asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the proposed increase in the price of bread; and whether, particularly in view of available supplies of wheat, he proposes to bring the matter to the immediate notice of the Food Council?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statistics that will show the number of linear feet of positive and negative talking films consigned from the United States of America imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date and the declared value of these films; and whether arrangements have now been made to classify separately talking films from silent films?

The increase will not take place until 15th July and is provisional on their being no reduction in flour costs in the meantime. On the basis of the present price of flour in London the increase is within the scale of bread prices recommended by the Food Council. As regards the second part of the question, the Food Council as part of their ordinary duties have the relation of bread and flour prices under continuous review, and I have asked them that this matter be immediately considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the production of leather gloves and fabric gloves and the numbers of persons employed during the March quarter of 1929 and, for comparison, the corresponding figures for the December quarter of 1925?

The following particulars relating to output and employment have been supplied to the Board of Trade by the Joint Industrial Council for the glove-making industry:

The present trade statistics do not distinguish talking films from other films, and any change in this respect could only take effect at the beginning of a fresh statistical year, in January. The question whether such a change should be made in January next will be considered in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to allow the Dyes Act to expire at its termination on 15th January, 1931?

This matter will receive consideration in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government propose to take with reference to the quota of British films required to be shown under the Cinematograph Act, 1927, in view of the fact that it is already obvious that the British film industry will be unable to comply this year with the provisions of the Act?

I see no reason to anticipate that the British film industry will be unable this year to comply with the quota provisions of the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House with regard to the trial of certain leaders of the Indian labour movement now taking place at Meerut?

In the light of information put before them, the Government of India, with the approval of the Secretary of State, authorised the laying of a com plaint at Meerut on 15th March against 31 persons under Section 121-A of the Indian Penal Code. Subsequently, early in June, two further persons, one of whom was Mr. Lester Hutchinson, were included in the charge. On 18th June I sent a telegram asking that the trial should be expedited in every possible way. At the moment the position is that the proceedings were adjourned until 9th July in order to enable the defence to make an application to the High Court for transfer of the case to Allahabad. A further adjournment until 11th July was ordered by the Chief Justice in order to give the accused an opportunity to support their application by reference to attested facts. Whatever the decision on this application may be, there must be a preliminary inquiry by a magistrate, and it will be for him to decide as a result of that inquiry whether the case should be committed to a higher Court. One other matter may be mentioned in conclusion. Immediately on my own appointment I made inquiries as to the conditions governing the detention of untried prisoners, and on 28th June, at the suggestion of my hon. Friend, I telegraphed to India making further inquiries as to the treatment of the prisoners in this case. On 1st July I received a Report from the Government of India to the effect that orders had been issued that all reasonable requests and requirements of the prisoners should be met, and that they had full access to their Counsel, who can make any necessary representations on their behalf to the Court.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been called to the application of Murdo Macaulay, 4, Wester Arboll, Ross-shire, for compensation for improvements on the renunciation of his holding, of which the Department of Agriculture is owner, and to the strictures passed by the Land Court upon the practice of that Department of demanding equipped rents from new holders and claiming at the same time a lien on improvements effected at his own expense by the outgoing tenant; and what action he proposes to take to recoup Mac'aulay for the improvements effected by him and to put an end to the practice referred to?

I am aware of the case referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, while not admitting the implication contained in the question. The matter is not free from difficulty, however, and this and other similar cases are at present receiving my consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the serious financial position of many of the fishing harbours in the north-east of Scotland; and whether, in view of the contention that this position is largely due to the War and other causes beyond the control of the harbour authorities, he will consider instituting a general survey of these harbours in order to devise means of restoring them to a commercially sound financial basis?

I am aware of the heavy capital debts and debt charges of a number of the fishing harbours to which the hon. and gallant Member alludes, and, in consultation with other authorities concerned, I am considering what measures can properly be taken to ease the burdens in appropriate Cases.

asked the hon. Member representing the Forestry Commissioners if his attention has been called to the fact that in Carmarthenshire, during the War, 8,154 acres of trees were felled and only 385 acres have been replanted; and what steps are being taken to accelerate the rate of planting?

I am aware that the recently published Census of Woodlands showed that in Carmarthenshire 8,154 acres were felled or devastated. To the end of the season 1927–28 the Forestry Commission had planted 385 acres in that county. Last season, however, the area planted was increased to 726 acres, and the area will be further increased in future seasons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the mission of Sir Samuel Wilson to the East African territories has been concluded; and whether upon his return to this country it is proposed to publish a Report upon the results of his discussions with the various bodies he has consulted during his tour?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has now received Sir Samuel Wilson's Report, but is not yet in a position to say whether it will be published.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether collectors of taxes are regarded as civil servants for the purpose of the Trade Disputes Act?

Collectors in general do not, as I understand, fall within the definition in the Act. The answer is therefore in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of women at present employed by his Department as inspectors of Income Tax?

The number is 21. All of these are at present in the cadet class of assistant inspectors.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that members of his staff at Government Buildings, Acton, are compelled to deposit their coats and hats in official lockers, from which thefts have taken place over a long period; whether he has received any claims for compensation for loss of personal property from members of his staff; and, if so, whether inquiry has been made as to the prevalence of contributory neglect on the part of the officers claiming compensation and if any compensation has been paid?

At the request of the staff and in their interests lockers have been provided for their use. A few thefts have taken place during the past six months and in some cases compensation has been claimed from the Ministry. Liability for losses does not, however, rest on the Ministry and compensation has been accordingly refused. Contributory negligence on the part of the owners has been definitely ascertained in some of these cases.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Government are prepared to follow the example of the industrial and commercial firms and provide cycle accommodation in the offices of His Majesty's Inspectors of Taxes throughout the country where this is required?

asked the First Commissioner of Works' whether the Government are prepared to follow the example of the industrial and commercial firms and provide cycle accommodation in the offices of His Majesty's Inspectors of Taxes throughout the country where this is required?

The use of accommodation for cycles is granted in a number of offices of H.M. Inspectors of Taxes, where the premises occupied render this course practicable, but cycle accommodation is not provided as a general rule as an essential part of the accommodation for a District Tax Office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the terms of the Act he will reconsider the regulations for carrying into effect the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, which apply the means limit of £150 a year on a weekly basis, thus excluding from benefit of the Act certain pensioners whose aggregate means do not exceed £150 during the period of a whole year?

I am not aware of any regulation which provides for the assessment of means on a weekly basis. I think that my hon. Friend probably refers to the method of determining means when they vary during the course of the year. If he will furnish me with the details of any particular case which he has in mind I will look into the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total revenue received for the 12 months ended 31st May last from the McKenna Duties, the 'Safeguarding Duties and Silk Duties?

The approximate net receipts during the 12 months up to 31st May, 1929, were from the McKenna Duties, £3,523,000; from the Safeguarding Duties, £2,419,000 including £679,000 from Key Industry Duties and from the Silk Duties, £6,089,000.

Detailed particulars of the receipts are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take with regard to the grants to harbours promised in the last Budget?

My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries are considering schemes for the purpose of assisting, where necessary, a reduction of harbour dues payable by fishermen and helping the fishing industry in other ways. So far as need is shown, I propose for the present to ask Parliament to make provision for these purposes at a rate not exceeding £30,000 a year, subject to re-examination from time to time.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amount to date of money on deposit in the Post Office Savings Bank and the number of depositors; and how much was deposited and how much withdrawn during the last completed financial year?

The estimated total amount of money on deposit in the Post Office Savings Bank on the 1st July was £289,000,000, including accrued interest to 30th June. The number of active accounts is about 10,000,000. The amount deposited, including interest credited, during the year ended 31st December last was approximately £85,000,000 and the withdrawals were approximately £81,000,000.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will publish a detailed report of the proceedings of the ninth Congress of the Universal Postal Union which concluded its deliberations at the end of June; and if he will give the date at which the Postal Convention of London will become operative next year?

The Congress during its sittings considered and decided upon nearly 2,000 proposals for the amendment of the Postal Union Convention. The great majority of these were of a technical character and very few were of any public interest. I do not think the expense of publishing a detailed report, which would necessarily be voluminous, would be justified, but a summary account was issued to the Press on the 2nd instant. The Postal Convention of London comes into force on 1st July, 1930.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the rates for a part-time postman are as low as £l per week; that he is debarred from receiving unemployment benefit if he declines the part-time work; and that if unemployed, with wife and children, he would be receiving more than £l per week; and will he endeavour to ensure that part-time postmen who are married do not receive less than they would receive if unemployed?

The wages of part-time postmen are fixed on an hourly basis and vary according to the number of hours for which they are employed. The present rates of pay were fixed by an Award of the Industrial Court dated July, 1927. It is recognised that the wages of part-time postmen may in some cases be less than the amount which could be received as unemployment benefit but as the work lasts only a few hours a day such cases are unavoidable.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of complaints made by telephone subscribers that the existing treatment of accounts occasionally results in needlessly harsh treatment, such as the cutting off of the connection during the absence on holiday of the subscriber; and whether, in the circumstances, he will consider the possibility of relaxing the procedure, either by increasing the discretionary power of the responsible officials, or otherwise, in order to obviate the possibility of such harshness?

I am aware that complaints of the kind are made from time to time, but over 1,000,000 accounts are dealt with each quarter and it would, I am afraid, be impracticable to inquire as to the cause of non-payment in individual eases. If a subscriber's absence from home is known at the exchange, or has been notified direct to the district office, special consideration is given to the case. I propose to enclose with the October accounts a leaflet advising subscribers to notify absence from home to the exchange or to the District Manager, and to insert a notice to the same effect in the Telephone Directory.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the election communications sent to him for free delivery were not stamped in certain cases by his Department; and if he will explain why this was not done?

I am aware that the election communications were not stamped in certain cases. In order to expedite the delivery of these communications, the instructions issued to Postmasters provide that at a General Election they need not be stamped with any Post Office stamp.

asked the Postmaster-General who was responsible for the design of the Postal Congress postage stamps; and will he give an assurance that an artist be employed for such purposes in the future?

The artists who were invited to submit designs were selected on the advice of a Committee which included a number of gentlemen of artistic eminence, and the selection of the designs was entrusted to the same Committee.

The names of the Committee are—

Sir G. E. P. Murray, K.C.B.

Sir Cecil Harcourt Smith, C.V.O., LL.D.

Mr. F. V. Burridge, C.B.E.

Professor Anning Bell, R.A.

Sir Frank Short, R.A.

Mr. Campbell Dodgson, C.B.E.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the wage industrial conditions prevailing in the Aston establishment of the Hercules Cycle Company, he proposes to take any action on their contract with his Department?

I am having this matter investigated, and will communicate with my hon. Friend when my inquiries are completed.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has yet taken into consideration the suggestion submitted to the recent Congress of the Universal Postal Union for the re-establishment of the pre-War system of uniform postage rate in all countries by reducing appreciably the margin of variation from the standard rates which is at present allowed; and if he contemplates a return to penny postage in this country at an early date?

The Congress of London reduced from 60 per cent, to 50 per cent, the margin of increase over the standard rates which is permitted by the Final Protocol of the Postal Union Convention. But this change will not affect Great Britain as the rates charged by the British Post Office are already equivalent to the standard rates, laid down in the Convention. I am unable at present to make any statement with regard to the reintroduction of penny postage in this country.

asked the Postmaster-General how much per day is awarded to sub-postmasters in rural areas as remuneration for having a public telephone call-box installed?

The remuneration is a guinea a year plus cost of living bonus, or 10 per cent, of the local call office receipts with a minimum of a guinea plus bonus, according as a coin box is or is not fitted. Credit is also given for outward trunk calls and certain other services with which the sub-postmaster may have to assist, and free inward calls are allowed to the sub-postmaster.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to prohibit the use of metal fasteners on envelopes, in view of the injury they are responsible for in the case of postal servants and people who have to handle such envelopes whilst in transit?

As indicated at page 12 of the Post Office Guide, the transmission by post of any sharp instrument not properly protected or any article which is likely to injure an officer of the Post Office or other person who may deal with such packet is prohibited.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he intends to carry out the policy of the late Government in regard to the sale of the Imperial cables and the leasing of the Beam services?

The contracts between the Post Office and the Imperial Communications Company providing for the transfer of these services were signed before the present Government assumed office. These contracts were conditional on the requisite percentage of assents being received from the shareholders. The Merger Company have now announced the receipt of the requisite percentage of assents from all classes of shareholders and the principal agreements therefore automatically become binding.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain streets in the borough of Salford have been closed to motor traffic in order that children may play there in safety; and, in view of the lack of playgrounds in the Central Division of Southwark, will he consider some similar arrangements for the minor streets of this borough, so as to reduce the number of street accidents among children?

I was not aware that definite steps had been taken in this direction in Salford. While I have the greatest sympathy with the object which my hon. Friend has in view, namely, the provision of greater facilities for children to play, I am advised that it would require legislation to give legal effect to his suggestion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Ministry would be prepared to grant a donation of 60 per cent, towards the cost of purchase of Cookham toll bridge by the Bucks and Berks County Councils?

My Department has encouraged the county councils concerned to proceed with negotiations with a view to purchasing and freeing this and other toll bridges on the Thames. If satisfactory terms can be agreed, I shall be prepared to give favourable consideration to an application from the county councils towards the expenditure involved, but at this stage I cannot commit myself to any specific percentage.

asked the Minister of Transport the numbers and names of towns in "which tramways have been superseded by motor omnibuses; and whether there are any cases in which the reverse policy has been adopted within the last two years?

I am not in possession of complete information on the points raised by the hon. Member, but I believe that the tramway systems belonging to Heysham, Morecambe, Wor- cester and Kilmarnock, and to the Kidderminster and Stourport, Liverpool Overhead, Potteries and Greenock and Port Glasgow Companies have been replaced by omnibuses, and that a similar replacement is in process, or is proposed in several other cases. In addition some eight companies operating tramways obtained powers in their Acts of last Session to substitute omnibus services. I am not aware of any case in which the reverse policy has been adopted.

asked the Minister of Transport if the Report of the survey of the proposed road bridge over the Forth has been completed; and when it will be issued?

I would refer my hon. Friend to an answer which I gave yesterday to a similar question from the hon. Member for the Leith Division (Mr. E. Brown), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether having regard to the rapid expansion of motor-coach and motor-omnibus traffic, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation giving him power to hold inquiries into street accidents in which motor coaches and motor omnibuses are involved similar to those held after railway accidents?

This is a matter on which the Royal Commission on Transport have taken evidence, and I understand that it will be covered by the First Report of the Commission which is to be presented very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps have been taken to secure agreement with Egypt upon the exact scope of the four reserved points?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has had a conversation with the Egyptian Prime Minister, in the course of which various aspects of Anglo-Egyptian rela- tions were naturally touched upon. His Majesty's Government are prepared to give the whole question their most careful consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any general statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether representations have been made to him from various public bodies in the county of Kent concerning the new method adopted by the Kent County Valuation Committee in the rating of sewers, resulting in additional charges to the local authorities; and whether, as this .method of valuation and assessment is confined to the county of Kent, he will bring in an amending Bill which will secure uniformity in this matter?

Yes, Sir. I have received representations on the matter to which the hon. Member refers. An amendment of the law in regard to the rating of sewers could not, in my view, properly be considered apart from the case of certain other classes of hereditament, and I cannot at present undertake to introduce legislation on this subject. In the meantime the hon. Member may consider it desirable to take up the matter with the Central Valuation Committee, to whom Parliament has entrusted the promotion of uniformity of assessment.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that under the Local Government Act all urban areas of less than 20,000 population will be wiped out; whether he can state exactly the position of all these smaller local authorities; and whether he will consider the desirability of accepting the view that any urban district which shows a reasonable standard of administrative efficiency and financial capacity shall be entitled to become a statutory borough?

There is no such provision in the Local Government Act, 1929, as the hon. and gallant Member seems to suppose in the first part of the question. As regards the second, what the Act does is to require the county council to make a survey of county districts and to make such proposals for changes as are thought advisable, which proposals are subject to approval by the Minister of Health. As regards the third part of the question, the matter is one of those under consideration by the Royal Commission on Local Government, and I must obviously await their report.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of poor relief in the West Ham Union now, and, for comparison, the number on the day on which the elected guardians were superseded?

The following statement shows the number of persons in the West Ham Union in receipt of Poor Law relief (excluding casuals, lunatics in asylums and persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only) on Saturday, 17th July, 1926, and on the latest date for which figures are available:

The appointed Guardians took office on 20th July, 1926.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are actually more children living in slums to-day than there were 10 years ago; and whether he is prepared to enable their parents to move them into decent houses by some form of children's rent allowance?

I am aware of the unsatisfactory conditions under which many families are living. The provision of better accommodation for such families is one aspect of the general problem of the slums which is engaging my attention; but the hon. Member must not assume that I accept his view that the adoption of a system of children's rent allowances is a solution of this problem.

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken in regard to international action as to the supply and price of radium; and whether the Report of the radium subcommittee of the Committee of Civil Research has been brought to the notice of the League of Nations?

The Report of the Radium Sub-Committee has been brought to the notice of the League of Nations Health Organisation. As regards the remainder of the question, there is for the time being nothing to add to the reply given on 18th April to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hull Central (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), of which I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to alter the regulations which do not permit the local education authorities to provide for a child suspected of tuberculosis in a convalescent home; and if he will modify the existing rules so as to permit education authorities to deal with suspected cases at the earliest possible moment?

I am not sure what rules or regulations the hon. Member has in mind, but if he will send me particulars of any specific case I shall be glad to look into it. Speaking generally, it is for the public health authorities and not the local education authorities to deal with cases of tuberculosis or suspected tuberculosis in children.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a resolution from the Carmarthenshire Baptist Association asking the Government to include ministers of the Gospel in the pension scheme; and whether he proposes to accept the suggestion in the resolution?

I have received the resolution, but I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter, pending completion of the general survey of the national insurance and pension schemes to which reference was made in the Gracious Speech from the Throne.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has has received a resolution passed by the Llandilofawr Assessment Committee on 16th May, asking that provision should be made for the payment of expenses of members of assessment committees attending such committees, as many of the members are working men; and whether he proposes to take any steps to carry out this suggestion?

I have received the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. The Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, does not admit of the payment of the expenses of members of assessment committees when attending meetings of the committees, and legislation would, therefore, be necessary in order to give effect to the representations contained in the resolution. The question is a general one which needs to be considered not only in relation to assessment committees but also to other authorities, and I am not at present in a position to give any undertaking as to legislation on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health what number of houses have been completed during each quarter since the time of the Armistice under the following headings: houses for letting built with the help of a subsidy under any of the Housing Acts; and all other houses?

The following statement gives particulars as to the number of houses completed in each of the quarters in question. I have no information as to how many of these houses have been built for letting, but it may be 'assumed that practically all the houses shown in the statement as erected under State-assisted schemes, except those built by private enterprise with the aid of subsidy under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, and the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, were built for letting.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses erected by each rural district council in the county of Leicester with State assistance in the year 1928?

The rural district councils of Barrow-on-Soar, Blaby, Hinckley and Market Harborough erected 76, 22, 78 and 12 houses respectively, with State assistance, during the year 1928. The remaining rural district councils in the administrative county of Leicester did not erect any houses during that year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to introduce legislation making the use of the humane killer compulsory for the slaughter of cattle and other animals in England and Wales?

I have been asked to reply. I will give consideration to this matter, but I doubt whether it is of sufficient urgency to take precedence of the questions on which Government legislation has been forecasted in the Gracious Speech from the Throne. I may add that the model byelaw providing for the use of a mechanical instrument has now been adopted by over 300 authorities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the importation of large quantities of cheese from Holland and elsewhere which is sold at low prices as cheese, but which is known in the trade as half-meat cheese; and, in view of the low food value of this cheese, will he take steps to see that this cheese is labelled half-meat cheese?

The question of the sale of both home-made and imported half-meat cheese has been constantly before the Ministry for some time past. Local authorities under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, have power to deal with cases where it is sold under a name which indicates that it is whole-milk cheese, and convictions have been obtained from time to time. In the opinion of my right hon. Friend, the fresh legislation which the hon. Member's proposal would involve could not at present be justified.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that, whilst considerable quantities of foreign manufactured cement enter this country each month, a large number of cement makers in Kent are without employment; and whether he has any proposals to make whereby work can be found for unemployed English cement makers in their own trade?

Imports of foreign cement are small compared with production and consumption in this country, and I understand that unemployment among cement workers is less than among insured workpeople generally. As regards the last part cf the question, the Government's preliminary plans for dealing with unemployment have already been laid before the House by the Lord Privy Seal.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that whereas the aerodrome of His Majesty's Air Force situate at Sealand H wholly in the county of Flint, it has for the purposes of the Unemployment Acts been placed in the area of Chester Employment Exchange; that there are large numbers of unemployed men resident in parts of Flintshire adjoining the aerodrome, and that such unemployed men are experiencing difficulty in securing work from the contractors who are now carrying on extensive alterations at the aerodrome; and whether, having regard to the position, she will consider the desirability of taking steps to place the whole of this part of the county of Flint, including the aerodrome, under the control of Employment Exchanges situate in that county?

The Sealand Aerodrome is within the area of the Chester Employment Exchange for the purpose of notifications of vacancies by the employer. Having regard to the distance of the nearest branch exchange in Flintshire, namely, that at Shotton, I do not think any other arrangement is practicable. Arrangements are, however, made for persons registered at Shotton to have equal consideration from the Chester Exchange for vacancies at the aerodrome.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons,

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give any classification of the ages at which boys and girls have passed through the juvenile training centres and as to the comparative value of the training in affording careers as against youths who stay in the secondary schools?

Juvenile Unemployment Centres are open to unemployed boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18. Detailed information as to the ages of those who have actually attended such Centres is not available, but a census of age distribution at certain Centres recently taken shows that about 56 per cent, of the juveniles in attendance were under 16 years of age, about 15 per cent, between 16 and 17, and about 29 per cent, over 17. As the curriculum of the Centres is mainly designed to prevent the ill effects of long periods of unemployment it is impracticable to compare the results with those obtained in the case of boys or girls who complete a course of secondary education.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that the employés of the Bristol Corporation who specifying men, women, boys and girls on the Devonport Employment Exchanges, respectively, for the months of May and June, 1929?

The following table shows the number of persons on the registers of the Devonport Employment Exchange on each Monday of May and June, 1929:—

are engaged in connection with the Bristol Corporation baths are held to be uninsurable under the Unemployment Insurance Acts; and whether, having regard to the hardship which has resulted in certain cases, she will consider the desirability of introducing amending legislation?

In accordance with a decision of the High Court, certain employés of a corporation baths department are held to be uninsurable as being employed in domestic service otherwise than in a trade or business carried on for the purposes of gain. As my hon. Friend no doubt realises, the position could not be altered without legislation, and I cannot do more at present than promise to take the point into consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons for the months of April, May, and June, separately, who have had their unemployment benefit stopped for failing to comply with the clause not genuinely seeking employment?

The following statement shows the number of claims to unemployment benefit disallowed on the ground of " not genuinely seekng work ":

asked the Minister of Labour what steps she proposes to take to prevent the umpire from debarring unemployed workmen from receiving benefit which -was restored during the transitional period?

The Umpire is an independent statutory authority who interprets the existing law and with whose decisions I have no power to interfere. The conditions for the receipt of benefit can only be altered by legislation.

asked the Minister of Labour if her attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. George Lewis, 16, Hesketh Street, Leigh, Lancashire, who was receiving unemployment benefit up to 14th February, but whose claim was disallowed on the recommendation of the Court of referees from 14th February up to 9th May; whether she is aware that on the 9th May, his renewal claim was admitted, but he is called upon to put in another waiting period of six days on the grounds that the 10 weeks' continuity rule had been exceeded; and will she take steps to put this right, seeing that Lewis was prevented from keeping within the 10 weeks through the action of the court of referees?

This is a statutory requirement which I have no power to alter without further legislation, but I will note the point for consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour by what percentage wages rose or fell during the period of office of the

asked the Minister of Labour if the Government intend to continue the policy of industrial transference in connection with the distressed mining areas?

asked the Minister of Labour whether she intends to continue or modify the industrial transference scheme of the late Government?

As was pointed out by the Lord Privy Seal on 3rd July, there is in certain areas a surplus working population, who ought to be helped to find work elsewhere. The Government therefore, propose to continue, and indeed to extend, the transference scheme, but with modifications designed to make it more elastic and more closely adjusted to the circumstances of the various areas.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons signing the live registers in West Ham, East Ham, Walthamstow, and Leyton for the week ending 1st June, 1929, and the corresponding numbers for 1st June, 1928?

The following statement gives the particulars for which my hon. Friend asks:

late Government, or, if such figures are not available for this period, what are the figures for the nearest comparable period for which they are available?

It is difficult to make a brief statement on this point without running the risk of causing misunderstanding. I can say, however, that in the case of the rates of wages for a full week the general average level was approximately the same at the end as at the beginning of the period of office of the late Government. It should be noted that in this calculation no account is taken of short-time or overtime working, and, further, that the statement does not relate to " real " wages as influenced by changes in the cost of living.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women employed, directly and indirectly, in the motor trade of Great Britain on 31st May, 1925, and 31st May, 1929?

The only figures available are those relating to the industry group, " Construction 'and repair of motor vehicles, cycles, and aircraft." At July, 1925, there were 189,380 males and 21,320 females, aged 16 to 64, inclusive, insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in Great Britain classified as belonging to that industry group. Of these numbers at 25th May, 1925, 10,573 males and 1,002 females were recorded as unemployed. At July, 1928, the latest date for which figures are available, the corresponding numbers of insured persons included 209,170 males and 23,290 females. At 27th May, 1929, 11,467 males and 979 females were recorded as unemployed.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state any increases in working hours which have taken place in the coalfields of France, Germany and Poland since the enactment of the Coal Mines Act, 1926?

No increases in working hours have taken place in the coalfields of France, Germany and Poland since the passing of the Coal Mines Act, 1926.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether and, if so, what steps are being taken to bring about an early reduction of the working hours of miners throughout the European coalfields?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him yesterday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that considerable overtime, not provided for by any agreements, has been and is being worked in a number of coalfields, notably South Derbyshire and Leicestershire, in distinct breach of the Mines (Eight Hours) Act, 1926; and whether he will call for a report on this subject from inspectors of mines with a view to securing the carrying out of the law?

I am not aware that overtime is being worked illegally in the districts referred to or elsewhere, but if my hon. Friend will give me any instances in which it is alleged that this is being done, I will see that they are investigated.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in considering any scheme for making pensions for miners available at an age earlier than 65, he will investigate the possibilities of using part of the welfare money for that purpose?

The whole question of pensions is under consideration and no relevant consideration will be overlooked.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to the number of cases of cruelty to pit ponies which have come before the courts during the last few months; and if he intends to take any steps to ensure greater protection from all forms of cruelty for these animals?

I find that during 1928 and the present year prosecutions have been taken at the instance of my Department in respect of contraventions, at six collieries, of the Regulations for the care and treatment of pit ponies. Four of these collieries are in the Cardiff and Swansea Divisions. Special steps have been and are being taken in this area by His Majesty's Inspectors, and the posi- tion will continue to be closely watched. I have no reason whatever to think that these cases constitute in any way an indication of the position in the districts where these cases occurred or throughout the industry as a whole.

asked the Secretary for Mines if, taking the last five years for which statistics are available, he can state the number of men who have entered the mines who were not of age prior to the five years mentioned; and whether his Department is taking steps to discourage all young men from entering an industry which is already possessed of surplus labour?

I regret that no figures are available as to the number of entrants below the age of 21. Since 1925 figures have been collected showing the number of those in the industry below the age of 20. These numbers at the end of 1925, 1927 and 1928 were 180,493, 155,745 and 146,613 respectively. Those for 1926 are not included owing to the stoppage in that year. The entrance into the industry of workers over 18 years of age is restricted under arrangements made by the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamation schemes having in view the disposing of coal have to the knowledge of his Department been framed under Part I of the Mining Industry Act, 1926; what is the approximate annual production of the undertakings covered by these schemes in the last completed year for which figures are available; what was the quantity disposed of for export by them; and what percentage these figures of production and export are of the total production and export of Great Britain for the same period in each case?

The number of schemes approved by the Eailway and Canal Commission under the provisions of Part I of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, is four. The combined output of these collieries in 1928 was about 10,500,000 tons, representing 4.43 per cent, of the total output. I have no information as to the proportion of this output exported. There have been, of course, a number of voluntary amalgamations which have not come before the Court. Particulars of most of these were given in the Command Paper No. 3214/1928 published at the end of last year. Another report will be published this year.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet received the Report of the inquiry into the Coombs Wood pit disaster; and, if so, whether he will inform the House as to its findings?

I have not yet received this Report, but I understand that it will be ready for publication in about two weeks.

asked the Home Secretary if he can make a statement as to the recent dismissals from the Metropolitan Police Force?

No, Sir, I am inclined to think that no good purpose would be served by giving further prominence to a few individual lapses in a force of 20,000 men. I do not say that the instances that have recently come to light, some of which the hon. Member may have more particularly in mind, have not presented some exceptional features, but the situation can be, and is being, dealt with adequately in the ordinary course of administration.

asked the Home Secretary what countries pay .workmen's compensation to a British seaman injured in a ship sailing under their flag; and whether any endeavour is being made to secure a common system of compensation similar to our own?

It would appear from the information at present available that in the majority, at any rate, of the chief maritime States, compensation would be payable in the case mentioned. My information, however, is not complete, and I will make further inquiries and communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course. As regards the British Empire, I may draw the attention of the hon. Member to Section XVIII of the Summary of Proceedings of the Imperial Conference of 1926 (Omd. 2768) which deals with the application of workmen's compensation legislation to British seamen serving on ships registered in any part of the Empire.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received representations from the Lleyw Rural District Council and the Pwllheli Town Council regarding the lack of representation of these areas on the North West Wales Pensions Committee; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this defect?

Representations have been received from the two local authorities referred to. I have informed them that the authorised membership of the North West Wales War Pensions Committee is at present complete, but that their representations have been noted for consideration when the necessity for the appointment of new members may arise.