asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received any deputations from any organisations asking him to consider the abolition of the seven years' time limit for service pensions; and whether he can state the decision of the Government in this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Members for Middlesbrough West (Mr. Griffith) and Bristol East (Mr. Baker) on the 9th of this month, of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to let us have an answer to this question?

No, I am sorry it is not possible to-day.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether instructions have been or will be issued to the dependants' branch that, in cases where notification is received of the death of a parent in receipt of a dependants' pension in respect of a son killed in the War, the surviving parent shall be informed that the pension is transferable on application?

It is not practicable to give notice precisely in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend, as my Department does not necessarily know whether there is a surviving parent in any individual case. I have, however, arranged for an intimation of the provisions of the Warrant on this matter to be conveyed to all pensioners individually of the classes affected. At the same time a notice on the subject will be exhibited in Area Offices and the matter is being brought to the attention of War Pensions Committees.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the desirability of stabilising the pensions of the patients suffering from tuberculosis in the Devon and Cornwall ex-service men's colony at Efford, near Plymouth?

It would not be in the best interests of the men concerned to make final awards as a matter of course to any particular group of men suffering from tuberculosis. Final awards are, however, made in any cases found to be suitable, and in other cases awards are made for prolonged periods, wherever possible, so that the pensioners may be spared the necessity of frequent examination.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared, in view of the disadvantage at which the ex- service men are placed in having their matters efficiently and expeditiously dealt with, immediately to reopen the local pension office at Abertillery for at least one day in each week?

The part-time sub-office at Abertillery was closed with the concurrence of the Monmouthshire War Pensions Committee as the number of interviews had become negligible and did not justify the expense involved. I have no information that hardship or inconvenience has been caused to ex-service men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, since the local office has been closed, ex-service men, in order to obtain the advice they require have to travel a distance of from 30 to 35 miles?

I am stating the information as given to me. If my hon. Friend can give me additional information on the point which has been raised, I will certainly look into it.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he intends to re-examine the case of the ex-ranker officers' pensions?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on the 9th instant to the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha).

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he intends to alter the pension scheme as it affects pensioners granted under 20 per cent, final award?

I am not quite clear what the hon. Member has in view. I may say, however, that the particular grade of beneficiary referred to enjoys, equally with beneficiaries more severely disabled, the safeguards afforded both by the Assessment Appeal Tribunals and by the Ministry's own arrangements for the correction of errors of final award.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what are his intentions as regards the compulsory appointment of women police?

I think the employment of women police by local police authorities may properly be encouraged where there is scope for them, but it is not, in my opinion, a matter for compulsion.

asked the Home Secretary whether the regulations made under the Police Act, 1919, permit of the quarterly meetings of the branch board of the Police Federation being held at any time during the quarter to suit the convenience of the branch board, but subject to the exigencies of the service?

Yes: subject to the exigencies of the service and to the provision that the annual meeting, at which delegates to the Central Conferences are selected, must be held before the 7th November.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire why facilities for such meetings are refused the Portsmouth City Police?

I should require to have notice of any supplementary question of that kind.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the Report of the departmental committee nominated by his predecessor to investigate the welfare of girls in London, he is prepared to consider the introduction of legislation in England and Wales which will bring all employment agencies under the control of public authorities?

The recommendation of the Committee referred to was concerned specifically with domestic servants registries. Some measure of control over these registries is already provided for in Section 85 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907, which can be adopted by any local authority. The effect of the recommendation would be to convert this into a system of licensing. I cannot give any promise of bringing in legislation for the time being, but the Government would view sympathetically any Bill that may be introduced to give effect to the recommendation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations from the London County Council or other councils asking that facilities should be given for legislation?

I have no information on that point.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the introduction of legislation to prohibit the practice of the payment of sums of money on the transfer of professional football players from one club to another?

The answer is in the negative.

While appreciating that the Government do not want to interfere with the transfer of talent, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is in a position to inform the House of the transfer fee, if any, in the case of the Attorney-General?

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take on the Report of the Petroleum Filling Stations Committee; and whether he has approached any local authorities regarding the Committee's recommendations?

As soon as I have received the supplementary Report which the Committee is preparing, and which I hope will be available in a few days, I propose to issue a circular to all by-law making authorities bringing the Report to their notice and inviting them to proceed to an examination of the needs of their area with a view to the adoption of bylaws.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the number of thefts of drugs from motor cars belonging to doctors; and whether, in view of the in creasing number of this class of theft and the consequent dangers arising therefrom, he proposes to take any steps to prevent medical practitioners leaving dangerous drugs unattended or in other than some reasonably safe place?

Yes, Sir. There have been a certain number of such thefts, but I am informed by the police that they are satisfied that these thefts are ordinary cases of petty larceny and have no connection with any form of traffic in dangerous drugs. It is a little difficult to see what action I could usefully take in the matter, but it is desirable that medical practitioners and others who have these drugs in their possession should be particularly careful to avoid any risk of their being lost or stolen, and I hope the publicity which has been given to the matter will lead to greater care being taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 29 cases of this description have taken place during the last 12 months; that yesterday, in Bolton, drugs of a similar character were stolen, and that it is stated in the Press to be more than likely that a quantity sufficient to kill 20 people has found its way into the hands of children?

I am not aware of any occurrence of that kind, but I think the publicity now given to the subject is likely to reduce the number.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the medical fraternity that, if cases of this kind increase, or continue at the same rate, some method will have to be adopted of enforcing penalties; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that criminal negligence on the part of miners or railwaymen is invariably punished with imprisonment?

I can only add that, if the terms of my answer are not effective, further steps might be taken.

asked the Minister of Health whether a greater allowance is to be made for milk at maternity centres than was granted by the late Government?

asked the Minister of Health if and when he intends resuming the full grant of milk to necessitous expectant and nursing mothers, which was reduced by £12,000 a year under the late Conservative administration?

The maximum expenditure by each local authority on the supply of milk for mothers and babies during the current financial year which will be recognised for grant by my Department was fixed in March last, but any case in which application is made for approval of additional expenditure proposed to be incurred for this purpose would, of course, be considered by me on its merits.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer will give very great dissatisfaction to a large number of people who helped to put the Government into power? [HON. MEMBERS: " Why? "] On the ground of the base accusations which were made against the late Government.

May we not take it that my right hon. Friend will give estimates of expenditure upon milk which are submitted to him much more generous and humane consideration than has been given to them in the past?

rose —

These aftermaths of the election are not suitable for Question Time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the feeling among those interested in maternity and child-welfare work that the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929, will hamper the development of this work; and does he propose to take the necessary steps to prevent this by restoring the percentage grant for these services?

I am aware that in certain quarters there is an apprehension of this kind, but I could not undertake at the present stage to introduce legislation for the continuance of percentage grants for maternity and child-welfare work. The effect of the new system of grants on the development of the public health services will be carefully watched.

Is there anything to prevent the Treasury altering the system of grants without changing the law?

I think that question had better be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the desirability, in connection with the National Radium Fund, of allowing local hospital authorities to send earmarked contributions to the fund so that these may be doubled by the State grant, as was the case in connection with the Miners' Distress Relief Fund?

I have been asked to reply. I am afraid that I cannot undertake to adopt the hon. Baronet's suggestion, since, as was stated in the House on the 16th April, the contribution from public funds towards the purchase of further supplies of radium is subject to a maximum limit of £100,000, and the equivalent of this sum has already been raised by private subscription.

In view of the fact that £100,000 has been or will be contributed to this fund by the general taxpayers, does not the right hon. Gen- tleman think that provincial hospitals have a very strong claim to receive some assistance from the central fund?

That matter is now being dealt with, and a statement will shortly be made public as to the manner in which the radium supply is to be allocated.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government contemplates, in the case of civilian blind, the lowering of the pensionable age from 50 years, at which it now stands, to 40 years?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is proposed to carry through the promise of the late Government to give pensions to the blind at the age of 40 instead of, as now, at 50?

I have been asked to reply. This matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths that have occurred during the last 12 months from small-pox and from the after effects of vaccination, respectively?

During the 12 months ended the 31st May last, 39 deaths occurred in which small-pox appeared in the coroner's certificate or the medical certificate as the cause or one of the causes of death. In the same period there were 29 deaths which were returned as having been associated with vaccination.

asked the Minister of Health the number of hours worked weekly by the attendants at the Thorpe Mental Hospital; and whether he has received any reports from his inspectors regarding this matter?

The weekly hours of duty amount to 59¾ hours actual working time spread over five days. The attendants, however, are allowed two whole days consecutively off duty each week, and also 21 days leave each year. These arrangements are in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint Conciliation Committee of the Mental Hospitals Association and the National Asylum Workers' Union. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received representations as to the desirability of making some provision for the deaf and dumb on the lines of the legislation which has been passed for the benefit of blind persons; and whether, in order that exact information may be available, he will cause inquiries to be made as to the number of persons in destitute circumstances because of this affliction and the probable cost of making adequate provision for them?

Yes, Sir. The representations which I have received on this subject will be carefully considered by me. As at present advised, however, I am not satisfied that it is desirable to undertake such an inquiry as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Home Secretary whether M. Trotsky will be permitted to come to England?

asked the Home Secretary whether any decision has been arrived at in regard to the application made by M. Trotsky to come to live in this country?

The Government, having carefully considered all the circumstances of the case, have decided against the grant of facilities to enable M. Trotsky to visit this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the past Kossuth, Garibaldi, Mazzini, Orsini, Karl Marx and others have been permitted to come to this country?

The question which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has on the Paper is very definite and the answer was very definite, and there does not seem to be anything more to be said about it.

On a point of Order. Is it not a tradition of this House that the right of asylum is the most sacred thing in this country, and are we not to be permitted to cross-examine Ministers on a decision of this kind whether they are right or wrong?

No point of Order arises.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether we are prohibited from asking any questions as to the reasons which have led the Government to commit this act of " safety first"?

There are 147 questions on the Paper, and supplementary questions must be governed by some rule and have some definite bearing either on the original question or on the answer that is given.

asked the Home Secretary the number of persons entitled to vote more than once, such as university voters and voters for business premises, in Parliamentary elections in Scotland, England, and Wales, respectively?

The numbers of electors registered for university constituencies are:

Will the right hon. Gentleman get the figures?

On a question being put down, I will do my best.

asked the Home Secretary if any and, if so, how many benches of magistrates have failed to appoint probation officers as required by the Criminal Justice Act, 1925; and whether he intends to take any steps to enforce the law?

Apart from one combined area where arrangements are in progress but are not completed, only 12 out of 1,028 Petty Sessional Divisions were returned as being without probation officers at the end of last year: and this figure includes casual vacancies. Before the Criminal Justice Act of 1925, 137 Courts were without probation officers. A great deal has been done in recent years to improve the organisation of the probation service with encouraging results, and I do not think there are any other steps which my Department should take at present.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the statement of Mr. Justice Horridge, at the Sussex Assizes, in which the learned Judge deplored the fact that under the Habitual Criminal Act it is only possible to pass sentence of preventive detention upon a prisoner whose crime justifies a sentence of penal servitude; and if he proposes to take steps to amend this?

I have read with great interest the learned Judge's remarks, but I am not yet in a position to formulate views or to make any statement as to my intentions.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act, 1903, providing that committing justices may assign legal aid to poor prisoners reserving their defence?

I am afraid I cannot hold out any expectation of immediate legislation, but the whole question of the defence of poor prisoners is one to which I intend to give my most sympathetic consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the effect of the present Act is either that a prisoner has to take the first vital step in his own defence without legal aid, or, if he is unable or unwilling to do that, he is deprived of legal aid altogether?

That supplementary question summarises the reasons for the closing words of my answer.

Is it not a fact that the present practice under the Statute does not create the difficulty suggested by the question, but that the committing justices have full power to grant legal aid in all cases where the need so requires?

I regard that supplementary question as containing too many points of argument for me to answer now.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the maximum fee of £5 allowed to solicitors by the Statutory Rules and Orders, 1903, No. 1,150, made under Section 1 (2) of the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act is in complicated cases inadequate for the purpose of preparing poor prisoners' defences; and whether the Government will take steps to amend the above rule so that the scale of fees under the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act may in such cases be increased?

The Regulations to which the hon. Member refers were revised two years ago, and the maximum sum allowable is now £6 13s. 4d., in addition of course to out-of-pocket expenses.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the sum of £6 13s. 4d., or whatever he said, is sufficient to pay for a complicated case for a poor prisoner?

The Minister's opinion on that question is not the point at issue.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any steps?

I cannot at present add to the answer I have already given.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to amend the costs in the Criminal Cases Act, 1908, so as to provide for the payment to all acquitted prisoners of the taxed costs of their defence?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary the number of orders granted under Section 2 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act, 1920, for the operation of the two-shift system, and the number granted during the last three months?

Up to the end of June, 852 Orders had been granted; 26 were granted during the months April, May and June.

Can we be furnished with a list of the Orders granted during the last three months?

A list, I believe, can be found in the Library.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many supplementary teachers have been approved individually for the first time for employment in public elementary schools in England and Wales in each of the years ended 31st March, 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929?

I am afraid that the figures for which my hon. Friend asks could not be obtained without special inquiry; but the total number of supplementary teachers actually employed on the 31st March, 1926, was 8,969; on the 31st March, 1927, was 8,725; and on the 31st March, 1928, was 8,303. Figures for 1929 are not yet available.

Will my right hon. Friend consider fixing a date on which the recruitment of this type of teachers will cease?

I am considering the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many non-county boroughs and urban districts which were constituted local education authorities for Part III of the Education Act, 1902, have since relinquished their powers; and how many non-county boroughs and urban districts which have become Part III authorities since the passing of the Education Act, 1902, have similarly relinquished their powers?

Six of the non-county borough and urban district councils which were constituted Part III authorities under the Act of 1902, relinquished their powers immediately after the Act came into operation, and five more at later dates. Four authorities which became Part III authorities since the passing of the 1902 Act have also relinquished their powers.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children who are attending primary and central schools after the term in which they attain the age of 14?

The number of children on the registers of public elementary schools maintained by the local education authorities who were aged 14 years 3 months and over was, on the 31st March, 1928, 54,227.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of blind and crippled children in England and Wales for whom no educational provision is being made?

According to the returns furnished by local education authorities there were, on 31st December, 1928, 602 blind and 5,336 crippled children not attending any school, though it must not be inferred that in all these cases some provision has not been made for their education.

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to seek to make some provision for these unfortunate children, so that they need not be deprived of education?

I am considering that.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of deaf children of school age in England and Wales and the number of these who are being taught in special schools or special classes for the deaf?

Returns furnished by local education authorities show that on the 31st December, 1928, there were 3,935 totally deaf children of school age in England and Wales and that of these 3,464 were being taught in special schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he intends to issue any instructions or observations to local education authorities with respect to the programmes now being prepared for the period from 1st April, 1930, to 31st March, 1933?

In Circular 1397, dated 18th May, 1928, the Board communicated to the local education authorities their views with regard to the programmes for the years 1930–33; and I do not propose to issue further instructions with regard to these programmes at present.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Circular 1397 postpones the raising of the school leaving age till after the 31st March, 1933, and is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to continue the policy that is laid down in that circular?

I have no statement to make at present.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that local authorities have their building programmes and their organisations for the training of teachers and that if no decision is to be arrived at by the Government it will be impossible to raise the school age in three years' time?

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember his promises in the election to raise the school age, with maintenance grants, at once?

The Noble Lady may rest assured that it is the intention of the Government to fulfil all their election promises.

Do the Government intend to carry out any of the promises that they made during the election?

On a point of Order—

Answer!

I think you have in the past ruled, Sir. that where a question on the Order Paper has not been reached, questions bearing on it should not be put as supplementary questions by other Members. May I draw attention to No. 31 standing in my name, and ask if the Minister may be allowed to give his answer to that?

If hon. Members in supplementary questions confined themselves to what is contained in the actual question and answer, it would be much better.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he expects to be in a position to make a statement on the broad lines of his future policy in the schools before the Adjournment for the autumn Recess?

asked the President of the Board of Education if, in view of the reorganisation of public elementary schools now taking place in the country and also of the general review of educational facilities already published in Educational Pamphlet No. 60, he will indicate when he proposes to issue the further general review of the educational facilities to be provided for older children; and if in that review he will indicate his policy with regard to maintenance allowances in public elementary schools and the raising of the age of compulsory attendance at school?

The broad lines of the educational policy of the Labour party are well known, and my hon. Friends can rest assured that I am actively exploring the methods for putting our policy into operation. I cannot yet say whether any further statement on the subject will be made during this part of the Session.

Without desiring to press the right hon. Gentleman in any way, may I ask if he will be so good as to inform me in due course when I can ask him again on the matter, and, particularly, if he will inform me whether he is prepared to make a statement before we rise for the Autumn Recess?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his party stated consistently at the Election that, if returned to power, they would proceed immediately to the raising of the school age, and that they would give maintenance allowance? I want to ask the right hon. Gentleman here and now, in order that the country may be aware of the fact, is he or is he not intending to carry out the pledge?

I have not the slightest doubt that the Government are going to fulfil all their promises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember the promise also about nursery schools?

There is a Question about that later on the Paper.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise from all his experience that it is for the local authorities to carry out the administration of the Education Acts, that they are dependent en their programmes being approved by the Minister, and that, if he does not give them a lead, it is impossible for the school-leaving age to be raised, or provision to be made for the children?

I have already told the hon. Gentleman that I understand that perfectly.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many Roman Catholic non-provided elementary schools have been built, rebuilt, or reconditioned since 1918; and if he can state the approximate cost of this work which has fallen on the Catholic community?

The number of Roman Catholic elementary schools built, rebuilt or reconditioned since 1918 is 395. I regret that I have no information as to the cost of this work which has fallen on the Catholic community.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable amount of this expenditure is incurred on account of the compulsory movement of pupils, because of the adoption of housing and slum clearance schemes, and will he take that into consideration when he further considers the matter of non-provided schools?

I am aware of what my hon. Friend says.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to call a conference of all the parties interested in the non-provided elementary schools, with a view to reaching an agreement on the existing difficulties?

His Majesty's Government have not yet been approached by the representatives of the non-provided schools with a view to the summoning of such a conference.

If the Government are approached, will they consider the suggestion?

I cannot give an answer to a hypothetical question.

May we take the reply as an invitation from the right hon. Gentleman?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will reconsider the decision, contained in the Administrative Memorandum No. 64, that students who are referred in a single subject in their examination for teachers' certificate are to be classed as uncertificated teachers?

Students who fail in one subject only of the Board's final examination do not fail in the examination as a whole unless that subject is Teaching or English. These subjects are clearly of first importance to all teachers, and it does not seem to me to be unreasonable that failure in either of these two subjects should involve failure in the examination as a whole.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will, at an early date, give effective help for the establishment of nursery schools and regard these schools as an integral part of his educational policy?

I am anxious to see an expansion in the supply of nursery schools, and I am considering what steps I can most effectively take to encourage their provision?

In view of the unanimous support for this movement on all sides of the House, support which was declared by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, will this matter have the right hon. Gentleman's immediate attention?

It is having my immediate attention, and I am quite aware of the support which is so general.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of nursery schools in Lancashire, and the number in England and Wales?

The number of nursery schools in Lancashire is four and in England and Wales 28. In addition the Board have approved proposals for eight new nursery schools, one of which is in Lancashire, and proposals for at least five other schools, including two in Lancashire, are in contemplation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman always bear in mind the model school, which is the Rachel Macmillan school, in drawing up his plans?

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of classes in excess of teachers, and how many teachers are in charge of two or more classes, in the administrative County of Somerset?

I understand that the hon. Member's question refers to the grouping of children of varying attainments in such numbers and in such a way as to produce occasional or regular large classes. The Board's records do not cover every aspect of this question, but they show that, on the 31st March, 1928, there were 1,619 classes in the public elementary schools for which the Somerset County Council is the local education authority, and that 107 of these classes had between 40 and 50 children on the rolls, 17 had over 50, and two had over 60. The figures for the 31st March, 1929, are not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can give to the House a Report on the work of the Lord Mayor's Fund for Distressed Miners, including the amount which has been distributed and the areas of distribution, the principles under which the areas for distribution have been chosen, the amount of the funds now remaining, and its adequacy to meet present distress?

I understand that a Report will shortly be published covering the various points to which the hon. Member refers.

Is there any way in which hon. Members may at present get information, especially with regard to the areas concerned, since at the present time, some men working in the same pits are treated as within, and some of them without distressed areas?

If the right hon. Gentleman does publish anything like this, will he take care to publish a list of subscriptions, seeing that some of us in our constituency have been accused by the hon. Lady opposite of having done nothing for the Welsh miners?

I cannot say what the Report will contain. The Government have nothing to do with the Report or its contents, but it is expected

asked the Minister of Health whether he will con- that it will be published before the end of the month.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also see that the Spencer Union is treated as fairly as the Miners' Federation? [Interruption.]

I have passed on to the next question. Commander Kenworthy.

On a point of Order. Is not the House entitled to a reply to the very proper question as to getting fair play for the miners in different unions? May we have a reply?

The supplementary question had nothing to do with the original question on the Paper or the answer.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of the employers' contributions in respect of Health Insurance and Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act for the last available accounting period?

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

Following is the answer:

The precise amount of employers' contributions in respect of National Health and Pensions Insurance cannot be stated, but an estimate of the approximate amount for the year ended 31st March, 1929, so far as concerns England and Wales, is given in the following statement:

sider the provision of contributory pensions for widowers who are permanently incapacitated at the date of their wife's death and have been dependent upon her earnings in some insurable occupation?

All relevant questions are being considered in connection with the amending Bill of which I have given notice, but if the suggestion in the question is that a widower should derive a pension from his wife's insurance, I would remind the hon. Member that the contributions paid in respect of a woman are half those paid in respect of a man.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the hardship caused to tenants through the high rents charged in many cases when houses are decontrolled owing to a change of tenancy; and whether he will prevent this by extending the Rent Restriction Act to apply to such houses?

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government intends to renew the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restriction Act; and, if so, whether they will introduce an amending Bill at an early date to remove some of the hardships involved in it, and particularly to enable owners of single small houses to obtain possession of them for their own occupation?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation by which it will be made illegal to charge high fees, now so common, as key-money, and other such premiums for houses becoming decontrolled under the Rent Restrictions Act; and that the increase of rent for such houses be limited to 10 per cent, above the increases allowed by the Rent Restrictions Act?

asked the Minister of Health if, when proceeding with his new housing policy, he will include the establishment of local rent courts at which the rents charged to tenants of decontrolled landlords, and sub-tenants, may be reviewed?

The future of the Rent Restrictions Acts is one of the matters which is engaging my attention. I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every time a family wants to move out of a slum house to a better house that better house loses the protection of the Act, and, therefore, there is very great hindrance to slum clearance, and will he give this matter his very early attention?

No one can be more fully aware of that fact than I am, but it does not mean that I can make up my mind on all these multifarious problems at one moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are numerous poor people all over the country who have purchased houses with their economies and savings, and who for years have been unable to get possession of them, and does he not think that something more definite might be stated by his Government as to their intentions?

That question might have been put at any time during the last five years.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give him notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment on Monday.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman when he thinks he will be in a position to give us a statement not only regarding the Rent Restrictions Act, but on the reduction of rents in general, as that is also of vital importance?

The House will understand how difficult it is for me to give a precise date, but there shall be no unnecessary delay.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when considering amendments to the Housing Acts, as foreshadowed in the King's Speech, he will make provision by which the rent anomalies arising from houses built under the 1923 and 1924 Acts, respectively, may be removed by bringing the financial obligations of the 1923 Act into conformity with the 1924 Act where found necessary and desirable?

I am not sure what anomalies my hon. Friend has in mind. It would not be practicable, at this date, to assimilate the financial bases of the two Acts, in relation to houses on which subsidies are already being paid. Subsidies will not, after the end of September, be available for new houses under the Act of 1923.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that under the Act of 1934 it is possible to have lower rentals than under the Act of 1923, and that these anomalies are giving rise to much disturbance in towns that have adopted both Acts?

I am aware of that fact, but my answer was that I do not think that at this date it is practicable to assimilate the two. After the end of September this year, there will be no more subsidies paid under the 1923 Act.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to shed any light on this matter before the Recess?

asked the Minister of Health how many additional workers it is hoped to employ in building working- class houses during the next few months?

It is impossible at this stage to make such a forecast as the hon. Member desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that ribbon-building is destroying the amenities and reducing the effective width of many main roads in rural areas; and if he is prepared to empower local authorities to charge a frontage fee on new rateable property along existing roads, to be used for the development of front ages on other roads approved by housing committees, or to deal with the difficulty by some other method?

I am aware of the disadvantages of ribbon development. They may be reduced, though by no means always prevented, by town planning, especially by negotiation with owners. Schemes may provide for frontage charges in certain cases where a road has been made under the scheme. I hope to consider at an opportune time whether more can be done.

asked the Minister of Health how many rural district councils have, and how many have not, made by-laws under the Public Health Acts giving them power to control the erection of buildings within their areas?

The figures for which the hon. Member asks are 516 and 130 respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in spite of the decrease in the population in the East End of London, the number of persons living in overcrowded conditions remains static; and whether he will consider promoting legislation to prevent the conversion of dwelling-houses into factories and workshops so long as the shortage of houses remains serious?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increase of overcrowding in the East End of London caused by the diversion of dwelling-houses to industrial purposes; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what action to prevent such diversion in the future?

I am aware of the results of the diversion of dwelling-houses to industrial purposes and in considering the further proposals on housing which I hope to be able to submit to the House, will bear this matter in mind.

Is the Minister of Health aware that that reply will be read with great satisfaction in the East End of London?

asked the-Minister of Health the number of slum clearance schemes approved and actually carried out, respectively, for the years 1924 to 1929?

Since 1st January, 1924, 86 slum clearance schemes have been confirmed by my Department. Up to the 1st April last, the latest date to which information is at present available, 14 of these schemes had been fully completed, and 66 were in course of execution.

Would the right hon. Gentleman have a copy of that reply of his sent to his hon. Friend the Member for Central Leeds (Mr. Denman), who stated in this House on Friday last that the last Government had done nothing to clear the slums?

asked the Prime Minister whether any negotiations are taking place between the Government of Great Britain, France, Germany and Belgium, for the purpose of arranging a meeting to discuss the question of the convocation of a political conference later on in the ensuing year?

I have been asked to reply. I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the projected Reparations Conference. Negotiations regarding the meeting of this Conference are in progress between the Governments mentioned by my hon. Friend and the Italian and Japanese Governments. As regards the date, I hope the Conference will begin early next month.

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered the Royal Commission on London's squares and enclosures; and when he will introduce the necessary legislation to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report for the preservation of London squares?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 9th instant to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr).

asked the Prime Minister whether the House will have an opportunity of debating the question of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government of Russia before decisive action is taken; whether he will publish, in the form of a White Paper, the communication addressed by the Government to the Governments of the Dominions, together with their replies; and, if so, will he publish this White Paper a reason able time before any such debate?

No doubt a suitable opportunity will arrive for debating the question of the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government, but I cannot give an undertaking to postpone all action until such a debate has taken place. The question of publishing the correspondence which has passed or may pass on the subject will be considered, but the matter has not yet reached a stage at which it would be desirable to lay any papers. The hon. Member will realise that in any case His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom could not publish the correspondence without previously consulting His Majesty's other Governments.

Will the Prime Minister consider whether he can inform the House at least which of the Dominions agree with the resumption of diplomatic relations and which do not agree?

Will the Government renew relations even though the Dominions do not agree?