asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make a statement as to the present situation in China?

The final operations for rounding up the remnants of the Northern troops in the area between Tientsin and the Great Wall were undertaken by the Nationalists in September. Fighting took place northwest of Tongshan on 9th September, and resulted in the defeat of the Northern forces, and Tongshan was occupied by the Nationalists on the evening of the same day. By the end of September the area, had been cleaned up and fighting had ceased. I am happy to say that there has been no resumption of civil war.The constitution of the new Government (which I have been informed by the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires is to be known as the National Government) was defined in the Government Organisation Law promulgated at Nanking on 3rd October. The preamble lays down the future relations of the Government to the Kuomintang, stating that the party is responsible for its establishment, direction and supervision pending the time when it will be possible to hand over full constitutional powers to the people. The State Council consists of a chairman, who represents the Government in international affairs and is concurrently Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and 16 members, the most significant of whom are Feng Yu-hsiang and Chang Hsueh-liang, Chang Tso-lin's son. Government is exercised through five Councils:The Administration or Executive Council;

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government joined with those of other Powers in offering official congratulations to Chiang Kai-shek on his election to the Presidency of the National Government; and, if not, for what reason?

On the occasion of the Republican anniversary on 10th October, when Chiang Kai-shek assumed office as President of the National Government, His Majesty's Minister sent the following message to the Minister for Foreign Affairs at Nanking;

"On the occasion of the anniversary of the Revolution please accept my best wishes for the prosperity of the Republic and the welfare of the Chinese people."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has anything to add to the statement he made last Session as to the new international status of Tangier?

The Tangier Protocol, which was formally signed on 25th July last, was ratified by Great Britain, France, Spain and Italy on 14th September.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to issue the White Book dealing with raids from Abyssinia into the Sudan and neighbouring British territories since the beginning of 1916; and whether it is proposed to lay this information before the League of Nations?

Yes, Sir. The White Paper dealing with raids from Abyssinia into British territory and the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was laid on Monday, and should now be in the hands of hon. Members. As the hon. Member was informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies on 18th June, the White Paper will be available in the ordinary course for the information of the League of Nations.

asked the Home Secretary whether a decision has yet been arrived at respecting the future of ancient graveyards in Wales the control of which has been refused by local authorities; and whether it is now proposed to employ the compulsory powers already possessed by him?

My right hon. Friend has been in consultation with the Welsh representatives on the matter, but it has not been possible as yet to arrive at a final decision. In these circumstances the last paragraph of the question does not arise.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the inadequate penalties inflicted in many cases on persons convicted for gross cruelty to animals; and whether he will consider amending the law so as to increase the penalties that may be imposed?

It is sometimes suggested that the penalties inflicted are inadequate, but my right hon. Friend does not think there is ground for amending the law. The existing maximum penalty of three months, with the possibility of a fine up to £25 in addition, was substituted by Parliament in 1912 for the higher maximum of six months originally fixed by the Act of 1911, and my right hon. Friend does not think that a return to the higher maximum is needed or generally desired.

asked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Street Offences Inquiry Committee will be presented to Parliament?

I understand that the Report is likely to be sent to me in the course of a few days. It will be presented to Parliament as early as possible.

asked the Home Secretary when it is expected that the Report of the Street Offences Committee will be published?

I understand that the Report is likely to be sent to my right hon. Friend in the course of a few days. It will be presented to Parliament as early as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the contractor for the construction of the Singapore naval base has placed an order for excavating machinery worth £70,000 with an American firm without an opportunity being given to British manufacturers of this class of machinery to submit tenders; and if, in view of the terms of the contract with the Government that all materials for the construction of the naval base should be procured from the United Kingdom or from sources within the British Empire, he intends taking any action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 8th November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Gainsborough (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 226).

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the contractors in charge of the construction of the Singapore naval base in ordering approximately £70,000 worth of American mechanical excavators for use on the Singapore contract; whether he is aware that British firms of long experience and established repute were not given an opportunity of tendering; and if he will take steps to secure than in all future Government contracts, whichever department they are made by, where substantial orders for new plant are involved British firms will be given an opportunity of competing on equal terms?

I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and also to the last part as far as plant purchased on behalf of the Crown is concerned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has yet come to a decision as to the future of the "Enchantress"?

So far as I am concerned, I propose that the "Enchantress" shall continue to be maintained with a minimum of expense, and shall be utilised for the regular Board Inspections on occasions when her use will facilitate the work of the Board in an important degree and will not entail undue cost. In coming to this conclusion, I have taken into consideration the opinion of senior officers of the Navy that the Service is suffering by the present restriction of the opportunities for the Board as a whole to see the Fleets actually at work, and that it is not desirable at present to take any step that would make it impossible, whatever the circumstances might be, to restore those opportunities.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when His Majesty's Ship "Impregnable," boys' training establishment, is definitely to be closed down; and what is proposed to be done with the ship?

The last of the boys will leave the "Impregnable" on 7th December, after which the hulks will be prepared for sale.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many industrial and other employés have been discharged from Government establishments under the Admiralty since the Prime Minister's letter to employers in August last?

The number of workpeople employed in the Home Dockyards, exclusive of those in the Works Department, was 33,328 on 20th August, and on 3rd November the number had risen to 33,730. The figures for other Establishments and Departments are not immediately available. For the non-industrial staffs, the numbers borne at the Admiralty and the Outports on 1st July and 1st October were 7,729 and 7,739 respectively.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what are the new regulations for entrance to the teaching profession in Scotland which came into operation at the beginning of the present Session; and if the local education authorities have made additional maintenance grants to children of working-class parents to enable them to satisfy the new regulations and enter the teaching profession at a subsequent date.

The Department's regulations in the matter remain unchanged. It is, however, generally known that, in view of the present surplus of teachers, the National Committee for the Training of Teachers deemed it necessary this Session to set a limit to the numbers whom they would accept. The means they adopted to secure their end were avowedly tentative, and I have not yet heard whether they are satisfied with the working of their experiment. As to the last part of the question, it is of course within the powers of Education Authorities to continue assistance to any needy candidates who have been unsuccessful this year in gaining admission.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have made representations to him expressing opposition to the proposed changes in local government in Scotland, and how many have stated their views in support?

I have received representations from 44 local authorities against and from 20 local authorities in favour of the Government scheme as a whole. In some cases representations in favour are conditional on amendments, more or less extensive, being made in the scheme, or on the new grants being adequate. I have also received a number of representations from local authorities as to details of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents that have occurred at level crossings in Great Britain for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; how many of these accidents occurred at crossings over the main lines; and will he state, separately, the number of accidents to motorists and pedestrians, stating the number that resulted fatally?

The number of accidents to persons using motor vehicles and to pedestrians at railway level crossings of public and private roads and footpaths (excluding goods and dock lines) for the 12 months ended 30th September, 1928, was as follows:Persons using motor vehicles:

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to conclude the experiment of the one-way traffic in the City of London; and, if so, upon what date?

The portion of the one-way traffic experimental system in question, situated north of Watling Street, was discontinued at 6 a.m. on Monday last. The retention of the portion of the system south of Watling Street is now under consideration, and I am in communication with the City Corporation on the subject.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed registered at the Walworth Road (Borough) Exchange at the last convenient date?

At 5th November, 1928, there were on the registers of the Borough Employment Exchange 5,705 men, 203 boys, 1,241 women, and 131 girls.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason for the maximum period of six years in cases of unemployment, refund where contributors have been exempted from the Unemployment Insurance Acts after contributing for a period of over eight years?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the right to claim a refund of contributions paid under the erroneous belief that certain employment was insurable. The limit of six years is fixed by the Unemployment. Insurance (Return of Contributions) Regulations, 1926. There must obviously be some limit to the period in respect of which refunds may be claimed, and a maximum of six years before the date of the claim seems reasonable.

asked the Minister of Labour the average number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit to the latest possible date in the year 1928, and the total amount of benefit paid to that date?

Statistics of the average number of persons actually in receipt of unemployment benefit are not available, but the average number of claims admitted or under consideration, based on the numbers recorded on one day of each month in the period January to October, 1928, inclusive, was 1,029,697. The amount paid in respect of unemployment benefit during the period January to October, 1928, inclusive, was approximately £35,730,000.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of claims for benefit referred to the chief insurance officer in 1927, and the number of these claims which were disallowed benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act?

During the year 1927, 564,560 claims to unemployment benefit were referred to the Chief Insurance Officer, of which 242,392 were allowed and 322,168 were disallowed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of two unemployed West Hendon girls who applied for employment at a military canteen and were asked to sign papers consenting to foreign service if required, and to sleep under canvas; and whether, in view of girls refusing to sign such papers, their unemployment benefit would be stopped?

No such ease has been brought to my notice. The decision whether the refusal of such employment, if offered, would involve loss of benefit would be a matter not for me but for the statutory authorities.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of claims for unemployment benefit which were referred to courts of referees in 1927, and the number of such claims disallowed.

During the year 1927, 110,714 claims to unemployment benefit were considered by courts of referees, of which 38,311 were recommended for allowance and 72,403 for disallowance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the payment of arrears of benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts is subject to deduction of relief issued by a Poor Law authority; whether he is aware that paragraph 39 of Ministry Memo. U.I.L. 8, dated March, 1928, states that such deduction is limited to the amount of excess relief paid; and whether he will state why paragraph 39 is specially brought to the notice of unemployed persons if it is not to be acted upon.

I think the hon. Member may be under a misapprehension. The practice is in accordance with paragraph 39, and the amount deducted is limited to what I assume the hon. Member means by "excess relief," namely, the difference between the amount of the relief actually paid and the amount which would have been paid if the claimant had been drawing benefit at the time. Perhaps the hon. Member will have a word with me afterwards.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the fees or emoluments paid to those who sit as assessors, employer and employed, with the chairman of the court of referees, under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923.

Fees or emoluments are not paid to members of courts of referees other than to chairmen, but certain allowances are paid which are shown in the leaflet I am sending the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour, if, in view of the fact that unemployed young men when appearing before committees in connection with claims for benefit are sometimes asked if they have tried to join the Army, he will make it clear that failure to make application to join the armed forces is not held to be evidence that those concerned are not genuinely seeking work.

I assume that the hon. Member refers to courts of referees. These courts are independent statutory bodies and I have no power to interfere with them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will publish for the information of Members the instructions issued to superintendents of Employment Exchanges to give men from depressed areas preference over local men?

I cannot publish the instructions, as it is not the practice to do so. I may say, however, that the instructions are to the effect that managers of Employment Exchanges in suitable areas should include in the submissions which they make to employers for vacancies notified or obtained a small proportion of men from the depressed areas.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that applicants for unemployment benefit are, on applying, being asked questions about their private affairs, particularly into the earning capacity of members of their family, and that men are refused benefit for their wives because the latter have a pension of 10s. or 12s. a week; and by what authority these questions are being asked, particularly as to sons' and daughters' wages?

In most cases where dependants' allowances are claimed, such questions are essential for the determination of the claim in view of the statutory conditions. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case where he thinks such questions were asked unnecessarily, I will inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who are now receiving training at Springburn, Glasgow; what number is the establishment capable of employing; and when it is proposed to bring the number up to its capacity?

The Springburn Training Centre is equipped for 150 men at a time. There are 120 now in training, and the remainder will be admitted shortly. There is room in the centre for a larger number, and if the first complement succeed in obtaining employment to a satisfactory degree after training, I shall be prepared to consider enlarging the number.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in filling the position of manager of the branch Employment Exchange, Portland, a person already in receipt of a salary as an Income Tax collector was appointed; that the reason given for this appointment was that the successful candidate was best qualified, although another candidate had had four years' experience as an Exchange officer; and whether, in view of the desirability of giving preference in these appointments to candidates with no other occupation, he will have this matter reconsidered?

This appointment was made after careful consideration of the qualifications of all the candidates, and I am not prepared to reconsider it. Due weight was given to the claims of persons with no other occupation, but none was considered to possess the necessary qualifications.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in his circular to local authorities on the subject of works for the relief of unemployment, no provision is made to ensure that preference is given to ex-service men; and whether he will take steps to remedy this omission?

I have been asked to reply. The detailed conditions for the new grants will be published shortly and will include the usual provision that not less than 75 per cent. of the local men taken on for the work must be ex-service men. As regards men transferred from depressed areas, a similar preference will be given so far as ex-service men are suitable and available.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of prosecutions by his Department during the past year of employers for in any way defrauding the Ministry of Labour; and the number of workpeople and the number of employés in the Department?

I am having the information collected, and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to introduce and pass into law during the present Session the Rubber Industry Bill, which was read a Second Time on 30th March last, and the object of which is to place the Rubber Research Association on a stable self-supporting basis?

I am afraid that I cannot hold out any hope of this Bill being introduced in the present Session as a Government Measure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a petition for an inquiry with the view to safeguarding the in- dustry of manufacturing automatic electric refrigerators, which is at present unable to compete with similar manufactures from abroad; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

I am afraid I must adhere to the practice, which has frequently been referred to in the House, not to state whether a particular industry has made an application under the safeguarding procedure, except on the appointment of a committee of inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in deciding on the application of the gas industry far legislation to relieve it of some of the restrictions which now prevent its expansion as an industry, he will take into consideration the amount of employment which such legislation would give and the benefit it would be to trade and commerce?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received details of the proposed increase on the duties on Manila rope and wire rope imported into Spain which the Spanish Government proposes to place on this class of goods, largely manufactured in this country; whether His Majesty's Government has made any representations to the Spanish Government against this tariff increase, particularly in view of the recommendations of the International Economic Conference of the League of Nations in 1927; and, if so, what representations have been made, and with what result?

I have received no detailed information as to the proposed new duties on these goods, but I understand that proposals are under consideration for a substantial increase of the duties on wire ropes. In the representations which were made to the Spanish Government towards the end of last year, when the tariff revision was in its early stages, special reference was made to wire ropes and other kinds of cordage. His Majesty's Ambassador has again recently represented to the Spanish Government the alarm felt in this country at the prospects of higher duties on British goods imported into Spain, and has been assured that the new Spanish duties affecting British goods generally will vary little from those now in force, and will in no case involve a considerable rise.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consider extending the duties of the Empire Marketing Board by, authorising it to organise a Buy British Goods campaign in the Dominions?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The advertisement of United Kingdom goods in the Dominions falls outside the purposes for which the Empire Marketing Board was set up. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the answer which, on behalf of the Prime Minister. I have just given to the question by my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece), which is directed to a similar issue.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage reduction in the costs of production estimated from the de-rating proposals in the industries affected?

For most trades I have no sufficient information to calculate the precise percentages, due largely to the fact that the calculation of the cumulative effect in the case of a finished product involves tracing the course of the materials through all the processes through which they pass before they reach the factory or works in which the final processes are carried out. The aggregate benefits to certain groups of undertakings were given by me in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly) on 14th May, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware that a large number of women clerks at present employed in the Post Office Savings Bank and other Govern- ment departments are under notice of dismissal; that some of these women have been in the service upwards of 14 years; and whether, in view of the Government's pledges to these women, he will take the necessary measures to ensure they are employed in other departments?

Thirty-two temporary women clerks employed in the Savings Bank Department are under notice of discharge expiring on 31st December. 1928, as the work upon which they are engaged will shortly be completed. I am not aware that elsewhere any appreciable number of women clerks are under notice. The pledge, to which the hon. Member refers, was to the effect that, for a period of 12 months from 1st January, 1928, no efficient temporary woman clerk, who had since 1st January, 1926, or earlier been continuously employed in any Headquarter establishment, should be discharged from that establishment to make room for a successful candidate from any Open competition for the established Writing Assistant Class or Clerical Class (Women) held after 1st January, 1926. I have under consideration a request that the pledge should be continued for a further period, but I am not yet in a position to come to a decision in the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many ex-service civil servants are at present on the list of the Joint Substitution Board; and whether there has been an increase or decrease during the past 12 months?

The total recorded on 2nd November, 1928, was 175. There has been a decrease of 645 during the past 12 months.

asked the Attorney-General whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to give effect to the draft convention of 1926, with regard to the immunity of States in respect of maritime property and the Report of the Committee on Crown Proceedings, 1927?

I have been asked to reply. The terms of the draft Convention to which my hon. Friend refers have not yet been finally settled, and it is therefore premature to consider the question of legislation. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of an answer given on 10th July, which contains some further information about this draft Convention. As regards the last part of the question, I am asked by the Attorney-General to refer to the reply which he gave on 12th November on this subject to the hon. Member for York (Sir J. Marriott).

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal mines in which pit ponies are employed; the number of inspectors appointed under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, to examine into the care and treatment of such pit ponies; and the average number of inspections made during the year 1927 by such inspectors in each of the mines in which pit ponies are employed?

In 1927 horses were employed underground at 1,449 mines. The number of special inspectors appointed under Section 109 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, is eight; and the average number of inspections made by these inspectors during 1927 at each mine was 1.74. The figure last quoted takes no account of the underground inspections of the other Inspectors of Mines who look out for and report any apparent contraventions of the Act in regard to animals employed underground. The average number of such visits per pit in 1927 was 5.6.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of complaints that have been received by his Department from residents in thickly populated districts complaining of the low flying of aeroplanes, which are a danger to the public; and what action he has taken?

Complaints of the kind referred to are received from time to time, but the total number is not great. Each complaint is dealt with by a senior officer at the Air Ministry, carefully investigated and, if considered desirable, brought to my personal notice. Suitable action is taken wherever the circumstances appear to demand it and the pilot can be identified. For example, a Royal Air Force pilot may he dealt with disciplinarily or even brought before a court-martial; and a civil pilot's licence may be suspended if he can give no reasonable explanation of his low flying and he is also liable to have proceedings taken against him by the police under the Air Navigation Order where by flying at a low altitude or in proximity to persons or dwellings he causes unnecessary danger to persons or property. The Air Ministry is fully alive to the importance of this question, and I am most desirous that the development of aviation in this country shall be attended by a minimum of inconvenience to the general public. I have accordingly had special warnings on the subject issued to both' Service and civil pilots.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether an appointment has yet been made of the responsible executive officer who will be in charge of the Schneider trophy team, 1929; and can he give the names of the high-speed pilots who have been selected for this team?

I am not ready to make any announcement on this subject, since selections have not been completed. Certain pilots have, however, been put under training on high-speed machines for the purpose of ascertaining their capabilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total number of aeroplanes and airships under the control of the Government on let November, 1912, and 1st November, 1928, respectively?

On 1st November, 1912, when flying was, of course, in its infancy, four airships and some 56 other aircraft were on charge. On 1st November, 1928, the strength of the Royal Air Force was approximately 780 first-line aircraft, and in addition two airships were under construction but not yet in commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, since the signature of the Kellogg Peace Pact, his Department has given special consideration to the effect of this diplomatic event upon the aerial policy of this country?

I would refer the bon Member to the reply given him on 30th July by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has been arrived at as to the number of floating docks which will be constructed for the accommodation of flying boats; and can he state their average cost?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the inadequate and unsatisfactory character of the British news supplied to Canadian and South American newspapers; and whether any steps are being taken, in conjunction with British controlled news agencies, to remedy the situation, in view of the adverse political and commercial effect to which it gives rise?

I have been asked to reply. As regards South America, the answer to the first part or the question is in the affirmative. Arty improvement must depend very largely on private enterprise: the advice and assistance of the appropriate Departments are always available and they have given, and are giving, careful study to the matter. As regards Canada, I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Dominions has received no representations on this subject.

asked the Secretary State for the Colonies whether the initial cost of the settlement with the Basle Mission Trading Company and the Commonwealth Trust was £300,000; whether any vote has yet been passed by the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast Colony; and whether the official members of the Legislative Council were instructed to vote for the payment of this sum of money?

As my right hon. Friend stated in this House on 7th May, the settlement reached involved the payment of £250,000 to the Basle Trading Society and £55,000 to the Commonwealth Trust. The necessary vote has been passed by the Gold Coast Legislative Council. I am not aware whether any specific instructions in the matter were given to the official members, but, as my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for East Bristol (Mr. W. Baker) on 18th June, they would in all the circumstances be expected to support the vote.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention iris been drawn to the case of Horace Charles Miller, who was discharged from the post office at Ely for misconduct with a female clerk; whether he is aware that he and his wife are now utterly destitute, their only son having been killed in the War; and, in view of the fact that he was within four years of being pensionable at £4 per week plus £400 gratuity, after more than 30 years' faithful service, whether he is prepared to take any steps whatever to assist him as an act of clemency?

I am aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers, but regret that I cannot offer Mr. Miller any further employment in the Post Office service. There is no authority under the Superannuation Acts for making him an award out of public moneys, and there is no fund at my disposal out of which a grant could be made to him.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the indignation aroused in Wales by the measures which he has taken in regard to the Welsh Board of Health; and whether he is now prepared substantially to modify those measures?

My right hon. Friend is aware that objections were raised to the arrangements which were approved by him last summer for the conduct of business in the Welsh Board of Health. These objections were, in his view, largely based on misunderstandings, and he has nothing to add now to the statement which he made in the House, on 1st August last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a memorandum from the British Medical Association drawing attention to the prevalence of preventable and unnecessary noises and to their effects upon health and efficiency; and whether he proposes to take any action on the suggestions contained in the memorandum?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend will receive in the near future a deputation on this subject with a representative of the Home Office which is, perhaps, more directly concerned than the Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister of Health (1) the number of widows who applied in the years 1926 and 1927, respectively, for the widow's pension, but whose applications were refused on the ground of ineligibility;(2) the number of widows whose husbands died before January, 1926, who applied for a widow's pension in the years 1926 and 1927, respectively; and the number of applications which were successful and the number refused?

The following particulars relate to England and Wales: During the year 1926, 27,440 claims and during the year 1927, 4,944 claims were received from widows whose husbands died before January, 1926, but it is not pos- sible to divide these figures between awards and rejections. Up to the end of 1927 the total number of claims received from widows in this class was 158,735 of which 116,432 were admitted and 42,303 were rejected. As regards the widows of men who died after 4th January, 1926, 46,942 claims were received in 1926 and 61,732 in 1927. The numbers of claims rejected in the same years, were 4.485 and 6,408, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons between the ages of 65 and 70 who have applied for the contributory old age pension since the Contributory Old Age Pension Act came into operation, and the number whose applications have been successful and unsuccessful, respectively.

As regards England and Wales, 714,893 claims were received up to the 8th instant. Of these 74,521 were made under a misapprehension, and were not proceeded with when the qualifying conditions were explained. Of the balance of 640,372, 561,266 were successful and 64,133 unsuccessful, 14,973 being undecided on the above date.

asked the Minister of Health, with respect to each of the parishes in the Rural District of the Isle of Wight, how many houses were, on 31st October, 1928, in the opinion of the medical officer of health, actually unfit for human habitation; how many, though not so unfit, were not in all respects reasonably fit for such habitation; and in how many of such cases dampness was the sole or principal cause of the state of the house?

I have asked the local authority to furnish the information which the hon. Member requires, and will communicate with him when I have received a reply from them.

asked the Minister of Health the total sum advanced under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act and the names of all local authorities who have borrowed £200,000 or more, with the estimated population and rateable value and sum advanced; and whether there is any limit to the amount of advances sanctioned by the Ministry in respect of any one local authority?

The total sum advanced by local authorities in England and Wales under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act between 1st January, 1919, and 30th September, 1928, was approximately £33,500,000. In addition to this, local authorities advanced about £18,100,000 under the somewhat similar provisions of Section 92 of the Housing

Names of Local Authorities.	Estimated Population (Middle of 1927).	Assessable Value under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1923, at 1st April, 1927.	Total amounts advanced up to 30th September, 1928.
			Under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts.	Under Section 92 of the Housing Act, 1925.	Total.
1.	2.	3.	4.	5.	6.
County Councils—		£	£	£	£
London	4,550,000	56,987,174	463,375	2,935,710	3,399,085
Carmarthen	182,190	595,990	275,339	87,120	362,459
Middlesex	1,356,400	9,898,886	2,102,400	1,231,855	3,334,255
Metropolitan Borough Councils—
Woolwich	144,770	1,043,934	674,090	—	674,090
County Borough Councils—
Birkenhead	158,500	928,621	338,602	189,312	527,914
Blackpool	93,160	1,098,784	244,755	—	244,755
Bolton	178,300	1,167,309	824,268	89,316	913,584
Bournemouth	92,650	1,047,535	87,320	187,045	274,365
Cardiff	225,600	1,649,666	709,814	—	709,814
Croydon	211,700	1,542,152	270,455	19,370	289,825
East Ham	146,900	642,979	685,100	—	685,100
Liverpool	870,800	7,089,814	292,514	1,274,928	1,567,442
Manchester	751,900	6,911,175	—	778,955	778,955
Plymouth	202,400	1,179,284	360,788	106,826	467,614
Portsmouth	247,600	1,283,990	456,081	—	456,081
Preston	127,100	631,291	198,018	483,669	681,687
Swansea	162,700	885,976	839,341	20,578	859,919
Wallasey	93,530	712,254	579,996	—	579,996
Warrington	79,020	424,635	386,273	147,080	533,353
Other Borough and Urban District Councils—
Acton B.	63,750	572,156	211,849	—	211,849
Barking	39,900	244,056	520,196	—	520,196
Beddington and Wallington.	17,930	190,148	340,622	500	341,122
Bexley	24,900	119,865	296,859	—	296,859
Bognor	14,800	91,227	29,308	180,162	209,470
Brentford and Chiswick	56,680	461,743	480,655	—	480,655
Carlton	19,750	68,700	223,689	21,458	245,147
Carshalton	18,450	164,702	792,765	63,867	856,632
Ealing B.	93,220	766,499	640,721	1,850	642,571
Finchley	51,300	442,366	380,480	—	380,480
Gillingham B.	57,510	214,160	313,789	—	313,789
Guildforo B.	27,340	212,096	130,140	138,845	268,985
Heston and Isleworth	55,870	300,512	1,796,117	23,655	1,819,772
Hornchurch	13,930	77,409	217,879	—	217,879
Ilford B.	108,310	600,608	898,574	—	898,574

asked the President of the Board of Education the number and the names of the states in the United States and Germany and of the cantons in Switzerland where the school-leaving age is 15 or higher?

The following is the reply to the right hon. Gentleman's question:

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schools were placed upon the black list compiled in 1924–25; how many were provided and how many non-provided

—	Council.				Voluntary.				Total.
	A.	B.	C.	Total.	A.	B.	C.	Total.	A.	B.	C.	Total.
I. Original Totals	219	345	150	714	460	1,421	232	2,113	679	1,766	382	2,827
II. Removed from List—
(a) Closed or replaced	51	10	—	61	68	25	4	97	119	35	4	158
(b) Defects removed	11	53	15	79	37	261	40	338	48	314	55	417
(c) Total	62	63	15	140	105	286	44	435	167	349	59	575

Plans have been approved which, when carried out, will result in the removal from the List of 366 further schools (79 Council, 287 Voluntary). Proposals for de

asked the President of the Board of Education why the Board have recently insisted on certain local education authorities, against their wishes, putting windows into their schools admitting direct sunlight; and whether, in view of the difference of expert opinion in the matter, he will allow local authorities discretion to experiment in this relatively small problem of school planning.

The Authorities in question proposed to erect premises into which direct sunlight could never penetrate. Since, by the use of a blind, it will still be possible to exclude direct sunlight when desired, I do not think that there has been any unreasonable interference with the Authorities' discretion. Experiment is good and, as the right hon. Member must be aware, the rigidity of the Board's building regulations has been very greatly relaxed during the last three years; but the essence of an experiment is that it may fail and the experimenter should be careful to leave a way open for retracing his steps.

asked the President of the Board of Education what county borough authorities award scholarships or free

The following statement gives the information for which the right hon. Gentleman asks:places tenable at institutions for agricultural education; how many are awarded by these authorities; and their value in each instance.

The Ministry of Agriculture aids under its regulations for Agricultural Education the cost of one scholarship (the value is £60 for one year) to the Somerset Farm Institute awarded by the county borough of Bristol. I have reason to believe that a few other county boroughs offer facilities to attend courses at agricultural institutions to applicants residing within their respective administrative areas, but I have no definite information as to these facilities or as to the extent to which advantage is taken of them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average weekly wage paid to agricultural labourers in the different counties of England and Wales, and how this compares with the wage paid for similar work in Denmark, Germany, France and Italy.

The following statement gives particulars of the minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers in each county of England and Wales. I have no definite information as to actual average weekly wages, but I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Second Report of Proceedings under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, which contains certain references to the matter. There are no statistics available whichMINIMUM RATES of WAGES for Ordinary Male Workers of 21 years of age and over and Female Workers of 18 years of age and over as orce on 10th November, 1928, in England and Wales.

Agricultural Wages Committee.	Male Workers.				Female Workers.
Area.	Minimum Weekly Wage.		Hours per week in respect of which minimum weekly wage is payable.		Minimum rate per hour (except where otherwise stated).		Hours in respect of which minimum rate is payable (where specified).
	s.	d.	Winter.	Summer.	s.	d.
Beds and Hunts	30	6	48	50	0	6	—
Berkshire	30	0	50	50	0	5*	—
Buckinghamshire	31	0	48	50	0	6	—
Cambs, and Isle of Ely	30	0	48	50	0	5½	8 per day.
Cheshire	35	0	54	54	0	6	—
Cornwall	31	0	51	51	0	5†	—
Cumberland and Westmorland.	31	0	48	—	0	5½	—
	32	6	—	54	—		—
Derby	8d. per hour		54	54	—		—
			(guaranteed).	(guaranteed).	0	5
Devonshire	32	6	50	52	0	5†	—
Dorset	30	0	48	51	0	5	8½ per day winter.
							9 per day summer.
Durham	31	0	50	50	2	6 per day	8 per day.
Essex	30	0	48	50	0	5½‡	—
Gloucestershire	30	0	48	50	0	5	—
Hants and Isle of Wight	30	6	48	51	0	5	—
Herefordshire	31	0	48	54	0	4½	46½ per week.
Hertfordshire	31	0	48	48	24	0* per week	48 per week.
Kent	32	6	48	52	0	5½	8 per day.
Lancashire, E. Area	42	0	60	60	0	6	—
Lancashire, S. Area	33	6	50	50	0	6	—
Lancashire, N. Area	37	6	60	60	0	6	—
Leicester	34	0	54	54	0	5	—
Rutland	32	6	50	54	0	5	—
Lines, Holland	35	0	48	50	0	6	—
Lincs, Kesteven and Lindsey.	32	0	48	52	0	5½	—
Middlesex	33	0	48	—	24	0 per week	48 per week winter.
	34	4½	—	50	25	0 per week	50 per week summer.
Monmouth	32	0	50	52	0	6	—
Norfolk	30	0	48	50	0	5	50 per week summer.
							48 per week winter.
Northants and Soke of Peterborough.	30	0	48	50	0	6	—
Northumberland	32	0	48	52½	0	5	48 per week winter.
							52½ per week summer.
Nottinghamshire	32	0	50	50	0	5	—
Oxfordshire	30	0	48	50	0	6	—
Shropshire	32	6	54	54	0	5	—
Somerset	32	0	50	52	0	6‡	—
Staffordshire	31	6	54	54	0	5	54 per week.
Suffolk	30	0	48	50	0	5‡	—
Surrey	32	3	50	50	0	5½	50 per week.
Sussex	31	0	48	52	0	5	48 per week winter.
							52 per week summer.
Warwickshire	30	0	48	50	0	5	48 per week winter.
							50 per week summer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, if his attention has been called to the wholesale removal of shingle from the shore in low-lying land between Holland-on-Sea, near Clacton, and Frinton; that the shingle is practically cleared from the shore in places and it is possible that heavy seas will inundate many acres of land and flood the villages; and whether he will take any action in the matter.

My attention has not been called to the removal of shingle from this part of the shore, but I am making inquiries from the Tendring Levels Commissioners of Sewers, within whose jurisdiction the land in question is understood to lie, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that certain increases of pension under the Indian military service family scheme were suggested in a circular letter issued in June, 1927; that the delay in granting this increase is causing considerable hardship in many cases, whether he will state the causes of this delay; and whether he will take steps to hasten a decision on this subject?

I regret the delay in confirming the increases to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but as was indicated to the subscribers in the circular issued last year, this question is bound up with the adjustment between the Imperial and Indian Governments of a number of claims and counter-claims arising out of the War. A settlement has not yet been reached, but my Noble Friend is making every effort to hasten a decision.