asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the practice of his Department that medical officials of local branches of the Ministry are precluded from giving treatment or making treatment allowances to neurasthenic cases without first referring the matter to headquarters?

No, Sir, except in cases recom- mended for in-patient treatment, in which reference to headquarters is necessary in order to assure a satisfactory allocation of beds in the special hospitals provided for the various types of neurasthenic case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the number of cases since 1st January last in which special increments of pay have been withheld from constables of the Metropolitan police?

Under Regulations 53 and 54, the number is one; in the case of the long service increments under Regulations 58 and 59, the number is 51.

asked the Home Secretary whether there has been any official interpretation as to what constitutes special zeal, intelligence and proficiency under Statutory Police Regulation No. 53, and zealous and efficient discharge of duties under Statutory Police Regulation No. 58?

Several circulars or memoranda dealing with the administration of these Regulations have been issued. I will send the hon. Member copies of the relevant passages.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible for a, re-issue of instructions that no interpretations will be placed on efficiency that will have regard to the number of charges or summonses of an officer?

If there were any doubt on that point, I certainly would.

Is the practice uniform in all districts, and can the right hon. Gentleman also send me a copy?

I will certainly send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a state- ment in connection with the appointment of a chief constable for the county of Buckingham?

I always try to see the selected candidate before deciding, and I am hoping to see this one very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the danger caused by stationary vehicles drawn up, after sunset, with lights facing on-coming traffic; and if he will consider taking steps to stop this practice?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have under consideration the inclusion of a clause in the Draft Road Traffic Bill making it an offence to leave a motor vehicle in a position dangerous to other traffic using the road, but education in the courtesies of the road is perhaps the best means of removing such a difficulty as that to which the hon. Member refers.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that those who leave their cars in this position are the very kind of persons from whom the great bulk of the courteous motorists suffer every day?

I hope that missionary efforts will be made in order to educate these people.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say if it is ever his intention to introduce the Road Traffic Bill?

It is my intention, certainly.

In view of the long delay, would it not be better that he should either drop the Bill or introduce it?

No Bill is dropped until it is introduced.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the conditions under which the labourers work in certain of the sugar-beet factories during the summer working period, commencing in about a fortnight's time; if he is aware that 12-hour shifts are worked, Sundays included, and at the change over, each alternate week-end, the men work 18 hours on end; that there is no break for meals, and the men are expected to eat as they work; and that the work is done in a heated atmosphere, and with overtime some of the men have worked over 100 hours a week; and what instructions he has issued to His Majesty's factory inspectors on the matter?

The Factory Act does not deal with the hours and meal times of men, and I have therefore no jurisdiction over those matters. I understand that in most of the beet-sugar factories the system of three 8-hour shifts is adopted during the season, but some of the firms cannot adopt this system owing to special circumstances. It must be kept in mind that the season—which starts in October —only lasts about three months. Temperatures are necessarily somewhat high in this work, but the factory inspectors report that adequate ventilation is provided.

Are we to understand that the factory inspectors have really no jurisdiction at all over these sugar-beet factories, and that they can take no steps of any kind to see that the men are not working under conditions that are bad for their health?

Oh, no. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has not quite understood my answer. I have no powers with regard to the hours of the men at the factories, but the factory inspectors, of course, are responsible in regard to ventilation and so forth, and that is being kept under very careful consideration.

In view of the facts which I have sent to the right hon. Gentleman and which I obtained from a very responsible source, will he issue special instructions to his inspectors to see to these matters?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman was good enough to send me a letter which had been sent to him. I only received it yesterday, and I have given the best answer that I can give. I will cause inquiries to be made on the strength of that letter, and I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.

Is it the Government's intention to allow these questionable conditions in this industry to continue? Do the Government intend to do anything to regulate this industry?

I have just told the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), who sent to me certain particulars yesterday, that I will cause inquiries to be made into the matter, but until they have been made I cannot say anything further.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the men joined the trade union that body would soon put these things straight?

The right hon. Gentleman admits the necessity of keeping the atmosphere at a fairly high temperature, but, if the inspector's report is correct, it means that the air which is coming in to take the place of that which is going out must be fetid. Will the right hon. Gentleman find out if that is the case?

The whole question is one of ventilation, and on that I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the names of the members of the Committee which is to inquire into the questions arising from factory inspection; when they propose to start on their task; how long the inquiry is likely to last; and what parts of the country it is proposed to visit.

I am not yet in a position to announce the names of the Committee on the Factory Inspectorate, but it is proposed that they shall commence their work in the autumn. I cannot forecast how long it will take, or anticipate what arrangements they may find it necessary to make for the purposes of their inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is really a breach of what he has already stated. In a previous answer, he stated that it was the intention of this Committee to start to work the moment that Parliament rose, and, in view of that fact, cannot he expedite this inquiry?

Will my right hon. Friend promise us from Lancashire that a man with full knowledge of the textile trade shall be appointed to this Committee of Factory Inspection?

Yes, I think that I can promise that, but the hon. Member will give me a few moments to consider it. I am engaged now in preparing the Committee. I nominated the Chairman only yesterday, and I will do my best to expedite this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least tell us who is the Chairman?

He has not accepted yet.

This is very lax. I wish the right hon. Gentleman was as smart about this as he is about the police.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state what is the total number of convictions for stealing against domestic servants within the Metropolitan Police area during the year ending 30th June, 1928; and how many of the said domestic servants were Welsh girls domiciled in Wales prior to their employment as domestics in the said police area?

No such figures are available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the allegations which are repeatedly made in the Press and by certain magistrates about Welsh girls, and are these not taken as a reflection upon Welsh people generally? As these allegations are repeated from time to time, it is important that we should get some definite data, and will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

There is no distinction made when a girl is prosecuted or appears in the Police Court whether she is Welsh, English or Scottish.

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the magistrates who make these remarks to that fact?

They are unfair.

They are unfair.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman exercise some little control over the statements made by magistrates which are entirely irrelevant to the cases which come before them?

I am sure that the hon. Member would be the last person to give me control over the judiciary.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to draw the attention of the chief magistrate at Bow Street to the manner in which some magistrates make references to the nationality and probity of these girls?

That would. have to be done with very great tact.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the findings of the Government Committee on ethyl petrol; and does he propose to introduce legislation which will prohibit the use of this spirit for the purposes of cooking and cleaning?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Committee state in paragraph 35 of their Interim Report that they do not recommend any legislation for the purpose of preventing the use of ethyl petrol otherwise than as a motor fuel so long as the terms of the contracts between the proprietors of the fuel and the retailers which are now in force in this country are maintained. These terms. are designed to prevent such use.

Is it not a fact that ethyl petrol is very dangerous, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that some protection ought to be given for the rest of the public who do not use it?

I take the opinion of the Committee that the forms of the contract in force do safeguard the interests of the public.

asked the Home Secretary the number of notifications that have been received by the Metropolitan Police during the six months ended 30th June, 1928, of women who have disappeared from their homes?

During the six months ended 30th June, 1928, 2,310 females were reported as missing, of whom 2,202 were traced or were reported to have returned.

Does the Home Secretary draw any moral from these figures?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the conviction of Zelman Geer at the Westminster Police Court on 23rd July on the charge of being found in this country while a deportation order was in force against him; whether such orders are of a permanent effect or whether they are made for varying periods; and whether, in view of the cost of keeping such persons in prison for lengthy periods prior to their re-deportation, he will consider the possibility of arranging for all undesirable aliens convicted of some offences to be deported forthwith?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of the circumstances of the case mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, a Deportation Order made against an alien remains in force unless and until revoked by the Secretary of State. As regards the third part, if the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is that the penalty of imprisonment should be abolished, or that the imposition of sentences of imprisonment should be disregarded, in the case of aliens who are sufficiently undesirable to be deported, I am afraid that I cannot share his view.

That is not my desire. I am sorry that my right hon. Friend has misunderstood me. My desire is that there should not be expense in keeping these people in prison, and that they should be sent back to the country to which they belong. We do not want them.

I think I have not misinterpreted my hon and gallant Friend. When an alien commits a crime, he must be punished here before he is sent back to his own place. We cannot let an alien off punishment.

Cannot we clear him out?

We can clear him out at any time, but, having been convicted of a crime and sentenced, he must undergo his sentence before deportation.

A little bit of flogging would not do them any harm.

asked the Home Secretary whether the potatoes and vegetables purchased for the prisons and institutions under his supervision from British contractors are grown in this country; and, if not, if he will have inquiries made as to how much foreign produce is being supplied?

A considerable proportion of the potatoes and vegetables consumed in His Majesty's prisons is grown in the prisons themselves. When purchases are made from outside preference is given to home-grown produce, except during the period April-July, when owing to the scarcity of supplies and high prices of home-grown produce it is often necessary to purchase foreign produce.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he proposes to introduce legislation dur- ing the next Session of Parliament to raise the school age of the elementary schools from 14 to 15 years of age?

No, Sir.

Does not the Noble Lord agree with me that an increase in the school age would mean that the children who are now kicking their heels about the streets would receive an education and that it would be a great help in reducing the number of the unemployed?

That is a question which has been discussed on many occasions, but I do not think that Question Time is the proper time to discuss it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can now give the names of the committee he is setting up to inquire into education for salesmanship.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can now make any statement as to the proposed committee on education for salesmanship and as to the other inquiries into different aspects of technical education which he foreshadowed in his reply to the Emmott Committee?

I hope to begin the new series of reports on education for commerce and industry by the publication of an introductory survey in October. I have not yet finally completed the constitution of the advisory committees in connection with the two special inquiries on training for salesmanship and engineering, but I am glad to be able to announce that Mr. F. W. Goodenough, C.B.E., chairman of the British Commercial Gas Association, has consented to be chairman of the former, and Sir Dugald Clerk, K.B.E., of the latter. The committees will consist of representatives of trade and industry associated with teachers and professors in technical colleges and universities and I hope that they will be, as far as possible, fully representative of the various branches of trade and industry with which they will be dealing. I have also invited the various associations of local education authorities to appoint representatives as members of a panel for the purpose of advising on the administrative aspects of technical education. The actual investigations will be carried out by selected inspectors of the Board and the committees will be mainly concerned to advise on the scope and methods of the investigations and to review and comment on the findings. As regards the regional inquiry into the organisation of technical education in the Midlands area, the Board's inspectors have just completed a survey which will, I hope, form the basis of discussions with the local authorities and schools in the area, on the one hand, and on the other, with organisations of employers and workers concerned.

Is the Minister aware of the fact that the commercial travellers of the country are very much concerned about the training of salesmen, and may I ask whether their union or association is to be represented on the committee?

I must ask for notice of that question. I will try to see that the committee is fully representative.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, with regard to methods of teaching singing. and music in grant-aided schools under the inspection of the Board, the Board are in favour of the staff notation or of the tonic-sol-fa notation; and whether the Board proposes to interfere in questions of teaching method by showing preference either towards the use of the staff notation or the tonic-sol-fa notation in schools?

As regards the first part of the question, perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to what is said on this subject in Chapter VII of the volume of "Suggestions for Teachers." As regards the second part, the Board's attitude towards particular methods of instruction is the same in the case of music as in that of any other subject of the curriculum.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board has any figures as to the number of teachers recognised, respectively, for the first time as uncertificated teachers and supplementary teachers during each of the last three years?

As regards uncertificated teachers, I would refer the hon. Member to Table 100 on page 208 of the Statistics of Public Education for 1926-27, and, as regards supplementary teachers, to the reply given by me on the third of this month to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. R. Richardson), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that there is not sufficient school accommodation for the children living on the London County Council estate at Castlenau, Barnes; that the existing council school for junior pupils is full and has a waiting list of over 100 children; that the only other available accommodation is in a school about two miles away from the estate and that children attending must cross a main road to reach it; and whether any consultations have taken place between the local authority and his Department respecting the provision of temporary school accommodation?

I am aware of the position as regards school accommodation on this estate. In May last the Board approved plans for the provision of a permanent school for 384 children and last Monday they approved plans for the immediate provision of a temporary building for 150 children, pending the completion of the permanent school.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is the custom of many boards of guardians to dispose, after three years, of the belongings of asylum patients which have been committed to their care and to offer to patients on their discharge wearing apparel and other effects belonging to others; and will he issue an Order discountenancing such practices?

I am not aware of the existence of such a practice, but I shall be glad to inquire into any case which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when they expire, he proposes to renew the orders he made appointing commissioners to take the place of the elected guardians in the Bedwellty, Chester-le-Street, and West Ham Unions, in view of the fact that elections have taken place in each of the areas named and have shown that the electors disapprove of his policy?

I cannot undertake to forecast the action which I shall take in December next when the present term of office of the appointed guardians in these unions expires.

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman reply to the letters from the Clerk of the Rural District Council of Chester-le-Street?

I am bound to say that I have not seen them.

Is it not a fact that the ratepayers who find the money thoroughly approve of these commissioners?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I have written to him on the matter and that he persistently refuses to answer?

It may have escaped my recollection. I have a good many things to recollect.

If I write to the right hon. Gentleman again will he undertake to look into the matter?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of workhouses that do not provide nightshirts for casuals; and what action he has taken to see that the local authorities provide them?

I am afraid accurate statistics are not available, but the number of cases must be very small. The matter is one which my officers have instructions to deal with in their inspections of the casual wards.

Is it not the fact that in one casual ward his officers asked the guardians to supply 100 nightshirts and that they only supplied 48. Can he say what happened to the rest of the night-shirts?

I must have notice of that question.

Would not suitable nightcaps be much better?

asked the Minister of Health what system is adopted by the Government actuary in order to arrive at the Central Practitioners' Fund, and the amounts credited for the year 1927 in respect of the following: actual stamps accounted for on contribution cards surrendered; stamps sold but not accounted for on contribution cards; and the periods of eligibility for medical benefit when no contributions are payable consequent upon unemployment, illness, insured persons over 65 years of age, and other causes, respectively?

The principles of the system adopted by the Government actuary in determining how he will advise me on these matters are described and discussed in reports made by an independent actuary to a body representative of the general body of insurance practitioners in 1919, 1920 and 1922, which are readily accessible.

Does it mean that the system in vogue is temporary or is it permanent?

I think that what was said was that there were certain respects in which it could not attain at the present moment its ultimate form, but the general principles upon which it is based can be deemed to be permanent.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to consult with representatives of the local authorities regarding his local government proposals: and what form those consultations will take?

I have not specified any particular date or method of consultation with the associations of local authorities, and will endeavour, so far as the circumstances admit, to suit their convenience in these respects.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether those who will take part in these consultations will have before them the opinions of the Royal Commission who are considering the matter?

I cannot say that they will.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Royal Commission is likely to report?

I should not like to be taken as pledging myself to a particular date. The Royal Commission will consult their own convenience in the matter, but I am given to understand that in all probability their report will be published before the House meets again.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult local authorities, and particularly the London County Council, before he proposes legislation?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Minister of Health whether, under the de-rating proposals of the Government, where a rural district council have proved themselves efficient and capable in the administration of the highways under their control, they will be allowed to continue such administration under the county council acting as the financial authority?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to paragraph 14 of the published memorandum on the proposals for the reform in local government which has been circulated to local authorities and is to form the basis of discussion with their associations.

May I ask whether the White Paper did not suggest that all highway administration in rural areas is to be taken away from rural councils and handed over to the county council?

Yes, but it also says that consideration will be given to the question as to what other authorities should be given the care of these roads where it is justified by considerations of efficiency and economy.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received strong protests from the Rural District Councils' Association on this matter?

Protests have been received.

asked the Minister of Health whether the fee charged by the Government analyst has recently been raised from one guinea to two guineas; and whether, as this charge is altogether out of proportion to the work involved and is likely to cause the denial to some individuals of the right to appeal under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, he will consider the reduction of this fee?

The fee charged by the Government chemist for the analysis of samples submitted to him under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts was increased on 1st April, 1927, from one guinea a sample to two guineas. I am advised that the existing fee is amply justified by the work involved, and that there is no reason to suppose that its retention will have the effect suggested in the second part of the question.

May I ask whether the Financial Secretary will not reconsider the matter, as there are a large number of traders who will be denied the right of appeal because of the fees that have to be paid?

I do not take that view. The Government chemist is regarded as a referee, and it is absolutely necessary that he should have accurate and experienced assistants. For the work they do the fee is only just adequate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the resignation of the member of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland responsible for the Agriculture Division will take effect; and what arrangements have been made for the discharge of the duties of that post pending the reorganisation of the Department under the Re-organisation of Offices (Scotland) Bill?

Mr. Wood, the member of the Board to whom the hon. Member no doubt refers, retired as from 30th June last. His duties as a member of the Board are discharged ay the remaining members pending reorgani-sation.

asked the Minister of Health whether local authorities are permitted by his Department to provide subsidy houses with garages?

The regulations governing the grant provide that houses eligible for subsidy may not contain or be constructed for occupation with a garage.

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that the British Legion has recently contributed £500 towards the scheme for the assistance of tuberculosis cases at Efford Colony, Plymouth, he will say whether his Department is also prepared to give some financial assistance?

There are no funds at my disposal from which financial assistance could be given to this colony.

Do not the Government give these grants in some cases? Did they not give a grant to Preston Hall?

Yes, I think a grant was given to Preston Hall, but that was an exception.

Why should it be an exception?

I was able to get a contribution for that purpose, but I cannot do it for everybody.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is by his orders, or with his knowledge, that Income Tax collectors began, on 26th July, to send out documents requiring the payment of the tax due on 1st July within 10 days; and, if not, will he notify such collectors to allow reasonable time for payment before. sending out such second summonses?

I cannot follow my hon. Friend in reflecting, as he appears to do, upon the action of the collectors. The tax in question would be the second instalment payable for last year, and the law requires it to be paid on or before the 1st July. I do not think that it is unreasonable for the taxpayer to be reminded of this obligation when it has remained unfulfilled for over three weeks after the due date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give any estimate of the amount of money which will be paid and the number of tons of coal due to freight relief on 1st December, 1928, through being carried over public railways in Durham County; and can he say the number of tons of coal which will not receive freight relief through being carried over private railways in the same county?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I cannot at present give any estimate of the amount of relief to be given in any particular district, nor have I any official information as to the quantity of coal carried on private railways.

Are we to understand that the Government have no estimate as to what each district will receive out of this £4,000,000?

No, Sir. I have said that I cannot give an estimate of the amount to be given in any particular district. The hon. Member will realise that before the question is raised in the autumn it will be my duty to provide details of the whole matter.

Can we have an assurance that coal carried on private railways will be treated in the same way as coal carried on other railways?

That does not arise on this question. Private railways are treated as industrial hereditaments.

That is precisely the question that does arise, and I am asking for an assurance that private railways will be treated in precisely the same way as other railways.

May I ask whether the fact that private railways are treated as industrial hereditaments does not mean that they do not get the benefit of rating relief until October, 1929, while coal carried on public rail-ways will get the benefit this year?

That was stated in answer to a question the other day, and therefore their relief will not come into force before October of next year.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that in the County of Durham a very large amount of coal is carried by private companies, associated with certain colliery companies, and that they will receive no measure of relief until 12 months after all the other collieries?

May I ask if the Secretary for Mines is aware that the largest exporters of coal in Durham carry their coal over their own railway and will, therefore, get no relief until next year?

I am not aware that the largest amount of export coal is carried over private railways. I know that a considerable amount is so carried,

May I call the hon. and gallant Member's attention to the fact that Lambton Hetton and Joicey Withers, Limited, carry all their coal over their private railway, and they are probably the largest exporters of coal in Durham?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the reduction in railway rates for the transport of coal arising out of the relief of rates to railway companies will apply to bunker coal for the use of fishing vessels?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that a limited company has been registered as a pari-mutuel company to carry on the business of betting; and whether it will be required to pay the Betting Duty?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Are we to understand that this company will be suable by its clients?

I do not think that arises out of the question. It has been covered by the general declarations which have been made in the course of the Debates.

Is there not a difference between a limited company and a private company? A limited company is registered under the Act, and there are a number of shareholders. Are they to be liable for the debts?

That is not the question on the Paper.

Does it mean that the right hon. Gentleman has now come to an agreement with the Jockey Club and other interests as to the rate to be paid to the Treasury for the totalisator?

No, Sir.

May I ask whether the rate of duty included in the prospectus of the company, 3½ per cent., is the rate of duty agreed on?

No, Sir. I have been asked whether I have heard of a company having been formed, and I have said, "Yes." I have been asked whether it will be required to pay the Betting Duty, and I have said, "Yes."

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the speeches of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for the Home Department on Saturday last with reference to the safeguarding of industries; and whether either of these speeches represents the policy of the Government?

:I am obliged to the hon. Member for the opportunity his question has afforded me of studying carefully a number of interesting and eloquent speeches which I might have overlooked at a period of the Session when the pressure of work is at its greatest. The paragraph on page 1228 of the OFFICIAL REPORT in the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer—I may observe that the word used in line 29 was "protective" and not " productive " —appears to me to state less tersely but more eloquently the policy which I laid down in my Election Address of 1924. In the Home Secretary's speech at Romsey I am unable to find any definition of policy but rather a number of pertinent questions to which he did not provide answers but said with truth that they were worthy of consideration. I must frankly confess that after such examination of these speeches as I have been able to give, not in fragments, but as a whole, I am struck not so much by the diversity of testimony as by the many sidedness of truth.

In view of that most interesting and light-hearted reply, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he will kindly answer the question The question is whether either of the speeches referred to represents the policy of the Government; and will the Prime Minister call to mind the repeated declarations of members of his Government, when they were in opposition, that collective responsibility must be observed by Members of the Cabinet?

If the right hon. Gentleman will do me the honour to read the answer I have given, he will find that those two points are specifically answered. I said, if I may condense my observations, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement, in the speech to which I referred, appeared to me to describe exactly the policy of the Government as laid down at the General Election. In the Home Secretary's speech, I discovered no trace of policy at all.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, if the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was a statement of the Government's policy, and that, as he said, in the official sphere we ought not to contemplate any fundamental reversal of the fiscal system, we are to infer from the Home Secretary's speech at Romsey that he does not agree with that, but desires a duty on the fundamental industry of iron and steel?

I cannot follow the hon. Member in inferences. I have answered perfectly plainly the question directed to me, and I must say that I feel rather flattered that the hon. Gentleman should look to us for a far greater degree of political unity than is to be found on either of the benches opposite.

Are we, therefore, to take it that the incidents are closed but the issue remains?

Do we understand that the Prime Minister said that the Home Secretary's questions were pertinent or impertinent?

Pertinent.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether there is probably not a great deal of confusion owing to the fact that the Leader of the Liberal party invented the word "safeguarding" a few years ago?

Is the Prime Minister aware that in one of the industries at the back of the Home Secretary's mind, namely, pig iron, there has been a reduction of 300,000 tons in the imports for the six months ended June, 1928, as compared with the six months ended June, 1927?

When the Prime Minister speaks of the many-sidedness of truth, would he mind saying on which side the truth stands? Is he continuing the policy for which he was returned to power at the last election, or is he preparing to support the Home Secretary in a fundamental alteration of that policy?

Has the Prime Minister consulted the two right hon. Gentlemen beside him in regard to the answer which he has furnished to the House tot day, and will he say whether that represents complete agreement in the Cabinet?

In view of the great uncertainty about the position in some of the industries that are asking for safeguarding, may I ask whether the Government are now, in accordance with the statements of Ministers, giving specific consideration to an extension of the safeguarding procedure and an alteration of the present rules of procedure, and, if so, when an announcement is likely to be made?

That goes far beyond the scope of the question. I do not agree with the hon. Member that the state of doubt and uncertainty to which he alludes exists to the extent that he desires it should.

In view of the general harmony which has now been re-established on the other side, may I ask the Prime Minister whether there will be any annulment of the recent sentence passed on the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto)?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will advise the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the question of applying the Safeguarding of Industries Act to the iron and steel trades, with a view to determining the effect of foreign competition in those trades in this country and the extent to which that competition is facilitated by the lower wages and longer hours observed in the competing countries?

As my hon. and gallant Friend will remember, the whole question was carefully examined in 1925 by the Committee of Civil Research, and I announced the Government's decision in reply to a question in Parliament on the 21st December, 1925. The Government adhere to the decision then reached, and do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a Royal Commission at the present time. I would only add this. In the statement referred to above, I stated that the Government would keep these industries under close observation with a view to promoting their well-being should any other measures be deemed desirable. The Government's proposal for the relief of industry from rates will be an appreciable factor in reducing overhead costs in the iron and steel industry; while the proposal to concentrate the railway freight relief of coal, on coal for iron and steel works and for export, and to bring the freight relief into force on the 1st December next, will also tend to improve the competitive position of this basic industry.

Is the Prime Minister aware that, so far as pig iron is concerned, there has been a reduction in imports of 300,000 tons in the first six months of this year compared with the first six months of 1927; is he further aware that, so far as steel and iron are concerned, there has been a reduction in imports in the same period of 1,500,000 tons; and is he aware that exports have been going up?

Are we now to assume from the Prime Minister's reply that the Government have not only decided not to apply safeguarding to iron and steel now, but that they do not propose to include the safeguarding of it in the proposals for the next election?

I think that the hon. Gentleman is premature in eliciting information out of a question that affords him too slender a foundation.

Does the Prime Minister accept the statement that the competing countries have lower wages and longer hours, and ace these countries not Protectionist with regard to iron and steel?

Is it not an acknowledged fact that in many of the Continental countries longer hours are worked and much smaller wages are paid than in this country?

And they are protected countries.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disparity between the retired pay of permanently commissioned officers of the Army and that of Royal Marine and Naval officers promoted from the ranks during the War; that many officers of the latter class are suffering serious financial hardship; and whether he will examine the position and consider the possibility of introducing some equalising proposals?

I have been asked to reply. This question has been fully considered on more than one occasion, and my right hon. Friend sees no ground for reopening it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether persons consigning live horses for shipment abroad for slaughter have to make a declaration that the horses are exported for slaughter?

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative, but the Ministry's Inspectors who examine the horses at the ports before shipment are instructed to ascertain as far as possible the purpose for which each horse is exported.

Is there any register kept, in order to differentiate as to whether horses are exported for work or for slaughter?

The information is found out in a very great number of cases. For instance, in the first six months it has been ascertained that 77 horses were exported for slaughter to France and 940 to Holland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the proposed research is being made into the effect of feeding pigs upon the refuse of imported chilled beef from the Argentine in order to test further the allegation that foot-and-mouth disease can be transmitted to British herds through pig food?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the replies given to my hon. Friend on the 19th July and the 23rd April last.

When is an answer likely to be received from the Research Committee?

My right hon. Friend said in his reply of 19th July that he had conveyed the suggestion of my hon. Friend to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Committee, but that he was not going to dictate to that Committee what they were to do in the matter, and he is still of the same opinion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present position of foot-and-mouth disease in the country?

No outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred in any part of Great Britain since the 15th July. There were three connected cases near York on the 11th, 12th and 15th July respectively, for which no origin has been discovered. Prior to the first mentioned of these dates, no cases had been confirmed since 21st May.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the boundaries of the 850,000 acres of land in Northern Laikipia which the Kenya Government is proposing to lease to Europeans; whether this area includes the Loroki hills; and what proportion of this land is occupied by natives?

The area in question is bounded on the west, north and east by the Baringo and Turkana Districts and by the Northern Frontier Province; on the south it adjoins the settled part of the Laikipia District. According to the maps in my possession, the Loroki hills are not in this area, but lie to the north of it in the intermediate area to which, pending further inquiry, the Samburu are to have access. I understand that there may have been some scattered groups of the Samburu in the area to which the hon. Member refers, but I am unable to say exactly what their numbers may have been.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, as to the land occupied by natives?

There are only scattered groups of the Samburu in the area.

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the natives of Kenya live in scattered groups; and is this not a clear case of another alienation?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that small areas of this land are available for leasing to settlers on the spot, instead of being handed over to big companies?