asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any official notification has been received from the United States of America proposing their admission to the World Court on a different basis from, and with reservations not common to, other members; and, if so, what attitude he is adopting thereto?

I have received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington a telegraphic summary of the reply of the United States Government to the Note which His Majesty's Government addressed to them in accordance with the recommendations of the League Conference held in 1926, to consider the reservations attached by the United States to their accession to the Permanent Court. It appears from the summary that a similar Note has been addressed to the other Governments who also adopted the recommendations of the League Conference. The Note will receive the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government, and doubtless of the other Governments concerned, but I clearly cannot define the attitude of His Majesty's Government at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the preparatory Disarmament Commission; and, if so, whether it includes any item relating to naval matters?

No, Sir.

Does that mean that naval questions are to be put off for the next twelve months—that there is to be no discussion on naval matters?

Certainly not. It only means that we have not yet received the agenda.

Are we bringing forward any naval matters for discussion?

That question does not arise. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman puts down a question, I will give an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Dandurand proposals and memorandum on league procedure applicable to minorities' petitions will be discussed at the next meeting at Geneva; and whether His Britannic Majesty's representatives at the meeting will go with instructions to defend these proposals in their entirety?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decision His Majesty's Government have come to with regard to a general settlement of the minorities' question in Europe; whether he will give his support to Senator Dandurand's proposals which will come before the Council of the League of Nations next week; and whether the proposal recently made by the conference of the League of Nations Union in Brussels that the whole matter should be submitted to a specially constituted commission under the League has been brought to his attention and received his approval?

The obligations of the League in connection with the protection of minorities will he under discussion by the Council of the League of Nations next week, and His Majesty's Government would hesitate to define their attitude before that discussion has been initiated and before they have had an opportunity of hearing the views of other members of the Council. Senator Dandurand's proposals relate solely to procedure in dealing with petitions from minorities; His Majesty's Government are giving them their careful consideration, but here again I should be reluctant to anticipate the discussion which will take place next week, and I trust that the hon. Members will be content to wait so short a time for a considered expression of the views of His Majesty's Government. The proposal of the League of Nations Union, to which the hon. Member for Brightside refers, has not been brought to my attention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Senator Dandurand is a Canadian, that his proposals are solely as to procedure, and that they have been hotly assailed in France, and what we want to know before we take part in discussions on these recommendations on procedure is what line His Majesty's Government is going to take—whether it is going to follow the Canadian or the French line?

As my right hon. Friend has very often said, it is very inadvisable beforehand to prejudge and anticipate discussions that are to take place at Geneva.

That is all very well. Are we going into this discussion with an open mind, or are we going into it having seen Senator Dandurand's proposals and having formed our own opinion on them?

I have already said we are most carefully considering Mr. Dandurand's proposals at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the importance of radium for the health services of the world and in view of the difficulties which health authorities are experiencing in obtaining supplies, whether he can see his way to recommend that the League of Nations institute an inquiry into the conditions of production and sale of this commodity?

As the hon. Member is aware from repeated statements in this House, the whole question of the radium requirements of this country and of the possible sources of supply is at present being considered by a sub-committee of the Committee of Civil Research. His Majesty's Government cannot judge what action vis-a-vis the League of Nations or anyone else is called for until the Report of this subcommittee has been presented and considered. I understand that the Report should be in the hands of the Government in a few weeks' time.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in regard to that question the Minister of Health has already promised that the question of referring it to the League of Nations shall be referred to the Research Committee, as promised last year?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reason for the attack upon Government troops by 200 Nuer tribesmen on 8th February near the Pyramid of Dengkur; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

The attack in question seems to have been instigated by a notorious witch-doctor named Gwek Wonding. I am not in a position to make any detailed statement till I receive the full report of the Governor-General.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what he knows of the Franco-Belgian military agreement of 1920 and of the annex dated 1927; what our commitments are under the Anglo-Belgian Convention of 7th July, 1927; and, if these commitments arise out of the Locarno Pact, is there also in existence an Anglo-German convention with similar objects in view?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding a secret convention concluded in 1920 between France and Belgium, supplementary to a treaty of alliance between the two States registered at Geneva; and whether he has any information regard ing the interpretation of that convention, resulting from discussions in 1927 on the manner of giving effect to it between the French and Belgian general staffs?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have had any conversations with France or Belgium regarding co-operation with Franco-Belgian forces; what is the nature of these conversations; and whether any agreements or commitments have been made?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has seen the Franco-Belgian military convention of 1920 and the text of the interpretation of that treaty formulated after Locarno and the entry of Germany into the League of Nations; whether an Anglo-Belgian treaty or convention was made in 1927; and, if so, whether he will lay it upon the Table of the House;

(2) whether, since the signing of the Locarno Treaty, any conversations have been held between the representatives of the British and French staffs, or of the British and Belgian staffs, for the purpose of framing tentative arrangements designed to meet the contingency of a German attack on France or Belgium?

The text of the notes exchanged between the French and Belgian Governments recording their reciprocal approval of a military understanding, signed on 7th September, 1920, the object of which was stated to be the reinforcement of the guarantees of peace and security resulting from the Covenant of the League of Nations, was registered with the League on 4th November, 1920. I have not seen the text of the military agreement, which was of course not made public, nor have I any knowledge of an alleged subsequent interpretation of that agreement. Apart from the Treaty of Locarno, no agreement involving a military commitment has been concluded since the War between this country and Belgium, nor is any military agreement or understanding in existence between the British General Staff and that of any foreign country. I may add that no British Military Attaché at Brussels has, on any occasion even discussed the question.

May we take it from that answer, which gives considerable relief to our minds, that no military discussions will take place with either France of Belgium which do not also take place with Germany, in order that our obligations under the Locarno Pact may be strictly maintained?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman may be quite assured that we shall do nothing which is contrary to the Locarno Treaty.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know if any steps are being taken to trace the origin of this apparent forgery? Does it conic from the same source as the Zinovieff letter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether permission has been sought for the German airship Graf Zeppelin to fly over Egypt, Palestine, or other British-controlled territory; and what answer has been given?

The German Ministry for Foreign Affairs inquired unofficially of His Majesty's Embassy at Berlin on 13th February as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards a proposed flight of the airship "Graf Zeppelin." After consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Air and His Majesty's High Commissioner, Cairo, I instructed Sir Horace Rumbold on 16th February to reply to these unofficial representations that His Majesty's Government were opposed to the proposed flight.

What are the reasons for apposing this flight?

It was quite understood between the Egyptian Government and ourselves, and indeed it was mentioned when the Treaty with Sarwat Pasha was under discussion, that foreign aviation should not take place over Egypt without an agreement between the two parties.

Was not this flight experimental and exploratory? It was not the intention to establish a regular line.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think whatever evil consequences could follow from allowing this flight are comparable to the great damage done to German and British relations owing to refusing to allow the flight to take place? When is the Foreign Office going to stop this pettifogging attitude?

I think all foreign countries perfectly well understand that flights cannot take place except by mutual agreement between the Egyptian Government and ourselves.

Was the proposal to establish a regular line, or was it only for a casual flight for scientific and exploratory purposes?

That matter does not arise out of this question.

With very great respect, may I submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that, in exploring this matter of the answer, it is necessary to know whether a regular line was to be established or whether it was to be an experimental flight.

This is not a time to explore, but a time for receiving answers to questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present situation in Egypt; whether he has any information about the crowds demonstrating in Cairo and attempting to enter the royal palace for the purpose of presenting petitions; and whether all necessary steps have been taken for the safety of the life and property of British and other foreign subjects?

No reports have reached me of disturbances in Cairo, and I understand that good order and political calm prevail throughout the country. In these circumstances no question arises of any precautionary measures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly make inquiries as to the origin of the demonstrations in Cairo and let me know on another occasion the result of those inquiries?

As a matter of fact, I think I have seen the report on which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has based his question. We have no information with regard to such demonstrations, and if such had occurred we should have heard about it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Francis Humphrys and his staff are now transferred from Kabul to Peshawar; whether Peshawar will be used as a temporary legation; and whether he has any representative left in Kabul from whom correct information may be obtained of what is happening in Kabul?

The British Mission has been withdrawn from Kabul. It is impossible at present to say when it will return, and the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. There is now no British representative in Kabul.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether some of the other Legations or Embassies are remaining, and whether it will be necessary to obtain our accurate information from the Soviet Ambassador?

I have nothing to add at present to the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the situation in Afghanistan; and whether he has information as to what countries are still represented diplomatically in Afghanistan?

The situation in Afghanistan remains as described in previous statements which have been made on the subject. So far as I am aware, members of the German, Persian, Soviet and Turkish Missions are still in Kabul.

Have arrangements been made to evacuate the British Con- suls at Kandahar and Jalalabad, and can we be assured that there is no intention of a policy of intervention?

I could give an answer to that question, but perhaps on the particular point of evacuation the hon. Member will put a question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement with regard to the negotiations for a new arbitration treaty with the Unied States?

No, Sir. I have as yet nothing to add to the reply which I returned on this subject on 20th February to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the new device being tried in the United States whereby Lieutenant Monsen and a comrade emerged successfully from submarine S 54 at a depth of 120 feet off Key West; and whether he will take immediate steps to obtain, if possible, a set of this apparatus for experiment from a submarine in this country, with the view of saving life should accident occur to one of these vessels when running submerged?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the question of submarine salvage in case of accident is under investigation at the Admiralty and experiments with a submarine will take place shortly to test certain fittings which have been added. Other developments are contemplated and these include investigation of an apparatus, devised by a well-known firm, similar in principle to that used in the American experiments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in view of the fact that the people of Sussex are making a, presentation to His Majesty's Ship "Sussex," it will be possible for her to call for short times at some of the principal Sussex coastal towns prior to her departure for the Mediterranean or en route?

His Majesty's Ship "Sussex" is due to commission about the end of March, prior to proceeding to join the Mediterranean Fleet. There is no protected harbour on the Sussex coast which would take the "Sussex," and at this time of the year the weather is not propitious for a programme of visits to open anchorages. If, however, a strong desire should be expressed by subscribers in Sussex towards a presentation to the ship for the vessel to be at any special anchorage for the ceremony of presentation, a visit might be arranged subject to weather conditions on the day.

asked the Minister of Labour if the Unemployment Fund is to be charged interest on the sums withheld from the fund to the Vote, administrative expenses, 18th August to 9th November, 1928; and, if so, what the amount will be?

Interest on these sums has been paid, amounting to £6,818.

Did the right hon. Gentleman protest to the Chancellor of the Exchequer against taking this sum of money seeing that the loss was due to the Cabinet not asking for the Estimate in time?

No, Sir.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Vote.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of male and female juveniles, respectively, upon the register, the number unemployed, and the number who have been refused benefit in consequence of their not having 30 contributions within two years?

At 11th February, 1929, there were 40,520 boys and 38,367 girls aged 17 or under on the registers of Employment Exchanges and Juvenile Employment Bureaux in Great Britain; no other statistics of unemployment among boys and girls are available. During the period 19th April, 1928, to 11th February, 1929, 2,727 claims to benefit made by insured boys and 1,816 claims made by insured girls were disallowed on the ground that less than 30 contributions had been paid during the previous two years. These figures relate to claims made and not necessarily to separate individuals.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hardship and inconvenience experienced by persons attending the Walworth Road (Borough) Employment Exchange on the weekly pay day through the shortage of proper waiting accommodation; and what arrangements are being made to alleviate this grievance?

I have caused inquiries to be made and find that it is seldom that applicants are obliged to wait outside the Exchange premises. In these few cases the difficulty is generally caused by applicants coming to the Exchange before their scheduled time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of witnessing what takes place at this Exchange in order to see whether the conditions set out in the question are quite correct?

As far as I am informed, the case is as I have stated. If the hon. Member has been there at any time and has noted this fact and he will communicate with me, I will have the matter looked into again.

asked the Minister of Labour whether unemployed persons who register at Shotts and Addiewell who are resident in the county of West Lothian are included in the figures relating to unemployment in that county?

There is no Local Office of the Ministry of Labour at Addiewell, the nearest Local Office being at West Calder. In the ordinary course all persons who register at Shotts and West Calder would be included in the unemployment figures for Lanarkshire and Mid Lothian respectively, but a special analysis according to residence can be obtained if required.

Does it follow from that statement that the figures recently submitted to the right hon. Gentleman in respect of unemployment in West Lothian are exclusive of the unemployed who register at Shotts and West Calder?

I should think probably, but I cannot say without going further into the matter. It may he that it would require correction as regards about 10 per cent. of the cases that are in these other two areas. That it would affect the figures for West Lothian at all appreciably, I can hardly believe.

Will the right hon. Gentleman Took into the matter and revise the figures if they require it?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in the county of Durham many miners will cease to draw unemployment benefit on 19th April, 1929, under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1927; and whether, in view of the distress now existing, he will take the necessary steps to make it possible that unemployment benefit will continue after 19th April, 1929?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the replies given to hon. Members on this subject on 23rd January and 20th February. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of these replies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has said, on more than one occasion, that he is considering the matter? Are we to take it that he has definitely made up his mind that the transitory period must stop on the 19th April.

No, Sit. That is not the inference that necessarily or probably follows. I am doing what I promised. I am considering the matter, and making inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a period of only six weeks to run before the transitory period ends, and that it will affect thousands of men? Ought he not to make up his mind?

Information is coming in, but, as the hon. Member realises, it is a somewhat difficult inquiry. It needs a great deal of adjustment by the local Exchanges. Perfectly obviously, it is a matter that will take some weeks before I can get replies. I hope to be able to give the House the information before we rise for Easter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is causing the utmost concern among the workers of this country and that last night a deputation came to me—

The question refers to the county of Durham.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of appeals which were brought before courts of referees during the last three months, and which were considered by three persons, two persons, and by the chairman alone, respectively?

During the three months ended 14th January, 1929, 65,462 appeals were considered by courts of referees in Great Britain. Statistics giving the information referred to in the last part of the question are not available.

Is it not important to have these figures, in view of the fact that, unless the full court of three members is sitting, the decision of the court is the decision of the chairman and that much dissatisfaction has been caused thereby?

If the hon. Member can give me any information pointing to that conclusion, I will consider it.

Is it not a fact that, unless three members are sitting, the decision of the court is the decision of the chairman?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the importance of umpires' decisions in governing the decisions of the courts of referees; and if he will consider publishing a number of the most important in booklet form, such as that published by the Minister of Health in cases of old age pensions, etc., dealt with on appeal?

The more important decisions of the umpire have for a long time past been issued in monthly pamphlets and also in annual volumes. A single volume containing all the most important decisions up to last April will shortly be issued. All these publications are on sale in the usual way.

In view of the importance which this matter is now assuming, seeing that the decisions are governed by the umpire, will the right hon. Gentleman make the information available as a Parliamentary Paper?

I will consider that suggestion.

Thank you.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that frequently when a person is before the court of referees claiming benefit he is told that a certain umpire's decision guides or governs the decision of the court; that when the applicant asks for such umpire's decision he is told he should have it; and if he will take steps to see that in any case where an umpire's decision is to be quoted that it should be submitted at the court and also supplied to the applicant for benefit beforehand?

I am afraid it would be impracticable to supply copies of the Umpire's decisions to claimants as the hon. Member suggests. All decisions are available for reference by the Courts. It is their business to apply any decisions which are relevant in the particular case, and this they can only do after hearing the facts.

Seeing that this is now a Court, is it not a duty of the Department to see that the decision which is governing the case should be supplied to the applicant for benefit? Should he not, in fairness, know the decision governing the case?

The hon. Member will realise that in this matter, just as in an ordinary Court of law, until the case is placed and considered the Court does not really know what the decisions are which may govern it.

While it is true that in a Court of law the actual decision of the previous Court is submitted to the applicant, might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will not see that the Umpire's decision is produced at the Court of Referees, as evidence?

I do not admit what the hon. Member has previously stated. I have considered this point with every wish to be fair in every possible way to the applicant, and I am afraid that it is not possible to do as the hon. Member suggests.

Is it not the case that the clerk says that a certain decision by the Umpire governs the case, and that, when the applicant asks for the Umpire's decision, he is told that he ought to have it, whereas the Umpire's decision may be given only a week or two before?

There is no wish in cases like this not to give anything but what is reasonable, proper, and necessary. If the hon. Member will discuss with me afterwards the precise point, I will gladly go into it.

asked the Minister of Labour if any new instructions have been issued to either the chairmen of Courts of Referees or insurance officers in any way dealing with the claims of persons for unemployment benefit; and, if so, will he make them available to all members of Courts of Referees and to Members of Parliament?

No instructions arc, issued either to Courts of Referees or the insurance officers with regard to the allowance or disallowance of any claim or any class of claims.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by unemployed persons in putting forward their claims owing to the multiplicity of regulations and conditions, and the fact that the term "genuinely seeking work" has not yet been defined; whether he is aware that many persons lose their benefit because they are unaware, for example, that they are entitled to appeal, or of the conditions of appeal, or for other reasons; and whether he will issue instructions to Employment Exchanges throughout the country to take more care in assisting unemployed persons so that no one may lose benefit who may by any possibility be entitled to receive it?

The Exchanges, in accordance with instructions, always give applicants for benefit all necessary assistance. I am not aware of any case in which an applicant has lost his benefit through lack of such assistance, but I shall be happy to look into any case of which the hon. Member will give me particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can furnish an estimate of the number of people temporarily rendered unemployed by the recent frost?

It is estimated that the recent severe weather caused an increase in the number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain of between 140,000 and 150,000.

asked the Minister of Labour if, seeing that certain Government Departments refuse to give employment to men of the age of 55 and over, he will circulate instructions to ensure that no man above this age is refused benefit on the ground that he is not genuinely seeking work?

No, Sir, I have no authority to issue any such instructions. The determination of claims to benefit is a matter not for me but for the independent statutory authorities.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that I have been informed by one of his colleagues that this is the practice of certain public Departments, and how can he expect men to seek work if it is refused by these Departments to these men?

I do not know what the hon. Member may have been told by anyone, but I can tell him that the facts are as I have stated in the reply.

May I ask him to use his influence with his colleagues in other Departments not to refuse work to men over 55 years of age?

The best thing the hon. Member can do is to communicate with the Government Departments concerned.

I have done so.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to inform the House on what information or evidence the authorities at the Stratford Employment Exchange informed Mr. E. Peart, of 517, Old Ford Road, Bow, that he was not genuinely seeking work after he had received six weeks' unemployment pay; and will he give the House this man's industrial history up to the time he fell out of regular employment?

Having regard to the statements furnished by Mr. Peart as to his efforts to get work, the insurance officer came to the conclusion that he did not fulfil the conditions for benefit, and Mr. Peart did not appeal against this decision. I have no knowledge of Mr. Peart's industrial history beyond the fact that he was employed on and off as a fish curer by various firms last year.

Is it not the duty of the officer before telling a man that he is not genuinely seeking work to find out the man's industrial history? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man was 16 years in one situation?

As I have repeatedly explained to the House, these claims are not settled by my Department. They are settled by the statutory courts, and the chief insurance officer is an independent officer for this purpose. I have no doubt that he obtains and satisfies himself as to the man's industrial history so far as it could affect his decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, as a result of this decision, that this unfortunate man went out and took his life? Is he not also aware that there is complete evidence that the officer, whoever he is, gave this decision in the face of evidence exactly contrary to what the right hon. Gentleman has given? These Regulations and the officer's decision have murdered this man.

I must entirely demur to that statement. I do not do so because my Department is responsible, because, as I have said, it is the decision of the statutory officer. I should demur to it being said either that the chief insurance officer or any Judge of the Realm was responsible for murder as the result of a decision he might give, but at the same time everyone regrets, if it was the case, that as a result of the decision this man was found drowned. On the other hand, if the facts were as clear as the hon. Member states, it was open to the man to appeal to the court of referees.

I only want to ask the right hon. Gentleman a perfectly simple question; I want him to inquire from the officer who gave this decision on what evidence he based it, because it is in the teeth of all the evidence in the case.

It was for the Man, as he had every notice, to appeal to the court of referees.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has formed any estimate of the probable effect of the recent rise in the Bank rate upon the figures of unemployment and the cost to the Unemployment Fund?

No, Sir.

In view of the large increase in the figures of unemployment, has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the effect of the rise in the Bank rate?

No, as far as the rise in the Bank rate is concerned, and the actual result, perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on some future occasion to my right hon. Friend. As regards this week's figures, they have nothing whatever to do with the rise in the Bank rate.

As the right hon. Gentleman is responsible for analysing the causes of unemployment, can he say what are the possible effects of the rise in the Bank rate?

rose—

The hon. Member has had a complete answer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Darlington Board of Guardians has sent to all recipients of relief during periods of unemployment up to seven years ago asking them to make arrangements for repayment of the relief then granted, the sums involved being from £1 up to £80 per person; and whether he will inquire into the matter, seeing that some of the persons involved are unemployed and that the majority are working in insecure employment at low rates of wages, thus rendering any repayment a virtual reduction in wages to persons already on a very low standard of living?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not been drawn to this matter, but he is making inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women registered as unemployed from the engineering trade in February, 1929, and the number unemployed from the cotton textile and the woollen trades?

The latest figures available relate to 21st January, 1929, and I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is this request the result of any action of the Minister recently?

I have already stated that we were not aware of the matter and that we are making inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from the representatives of the several hundred unemployed workers who arrived in London last week-end from various parts of the country a request to receive a deputation desirous of putting before him certain grievances relating to unemployment insurance administration and Poor Law administration affecting able-bodied workers, and what action he proposes to take?

My right hon. Friend is always ready to consider representations from recognised representative bodies and, when desirable, to arrange that deputations from them should be received by the appropriate Minister. But he has already made it clear that no useful purpose would be served by receiving the deputation in question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the figures published today, indicating the enormous increase in the number of unemployed; and, inasmuch as the Prime Minister is unable to receive a deputation, will he not, in the special circumstances, suggest that representatives of these men should be received by the Ministry of Labour, and that that Department should consider the men's position?

I think that the exceptional weather through which we have been passing is a not inadequate explanation of these new figures which appear to-day. Indeed, I think it shows how very unreliable are these figures, from week to week, as any guide to the real condition of the country. As to the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, I think it is fully covered by the answer which I have already given.

In view of the fact, that these men are here, and that they have grievances which they think the gentlemen in charge of these Departments ought to hear, will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the suggestion that, at least, the heads of the Departments concerned should receive a deputation of the men and consider their grievance?

No, Sir. I think it Would be a bad precedent altogether if we were to depart from the regular constitutional methods, which are very numerous and very ample, for discussing these matters and bringing them to the notice of the appropriate Departments.

Are we to understand from that reply that no Minister ever receives a deputation unless it is officially inspired? Do they never receive deputations from groups of persons who have no special official connection with any organisation?

Yes, that may be so, but this case has been carefully considered on its merits, and the answer is what I have given.

rose—

Really, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said that he has nothing more to say.

On a point of Order. The Chancellor of the Exchequer suggested that deputations from certain recognised bodies might be received by the Government. Would it not be in order, therefore, to ask what recognised body would be regarded as acceptable by the Government in this case for the purposes of a deputation?

That does not seem to me to be a point of Order. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has given a very full answer to the original question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a precedent for this, and that Mr. Bonar Law, when Prime Minister, did receive a deputation from an exactly similar body of men?

After full and careful consideration, we have decided in this ease that we cannot do so.

Seeing that these men have travelled hundreds of miles in the most severe weather—

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has given his answer. He said that he has taken all these things into consideration. He has answered the question, and that is all there is to be said.

On a point of Order. I have not had an opportunity of expressing another point of view, which I was in the midst of doing when you rose. I would ask you to allow me to put this point to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. My point is this, that here you have hundreds of men—

rose—

I—

The hon. Member should resume his seat when I am on my feet. He was not putting a point of Order.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is now the custom of his Department to consult the various representative organisations and obtain their views before he decides to grant permits to artistes and others engaged in the entertainment industry to land in Great Britain; and in how many cases this procedure has been adopted during the previous 12 months?

It is the custom to consult various organisations before permits are issued in respect of applications which raise any doubt or difficulty. I have no figures as to the number of cases of such consultation during the past twelve months; indeed, any such figures would be valueless without a detailed account of the nature of the various applications.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consult the Amalgamated Musicians Union with regard to jazz musicians who come to this country from America?

I consult the various organisations. I consulted, I think it was, the Variety Artistes Federation as regards the Coney Island freaks which were mentioned in a previous question. They raised no objection except to ask that an equivalent amount of employment of British subjects should be given. I believe that the general method which we employ has worked perfectly and without complaint. Of course, in case of individual artists like M. Kreisler, for example, no question like that arises.

Are the Amalgamated Musicians Union consulted with regard to big jazz bands which are coming into this country and keeping English musicians out of work?

If the hon. Member will put down a question about a particular Union I will give him an answer. He did not put down a question about a particular union, and therefore he did not get an answer with regard to that matter.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many aliens have been admitted during the past four years in order to take up clerical employment;

(2) how many aliens are at present holding permits of the Ministry of Labour in respect of clerical employment?

The number of aliens admitted for clerical occupations of all kinds, including those admitted as students, etc., and who were subsequently permitted to accept such employment, was as follows:

Is it not possible to differentiate between those who come here merely as students, in order to learn, and those who come here in order to earn a living?

Yes, and that is clone very strictly indeed. Of such growth as there has been, part is due to the fact that before the Treaty of Locarno, former enemy aliens were generally excluded, but, after the Locarno Treaty, Germans came in here and were admitted on the same terms as others. That accounts for a slight increase in numbers. What we aim at is the degree to which British business is benefited by having some aliens with the necessary knowledge of the language in British firms here, or whether it is advisable that some employés in a foreign house should acquire a knowledge of the British language, in order to help our trade there.

Is there an exchange in any of these cases?

Exchange is generally applied to other kinds of aliens, such as waiters.

rose—

The hon. Member has had a very comprehensive reply.

asked the Minister of Labour when the officers of the Trade Board Department last examined the books and wages return of Messrs. Brough, of Liverpool?

On 26th July,1928.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman considers it quite satisfactory to leave a firm of this kind, whom we believe are underpaying, so long without an examination of their books?

The hon. Member is himself fully aware of all the circumstances of the case. Briefly, this is one of those difficult cases, a borderline case, because part of the work may be under the present Trade Board definition, but a large part is not. As the hon. Member is aware, a fresh Trade Board definition is being got out which will clear up the situation, but it takes some lime.

I hope to have an opportunity of raising this matter in detail.

asked the Minister of Transport in how many cases train services on unremunerative lines have been, or are about to be, suspended by the railway companies and road motor-services substituted; what is the aggregate mileage of the lines in question; and where are they situated?

I am informed by the railway companies that there is one case—namely, Old Hill to Halesowen, about 1½ miles—in which a railway passenger service has been discontinued and an omnibus service substituted, and that there is another case—namely, Middlesbrough to Eston, about 3¾ miles—in which the railway passenger service will be discontinued shortly. The railway companies further inform me that they have under consideration the discontinuance of passenger services in a number of other cases where, owing to omnibus competition, the railway service has become unremunerative, but that before coming to a decision in these cases they desire to take into account the effect of any such discontinuance on the interests concerned and in particular to give every consideration to local feeling.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department has taken observations in London to determine what effect, if any, the erection of notices reading "Please cross here" has had in influencing public procedure in crossing busy streets; whether accidents have decreased in districts so signposted; and whether, in the interests of public safety, steps can be taken to station a constable at the authorised crossing-place at the junction of Old Palace Yard and Parliament Square?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Commissioner of Police states that the public generally make good use of the crossing-places to which the hon. Member refers, but he is unable to say whether the erection of the signs has brought about a reduction in accidents. With regard to the last part of the question, it is the practice to station a constable at each of the refuges on either side of the crossing mentioned while Parliament is sitting.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the possibilities of electrically-illuminated white traffic-direction lines on roads; and whether it is his intention to suggest to road authorities that facilities should be given for experimenting with such devices?

I am giving consideration to the possibilities of electrically-illuminated white traffic-direction lines, and am arranging for certain trials to be carried out. I do not consider it desirable to make any special suggestion to highway authorities at the moment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, before deciding to divert the motor-omnibus traffic from Bond Street to Berkeley Street and Davies Street, he will consult the various interests concerned?

Within the last few days, I have received representations in favour of the exclusion of all omnibus traffic from Bond Street, coupled with the suggestion that these services should be diverted through Berkeley Street and Davies Street, and I have referred this matter to the London Traffic Advisory Committee for consideration and report. The hon. Member may rest assured that the Committee, in considering the advice which they may tender to me on this subject, will have regard to the various interests concerned.

Will my right hon. Friend consider some kind of compromise by which omnibuses go up one route and come down another?

I certainly will.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to conclude the experiment with reference to foot passengers' refuges and crossing-places at Piccadilly Circus?

No such experiments are at present being carried out. When, however, the works in connection with the Piccadilly Tube Station are completed, experiments will be made with a view to selecting the most satisfactory sites for refuges and crossing-places, both from the point of view of vehicular and of pedestrian traffic.

Are certain inquiries not being made as to the extent of the refuges in Piccadilly Circus and also the shape in which they are built, which to some extent does impede traffic going round?

Yes, of course the shape and situation of the refuges will be taken into consideration when the experiments are made.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if payment was made by the Irish Free State for the British coinage hitherto used in the Free State; and, if so, what was the amount of payment;

(2) what amount of coinage in face value will be returned to the Treasury by the Irish Free State Government; and what sum in sterling has been agreed to be paid by the British Government to the Irish Free State?

asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangement has been made between the British Government and the Irish Free State Government to take up British silver coins at present in circulation in the Irish Free State at their face value; what were the proposals made by the Irish Free State Government to the British Government on the matter; and what is the estimated sum involved?

Some two years ago the Free State wishing to have their own token coinage made representations to the British Government that they should take back the silver circulating in Ireland at its face value. The amount of the silver in question was variously estimated at £1½ to £3 millions. We naturally demurred to this proposal on account of the cost it would entail to the British taxpayer. The Free State Government argued that it was obligatory upon us to redeem our own coinage at its face value as we had made the profits out of its original minting. We pointed out in reply that this coinage was issued before the Exchequers were divided and that the Irish and British taxpayers were both joint participants in the profits of the issue.

The Free State then represented that since the establishment of the Irish Free State British Treasury Notes have been in circulation throughout Ireland and that considerable profits have accrued to us through the printing and issue of these Notes. Of course it might be rejoined that the Free State used our notes in this interval for her convenience; but it cannot be denied that a substantial profit was made by the British Exchequer during this period from their circulation in Ireland. The Free State also pointed out that the British Government had assisted both South Africa and Australia in establishing their own coinage by repatriating the British coins at their face value, and they argued that a refusal to assist them in their turn would be invidious. Had no agreement been reached between the British and Free State Governments it would have been necessary for Parliament to legislate to prevent the repatriation of any British silver circulating in the Free State.

In all these circumstances the Cabinet took the view that a friendly compromise should if possible be arranged, and I was instructed to negotiate with Mr. Blythe fur that purpose. In consequence I have made an arrangement with the Free State for the return of silver coins to this country at their face value up to a total of £750,000. This process is to be spread over a period of rather more than 10 years: £50,000 may be repatriated by the 31st March of this year; £100,000 in April, 1929; £60,000 in April, 1930; and £60,000 every April after 1930 up to 1939. The total cost to the British Exchequer of the operation spread over these years on the basis of the present value of silver will amount to about £500,000.

Is that arrangement wholly acceptable to the Free State?

An agreement has been made that covers 10 years.