asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the recent accidents in mines, he will appoint a Commission to investigate the causes of mine casualties and the most effective methods for their avoidance in use at present in the various countries of the world with a view to their adoption in this country?

The Safety in Mines Research Board has the problems of mining disasters continually under review and is supplied with information collected by my Department relating to the latest methods and devices for promoting safety in the principal mining countries of the world. In addition, special arrangements exist for the exchange of information with the mining research authorities in the United States of America and in France, and I hope that these co-operative arrangements will be extended to other countries. In these circumstances a special Commission appears unnecessary.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the appeal made by the Miners' Federation to scientists to help solve the problems of mining disasters; and if he is prepared to set up and finance such a committee of experts?

A body entitled the Safety in Mines Research Board already exists for this purpose. The Board was appointed by the Secretary for Mines in July, 1921, and issues an Annual Report on its work. Its expenses, amounting to over £50,000 a year, are defrayed almost entirely from the Miners' Welfare Fund. I am sending my hon. Friend a list of the members of the Board, which includes many eminent scientists.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will include amongst his schemes for dealing with unemployment in the South Wales and other coal-producing districts the opening of new works for the utilisation of waste coal and slack, so as to produce smokeless fuel, similar to the works recently opened at the Askern Colliery by Doncaster Coalite, Limited, and Low Temperature Carbonisation, Limited; and whether he can now indicate the nature and method of assistance in any such new projects which may be given by His Majesty's Government, so as to encourage the setting up of new works in those districts and avoid the hardships consequent upon migration of the unemployed and heavy financial loss to the State?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given ay the Secretary for Mines to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) on the 8th instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has had any inquiry into the subject of phototherapy; whether he has any information as to the proof of actual physical benefits in curing to the recipient of artificial-light treatment as administered by the ultra-violet lamp; and whether he will consider holding an inquiry into the efficacy of light treatment generally, especially in welfare centres?

Special inquiries have been made during recent years by medical officers of my Department into the application of phototherapy (including artificial-light) to the treatment of disease, and the results have been published in the annual Reports of the Chief Medical Officer. These observations are being continued, and I do not see any necessity for a further inquiry. As regards the second part of the question, I am advised that the best results of this form of treatment appear to have been obtained in cases of rickets and, of certain forms of non-pulmonary tuberculosis.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government are considering any modification in recent legislation dealing with maternity and child welfare developments; and whether they propose to restore the system of percentage grants?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Withington (Mr. Simon) on 11th July.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increase of street noises, particularly in London, caused mainly by traffic, inflicting considerable suffering, and being a general menace to health; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to abate the nuisance?

I have been asked to reply. This matter was considered by a Conference convened by my predecessor in October, 1928, and as a result of the recommendations contained in their Report, the Motor Car (Excessive Noise) Regulations were made on 3rd June and will come into operation on 1st August.

asked the Minister of Health what were the recommendations made by the Committee which was appointed in April, 1928, to inquire into the management of the London Lock Hospital for Women; whether these recommendations have been carried out; and whether he proposes to publish the Report?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Papers on the administration of the institution, copies of which are, I understand, now available in the Vote Office.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of venereal diseases clinics at present in Great Britain and the number administered by municipalities; the total number of new cases since 1st January last and the total number of attendances; and whether he is considering an extension and more adequate facilities for such treatment in the near future?

The total number of venereal diseases clinics approved by my Department in England and Wales is now 188, of which 60 are administered directly by local authorities. No information is at present available in regard to the second part of the question, but during the year 1928 the total number of new cases dealt with at these clinics was 85,908, of whom 27,597 were found not to be suffering from venereal disease, and the total number of attendances of patients was 2,422,749. A number of proposals for the provision of new clinics, or for the extension and improvement of the present facilities for treatment, have been approved or are now under consideration. Any question on this subject relating to Scotland should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention is being called to the shortage of water in many centres of population; and whether he proposes to call the attention of local authorities generally to the need for examining their water supplies to see whether they are adequate to meet all emergencies?

My attention has been drawn to this matter. I have already issued a memorandum urging water authorities to examine their position, in view of the present emergency and possible difficulty in the future, and indicating the measures to be taken.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the serious shortage in water supplies; and will he say what steps he proposes to take temporarily to amend the regulations regarding compensation water to riparian owners so that local authorities may be helped to overcome their difficulties during this time of emergency?

My attention has been drawn to this matter. In the memorandum on water shortage which I have issued this week, I have advised that, where shortage exists or is threatened and compensation water is supplied, the water undertakers should enter into immediate negotiations with the riparian interests with the object of securing agreement for the temporary reduction or intermission of discharges of compensation water. I trust that all interests will recognise that in the present exceptional emergency, essential domestic needs must have the first consideration and that reasonable concessions immediately may be the only way to avoid a very serious situation within a short time.

asked the Minister of Health in which counties there are small-pox hospitals; what provision is made for dealing with small-pox outbreaks in counties which have no such hospitals; and whether it is the policy of the Ministry to encourage county small-pox hospitals as the best and most economical method of dealing with outbreaks?

Small-pox hospital accommodation has been provided in every county with the exception of two in England and one in Wales. In these three counties arrangements have been made for the treatment of such cases of small-pox as may occur in hospitals situated in adjoining counties. With modern means of transport there are undoubted advantages in providing smallpox hospitals to serve wide areas, and for this purpose it is often convenient that the accommodation should be provided by the county council.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue a report on the recent outbreaks of small-pox; whether he will consider appointing a committee of inquiry into vaccination as a prevention; and whether he is satisfied that none of the cases described as smallpox was really only a form of chicken-pox?

The annual report of the chief medical officer of my Department which will shortly be published will contain, as in previous years, a section dealing with the incidence of small-pox in this country during the period covered by the report. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 4th July. As regards the last part, there are of course occasional errors in diagnosis, and the information in the possession of my Department is not sufficient to enable me to say that no case of chicken-pox was included amongst the cases notified as small-pox.

asked the Minister of Health the ascertained number of mental defectives under and above 16 years of age, respectively, in England and Wales and the number of each category in suitable institutions; and whether he proposes to take steps to ensure the provision of adequate accommodation for these persons?

The total number of mental defectives ascertained by local authorities was 66,458 on 1st January last. Of these, 19,138 were maintained in institutions. I regret that the available statistics do not enable me to differentiate between those under and those over 16 years of age; but the total given does not include feeble-minded children for whom the local education authorities are responsible. The problem, of ensuring the provision of adequate accommodation is receiving constant attention.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to reduce the age at which special pensions are paid to the blind; and, if so, when legislation to achieve this object will be introduced?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the bon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for Heywood and Radcliffe (Colonel England) on 11th July.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a brand of tinned skimmed milk sold at 3d. per tin by a certain dairy company., labelled "Sweetened Condensed Machine-skimmed Milk, prepared in Denmark," the word "Milk" being printed in extra large type letters; whether he is aware that the analysis of this compound is as follows: specific gravity 1.34, water 27.5 per cent., total solid matter 72.5 per cent., ash 2.8 per cent., fat 65 per cent., milk sugar (lactose) 13.7 per cent., cane sugar 45.1 per cent., protein 10 per cent.; and will he introduce legislation to prohibit the placing of the word "Milk" on such compound?

My attention has not been called to the brand of condensed skimmed milk referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, but from the particulars given it would appear to conform to the standard of composition laid down for this article in the Condensed Milk Regulations. I am not prepared to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of the word "milk" as part of the description of this article, but I may refer the hon. and gallant Member to paragraph 7 of the First Schedule to the Regulations of 1923 which provides that wherever this word appears on the label of a tin of machine-skimmed milk as part of the description of the contents, it shall be immediately preceded or followed by the words "machine-skimmed."

asked the Minister of Health the total expenditure in England and Wales for the carrying out of approved schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The total expenditure incurred in carrying out the approved schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis in England and Wales during the year ended 31st March, 1928, the last year for which complete figures are at present available, was £3,389,992.

asked the Minister of Health for the latest available figures of agricultural cottages reconstructed or passed by the county councils under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926?

Up to the end of March last, the latest date for which information is at present available, assistance had been promised in connection with schemes may by county councils under the Act in question in respect of 1,163 dwellings, work had been finished on 615 dwellings and was in progress on a further 438 dwellings. The similar figures at that date in connection with schemes made by all local authorities (including county councils), who are authorities for the purposes of the Act, were 1,594, 836 and 594 dwellings, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health the most recent contract price for the building of working-class houses suitable for agricultural workers, with three bedrooms, sanctioned by the Ministry; what public subsidy is being provided; and what rents it is proposed to charge?

Prices vary according to the size of house, locality, and nature and accessibility of site. The average price in a number of contracts recently notified to my Department for three-bedroom non-parlour houses to be erected by local authorities in agricultural parishes is £359. These houses are to be erected with the aid of Exchequer subsidy under the Act of 1924, namely, £11 per house per annum for 40 years. I have no information as to the rents to be charged. They must be fixed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Act, and my specific approval is not required.

asked the Minister of Health if he gan give any figures showing the result of the recent valuation of working-class dwellings under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, and inform the House whether the new assessment has had any visible effect on the immediate building programme?

I have no general information as to the effect of the revaluation on the assessments of working-class dwellings. I have no reason to think that it has had any appreciable effect on building programmes.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the hardship caused by the rise in rateable value in certain districts since the passing of the Rating and Valuation Act; and whether he is prepared to consider a revision of the principles of rating to remedy this state of affairs?

In view of the lack of uniformity which the Act of 1925 was designed to correct, alterations in the rateable value of certain districts are inevitable, but I have no reason to suppose that a revision of the principles of rating is called for on the grounds of hardship resulting from the general revaluation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any complaints respecting the manner in which the new assessments of property under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, has been carried out; and whether he is satisfied that all the anomalies of assessment have been remedied, and that uniformity for which it was understood the Act was passed has been reached?

Some complaints have been addressed to my Department, but the matter is not one in which I am empowered to interfere with the discretion of the local authorities. I am not in a position to say to what extent uniformity has already been attained, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the Act of 1925 contains provisions for the amendment of valuation lists and that it is open to county valuation committees to examine the position in their areas in the light of the new valuation and to take such steps as may be necessary to correct serious anomalies.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has had any communication from hospital and convalescent home Committees as to the method of assessment adopted under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, by the appointed assessors; whether he is aware that the assessment appears to have been made upon the capital expenditure of the buildings and had no regard to the purpose for which the buildings are being used, and that the recommendations of the central valuation committee have not been taken into consideration; and whether he will issue recommendations to rating authorities upon the matter?

Some communications as to the effect of the general re-valuation on hospitals and similar institutions have been addressed to my Department, but I have no general information as to how far the recommendations of the Central Valuation Committee with respect to the assessment of such hereditaments have been followed. The matter is not one in which I am empowered to interfere with the discretion of the Local Authorities, but it is open to any representative body to call the attention of the Central Valuation Committee to substantial departures from their recommendations and to submit suggestions to them on which, if necessary, more precise recommendations might be based.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in consequence of the increase of assessments as a result of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, water rates where charged on rateable value have automatically increased; and whether, seeing that no greater value is given for the increased charges, he will introduce legislation with a view to an equitable adjustment?

I am aware of the position and am keeping it under review. I hope that water undertakers generally can be relied upon to make reasonable reductions of their water rates and that the need for legislation will not arise.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to enable it to deal effectively with any profiteering in building materials?

I propose in the coming weeks to consider this question along with ethers affecting the housing problem; but I am not at present in a position to make any announcement as to legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in considering housing schemes, he will bear in mind the practicability of utilising public buildings which have ceased to be used for public purposes for the housing of working-class families at present living in congested or unsanitary areas?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information as to the quality of houses, including materials, fittings, and finish, erected by local authorities under the Acts of 1923 and 1924 during the last 18 months as compared with previously?

For some years specifications have been entirely a matter for the local authorities, and I have, therefore, no detailed information on the subject, but, on a number of occasions during the last 18 months my Department have been informed at interviews that improvements in specifications have been made, and these, with such other particulars as are available, indicate that local authorities generally are fully alive to the importance of maintaining and improving the average standard of construction previously observed in houses erected by them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that under various local Acts the right of appeal against street-paving charges given to frontagers is of a more restricted character than the right of appeal given under the Private Street Works Acts, and does not in all cases include the right of appeal on the question of the reasonableness of the charges; and whether he will review the whole position under both public and local Acts with a view to protecting frontagers from excessive charges in respect of street paving?

I am not aware that, outside London, there is not a right of appeal on the question of reasonableness. If the hon. Member will let me know what cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to look further into the matter. The general question of private street charges is under my consideration.

asked the Minister of Health the reason of the variation of rents on the Bexley Heath housing estate, built by the Bexley Council in 1925 and 1926; and whether these houses are identical in size, material, and cost of construction?

I understand that out of 84 houses on the Highland Road estate of the Bexley Urban District Council 12 houses are let at definitely lower rents than the remainder. I will have inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in Wood Green, Battersea, Paddington, and Streatham hundreds of tenants in decontrolled houses are, by one company alone, being charged rents ranging from 10 per cent. to 40 per cent. above the 40 per cent. permitted by the Rent Restrictions Act; and if he proposes to seek additional power to enable him to terminate this profiteering?

My attention has been drawn to cases in the areas mentioned in which rents of decontrolled houses have been increased. As regards the last part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made in the Debate on the Adjournment on 15th July, to which I am unable at present to add anything.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in the city of Hull the reduction of the compounding allowances for rates to owners of property, subject to such allowances, effected by the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, involves additional payments for rates by these owners of £65,000 per annum; that under the Rent Restrictions Act the owners are permitted to pass this increase on to their tenants; that in consequence 42,000 tenants in Hull are now called upon to pay to their landlords this increase of £65,000 in addition to any other increases due to re-assessment or any alteration in the rates; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to relieve these tenants and others similarly situated of this liability?

I am aware of the circumstances in Hull. The rate charges falling to be borne by the tenants of the houses in question are affected not merely by the alteration in the percentage of owners' allowances, but also by the level of assessment. That is a matter which is within the discretion of the local authorities, and is not one in which I have any power enabling me to intervene. An increase in the scale of owners' allowances could only be effected by legislation, and would not in my view be generally justifiable.

asked the Minister of Health the number of local authorities which have in hand housing schemes by direct labour; and how this number compares with 12 months ago?

The number of local authorities in England and Wales who were building houses by direct labour at 1st July, 1929, was 48, and at 1st July, 1928, 50.

asked the Minister of Health the number of slum clearance schemes (and the approximate number of properties affected) that have been confirmed in the areas of England and Wales since 1927; and particulars of the number of persons who required to be rehoused under these schemes?

The number of slum clearance schemes confirmed for areas in England and Wales since 1st January, 1927, is 28, affecting approximately 2,872 properties and involving the re-housing of 16,644 persons.

asked the Minister of Health if he is in a position to indicate the scope of the Government proposals to amend the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Pensions Act; and whether any action is possible before the House rises for the Summer Recess?

As regards the first part of the question, I am not in a position to give any information in anticipation of the introduction of the amending Bill of which I have given notice; as regards the second part, I hope to introduce the Bill very soon after the resumption in the autumn.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will consider the alteration of the existing widows' pensions scheme in order to enable a woman to become eligible for a widow's pension by reason of her own contributions in cases where her husband is not a contributor to the pensions scheme; and, as regards the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, whether he will consider amending the Act in order to allow uninsured persons to become insured on equal terms with those already insured for State pensions?

As regards the first part of the question, all relevant matters are being considered in connection with the amending Bill of which I have given notice, but I would remind the hon. Member that the contributions paid in respect of an insured woman are half those paid in respect of an insured man; as regards the second part of the question, this matter will come up for consideration on the general survey of the various national insurance and pension schemes.

asked the Minister of Health if any estimate has been made of the number of widows in England and Wales at present in need but not in receipt of pensions; and, if so, what is the total, together with the estimated cost of including them in the Pensions Act?

No estimate has been made on this matter, and I am afraid that it is hardly capable of estimation but rather would involve an investigation of the material circumstances of all widows who claimed to fall within the class referred to.

asked the Minister of Health the estimated number of widows of insured persons in England and Wales who were over 50 years of age on 2nd January, 1926, or have since reached that age; how many such are in receipt of pensions; and what is the estimated cost of including the remainder?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Health the number of widows of insured persons who have been refused pensions in England and Wales up to 30th June, 1929; and the estimated cost of including such widows within the Pensions Acts?

The number of claims for widows' pensions which were rejected up to 30th June last in England and Wales was 65,024, of which, however, 45,259 were claims by the widows of men who died before 4th January, 1926, and accordingly had paid no contributions under the scheme. It is net possible to say how many of these claimants were the widows of insured men and, therefore, the material is not available for making the estimate which the hon. Member desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received representations from the Warrington Rural District Council and other rural district councils asking for the postponement of the operation of the Local Government Act, 1929; and whether the Government propose to consider the postponement of the Sections affecting rural district councils?

I have received representations from this and some other rural district councils. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr).

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to postpone the operation of Part I of the Local Government Act, 1929, or whether it will come into operation on the appointed day?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a previous question on this subject put by the hon. Member for Abingdon (Major Glyn), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that some of the proposed new Poor Law areas, made necessary by the transfer of the work of the boards of guardians, necessitate applicants for relief travelling long distances; and if he will bring pressure to bear upon local authorities with the object of eradicating this cause of complaint?

I am not aware that the proposed alterations in the Poor Law areas are likely to involve any such change in the arrangements for dealing with applications for relief as will lead to the difficulty suggested by my hon. Friend and I do not think therefore that it is necessary to take any action on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will advise local authorities and boards of guardians that in the case of a test worker in receipt of outdoor relief the earnings of his children should not count as his own earnings?

In deciding whether destitution exists in a particular case it is the duty of the guardians to take into account all means of subsistence available to the applicant, and this duty is not affected by the question whether the applicant is or is not engaged on test work.

asked the Minister of Health whether any representations have been made to him by any local authorities concerned as to the action of the Tynemouth Union Board of Guardians in excusing and cancelling loans amounting to £146,000 made by that body during the 1926 coal trade dispute; whether he is aware that the district auditor has informed the union that their action is illegal; and whether it is his intention to take any action in the matter?

No, Sir, I have received neither representations of the kind suggested nor any report from the guardians themselves or the district auditor. I am making inquiries and will communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the protests by the people of Woodley and Wokingham Rural District Council against the proposals of the Reading Board of Guardians to build a tramp clearing-house at Woodley; and whether he will institute a public inquiry into the matter before any further steps are taken?

A number of representations has been made to me against this proposal, but after careful consideration I have given the sanction necessary to enable the work to proceed. I am afraid I cannot undertake to reopen the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the position of deposit contributors to the national health insurance and to the fact that these contributors cannot receive dental or optical treatment, while in the cases of those who have been rejected by an approved society through no fault of their own, and often as a result of War service, they need such assistance more than the ordinary members of the community; and whether he proposes to consider the general improvement of their condition?

The position of deposit contributors as regards title to benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts is as stated by the hon. Member. Deposit contributors who can show that they were unable by reason of ill health to secure admission to an approved society are now, however, entitled to receive the ordinary benefits without limitation to the amount standing to their individual credit, and I consider that the guaranteeing of these benefits is the best method of meeting the needs of this class of insured persons out of the limited funds available. Men discharged in ill health from the forces of the Crown can be admitted to the Navy, Army and Air Force Insurance Fund and become entitled in addition to the ordinary benefits to dental and ophthalmic benefits free of cost.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the prescribing of Dr. Tomlinson, of Dunkinfield, and Dr. Cooper, of Altrincham; if he is aware that the Cheshire Insurance Committee, representing 260,000 insured people, are unanimously of the opinion that the penalties imposed by the Ministry are harsh and punitive and likely to result in a lowering of the standard of medical benefit of insured persons; and will he state the reasons for overruling the decision of the Cheshire Insurance Committee?

I am aware of the facts in these cases, which were decided in December last, and of the views of the Insurance Committee on the decisions. The decisions, which rest with the Minister and not with the Committee, were taken because he was satisfied that the doctors had imposed charges upon the available funds in excess of what was reasonably necessary for adequate treatment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government propose to restore to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Health Insurance Fund the £1,000,000 removed from the fund on grounds of economy?

In view of the improvement in the financial position of the fund disclosed in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on 11th July, I do not propose at present to take any action.

asked the Minister of Transport if the railway companies have submitted the list of works to be undertaken in respect of the discontinued passenger duty?

Most of the companies have submitted their proposals or provisional proposals on which I am in communication with them.

asked the Minister of Labour what wages are being paid to the workmen employed on the several road schemes now being carried out in the County of Cornwall; and whether, in making grants to county and other local authorities for the making of roads, any conditions are imposed by his Department as to the rate of wages to be paid to the workmen?

I have been asked to reply. I have no record of the rates of wages paid to different grades of workers by the various highway authorities in Cornwall. It is a condition of grants from the Road Fund that the Fair Wages Clauses shall be inserted in any contracts entered into in connection with the works to which the grant relates.

asked the Minister of Transport what exactly the present position is regarding the proposed new bridge of artistic design at Marlow; and whether a design has been yet definitely adopted in agreement with the county councils?

the two county councils concerned have concurred with my Department in the appointment of consulting engineers to draw up a scheme for a new suspension bridge, and a design is now in course of preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any orders have been issued under the ordinance promulgated last April enacting the provisions of the Public Safety Bill rejected by the Indian legislative Assembly; and if the Government will consider the advisability of allowing the ordinance to lapse?

No orders have been issued under this ordinance. At this stage I can say nothing as to the future.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any definite procedure has been decided upon in regard to the Report of the Butler Committee on the Indian States; whether he will consider postponing action on the Committee's recommendations until he has had an opportunity of considering the Report of the Statutory Commission; and if, before action is taken, an opportunity will be given to the representatives of the peoples of the Indian States to place before him their views on the Report?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy) on 8th July, but I may add that while preliminary discussion of some of the questions raised has been inaugurated in India, I do not anticipate that it will be possible to arrive at any final decisions before the receipt of the Report of the Statutory Commission. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the matters dealt with by the Committee are primarily Constitutional questions which can only be discussed between the duly constituted Governments concerned: but I have no doubt that any States' subjects who have views to express will make them known.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of able seamen advanced to leading seamen, and the number of leading seamen advanced to petty officers, during the quarter 1st April to 30th June, in the Portsmouth port division?

The approximate numbers were:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a number of discharges are to take place from the Portsmouth dockyard on Friday, 19th July; and whether any action can be taken to stop the discharges?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part therefore does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has taken any and, if so, what steps to find substituted work for the workmen discharged by his Department from the naval dockyard at Chatham during the past few days?

The whole question of future work in all the Royal Dockyards is being carefully considered by the Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any and, if so, how many further discharges of workmen from the naval dockyard at Chatham are to be made in the immediate future; and the reason for such discharges?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Portsmouth (Captain Hall) on 4th July (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 248).

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the maximum income limit a family may possess if a child in that family is to be eligible for a grant at a central school; and are any steps being taken to raise the family income limit?

The conditions under which maintenance allowances are awarded to children attending central schools vary from area to area.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the children at Falstone Council School, Northumberland, have no playground for the older pupils; and if will accede to the local request to take action to secure ground if possible?

I understand that, while this school has a small playground, it has no playing field, and I shall be very glad to consider any proposal that the authority can submit to me for the provision of a proper playing field.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his Department has considered the need of having telephones installed in all elementary schools in England and Wales; and what the cost would be?

I am afraid that the cost of carrying out this suggestion would be out of all proportion to the advantages which it would secure.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has any information regarding the number of teachers, elementary or secondary, who are not in receipt of salaries on the Burnham scale; and, if so, how many there are and in what places?

The Burnham scales have been adopted by all local education authorities, and there cannot be more than a few individual teachers in the schools concerned who are not being paid in accordance with those scales.

asked the Home Secretary whether he intends, at an early date, to introduce legislation dealing with workmen's compensation?

Various aspects of this question are receiving consideration but, as my hon. Friend will realise, the Government could not undertake during the present Session any legislation involving any far-reaching changes without interfering seriously with the legislative programme to which they are already committed.

asked the Minister of Pensions if Great War pensions of less than 16s. per week are commutable; and, if so, why Mr. E. Knight, of 96, Skinner Street, Chatham, has been refused commutation?

The Statutory Regulations on the subject do not permit the commutation of any part of a Great War disability pension of 16s. a week or less and, as Mr. Knight's pension is at the rate of 16s., commutation was necessarily refused.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that no further members can be added to the North-West Wales Pensions Committee, he has made any other arrangements whereby ex-service men in the Lleyn and Pwllheli districts can obtain guidance and assistance in the submission of their grievances and claims?

The War Pensions Committee are assisted in the two districts referred to by 17 voluntary workers, appointed by the Committee, in all parts of the area specified, whose function it is to give advice and assistance to ex-service men. I am taking steps to consult the Committee with a view to a possible increase of this number, and I shall be glad to consider any suggestions the hon. Member may wish to make.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he intends to take with reference to the Report of the Standing Committee, set up under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, on tomatoes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Guinness) on 11th July in reply to a similar question, from which he will see that the matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the existence of a considerable body of opinion in this House which desires to separate the problems of agriculture from party interest; and whether he will take steps to call together a conference of the three parties for the purpose of finding a policy of agreement for the immediate assistance of the basic industry of agriculture?

I shall be very glad indeed if the general feeling to which the hon. Member refers enables all parties in this House to approach agricultural questions in a spirit of co-operation for the good of the industry. Indeed, I expressed this hope myself in a recent Debate. With regard to the proposal in the latter part of the question, however, I would remind the hon. Member that there are fundamental differences in the policies of the three parties which a conference would be unlikely to remove. At the same time, the Government are very anxious to secure as great a common measure of agreement as possible amongst the parties concerned in agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make it a condition in any schemes for granting financial assistance to organisations of producers of agricultural products that the interests of the consumers shall be fully protected?

I am satisfied that any assistance that my Department may give to organisations of producers for marketing purposes will react to the ultimate benefit of consumers generally.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what quantity of British wool produced in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, was exported in 1913, 1926, 1927, and 1928; what quantity was retained for consumption in this country; what quantity was sold for home and export use, respectively, in each of these years through the London sales; and what quantity was disposed of through other channels?

I regret that I am unable to supply any of the particulars desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the declared policy of His Majesty's Government to assist agriculture and towards the solution of the unemployment problem, he will consider setting up a model national farm?

I regret that I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal. I would call his attention to the fact that Experimental and Demonstration Farms are attached to a number of Farm Institutes and Colleges throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any European countries give direct financial assistance by way of subsidy or otherwise to their fishing industries; and, if so, what is the basis or annual amount of such assistance in each case?

Both the German and the Danish Governments appear to give assistance to their respective fishing industries by means of loans, varying in amount from year to year, chiefly for the purpose of the provision of fishing vessels and fishery equipment. According to my most recent information, neither Belgium, France, Holland nor Norway gives direct assistance to fisheries. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that in 1926, the latest year for which I have figures, loans were advanced for various purposes in Germany up to a total amount of 1,60,000 marks. I am unable to give an inclusive figure for Denmark. If the hon. Member desires further details and will let me know, I shall be happy to arrange for the available information to be placed at his disposal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, and, if so, at what periods, a Report on the general economic position and industrial welfare of the fishing industry is issued by his Department; and, if no such Deport is issued, whether he is prepared to authorise the compilation and publication annually of such a Report?

Statistical tables and reports dealing with sea fisheries are published annually. The Statistical Tables for the year 1928 were published in April last, and the Annual Report for that year is in course of preparation and will be issued shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the total value of fish brought into the United Kingdom in 1928; what proportion was of British catching; what proportion consisted of foreign landings direct from the fishing; and what amount was brought from the Empire and from foreign countries, respectively?

Expressed in round figures, the total Value of fish brought into the United Kingdom in 1928 was £32,000,000. Of this sum, 57.6 per cent. represents fish of British catching, 4.2 per cent. fish landed direct from the fishing grounds by foreign vessels, 6.6 per cent. fish imported from British possessions, and 31.6 per cent. fish imported from foreign countries. Of the value of fish imported from British possessions and foreign countries, 60 per cent. represents the value of canned fish of various descriptions. For details I would refer the hon. Member to the Statistical Tables recently published by the Ministry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to consider the remission of loans made by the Development Commissioners and the Public Works Loans Board to fishery harbour authorities where, owing to the accumulation of interest and arrears during the period of the War, when no appreciable revenue was being earned, the harbour authorities are unable to discharge their present obligations?

I shall be prepared to consider the proposals which, I understand, the Development Commissioners are now preparing for the remission in special cases of the whole or part of sums due to the Development Fund from fishery harbour authorities. So far as I am aware, there has never been any question of remitting loans made by the Public Works Loan Board; but in cases of proved difficulty arrangements may be made by agreement for spreading repayment over longer periods than those now fixed.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons exclusive of dependants, in receipt of poor relief in respect of unemployment were signing the register of the Ministry of Labour at the latest date for which the figures are available; and how many were not so signing?

The average number of persons, exclusive of dependants, in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on account of unemployment during May, 1929, who were registered for employment and held the appropriate card issued by an Employment Exchange was 67,743. The number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief who were relieved on account of unemployment but who were not maintaining registration is not ascertained but is probably very small, as it is the policy of boards of guardians in these cases to require registration at an Employment Exchange as one of the conditions of being afforded Poor Law relief.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any schemes of road construction or improvement have been submitted to the Ministry by road authorities in Scotland in order to relieve unemployment; and what schemes have so far been approved?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to schemes which local authorities were invited to submit in pursuance of the Circular issued by my Department on 9th July offering certain terms of assistance towards approved schemes of road and bridge work. Informal negotiations are already proceeding with several local

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons in the Brighouse, Elland and Greetland areas at the last available date; what was the number of unemployed at that date; and

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that in many cases the premises occupied by Employment Exchanges are quite unsuitable; and whether she proposes to take steps to improve them?

asked the Minister of Labour for the figures of unemployment for the following towns: Widnes, North-wich, Middlewich, Sandbaeh, Weston Point, Farnworth and Thornton in each of the following months: January, 1927, June, 1927, December, 1927, June, 1928, December, 1928, and June, 1929?

The following table shows the numbers of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in those areas for which separate statistics are available:what were the corresponding figures 12 months previously?

The following table give the information available:

I am aware that in many cases these premises are not at all what I should like them to be. When I entered office I found a programme of improvement in existence and in process of being carried out, but not with a rapidity with which I could be satisfied. The House will appreciate that the remodelling of the Employment Exchange premises must necessarily take time. But I am determined to press on with it with the utmost speed, and the First Commissioner of Works has assured me of his cordial co-operation.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that regulations imposed by his predecessor compel unemployed men who have exhausted benefit rights of unemployment insurance to do task work each day except Saturday in the local institutions of this country; and whether, as this rule prevents them looking for work and bars them from again qualifying for benefit, he will at once cancel this regulation?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the requirements of the Relief Regulation Order, 1911. I am not aware that those requirements prevent either a search for work or future qualification for benefit, but I shall be glad to investigate any particular case of hardship which my hon. Friend may have in mind.