asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among disabled officers in the country owing to the recent reductions in their supplementary allowances; that in most cases these officers are unemployed and are ineligible both for health or unemployment insurance; that these allowances were recommended by a select committee and accepted by the Government at definite rates; will he inform the House on whose instructions the supplementary allowances were reduced; and will he restore the full rates during the period of their unemployment?

The suggestion that there has been a recent and general reduction in the supplementary allowances to disabled officers is unfounded. These allowances, which are for the benefit of the families of officers, and which are administered by the Special Grants Committee, had from the outset the discretionary nature common to all grants from that Committee. They are not, as suggested, at specific rates, but at such rate as may be thought necessary within specified maxima; moreover, they are temporary, and are subject to review from time to time according to the ascertained need of each case as arising from the disablement sustained. No instructions have been given to reduce the allowances, which, I repeat, are at the discretion of the Special Grants Committee. I should have no authority to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of this Question.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend let me know the personnel of the Special Grants Committee?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. A. J. Robinson, lately of 25, Coleshill Street, Birmingham, who was before the War in business as a hairdresser, and whose business was sacrificed by reason of his service in the War, in respect whereof he is now in receipt of a pension of 4s. 8d. per week, has now applied for permission to commute his pension to enable him to set up again in business as a hairdresser; that permission was refused to Mr. Robinson on the ground that pensions of 7s. a week or less may not be commuted; that Mr. Robinson is now out of employment; and whether the Ministry of Pensions will consider a variation of its regulations in cases in which an application for the commutation of a small pension can be shown to be to the advantage of the applicant?

I am aware of the facts in this case, on which I have been in communication with the hon. Member. I have no authority to make an exception to the statutory Regulations referred to, which are common to the Service Departments along with my own, and which, in respect of this particular provision, are, in my experience, in the best interests of pensioners.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman taking steps to make variations in cases such as these, where an applicant states specifically that he has not the means to enable him to secure hospital treatment?

I do not think commutation would be in the interests of pensioners, who would lose a permanent pension for a temporary gain.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that No. 24,662, Gunner T. Brophy, Royal Garrison Artillery, discharged 13th August, 1918, suffering from neurasthenia, has been in and out of mental hospitals since that time, his wife always receiving treatment allowance; that he was notified on 11th July, 1928, of an award of 100 per cent. pension; that on 18th November last he had to be removed to Dundee Eastern Hospital for observation, and on 1st January transferred to West Green Asylum; that the Ministry, having informed Mrs. Brophy of the parish council claiming against her husband's pension, also intimated to her that the pension would therefore be reduced to 28s. 10d. per week; that Mrs. Brophy, with a young family of seven children, has been obliged to apply to the parish council for relief, receiving last week the sum of 12s. 6d.; and will he now arrange for the patient being removed to one of the Ministry's institutions, renewing treatment allowance at £3 0s. 6d. per week to Mrs. Brophy as formerly?

According to the information in the possession of the Ministry, the man referred to had not previously been in a mental hospital, and the temporary reduction of the payment made to his wife was occasioned by the claim made by the local authority pending determination of the man's position. The amount deducted was, however, refunded to Mrs. Brophy more than a week ago, and her husband's pension of 50s. a week is being paid in full to her, less a small amount of pocket money provided for him. The entire cost of his maintenance and treatment is being defrayed by the Ministry. The case is not eligible during treatment for any payment in excess of this amount. With regard to the last part of the question, should it at any time appear to the mental authorities concerned that Mr. Brophy would benefit by removal to one of the special mental institutions provided by the Ministry, arrangements will be made accordingly.

In view of the circumstances appertaining to this man's sustained mental depression, could not the Ministry arrange, in accordance with the original undertaking in the early stages of the War, that all mental cases should be provided for in Government institutions?

I think the hon. Member has not heard my answer, which was that this man is being provided for.

Yes, but at present is it not the case that the patient is in a Poor Law institution, and I am asking precisely if the right hon. Gentleman cannot arrange, according to the undertaking originally given in the War, that such cases should be provided for in a mental institution under the Government—that is, a mental institution controlled by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

No such undertaking was ever given, though I was myself responsible for starting two special institutions for suitable cases, and, if this case were found to be suitable, it would be so dealt with.

Mr. Barnes did so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the figures showing the cost per ton of coal raised: what this represents per £1 of wages paid in the mining industry to meet the charges made under the Workmen's Compensation Act for the years 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925 and 1927; and will he give the corresponding figures as to the cost per £1 of wages in shipping, factories, docks, and railways?

As the answer is a long

asked the Home Secretary to what extent he causes Returns to be made as to the amount of compensation paid each year by employers under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the volumes of Workmen's Compensation Statistics which are presented each year to Parliament. These statistics contain full information in regard to the Returns collected under the Act. They are very long, and the hon. Member will be able to get them in the Vote Office.

I have seen them, but they are not complete. Certain industries are not brought in, and it is because of the incompleteness of the Return that I have put this question down. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman get powers to make the Return complete?

The obtaining of further powers was not the question on the Paper, which was to what extent I cause Returns to be made. If the hon. Member will look, he will see the extent—it is too long to put in an answer—to which the Returns are made, and if he is not then satisfied, he can bring in a Bill to give me more powers.

I will put down another question.

Do not the statistics to which the right hon. Gentleman has re-

The Return is a very full one, and it is the fullest Return we can make for the moment. If hon. Members will explain any particular points on which they would like the Return amended, I will see whether it is possible to do it.

asked the Home Secretary if he is in a position to give the total amount of compensation paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act for 1927, and the number of fatal and nonfatal cases that it covers?

The total compensation paid in the year 1927—the latest year for which figures are published—in the seven great industrial groups for which Returns are collected was £6,315,803; the number of fatal cases was 2,567, and the number of non-fatal cases 435,852. I regret that no corresponding figures are available for the other industries under the Act, but an estimate of the total amount paid in these industries in respect of workmen's compensation for 1927 is given on page 8 of the Statistics.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say exactly what premiums were paid in the seven large industries during the same year?

The hon. Member must give me notice of that question.

In view of the fact that this information is incomplete, is it not desirable that further powers should be secured in order to compel them to fulfil their obligations?

The hon. Member knows that I have been asked a question on that, and it is a very big question. It is quite impossible for me to legislate this Session, but I am going into the whole matter and having reports made with a view to considering the possibility of drafting a Bill for next Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Commissioner of Police has exercised the power vested in him under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, 1928, to exempt from lighting requirements vehicles standing in any of the recognised parking places in the Metropolitan area; and, if so, at which places?

The answer is in the negative.

Will my right hon. Friend consult with the Commissioner as to why he has never used these powers? Is he not aware that there are many parking places in London where it is absolutely superfluous to keep the lights on 40 or 50 cars standing in a block?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is certainly one well known place in London which is only used as a parking place, namely, Waterloo Place, which is well lighted, and where no other traffic goes through, and there is no possibility of accidents?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the parking places in Paris they do not have to keep the lights on at all?

The position here is that the Commissioner of Police is only permitted to grant exemption from lighting in parking places that are not used for other traffic. The hon. Member opposite mentioned Waterloo Place, but one knows quite well that there is traffic going through Waterloo Place.

I am referring to the southern part of Waterloo Place, where there is no through traffic at all, unless indeed it goes down the steps into the Park.

But the hon. Member must know that there is traffic going through Waterloo Place. The people who live there must have access to their houses. I will, however, bear that case in mind, but, if my hon. Friend will tell me of two or three places which he thinks quite properly come under the terms of the Act, to enable the Commissioner to exempt them, I will consult him on the subject.

St. James's Square.

In view of the fact that no charge is made for parking in public places, is it unreasonable to require a little light to be put on the cars?

Parliament has been very clear on the subject. It says that it is only w here there is no other traffic going through that lighting may be dispensed with, and I can only consider places where there is no other traffic.

Are we to understand that the lighting is to prevent other vehicles running into the vehicles in the parking place?

indicated assent.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the absence of vestibule fronts to London County Council tramcars; and whether any objections have been advanced by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to the drivers being enclosed?

No application has been made by the London County Council to the Commissioner to approve the fitting of vestibule fronts to London County Council tramcars but the general question is under the Com- missioner's consideration and tests are being made with a partial vestibule front and weather screen. The safety of the public must however be the first consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the National Council of the Roads Improvement Association urging the need of a national road programme to meet traffic requirements of the next 25 years and recommending that a portion of the Road Fund income be used to provide the capital sum necessary to finance this programme and enable it to be carried out within the next seven years; and what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir. I have seen the resolution referred to. Rut I have no statement to make on behalf of the Government at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the cost of a reduction of 50 per cent, of the horse-power tax on motorcars over five years old?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have no reliable data on which to form an estimate of the number of cars in the horse power class which would be affected by a remission of 50 per cent. of the duty in respect of cars over five years old. From such information as I have, however, it would appear that the cost of such a concession in the first full year might approach one and a half millions.

Is it not easy for the right hon. Gentleman to obtain this information?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House with regard to the resignation of the Chief Constable, Criminal Investigation Department, New Scotland Yard; and whether he proposes to fill the vacancy caused thereby?

I am glad to be able to say that there is no vacancy to fill, as no such resignation has been tendered.

Having in mind the age and the long period of service of the officer in question, if he did resign, would it not be accepted in the normal course of events?

I think that really is a matter for this officer, who has served well and faithfully for many years. He has not tendered his resignation, and I do not think I ought to express any opinion. It would come in the ordinary course before the Commissioner. I have no idea that any such resignation is pending.

Is it not the case that the service he has now completed would in fact entitle him to retire normally at any time now for pension?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether any local authorities have made orders under Section 3 of the Shops (Hours of Closing) Act, 1928, substituting a later hour for the closing of tobacconists' shops at the request of the tobacconists in the district affected?

Orders under this Section do not come to me for confirmation but I have heard of three cases where such Orders have been made and of others where the question of making such an Order is under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider sending a circular to local authorities to ascertain how far this provision is being put into force, and in order that misleading statements which are being made in the Press and elsewhere as to compulsion being exercised, may be refuted?

I will consider it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the names of the three areas in which this provision has come into operation?

Yes. Cheshire County Council, parish of Newton-by-Chester, Essex County Council, urban district of Chingford, and the borough of Neath. There may be more, but these are the only three I have.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case of a boy of 17 who has been sentenced to three year's penal servitude; and whether he will take steps to have the boy transferred to a Borstal institution?

My attention has been called to this case. The boy has a period of ten days from the date of conviction within which he may apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against his sentence. In the meantime it would not be proper for me to intervene.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made into the mental state of this lad?

Every possible inquiry is being made and has been made. Until I know whether he is going to exercise his right of appeal or not, it is impossible for me to say anything which might prejudice the appeal.

Is it not a fact that information has been conveyed to the boy concerned, that he is to be supplied with counsel and that the cost is to he borne by someone other than himself?

Full information and the necessary forms have been sent to him, as they always are sent to prisoners in such cases, and he has now the option either of signing these forms and appealing to the Court of Criminal Appeal, or of leaving himself in my hands. I cannot say more than that at the moment.

Cannot he be mentally examined regardless of that fact?

With the greatest respect, having regard to what I have said about the case, I hope hon. Members will not press me to make any further replies. I have the matter very fully under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has now decided to publish the Report of the Departmental Committee upon Mental Deficiency; and when it will be available?

I am arranging for the publication of the first section of the Report, which will include all the Committee's findings and recommendations on matters falling within the scope of my Department and the local education authorities, together with the report of a survey of the incidence of mental deficiency in certain typical areas which was carried out for the Committee by one of the medical officers of the Board of Control. These documents are not yet in print, and in view of their length I am afraid that they will not be available before Easter. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Committee for a most valuable Report, which I believe will be of the greatest assistance to all those interested in the education of mentally deficient children.

I take it that the Report will be available for those interested in the matter somewhere about Easter?

I cannot undertake to say that it will be physically possible to get the Report through by a particular date. It cannot be got through before Easter, but I hope it will be got through not long afterwards.

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Government propose to suppress this Report until after the General Election?

Clearly, from what I have said, there can be no truth in it.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain optical establishments are advertising that they will supply a home test chart and order form, from which eye-glasses are made up, forwarded by post, and guaranteed to give complete satisfaction; and whether, in view of the injury to the health of the nation that can result from unsuitable eye-glasses, he will consider setting up an inquiry for the purpose of considering this subject and introducing legislation to prohibit this practice?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the facts stated in the first part of the question. A full inquiry into the problems connected with any regulation of the practice of opticians was made in 1927 by the Departmental Committee on the Optical Practitioners' (Registration) Bill, and I would refer the hon. Member to their Report (Cmd. 2999).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice has only grown up during the last year or 18 months; and does his Department approve of the system?

It may be that it has only grown up recently, but, think the general considerations raised by the facts to which the hon. Member desires to call my attention, were considered by the Committee to which I refer.

As these facts are new, and not mentioned in that Committee's report, will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made?

I do not think there is anything new which requires independent inquiry. The same questions were raised by the report of the Committee as are raised now.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mrs. George Cromarty, of Sydney Cottage, Holy Island, Northumberland, on 20th October, 1928, suffering from typhoid fever, was ordered by the medical officer to rise from her bed and dress, and then conveyed in an ordinary four-wheeled cab to the mainland three miles over the sands, the tide being up and the cab awash all the way, and the patient being in a sitting position during the journey; that the order for removal was given by the medical officer without medical examination of the patient and against the advice of the local practitioner; that Mrs. Cromarty died within a few minutes of being transferred to the ambulance which was waiting; that had the removal been delayed for a few hours the ambulance car could have carried out the removal from the island, and that provision for isolation on the island could have been arranged; and will he cause a full inquiry into the circumstances of Mrs. Cromarty's death?

This case has not previously been brought to my notice, but I am causing inquiries to be made of the local authority, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will request the Food Council to turn their attention, not only to the price, but to the comparative food value of various kinds of bread in relation, for instance, to their water content; and to the food value of liquid full-cream milk as compared with imported tinned milk?

I will communicate my hon. Friend's suggestions to the Food Council.

Will my hon. Friend have an investigation made as to the food value at the same time?

No; it is a matter for the Food Council.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the shortage of school accommodation on the Long Thornton and Commonside estates, Mitcham; if he is aware that there are some hundred children of school age for whom places cannot be found in the existing schools; and will he urge the education authority to provide temporary school accommodation pending the erection of permanent schools adequate to meet the needs of this rapidly growing district?

I am aware of the shortage of school accommodation in this area, and I understand that the local education authority are proceeding with the provision of such temporary accommodation as they consider necessary pending the erection of permanent schools.

Does the Noble Lord know that the local education committee has now for some time been preparing temporary accommodation, but that, week by week, the number of children grows and no temporary accommodation appears?

I am in touch with the local authority about this question, and I am doing all that I can. I think the local education authority is fully impressed with the urgency of the state of affairs in this area. I will do all I can to see that proper provision is made.

How long have the local authority and the Board known of the shortage in this area?

Perhaps the hon. Member does not quite realise the position. This is a rapidly growing area, where new houses are being built continuously, and it is quite impossible for the local education authority or the Board to foresee for any considerable time in advance how many houses are going to be built. They are trying to keep up with the development which is taking place here. It is the same in various other parts of the country. I think they are doing their best.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received complaints concerning the perfunctory nature of the medical inspection at the Stephenson Memorial School, Willington Quay; and if he will call for a medical report on the conditions of malnutrition among children attending that school?

About three years ago, as a result of representations made by the Board, the local education authority strengthened their staff by appointing an assistant school medical officer. Since then I have received no complaints concerning the perfunctory nature of the medical inspection at this school, but I will make further inquiries and will let the hon. Member know the result. With regard to the second part of the question, two of the Board's medical officers visited this school on 31st January last and found 31 children whose physical condition they considered to be unsatisfactory. I understand that the Lord Mayor's Fund has sent to Wallsend its circular in regard to the feeding of school children.

asked the President of the Board of Education the reason for the delay in attending to requisition forms sent to the Lord Mayor's Fund on behalf of children of families in distress in the Stephenson Memorial School, Willington Quay, three weeks ago and which have not yet been acknowledged?

I am making inquiries into the matter referred to by the hon. Member and will communicate with her further. I may add that I gather that the Lord Mayor's Fund has distributed a large amount of boots to the school children in Wallsend, and I do not quite know to what these requisitions relate.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many of the 1,963 children who obtained free places in secondary schools during the year 1927–28 in the West Riding, Yorks, area were originally fee-paying students, and won scholarships during their attendance at secondary schools?

During the year in question 153 fee-paying pupils attending secondary schools in the West Riding of Yorkshire won scholarships giving them free education. This number is additional to the 1,963 who obtained free places on entrance to the schools.

Does the Noble Lord not think that this is giving children whose parents can afford to pay for them prior to having a scholarship a definite advantage over children who must continue in attendance at elementary schools?

I am afraid I cannot quite understand what the hon. Gentleman's question means.

Does the Noble Lord not think that where a child's parents are able to pay for the child at a secondary school prior to winning a scholarship, that child is getting a distinct advantage over the child who has to continue at an elementary school?

I certainly do not think that where examinations are held the child who has ability to pass the examination should be discriminated against because his parents have happened to—

That child has a secondary school education to start with.

The hon. Member, I think, has got the wrong end of the stick.

I think the hon. Member must put the question down on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of authorities that have set up Choice of Employment Committees?

I have been asked to reply. III local education authorities have set up Juvenile Employment Committees in accordance with Section 107 of the Education Act, 1921.

Does this committee report periodically, and, if so, at what periods; and will such reports be made known to Members of the House?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses built in Scotland with State assistance to the end of 1928 by local authorities, private enterprise, and public utility societies, respectively, under the Housing Acts, 1919 to 1924?

The numbers of houses built in Scotland with State assistance, under the Housing Acts of 1919 to 1924, up to the end of 1928, were 67,552 by local authorities, 17,375 by private enterprise, and 578 by public utility societies.

asked the Secretary of State far Scotland the number of working-class houses built in Scotland since the Armistice, to the end of 1928, without State assistance?

According to the records of the Department of Health for Scotland, the number of working-class houses built in Scotland without State assistance, between the date of the Armistice and the 31st December, 1928, was 10,832.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman any information as to whether any of these houses were built for letting purposes, or whether they were all built for sale?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses completed and the number authorised but not completed by local authorities and by private enterprise under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, in each month from June, 1928, to January, 1929, together with the average price of parlour and non-parlour houses, and the average superficial area for each of these months?

As the answer involves a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's consent, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the output of houses is increasing?

I do not think it is increasing at this time of year. This is generally the slack time in the building trade.

asked the Minister of Health what statistics he has in his Department concerning the housing requirements of England and Wales; what is the present housing shortage; and by what date, under existing legislation, is it anticipated that the population of England and Wales will be properly housed?

Elaborate statistics dealing with housing conditions are contained in the Census Reports, but I do not think it is practicable to make any reliable estimate of total housing shortage. I do not know what the hon. Member understands by properly housed it is, I think, plain that there can be no fixed standard. I may say, however, that the present annual rate of house construction is very much in excess of normal requirements, and considerable progress is therefore being made towards overtaking arrears.

Do not the Government regard it as an obligation of honour to provide the people of this country with decent houses?

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that tenants on the estate at Ilford recently sold, with his consent, by the Corporation of London to Mr. C. H. Lord have, on re-sale of a portion of the property, been provided only with alternative accommodation on one week's notice; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Certain representations have been made to me by the Corporation of London (Ilford Estate) Tenants Association on this subject, and I am in communication with the City Corporation.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons who have obtained advances for house construction under Part III of the Housing Act, 1923?

Statistics are not available of the number of persons to whom advances have been made under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, 1899, as amended by Part III of the Housing, etc., Act, 1923. Under these provisions, however, and the somewhat similar provision of Section 92 of the Housing Act, 1925, the loans sanctioned since the Armistice to local authorities for the purpose of making advances, together with direct advances agreed to be made by the London County Council, amounted to about £58,500,000. In addition about £2,500,000 have been advanced by the Birmingham Corporation under special statutory powers.

asked the Minister of Health what was the average number of days of sick leave per head taken in each of the last three years by women clerical officers, writing assistants, and members of the established typing grades, respectively; and what was the number of days of sick leave taken in the case of each of the grades concerned on account of gastric and nervous troubles, respectively, in the Welsh Board of Health and in the office of the Register-General for England?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether it is with his sanction and approval that the following prohibitory conditions against conscientious objectors is laid down in the rules and conditions applicable to persons applying for service in the Ministry of Health as housing or town-planning inspector, namely, that no person will be eligible who obtained from any tribunal, established under the Military Service Acts, 1916 to 1918, exemption from service in His Majesty's Forces under those Acts on the ground of a conscientious objection to the undertaking of military service or, although not so exempted, declined to comply with obligations imposed on him, by those Acts; and whether, in view of the fact that many hundreds of men who for conscientious reasons refused to bear arms in any war are at present serving the nation in this House and on many municipal and other elected bodies, and that more than 10 years have passed since the Armistice was signed, he will withdraw the present memorandum and issue instructions that no such clause in future be inserted in such documents?

The memorandum applicable to the post of housing and town-planning inspector was issued with my sanction and approval. The condition to which the hon. Member refers is one which is common to all appointments made to the Civil Service, and was notified, as a Regulation of the Civil Service Commissioners, in the London Gazette, in 1922. I may add that this Regulation was made in consequence of a recommendation of a Select Committee of this House on the employment of conscientious objectors in the Civil Service, which reported in April, 1922. I am not prepared to withdraw the memorandum or to issue instructions to the effect suggested.

Ought not men who went to the War always to be preferred before the shirkers and funks?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the last part of the question? In particular, is he aware that the men who so acted did so under a law passed by this House, and therefore that the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Handsworth (Commander Locker-Lampson) does not arise? [Interruption]. Parliament recognised the right of people to say whether they should be murderers or not. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] After all, some of you were not at the Front. [HON. MEMBERS: "Get on with it!"] Get on with it yourself. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order"] Who are you? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Who are you? Hold your own tongue.

Will the hon. Member please put his next question?

I want you to keep the Chief Whip of the Government in order. If the hon. and gallant Member —[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]—controls himself, there will be order in the House.

I ask the hon. Member to put his next question.

On a point of Order. Have not the Members of this House a right to be protected from the insults and jeers of the Chief Whip of the Government? I only want to say-that I do not object, because I can give him back as good as he gives.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how it is that the extra men employed in the Customs and Excise Department outside the London area are only paid from 3s. to 4s. a day with cost-of-living bonus, which varies from 2s. to 2s. 8d. a day for an average daily length of em- ployment of eight hours; and whether he has considered increasing the pay of these Government employés?

These men are casual workers engaged mainly on watching duties. No difficulty is found in obtaining casual extra men at the ports outside the London postal area at the rates of pay referred to. In view of the nature of the work, there is no reason, in existing circumstances, to alter the range of pay within which these men may be paid according to varying local conditions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men have very responsible duties as excise men and have to be suitably dressed; will he consider increasing their pay?

No, Sir. I cannot give any undertaking of that kind. These men are entirely of the unskilled type. We have considered the matter, and we have come to the conclusion that the pay is reasonable and proper.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that in connection with further Safeguarding Duties extra customs officials would be given employment?

rose—

Nothing further can arise on the answer that has been given.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of money loaned to the West Ham Board of Guardians for 1921, together with the rate of interest charged; the amount of principal and interest paid by the West Ham Union Poor Law Commissioners since July, 1926, until 30th September, 1928?

No loan was made to these guardians in 1921. The amount of principal and interest paid between July, 1926, and September, 1928, in respect of loans advanced after 1921 was £561,674 13s. 1d.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has issued instructions, written or oral, to any board of guardians that able-bodied men set to test work shall all be expected to fulfil the same test during any given week, no matter what amount of relief is given; is he aware that some boards of guardians are acting on the assumption that if an applicant is receiving 28s. a week unemployment pay and receives 10s. as Poor Law relief he is expected to perform an exactly similar task, both as to length of time and quantity of work done, as a man who receives a full week's relief of 38s.; and whether he will issue an official order making it clear whether boards of guardians are or are not compelled to force able-bodied applicants for relief to submit to test work, not only in return for relief paid them, but also for the unemployment pay?

The effect of the existing Regulations is correctly stated in the first part of the question, and hoards of guardians who act in the manner suggested in the second part are complying with those Regulations: the test work required has nothing to do with unemployment benefit. The existing Regulations are well understood, and I see no reason for issuing any further Order.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the facts are as stated in the question, and that a man who is in receipt, of unemployment benefit is compelled to do test work in connection with it even though he receives only 2s. or 3s. from the guardians? Does he consider that is right? Will he not issue a clear statement, so that boards of guardians may know what they may or may not do?

As I pointed out in my answer, the question of unemployment benefit has nothing to do with this point. The test is imposed in connection with relief, and not unemployment benefit.

But boards of guardians are compelling men who receive — [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] The question I am putting to the right hon. Gentleman is that boards of guardians are compelling men who receive unemployment pay —[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] You will not shut me up. You may shut up the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but you will not shut me up.

I hope the hon. Gentleman will not take up more time than is necessary in putting his question.

The question I am putting to the right hon. Gentleman is whether he is aware that boards of guardians are compelling men to do test work for the unemployment benefit pay they receive and for which they have paid their contributions; and I ask him whether, in order that the facts may be made clear, he will issue Regulations, or a Circular, showing what boards of guardians are to do in the matter?

I can only repeat that guardians are not imposing test work in connection with unemployment benefit.

But they are. If I give the right hon. Gentleman a case will he look into it?

I would like to ask a question.

The Minister has given a definite answer.

It is on a different point altogether.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the exceptionally cold weather and the freezing of parts of the Thames and other rivers, any steps are being taken to protect the public against the possibility of flooding, such as caused considerable loss of life and disastrous damage last year?

I am informed by the Thames Conservancy that necessary measures are being taken, and that there is no reason to expect flooding. I have not information as to other rivers. The Thames flood of last year was due to an exceptional tide.

asked the Minister of Health how many boards of guardians in the distressed mining areas have sent him resolutions or appeals to the effect that, in view of the unprecedented distress in mining areas through unemployment and the consequent impossibility of recovering the amounts advanced by way of loan in special relief, the Government be urged to take immediate steps to make the loans granted to boards of guardians for the purposes of such relief a national charge; and will he state whether the Government will take action on the lines suggested during this Parliament?

I have received 23 resolutions of this kind. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider favourably increasing the preference on Empire-grown sugar by 1s. per cwt., which, whilst not being prejudicial to the consumer at home, would materially assist the growers in the West Indies and other parts of the Empire during the present depression in the sugar-growing industry?

Representations have been made to me on the subject of the preference on Empire saw, but I am not prepared to make any statement at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the heavy stocks of enamelled hollowware sent into Great Britain before the imposition of the duty on 13th June last have now been liquidated; and whether he has any information as to the expansion of our home and overseas trade in the second half of 1928 as compared with the first half?

I regret that I have no information as to stocks of imported hollow-ware. As regards the second part of the question, the returns of output which are received from the Wrought Hollow-ware Trade Employers' Association cover about two-thirds of the production of wrought enamelled hollowware. These returns show that the output in the third quarter of 1928 was at a rate nearly 30 per cent. in excess of the average of the first two quarters of that year. I have no information in regard to the remaining concerns which do not furnish returns of output. The tonnage of wrought enamelled hollow-ware exported in the second half of 1928 was 40 per cent. greater than that exported in the first half of that year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a Belgian bleached cotton sheet of low quality now being imported into this country has 54 per cent. of starch, china clay, etc., added to the cotton contained in the sheet and that, on a test, one of these sheets, which measured 69½ by 104 inches and weighed two pounds and half an ounce when purchased, was, after being washed, only 63 by 96 inches and only weighed one pound five ounces; and will he take steps to provide that the retail purchaser shall have evidence at the time of purchase of the actual cotton contents and the actual weight of these sheets?

I have seen in the Press a statement to the effect of the first part of my hon. Friend's question. It is, I understand, the common practice to size cotton goods. There is no legal provision dealing with the amount of starch, etc., added to cotton goods, and, so far as I am aware, there is no generally recognised standard in the trade. The publicity accorded to my hon. Friend's question will no doubt have a beneficial effect.

Are not these goods, which have been so heavily adulterated, falsely described as cotton, and are not the sellers liable to prosecution under the Merchandise Marks Act?

I shall be glad to look into that point; I could not answer off-hand.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of seeing that the consumer is safeguarded against this adulteration of all kinds of cotton goods, including British?

Would it not be desirable to make some regulation to the effect that the presence of more than, say, 10 per cent. of added material should be brought to the notice of the consumer?

However desirable that might be, it would need legal powers, and such legal powers could not very well be granted until the trade itself had standardised its production.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these sheetings, which are adulterated with as much as 54 per cent. of foreign matter, are being imported at 3d. per yard cheaper than ours?

Have we not, high authority for stating that adulteration is another form of competition?

Is my hon. Friend aware that British manufacturers do not adulterate goods to any large extent?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is the intention of the Empire Marketing Board to depart from their policy of using only their own hoardings for the exhibition of posters and to avail themselves of the hoardings offered by private contractors for such purposes?

The Empire Marketing Board have no fixed policy such as is suggested. They have more than once in the past made use of hoardings owned by private contractors and are preparing again to do so this spring in connection with their display at the North-East Coast Exhibition.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the fact that the only questions that are crabbing and criticising the work of the Empire Marketing Board are coming from his own supporters?

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider laying down rules whereby an ex-Minister of the Crown shall be prohibited for a period of years from becoming a director of a company which enjoys a monopoly derived from Acts passed by Governments in which he held office?

No, Sir. I have no reason to believe that the absence of any such rule as that suggested in the hon. Member's question has caused or is likely to cause any public disadvantage; and, to my mind, it is neither fair nor expedient to endeavour to impose restrictions on personal liberty which are not clearly necessary in the public interest.

Is it not the case that this practice is increasing, and that the people of the country are becoming increasingly alarmed in view of the fact that the Government are increasing the habit of handing over to private enterprise important public properties?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it was improper when some years ago a Minister of the Crown, who had been engaged in conducting negotiations with a large combine, within a few weeks of the end of those negotiations became chairman of that company?

That is an entirely different case from the one in the question asked by the hon. Member, and I do not feel called upon to pronounce upon it.

Is there not a case almost identical with the one referred to by the Prime Minister?

I cannot remember one.