asked the Minister of Health, whether, in view of the need for the co-ordination of superannuation of officials both in asylums and mental deficiency institutions as well as in the mental wards of Poor Law institutions, and as these will in the main in future come under the same control, he will consider the desirability of ensuring that no superannuation provisions should militate against free interchange of qualified mental nurses between one type of institution and another?

I will consider the question raised by the hon. Member in connection with any proposed legislation amending the relevant Superannuation Acts.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses scheduled under slum-clearance schemes and those not so scheduled, but unfit for human occupation, and other working-class housing needs known to his Department?

Information in the form desired by my hon. Friend is not available in my Department, but it is a statutory duty of every local authority to take such action as is appropriate and practicable to meet the working-class housing needs of their district, and, in particular, to cause periodical inspections of their district to be made in order that they may deal with cases of dwelling houses found to be unfit, or not in all respects reasonably fit, for human habitation. A summary of the reports of Medical Officers of Health for the year 1926 showing the number of houses inspected during the year, the number found unfit and other particulars will be found on pages 73 and 74 of the Report of the Ministry of Health for the year 1927–1928.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the Post Office buildings at Broadway, Worcestershire, and the consequent danger to the health of the local staff; and whether he will take early steps to secure proper Post Office accommodation both for the public and the members of the staff?

A scheme for improving the accommodation at the existing premises is under consideration, and plans have been settled subject to the approval of the lessor, whose consent is awaited.

asked the Home Secretary how many taximeter-cabs in the Metropolitan police area are over 10 and five years of age respectively; how many of these cabs are owned by companies; how many by individuals; and what steps do the licensing authorities of the Metropolitan police propose to adopt in order to encourage the introduction of modern cabs which, since they ply for hire at the same rates as the old cabs, are not encouraged?

I regret that figures as to the age of cabs are not available, but on 31st January last there were 794 motor cabs of old types licensed, and of these 550 were owned by drivers and 244 by fleet proprietors. The Commissioner requires every cab presented for renewal of its annual licence to pass an efficiency test, and when it appears that an old cab cannot continue without renovation its owner is given a friendly warning to consider whether he would not be better advised to purchase an up-to-date cab rather than spend money on an overhaul which may not prove sufficient. In this manner a large number of old cabs have been withdrawn and their number is continually dwindling. 160 cabs of a new type have been placed in service in London during the last five months and 40 more are expected shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will give a list of the educational charities, other than those which are exclusively concerned with the sites and buildings of non-provided elementary schools, in the borough of South Shields; the date and number of the scheme of each charity; the capital resources and annual income of each; and the name and official address of the clerk of the trustees of each?

I will send my hon. Friend the information which h desires.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men of all ranks, including fatigue parties, who were employed in the recent military tattoo at Aldershot; whether any extra payment is granted to the men for this work; what was the total sum realised in the way of admissions; and how this money is disposed of?

As regards the first part of the question, 5,000 troops took part in the Aldershot Tattoo, and in addition 100 non-commissioned officers acted as ushers. Fatigue parties were supplied by civil labour. As regards the second part of the question, no additional pay was given, as the troops worked voluntarily for charity. As regards the remainder of the question, the profits are estimated to amount to about £30,000, but the accounts are not yet completed. When completed they will be published with Aldershot Command Orders. The whole of the sums are controlled by the Aldershot Command Trust. Profits are utilised to assist the maintenance of Aldershot charities, which include seven welfare centres which cater for the wives and families of soldiers both on and off the strength, Queen Mary's Hostel for Children, and Queen Mary's Wing, Louise Margaret Hospital, and to provide for recreational facilities for the troops in the Command.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of head of pedigree animals that have passed through the East India Dock quarantine station for export during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and to what countries these animals have been exported?

The following table shows the number of animals which have passed through the quarantine station, East India Dock during the 12 months ending 25th June, 1929, and the Dominion or Colony to which they have been exported.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any alteration has taken place in the basis of payment of the marriage allowance for the year 1929 to March, 1930?

The reply is in the negative.

asked (1) the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of the Government to ratify the Draft Convention of the League of Nations, 1921, concerning the application of weekly rest in industrial undertakings;(2) the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to ratify the Draft Convention of the League of Nations, 1919 (Washington), concerning the employment of women before and after childbirth?

I have been asked to reply. As regards these and other International Labour Conventions which have not been ratified, it is proposed to examine each of them in the light of the existing law and practice in this country, and it is not possible as yet for me to say what action may be decided upon in any particular case.