anything that is going on?

Yes, I am aware that efforts are being made to absorb this surplus labour, but we have not yet received the particular Report.

Are matters not reported on automatically such as the deportation of British subjects from a foreign country?

A special Report was asked for. That Report we are now awaiting.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether application has been made for charting the approaches to two new harbours in the Bahama Islands; whether he is aware that it is of great importance to the development of the colony that these new harbours should be speedily placed on the official chart; and whether the application is receiving favourable consideration?

I regret that it is not possible to divert any of His Majesty's surveying ships from their present work to undertake surveys in the Bahamas. If, however, the Bahamian Government could supply a vessel and crew, it might be possible to obtain the services of a retired naval officer to carry out the surveys required or, alternatively, the services of a surveyor on the active list might be arranged.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this very important work of Imperial development deserves at least this small amount of assistance from the home Government?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will define what the small amount of assistance is that we are able to give I shall be quite willing to consider it.

As a matter of fact, are not the harbours used by rum runners in the Bahamas?

I am not responsible for them.

Is the Secretary of State aware that for lack of Admiralty charts of these potential harbours an immense amount of development which would give employment to British hands is being indefinitely held up, and, further, is he aware that without the assistance of the Admiralty in this connection, it is almost impossible to develop these valuable British possessions?

Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question or write to me on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these harbours cannot be used until they have been put on the chart?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any grants have been made from the Prize Fund to charities mainly or wholly devoted to British merchant seamen; and whether it is proposed to make any such grants in the future or any further grants to such charities?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to a reply given on the 11th July to the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) which gives a complete list of the charities sharing in the distribution. As regards the second part of the question, the claims of the Mercantile Marine will be given the fullest consideration in any further distribution.

Why did the hon. and gallant Gentleman refuse such an assurance about a week ago to the hon. Baronet the Member for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto) which, from the hon. Baronet's point of view, led to a regrettable incident in this House?

I never refused the information; indeed, I gave it.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I heard his remarks with great attention, and that I consider that the hon. Baronet the Member for Barnstaple is well justified?

When the hon. and gallant Gentleman is considering the claims of merchant seamen, will he also consider the claims of dockyard men who did service of exactly the same character?

All claims by charities for assistance will be considered.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend recognise the fact that very little has been given up to the present time in the way of relief?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in settling contracts in respect of the Singapore base, he insists upon a clause being inserted in the contracts that the whole of the material and plant required shall be British material, manufactured in the United Kingdom, and also that the labour employed shall be, as far as possible, British?

In contracts for the Singapore Base all the materials are specified to be either from the United Kingdom or from sources within the British Empire, but no restrictions are imposed on contractors as to the source of supply of their plant. With regard to labour it would not be practicable in connection with contracts of this nature in the Far East to limit the contractor to the employment of British workmen, but all Asiatic labour, a large proportion of which will probably be Indian, will be subject to the Labour Ordinances in force in the Straits Settlements.

Are any steps being taken to recruit labour in this country where it would be possible to do so, particularly from discharged dockyards?

I am exceedingly doubtful if it is possible to recruit labour in this country for work at Singapore.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men, with their respective grades, who have been discharged from Chatham dockyard since the date of the launch of His Majesty's Ship "Kent"?

1,624 work-people have been discharged on reduction from the Vote 8 Departments at Chatham since the date referred to. With the hon. Member's permission I will give the more detailed figures in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.

Are these discharges still continuing?

I should like to have notice of that question, but I rather think not.

Following are the detailed, figures:

The figures for the several grades are as follows:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the granting of leave with pay to chargemen of His Majesty's dockyards who have had three years' total service, although that service may have been made up of broken periods of more than three months, on recommendations from their superior officers that exceptional work has been performed?

No reason is seen for altering the Regulations in the manner suggested by the hon. Member. As he is probably aware, leave with pay is allowed to chargemen who have three years' total service as chargemen; and two years of the qualifying service may be made up of broken periods, each of not less than three months, rendered within the three years next preceding the date of last appointment.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I am not asking him to revise the regulation, but to give this lead in a particular case if the circumstances justify it?

I am afraid that I cannot give any further answer than that which I have already given.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the wife of a naval rating who has a separation order against her husband and who has been granted by the magistrates a maintenance order of 30s. per week, which the rating is allotting to the magistrate's clerk for payment to his wife, is entitled to receive children's allowance for the two children of the marriage.

No, Sir. Marriage Allowance is not payable where husband and wife are separated otherwise than by the exigencies of the Naval service either for the wife or for any children in her care.

Is it not a fact that the magistrate's order is not operative as against a sailor actually serving, and is there not a great deal of injustice done to wives who are separated from their husbands.

I have no reason to believe that that is so.

Cannot my hon. and gallant Friend see that the injustice is not to the wife, but to the children?

When separation allowances are granted by the justices the fact that there are children is no doubt borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants who failed to satisfy the 30-stamps qualification but secured benefit under the transitional conditions of the Unemployment insurance Act of last year since 19th April, and to the latest date for which he has statistics.

Statistics giving the information desired are not available.

Is it because these figures are not ascertainable or merely that they are not to hand?

No, Sir. We do not keep a separate record of those who fail to satisfy one of these conditions, but we have the totals of those who obtain benefit and those who do not. We have no separate figures showing what the hon. Gentleman asks for.

Are not these figures key figures and therefore very important figures, and will not the hon. Gentleman's estimates for next year depend upon this information?

Cannot the hon. Gentleman obtain these figures from the various Employment Exchanges throughout the country, because they are very important?

No, Sir, I do not think that I can. What the hon. Gentleman asks, is whether we can give two sets of figures showing the figures of two different qualifications. We have not those figures, and cannot get them.

Is it not the case that the hon. Gentleman can already distinguish the cases of those not genuinely seeking work, and why cannot he distinguish these cases? Is it really because there is no one getting the benefit of the transitional period?

It is certainly not that, because a very large number of them are getting the benefit of the transitional period, and, of course, genuinely seeking work is only one condition.

The hon. Gentleman can already distinguish that particular case and can give us the figures. Why cannot he give us the figures in regard to the other case?

The reason that I cannot give the figures is that I have not got them, and I cannot get them.

Is it not because this calculation will not be made until the end of the transitional period?

I am not at all certain about that, but I have already explained that we can only give the numbers of those who satisfy and of those who fail to satisfy, but we have not the record of those who failed for any particular reason.

What authority has the hon. Gentleman for saying that a considerable number of people coming within this qualification have received benefit?

Is my hon. Friend taking any steps to have a sample made to see how many of these men will come off next year?

That is a question of which I should like notice.

asked the Minister of Labour if it is proposed to set up training centres in Glasgow and district for men and women; and, if so, can he state the proposed situation, the numbers of persons to be trained, and the conditions under which it will be carried out?

A training centre for young unemployed men will be opened this autumn in Glasgow. The accommodation will be for 150 men at a time to begin with. The conditions will be the same as those at the existing training centres in England. With regard to women, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on 18th July.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, owing to the closing down of works in North Ormesby, inconvenience is being caused to men in this district who have to go a considerable distance to register at the Middlesbrough Employment Exchange; and, in view of the further considerable increase in unemployed men which will take place this week owing to the closing down of Pease and Partners' works, will he arrange to reopen the sub-Exchange at North Ormesby, thus preventing congestion at the Middlesbrough Exchange and the wasting of the time of the men concerned who could otherwise be looking for work?

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

In view of the fact that Parliament will not be sitting when the inquiries have been made, will the hon. Gentleman give very sympathetic consideration to this case, as the Middlesbrough Exchange is very crowded and these men have considerable difficulty in registering?

I can assure the hon. Member that on receipt of the question I at once instituted inquiries, and if there is any serious inconvenience such as the hon. Member suggests, steps will be taken at once to remedy it.

asked the Minister of Labour what instructions are issued to unemployment insurance officers with respect to recommending unemployed youths to join the Army or Navy; and what limit is set to their powers in this direction?

The instructions provide that officers of the Employment Exchanges may not suggest to applicants the desirability of enlisting in His Majesty's Forces. They are authorised, however, to give to any applicant who may ask for it, information with regard to conditions of enlistment, including the name and address of the nearest recruiting office.

If I give the hon. Member cases where the officers have asked applicants to apply, will he look into it?

Yes.

Will the Minister give the House the reasons why these officers are not allowed to suggest the Army and Navy as a career?

These regulations have been in existence for a great many years, and, while we feel it is not our duty to act as recruiting officers, at the same time we are always prepared to give information if we are asked for it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed persons at the last available date in the area covered by

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes carrying out the recommendations of the Industrial Transference Board as to afforestation, in view of the pressing needs of such work on national grounds in addition to the employment aspect?

The Government have included a provision of £1,000,000 for forest holdings in the sum of £5,500,000 which they propose should be voted for afforestation in the next ten years. It has been arranged that the Forestry Commission in setting up new holdings shall, so far as they can, give a preference in regard to new applicants to men displaced from the mining industry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if this meets fully the

the Port Talbot Employment Exchange in each of the following trades, namely, dock workers, fuel workers, copper workers, steel workers, miners, building-trade workers, railwaymen, and miscellaneous?

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

Following is the statement:

representations made by the Forestry Commissioners.

I am afraid I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the number of building trade workers now unemployed in the Glasgow area; and if, in view of the housing needs of that district, he will Faye representations made to the local authority with a view to the speeding up of housing and, if possible, to secure the men work?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As the hon. Member is aware from my reply to a similar question by him on the 3rd April, I have already made representations to the corporation of the nature referred to in the latter part of the question. I shall again approach the corporation on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman in the Recess call a conference of the building trade, employers and workmen, with a view to seeing what can be done in this matter?

I do not think that is necessary, but I will call the attention of the local authority to the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. B. Simpson, No. 351545, A.C. 1, ex-Royal Air Force, who was called up for military service at the age of 18 years, saw service on the Western front, and who after demobilisation re-engaged for two years, serving in India, afterwards joining the Royal Air Force; whether he is aware that Mr. Simpson was discharged permanently unfit on the 27th April, 1928. and transferred to the City Mental Hospital, Rubery Hill, Birmingham; that the medical advisers to the Ministry have declined to agree that the disability is attributable to service; and that as a result this man's father, who is an old soldier, three of whose sons served in the Great War, has been ordered to pay 7s. weekly towards the maintenance of his son from his small wages as a post office cleaner; and whether he will see whether it is possible to treat Mr. Simpson as a service patient in his own interest, and in the interest of his father, who is quite unable to bear the financial burden?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth part, I was not aware of the fact, which was not brought out, I think, in the hon. Member's recent correspondence with me about this case, that the exairman's father was being charged in respect of his son's maintenance in the mental hospital. Subject to the production of evidence of such payments and to confirmation of the father's straitened circumstances, it will be possible, I hope, to reimburse him to the extent of the gratuity which is at present being retained for the benefit of the ex-airman, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will advise the father to make application to the Air Ministry accordingly. As regards the last part of the question, only ex-Service men whose insanity is directly attributable to service in the great War can be regarded as "Service patients," and I regret, therefore, that I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion that Mr. Simpson should be treated as a Service patient.

In the absence of direct evidence to the contrary would it not be more satisfactory to regard this man as a Service patient, seeing that he appears to have been with the forces continuously since the end of the War?

I always regard cases of this kind with the greatest sympathy, but I am afraid that the Regulations are quite explicit and this is not a Service case.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether arrangements are made for airmen in the Royal Air Force to be trained in navigating by instruments without recourse to landmarks, on the lines of the instruction in blindfold flying now being given at the French training aerodrome of Toussusle-Noble?

Royal Air Force personnel are given instruction in navigating by instruments without recourse to landmarks. The British and French methods of training are not, however, identical.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why, although the heads of the new agreement with Imperial Airways, Limited, were initialed in April, 1928, no public announcement of the increased subsidy was made until the second week of. July?

Although initialed in April, the heads of agreement provided for possible alternative decisions on several points and I considered it inadvisable to issue the White Paper until these questions were definitely settled in consultation with the Government of India. A public announcement upon the subject had already been made by me in my statement on the Air Estimates on 12th March, when my reference to the proposed conclusion of a new and wider agreement clearly foreshadowed an increase in subsidy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that between the period when the Agreement was initiated and the public announcement there was very considerable speculation in the shares of Imperial Airways, which resulted in their going up by about 100 per cent., and that that speculation was evidently by people with inside information? In view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman see that in future, when large public funds are going to be given in subsidy, the earliest possible announcement is made?

Yes, Sir. I did make a public announcement on the subject at the earliest possible moment. I made it clear in my Air Estimates speech in March last. If there was any rise in the shares, of which I know nothing, it was probably due to the public announcement that I made to the House.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in appointing the new Registrar for the counties of Carnarvon and Anglesey, he will make it a condition of the appointment that the successful applicant must have a thorough knowledge of the Welsh language?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor that he has already determined that the gentleman to be appointed to be Registrar of the County Court of Carnarvon and of the County Courts in Anglesey should have a competent knowledge of the Welsh language.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether there is any scheme prepared for stone-facing the Horse Guards side of Admiralty House and that side and the street side of Downing Street in keeping in each case with the surrounding architecture; when it is proposed to carry it out; and what it will be estimated to cost?

As regards the first part of the question, no scheme of this nature has ever been prepared or considered. I am afraid it is not possible to prepare estimates for work which it is not proposed to carry out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether any of the stone removed from the Houses of Parliament is available for Members who wish to purchase it; and, if so, at what price.

Only a small quantity of stone is available at the moment, apart from that which is being used to strengthen the Embankment wall. As soon as the repairs are actually commenced further supplies, surplus to requirements will become available, and it is proposed to give Members an opportunity of acquiring small quantities of stone suitable for rockwork at 10s. per ton, exclusive of cartage. Pieces of carved stone will also be available at varying prices. Application should be made to the Clerk of Works' Office or to the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Mr. Brocklebank).

Will these pathetic souvenirs be available to ex-Members also?

I should think so.

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will let us have the price of a gargoyle, in case we want one.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what progress has been made with the arrangements for the repair of the stonework at the Houses of Parliament.

My Noble Friend hopes that within the next few weeks he will receive definite advice from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research regarding the selection of stones for the repairs. Meanwhile orders have been placed with the maintenance contractors for replacing a length of the parapet and two pinnacles in Clipsham stone on the South Front in advance of the general work; and tenders are about to be invited for the provision of staging at the Central Tower preparatory to the erection of scaffolding on that part of the building.

Am I to understand that the stone being used is of an experimental character, and as a test of stability?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the last date on which the electric lamps on the Terrace were lit; and whether it is any longer necessary for this part of the Houses of Parliament to be kept in total darkness.

The lamps in question were last lighted for an official reception on May 18th last. My Noble Friend is not aware of any general desire that he should incur the expense of lighting the Terrace except on special occasions.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that the messengers have the utmost difficulty in recognising Members on the Terrace; and can he say whether the cheese-paring economy which the Government are adopting is being fittingly applied to the lighting of these premises?

I think it has been most fittingly applied, and as far as the first point is concerned, I should think that is an advantage.

Does the hon. and gallant Member think there is any danger in the darkness of the Terrace, even if Hyde Park is to be lighted?

Will the hon. and gallant Member supply flash lamps to the messengers?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, seeing that intimation has been given to the Royal Botanic Society that when its lease expires in 1932 its gardens will be taken over and opened to the public free of charge, it is his intention to continue to maintain the gardens as botanical gardens and to afford facilities to institutions of the University of London undertaking botanical education for study and experimental work or to throw the land in question into the general area of Regent's Park?

My Noble Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement on this question, which does not materialise for nearly four years, but my hon. Friend can rest assured that due consideration will be given to any representations which may be made to him.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that William Jennings, residing at 43, Shaw Lane, Barnsley, made a claim for old age pension at 65 years of age in November, 1927; and if he can state why no decision has as yet been communicated to him respecting such application?

Mr. Jennings was notified on the 25th July that he had been awarded an old age pension. The delay in reaching a decision on the claim was due to the fact that the insurance record was incomplete owing to the neglect of the insured person to surrender some of his contribution cards to his Approved Society and protracted investigation was necessary before title could be established.

asked the Minister of Health the number of widows, orphans, and dependent children, in receipt of pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, for the three years 1925, 1926, and 1927?

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

Following is the answer:

The Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act did not come into operation until 4th January, 1926, and consequently there were no pensions in payment under the Act in 1925. During the year 1926, 175,323 widows and 15,750 orphans were awarded pensions. The widows' pensions included allowances for approximately 269,000 children. During the year 1927, 61,982 widows and 3,424 orphans were awarded pensions. The widows' pensions included allowances for approximately 48,000 children. On 31st December, 1927, 196,486 widows' pensions, which included allowances for 246,307 children and 15,161 orphans' pensions were in payment.

asked the Minister of Health whether, during the last 12 months, his Department has taken, or has recommended any other Department to take, any action to prevent the nuisance caused by noisy traffic in the streets; and whether, in particular, he has had any communication with the Royal Automobile Club as to the use of silencers and the standardisation of horns?

The reply to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman seized of the importance of the wide interest that prevails in regard to this matter? Is he acquainted with the experiments recently made in France and Belgium?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to secure that the property of public asylum patients will not be sold up during their detention, as the result is that these people leave the asylum penniless?

The authorities liable for the maintenance of rate-aided patients in public mental hospitals are empowered by Statute to recover expenses against the estates of such patients. If the hon. Member is aware of any specific case of hardship, and will give me particulars, I will cause inquiry to be made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have one case in my pocket, of a woman whose home is being sold up, and she is left penniless?

I cannot be aware of any case which the hon. Member has in his pocket.

I understand that the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to this particular case.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department was requested to advise the Isle of Man legisfuture regarding the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act; what was the nature of the advice; and when such advice was given?

The advice of my Department was requested by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. It was given on the 9th June and was of the nature indicated by him in reply to previous questions by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate number of milk bottles which have been stamped for measuring purposes; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the public secures full measure in the purchase of milk generally?

The verification of all measures is carried out by local authorities, and no information is available in the Board of Trade as to the number of milk bottles which have been stamped as measures. Regulations for the stamping of milk bottles used as measures are under consideration but it is already an offence under the Sale of Food (Weights and Measures) Act, 1926, to give short measure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the case of certain manufacturers pots of jam are being sold as containing 1 lb. which are two and a-half and three ounces short in weight; and what step he proposes to take to protect the consumer?

The giving of short weight in the retail sale of any article of food is prohibited by the Sale of Food (Weights and Measures) Act, 1926, and any person who sells jam by weight is therefore liable to prosecution if he gives short weight.

Has the attention of the Parliamentary Secretary been drawn to these jars Can he see any difference between them? One is three ounces short of the lb. May I ask whether his inspectors have at any time reported to him the existence of the process of having jars with the bottoms bulging up, limiting the holding capacity? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I am trying to prevent fraud. I want to know whether the Department are taking any steps to draw the attention of the public to the fact that they are being swindled in this way.

I do not know whether the weight is stamped on the outside of the jar?

It is not.

Then it is not a contravention of the Act.

But is not the hon. Member going to take some steps to prevent the public in busy shopping hours being handed a jar three ounces short of the proper weight?

All I can suggest is that the public should notice whether the weight is stamped on the jar or not.

Surely, if members of the public are being swindled out of three ounces in 16, the hon. Member can take some notice and cause inquiries to be made to see if the allegation is true.

They have the opportunity of seeing whether there is a bulge in the bottom of the jar, and, in any case, if they ask for a one-pound jar they are entitled to the pound weight. If they ask for a jar of jam, they get a jar.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received information from the Canadian Government and Canadian shipping authorities regarding alleged overloading on ships trading from the St. Lawrence, and the casualties caused thereby; and what is the purport of authoritative Canadian information?

I have received a telegram from the Montreal Board of Trade to the effect that the port warden requires the production of freeboard certificates in all cases before granting clearance, and in no case is clearance granted in contravention of freeboard certificates.

We may take it that the allegations made in this House by the hon. Member for Anglesey (Sir R. Thomas) are without foundation?

As far as I know they are without foundation. The hon. Member for Anglesey (Sir R. Thomas) was asked on the 17th of July if he would state a case. Up to the present moment, he has not done so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to take steps to give effect to the suggestion received from the Thames pilots and licensed watermen as to it being made obligatory for foreign vessels navigating between Gravesend and London to take on board a licensed pilot?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given him by the Parliamentary Secretary on the 18th July. The matter is still receiving careful consideration, and it has not yet been found possible to reach a decision.

Is the hon. Member aware that the representative of the Board of Trade said that he was in communication with Trinity House and the Port of London Authority and that he hoped to have a reply before the rising of the House? Has any notice been received from either of these authorities?

The matter is still under consideration. When the Parliamentary Secretary was asked whether he would get the information before the end of the Session, he said, "Yes, possibly." It has not been possible, but we are doing our best to get it as quickly as we can.

Does the hon. Member realise the danger that there is to the traffic in the river if these foreign captains are allowed to come up without any knowledge of the difficulties and without pilots?

That is one of the points which is being investigated. We are not yet satisfied that a great deal of damage is done, but in any case, as regards pilotage, legislation would be required and that cannot be a quick process.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, arising out of the Government's decision to grant certain earlier relief in freights to the coal industry as from 1st December, 1928, he will give guidance as to how this relief will be apportioned between the coal trade and the iron and steel trade in the case of forward contracts made for the supply of coal during a period beyond the 1st December next and entered into before such earlier relief was intimated?

The freight rate reductions under the proposals would in the ordinary course be allowed to the person who paid the freight charges, and my right hon. Friend considers that any consequential adjustments that might be necessary should be made by negotiation between the industries concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the freight relief proposed to be given in December next will apply to coal for British deep-sea fishing trawlers; and whether coal sold as bunkers to foreign fishing vessels calling at British ports will receive freight relief?

I have been asked to reply. Coal used for bunkering deep sea fishing vessels whether registered in British or foreign ports is treated as foreign bunkers, and as such will receive the benefit of the proposed rail freight relief as from 1st December next.

Is it not a fact that the coal supplied to these bunkers will not be cheapened and will not receive freight relief unless carried over public railways, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 16,000,000 tons of coal that is sent abroad from Northumberland and Durham every year will receive no freight relief?

I must confine my answer to what is contained in the original question, with which the supplementary question has nothing to do.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the danger that is threatening the amenities of certain neighbourhoods in London with historical and antiquarian associations, such as Downshire Hill, Hampstead, because of the opening of new omnibus routes; and whether, seeing that neither the Ministry of Transport nor the Metropolitan Police have powers of veto over traffic routes except from a purely traffic point of view, he will consider promoting legislation to vest such powers in some Government Department?

While I appreciate the point of view represented in the hon. Member's question, I regret that I cannot undertake at the present time to promote legislation on the lines suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the responsibility which still devolves upon this House for the control of Indian affairs, he will arrange to give at least one full day for discussion of Indian affairs before the termination of the present Session?

A Debate on Indian affairs will be initiated by the Opposition to-morrow on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any claims have been made by, or on behalf of, Oscar Slater for compensation for the years of imprisonment endured by him; and what action his Department has taken?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Mr. Oscar Slater has no intention to make any claim for compensation from the Government; if, in view of this, the Government have reconsidered the question; and, if so, what action they propose to take?

I have seen a Press statement to the effect that a claim for compensation is not to be made, but I have no further information on the point. The question of compensation is receiving my consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the increase or decrease in the capacity of furnaces in blast as compared with the beginning of 1924 for Great Britain, Germany, France, and Belgium?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the available information.

Following is the table:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any information has been issued by the Scottish authorities to the effect that compensation would not be entertained in this case?

No, Sir.

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman will come to a decision. He has no doubt read in the Press the official statement to the effect that this man does not intend to claim compensation. How long will it take the right hon. Gentleman to make up his mind as to whether compensation is to be granted or not.

:I am not aware that the statement referred to is in any way official. I have only seen it in the Press. I am considering the matter, and I hope to decide it at an early date.

As the statement in the Press was over the signature of the gentleman named, would not that be accepted as official and, therefore, will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make an early announcement?

It would be very unwise to come to the conclusion that a statement in the Press in that form is entirely official.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received any intimation at all, officially, from the gentleman named in the Question or his representatives with regard to a claim for compensation?

No, Sir.