asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons of lower ranks promoted to commissioned ranks during each of the last 10 years; and whether he will consider taking action to increase the number and to accelerate the speed of such promotions?

Commissions were first granted in 1923 under the scheme for training non-commissioned officer cadets at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. The scheme has recently been extended to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and has also been made applicable to apprentice tradesmen. I am having the figures compiled as regards both commissions granted through the cadet colleges and commissions granted direct from the ranks as quartermasters, etc., who hold the same commissions as other officers, and I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the last part of the question, I am prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any proposals for increasing the number of commissions granted to suitable candidates from the ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much the purchase of British meat and flour for the troops is estimated to cost compared with foreign and Colonial produce?

The estimated extra cost of providing the Army and the Royal Air Force at home, including the troops in the South Irish Coast Defences, with fresh meat would be roughly £490,000 a year. As regards flour, I have no data on which to estimate the extra cost which would be incurred by stipulating that the flour should be milled solely from home-grown wheat, if such a course were practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many National Reservists were recalled, not having voluntarily offered themselves, for service in the Great War up to and including 31st August, 1914; and whether he is aware that the document sent to such reservists recalling them to the Colours informed them that all war service would be added to their pre-War service under paragraph 11, National Reserve Regulations, 1914, for pension purposes?

National Reservists who did not voluntarily offer themselves were not recalled for service during the Great War. Under the National Reserve Regulations in force up to 31st August, 1919, National Reservists who re-enlisted could count their further service as pensionable, subject to the condition that their pension was granted at the rates and under the conditions in force at the time. In practically all cases it has been to their benefit to take the higher post-War rates, with their attendant conditions, which prohibit the counting of the re-enlisted service.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the numbers of animals, in their respective categories, submitted to tests in connection with chemical warfare; what was the

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider setting up a committee of inquiry into the mate scheme, in order to establish a more equitable system of promotion to commissioned rank and unequivocal treatment as officers?

Various points in connection with the mate scheme are already under consideration by the Board of Admiralty, and as at present advised I do not think that the appointment of a special committee is necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that recently vacancies caused in Portsmouth port division by chief sick-berth petty officers, sick-berth petty officers, and leading sick-berth attendants being discharged to pension have not been filled by advancements from lower ratings; and whether

number killed under experiments; and what number was it necessary to destroy since the figures given to Parliament on 9th November, 1926?

The following statement gives the figures relating to the Chemical Warfare Experimental Station. In addition, certain experiments have been carried out at the Physiological Laboratory, Cambridge, the figures relating to which I will obtain and send to the hon. Member.

a reduction in the port establishment numbers of chief and petty officers of the sick-berth branch has been authorised?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval ratings lent to the Royal Air Force bases for training, etc., receive the same victualling allowance and spirit ration allowance as naval ratings serving afloat?

Naval ratings lent to the Royal Air Force bases for training are victualled under the Royal Air Force system, but they receive, in addition, the allowance in lieu of the Naval Spirit ration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total number of naval ratings invalided during the financial year 1st April, 1928, to 31st March, 1929; the total number whose invaliding disability was accepted as attributable to service; the number of naval ratings invalided during the same period with tuberculosis; and the number whose condition was accepted as being attributable to service?

I regret that the information required is not readily available as regards the financial year ended 31st March, 1929. For the calendar year 1928 the numbers were as follows:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that in the morale courses, which naval ratings at the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, and in other places have to take before promotion to petty officers or warrant officers, instructors frequently indulge in remarks indicating political bias; and if he can see his way to stop this practice as subversive of discipline?

The answer is in the negative, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me definite instances I will have the matter inquired into.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the order issued last week that every second vacancy for seaman petty officer and leading seaman, from whatever cause arising, which would normally be filled from the port division advancement rosters, is to be left unfilled, is to be taken as a reduction in the port established numbers of petty officer and leading seaman; and if he will state the number of ship advancements to seamen petty officers and leading seamen for the year 1928?

The order referred to is the result of reductions in port establishment numbers. The numbers of ship advancements in the financial year 1928 were:

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a decision has been arrived at concerning the period of the Government of India's stay at Simla and Delhi, respectively?

Yes, Sir. The result of discussion between the Government of India and my predecessors is that it has been decided to make no substantial change in existing practice.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the reasons which have led the Government to discontinue the system of purchasing sterling for remittance to the Home Treasury by public tender, and if he will give particulars of the system which has now been adopted; and whether any complaints have been received by the Government of India concerning the working of this new system?

Under the present system, the purchase of sterling for the purposes of the Home Treasury is effected on behalf of the Government of India through the agency of the Imperial Bank of India at rates prescribed from time to time in accordance with prevailing conditions. It is hoped that by this method remittances may be effected more advantageously than under the system of public tender. No representations have been made to> me, and I have no information of any having been received by the Government of India in regard to the change of system, which I may remind my hon. and gallant Friend has only been in force about a fortnight.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether in regard to the Meerut case, any objection has been made by the Government Advocate to the transfer of the case to the Allahabad High Court in the event of the nine accused being committed for trial?

The application made to the Allahabad High Court by some of the accused for the transfer of the case from Meerut to Allahabad was heard on 4th July and was adjourned until to-day in order to give the accused an oppor- tunity of substantiating their plea. I have no information as to the line that will be taken by the Government Advocate when the hearing of the application is resumed to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in the case of books proscribed by the Government, he is immediately informed of the reasons for taking such action; and if he will inform the House of the number of books proscribed in British India during the last 12 months?

When the importation of a book is forbidden under the Sea Customs Act, I am immediately informed of the fact, but not necessarily of the reason. There have been three such cases in the last 12 months. Local governments also have power in their provinces to proscribe books for certain reasons, but I receive no special report of action taken, which is notified in the Official Gazettes for general information.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has received the Report from the Government of India showing the action taken during the last 12 months on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in India?

The Provincial Governments have been asked to send their progress reports to the Government of India by 31st July in each year. It will be some weeks after that date before the report of the Government of India can reach me.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give figures for each of the last five years showing the amount of pure morphine manufactured at Ghazipur; what part of this production was exported; what part was issued for sale in British India; and what restrictions exist in British India on the sale of this drug by licensed druggists?

The figures asked for are shown in the attached statement. The regulations for the sale of the drug by licensed dealers are contained in the Opium Manuals of the various local governments which derive their authority to regulate sale from the Indian Opium Act No. 1 of 1878. These regulations, which are elaborate and strict, cannot be adequately summarised. Their object is that of restriction to genuine medical and scientific requirements and they provide that sales must be vouched by qualified medical practitioners.

asked the President of the Board of Education, seeing that within the terms of the Local Government Act, 1929, additional duties devolve upon education authorities, whether his attention has been drawn to the scheme of the Newcastle Corporation whereby child relief, hitherto administered by the board of guardians, will be delegated to the education committee; and whether he can see his way to suggest a model scheme for the consideration of all educational committees so that the care, relief, and maintenance of children in need shall be the duty of the local education authority?

I am aware of the scheme of the Newcastle Corporation. With regard to the second part of the question, the Ministry of Health have already issued memoranda and model schemes showing how the maintenance and care of children can be undertaken by the education committees, and I do not think there is any occasion for me to issue a further model scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider abolishing all forms of corporal punishment of children in public elementary schools, in view of the fact that this has been done with marked success in many schools in this country, and other countries have abolished it entirely?

This is a matter which has always been left to the discretion of the school authorities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the revenue derived from advertising intoxicants in the Post Offices for each of the last two years; and whether he will consider abolishing this revenue in the national interest?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he now finds himself in a position to reverse the present custom of allowing advertisements of alcoholic liquor to be placed in Post Office buildings and telephone boxes and in stamp books and other Post Office publications?

asked the Postmaster-General if it is his intention to accept advertisements in official publications for the sale of intoxicating liquor?

The Government have decided that liquor advertisements should be excluded from Post Office buildings and publications as soon as the provisions of existing agreements permit. The revenue at present derived from these advertisements is about £4,000 per annum.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) if telephone facilities are to be provided for the village of Herods-foot, in the county of Cornwall;

(2) if he is aware that there is a need for telephone facilities in the parish of Hessenford, Cornwall, and if this need can now be satisfied?

The question of providing telephone call office facilities at the villages of Herodsfoot and Hessenford is being considered in connection with the general proposals to establish call offices at a number of rural post offices. I hope that it will be possible to reach a decision in these two cases at an early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the present Government intend to increase the rate of interest paid to depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank?

The matter will receive consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the first paragraph of the Second Report of the Public Accounts Committee, which recommends that capital expenditure on Post Office buildings should be included as formerly in the Annual Estimates in order that an efficient control over expenditure may be maintained by the House; and whether he can state the considered view of the Government on the recommendation?

The matter has not yet received detailed con- sideration; but, as I read the Report of the Committee, they do not dissent from the course taken in this particular instance—a course which was moreover expressly recommended by the Select Committee on Estimates and authorised by legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that men who are sent to Barn-hill poor-house by the Glasgow Parish Council are employed in making articles for sale to firms outside who retail them to the public; and whether, as this is an infringement of the Truck Acts, since the men so engaged are only receiving food, shelter and clothing, he can cause this kind of treatment to be stopped?

Under Rules framed in terms of Section 64 of the Poor Law Act, 1845, and approved by the Department of Health for Scotland, inmates of Barnhill poor-house who are physically fit are required to perform work within the institution to the extent of their ability. The provisions of the Truck Acts do not appear to be applicable in such circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, seeing that it is proposed to fill nine executive posts in the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and that the official side of the Departmental Council has refused to discuss with the staff side the methods to be followed in filling these posts, he will give instructions which will permit of the Whitley Council functioning on this matter?

The machinery of promotion under which these appointments are made is accepted by the Whitley Council of the Department. The machinery of promotion and the increase in executive posts were subjects of discussion at the meeting of the Departmental Whitley Council last month. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that 463 motor accidents have occurred in Govan between 1st January, 1928, and 5th July, 1929, and that 24 people have been killed and 578 injured in these accidents; and in how many of those accidents prosecution of those liable has taken place?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part of the question, the number of cases in which prosecutions have taken place is 16.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed in the near future to make better provision for ex-service men temporarily employed in Government Departments?

The general question of the employment of ex-Service men in the Civil Service will fall within the scope of the Royal Commission which is about to be appointed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the late Government gave a pledge that ex-service temporary Civil servants should not be dismissed to make room for open recruits coming direct from the schools; that dismissals of temporary clerks are taking place simultaneously with the bringing in of open recruits from the schools; and whether he will give immediate instructions to all departments that no further dismissals shall take place pending the receipt by him of representations on behalf of the officers concerned?

I am aware of the pledge to which my hon. Friend refers. I am not, however, aware that efficient ex-Service temporary clerks are being discharged from the Government service in order to make room for successful candidates from open competition. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise but if my hon. Friend has any cases in mind and will communicate details, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of full-time civil servants, established or un-established, who are in receipt of £2 a week or less, including cost-of-living bonus?

The information asked for by my hon. Friend is not immediately available. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly), and which gives the number of industrial employés in receipt of £2 10s. a week or less. As regards non-industrial employés, I will consider whether it is possible to obtain the particulars asked for without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. I would, however, point out that, with a cost-of-living figure of 70, inclusive remuneration of £2 a week or less means a basic wage or salary of 24s. a week, or £62 a year or less. It is clear that any full-time non-industrial civil servants at those points on their scales must be, almost exclusively, young persons who by reason of age and shortness of service have not yet earned a sufficient number of annual increments in their salary scales to bring their present total remuneration to over £2 a week.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to amend the law so that invalids confined to their beds may have an opportunity of recording their votes when they so desire?

The Government do not contemplate the introduction of any legislation for the amendment of the Representation of the People Acts before the inquiry mentioned in the King's Speech has been made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a blind man cannot have his hand guided by a relative or friend when recording his vote in the polling booth; and whether he will take steps to remove this inconvenience?

The Ballot Act does not permit of assistance of this kind being given to a voter in the polling station. But a blind voter's ballot paper can be marked for him by the Presiding Officer in the presence of the polling agents, all of whom are bound to secrecy, and I am advised that this procedure has been found quite satisfactory.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is his intention to introduce legislation making it compulsory that mechanical haulage shall be substituted for animal-drawn haulage in coal mines where such substitution is practicable?

I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind, but I cannot at present add to the reply which I gave him on the 8th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to sign forthwith the General Act of Arbitration, Conciliation and Judicial Settlement approved by the Assembly of the League of Nations, September, 1928?

As announced in the Gracious Speech from the Throne, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in consultation with the Dominions Governments and the Government of India regarding the signing of the Optional Clause. The further policy of His Majesty's Government in the field of arbitration is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will give their friendly co-operation to the Chinese Government in such territory as they control in China, or contiguous to China, in putting a stop to the revolutionary activities of foreign agents?

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government to do all that is legally possible to prevent British concessions in China and British territories contiguous to China from being used by agents of any nationality as bases for causing disorder or disturbances in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will place upon the Table of the House the correspondence with the Soviet Government on the subject of recognition?

No correspondence on the subject of the resumption of diplomatic relations has yet passed between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in regard to the franchise under the new reforms in Fiji, he is aware that the income qualification of £75 imposed on the Indian community disfranchises most of the agricultural labourers, the municipal workers, cooks, and other domestic servants, as well as factory hands in the small industries; and whether he will consider the proposal of the Indian community in Fiji that the income qualification should be reduced to a level comparable to the lowest wage paid by the sugar company in the colony?

The income qualification of £75 Was fixed on the recommendation of the Colonial Government after the question had been investigated by a local committee. I am not in a position to say what number of persons it excludes. The Secretary of State would prefer to await the views of the Colonial Government before expressing an opinion on the suggestion made in the latter part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken by the Government in Fiji under the new education scheme in the colony to improve the education facilities of the large Indian community?

Indian education will benefit along with that of other races in Fiji by recent measures directed towards an improvement of the educational administrative machinery in the colony, chief among which are the appointments of a Director and Assistant Director of Education and the enactment of a revised Education Ordinance. As regards particular measures which will effect improvement in the facilities for Indian education in Fiji, it has been decided to establish a Government Teachers' Training Institution for Indians, at which classes in higher grade education for Indian boys will also be held. During the year 1928, a further 10 private Indian schools were admitted to grants-in-aid, bringing the total number of assisted Indian schools at the end of 1928 up to 69. A scheme of Government scholarships for Indians has also been started. It is hoped that it will be possible to commence in 1930 a five years' programme, comprising the provision of 10 new schools for Indian boys and three new schools for Indian girls.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the shipment of raw cotton is now taking place from British East African territories to the United States of America; and what is the total number of bales of cotton shipped during the last complete year?

No raw cotton was exported direct from any British East African Dependency to the United States of America in 1928 or in any of the three preceding years, or, so far as I know, in the present year. I regret that I have been unable to obtain information as to indirect shipments, if any.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is the intention of the Government to ask Parliament to authorise the proposals of the late Government by which a grant of £97,500, spread over 10 years, was to be made to National Flying Services, Limited, based upon the number of qualified pilots on the company's roll?

Yes, Sir, and provision for the sums payable to National Flying Services, Limited, in the current year has already been made in the Air Estimates voted by the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the disturbance caused to local residents by night flying from Waddon aerodrome; and will he arrange that these practices shall be carried out during months when it is possible to fly in darkness but before bedtime?

The only commercial night service operating to or from Croydon aerodrome is the London-Paris night freight service which reaches Croydon at about 3.30 a.m. I imagine that the hon. and gallant Member may be referring to the night flying training of the Royal Air Force which is carried out in the same neighbourhood, and on that assumption I would refer him to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, East (Mr. W. Baker) on 10th July. I have only to add that this training is necessarily carried out during the summer months, for a variety of reasons, and I regret, therefore, that it would be impracticable to give effect to the suggestion in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the results of the operations of export credits insurance at the latest date for which figures are available; what is the total amount guaranteed under the scheme; and what loss, if any, has been incurred by the Treasury in relation to guarantees which have been given?

From 1st July, 1926, when the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme was introduced, to 30th June last, the Department had entered into contracts for £8,029,760, under which shipments for £5,582,963 had actually been guaranteed up to that date. The losses written off with Treasury approval amounted to £1,137, in addition to which payments under guarantees exceeded the sums recovered from defaulting importers by £28,617. Against this outstanding figure further recoveries will be effected.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the intention of the Government is to encourage the importation of raw materials or manufactured articles to this country?

The Government's policy is to encourage British industry and trade by all sound methods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if and when he will give full and effective powers to the Food Council to check profiteering in food?

It will be my duty in the course of the coming weeks to examine the position of the Food Council, in common with other important matters affecting the work of the Board of Trade, and I would ask my hon. Friend to await the result of that investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the net output per head of persons employed by private builders; the net output per head of persons employed by local authorities engaged on constructional work; and whether there are any later figures giving information on direct labour as compared with the output of operatives under private enterprise than those given in the Board of Trade Census of Production for 1924?

I regret that there are no figures, so far as I am aware, giving information on the subject later than those already published in connection with the Census of Production for 1924. I would explain that the figures in question appeared in supplements to the Board of Trade Journal of 6th October, 1927, and 17th November, 1927. They show that the net output per head of persons employed by local authorities in 1924 on constructional work was, on a cost basis and without any element of profit, £163; whereas the net output per head of persons employed in the building and contracting trades in 1924 was £205, this figure covering profits. I may add that the output of the local authorities was largely concerned with work on highways, and that of the private building and contracting firms mainly with buildings, so that the figures are hardly comparable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if it is his intention to introduce legislation at an early date to abolish the Game Laws?

The question of the damage to agricultural crops by depredations of game is one of the matters which are receiving my consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the uncertainty caused by the Government's policy and the consequent anxiety among the farmers and farm workers engaged in the hop-growing industry, he will make an announcement at the earliest possible moment as to what is the Government's decision with regard to the duty on hops?

The Hop Duty was extended by the Finance Act, 1929, for a further period of four years from 16th August next.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether prohibitions or restructions under license on the import of foodstuffs are under all circumstances contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government?

The Government are not contemplating any policy which is contrary to the provisions of the Inter- national Convention for the Abolition of Prohibitions and Restrictions on Imports and Exports which was ratified by this country on 12th April, 1929, but the provisions of that Convention do not involve an obligation of the comprehensive character indicated by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government intend to lay an order for the marking of imported tomatoes under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926?

This matter is now under consideration, and I will make an announcement at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what provision, financial or otherwise, is made for fishery research and the discovery of new fishing grounds; and whether, in view of the importance of this matter to the industry, he will consider the desirability of increasing such provision?

The total provision for Fishery Investigations conducted by the Ministry is £24,055. The Ministry's contribution to the cost of exploration for new fishing grounds at present conducted by the Admiralty is estimated at £1,200. Grants-in-Aid to independent Marine Biological Institutions in England and Wales from the Development Fund amount to £14,455. Investigations of improved methods of handling and stowage of fish when caught are conducted by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research at a cost for the current financial year in the neighbourhood of £14,000, of which £3,500 is earmarked for the adaptation and equipment of buildings at Aberdeen. I shall be happy to give the hon. Member further details if he so desires. I recognise the importance of these investigations to the industry, and shall very carefully consider whether any further provision may be necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the disparity existing between the prices obtained by fishermen for their fish and the prices paid by the consumer; has he any information that would account for such disparity; and whether he is prepared to take any steps to deal with it?

I am aware of the disparity referred to, the causes of which are discussed in considerable detail in the Report of the Food Council published by the Stationery Office in 1927, and are further referred to in the Report of the Imperial Economic Committee on Fish ((Cmd. 2934) particularly paragraphs 69 and 70). This disparity is in both Reports attributed in great measure to the violent fluctuations of port prices, due to the irregularity of the supplies of a highly perishable commodity. I am not without hope that scientific investigations at present in progress may eventually lead to a greater stability of prices at the ports, which should be reflected in a more comparable level of prices in the shops.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any evidence indicating that large quantities of fish are destroyed at various fishing ports and harbours owing to the lack of or high cost of transport facilities or to foreign competition; and whether he will appoint a committee to inquire into this matter?

Fish of good quality almost invariably finds its way to the food markets. Occasionally when abnormal landings of fish—usually herrings, mackerel or sprats—occur at small ports where adequate marketing facilities do not exist, the necessity arises for destroying the fish. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, but it is a matter that is receiving my earnest consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether as the result of consultations with the Home Office, he proposes to modify the Regulations regarding the locking of cars when parked in London?

There is no provision in the Parking Places Regulations which prevents drivers from locking their cars whilst upon an authorised parking place. There is, however, a provision that vehicles shall be so left that they may be removed, or moved from one position to another, by manual power. After consulting the Home Office and the Commissioner of Police I am satisfied that there are conclusive reasons, for requiring that on parking places where vehicles are parked head to tail they should not be left in such a manner that they cannot be moved from one position to another by manual power. As a result of notice being given in the " Gazette " of my intention to make revised Regulations, I have received only one representation on this subject which is to the effect that drivers should be permitted to lock up their cars in cases where vehicles are parked at an angle to the kerb. As in no fewer than 107 out of the 118 parking places in the London Traffic Area covered by the Revised Regulations cars are parked head to tail, I do not think it desirable to make an exception for the small number of parking places on which vehicles are not so placed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will appoint a Select Committee to consider and report upon the freeing of all toll bridges on main and secondary roads?

I hardly think the subject is a suitable one for reference to a Select Committee, particularly as I understand that the Royal Commission on Transport is examining it. I am always prepared to consider applications from local authorities for assistance from the Road Fund towards the cost of freeing important roads and bridges from tolls.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the countries in which steel railway sleepers are in general use; what is their relative cost and durability in relation to wooden sleepers; and has he made inquiries into the reasons why the railway companies in this country have hitherto felt disinclined to employ them even in replacement?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that steel sleepers are used largely in Germany and Belgium, and to some extent in India, Africa, Australia and the Argentine. Their relative cost and durability as compared with wooden sleepers depends not only on the variable factor of first cost, but also on such matters as the climate, type of ballast, and character of traffic in the particular locality concerned. There are technical difficulties in certain cases, but the attention of the railway companies in this country has been called to the importance of this matter, and they are at present conducting tests on various sections of their lines.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has received any assurance from the railway companies that, in the event of the railways adopting steel sleepers, these contracts will only be open to tender by British firms?

I have been asked to reply. In connection with the arrangements in regard to the repeal of the Passenger Duty, the railway companies explained that while they could not give an absolute assurance in matters of this kind, it is not their practice to go abroad for plant or equipment which can be obtained of suitable quality and reasonable price at home.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that there are more bridges in the Isle of Ely in need of reconstruction than in any other part of the country, and that the want of adequate bridges is seriously hampering the transport of heavy crops of potatoes and beet; and whether, in view of this position, he will take into consideration this work of reconstruction for inclusion as an urgent matter in his unemployment proposals?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the position in the Isle of Ely and grants have been made to the County Council towards the cost of reconstruction of a number of weak bridges. A circular has recently been issued indicating that in certain cases grants of 75 per cent, will be made from the Road Fund towards the expenditure incurred by local authorities in reconstructing weak bridges in private ownership where an additional liability is assumed by the local authority on this account. I am sending the hon. Member of copy of this circular for his information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of imposing a betterment tax on the increased value of land arising from the construction of roads and railways by the State?

It is well known that a scheme for the taxation of land values forms part of the programme of the Labour party.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the resolution of the city council of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to the effect that the present state of the law with regard to the testing and certification of electric meters is defective, and urging upon His Majesty's Government the need for legislation requiring the certification and stamping of all electric meters; and whether he will introduce legislation for this purpose?

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been drawn to the resolution and the Electricity Commissioners are in communication with the Council with a view to ascertaining in what respects they regard the present state of the law as being defective.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give any information regarding the progress of the electricity scheme as it affects North Kent?

North Kent is within the area of the South-East England Electricity Scheme. If the hon. Member could indicate more precisely what kind of information, in connection with this scheme, he desires, I will ask the Central Electricity Board whether they are in a position to supply it.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the objection taken by the inhabitants of Poynton to the proposal of the Macclesfield Electricity Company to erect overhead cables in that village, and also by the inhabitants of Furness Vale to the proposals of the Trent Valley Electricity Company; and what steps he is taking to see that the danger of these wires is fully guarded against and that the views of the local councils are fully considered?

Before giving my consent to the erection of any overhead line I am obliged by the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Acts to give the local authorities concerned an opportunity of being heard. Any such consent is given subject to the overhead line regulations which the Electricity Commissioners have laid down to ensure public safety. With regard to the objections mentioned by the hon. Member, I am informed that the local authority concerned has agreed to the overhead line through Poynton. The case of the Trent Valley Electricity Company was the subject of an inquiry held last week on my behalf and is still under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that many of the supporters of the Government are pledged to support the request of the British Legion for the removal of anomalies and injustices in the award of pensions to ex-members of the Forces, he will agree to the appointment of a committee to examine the whole question?

I have been asked to reply. I am not at present satisfied that such matters as may be found to call for remedy cannot equally well and with greater expedition be dealt

with by administrative action than by the course suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government are prepared to give full and active support to the recommendations of the Economic Conference of the League of Nations of May, 1925?

The policy of His Majesty's Government is in general accord with the recommendations of the Economic Conference, and they intend to co-operate actively in the work of the League of Nations and its Economic Organisation to give effect thereto.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Entertainments Duty is charged on windows let to view Royal processions?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the figures showing the taxation per head of population in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and the United States of America for 1913, and for the years 1919 to 1928, inclusive, respectively?

The figures for 1928 are given in the following table. For the earlier years I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on 11th December last by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill). In doing so, I think I ought to call attention to the caution then entered as to the interpretation of such comparisons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the figures showing the total burden of the National Debt and the amount per capita in the United Kingdom, France,

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government have made any contribution to the fund for rebuilding Sadler's Wells Theatre; and,, if not, considering that the London County Council and other municipal authorities have contributed to the fund, he will consider the question of making a grant towards this object?

I sympathise warmly with the aims of those who are raising money for rebuilding Sadler's Wells Theatre, but I fear I cannot make pro-

Germany and the United States of America, respectively, as at 31st March, 1929?

The figures are as follow:

vision for an Exchequer grant to the fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to repeal the safeguarding of key industries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made during the course of the Debate on Tuesday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, for England and Scotland respectively, the number of spirit dealers, beer dealers, wine dealers, publicans, retailers of spirit (off), retailers of beer (on),

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of clubs and the net receipts for club duty in England and Scotland, respectively, for the financial year ended 31st March, 1929 the number of new on-licences granted; and the amount of monopoly value collected in respect of spirits, beer, and cider licences, respectively, during the financial year ended 31st March, 1929?

The number of clubs charged with Club Duty in ( a ) England and Wales, and ( b ) Scotland during the year ended 31st March, 1929, with the duty received, is as follows:

The number of new on-licences granted in the year ended 31st March, 1920, was 152, and the net receipts of monopoly value were as follow:

retailers of beer (off), retailers of wine (on), and retailers of wine (off), and the net receipts of duty in respect of such licences for the financial year ended 31st March, 1929?

The particulars required are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of distilleries at work in England and Scotland during the year ended 30th September, 1928?

The numbers of distilleries at work in England and Scotland during the year ended 30th September, 1928, were, in England nine, and in Scotland 90.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement relating to the cases of Efros v. The King, settled by arrangement before Mr. Justice Rowlatt at the High Court of Justice, 11th June, 1925, the cash settlement in which two cases was for £30,000 and £20,000; and whether any statement he makes will state the nature of the claims and the services given for which such payments were made?

I have been asked to reply. I assume that my hon. Friend refers to a petition of right of Abram Efros, wherein the suppliant claimed £30,000 in respect of roubles advanced to His Majesty's representative in Moscow in 1918. This petition was heard before Mr. Justice Rowlatt on 10th June, 1925. As it appeared that the suppliant had in fact provided the equivalent of the sums claimed to meet the requirements of His Majesty's Mission in Moscow for local currency, the Crown consented to judgment for the sum of £30,000 and costs.

asked the Minister of Health the total annual loss suffered by approved societies by the reduction of the State grant as provided in Section 1 (1) of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1926; in view of the fact that for the next valuation some societies will suffer such reduction for a period of two years while others will suffer such reduction for a period of three years, what measures it is proposed to adopt to put all societies on an equality in connection with the next valuation; and will he bring in the necessary legislation to repeal Section 1 (1) of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1926, and provide for the State grant on National Health Insurance benefits and administration expenditure to be restored to the two-ninths basis as provided in Section 4 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1924?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Government Actuary on the Clauses of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill relating to National Health Insurance, Cmd. 2603, of which I am sending him a copy. In answer to the second part of the question, the fact that the reduction in the State grant took effect at the same date in respect of all societies will prevent any inequality from arising between societies as a result of the change. The possible effects of valuing different societies at different dates involve other considerations than that mentioned by the hon. Member, and cannot be examined within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question. I am unable to make any statement in reply to the third part of the question pending the results of the general survey which the Government is making of the National Insurance and Pensions Schemes.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that the majority of the income to approved societies is received from employers and insured persons, if he will introduce a regulation under which any approved society shall have the right to require the Government actuary to furnish such detailed information concerning its own valuation as it may require?

The valuations of approved societies are made by Treasury Valuers at the cost of the Exchequer, and I have no power to make regulations under which the expenditure from public funds thus incurred might be indefinitely increased by the concession to approved societies of the right to require information of their own choice in addition to the full reports which, in all cases, the valuers supply. I would add that the Government Actuary is always prepared to supply special particulars to my Department, for the use of societies, in cases where the information is likely to be useful and can be supplied without undue labour or cost.

asked the Minister of Health the approximate annual sum which would be required to pay dependants' allowances under the National Health Insurance Act at the same rate as the dependants' allowances now paid under the Unemployment Insurance Acts?

I regret that an answer to this question could not be given without prolonged actuarial investigation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some approved societies are refusing to provide dental treatment to their members upon the ground of depleted funds; and, as contributions were received upon the undertaking given that such treatment would be provided upon the production of a medical certificate, whether he proposes to introduce legislation of such a character as will place an obligation upon those societies to honour the arrangement agreed to between themselves and their members?

I am aware that a few of the smaller approved societies and branches, covering less than 1 per cent, of the total number of insured persons entitled to dental benefit, are unable, for the time being, to consider claims from their members for the benefit, by reason of the depletion of the annual sums available for the purpose. As regards the latter part of the question, my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. There can be no such undertaking as he suggests, as dental benefit is not a normal benefit of the National Health Insurance Scheme to which all insured persons are entitled, but is merely an additional benefit which may be provided by a society out of a disposable surplus, and then only within the limits of the amount available in each year for the benefit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the urgent need of the provision of houses to let, if he will arrange with the Public Works Loan Commissioners for their present restriction on loans to local authorities to be transferred to schemes under the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Acts, so that schemes under the 1924 and other Housing Acts may be encouraged; and whether, seeing that the loans made by the Public Works Loan Commissioners come, in part, from the Post Office Savings Bank, loans at a lower rate of interest than that now charged can be made to local authorities: desiring to build houses at the lowest possible rents?

I fear that any small relief which might accrue to the Local Loans Fund under my hon. Friend's proposals in respect of small dwellings acquisition would be totally inadequate to meet the demands on the fund from the larger authorities in respect of housing schemes generally. In reply to the second part of the question, the fund is financed only by the issue of local loans stock. Loans are made at the lowest rate of interest which will guard the fund against loss.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the dimensions of the problem of slum clearance and the urgency of dealing with the same, what steps he proposes to take to carry out that part of the policy announced in the King's Speech?

It is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation on this subject at as early a date as practicable.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce fresh legislation to deal with the problem of rural housing; and, if so, whether he can give the approximate date on which the new proposals will be laid before the House?

The problem of rural housing is engaging my attention, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to future legislation.

asked the Minister of Health if he can now make a statement of Government policy in relation to the continuation or otherwise of subsidies under the existing Housing Acts?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the terms of the Financial Resolution which appears on the Order Paper to-day.

asked the Minister of Health if he will cause a new standard of overcrowding to be used in the Census Reports of the Registrar-General?

I propose to give consideration to this among other matters which will arise in connection with the preparations for the next census.

asked the Minister of Health if the attention of his Department has been directed to a Report entitled Survey of Housing Conditions in the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark, which records the housing conditions and shortage of houses in that borough; and if he will inquire into the allegations therein contained and make representation to the authorities concerned, namely, the Corporation of the City of London, the London County Council, and the Southwark Borough Council, at once to exercise their powers to remedy the present state of affairs?

I have received a copy of the Report to which my hon. Friend refers, and the matters referred to are receiving the attention of the authorities concerned. Schemes for the clearance of three areas in Southwark and the rehousing of the persons displaced are being carried out by the London County Council and schemes for dealing with other areas in Southwark, including properties acquired by the City in connection with the St. Paul's Bridge proposal, are in preparation. The question of obtaining further powers to deal with unsatisfactory housing conditions is engaging my attention and I hope to be able to lay proposals before the House.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will urge upon all local authorities that there should be no restriction on the development of the maternity and child welfare services?

I have no reason to suppose that any restriction of these services is contemplated by local authorities, and I am not aware of any ground for the issue of a special circular on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health what reports have been made to his Department regarding the shortage of water supply, also which are the districts presenting such reports; and whether efforts are being made to prevent the danger of shortage in the future?

I have received a few reports of actual shortage. A comprehensive investigation has not been made and I do not think that it would be useful to publish what must be a partial list. I may say that I am receiving a deputation on the subject from the British Waterworks Association tomorrow and I propose afterwards to communicate with local authorities. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the communication.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received any representations from assessment committees urging the amendment of the Rating Acts, so as to make provision for the payment of expenses of members of assessment committees attending meetings of such committees; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have received representations on this subject. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 9th July to a similar question by the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hopkin).

asked the Minister of Health the number of private residences in England and Wales assessed under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, at £300 per annum or over?

The Returns furnished to my Department do not enable me to give the desired information.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of certain boards of guardians in refusing to allow ratepayers to attend their monthly meetings on the grounds that such meetings are private, although the Press are invariably present; and whether he will issue instructions that this practice will cease?

No representations on this question have been made to me or my predecessors for some years past. The matter is one which is within the discretion of the guardians.

asked the Minister of Health if he has been in communication with the Bellingham Rural District Council concerning their scavenging rate; and what action he proposes to take?

I am in communication with the rural district council on this subject.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in connection with his unemployment schemes, he will consult with the London underground railway companies with a view to arranging such financial guarantees as would enable these companies immediately to construct tubes through the East End of London to Ilford, Becontree, and Dagenham?

There will be ample opportunity for the discussion of this and similar matters in connection with the legislation which will be introduced next week.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the statement that the Liverpool Street railway station electrification scheme, which is in contemplation, will involve orders of between £75,000,000 and £100,000,000, very largely given to the steel trade, is based solely upon the estimate of the railway company concerned, or whether it has been considered and, so far as the circumstances permit, checked by any Government Department?

My hon. Friend referred to schemes connected with the Liverpool Street electrification scheme, of which the electrification of the railway station would be only a part. At the same time, he had in mind a wide range of possible railway developments which, if carried out, might cost £75,000,000 or more.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in round figures the amount of new capital required to finance the schemes for employment as at present outlined in the Government's programme and, in addition, to what amount the credit of the country will be pledged for the purposes of loans guaranteed by the Government?

In reply to the first part of the question, it is impossible at this stage to give any useful estimate. In reply to the second part, it is proposed to make provision for new guarantees sufficient to raise a sum up to £25,000,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware of the hardships caused by the interpretation of the phrase " not genuinely seeking work "; and whether any changes are contemplated in this statutory condition or in its administration?