asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated amount for the whole of Scotland by which local rates on transport, lands, and heritages will he reduced under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929?

On the basis of the rates payable in respect of the year 1928–29 it is estimated that the annual relief from rates that will accrue in respect of freight transport lands and heritages in Scotland under the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, will be approximately £650,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated annual amount for the whole of Scotland by which owners and/or occupiers of agricultural land and buildings will benefit through the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929; and what is the amount, for the latest convenient year, of the subventions from the Treasury to the local authorities to contribute to or make up for the rate reliefs under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates Acts of 1896 and 1923?

On the basis of the rates payable in respect of the year 1928–29, it is estimated that the annual amount by which owners and occupiers of agricultural land and buildings will benefit through the derating provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, will be approximately £950,000. The grants paid to local authorities under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates (Scotland) Acts of 1896 and 1923 for the year 1928–29 were respectively £178,744 and £435,905.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount of money paid in rates in Scotland last year?

It is estimated that during the year ended the 15th May, 1929, the total amount of money paid in rates in Scotland (excluding water rates) was £21,918,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount of money borrowed last year by local authorities in Scotland and the amount of interest charged on it?

I regret that the information asked for is not available. During the year 1925–26, the latest year for which particulars have been compiled, the total amount borrowed by local authorities in Scotland was £11,609,039. The amount of loans outstanding at the end of the year was £111,251,518, and the amount of interest paid during the year was £4,970,880.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects that financial arrangements will be completed so that effect can be given to that part of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, which provides for long term credits?

As the hon. Member is aware, obstacles have arisen in constituting the company to be set up under Part I of the Act owing to the fact that four of the eight Scottish banks refused to co-operate. I have been exploring other methods of overcoming these obstacles, but the possible solution I have in view involves legal questions of difficulty which are now being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any inquiries are being made by the Fishery Board for Scotland with a view to opening up a trade in tinned herrings with our Colonies and dependencies in tropical Africa?

Inquiries as to possible markets for tinned herrings were made some years ago by the Board, though not with reference to tropical Africa. Further inquiries are now being made by the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has taken any steps to allay the apprehension entertained by cod-net fishermen in the Moray Firth in view of the destruction caused to the nets by foreign trawlers last year; whether he is aware that the method of marking the nets by lights or otherwise has been found ineffective: whether a cruiser might be specially allotted to the Moray Firth for the next two months; and what progress has been made with the proposal to bring the whole question of trawling in the North Sea to the notice of the League of Nations?

As in previous years the foreign Governments concerned have been asked to co-operate by issuing warnings to their trawlers as to the presence of cod-nets in the Moray Firth, but the value of such co-operation depends largely on whether the fishermen stand by their nets and mark and light them in accordance with the regulations. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative. The method has never been given a satisfactory trial by the fishermen. Experiments in the lighting of gear have recently been carried out by the Fishery Board for Scotland with satisfactory results, which have been communicated to the fishermen. Arrangements have already been made whereby a special patrol of the cod-net fishing grounds will be maintained by the fishery cruisers. As regards the last part of the question, the matter is at present receiving consideration departmentally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the plan for the utilisation of the fishermen's relief fund submitted to the Scottish Fishery Board by the Buckie Fishermen's Association; and whether he proposes to adopt it?

I am informed that the plan referred to was considered by the central committee which is responsible for the administration of the relief fund and that the committee decided not to adopt it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements have been made for the dredging of the Scottish fishery harbours and for the provision of an additional dredger for this purpose?

It is proposed to present a Supplementary Estimate to enable the Fishery Board for Scotland to purchase a new grab dredger in the current financial year; and to make provision in the Board's Estimate for the financial year 1930 for the maintenance of this new dredger and of the existing dredger. Applications for the services of the dredgers are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the new complaints of illegal trawling from Embo, Golspie, and other villages round the coast of the Moray Firth; whether he is yet in a position to state his intentions with regard to the outstanding recommendations of Lord Mackenzie's Committee: and whether he is contemplating any other steps for the suppression of illegal trawling?

No complaints of illegal trawling have reached the Fishery Board from Moray Firth villages since 10th December, when I last answered n question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member. Three complaints of illegal seine-net fishing have been received and promptly investigated. No definite evidence was forthcoming, but the area is receiving close attention. As regards the second part of the question, the recommendations of the Committee are continuing to receive my attention, and as regards the last part every effort is being and will be made by the Board to deal with complaint of illegal trawling.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the charges made in the city council regarding the administration of the licensing bench in Glasgow; whether he has had any requests from any committee of the Glasgow Corporation, or from any other official source, for a judicial inquiry under the Tribunals Act; and, if so, does he propose to set up such an inquiry and when?

The Secretary of State for Scotland is aware of the general but so far undefined charges against unspecified members of the corporation of the city of Glasgow. He is fully alive to the difficulty of maintaining effective local government and of retaining the services as public representatives of men and women of character and ability so long as the present atmosphere exists in the municipal government of Glasgow. An exhaustive inquiry at the instance of the Lord Advocate has been conducted by the Procurator-Fiscal. His report is presently being considered by the Lord Advocate. No request from an official body for the appointment of a tribunal of inquiry under the Tribunals Act has been received, but I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the conditions essential to a resolution under the Statute. One of these conditions is that the matter to be inquired into must be a definite matter of urgent public importance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department have any fresh proposals to make for the extermination of bracken in Scotland; and if the researches of his Department into bracken diseases have met with any success?

The Department of Agriculture for Scotland have under consideration proposals for the continuation and extension of the investigation into means of eradicating bracken which was instituted by them in 1928. The results of the attempts made so far to spread disease by means of cultures have been inconclusive, but experiments in methods of spreading the disease by using diseased material and fronds appear to be more promising. These experiments are being proceeded with.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is prepared to recommend control of the importation of new foreign potatoes for a definite period, in view of the position of the potato industry in Scotland?

This is a matter which I have discussed with the agricultural interests in Scotland, and I am satisfied that the profitable marketing of an abundant home crop involves problems which would not be met by the suggestion in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reason for the delay in replying to a letter addressed to him about five months ago regarding the Glasgow Small Debt Court; and when he is likely to reply?

The matter raised in the letter referred to was one of a number of important questions as to procedure in the Glasgow Sheriff Courts which have been the subject of consultation with the Sheriff. Satisfactory arrangements were made some time ago as the result of this correspondence in regard to the procedure in rent cases. I am still in communication with the Sheriff on certain outstanding points. I hope to be able to write to the hon. Member very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that a Mr. Connelly, residing at Bedford Street, Glasgow, is at present an inmate of Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, being kept as a prisoner without any charge being placed against him; if he can state the reason for this; and, if no charge is made, will he see that the man is released?

Peter Connelly is confined in prison for failure to implement a decree of the Glasgow Sheriff Court for the delivery of a bicycle and for payment of 13s. 4d. of expenses. The bicycle was obtained on the hire purchase system. The case is a civil one in which I have no jurisdiction to intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in securing the approval of the harbour development schemes put forward by the Harbour Commissioners of Anstruther, Pittenweem and St. Monanoe, respectively, or in obtaining the necessary grants to enable the works to be proceeded with?

The application for assistance in respect of Anstruther Harbour is being considered by the Development Commissioners; the applications in respect of the other harbours mentioned are being considered by the Fishery Board for Scotland, who are now awaiting reports from their consulting engineer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the particulars of the Government's land drainage scheme are going to be published; when application forms will be available for farmers who wish to apply for grants; and whether he will explain the reason for the delay?

I hope that particulars of the scheme will be published and that application forms will be available in a very short time. There has been no avoidable delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to say how many children additional accommodation will have to be provided by the Scottish education authorities if the school age is raised in 1931; how many additional class teachers will be needed, specifying men and women, respectively; how many teachers of handicraft, both for boys and girls; and what he estimates will be the additional capital and recurrent expenditure involved?

In my reply to the Noble Lady on 12th November last, I gave figures showing the total accommodation estimated to be required for the children of ages 12 to 15 over a series of years. The number of children for whom additional accommodation will be required in 1932 is estimated to be approximately 50,000. The Scottish Education Department have requested the education authorities to furnish more precise information as to the additional staff and accommodation that will be required and the cost involved. But this information has not yet been completely supplied, and I regret that I am therefore not at present in a position to give the detailed estimate for the whole of Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the capital expenditure both for buildings and equipment for practical instruction that are likely to be needed if raising the school age is to prove a benefit to Scottish children, more especially in the rural districts, he will make a grant for building and equipment to the Scottish education authorities?

I would refer the Noble Lady to the answer given to her on 19th November last, in which I expressed the view that the present method secures an equitable distribution of the total grant amongst the Education authorities. Since then the Department have ascertained that the association of Education authorities are in agreement with the view then expressed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that during the last year there have been 71 mail robbberies, and that none of the thieves have so far been brought to justice; that in many cases Scotland Yard has complained of delay by the Post Office in notifying the robberies; whether he proposes to institute an inquiry; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

asked the Postmaster-General the number of mail-bag robberies which have taken place during the past three years; the number of persons prosecuted in connection therewith; and the amount of compensation paid for the losses involved in such robberies during that period?

asked the Postmaster-General whether in view of the mail-bag robberies that have taken place in the last 12 months, he is satisfied that every possible safeguard is taken against these robberies; and, if not, whether he will see that adequate steps are taken to prevent their recurrence?

The number of mail bags lost, mainly due to theft, during 1927, 1928 and 1929, was 21, 41 and 27 respectively. In addition, during the same period about as many other bags were tampered with while in course of transit. Seven persons were prosecuted in connection with these thefts in 1929, and five in each of the previous two years. There is no foundation for the suggestion that Scotland Yard has on any occasion complained of delay in notifying mail losses. The total amount paid as compensation for the loss of postal packets, including parcels, during the past three years averages £12,000 per annum. It is not possible to separate the compensation paid in respect of the particular losses referred to above. I think it desirable to mention, in view of possible public apprehension which may have been aroused by Press reports of mail robberies, that the number of mail bags conveyed annually by rail exceeds 40,000,000, to which must be added considerable numbers which are transported by road. The bags lost or violated average little more than one per million. The total losses of registered packets of all kinds from all causes are about 16 per million. As the result of the report of a committee which has recently investigated the question, some additional safeguards have been introduced and certain others are under consideration. I hope that these measures, which it is not desirable to disclose in detail, will afford further security. It must, however, be remembered that a large proportion of mail bags while in course of transit by rail or by sea are outside the control of Post Office staff.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the irregularity of the postal service between Tooting and this House; and if he can take steps to ensure that letters posted in Tooting before 4.15 p.m. can be delivered with certainty at this House the same evening?

Letters posted in Tooting at the time mentioned should be delivered at this House at 9.0 p.m. the same evening. I am making inquiry with regard to the case of delay which my hon. Friend has recently brought to my notice.

asked the Postmaster-General how many men have been discharged from the engineering staff of the Liverpool post office since 31st May, 1929?

The number of men who have been discharged in the Liverpool Engineering District since the date in question is 29.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any reduction in the staff of the Cardiff post office engineering department is contemplated; and, if so, the reasons for, and extent of, such reduotion?

The position is under investigation. It is impracticable as yet to give precise figures, but the net reduction of posts is not likely to exceed seven or eight in the Cardiff city area. The main reason for the reduction is that it has become possible, largely as the result of improved facilities for transport and methods of organisation, to provide for the existing volume of work with a smaller staff.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to extend to persons who are permanently bedridden or home-fast the same exemption from fees in respect of wireless licences as is at present extended to blind persons; and, if legislation is required for the purpose, is he prepared to introduce a Bill?

The Broadcasting Committee, 1925, considered the question of the grant of free wireless licences and recommended that this concession be made to blind persons only. Effect was given to the Committee's recommendation by the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons Facilities) Act, 1326. I do not consider that I should be justified in asking Parliament to extend the concession to other classes of the community.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the desirability of introducing a Sunday, in place of a Monday, morning post, so as to reduce the amount of Sunday work necessary for letters to be delivered on Monday and accelerating the delivery by 24 hours?

Such an arrangement would entail not a reduction but a substantial increase in the Sunday work of the Post Office staff, and I am convinced that it would not commend itself to the public.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if his attention has been called to the application of the Marple Urban District Council for financial assistance through the Unemployment Grants Committee in respect of their scheme of electricity supply within their area; if he is aware that this application was first made on 5th September, 1929, and that, in spite of considerable correspondence, no decision has yet been communicated; and if he will take steps to see that this is dealt with?

It has not been possible to give an earlier decision in this case, because there was doubt whether the conditions of grant were satisfied, in particular that condition relating to acceleration. The Unemployment Grants Committee have now decided on the information before them that the work is not sufficiently accelerated for a grant to be given, and the authority has been so informed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to the second report of the port facilities committee appointed by the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom; whether any financial assistance has been granted under the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929, in the case of any of the schemes recommended in that report; and, if so, which are the ports in connection with which such financial assistance has been granted?

Yes, Sir. Financial assistance under the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929, has been approved in the case of dock and harbour schemes affecting the ports of Dundee, Wick, Milford, Bristol, Shore-ham, Leith, Liverpool, and Cullen. Consideration of schemes affecting other ports is proceeding.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has any information to give the House as to the progress of his plans for reducing unemployment?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on 21st January to the right hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action has been taken with regard to the application for a grant of interest for 15 years made by the Grand Union Canal Company for the improvement of the London to Birmingham route?

Careful consideration has been given to the proposals made by the Grand Union Canal Company, and the Ministry of Transport are now in close touch with the company in an endeavour to overcome certain difficulties in the scheme. I am hopeful that a decision will not be unduly delayed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the names, salaries, and qualifications of the expert staff which is assisting him in connection with the unemployment problem?

I am seeking and obtaining advice and assistance from leaders of finance and industry (who receive no remuneration), as well as from the Government Departments concerned. Particulars of the administrative staff attached to my Office will be found in the Supplementary Estimate voted on 20th December, 1929.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons belonging to the shipbuilding, ship-repairing, marine engineering, and allied trades, and of dock labourers, who were registered as unemployed at the Chatham (Kent) Employment Exchange on the 17th January, 1930?

At 16th December, 1929, the latest date for which figures are available, the insured workpeople, aged 16 to 64, recorded as unemployed at the Chatham Employment Exchange included 252 classified as belonging to shipbuilding and ship-repairing, 53 to marine engineering, 119 to general engineering, and 231 to dock and river service.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons who have been transferred from distressed areas to the Chatham district (Kent) were working in the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham during the week ending 17th January, 1930?

The number of persons transferred from the scheduled depressed mining areas who were employed at the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham during the week ended 17th January, 1930, was 19.

asked the Minister of Labour the comparative cost to the retail consumer of wheat bread of similar quality in Great Britain, Germany, and France; whether the officially regulated prices in different districts in France refer to the retail prices in shops; and what relation the cost of wheat bread bears to the average weekly wage of industrial workers in the three countries respectively?

The average retail prices of white bread in selected towns in Great Britain, Germany and France, according to the latest figures published by the International Labour Office, which relate to July, 1929, were equivalent to 8¼d., 1s. 5d., and 7¼d. respectively, per 4 lbs. The figures are defined as relating to prices of white bread, but there is no further indication of the precise qualities to which they severally relate. I have no information as to the extent to which the official prices of bread in different districts in France are the prices actually charged in the shops there. I am unable to state the relation which the price of wheat bread bears to the average weekly wages of industrial workers in the three countries, as the wages information available is not adequate for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any reports have been received from her inspectors in the Wolverhampton district of employers failing to observe the provisions of the Truck Act in respect of illegal deductions from wages.

The factory inspector in charge of the Wolverhampton district reports that breaches of the Truck Act in this area are, and have been for some years past, very rare. Since the beginning of last year, only two cases of infringement have come to his notice. In both cases suitable action was taken by the inspector to ensure compliance with the law.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Argentine Government has declared that artificial silk yarns and cloths of French origin are to receive the concessions which the like products proceeding from Great Britain have been granted in return for a declaration that there would be no duties or restrictions imposed upon certain Argentine products imported into this country; and whether he has made any representation to the Argentine Government with regard to these concessions to the French Government?

I understand that the Argentine Government have expressed their intention of extending to certain countries, which have treaty rights to most-favoured-nation treatment in the matter of Customs duties, any concession which may be accorded in this matter to British goods. This policy is not one which would justify representations by His Majesty's Government. It is, of course, our invariable practice to claim for British goods the benefit of any reduction of duties which may be accorded to goods of other countries where similar treaty rights exist in favour of this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the maximum periods for which an inventor may receive the protection of letters patent in the United States of America and in Great Britain, respectively; what are the total fees payable in each case to obtain protection for the full period; and what proportion of letters patent in each country are renewed for the full period?

The maximum period for which an inventor may receive the protection of letters patent is, normally, in the United States of America 17 years from the date of issue of the patent, and in Great Britain 16 years from the date of application. The total fees for the grant and maintenance in force for these maximum periods of a patent are: In the United States of America 40 dollars, and in Great Britain £131 of which £5 covers the first four years. Patents granted in the United States of America remain in force for the full term without payment of any renewal fees. The proportion of British patents maintained in force for the full term is about 5 per cent. of the patents granted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what commercial treaty, or treaties, His Majesty's Government are debarred from taking a general statutory power to impose without discrimination countervailing duties on goods imported from all sources which are the subject of a direct or indirect bounty?

As I informed the hon. Member in answer to a question on 17th December, treaty arrangements with practically all the most important commercial countries make it impossible for countervailing duties to be placed on goods, which are the subject of a direct or indirect bounty, originating in those countries. Duties of this kind imposed as a result of general legislation directed against bounty fed goods from all countries would be debarred by these arrangements equally with duties which were directed specifically against individual countries. In a few treaties only there are specific provisions which might permit of countervailing duties against bounty fed goods originating in the countries concerned, namely, our treaties with Austria, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Finland, Guatemala, Honduras, Latvia, Panama and Siam.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of an attempt to confine, to the extent of 70 or 80 per cent., the importation of Egyptian onions to this country within a small ring of shipping firms; and will he take action through the Food Council or by any other methods to ensure that the importation of this important article of food is conducted on such lines as will bring the supplies to British markets at the lowest possible prices?

I understand that last year a movement somewhat of the kind suggested was made by merchants, but it was not successful. I have no later information on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any information as to the course of British trade as it has been affected by the policy of his Department since 1st June, 1929?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the issues of the Board of Trade Journal for 16th and 23rd January, where he will find a considerable amount of information as to the course of British trade during the year 1929.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any increases in import duties upon cotton-piece goods and machinery under the new Ceylon customs tariff; and the date upon which the increases, if any, become effective?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The following changes have been made by the Government of Ceylon in the duties levied upon cotton-piece goods and machinery imported into the island: Cotton-piece goods not normally used by the poorer classes: duty increased from 5½ per cent. to 10 per cent. ad valorem. Cotton-piece goods normally used by the poorer classes and cotton yarn and twist: duty reduced from 5½ per cent. to 5 per cent. ad valorem. Machinery: duty increased from 2½ per cent. to 10 per cent. ad valorem. Agricultural implements, on which the duty has hitherto been 2½ per cent. ad valorem, will now be admitted free of duty. The revised tariff came into force as from the 23rd January, 1930.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if and when he intends to introduce legislation for the establishment of a Food Council with effective powers of controlling excessive prices of food?

This subject is still under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to name a date for the introduction of a Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present number of limited companies which have failed to make the annual return to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies in accordance with the Companies Acts?

At the present time there are 38 cases outstanding of companies which are in default in filing their annual return under the Companies Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention was called to the issue in London last March of the securities of a German earth colours industry merger company called Heyl-Behringer Farben Fabriken; and whether the information required by Section 354 of the Companies Act. 1929, was furnished to his Department in respect of this company?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Companies Act, 1929, did not come into operation until 1st November last, and therefore the question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the composition of the British representation to attend the International Conference on the Load Lines of Merchant Ships; what are the interests that will be represented at the conference; and what is the nature of the instructions to be given to the direct representatives of the Government?

The composition of the United Kingdom Delegation at the International Conference on Load Lines of Merchant Ships has not yet been determined but is receiving the careful consideration which the importance of the subject demands. In accordance with practice, the instructions to be given to the United Kingdom Delegates will be confidential.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the criticism expressed by representatives of the shipping industry regarding the proposal to reduce the freeboard of tankers and of the opposition to any reduction of the freeboard of tankers from this authoritative source, he will instruct the Government's representatives at the forthcoming international conference on the load lines of merchant ships to oppose any alteration of the load line that would have the effect of reducing the margin of safety for this class of vessel?

I am not aware of the criticisms to which my hon. Friend refers, but it can be taken for granted that the proper freeboard for tankers will be fully considered by the forthcoming international conference on its merits, and that no alteration will be made unless the conference is satisfied that it can be made with safety.

asked the Minister of Labour what maritime countries have ratified the draft conventions adopted by the International Labour Conference at Genoa in July, 1920, relating respectively to an unemployment indemnity for seamen in the case of loss or foundering of their ship, the minimum age for the admission of young persons to employment as trimmers and stokers, and the compulsory medical examination of children and young persons employed at sea; and whether she will state what, if any, maritime countries have not ratified these draft conventions?

These conventions have been ratified by the following countries:Unemployment Indemnity: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Estonia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Luxemberg, Poland, Spain, Yugoslavia and conditionally by Latvia.Minimum Age for Trimmers and Stokers: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Italy, Latvia, Luxemberg, Norway, Poland, Rumania, Spain, Sweden, Yugo-Slavia.Medical Examination of Young Persons: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxemberg, Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, Spain, Sweden, Yugo-Slavia.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of clerical persons of all grades employed at the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts at Cornwall House as at 15th July, 1929, and 15th January, 1930?

The total number of the staff of all grades employed at the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts), Cornwall House, on 15th July last was 466, and on 15th January, 1930, 400.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, in view of the fact that, private creditors of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts themselves repay to the Office of Works the cost of the office accommodation at Cornwall House, consider the advisability of removing the now diminishing staff to smaller offices in a less expensive district?

The fees paid by persons receiving payment from the Clearing Office are in no way affected by the amount of rent paid by the Office. On account of its duties it is necessary that the Clearing Office should be centrally situated. Cornwall House possesses advantages for periodical adjustments of the rent paid to the space occupied, which would not be easily obtainable elsewhere, and I am satisfied that a removal at this stage would seriously interfere with the work and would not be justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the annual administrative expenses of the Industrial Property Department for the last completed year; and what were the annual receipts from patent fees, distinguishing the initial payments from those for renewals after the fourth year?

The administrative expenses of the Patent Office for 1928 were approximately £396,900. The receipts from patent fees only were £447,505, including a sum of £283,253 in respect of renewal fees for the fifth and succeeding years of patents. The total revenue of the Patent Office was £544,740.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total number of female writing assistants employed in the Civil Service on 31st December, 1929, and the respective numbers of male and female officers serving, respectively, in the general and departmental clerical classes of the Civil Service at the same date?

The number of writing assistants employed in the Civil Service on 1st October, 1929, which is the latest date for which figures are available, was 5,250. The following table show the estimated number of male and female officers, respectively, serving in the basic grades of the general and departmental clerical classes on the same date:

Estimated Numbers Employed on 1st October, 1929.
—	Men.	Women.	Total.
General Clerical Class	15,400	5,480	20,88
Departmental Clerical Classes.	10,500	1,280	11,780

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the present rate of interest charged on loans issued from the Local Loans Fund; and if, in view of the present value of money, it is proposed to make any alteration in this rate?

The position remains as stated in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a question by the hon. Member on the 19th November last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has received any representations from the librarian of Newcastle Public Library and other librarians throughout the country with regard to the proposed publication by subscription of a new edition of the printed catalogue of the library of the British Museum; whether it is the intention of the Government to give such financial assistance as may be necessary in order that free copies of the catalogue may be placed in certain municipal libraries serving large centres of population?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject in the House on 3rd December last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Blackley (Mr. P. Oliver).

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to introduce legislation to give effect to those recommendations of the recent Royal Commission on National Museums and Galleries which would require the amendment of existing Statutes; whether the boards of trustees or other bodies concerned in the management of the several institutions will be consulted as to the form of any such legislation; and whether the recommendations of the Royal Commission are accepted in principle by His Majesty's Government?

Most of the recommendations referred to were made in the second part of the Final Report of the Commission, which was published on the 16th instant. It has been arranged that this Report is to be discusseed at the next meeting of the various boards or other bodies concerned. The Government will decide thereafter what legislation to introduce, and will consult the institutions affected before introducing the legislation.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will obtain from the joint accountants who act under the wages agreement a special statement showing the working results of colliery undertakings of various sizes during the period January to June, 1929, in a form strictly comparable with that given in Tables Nos. 5 and 6 on pages 54 and 55 of the Report of the 1925 Royal Commission on the Coal Industry?

I hesitate to undertake the considerable expenditure and labour involved, more especially as I doubt whether the information would add much to that which was before the Royal Commission. But when the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commissioners, proposed under the Government Amendments to the Coal Mines Bill, have been appointed, I will ask them to consider whether up-to-date information of this character would assist them.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information as to the countries which in any way subsidise the export of their home-produced coal; and whether he can give the nature of the subsidy or bounty in each case?

The only definite forms of State assistance for coal export trades of which I am aware take the form of preferential rail rates. These exist in Poland, Belgium, France and Czechoslovakia, and the Union of South Africa. In Czechoslovakia, the coal export trade is further assisted by the remission of coal tax.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of the increase in the retail price of coal per ton between August, 1929, and the latest convenient date in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glagow, and Bristol?

I am informed that on 27th January the increases in the retail prices of the more popular brands of house coal since the beginning of August, 1929, were 4s. in London; 3s. in Birmingham; 2s. 6d. in Manchester and Glasgow; and 3s. 6d. in Bristol.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of amalgamation schemes submitted to and confirmed by the Railway and Canal Commission under the Mining Industry Act, 1926, up to the end of 1929, together with the number of collieries involved and their annual output?

Seven schemes have been referred to the Railway and Canal Commission and confirmed by them. Particulars are contained in the Reports which were presented to Parliament in November, 1928, and December, 1929, copies of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to breaches of the regulations in regard to the working hours in coal mines; what reports he has received: and what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, respecting them?

Most of the complaints which I have received about breaches of the Hours Acts have been found upon investigation to relate either to the proviso which allows overtime to be worked in certain circumstances of emergency, or to failure to keep the prescribed records. I have accordingly had a circular issued to all collieries reminding them of the law on these matters, and, if necessary, I shall be prepared to follow this by prosecution.

asked the Secretary for Mines, with regard to each coal-mining district in Great Britain, what are the daily average hours underground of the miners; what is the practice with respect to shorter hours on Saturdays; and what is the average time spent underground weekly, or fortnightly, in cases where the hours are different in alternate weeks?

The information required is shown in the following table. The weekly figures are those which have been used for returns made to the International Labour Office and published by them. For most districts they show a lower figure than would result from a calculation based solely on the first two

—		Average daily hours underground.		General practice with respect to shorter hours on Saturday.	Average time spent underground weekly.
		hrs.	mins.		hrs.	mins.
Scotland	…	8	26	Some pits work 11 days per fortnight, but the practice is not general.	48	53
Northumberland:
(a) Hewers	…	7	52	11 days worked per fortnight	43	14
(b) Others	…	8	22		45	59
Durham:
(a) Hewers	…	7	57	See note below*	44	19
(b) Others	…	8	27		47	17
Yorkshire	…	7	59	½ hour less on Saturdays	45	33
Lanes & Cheshire	…	8	34	2 hours less on Saturdays	49	14
Notts & Derby	…	8	8	2 hours less on Saturdays	45	53
South Derby	…	8	32	2 hours less on Saturdays	49	2
Leicester	…	8	30	2¾ hours less on Saturdays	47	58
Cannock Chase	…	8	30	2½ hours less on Saturdays	48	28
Warwick	…	8	29	2½ hours less on Saturdays	48	13
South Wales	…	8	30	1 hour less on Saturdays	49	29
Forest of Dean	…	8	36	1 hour less on Saturdays	49	1
Somerset	…	8	31	1 hour less on Saturdays	50	0
North Wales	…	8	38	1½ hours less on Saturdays	49	51
Bristol	…	8	25	1 hour less on Saturdays	49	30
N. Staffs	…	8	31	2 hours less on Saturdays	48	11
S. Staffs	…	8	19	2 hours less on Saturdays	47	54
Salop	…	8	28	2 hours less on Saturdays	48	48
Cumberland	…	8	23	1½ hours less on Saturdays	46	11
Kent	…	7	53	1 hour less on Saturdays	44	13
* At one-third of the collieries 6½ hours bank to bank are worked by hewers on every Saturday and 7½ hours plus one winding time by other underground labour. At two-thirds 7¼ hours bank to bank are worked by the workmen on alternate Saturdays.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Assembly of the League of Nations of 26th September, 1926, as to the reform of the calendar and, in particular, of a fixed Easter?

The Easter Act, 1928, already provides for a fixed Easter. With regard to the wider subject of calendar reform the League of Nations has not, so far as I am aware, made any recommendations which could possibly form a basis for legislation. The resolution of the Assembly referred to in the question merely expressed the opinion that an examination of the subject was necessary before such reform could take place.

asked the Home Secretary the number of taximeter cabs which were licensed by the Metropolitan Police during the year 1928–29, and the number that were rejected on presentation for licence for either various defects or failure to pass the necessary efficiency test?

7,860 taximeter cabs were licensed by the Metropolitan Police during the year 1929. 2,041 were rejected on presentation for licensing for various defects, or failure to pass the necessary efficiency tests. All but three of these were subsequently licensed after the defects had been remedied. (It has been assumed that the hon. Member wants figures for the last completed year.)

asked the Secretary of State for War the hours of work in Army bakeries; and if baking is carried on at night?

The average hours of work in Army bakeries at home are eight hours, from 5 a.m. on six week days a week. Baking is not carried out at night, but a small amount of military labour is necessarily employed in dough mixing and oven stoking from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of widows who are in receipt of pre-War special pensions?

If the hon. and gallant Member refers to special pensions paid by the War Office under Article 788 of the Pay Warrant, 1914, the number is two.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider whether arrangements can be made to provide that those who have gained war decorations or medals for past services should not be deprived of them when convicted by a Civil Court for theft or other crime?

It has already been decided to amend the forfeiture clauses of the various Statutes and warrants governing the award of decorations and medals so that, in the case of gallantry decorations and medals and war medals, forfeiture shall not be entailed by reason of a conviction in a Civil Court except for treason and sedition. A similar rule will be applied to decorations and medals for conspicuous service other than gallantry, or for long and efficient or meritorious service, if the recipient is no longer serving.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statements in the official Reports on the health of the Army concerning the provision or prophylactic outfits for self-disinfection after exposure, and, in particular, to the statement in the 1925 Health Report on this subject, which shows that out of 968 cases of venereal affection 181 men endeavoured to use the prophylactic outfit but used it incorrectly, that 207 men used it correctly but were infected, and that 580 men, although carefully instructed, did not use the prophylactic; and if, having regard to the youth of many of the personnel of the Army, the repugnance of many people to the State provision of such prophylactic packets, and their doubtful medical value, he will order that-such provision be discontinued?

I am advised that the method of prevention of venereal disease by means of early disinfection has been shown to be generally efficacious, and it has therefore been retained with a view to reducing venereal disease in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost of converting the riding school in the cavalry barracks, Aldershot, into a garage for the newly mechanised cavalry regiment; and whether, as that regiment is now to be moved and replaced by another cavalry regiment, he will say what will be the cost of converting the garage at Aider-shot back into a riding school and of providing a suitable garage for the mechanised regiment in its new quarters?

In order to avoid expense, in case the accommodation were again required as a riding school, temporary arrangements only were made at Aldershot, at a cost of approximately £675, for garaging the vehicles of the Cavalry Armoured Car Regiment there. It has not yet been decided to move the regiment from Aldershot and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to state where the troops which are destined shortly to leave Alexandria and Cairo are to be quartered; and whether he will give a definite undertaking that the British garrison in these two towns will not be moved until a proper water supply and adequate arrangements have been made for the health of the troops in their new quarters in the Canal Zone?

No general settlement has yet been reached with the Egyptian Government. The answer to the first part of the question is consequently in the negative. As regards the second part, the hon. Member may rest assured that adequate arrangements will always be made for the health and comfort of the troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers and men, all ranks, in the Army, including regulars, reservists and territorials, in July, 1914, and in July, 1929?

The regimental establishment of the British Army in 1914, including regulars, reservists and territorials, but excluding British troops on the Indian establishment, was 727,232. The comparable figures for 1929 are 470,727. Details of these figures will be found on pages 11 and 7 of the Army Estimates for 1914–15 and 1929 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any changes are contemplated in connection with the Territorial Army?

I will deal with this subject in my speech on the introduction of Army Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of infantry depots on the Home establishment; the numbers of their total personnel and their annual cost; and whether any reduction of infantry depots has been considered?

There are 62 depots for regiments of infantry of the line, one of which is a double depot for the two Rifle Regiments. The total authorised establishment of these depots is 441 officers, 4,490 other ranks, including attached personnel, and 253 civilians. The cost of a depot of the infantry of the line, as shown on page 293 of the current Army Estimates, is £14,500. The question of depot organisation has frequently been examined, but military, financial and administrative considerations render any scheme of reduction and amalgamation impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to review the rates of pay and pensions of officers?

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the reduction of the standard rates of half-pay and retired pay for Army officers by 7 per cent. as from 1st July next?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reason for the recent reduction of officers' pensions?

Standard rates were fixed in July, 1919, for officers' pay and retired pay, and in accordance with the conditions then laid down these standard rates are subject to revision periodically upwards or downwards in relation to the variation in the cost of living. A revision is due as from 1st July next. At present the standard rates are subject to a reduction of 6 per cent. On the recognised basis of revision they would be subject to a reduction of 8 per cent. in lieu of this 6 per cent. from 1st July next, but it has been decided that the reduction shall be limited to 7 per cent. The question will be further considered at the end of twelve months.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any and, if so, how many, employés have been discharged from the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham during the last two weeks; and whether any and, if so, how many, further discharges are contemplated in the near future?

During the two weeks ended 25th January there has been a net reduction of 119 in the number of workmen employed on a casual basis, and the services of about 180 workmen casually employed are expected to be dispensed with during the next month. Apart from the casual workmen, four men have been discharged on reduction during the last two week's, and no further dischargee are immediately in view.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the value of the orders for ship construction and ship-repairing work, respectively, placed by the Admiralty with His Majesty's naval dockyards and private shipyards, respectively, during the last three months?

During the period referred to, contracts for new construction, hull and machinery, and for ship repairs have been placed with private firms at home for something over £100,000 and £9,000 respectively. No orders for ship construction have been placed with the Royal Dockyards during the past three months, but the construction of two sloops was allocated to the dockyards in September last, the value involved being £167,000. The labour expended at the Naval Dockyards at home for ship repair work during the three months ended December, 1929, was over £600,000.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the inquiry into the loss of the Admiralty tug "St. Genny," in the recent gales, the question of the advisability of sending these small craft out in stormy weather will be investigated?

A Court of Inquiry has already been held, and the point in question has also been investigated. The question of the advisability or otherwise of sending small craft to sea in unsettled weather is always present to the mind of the senior officer, who has the ordering of the movements of His Majesty's ships under his command. The weather at Portland when the "St. Genny," in company with the sloop "Snapdragon" and a sister tug left on Saturday afternoon, 11th January, was fine and gave no indication of the approach of a storm of such exceptional severity as was in fact encountered. The first warning of a severe gale, though issued at the earliest possible moment by the Meteorological Department, was broadcast to shipping shortly after noon on Sunday. By this time the vessels were approaching Ushant. I should like to add that the conduct of all concerned on this occasion appears to have been highly creditable. In the conditions of wind and sea prevailing at the time, very little in the way of saving life was possible, but the excellent handling of the remaining ships resulted in five survivors from the "St. Genny" being picked up from the water.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the construction of the fishery survey vessel is to be commenced; and whether arrangements can be made for the vessel to be constructed in Devonport, particularly in view of the fact that the marine biological laboratory is conveniently situated at Plymouth?

The vessel is now being designed. She will probably be commenced about the middle of the year. It has not yet been decided where she is to be built.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men who have been granted pensions for pulmonary tuberculosis held to be attributable to the conditions of service during each of the last 10 years for which statistics are available; the number of men who were refused pensions as being non-attributable; and the total number of men in receipt of such pensions at the latest convenient date?

The numbers of men invalided for pulmonary tuberculosis and awarded attributable pensions and the numbers refused such pensions for each year since 1924 are as follow:

				Granted.	Not Granted.
1924	…	…	…	5	151
1925	…	…	…	2	187
1926	…	…	…	6	191
1927	…	…	…	18	162
1928	…	…	…	42	98
1929	…	…	…	177	83

Statistics for the years prior to 1924 and the numbers of men now actually in receipt of attributable pensions for pulmonary tuberculosis are not available, and could not be compiled without a very considerable expenditure of time and labour.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the statements in the official reports on the health of the Navy, which show that pocket anti-venereal outfits, or prophylactic packets for self-disinfection, are provided for the use of all ranks in the Navy, and that definite and detailed instructions are given to the personnel as to the technique of self-disinfection at the time of exposure to venereal infection, and subsequently in the ablution chamber; and if it is proposed to continue these practices in the Navy, having regard to the youth of many of the personnel, the repugnance of many people to the State provision of such facilities, and the fact that the official statistics for the Army show that many men who have used the prophylactic outfit according to instructions have been infected?

The Committee of Inquiry on Venereal Disease over which Lord Trevethin presided in 1923 concluded that substantial results may reasonably be expected to follow from these prophylactic measures. The Committee did not think that there is any justification for putting obstacles in the way of individuals who desire to procure disinfectants as a measure of protection against venereal disease. It is therefore proposed to continue to provide such facilities for the voluntary use of naval personnel. No coercion is employed to induce men to make use of these facilities. On the other hand, every endeavour is made to warn them of the dangers of promiscuous sexual intercourse by means of lectures, and to inculcate a healthful morale by the provision of organised games, recreation and entertainments at all ports, at home and abroad.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is in a position to lay before the House the Government's proposals for the agricultural industry?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Granville) on 16th December.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any other European countries besides Italy and Germany compel by law the milling of a proportion of home-grown wheat with all imported wheat?

Legislation requiring the milling of a proportion of homegrown wheat is in force in Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. Legislation is understood to be under consideration in Italy and in Czechoslovakia, but is not yet actually in force.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department under what conditions the compulsory milling of a proportion of home-grown wheat with imported wheat is enforced by law in Italy?

According to the information available no provisions of this character are in force at the present time but it is understood that legislation on the subject is being contemplated.

asked the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring as representing the Charity Commissioners whether the St. Peter's Property Trust and the Ann Reed Charity are registered; if so, what was the number of trustees provided for originally; and what are the names of those who are now so acting?

The Charity Commissioners do not know whether the St. Peter's Property Trust and the Ann Reed Charity are registered. They have no information about the St. Peter's Property Trust. In connection with a General Inquiry into the Charities of Sunderland held in 1903, the Reverend W. E. Cockshott then Vicar of St. Peter's, Bishopwearmouth, stated that £178 6s. 4d. Consols, representing a bequest of £200 Consols under the will of Miss Anne Reed proved at Durham 15th November, 1877, to the Vicar of the Vicarage of St. Peter, Bishopwearmouth upon trust to apply the dividends at his discretion on Christmas Day for the benefit of poor inhabitants of such Vicarage as he should select, stood in his name, and that he distributed the dividends in the course of his ordinary parochial work among the poor of his district, whether members of the Church of England or not, as occasion required.

asked the President of the Board of Education what will be the effect in the county of Devon of raising the school-leaving age to 15 years on the numbers of children to be provided for, increases in teaching staff, new buildings necessitated, with an approximate estimate of the increased cost to imperial and local funds, respectively?

I have not yet received the programme of the Devon local education authority, but I expect to receive it shortly, and I will then be glad to give the hon. Member the information for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to introduce legislation dealing with excessive noise caused by faulty machinery, sirens, hooters, mechanical appliances and other forms of noise inimical to public health?

Other considerations than those of public health arise in regard to such legislation, and in any event the commitments of the Government would render its introduction impracticable.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has taken any steps to see that an adequate supply of radium is available, especially for the treatment of cancer, for the smaller hospitals and at a reasonable cost; and can he give particulars as to the possibility of an increased supply for these hospitals?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question on this subject by him yesterday.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of imported tiles used on subsidy-aided building in this country during the past year; and what action he can take to insure that only British tiles are used?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular which he has recently issued. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that under Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, my right hon. Friend is prohibited from imposing any condition which would prevent materials from being purchased in the cheapest market either at home or abroad.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses at present under construction or sanctioned under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924; whether he is satisfied with the progress of construction at present; and can he make a statement?

On 1st January, 1930, there were 25,096 houses under construction in England and Wales under the Housing Act of 1924, and 32,133 further houses were included in schemes approved for financial assistance under that Act. No houses completed after the 30th September, 1929, are eligible for financial assistance under the Housing Act of 1923. Considerable numbers of houses (38,298 during the last six months for which figures are available) of a rateable value not exceeding £78 (or £105 in the Metropolitan Police District) are, however, being erected without financial assistance from the State. The discontinuance of subsidy under the Act of 1923 led not only to an acceleration of building before that date but also to a consequent reduction in the number of houses being built after that date. Recent figures of the proposals submitted by local authorities show, however, that the number of houses to be built is again increasing, and though I realise that the need for new houses has not as yet been met I am not, in the circumstances, dissatisfied with the progress being made.

asked the Minister of Health how many appeals on behalf of valuation officers have been entered to date against the entry of industrial hereditaments in valuation lists pursuant to the Rating and Valuation (Apportionment) Act, 1928, in England and Wales before recorders and county quarter sessions; how many of each class have been heard and determined in such courts; and how many were successful?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Revenue officer has given notice of appeal under the Rating and Valuation (Apportionment) Act, 1928, in 925 cases, and has appeared as respondent in appeals by occupiers in 235 cases. The Revenue officers have been successful in 317 cases, and unsuccessful in 143 cases—422 cases have been respited to await the decision of cases stated to the High Court. No record has been kept dividing the cases heard in the manner suggested in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the strength of the British garrison in India at the present time; and whether any increase or reduction is contemplated?

The strength of the British Army in India may be taken as 60,500. No change is at present contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for India the number of volunteer instructors of the Indian volunteer force, Indian auxiliary force, and Indian defence force who received their commissions as lieutenant-quarter-masters during the War period; the number who are receiving retired pay of the rank of lieutenant-quarter-masters; and the number who are drawing pensions for the rank which they held prior to accepting the commissioned rank?

I am making inquiries to see how far the information can be obtained without disproportionate labour, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for India to what extent freedom of association obtains in the Indian territories under ruling princes; and whether, since the enactment in British India of the Indian Trade Union Act, similar legislation has been adopted in any of these Indian States?

I will ask the Government of India for any available information as to the present position in regard to legislation in the Indian States affecting trade unions.

asked the Secretary of State for India the cost of the Indo-European Telegraph Department in each of the last five years; what proportion of such cost was borne by the Indian and British Governments, respectively; and what is the position in regard to the future maintenance and control of this service?

A statement is appended giving the general results of the Indo-European Telegraph Department for each of the five years in question. No contribution to the expenses of the Department is made by the British Government. I

STATEMENT of the General Results of the Indo-Europe Telegraph Department during each of the years 1924–25 to, 1928–29.
Year.				Gross Receipts.	Working Expenses Including Depreciation.	Gross Profit (+) or Loss (-).	Interest on Capital at Charge.	Net Profit (+) or Loss (-).
				Rs.	Rs.	Rs.	Rs.	Rs.
1924–5	…	…	…	40,56,300	29,79,058	+ 10,77,242	6,05,508	+ 4,71,734
1925–6	…	…	…	36,42,731	33,49,242	+ 2,93,489	4,30,673	- 1,37,184
1926–7	…	…	…	38,96,077	30,65,451	+ 8,30,626	5,16,464	+ 3,14,162
1927–8	…	…	…	34,06,321	31,78,526	+ 2,27,795	5,12,685	- 2,84,890
1928–9	…	…	…	28,93,293	30,33,515	- 1,40,222	5,37,448	- 6,77,670

asked the Secretary of State for India on what occasions, if any, during each of the last 12 years civil authorities in India have exercised their right to call upon the military to aid the civil power where civil disorders have been too serious to be dealt with by the ordinary police?

I cannot give figures for 1918–1920 without further notice; during the last two of these three years troops were requisitioned frequently. The following are the figures for the subsequent years, and include cases in which troops were held in readiness at the request of the civil authorities without actually being requisitioned:

					Occasions.
1921	…	…	…	…	45
1922	…	…	…	…	111
1923	…	…	…	…	40
1924	…	…	…	…	63
1925	…	…	…	…	27
1926	…	…	…	…	69
1927	…	…	…	…	88
1928	…	…	…	…	38
1929	…	…	…	…	32

asked the Secretary of State for India to what extent local Governments have exercised the power delegated to them by legislation following the Lee Commission Report to recruit and organise their provincial services in relation to transferred subjects?

According to information received in August, 1929, the Governments of all Governors' Provinces had at that time framed, or were in course of framing, Rules for the recruitment and organisation of the services and posts under their control. Information regarding action taken under such of these Rules as have already been put into effect is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can give information in respect of the progress that has been made in the development of the port at Vizagapatam; and when it is hoped that the works will be completed?

I have no later information than that contained in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Hands-worth (Commander O. Locker-Lampson) on the 22nd July last.