asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. Joseph Wilfred Edwards, of 204, Birch-field Road East, Northampton, formerly private, No. 3,067, East Surrey Regiment, was a prisoner of war from July, 1915, until the Armistice; that on his release he was detained in a mental hospital until the end of 1919 when he was discharged with a disablement pension; and that he subsequently married, and his wife suffered considerably until in December,, 1927, she had to obtain the assistance of the police, and her husband was taken to the Northants Mental Hospital where he now is; whether he is aware that all pension has been refused, and Mrs. Edwards and her family of five are existing on Poor Law relief; and why, in view of the fact that Mr. Edwards was in need of mental treatment on his return from a war prisoners' camp before his discharge from the Army, it is claimed that his recurring mental derangement since that date is not due to his War service?

On the information available it has not been found possible to admit the claim. I have, however, received further representations from the man's wife, into which I am having inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether constant attendance allowances are granted in cases where there is total incapacity, although the recognised disability from War service is less than 100 per cent.?

No, Sir. It is a condition, under the terms of the Warrant, of the grant of the special allowance referred to that the pensioner is in receipt of pension based on an assessment of not less than the maximum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of persons on the register of Parliamentary electors in Great Britain whose sex is not distinguished?

None.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to a contract in use in the entertainment business which enforces contracting out of the Employers' Liability Act, 1880, and any Act continuing or amending that Act; and will he institute an inquiry into the conditions of employment in this industry?

I have seen the clause in the contract referred to by the hon. Member, but so far, at any rate, as theatrical performers are concerned, it would appear to be based on a. misapprehension as to the scope of the Employers' Liability Act. That Act applies only to workmen as defined in Section 8, and I am advised that a theatrical performer would not as such come within that definition, and would not, therefore, in any case have any right of action under the Act.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Home Secretary's reply, I beg to give notice that at an early date I shall call attention to this matter on the Motion for Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of police officers detailed for duty in Hyde Park daily, and the number of such officers specially employed in relation to the observance of the by-laws and regulations of the park; and if Reports are submitted to the Home Office from time to time on the activities of these officers?

The average number of police performing duty (including traffic duty) in Hyde Park on each day is 45. They work a tour of eight hours, so are not all on duty at any one time. Their ordinary duty includes the enforcement of the Park regulations, and none of them are specially employed in relation to those regulations. Reports on their work are submitted to me as required.

May I ask whether, apart from these cases that appear in the papers, the conduct of the police in Hyde Park has been above reproach for years past?

Yes, Sir; and I might add that I have no complaint whatever in regard to them, and am satisfied that they carry out very difficult duties with honesty and courtesy.

asked the Home Secretary the annual cost of police supervision in Hyde Park, and the amount expended upon the special services which relate to observance of by-laws during the hours of darkness; and if he will consider the reduction of these costs by a more effective lighting system in the park?

The total annual cost of all the police regularly employed in Hyde Park, including those engaged on traffic control as well as those patrolling the park, is approximately £25,000 per annum. My Noble Friend the First Commissioner of Works informs me that apart from the police there are no special services relating to the en- forcement of the Park by-laws. I will consult him as to the adequacy of the present lighting system.

Has my right hon. Friend not received, from time to time, complaints that the lighting of the park is not adequate; and in point of fact is it not the worst lighted park in Europe, having regard to its importance?

I have received information that it is not well lighted. It so happens that my Under-Secretary is also the representative in this House of the First Commissioner of Works, and I have asked him to take this matter in hand.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not publicly say that the morals of the people were no part of the duty of the police, but that what was required of the police was to make sure that any romantic behaviour on the part of some people should not be seen by respectable persons; and in view of that fact, would not that duty be better performed by extinguishing all the lights in the park?

I am afraid I cannot regard the hon. Member's statement as bearing much resemblance to any speech which I have ever made.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the figure which he has given amounts to over £10 per week for each policeman?

Would the right hon. Gentleman be able to tell us, after consultation with the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as the representative of the First Commissioner of Works, when the question of the lighting of the park will be considered?

I am in communication already with the First Commissioner of Works, but, as my hon. Friend will understand, we cannot reconsider the whole question of the lighting of Hyde Park in a couple of days.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Hyde Park is one of the few places where servant girls in London can carry on innocent flirtations?

I do not know, but I have not the slightest objection to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, when he is consulting with the Under-Secretary, the question of the lighting of the other parks as well?

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been apprehended by the police for alleged indecency in Hyde Park during the last 12 months; in how many cases have convictions been obtained; and whether he has come to any conclusion about the need for better lighting of Hyde Park after dark?

During the 12 months ended 31st March, 325 persons were arrested for offences of indecency under the Parks Regulations, of whom 258 were convicted, while 37 others, the charges against whom were found to be proved, were discharged: a total of 295 guilty out of 325 arrested.

For prostitution offences, the figures are 242 out of 269.

Aiding and abetting prostitution offences, 36 arrests, 36 convictions.

Importuning, 2 arrests, 2 convictions.

Indecent exposure, I arrest, I conviction.

Rape, I arrest, no conviction.

Indecent assault on females, 2 arrests, no conviction.

Offences of insulting behaviour under the Police Act, 56 arrests, 40 found guilty.

For all these various offences taken together the figures are 692 arrests; 616 found guilty, of whom 540 were actually convicted. As regards lights, I would refer to the reply given to the preceding question.

Do not these figures show how few mistakes the police make in this difficult duty?

As the Minister who is responsible for the police, I have gone very carefully, before the present time, into the very difficult position which exists in regard to these matters, and I am really satisfied that the police, not only as a whole but individually, do their best in very difficult circumstances.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many of the persons charged with indecency were warned before arrest; and does he not think that a warning before arrest, given by a uniformed policeman or policewoman, would be more effective, as a way of dealing with this particular subject?

Absolutely useless!

Of course, it would be exceedingly difficult when a gross offence has been committed, not only against the code of regulations of the park, but against decency, to say that the man or woman concerned should have been warned, the offence having actually been committed at the time. There are cases which take place in public parks where those who commit the offences are deserving of punishment for what is really an offence against the whole community. As far as the other point is concerned, I propose to refer the general question to the Macmillan Committee on Street Offences.

In how many of these cases were the accused persons legally represented at their trial?

I could not tell that without notice.

I will put the question down.

asked the Home Secretary whether Prince Carol of Rumania and the lady accompanying him, and the staff of attendants who landed with him on his recent arrival in this country, were all provided with Rumanian passports, and did the passports receive a visa of the British Consul in Paris, or other official representing this country abroad; and will he also state what is the usual procedure in relation to passports which is followed in the case of Royalties visiting this country?

The members of this party carried Rumanian passports, duly vised by a British representative abroad. Three French servants who carried French passports did not require visas. I understand that members of foreign Royal families visiting this country are usually provided with diplomatic passports.

So Prince Carol and his party received no advantage over anyone else?

None whatever, except—I do not want to mislead the House—that Prince Carol had what is called a diplomatic passport. That, however, is not issued by us, but by the Rumanian Government.

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any further statement on the circumstances of Prince Carol of Rumania's visit to this country, and his request to Prince Carol to leave?

Ex-Prince Carol arrived in this country on 28th April, and, as there was no reason to believe that the mere fact of his presence here would be undesirable, he received in the ordinary course leave to land for a temporary visit of two months. Since his arrival events have occurred which made it necessary for me to ask him to curtail his visit and to leave the country as soon as possible. I received yesterday from M. Jonescu a communication expressing, on behalf of his guest, regret that the ex-Prince had unintentionally caused embarrassment to His Majesty's Government, and assurances that, if my request were withdrawn, he would not exercise any political activities during his stay here. I have carefully considered these representations, in consultation with ray right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, but have reluctantly felt compelled to reply to the effect that the unfortunate impression which has already been created cannot be removed by any assurances for the future, and that, while I am prepared, on the clear understanding that the ex-Prince and those directly associated with him refrain scrupulously in the meantime from any form of political activity, to allow him a reasonable time to make his arrangements for leaving the country, I regretted that the directions already issued could not be withdrawn.

May I ask what the right hon. Gentleman means by "ex-Prince"? Is he aware that he referred to this Prince two or three days ago as a gentleman, which is quite incorrect, and what is an ex-prince?

That is not a proper question.

May I ask what the right hon. Gentleman considers a reasonable time, and whether he would have given the same time to a Bolshevist in the same position?

In reply to the last supplementary question, perhaps the hon. Member is net aware how very kindly I am to people who are obliged to leave this country for our good. I always give them sufficient time to make their arrangements for getting away. I do not want to fix a time, but I hope that the gentleman in question will have gone by Monday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many Scotsmen have left their country for their country's good?

Do the Socialist party wish to entertain Prince Carol at lunch in this House before he leaves?

On a point of personal explanation, may I say that, when I asked the Home Secretary about his description of Prince Carol as a gentleman, it was not in any way in disparagement of the Prince at all, but I thought that the Home Secretary was not giving him his proper title, and I wanted to know why he should not call a prince a prince, and not a gentleman.

The hon. and gallant Member appears to mix in circles which I do not quite understand.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that two men, named Grundell and Cowling, workmen and tenants of the Birley Colliery Company, near Sheffield, resumed work after the 1926 stoppage under an agreement to have 1s. per working shift deducted from their wages for rents accrued during the stoppage; that on the 1st February several men were given notice to leave the employ of the company, Grundell and Cowling amongst them, and on the 17th and 24th February all the wages earned during the two weeks were stopped at the colliery office in payment of rent arrears, and the men had to apply to the guardians for relief; that representations were made to the colliery company, who would not make any allowance whatsoever, but took immediate steps to get the men out of the houses; and, in view of the provisions of the Truck Acts, what steps he proposes to take?

I have been asked to answer this question. This matter has not previously been reported either to me or to my right hon. Friend. I am making inquiries, and when I am in a position to reply I will invite the hon. Member to repeat his question.

asked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Royal Commission dealing with the general question of local self-government is to be expected?

The Commission are still engaged in hearing evidence and I cannot, I regret, make any statement as to the date on which the Report will be presented.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of classes which are classified according to the number of pupils on the school registers of elementary schools, which have over 60 pupils; and will he give particulars, including the numbers of the four largest classes, of which he has any statistics?

On the 31st March, 1927, there were 278 classes in public elementary schools in England and Wales with over 60 children on the rolls. As regards the second part of the question, I have made inquiry into the cases of the four largest classes. As the hon. Member may be aware, the returns made by local authorities relate to a particular date in the year, and I find that in each of these cases the large size of the class on that date was due to an entirely unavoidable cause, such as the temporary absence of a teacher owing to illness; moreover, in three out of the four cases the class was, in fact, divided between the class teacher and the head teacher or another assistant, though this fact was not actually shown on the return. I have little doubt that similar considerations would be found on investigation to apply to the large majority of the classes returned with over 60 children on the roll.

Will the Noble Lord answer that part of the question, in reference to the numbers in the four largest classes?

I have not included those figures because, to give the numbers of the four largest classes, when those classes were the largest, only because of the fact that the principal teacher happened to have a cold on a particular day, would seem to be rather useless. If the hon. Member wants them I will send the figures to him.

Could we have the numbers of the four largest regular classes?

How could I tell, without going through all the 278, which were regular and which were irregular?

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schools in the London area conduct open-air nurseries for the infants during the whole or a part of the year, and the aggregate number of children in these classes, giving figures for the last five years?

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

Is it not the case that between 30 and 40 per cent. of children in elementary schools are either diseased or delicate, and that only 7 per cent. of those between two years and five years of age who have attended open-air schools are diseased or delicate; and will he not consider the question of providing more open-air schools?

That question should be put on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the shortage of elementary school accommodation in Wednesbury; that school children residing on the municipal estates, Wood Green area, have to walk long distances to school; and that the number of elementary school children has increased, though the accommodation is almost the same as existed in 1918; and whether he can state what financial assistance he can render to enable the Wednesbury Education Committee to provide additional school accommodation where needed?

I am aware of the shortage of school accommodation in the Wednesbury area. I have already drawn the authority's attention to the matter and invited them to confer with the officers of my Department. A conference will, I hope, take place very shortly. The authority's approved expenditure on the provision of additional accommodation will, of course, be taken into account in determining the Board's grant.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether as a result of his recent visit to Durham, any report will be issued as to the objects and conclusions of his visit?

No, Sir.

Has not the Minister been in Durham at the request of the Prime Minister to inquire into the con- dition of the wives and children of the miners there; and are we not entitled to a report?

No, Sir. I promised the House the other day that I would pay personal attention to and keep a personal eye on the conditions in the distressed mining areas. That I am doing, but if I am asked to publish a report every time I go for two days to a distressed area, I do not think it will serve any very useful purpose.

Is the Noble Lord satisfied with the conditions which are now prevailing among the children there?

No. Of course I am not satisfied with the conditions prevailing among the children in any distressed area—no one could be.

If the Noble Lord is not satisfied with the conditions, is he going to recommend any remedial measures being taken immediately?

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) the number of London special schools for mentally defective children which have been closed during the past five years;

(2) the number of mentally defective children at present on the roll of London special schools, and the corresponding number for 1918?

Since the 1st April, 1923, 18 London special schools for mentally defective children, providing 1,332 places, have been closed. The number of children on the rolls of special schools for mentally defective children has fallen from 6,994 on the 31st March, 1924, to 5,594 on the 31st March, 1928. The corresponding figure on the 31st March, 1918, was 7,004. I may add that the standard of ascertainment of mentally defective children in public elementary schools in London has remained practically constant for several years and the number of children so ascertained has fallen from 12.64 per thousand in 1923 to 11.22 per thousand in 1927.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to state the names of the persons who will serve on the committee that he is setting up to inquire into the general question of the training and supply of midwives?

No, Sir. This committee is not yet quite complete.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many acceptances he has had in response to the invitations sent out?

No, Sir, not without notice.

asked the Minister of Health, whether the General Medical Council or the Medical Research Council are concerned with the investigation of new discoveries in connection with, and new treatments of, disease; if not, whether there is any body of medical men in this country whose business it is to make such investigation officially: and, if not, how his department is kept advised of such new discoveries and treatments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative as regards the General Medical Council, and in the affirmative as regards the Medical Research Council. The recognised method of bringing a new discovery to notice is publication of the scientific evidence for it in a technical journal. This allows its value to science or practice to be confirmed or otherwise by other workers.

As the public generally do not read these technical papers of the medical profession, can the right hon. Gentleman say in what way the public can be informed, in view of the action which is taken by the General Medical Council in the case of any member of the profession who advises the public of a new treatment by any communication in the public Press?

Is it not the view of the right hon. Gentleman that the less the public know, read and think about disease, the freer they will be from it?

I cannot admit that it is not desirable that alleged new medical discoveries should be submitted to technical examination, and I do not think it is possible for the Medical Research Council to take any useful action unless they have the benefit of some such publication as I have suggested.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has recently received particulars respecting new discoveries in treatment for asthma and goitre from a medical specialist; whether these discoveries have been investigated; and, if not, whether there is any step which can be taken by his Department to see that the value of these discoveries is thoroughly investigated?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third questions, I am advised that the case is not one in which the Ministry could appropriately take any action.

asked the Minister of Health what conditions have been laid down by his Department in connection with the appointment of the county medical officer for Salop; and, seeing that the Salop County Council now dispute the terms proposed, what action does he propose to take to bring about a settlement?

No special conditions have been laid down by my Department in connection with this appointment, but I have suggested to the county council that in making the appointment they should have regard to the standard salaries for such appointments which have been commended by my Department for the guidance of local authorities. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the county council have deferred consideration of the matter for the present.

asked the Minister of Health whether any centres of population, over 25,000, now regard their requirements with respect to the provision of new houses as having been substantially met; and, if so, how many?

I have not received any formal statements to the effect indicated, but as my hon. Friend is aware very great progress has been made in the provision of houses in the last two or three years.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, following the reduction in the subsidy, there has been a marked falling of in the number of houses under construction or authorised under the 1923 and 1924 Acts; and whether, with a view to stimulating local authorities to undertake wide schemes of building for letting, he will give an early assurance that the present rates of Exchequer assistance will be available for all houses completed by 30th September, 1929?

I am aware that as compared with the abnormally high rate of house construction just before the reduction of the subsidy became operative, the subsequent statistics showed a falling off in the rate of house building. The latest figures indicate that the rate is now increasing again. With regard to the last part of the question, although I cannot, of course, anticipate what the result will be of the statutory review of the subsidy at present payable, which must be undertaken after the 1st October next, I have in the meantime decided that houses completed by the 31st March, 1929, shall, if otherwise eligible, qualify for subsidy at the existing rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has under consideration the representations of the West India Committee and the desire of supporters of Imperial Preference that oils from Empire sources should be encouraged in the British market, with a view to the opening up of new oil areas within the Empire and lessening our dependence on foreign liquid fuel; and if he proposes to give some form of preference to oil imported from Empire sources?

I can add nothing to the reply which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on 1st May to my noble Friend, the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon).

Can the hon. Member say why Empire oils, being a dutiable commodity, should be exempted from the general policy of Empire preference?

The practical benefit of preference in the case of hydrocarbon oils would be negligible, and complications which would be introduced into the working of the tax would be great.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether consignments of mechanical lighters and buttons at present in transit, which were ordered prior to the imposition of the new duties, will be allowed to enter this country duty free?

The answer is in the negative. Under the Resolutions, the duties on mechanical lighters and buttons took effect as from 28th April and apply to all such articles imported on and after that date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the new arrangements, the Bank of England will be permitted to hold commercial bills as a portion of its fiduciary reserve; if so, to what extent; and what conditions will govern the acceptance by the bank of mercantile bills as part of the fiduciary reserve?

The Bank of England will be required to hold in the issue department securities of an amount in value sufficient to cover the fiduciary note issue and to notify to the Treasury from time to time the actual securities held. The word securities is wide enough to cover commercial bills. It is not, however, intended to prescribe specific rules on this subject.

May the House understand from that reply that the securities held by the Bank of England as part of the fiduciary reserve need not necessarily be Government securities, but may, in fact, be such securities as are chosen in the discretion of the bank, subject to periodical revision by the Treasury?

That, Sir, is too wide a subject for me to deal with by way of question and answer across the Floor of the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the memorandum of action to be taken in connection with, or as supplementary to, the recommendations contained in the Third Report of the Southborough Committee of January, 1925, it was provided that temporary clerks should be selected for permanent non-pensionable employment in Government Departments on scales prescribed for temporary grades; that some of the personnel so selected for permanent unpensionable employment were selected for employment upon scales prescribed for clerks, Grade I or II, and that in certain cases such clerks have since been reduced to lower grades contrary to the provisions of the memorandum; and whether he will take steps to restore such officers to their former grades?

The memorandum of January, 1925, setting out the agreed conditions of service of clerks selected for permanent non-pensionable employment does not provide for the retention by individuals of the rates of pay of the particular grade in which they may have been serving at the time of selection if posts in that grade cease to be available. On the contrary, it is specifically laid down in Clause 3 that, where it is necessary to transfer clerks who become redundant in their existing posts, they shall receive the rates of pay and be subject to the conditions of service of the posts to which they are transferred.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of disabled ex-service men engaged in Government Departments on the 31st March last, and the comparable number at the 31st March, 1927?

The number of disabled ex-service men employed in Government Departments was 44,116 on 1st April, 1927, and 45,985 on 1st April, 1928. These figures do not cover industrial staffs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the improved prospects of exporting pedigree livestock to the Dominions and Colonies, he will give statistics for each of the six counties of North Wales, showing the number of breeders of pedigree animals, the number of bulls, boars, heavy horses, and rams for which grants were awarded during the last financial year, and the aggregate amount of the grants awarded?

The information desired

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to recent experiments which showed that the virus of yellow fever was still alive after being completely frozen for 12 days; and what steps are being taken, in view of the possibility of foot-and-mouth disease being introduced into this country in frozen, and still more in merely chilled, carcases from abroad?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. On the discovery by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee that bone marrow

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain particulars?

I think it would be very difficult to get these statistics for the six counties, but I will see what information we have and let the hon. Baronet have it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has in North Wales a representative who should have these statistics?

Would not the cost of obtaining these figures be almost prohibitive and would not the expenditure be at variance with the policy of the Liberal party?

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that he now does believe that foot-and-mouth disease can be imported into this country in frozen or chilled carcases?

I have always agreed that there is a risk.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he said a few weeks ago that there was no risk?

I never said there was no risk. I have said that there was as yet no proof.

Has the right hon. Gentleman some proof now?

No, I have no proof. I only said there is a risk, and that we are doing all we can to provide against it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the suggestion made in another place with regard to quarantine provisions?

The proposal that this meat should be kept for 21 days, I think it was, in store, would, of course, make it uneatable, and it would deprive consumers in this country of any supplies of chilled meat.

That would not apply to frozen meat?

Oh, no; frozen meat could still be brought in, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, that is not such a popular form of importation as chilled meat.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of seeing that these carcases are imported with the head and feet attached?

That would be a very illusory safeguard, because animals may be in an infective condition without lesions on the head and feet.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that there is less risk in importing live animals than dead?

No—emphatically no.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any information to give as to the progress made by the Argentine Government in measures taken to prevent the exportation of meat infected with the virus of foot-and-mouth disease into this country?

I am informed that the Argentine Government have appointed 70 additional veterinary inspectors and have stationed them in the country to inspect cattle before they are despatched to the frigorificos for slaughter. The veterinary staffs in the frigorificos have also been strengthened in order to administer the new Decree which forbids the export to Britain of the carcases of animals when affected with disease, or of any animals which have been in immediate contact with them. The railway companies are proceeding with the installation of plants for the disinfection of trucks as required by the Decree. A real attempt is apparently being made by all parties to carry out the new law which is designed to protect Great Britain from the introduction of infection.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the depressed state of the osier industry; and whether he will assist this industry to find better markets by affording it assistance in organised marketing or by any other methods in his power?

I am aware that there is a depression in the osier industry in certain parts of the country, but this is by no means general. A considerable amount of research work is being done at Long Ashton with regard to the combating of the disease to which osiers are liable, and with a view to the introduction and testing of new varieties of plant. The Rural Industries Bureau, acting in close association with rural community councils in certain counties, e.g., Somerset and Leicester, are doing their utmost to assist and develop the various industries that depend upon osiers, and committees of growers and basket-makers have been set up in those two counties, who are now watching the position, and have already secured a reduction in the railway charges for the conveyance of the raw material.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the Ministry's very able officials has been going round encouraging people to grow osiers and teaching them how to plant their setts and make osier beds, and now their difficulty is that they are at a loss to know how to sell them? Is not this a waste of effort and could not they be given some assistance in the matter of marketing them?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman can suggest any way in which further help can be given towards marketing them I shall be very pleased to hear it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Rural Industries Bureau have suggested in the last issue of their periodical that osiers should be safeguarded, and will he take some steps to this end?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to introduce legislation for long-term agricultural credits applicable to Scotland?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that this legislation will be introduced with a minimum of delay?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this legislation will be introduced in this Session?

I am not able to say.

Is the condition of Scottish agriculture so much better than that of English agriculture that there is not the need for this legislation to be applied to Scotland as soon as to England?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has received any complaints from policy holders against any industrial assurance company; and, if so, whether he has taken any action?

I have recently received three complaints from policy holders in industrial insurance companies. In one case it is hoped that the point at issue will shortly be determined by the High Court in proceedings instituted by the Industrial Assurance Commissioner hi another case. The others related to disputes which had been referred to the. Commissioner under Section 32 of the Industrial Assurance Act, 1923. One of these cases is still sub judice.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what action was taken in the other case? He has told us that one case is sub judice. What happened in the other case?

The other case will be determined by the result of the proceedings which are now going on in the High Court.

If the hon. Gentleman will look at his answer, he will see that he has stated that one case is sub judice. Another case has evidently been settled, and I wish to know what was the decision in that case.

No, Sir, it has not been settled, but it is shortly being determined.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the industrial insurance companies to which he refers are life or sickness or accident, or both?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the serious congestion that periodically occurs in the port of Hull, especially during the height of the timber-importing season, and of the need, for example, of a better connection between the Alexandra and Victoria docks and the utilisation of the empty land space known as the Western Reservation; that a deadlock has been reached between the corporation of the city and the London and North-Eastern Railway Company on the question of using this ground for relieving congestion and further developing the port; and whether he will take any steps in the matter?

I am aware that congestion has occurred at Hull during the height of the timber-importing season, but, so far as my information goes, this congestion is not due to shortage of storage acccommodation. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not fully aware of the nature of the discussions to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but I understand that no offer in connection with the Western Reservation has been made by the corporation to the railway company and that the offer which is understood to have been made to the timber trade was on lines which would not be suitable for permanent development by the railway company.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has been misinformed on this point, and that an offer has been made by the corporation, and will he use his good offices in the matter to try and bring about a settlement?

If the hon. and gallant Member will let me know what he thinks I can usefully do, I will see what action I can take in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the barracks at Hampton Court are empty; if so, for how long they have been empty; and whether his Department has given any consideration to the possibility of these premises being made available for occupancy by persons employed in the immediate vicinity?

The barracks have been empty since 1925, but the question of their reoccupation is at present under consideration. As regards the last part of the question, the barracks are Crown property, and their disposal, if not required for military purposes, would rest with the Office of Works.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Patrick Nelson, late No. 6,800, Sea-forth Highlanders, 38, Fairfield Street, Govan, enlisted on the 23rd October, 1899, and served with the colours until the 29th December, 1907, was on the Army Reserve to the 4th August, 1914, when he was recalled to the colours; that he served until 15th April, 1919, which constitutes a total of 19 years and 5 months service; that Nelson has a permanent pension of 20 per cent.; and whether he can state the reasons why this ex-soldier has been refused a service pension?

I presume the hon. Member refers to Patrick Neeson, who cannot be awarded a service pension because his qualifying service amounts to 12 years 10 months only, and is less than the minimum of 14 Years necessary for an award. His reserve service does not reckon as qualifying service, because he was mobilised from Section D and not subsequently invalided.

Can the hon. Gentleman quote the Regulation which excludes this man from having his period of reserve service counted as part of the qualifying period for a service pension?

Section D would certainly disqualify him.

Can the hon. Member tell me the number of the Regulation that disqualifies this man?

I cannot give the number of the Regulation off-hand, but I will send the hon. Member a copy of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Charles Doyle, late No. 283,132, Royal Irish Fusiliers, 39, Hamilton Street. Govan, enlisted on the 22nd August, 1873, completed that service (colour and reserve), served also during the South African War, volunteered for service in the Great War on 2nd September 1915, and served to the 2nd April, 1918, when he was discharged as no longer physically fit for further service; and whether he can state the reasons why this ex-soldier has been refused a service pension?

When Mr. Doyle enlisted in 1915 he did not declare his former service, which was therefore forfeited. Even if the forfeited service were restored, his qualifying service for pension would only amount to 9 years 7 months, which is considerably short of the minimum of 14 years necessary. His reserve service does not reckon as qualifying for pension, as he was not on the reserve at the date of his subsequent enlistment.

Will the Financial Secretary say if this man is to be penalised because when the Great War broke out he concealed his real age in order to get into the Army?

According to the Regulations, the fact that this man concealed his age would disqualify him, but, quite apart from that consideration, his service does not qualify him for a pension even if he had not done so.

Will the hon. Gentleman send me a copy of the Regulation which deals with this particular case?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he has yet received any report of the magisterial inquiry into the shooting of railwaymen in the Lillooah district during the dispute on the East India Railway?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the number of occasions on which armed mounted police or other military or semi-military forces have been used to disperse crowds of strikers in Bombay during the current textile dispute, and the numbers of killed and wounded on each occasion; and will he cause investigation to be made into the grounds upon which such action has been taken in each instance?

On the 23rd April, when 20 unarmed police were being stoned by a mob, armed police were called in with the result that one striker was killed and one seriously injured. So far as I am aware—though full reports have not yet been received—this is the only occasion on which it was necessary to use armed police. There have been no other casualties. My Noble Friend understands that the police were in a very difficult and dangerous position, and does not consider that any action on his part is called for.

Do I understand that the Under-Secretaryy expects to receive a fuller report on this question later on?

Oh, yes; fuller reports than those which have been received will no doubt be forthcoming.

Shall I be able to get information concerning those reports if I put down another Question in about a fortnight?

I could not give the exact time, but perhaps the hon. Member will put down another Question in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reason His Majesty's Government waited until the Public Assemblies Bill had been passed by the Egyptian Assembly before addressing the ultimatum to the Egyptian Government?

What the hon. Member describes as an ultimatum was not addressed to the Egyptian Government until all friendly representations had failed. Such representations had been made to the late Prime Minister, and it was hoped that the Assemblies Bill would be amended by Parliament on the lines strongly urged there by the representative of the competent department of the Egyptian Government. Subsequently every effort was made to persuade the present Prime Minister to secure the Bill's amendment, before it finally passed the Senate, and it was only when it became clear that he refused to do so, that His Majesty's Government, on 30th April, addressed their final warning to the Egyptian Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers are now employed on non-seagoing service, and the number in May, 1914, respectively?

The number of officers, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, etc., serving in harbour ships and shore establishments at home and abroad at the nearest available dates was as follows:

15th December, 1927	3,902
15th March, 1914 (approximately)	4,046

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many applications have been received from naval ratings during the past 12 months to serve in the Royal Australian Navy or other Dominion forces; and how many loans and transfers have been effected, respectively?

Records of the number of applications for transfer or loan are not kept. 215 naval ratings and Royal Marines were lent and 20 transferred to the various Dominion naval forces during the 12 months ending the 2nd May, 1928. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the terms of, and the reasons for, the recent Admiralty Fleet Order regarding the change in the term of notice which is henceforth to be given to dockyard workmen discharged on reduction?

The terms of the Order were that the practice of giving two weeks notice to workmen discharged on reduction, which was adopted when heavy discharges had to be made at the end of the War, is now to cease, and that in future a week's notice is to be given in accordance with the dockyard regulations. The reason for the Order was that the special circumstances which warranted the departure from the ordinary practice, in accordance with the regulations, no longer exist.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that this change is a most inhuman one when the great amount of unemployment in Devonport is taken into account, as well as the impossibility of these men finding alternative employment?

I cannot say that I do consider it is inhuman. I think that in the circumstances it is a perfectly natural and sensible decision.

Was it dictated by reasons of economy, or by any other reason?

It was because it was considered that the special circumstances which existed immediately after the War, when there were so many discharges, no longer existed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain the passage in the appropriation account that, whereas at Chatham and Devonport a substantial proportion of the men employed was classed and paid as ordinary labourers, practically all the men at Portsmouth were rated as skilled, and that the proportion of skilled labourers at Portsmouth receiving the higher rates of skilled pay was considerably greater than at the other yards; and whether it can be so arranged that skilled labourers at Devonport and Chatham should be placed on the same scale as at Portsmouth?

I do not think it would be proper for me to explain a passage in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General which will be shortly considered by the Public Accounts Committee of this House. With regard to the last part of the question, skilled labourers have always been on the same scale of pay at the home dockyards, and the question of the proportion of skilled to unskilled labourers in the Works Department at Portsmouth is under consideration

Can the Parliamentary Secretary explain what is meant in the Auditor-General's Report? Why is it that the men at Portsmouth are rated as skilled predominantly when they do the same kind of work?

I think that is a question which really must be settled by the Auditor-General in his Report.