asked the Postmaster-General in connection with mail contracts between Great Britain and our Dominions, which lines of mail steamers are under contract with the British Post Office and which are under contract with Dominion Governments; and what considerations decide whether the contracts should be made by the British Post Office or by the Dominion Government concerned?

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company is under contract with the British Post Office for the mail service to India and the Far East and, fortnightly, to Australia; the Orient Steam Navigation Company is under contract with Australia for a fortnightly service between this country and Australia; and the Union-Castle Mail Steamship Company is under contract with South Africa for the weekly service between this country and South Africa, while Canada and New Zealand have contracts for services from those Dominions to various parts of the world. The Dominions, like this country, are entitled to settle their own services, and the arrangements in each case depend on the particular circumstances obtaining.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the successful utilisation of motor-cycles in the Dublin telegraph service; and whether he will consider providing telegraph messengers in this country with motor-cycles?

I am aware that motor-cycles are used in the Dublin telegraph service, and am considering whether they can be used with advantage by telegraph messengers in this country.

asked the Postmaster-General the basis of remuneration to rural sub-postmasters in respect of the services they have to render consequent upon the installation of a telephone call office?

Sub-postmasters receive a guinea a year, plus cost-of-living bonus, in respect of call offices for which they are responsible; or if no coin box is fitted 10 per cent. of the local call receipts if that is greater. They also receive credit for outward trunk calls and certain other services with which they may have to assist; and they enjoy a free inward telephone service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a resolution from a meeting of the electors of West Leyton urging the provision of better postal facilities in the Lea Bridge Road area; and what he proposes to do in the matter?

I have called for a report on the matter, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone subscribers there were in 1900, 1910 and 1920, respectively; and how many there are at the present time?

The total number of telephones in Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 1st January in each of the years mentioned was 175,300 in 1900, 610,600 in 1910, 807,173 in 1920 and 1,886,726 in 1930. Particulars of the numbers of subscribers are only available as regards the Post Office system, and only for the years 1920 and 1930. These figures are approximately 535,000 and 1,127,000 respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of salaried sub-offices in Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the aggregate number of hours on which the postmasters at these offices are engaged on manipulative duties; and the number of postmasters at salaried sub-offices who are held responsible for telephone exchange working night, Sundays and Bank Holidays?

The number of salaried sub-offices is 668. Of the postmasters in charge of these offices, about 550 are scheduled to perform manipulative duties and the aggregate number of hours daily spent on such duties is about 1850. About 100 postmasters are responsible for telephone attendance at night, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

asked the Postmaster-General what amount was paid in compensation in the last financial year for goods lost, stolen, or damaged during conveyance by post; and what percentage that represents of the total receipts?

The amount paid in compensation in respect of Inland postal packets including parcels lost, stolen or damaged in the post during the last financial year was £19,207 or 0565 per cent. of the postage received.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will agree to frank all letters sent from this House by Members of this House to their constituents?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. O. Baldwin) on 5th November.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Mr. Hugh H. Ritchie, of 47, Dens Road, Dundee, who applied for the long-service medal and was refused, obtained an extension of service at 60 years of age for a period of six months; and whether, seeing that such extension is only granted to a servant who is efficient and has rendered good service, and that Mr. Ritchie has a perfectly good record, the decision will be reconsidered with a view to conceding the appeal?

Mr. Ritchie was allowed an extension of service beyond the age of 60 in order that he might complete 40 years' pensionable service. This extension has no bearing on the question of an award of the Imperial Service Medal, for which Mr. Ritchie could not be recommended.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any extra precautions have recently been taken to preserve the security of mail bags in transit by rail or road?

I would refer the right hon. Member to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of the recent Debate on the Supplementary Estimate for the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any mechanical device is being fitted to the switchboards of private automatic telephones so that the call signals of a number can be detected by blind telephone operators?

The equipment normally provided on telephone switchboards accommodating 25 lines or less admits of the installation being operated without difficulty by a blind person. Experiments are proceeding with a view to enabling blind persons to operate larger switchboards also.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a wireless telephonic message from London to Canada is despatched by his Department direct to Canada or through the United States of America; and whether a wireless telephonic message from London to South America is despatched direct or through France and Germany?

A call from London to Canada would pass over one of the several radio links terminating in London and New York. A call to South America is at present routed via France or Germany. The question of direct services is under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General what information he has received from the Communications Company as to their being in a position to give direct wireless telephonic services by an all-British route both to Canada and to South America?

As I explained on 26th February in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe (Mr. Bowen), the Communications Company have asked the Government to lease their stations in order to provide a direct service to four Dominions, including Canada and to the Argentine.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received any representations as to the advantages to be derived from the re-establishment of the penny post; and whether, in view of the surplus revenue now accruing to the Post Office, he is in a position to give consideration to this proposal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, all questions of surrendering revenue have necessarily to be considered in connection with the Budget, and I am unable to make any statement on the matter at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the countries which contribute to the expenses of the North Atlantic Ice Patrol, and the amount of their respective contributions?

The following countries contribute to the expenses of the North Atlantic Ice Patrol in the proportions stated:

				Per cent.
Belgium	…	…	…	4 4/24
Canada	…	…	…	2 2/24
Denmark	…	…	…	2 2/24
France	…	…	…	15 15/24
Germany	…	…	…	10 10/24
Great Britain	…	…	…	31 6/24
Italy	…	…	…	4 4/24
Netherlands	…	…	…	4 4/24
Norway	…	…	…	3 3/24
Sweden	…	…	…	2 2/24
United States	…	…	…	20 20/24

The total cost of the service for the year 1928 was £35,211 and the amount paid by Great Britain was £11,003.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what basis the contribution to the North Atlantic Ice Patrol is made; and why there is to be an increase of £1,500 in the British contribution this year?

Under Article 7 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea signed at London on 20th January, 1914, Great Britain, together with other contracting countries undertook to contribute to the expenses of the North Atlantic Ice Patrol in agreed proportions based upon the extent to which each country is interested in the shipping in the North Atlantic. Great Britain's proportion at the present time is 31 6/24 per cent. of the total cost of the service. The increase of £1,500 in the British contribution for the financial year 1930, is due to the enlargement of the patrol, three vessels now being used for the service instead of two.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement with regard to the International Conference on the Load Lines of Merchant Ships?

At present I can only say that the International Load Line Conference will, we hope, open on 20th May, in London, that invitations to attend have been sent to the Governments of the foreign maritime countries, the Dominions and India, and that the necessary preparations are being made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the accumulation of evidence that the Companies Act, 1929, does not give adequate protection to the public, he will-take steps to introduce a short agreed amending Bill to remedy the weaknesses which have been disclosed in the 1929 Act?

The Act came into operation only on 1st November last, and I think that it would be desirable to have further experience of its working before taking steps with a view to its amendment. If, however, the right hon. Gentleman will let me have his suggestions, I will note them for investigation when the desirability of introducing amending legislation is being considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of prosecutions which have been instituted under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1922, in respect of oil being discharged or allowed to escape in waters to which the Act applies?

I am unable to state definitely the total number of such prosecutions, as there is no requirement that particulars of such proceedings shall be reported to the Board of Trade. I am, however, aware of 23 cases in which prosecutions under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act or Local Harbour Acts have been instituted since 1922.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of exports per head of the population in the leading exporting nations of the world; and if he will give a list of those countries in the order of their standard of living?

The table appended shows the value of the domestic exports of merchandise per head of the population in some principal exporting countries. The information contained in the table has been extracted from the "Memorandum on International Trade and Balances of Payments, 1926–1928," published by the League of Nations, which contains similar information relating to 51 other countries. Sufficient information is not available to enable the countries named in the table to be arranged in the order of their standard of living, but my hon. Friend will find some information regarding the comparative level of real wages in certain of these countries in the issues for October and December, 1929, of the International Labour Review, published by the International Labour Office.According to particulars published by the League of Nations, the values of the domestic exports of merchandise, per head of population of the undermentioned countries during the year 1928, were as under:

		£	s.	d.
British Countries:
New Zealand	…	37	3	6
Canada (a)	…	30	10	8
British Malaya (b)	…	25	9	7
Australia (c)	…	22	0	6
United Kingdom	…	15	17	1
Irish Free State	…	15	9	0
Union of South Africa (d)	…	10	15	8
India	…	0	15	0
Foreign Countries:
Denmark	…	24	4	5
Netherlands	…	21	10	6
Belgium	…	20	16	11
Switzerland	…	20	15	3
Argentine	…	18	16	10
Cuba	…	15	17	5
Sweden	…	14	4	11
Chile	…	11	12	8
France	…	9	17	9
Austria	…	9	10	5
Germany	…	8	19	11
Czechoslovakia	…	8	18	6
United States of America	…	8	9	7
Mexico	…	3	18	4
Italy	…	3	17	0
Egypt	…	3	16	9
Spain	…	3	14	9
Japan	…	2	19	2
Brazil	…	2	9	10
Dutch East Indies	…	2	9	7
Poland	…	1	17	9
Russia	…	0	11	0
China	…	0	6	3

NOTE.—Gold Dollars have been converted into Sterling at the par value.(

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many companies in this country are now engaged in the work of sugar refining, with the number of men and women in the employ of these companies?

I am unable to furnish particulars regarding the numbers employed in sugar refining in this country more recent than those given in reply to a question asked by my hon. Friend on 1st May, 1928.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the British signatories to the International Convention for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions, signed at Geneva on 8th November, 1927, and the supplementary Convention on 11th July, 1928, under which this country is precluded from prohibiting the import of cereals from foreign countries on the ground that they are bounty-fed?

The signatory of both documents on behalf of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was Sir Sydney Chapman, the Chief Economic Adviser to His Majesty's Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the British signatories of the existing commercial treaty between England and Germany, under which we are prohibited from imposing a countervailing duty on bounty-fed cereals imported into this country from Germany as distinct from non-bounty-fed cereals of a like nature from other countries?

The British signatories to the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty of 1924 were the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Birmingham (Sir A. Chamberlain) and Lord D'Abernon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has inquired into the possibility of obtaining freedom of action in regard to bounty-fed imported cereals as limited by the convention concluded with Germany; and, if so, will he state the conditions under which freedom of action can be obtained?

The Anglo-German Treaty may now be denounced by either party at any time, and in that event it comes to an end one year from the date of denunciation. A prohibition of the importation of bounty-fed cereals from Germany would also conflict with the International Convention for the abolition of prohibitions and restrictions on importation and exportation. This Convention remains in force in any case until June, 1931, though in certain conditions our obligations under it towards Germany may come to an end on 1st July next. The general position in regard to this Convention was set out on page 59 of the Board of Trade Journal for 9th January, 1930.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of lead ore and the

The following TABLE shows the total quantities of LEAD ORE imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland during each of the years 1925 to 1929, distinguishing the Principal Countries whence the Imports were consigned, together with the Quantities of Imported Ore which were re-exported.
Countries whence Consigned.	Quantities.
	1925.	1926.	1927.	1928.	1929.
Imports—	Tons.	Tons.	Tons.	Tons.	Tons.
Germany	144	93	216	31	67
Netherlands	141	107	63	51	47
Belgium	216	66	65	60	53
France	96	182	933	23	48
Spain	51	749	18	517	110
China (exclusive of Hong Kong, Macao and leased territories).	130	—	299	—	98
Peru	97	74	79	12	—
Chile	98	31	6	3	17
Argentine Republic	40	10	—	—	—
Other Foreign Countries	94	296	50	40	50
Total from Foreign Countries	1,107	1,608	1,729	737	490
British India	4,567	1,202	464	724	538
Australia	841	131	188	3,237	2,612
Other British Countries	272	367	237	236	336
Total from British Countries	5,680	1,700	889	4,197	3,486
Total Imports	6,787	3,308	2,618	4,934	3,976
Total Exports of Imported Lead Ore	5,864	1,424	1,048	814	520

NOTE.—The above particulars for 1929 are provisional.

The quantity and the average value per ton at the mine of dressed lead ore produced in Great Britain during the years 1925 to 1929 inclusive were as follow:

Year.	Quantity.	Average Value.
	Tons.	£	s.	d.
1925	15,578	22	7	3
1926	19,076	19	5	10
1927	20,428	14	9	9
1928	18,771	12	5	3
1929 (Provisional figures).	23,255	13	3	5

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Macmillan Report in connection with wages in the northern counties wool-textile industry; and whether, to avoid the recommended reduction of wages, he will consider the application of Safeguarding to this industry?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make concerning the increase in the Indian cotton import duties, with special reference to their effect upon the Lancashire cotton industry?

I fear I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower) on 6th March.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the average royalty rent per ton on iron ore in Great Britain; and what amount of ore is required to produce one ton of steel?

I regret that no recent information is available in my Department as to the royalties paid on iron ore in this country, and I cannot therefore supply the particulars asked for in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the amount of iron ore required to produce one ton of steel depends upon the grade of iron ore used and the kind of steel product. The average metal content of iron ore produced in this country varies from just over 20 per cent. in some districts to between 50 and 55 per cent. in others.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the average royalty rent per ton on iron ore in France, Spain, Germany and America, respectively?

The latest information available in regard to royalties on minerals in foreign countries is that contained in Appendix No. 24, Volume 3, of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925), a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of men and women who are registered as employed in the fishing industry in Great Britain; and how many of them are contributors under the Insurance Acts?

The total number of men engaged both regularly and partially in actual fishing operations in Great Britain during the year 1927 (the latest year for which complete information is available) was approximately 60,000. Detailed information on this subject is given in the Sea Fisheries Statistical Tables, 1928, for England and Wales and for Scotland respectively. The numbers of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, aged 16 to 64, classified as belonging to the fishing industry in Great Britain at July, 1929, are as under:

Men	…	…	…	25,700
Boys	…	…	…	820
Women	…	…	…	840
Girls	…	…	…	140
				27,500

Fisher girls, i.e., girls engaged in gutting and packing herrings, are not included in these figures.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total acreage of sugar beet now under cultivation in the county of Somerset; and how the present figure compares with the four preceding years?

I am informed that the acreage of sugar beet contracted by the beet factories for 1930 in the county of Somerset is 2,053 acres. The sugar beet acreage in Somerset as returned on the 4th June in each year for the four preceding years was:

					Acres.
1926	…	…	…	…	1,358
1927	…	…	…	…	1,394
1928	…	…	…	…	1,096
1929	…	…	…	…	2,011

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any land survey has been undertaken in the county of Somerset with a view to ascertaining whether the soil in other parts of Somerset is suitable for the cultivation of sugar beet?

No, Sir; but during the last three years sugar beet has been grown experimentally, under the direction of the agricultural department of the University of Bristol, at 17 centres in Somerset on 11 different soil formations typical of the county. At all these centres the yields have been satisfactory and considerably higher than the average for the whole country. There is no reason to suppose that sugar beet cannot be successfully grown in other parts of the county on soils similar to those of the experimental centres.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what land his Department has acquired within the city boundary of Edinburgh for small holdings; what price per acre is being paid for the land and what is the estimated cost per acre of its equipment; and whether the tenants will have the benefit of the Scottish Land Acts with security of tenure, compensation for improvements, and fair rents fixed by the Land Court?

The Department of Agriculture have purchased 164 acres on the farm of Wester Hailes at approximately £50 per acre. The cost of equipment is estimated at £97 per acre. The Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts not being applicable to lands within the city boundaries, the holdings will be let on tenancies which will be governed by the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act, 1923.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the plight of Scottish arable farmers, the near approach of the feeing markets, and the probable effect upon the wages and employment of farm workers, he will take an early opportunity of expounding the measures which he proposes to take in order to deal with the situation?

I have already indicated in the replies which I gave on 26th November, 4th February and 6th February numerous steps which I have taken with a view to assisting the farming industry and in particular arable farming upon the lines of land drainage, co-operation and improvement of marketing. I fully appreciate the special difficulties in which arable farmers find themselves at the present time owing to the prevailing low prices for their chief products, and while I am not in a position at present to add anything to what has been said by my colleagues and myself in recent replies in the House, I am carefully examining the situation and possible means of alleviation in conjunction with the other Ministers who are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of orthdox churches in Poland seized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1929?

I have no information on this subject. But as my right hon. Friend has already stated, he has called for a Report from His Majesty's Ambassador at Warsaw.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will explain the position with regard to the engagement of Air Force men as musicians in civilian orchestras; and whether the practice is to allow members of the Royal Air Force bands to take such engagements, and under what conditions?

The King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions for the Royal Air Force allow Air Force bandsmen to accept individual private engagements as musicians in civilian orchestras, subject in all cases to the approval of their commanding officer, who is responsible that the engagements are of a proper and non-political nature, that they are not connected with any strike or lock-out of civilian musicians and that the remuneration is not lower than that usually received by civilian musicians for similar engagements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the sum to be provided in the Kenya Estimates for 1930 for education and for health has been reduced in accordance with a recommendation of a

—			Sanctioned Estimates for 1929.	Draft Estimates for 1930 as submitted to Legislative Council.	Estimates for 1930 as passed by Legislative Council.
Education Vote.
			£	£	£
Recurrent	…	…	175,954	202,734	202,034
Extraordinary	…	…	14,055	12,317	12,317
Medical Vote.
Recurrent	…	…	233,506	256,375	250,834
Extraordinary	…	…	15,055	10,478	6,581

The reduction made in the Education Vote by the Select Committee (700) related only to provision for Goan education and two token votes for compulsory European education. Not only is there no reduction in the provision for female education, but as explained in the reply given to the Noble Lady's question of 28th February, the provision has been increased. Reductions in the Medical Vote were suggested by the Select Committee as in the case of other Votes, with the object of effecting economy generally, and it is understood that the actual reductions were made in consultation with the Acting Director of Medical and Sanitary Services in a manner which would least disturb Departmental activities. It is the fact that the provision for the training of Africans and African women has been reduced from £1,930 in 1929 to £1,656 in 1930; but this reduction was made by the Colonial Government in the draft Estimates, and their figure was accepted by the Select Committee. My Noble Friend has already asked the Governor for further information in regard to this reduction. The reduction made by the Select Committee in extraordinary medical expenditure (apart from £1,200 for the purchase of disinfectors which is deferred) is mainly due to the postponement of a portion of the provision made in the draft Estimates for capital grants to African hospitals, etc., pending an investigation into the basis on which such grants should be made. In agreeing to this postponement the Select Committee of the Kenya Legislature; if a reduction is to be made in the amount of the grants-in-aid of female education; and, if so, what is the amount of the reduction?

The figures are as follow:Governor urged that early steps should be taken to examine this question: and it appears that, if a satisfactory scheme is evolved, further provision will be made in Supplementary Estimates during the year.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty the number of Admiralty employés who are engaged abroad under agreement; and how many are employed at Singapore and Hong Kong?

The answer to the first part of the question is 672; for Singapore and Hong Kong, the numbers are 31 and 113 respectively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain the position with regard to the engagement of serving Royal Marines as musicians in civilian orchestras; and whether the practice is to allow members of the Royal Marine bands to take such engagements and under what conditions?

Article 776, King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, indicates the terms under which serving Royal Marines are permitted to accept private engagements.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the cases of breach of the Fair Wages Clause by contractors reported to him during last year?

The total number of complaints of alleged breach of the Fair Wages Clause received in 1929 was 27. Of this total, five related to firms who held no contract with the War Department and three are still being investigated. Of the remainder, it was established in 11 cases that no breach was being committed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Government have decided to introduce short time into the ordnance factories, Woolwich; what are the exact proposals; and whether, before the matter is finally determined, he proposes to consult with the borough authorities and all representatives of the Woolwich Arsenal employés?

I would refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to-day to the hon. Members for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) and Woolwich East (Mr. Snell) of which I am sending him a copy.

War Deportment Establishment at Royal Arsenal and Dockyard, Woolwich. Earning of male employés (including juveniles) on weekly wages.
Period.	Average number of persons employed.			Aggregate Earnings.†			Average weekly earnings of each person.
	Arsenal.	Dockyard.	Total.	Arsenal.	Dockyard.	Total.
				£	£	£	£	s.	d.
Four weeks ending 1st June, 1929.*	9,627	363	9,990	125,026	4,743	129,769	3	4	11
Four weeks ending 1st February, 1930.	9,567	363	9,930	126,892	4,650	131,542	3	6	3
* Including Whitsun holiday and King's Birthday periods.
† Including overtime but excluding Sick Pay and similar payments not representing earnings.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the resignations of Army chaplains which were tendered in consequence of the orders in con-

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give the results of the work carried out at the Beachley Technical School, on behalf of the Indus-trial Health Research Board, by the National Institute of Industrial Psychology in connection with the War Office; and if he proposes to develop the matter further?

Investigations have been undertaken with the assistance of the National Institute of Industrial Psychology, to see what would be the best method of allocating to a trade boys entering the Army Technical School (Boys) at Chepstow and elsewhere as apprentice tradesmen. These investigations are still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the number of men employed at the Royal Dockyard at Woolwich and the average weekly wages, including overtime, earned by each of them during the month preceding the day on which the present Government assumed office, and the average weekly wages, including overtime, earned by each of them during the month of January, 1930?

The following statement gives the information:nection with the intercession services for victims of religious persecution in Russia have now been withdrawn and the chaplains reinstated?

Only one such resignation has reached the War Office, and that was from a chaplain on the reserve of officers. I am arranging that this resignation shall not be accepted until the chaplain in question has had time to consider the precise interpretation of the recent instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will allow men serving in the Army to absent themselves from church parade if they profess to hold no religious convictions?

Every recruit on enlistment is required to declare his religious denomination, and it is laid down in King's Regulations that no soldier shall be obliged to attend the service of any religious body but his own.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain the position with regard to the engagement of serving soldiers as musicians in civilian orchestras; and whether the practice is to allow members of regimental Army bands to take such engagements and under what conditions?

Regular soldiers are not forbidden to accept engagements in their spare time provided such engagements do not interfere with their military duties.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total amount of unemployment benefit paid in respect of children of unemployed persons for the last year for which figures are available?

Separate figures are not kept of the amount of unemployment benefit paid in respect of dependent children. It is estimated, however, that the amount so paid during the year 1929 was about £2,750,000.

asked the Minister of Labour if she will give official figures or estimates, for the most recent date for which they are available, of the number of unemployed workpeople in Germany, Austria, Italy and the United States, respectively?

Information with regard to these and other countries is given monthly in "The Ministry of Labour Gazette." The following is a summary of the latest available information:Germany.—At the end of January, the number of workpeople registered at the Employment Exchanges as available for and seeking work was reported to be approximately 3,259,000. This total is provisional and subject to correction.Austria.—The number of workers registered at the Employment Exchanges as seeking work at the end of December, 1929, was 265,464, of whom 226,567 were in receipt of unemployment benefit. The number registered as seeking work at the end of January is not yet available, but the number in receipt of unemployment benefit at that date had risen to 273,197.Italy.—According to the latest official figures available, 408,748 workpeople were recorded as unemployed at the end of December, 1929.United States of America.—Statistics of unemployment are not compiled officially in the United States. Returns received by the American Federation of Labour in respect of a limited number of organised workers in 24 American cities, are reported to have shown the following proportions as unemployed on 1st January, 1930: Building trades, 38 per cent.; printing trades, 5 per cent.; metal trades, 14 per cent.; all other trades, 11 per cent. It should be noted (

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether schemes in connection with the relief of unemployment have been submitted by the urban district council of Northfleet; and whether he has approved such schemes?

Since 1st June, 1929, no schemes have been submitted by the Northfleet Urban District Council to the Unemployment Grants Committee for a grant in connection with works for the relief of unemployment.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has received applications from the Gillingham Town Council for unemployment grants in respect of schemes for drainage at Rainham, road widening, and the building of a town hall; and whether any of these schemes have been approved?

Since 1st June, 1929, the outline of a scheme for main drainage in the parish of Rainham has been received from the Gillingham Town Council, but no formal application for a grant has been made.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has received any representations as to the desirability of raising a State loan for the specific purpose of providing work schemes for the unemployed; and, if so, whether any decision has been reached in respect of such proposal?

The policy of the Government in regard to the relief of unemployment has already been announced to the House. I would remind the hon. Member that most of the schemes assisted under the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929, involve borrowing by local authorities or public utility undertakings.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what orders for British anthracite coal have been placed in Canada for shipment during the coming season; and how this trade compares in volume and price with the 100,000 tons of shipping which the Russians have taken for anthracite shipment to the same market?

I have no information.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths from cancer during each of the last 15 years?

The following statement gives the information for which the hon. Member asks:

asked the Minister of Health if he will give at a convenient date in February, in 1928, 1929, and 1930, the average superficial area for A-type non-parlour houses erected by local authorities in England and Wales under the Housing Act, 1923, and the Housing Act, 1924, respectively?

Figures for the month of February, 1930, are not yet available. The average superficial areas of A-type non-parlour houses included in contracts let by or in direct labour schemes of local authorities in England and Wales during the month of January in the years 1928, 1929, and 1930 were 785, 761, and 749 feet, respectively. Separate particulars as to the average areas of houses erected under the Housing Act, 1923, and the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, respectively, are not available.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if his attention has been called to the distress caused among those insured persons whose disablement benefit has recently been reduced under the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 1928; and, if so, will he inquire into the matter with a view, if possible, to a return to to the status quo in this connection;(2) approximately the number of insured persons whose disablement benefit has recently been reduced consequent upon the operations of the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 1928?

I will, with permission, answer these questions together. My right hon. Friend is aware that there has been same misapprehension with regard to the reduction in the standard rates of sickness and disablement benefits payable to insured persons after the lapse of a long period without the payment of any contributions. No statistics are available as to the number of persons who are subject to such reduction, but as the payment of a single contribution for any week after June, 1928, would have been sufficient to prevent the reduction, my right hon. Friend does not think that there can be many cases of the kind. The great majority of such cases would be those of persons who have paid no contributions for many years and who would, but for a special regulation which my right hon. Friend recently made, have ceased to be insured and entitled to any benefits at the end of 1929. My right hon. Friend is afraid that it would be very difficult to justify any further concession to these people at the cost of the benefit funds of approved societies.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that penalties were imposed on doctors recently for excessive prescribing; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists at this limitation of the purpose of health insurance; and whether he intends to take action that will remedy the situation?

My right hon. Friend gathers from the terms of my hon. Friend's question that he is not aware that power to withhold remuneration from insurance doctors on account of excessive prescribing has existed and has been exercised since medical benefit first came into operation in 1913. No limitation of the scope of medical benefit is involved, and the answer to the third part of the question is therefore in the negative.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any permanent official or officials of his Department other than architects, engineers, and supply officers, have visited since June, 1929, or propose to visit during the coming 12 months, any buildings occupied by British representatives or officials in oversea countries; and, if so, in what capacity, for what purpose, and at what cost to the Exchequer?

No officials other than technical officers have been sent abroad since June, 1929, but I have asked the Permanent Secretary of my Department to proceed to Washington on 26th March on business connected with the new Embassy. The cost will be under £200.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the scheme of reorganisation adopted in the Public Trustee Office in 1923 contained a provision for the revision of the scheme within three years, and that although these three years have more than elapsed the Public Trustee refuses either to review the scheme or to appoint a joint committee to investigate it; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The scheme of re-organisation adopted in the Public Trustee Office in 1923 has been under constant consideration, and readjustments have been made from time to time to meet the changing needs of the office. The official side of the Departmental Whitley Council has agreed to investigate certain claims of the clerical grades in the Department on a prima facie case being made out.

asked the Secretary for Mines in how many coal mines in each British coalfield steel props are now in use in lieu of timber props; whether the use of steel props indicates any improvement in safety at the coalface and in the conditions of ventilation at the coal-face; and, if there are definite indications of such improvements, what steps are being taken to popularise the use of steel props in this way?

I cannot give any definite figures, hut I am glad to say that there is encouraging progress in the use of steel props at the coal-face at a substantial and increasing number of collieries. There is a growing body of evidence that with some conditions of working, though not necessarily with all, the roof can be kept safer and the ventilation less liable to interruption by a systematic and carefully planned use of steel props. The successful results which individual colliery managements have obtained with steel props will, I feel sure, lead others to follow their example; and, in a more general way, further progress in these important developments is being stimulated by the activities of His Majesty's Inspector of Mines, the Safety in Mines Research Board, the Colliery Owners' Research Association, and the Institution of Mining Engineers.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to the remarks of the deputy-coroner at an inquest arising out of an accident at Whitburn Colliery arising from a delay in retimbering a way where timber had been accidentally knocked out; and what action he has taken in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have received a report on this accident, from which it appears that the place was duly examined, after the fall, by an official, who considered it safe to pass under. While no doubt the coroner's comments on this case are generally applicable, I cannot accept them as invariably applicable, but this is one of those matters dealt with in the Coal Mines Act which engage the constant attention of His Majesty's inspectors in the course of their statutory duties.

asked the Secretary for Mines if, taking the price of best kitchen coal at 46s. a ton, which is now being asked for this commodity in London, he can state the pit-head price of this coal and the way in which the additions to this cost are made up?

I am advised that the present pit-head price of best kitchen coal for the London market which is retailed at 46s. a ton is about 22s. The latest information regarding the costs which make up the difference between the pit-head price and the price to the consumer is that given in evidence before the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925), to which I would refer" the hon. Member, particularly Appendix 9 to Volume 3.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the revenue from the sale of beer will show the estimated increase of £3,000,000 for the current financial year; and, if not, what is the cause?

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total value of the rebates allowed to Income Taxpayers in respect of their wives, children and other dependants during the last financial year; what number of Income Taxpayers were entitled to rebates of this kind; and what was the average value of the rebates per taxpayer profiting thereby?

The only statistics compiled in regard to the allowances referred to in the question are the amounts allowed as deductions from income in computing liability to tax in respect of personal allowances to married persons and in respect of children and dependants. These statistics are not yet available for the year 1928–29, but the hon. Member will find them for earlier years in the Annual Reports of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue. Table 46 of the 71st Report (Command Paper 3176) gives the figures for the year 1926–27, and the corresponding table in the 72nd Report, which will shortly be published, will give the figures for the year 1927–28. It should be borne in mind in considering these allowances that the allowance of £225 for married persons covers both husband and wife. No statistics are available to show the numbers of persons affected or the amount of tax involved.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what action will be taken with regard to the representations which have been made regarding industrial assurance companies as to the policies which lapse owing to the poverty of the holders preventing payment of the premiums?

Following upon my reply to the hon. Member on 12th February last, an official statement as to the rights of policy holders was broadcast on 21st February last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, whether he is aware that the British Treasury in 1862 enabled the Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada to issue imperial postal and military bonds so as to link up Toronto with Halifax and to facilitate the transport of wheat from Canada to England; and, seeing that the holders of Grand Trunk preferential bonds yielded priority to these imperial bonds on the express condition that all the earnings of the company, after deduction of agreed working expenses, should be appropriated and applied in payment of 5 per cent. on these preferential bonds; that these bondholders subsequently accepted perpetual preference stocks in lieu of their bonds, thereby enabling the company to finance railway connections with the United States of America; that the Crown granted the company a Crown lease of land in Cockspur Street, Westminster, the rents whereof are still subject to the 1862 agreement regarding the appropriation and application of earnings, and that the Parliament of Canada now claims, by means of extra-territorial legislation, to expropriate this land and other property rights lying outside the Dominion and to transfer to the Canadian Minister of Finance the earnings thereon without compensating the perpetual stockholders; and will he propose to the Canadian Government that the subject matter of the stockholders' claim for compensation should be referred to arbitration?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my predecessor to his question of 6th November last, which stated that the matter was not one in which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom could intervene. This view was arrived at by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom after fully taking into account all the facts of the case.