asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the differing police action with regard to football attendance forecast competitions, he proposes to issue a circular laying down the lines of a consistent policy?

The question whether such competitions are legal or illegal is one for the Courts. If the Courts were to give a decision, and it appeared that that decision should be widely known among the police, I would consider bringing it to their notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with films of scientific, educational, and artistic value, he will set up a separate category, similar to those already existing, called Adults or Universal, in order to permit the presentation of such films under suitable restrictions in their original form?

I would remind my right hon. and gallant Friend that it rests with the local authorities to decide the conditions under which cinematograph films may be exhibited. I have no authority to take any action in the direction he suggests.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has seen the Report of the Committee of the Scientific Research Department on the subject of phosgene gas; whether any further safeguards for the protection of the public have been introduced; and whether the subject of the supply of a limited amount of gas masks to the police has been considered in the event of emergency?

I assume the Report referred to is the Fourth Report issued by the Committee on Gas Cylinders, which was issued early in the present year. This Report is being supplemented by a further Report which it is expected will be issued shortly; and I am not yet in a position to say what additional precautions, if any, will be called for. There is nothing in the Report to suggest any necessity for the provision of gas masks for police, but, as has been stated in reply to previous questions, arrangements will be made for this purpose if the conditions of manufacture or transport should at any time appear so to require.

asked the Home Secretary if there are any regulations of his Department preventing the use of the services of the British Broadcasting Corporation for the purpose of broadcasting descriptions of the bodies of unknown dead persons whom the police or other authorities are anxious to identify; and, if so, whether he will consider amending such regulations in order to permit such broadcasting in cases where the chief constable of a city or county asks for such facilities?

The arrangements made between my Department and the British Broadcasting Corporation for the broadcasting of police messages provide that recourse is to be had to the facilities afforded by the British Broadcasting Corporation only in cases of immediate urgency, when the circulation of a message by other means, e.g., by a notice in the Press, would not serve the purpose. This limitation has been imposed in consequence of the corporation's desire to reduce to a minimum the interference with normal programmes which such messages entail, but I am satisfied that it does not prevent the broadcasting of any message which can with advantage be circulated by that means, and I see no reason to modify the arrangements.

asked the Home Secretary when the regulations were last revised governing privileges granted to prisoners with reference to reading books which they are allowed to have in their cells?

The last substantial revision of the regulations was in 1925, but there has been continuous progress in improving the arrangements for the supply of books to prisoners for reading in their cells.

asked the Home Secretary whether any change has been decided upon during the previous 12 months by his Department for the accommodation of young prisoners in the London area; and can he give particulars?

Male prisoners under 21, formerly detained in a detached block at Wandsworth Prison, were transferred as from 1st October last to a separate block of Wormwood Scrubs Prison.

asked the Home Secretary what statistics are available of fatal accidents to pedestrians or cases of injuries arising from accidents on un-pathed roads?

No such statistics are available. The figures obtained for purposes of the Return of persons killed and injured in street accidents which is presented annually to this House do not enable me to distinguish accidents on un-pathed roads from the rest.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to certain inhabitants of Highgate owing to the diversion of traffic from Archway Road to roads not constructed to bear heavy vehicles, and the resultant risk of serious damage to the roads and the houses therein; and, if so, what steps are being taken to deal with the situation?

This matter has been closely investigated by my Department and the Commissioner of Police, and I am satisfied that in the circumstances this diversion is unavoidable. All practical steps, however, have been and will continue to be taken to avoid damage and inconvenience by controlling the traffic. Omnibus drivers have also been instructed to proceed very slowly and an inspector is detailed to enforce compliance. The highway authority has made special arrangements to repair any damage to the roads which may occur.

asked the Minister of Transport whether He has entered into any arrangement with the borough councils of North and South Shields regarding the appointment of an engineer to report upon a cross-river communication between North and South Shields; and what action he has taken in the matter?

An application was received last week from the Boroughs of Tynemouth and South Shields with regard to the appointment of an engineer to report upon cross-river communication between North and South Shields, and I hope to be in a position to reply within the next few days.

asked the Minister of Transport the freights charged on tomatoes consigned to Covent Garden from Rotterdam and Worthing (Sussex), respectively?

I am unable to say what the charges would be on tomatoes consigned to Covent Garden conveyed by water direct from Rotterdam to London, but I understand that the through charges from Rotterdam to Royal Mint Street Station, London, via Harwich, are:

asked the Minister of Transport the name of the chartered accountant who is to assist the Government in their inquiries on the London traffic question?

The Government have secured the services of Sir William McLintock, G. B. E., C. V. O., of the firm of Thomson McLintock and Company, Chartered Accountants, to advise them in this matter.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he intends to take to deal with maternal mortality and the injury to many mothers who survive; and whether, in view of the fact that every political party is pledged to deal with this problem, he intends to introduce legislation, and at what date?

The Maternal Mortality Committee appointed by my predecessor is continuing its investigations into the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. The report of the Departmental Committee on the training and employment of midwives has recently been published and is now receiving my attention. I have these matters under close consideration, but I cannot at present give any date for the introduction of legislation.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the cases of nervous disease following within a month of vaccination were vaccinated with Government lymph and how many with other lymph; and whether his Department have any reason to suppose that complications have attended the use of foreign lymph more frequently than the use of Government lymph?

Of the total number of cases of the kind referred to which have been brought to the notice of my Department since 1922; 148 were vaccinated with Government lymph and 37 with other lymph. I have no information as to the lymph used in the remaining eight cases. With regard to the second part of the question, no information is available as to the extent to which lymph, other than Government lymph, is used in this country and no conclusions can, therefore, be drawn as to the comparative likelihood of complications following the use of Government lymph, and lymph supplied from private sources, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of pauper lunatics cared for by the Poor Law authorities, and at what cost; what is the number accommodated at the expense of the asylum authorities; what is the number maintained at the expense of the boards of guardians; what is the position of the Board of Control in regard to the care and supervision of these lunatics; and how do these figures compare with 1925, 1920, and 1910?

Figures are not available in regard to all the points raised by the hon. and gallant Member, but the attached table "A" shows the total number of pauper lunatics in the four years mentioned, and indicates where they were maintained. Table "B" shows the expenses incurred in connection with public mental hospitals. The cost of maintenance falls upon boards of guardians, the remaining expenditure upon local authorities under the Lunacy Acts. Boards of guardians recover part of the cost of maintenance from friends and relatives of the patient. The powers and duties of the Board of Control in the case of patients on out-door relief are limited to obtaining a return from the Poor Law authorities, and, in the case of lunatics in Poor Law institutions, to paying periodical visits. As regards patients detained in county and borough mental hospitals, the Board of Control examine the documents upon which they are received and detained, and also consider periodical medical reports. They also visit the institutions and have general supervision over the arrangements for the proper care of the patients.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the continued agitation in the Woodley and Wokingham districts of Berkshire against the proposals of the Reading Guardians to erect a casual ward for vagrants at Woodley, he will now institute a public inquiry into the matter?

The representations received in connection with this proposal were carefully considered prior to the issue of the necessary sanction. This sanction was given in July last, and I am afraid I cannot undertake to re-open the matter at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that whilst some pharmacists in the Poor Law service are principal officers, yet the pharmacist in a Poor Law infirmary is only a subordinate officer, owing to an article included in the orders issued for the separation of Poor Law infirmaries from workhouse management; and if he will take steps, in view of the responsibilities and necessary qualifications of these officers, to restore them to the position of principal officers?

A few of the earlier special orders governing the management of particular Poor Law establishments such as separate infirmaries and dispensaries conferred upon the dispenser the rank of principal officer and consequently made it necessary in these cases for my consent to be given to the termination of the services of these officers. No special orders issued for the last 25 years have, however, contained this provision, and in view of the grow- ing tendency to leave to Poor Law and other local authorities the widest possible discretion in the control of their officers, I should not be prepared now to take action in the direction of imposing closer central control over these authorities, more especially in view of the changes which will take place on 1st April next when the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929, come into operation.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can assure the House that the London Power Company will not be authorised to proceed with the full scheme of the Battersea power station until the Government chemists have made their further report, and unless this report makes it clear that the danger of sulphur fumes has been eliminated?

Yes, Sir, the full scheme will not be sanctioned until the committee presided over by the Government chemists have made their further report, and it is clear that adequate measures can and will be taken to avoid the dangers which might arise from sulphur fumes.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total amount paid in housing subsidies since 1918?

The total amount paid in housing exchequer subsidies since 1918 is £80,874,771.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of houses built with or without public assistance for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The total number of houses built in England and Wales with State assistance, during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1929, was 132,144, and the number of houses having a rateable value not exceeding £78 (£105 in the Metropolitan Police District) erected without State assistance during the same period was 71,083, making a total of 203,227.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received a resolution from the Birkenhead Board of Guardians relating to the payment of relief to ex-service men disabled in the late War; and if he proposes to institute an inquiry into the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Tavistock (Brigadier-General Wright) on 4th November.

asked the Minister of Health if he will recognise the claim of assessment committees to financial assistance for the purpose of holding conferences in order to settle problems which arise in all rating and assessment areas, and to take legal advice so as to arrive at uniform decisions in connection with the operation of the Rating and Valuation Act?

The Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, empowers a county valuation committee, either alone or in conjunction with other county valuation committees, to hold conferences with persons representing assessment committees, and makes provision for the payment of the expenses of persons attending such conferences. I am of opinion that the Act provides sufficient machinery for the holding of any necessary conferences of assessment committees, and that there is no justification for setting up additional machinery such as suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the losses sustained by a number of municipal corporations in connection with the Hatry proceedings, what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to prevent private groups of speculators from dealing in securities, the depreciation or loss of which imposes serious burdens upon the ratepayers concerned?

I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer) on the 21st ultimo, in which I stated that I was considering whether any amendment of the Stock Regulations under the Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1890, was desirable in order to safeguard local authorities against further losses of the kind which my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Minister of Health for the last completed year the total amount of benefit paid under the National Health Insurance Acts in respect of sickness arising from rheumatism?

The information desired by the hon. Member is not available, and could only be obtained as the result of a special investigation and return by every one of about 7,000 approved societies and branches. A few years ago, however, my Department made an investigation into the incidence of rheumatic diseases and issued a report, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy in the hope that the information contained therein will be sufficient for his purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, as a result of recent trials, it has been found necessary to change any of the engines in the R101; and whether he will state the make of the engines?

On the assumption that my hon. Friend refers to the main engines by which the R101 is propelled, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; and to the second that they are "Tornado" engines manufactured by Messrs. Beardmore.

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount and value of the imports of motor cars into India during the past five years from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, respectively?

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of the total imports of cotton piece goods into India for the past five years from the United Kingdom and Japan respectively; and the

asked the Secretary of State for India how many persons, giving the names of such persons, are detained under Bengal Regulations III of 1818; how long they have interned; whether His Majesty's Government intend to bring these persons to trial; and, if not, whether they intend to release them forthwith?

The answer to the first two parts of the questions is contained in the answer to three similar questions put to me on 8th July (of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy), subject to the modification that the total figure given in that answer should have been (as the subsequent figures show) 41 instead of 31, and that since that date the

I will send my hon. and gallant Friend the figures, and will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of the production of cotton piece goods in India during each of the past five years?

The following table gives the particulars desired in respect of the five years ended 1927–28:

amount of such imports from any other source?

The following table gives the information desired:

Manipuri referred to has been released, and the ex-Maharaja of Bharatpur has died, as has also one of the 12 Kachins. On the other hand, one more Afghan refugee is now under detention. The total number of persons now under detention under this Regulation is therefore 39. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative, for the reasons indicated in the previous answer.

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of foreign liquor imported into India in the last year for which statistics are available; how much was from the United Kingdom; the figures for 10, 15 and 20 years previously; the amount of revenue derived by the Government from this source; and what proportion this bears to the total revenue?

The information asked for is contained in the attached statement:

asked the Secretary of State for India particulars in respect of the scheme for training Indians in civil aviation by means of Government scholarships in this country; and the number of scholarships which have been granted under this scheme since its inception?

The scheme, which is estimated to cost approximately £15,900 over a period of seven years, provides for 10 three-year scholarships being granted as follows:

The course of instruction comprises:

(1) Flying training at a flying school;

(2) a post-graduate course of instruction in aeronautics at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, extending over 18 months;

(3) nine months' practical workshop training in aircraft engine and repair shops and in engine inspection; and

(4) attachment to the Civil Aviation Traffic Control Department at Croydon Aerodrome for a period of three months.

In accordance with the scheme, eight students are at present under training in this country.

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to extend the telephone lines in Sutherland from Armadale to Bettyhill, and from Lairg to Tongue, and through Elphin, Knockan, Altnatcealgeach, and Inchnadamph to Lochinver?

I am considering this question, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member in due course.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that since the use of large baskets was given up and sacks substituted there for very much increased damage is now sustained by goods going through the parcel post, notably eggs which, no matter how carefully packed, seldom arrive intact, while formerly, when baskets were used, breakages were infrequent; and will he inquire into this question?

Bags as well as baskets were always largely used for the conveyance of parcels and in 1910 were adopted generally in order to secure convenience in handling, economy of space and reduction in the gross weight and bulk of the mails. Experience has shown that properly packed parcels are safely conveyed in bags and the cases of damage reported to the Post Office are extremely few in comparison with the total volume of parcel traffic. Eggs, in consequence of their liability to damage, have never been accepted save at sender's risk.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of schools in England and Wales which are at present entirely without water supply; whether these schools are all included on the black list of schools; and what action his Department is taking to remedy this situation?

I have no figures of the number of schools which are entirely without a water supply. The lack of a supply of water has not in itself been regarded as a reason for including a school in the black list, since schools which have no supply of their own can generally obtain water from the close vicinity. In cases of serious deficiency the Board are accustomed to take steps to secure an improvement.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will obtain a Report on cases in which members of cadet corps in secondary schools are exempted from school examinations by reason of their membership of the corps?

I have failed to trace any record of such a case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, seeing that the cutting down of trees and lack of afforestation

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount and value for one year to the last convenient date of imports into British Dominions,

is a contributory factor to the recent floods in South Wales, the Commissioners intend to develop afforestation in this area; and, if so, what are their proposals?

The Forestry Commissioners doubt whether the matters referred to are to any extent contributory factors to the recent floods in South Wales. The Commission's planting programme this season for that district is 1,810 acres.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House a statement showing the value of the total exports of domestic produce and manufactures from the United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively, during the years 1925, 1926 and 1927, distinguishing the values included in those totals in respect of manufactured articles as enumerated in the classification laid down by the Brussels International Convention?

The following table shows the value of the total exports of domestic produce and manufactures from the United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively, during the years 1925, 1926 and 1927, distinguishing the values included in those totals in respect of manufactured articles as enumerated in the classification laid down by the Brussels International Convention.

Colonies and Protectorates, including mandated territories, but excluding imports from Great Britain, Northern Ireland 'and other parts of the Empire; and the total exports from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding imports to other parts of the Empire, mandated territories being in each case treated as part of the Empire?

The total imports of merchandise into British overseas countries (including mandated territories) from countries outside the British Empire amounted to approximately £544,000,000 in the year 1928. This figure represents the addition of the figures relating to trade years (which do not always coincide with the calendar year), as published by the various British countries. The total exports of merchandise from Great Britain and Northern Ireland consigned in 1928 to countries outside the British Empire amounted to £493,000,000, of which £396,000,000 represented the value of United Kingdom produce and manufactures.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information that, in consequence of the considerable modifications made by His Majesty's Government in its naval shipbuilding programme, the Government of the United States of America has made corresponding modifications in its shipbuilding programme?

The answer is in the negative. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the hon. Member on the 14th November, any modification of building programmes must clearly depend on the result of the forthcoming London Naval Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the proposed reduction on all military and naval outlay, he has considered the effect on industrial organisations which mainly have existed to supply the needs of the services; and whether he has considered the possibility of State help to these firms to change over to new industries from the manufacture of armaments?

I have nothing to add to the reply given on 31st October by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal to the hon. and gallant Mem- ber for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men have been granted pensions in respect of rheumatism; how many of these pensioners have died from rheumatism and heart affection; and in how many cases wives have been granted a pension in respect of their husband's death?

Awards have been made since 1914 in respect of rheumatism to some 84,700 officers and men. The information asked for in the second and third parts of the question is, I regret, not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will obtain precise and accurate local information as to the number of orphanages in Hong Kong and the total accommodation; the total accommodation available to the child slaves known as mui-tsai, for either temporary refuge or permanent residence, and under Government or private supervision; and, in view of the admitted shortage of accommodation in comparison to the total number of child slaves in the colony, what steps are being taken locally or are in contemplation to meet this situation?

The Governor will be asked to furnish the information sought by my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the memorandum recently submitted by the Greek-elected members of the Legislative Council of Cyprus has been considered; and whether he can give any information as to constitutional changes in the island or the appointment of a commission of inquiry?

A considered reply has been sent to the memorial through the Governor of Cyprus and will, I understand, shortly be published in the island. I should prefer not to anticipate publication by giving any information as to its contents at the present moment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the policy of the Government in regard to the elimination of waste by the development of collective marketing.

With the object of eliminating waste, it is the policy of the Government to encourage organised or collective marketing directed towards—

( a ) standardisation of grades, packs and packages which makes distribution easier and quicker and provokes a higher standard of production;

( b ) an efficient system of processing or storage. This question is examined

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of horses and ponies exported to the Continent from England and Wales each year since 1924, including months of 1929 for which figures are available, stating the countries of destination?

in detail in the various Marketing Reports of my Department and is also the subject of extensive scientific research.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of horses and ponies shipped from Scottish ports in each year since 1924, including those months of 1929 for which figures are available, and stating the countries of destination?

I have been asked to reply. The following statement shows the number of horses (including ponies) exported to the Continent of Europe from Scotland (port of Leith only) ^* after veterinary examination at the port of shipment, in each of the years 1924 to 1928 (inclusive) and 1929 (January to October) and showing countries of destination.

The following statement shows the number of horses (including ponies) exported to the Continent of Europe from ports in England and Wales, after veterinary examination at the port of shipment, in each of the years 1924 to 1928 (inclusive), and 1929 (January to October), and showing countries of destination:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his inquiries as to cruelty suffered by cattle imported from Ireland have been completed; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence?

My right hon. Friend has completed his inquiries. A consignment consisting of 10 cattle was imported on 14th November from Ireland to Birmingham via Fishguard. The Ministry's Inspector at Fish-guard reports that the cattle had a good sea passage from Ireland, and that there was nothing in their condition or behaviour whilst at Fishguard to suggest that they were injured. After the expiration of the period of 10 hours' detention at Fishguard prescribed by the Ministry's Orders for the purpose of examination and rest, they were entrained for Birmingham. The consignee at Birmingham states that the cattle showed no signs of illness, injury or distress on arrival there, and that after examining them he bought them as prime quality beasts. When the carcases were dressed, however, two were found to be badly bruised along the lower ends of the ribs, and one of these had two ribs broken. Although there is no evidence to show where these injuries were received, they might have been sustained by one of the cattle getting down in the railway truck. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the occurrence was a most exceptional one, and that the Transit of Animals Order, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend, affords sufficient protection.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount paid up to date in beet-sugar subsidies?

The total amount of subsidy paid since the date of the passing of the Beet Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, to 3rd December, 1929, is £14,112,671 16s. 7d.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the method of employing boys and young men as agricultural workers in Brecon at the hiring fair which takes place each year in May and November; whether he is aware that the applicants are required to stand on show for many hours in a row in the main public thoroughfare of the town for the inspection of prospective employers; that bargaining for the work for the whole season takes place between the two parties, leading to undesirable conditions having to be accepted by the applicants; that agreements are entered into at rates below the standard of those sanctioned by the Agricultural Wages Board; that young women and girls are required to offer themselves under similar conditions but attend at the Guildhall for hire; and whether he will make inquiries on this matter, with a view to arranging a better system?

I have received reports from the Ministry's local officers with regard to the hiring fairs to which my hon. Friend refers, which do not, however, confirm the description contained in the question. For example, I am informed that the workers do not, in fact, stand on show in a row in the main public thoroughfares, and I am further informed that, although accommodation was provided some years ago at the Guildhall for young women and girls, it is no longer used, as the facilities were not taken advantage of by either workers or employers. With regard to the question of the amount of wages agreed upon at the hiring fairs between the parties concerned, I am informed that, generally speaking, the terms are understood to be sufficient to cover the authorised weekly minimum rates, but that it is not always appreciated that the Orders require that extra payment must be made for work beyond the prescribed hours. As my hon. Friend is probably aware, I have been giving careful attention to the desirability of securing an improved standard of observance throughout the country of the Orders made under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, and have appointed additional inspectors for that purpose. I will gladly bear in mind his representations on the subject and endeavour, as soon as opportunity permits, to ascertain precise information with regard to the extent to which the Orders are being obeyed in the area to which he refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the date of issue, the name, and the amount subscribed of all Government loans since 1914?

It is impossible to give this information as regards Treasury Bills and Savings Certificates and other cases Such as the loans from

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the representations of the departmental Whitley Council subcommittee of his Department on the fact that the pay of the group of employés at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, other than administrative, technical, and

the United States of America Government in which borrowing took place from day to day. The particulars of definite stock issues for cash in this country are as follow, but it must be borne in mind that a large part of the debt so created does not now exist in the form in which it was raised, having been either repaid or converted into some other form of debt.

clerical officers, is not commensurate with the duties performed; and whether he is aware of the grievances which exist, and will investigate them as to the loss in allowances of 3s. 4d. per week when performing gate duty since the abolition in August of the penny entrance fee?

I am glad to say that full agreement was reached by the sub- committee of the Ministry's Whitley Council, to which my hon. Friend refers, in regard to all of the many classes of employés, whose rates of pay were considered by the sub-committee, except that of the constabulary. In the case of the constabulary grade agreement was also reached, but I am aware that representations were made by the staff side that the pay is not commensurate with the duties performed. With reference to the loss of gate duty allowances, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Richmond (Sir N. Moore) on 2nd December.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what has been the result of the Report on the relationship between the conditions of service life and pulmonary tuberculosis, and how this affects the pensions awards of the services Department?

I have been asked to reply. The result of the report has been that the medical authorities of the three Service Departments have taken certain additional measures with a view to facilitating the prevention, detection, and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. While it is hoped that these measures will facilitate the determination of attributability to conditions of service, it is considered unlikely that they will have any material effect on the present practice as regards pensions awards in the Army and Air Force which follows closely the recommendations of the Committee. As regards the Navy I would state that as announced on 15th November, 1928, certain new rules were adopted in advance of the report of the Committee, and under these rules a large proportion of men now invalided for pulmonary tuberculosis are allowed pensions under the attributable scale.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of men and women civil servants, respectively, promoted or transferred to the administrative grade during each of the years 1927 and 1928; and what rank they held prior to promotion or transfer.

The reply is as fallows:

asked the Home Secretary how many men and women civil servants, respectively, were transferred from other Departments to Grade I or analogous posts in the Home Office during the years 1927 and 1928?

No men or women civil servants of the administrative grade were transferred from other Departments to the Home Office during the years 1927 and 1928.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a permanent tribunal composed of Members of Parliament before whom any case can be brought which deals with injustices considered to have been suffered by British or foreign subjects in their past dealings with British officials or British Government Departments?

I am not quite clear what exactly my hon. Friend has in mind; but if he will let me have illustrations I will, of course, gladly consider them.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men in receipt of benefit who are at the present time also receiving dependant's benefit in respect of, respectively, a wife and one child, a wife and two children, a wife and three children, and a mother with an infirm husband, or a widowed mother or a resident housekeeper?

An analysis on the lines referred to by the hon. Member, in respect of the persons in receipt of dependants' benefit, is not available for any recent date. An inquiry on the basis of a 1 per cent. sample was made in April, 1927, and the following statement shows the information then obtained:

The analysis of the 4,147 cases included in the sample of men claimants with claims authorised for dependants' benefit was as follows:

The age limit for dependent children was 14 years (or 16 years if in full time attendance at school).

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women, respectively, registered at the Crewe Employment Exchange, who have been refused unemployment benefit on the grounds of not genuinely seeking work during each of the six months from May to October, 1929?

The following statement shows the disallowances of claims to benefit made at the Crewe Employment Exchange on the ground "not genuinely seeking work."

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any plans are under consideration for the afforestation of pit mounds in the Black Country?

I have been asked to reply. A scheme for levelling pit mounds in the Black Country was submitted by the local authorities in the area to the Unemployment Grants Committee, who offered a grant on the usual terms. So far the local authorities have not accepted this offer. If the scheme is proceeded with and an afforestation plan is proposed as part of it the Forestry Commission would be prepared to give technical advice on the most suitable methods.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the weekly figures of the output of coal include that produced in the County of Kent; and what was the output in Kent for each of the four weeks of November last?

Yes, Sir. The output of coal in Kent for the week ended 9th November, 1929, was 26,200 tons and for the following weeks 24,900 tons, 27,200 tons and 26,600 tons.

asked the Secretary for Mines the loss per ton of coal in respect to the South Wales coalfields for the quarter ended 31st October, 1929, and the loss for the preceding quarter; the amount of the wages cost per ton; and the amount of the remaining cost of production per ton?

During the three months ended 31st October, 1929, the debit balance per ton of coal disposable commercially for the South Wales and Monmouthshire coalfields was 2.66d., the wages cost 10s. 1.44d. per ton, and the costs other than wages 5s. 2.02d. per ton. The corresponding figures for the preceding three months were 4.43d., 10s. 1.71d. and 5s. 0.67d.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount paid in subsidies to the coal-mining industry since 1918?

The only subventions given to the mining industry during the period stated were given in 1921 and 1925–26 totalling £30,400,000. If the reference to 1918 indicates that the hon. Member wishes to know payments (other than subventions) by the State to the industry, I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. Member for Belper (Mr. Lees) on 7th November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average pit-head selling price for all coal sold in Great Britain for the years ended 30th September, 1925, 1928, and 1929, respectively?

The average pit-head proceeds per ton of all coal disposable commercially were as follow:

asked the Secretary for Mines whether there has been any increase up to date this year in the number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, at the Hilton Main Colliery; and whether he is satisfied that every possible precaution for the safety of miners is being taken at this pit?

I am sorry to say that the number of fatal accidents at this mine has increased during 1929, the total up to date being 7. On 15th November the non-fatal accidents for the year amounted to 297, compared with a total of 329 for the whole year 1928. There are, however, 1,739 persons employed now as compared with 1,619 at the end of last year. The high accident rate at this mine has for some time been engaging the anxious attention both of the management and of the Divisional Inspector of Mines, and special steps have been taken to deal with the problem, including the appointment of an additional under-manager, and an additional overman for the night shift. Special instructions have also been given to all the deputies and a great deal of work has been done in the direction of improved timbering and haulage roads. I am satisfied that urgent measures are being taken to secure a higher level of safety, and I hope that they will soon bear fruit. In the meantime I shall watch the position closely.