asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that recently there have been a number of prosecutions against employers for not affixing stamps in respect of unemployment contributions; and will she state what is the position of those persons whose contributions have not been paid should they have to apply for unemployment benefits?

The latest figures I have are for the quarter ending last December, during which there were 230 such prosecutions. This number was rather below the average for 1929. The result of the non-payment of contributions is that a claim to unemployment benefit by an insured contributor may be delayed, or, in exceptional cases, that benefit cannot be paid at all.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of interest paid on money borrowed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund since its inception?

The total amount of interest paid on money borrowed by the Unemployment Fund since its inception till 30th September, 1929, is approximately £6,740,540. An additional half-year's interest, which it is estimated will amount to approximately £915,000, will be due for payment on 31st March, 1930.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases of those who were struck off unemployment benefit under the term "not genuinely seeking work" who have applied to have their cases reconsidered under the amended Act of 1930; and is she in a position to say how many have been allowed for benefit?

The number of such applications made by persons who had maintained registration was probably about 10,000. There is no means of telling how many other such applications were made, nor can I say in how many cases benefit was allowed.

If I put a question down in a week or a fortnight, will the right hon. Lady be able to answer?

I am not sure that I shall. The working of the new Act may take some time.

asked the Minister of Labour what number, if any, of the figures of persons on the live register published on 26th March, 1930, is due, or estimated to be due, to changes in the law or administration of unemployment insurance since 1st June, 1929?

It is estimated that the total on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain at 17th March, 1930, included between 40,000 and 50,000 persons brought on to the register as the result of legislative and administrative changes which have become operative since 1st June, 1929.

Can the right hon. Lady give us some idea of the basis on which that calculation is made?

Yes, to this extent: I have calculated that legislative changes account for 35,000 to 40,000 and administrative changes from 5,000 to 10,000. These are largely due to the operations of the board of assesors.

Will the figures that are caused either by legislative or administrative changes form a deduction from the number of people previously recorded as being on the two-months file?

Those that were not registered will not be on the two months file. They will he separately assessed.

The right hon. Lady has misunderstood me. There are always recorded at the end of the month a number of persons, generally from 70,000 to 90,000, on the two-months file whose names do not come on the live register. Will any of those 50,000 consist of people who would otherwise have been upon the two-months file, but who now come on the live register?

Yes; I calculate 35,000 to 40,000.

Can the right hon. Lady say whether all these persons are entitled to benefit, or not?

No; it is not possible until the court of referees have heard the cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware of the necessity for a new Employment Exchange in the Everton district of Liverpool, which would be more accessible to the people residing in the north end of the city than the present Exchange in Royal Street; and if any steps are being taken to acquire a site suitable for such a building?

I am aware of the necessity for a new Employment Exchange in the north end of Liverpool, and steps are being taken to acquire a suitable site.

Will the right hon. Lady hasten those steps so that we may have a site at the earliest moment?

It is my constant endeavour to hasten those steps.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the legislation passed by other countries with reference to the Washington Eight Hours Convention is dependent as to its coming into force on similar action being taken in this country?

The following countries have ratified the Convention, but on condition that their ratification does not become operative until the Convention has been ratified by other countries, of which Great Britain is one: Austria, France, Italy, Latvia, Spain.

Does not that show the urgent importance of passing a Measure through the House? Can the right hon. Lady give any undertaking as to when it is going to be introduced?

I agree that it does, and I hope I shall be able to introduce a Bill before very long.

Is it the right hon. Lady's policy, as before, to ratify without reservation?

I think the right hon. Baronet had better wait for the Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the number of persons prosecuted, during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, under the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1927, for not being provided, between the hours of darkness, with a red rear light or, alternatively, an efficient red reflector?

Figures are not available for the whole country, but in the Metropolitan Police District the number of prosecutions taken during the 12 months ended 31st Decem- ber, 1929, in respect of failure to provide a red rear light or an efficient red reflector during hours of darkness, was 4,935.

Can my right hon. Friend obtain the figures for the provinces, because this is a much greater offence on dark roads?

My reply stated that the figures are not available, but I will inquire further.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement as to the Government's intentions concerning the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Poisons and Pharmacy Acts?

The Government recognise the importance of this Report, and will take it into consideration as soon as possible, but there is no prospect of their introducing comprehensive legislation which would be required to give effect to the Committee's recommendations this Session.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the addition of pharmacists and dispensers to the list of persons to be appointed to hospitals by a county or county borough council under Article 144. paragraph (e) of the draft order of 31st January, 1930?

I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 20th March to the hon. and learned Member for Norwood (Sir W. Greaves-Lord).

Is it not the fact that in the great voluntary hospitals the principal dispensers are appointed by the board of governors? In that case, why does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to give the same status to this profession in the public hospitals?

I understand that this question is to be raised on the Adjournment, and I shall be glad to argue the matter then.

asked the Minister of Health if imports of oleo oil and oleo stearine used in margarine must be accompanied by a certificate that the fat was derived from animals free from disease?

It is not the practice at English ports to require such a certificate.

Why is it that this is necessary in Scotland and is not necessary in England?

It is quite true that there is a difference in administration, and this is now under consideration between my Department and the Scottish Office.

When will the right hon. Gentleman do something?

When we have finished the consideration which is now taking place.

Is it not the case that in an answer given to a question by the Secretary of State for Scotland two or three days ago he said that he was making representations to the right hon. Gentleman.

That is exactly what I have already said.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of certified patients received into institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Control during each of the past 10 years, and the number discharged during each of the same years?

As the answer involves a number of statistics I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in addition to the numbers who are received, any record is kept of those who are examined and not certified?

I cannot say without notice, but I can give the hon. Member all the particulars about admissions and discharges.

asked the Minister of Health the average annual number of certified patients discharged as cured from institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Control?

The average annual number of certified patients discharged as "recovered" from institutions under the Lunacy Acts during the years 1920–1929 was 7,119. Similar figures are not available in regard to institutions under the Mental Deficiency Act; because, although a certain number of patients are discharged after trial and for other reasons, they cannot be discharged as "recovered," having regard to the nature of their infirmity.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a circular letter sent by the medical officer of health for Bethnal Green to medical practitioners in Bethnal Green, dated 17th March, asking them when notifying cases of chicken-pox to indicate whether the patient has been vaccinated or not; whether his Department has suggested the sending of such a circular; whether a similar circular has been issued by any other medical officer of health; whether he is aware that vaccinated cases of chicken-pox are automatically diagnosed as chicken-pox while unvaccinated cases of chicken-pox may be rediagnosed as small-pox; and whether he will see that cases of small-pox are diagnosed entirely on the symptoms and not on the presence or absence of vaccination marks?

I have seen the circular letter in question and understand that it was issued by the medical officer of health in order to facilitate his inquiries into the prevalence of smallpox in the Borough. My Department have not suggested the issue of such a circular and I have no information of the extent to which other medical officers have taken the same course. The answer to the fourth part of the question is in the negative. As regard the last part, the diagnosis of smallpox, as of other diseases, is a matter for the medical practitioner in attendance and I have no authority to give any directions on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any protests from agricultural societies regarding the order he recently issued, prohibiting the exhibition at agricultural shows of animals from tuberculin-tested herds; and, if so, whether, in view of the hardship caused by the imposition of this order, he will reconsider the advisability of introducing it?

Yes, Sir. I have been informed that some of the bodies responsible for the organisation of agricultural shows are now prepared to arrange for the segregation of animals belonging to licensed tuberculin-tested herds, and I have promised to see their representatives with a view to considering the withdrawal of the prohibition in the case of shows where effective provision is made for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health how many regional water committees have been formed in response to the suggestion of the Ministry?

Up to the present five regional water committees have been set up. They are South West Lancashire (22 authorities), Sherwood Area of Nottinghamshire (24 authorities), Isle of Wight (10 authorities), Holland, Lincolnshire (12 authorities), and South Yorkshire (17 authorities).

asked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to deal with those aliens in this country who have no permits and are of unknown nationality?

If I am right in understanding the hon. Member to refer to the disposal of undesirable aliens whose nationality cannot be established, I would draw attention to my answer on 13th March to the hon. Member for Gravesend, of which I am sending him a copy.

The right hon. Gentleman did not know what he was going to do. Has he not yet made up his mind what he is going to do?

In any case, we must have the requisite information, and it is not always easy to get it.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give us the information that he had on that occasion, and will he take no steps to-day?

If on that occasion I gave the requisite information, there is no need to repeat the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, which have been caused in this country by performing and captive animals in circuses, music halls, and travelling menageries during each of the last five years?

I am afraid that this information is not available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state the position of the proceedings against John Gialdini?

His Majesty's Government have been informed officially of the arrest of Gialdini. I cannot make any further statement while the matter remains sub judice.

Is there any possibility of any portion of the evidence being taken in London?

I could not say; it may be that some portion of it may be taken in London.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is his intention to introduce a measure amending the Criminal Law in relation to children and young persons; and, if so, whether the Bill will be brought in during the present Session of Parliament?

It is the intention of the Government, as I have stated in reply to previous questions, to introduce a Bill to amend the Children Act, 1908; but I regret that it is impossible in view of the pressure of Parliamentary business to take the Bill this Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government proposes to prosecute those responsible for the printing and publication of the Communist leaflets distributed to troops at Aldershot on 16th March in which the persecution by the Soviet authorities of religious organisations in Russia was justified, and soldiers were urged to disturb religious services convened to protest against the ill-treatment of persons on the ground of their religious beliefs?

I have had no communication in this matter either from the military authorities or from the police, and I think it may fairly be concluded that little importance is to be attached to the incident referred to.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it of such little importance that pamphlets of this nature should be circulated among loyal troops in this country? Does he not think that it is advisable that he should communicate with the military authorities at Aldershot and find out whether it has had any detrimental effect, so as to stop this sort of thing?

In such a matter the Home Office would move on the approach either of the military authorities or the police authorities, and we have had no sign from either.

Is it not a fact that the two men who distributed the leaflets were prosecuted? Why, therefore, should not the people who printed them be prosecuted also?

I can only say that the two main State Departments concerned—the police authorities and the military authorities—have taken no action, and the Home Office has no official information of it.

Are the printers and publishers to go scot free, although the men who distributed them have been punished? That is the point.

That is the point which I have already answered, and it is useless to repeat it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the position occupied by the printers and publishers of these leaflets, for distributing which humbler men have been punished?

I imagine that the military authorities, who are most concerned in the first instance in this matter, will have that matter before their minds, but I am quite prepared independently to see what can be done.

asked the Home Secretary if it is the present intention of the Government to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Street Offences Committee?

I regret I do not see my way at present to introduce legislation upon this subject.

asked the Rome Secretary the number of cases where men suffering from nystagmus have committed suicide and compensation has been paid to the dependent relatives under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

I regret I am not in a position to furnish this information. I may point out, however, that the returns show that the total number of fatal cases of miners' nystagmus in which compensation is recovered by the dependants is quite small. The average number of such cases over the five years 1924–28 was only 2.4.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the number of cases of nystagmus is increasing, and is he not taking any steps to investigate the cause?

I am not certain as to an increase, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is constantly before the Department.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received a Resolution from the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation drawing his attention of the fact that it is impossible for the federation to establish any claim to compensation for the dependants of men who die from silicosis because it was not possible to prove the presence of 50 per cent. silica in the stone or rock where the mine was working; whether he is aware that similar conditions obtain in the anthracite district in South Wales where a number of men have died from silicosis for whose dependants no compensation can be obtained because it is impossible to prove the presence of 50 per cent. of silica in the rock in the mine; and whether he proposes to amend the law to meet this situation?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. No cases of hardship due to the limitation referred to by my hon. Friend have yet been brought to my notice, but if any evidence is submitted, I shall be glad to consider it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has not been a single case brought from the anthracite district of South Wales which has been successful owing to the fact that it is impossible to prove that there is 50 per cent. silica in the rock?

Has my right hon. Friend had any representation from the Miners' Federation of Great Britain that, in fact, it is impossible for a miner to get compensation under the present regulations?

Yes, representations have been made in this matter but, as I have said, if information can be afforded on the specific cases, I shall be glad to receive it and to deal with it.

May I give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken any steps to bring to the notice of the courts concerned the many cases of youths and young persons still being sent to prison for trivial offences such as riding bicycles without lamps?

I have already publicly drawn general attention to the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied as to the result of his remonstrances, and is he aware that recently boys have been sent to prison for riding bicycles without lamps and offences of that kind?

It is only within the past few weeks that I have twice referred to this matter, and, of course, as yet, there has been no time to see the results.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons committed for trial in England and Wales during the 10 years prior to 1929 on the charge of murder have, before conviction or after conviction, respectively, been certified as mental defectives under the Mental Deficiency Acts?

I am afraid I am not in a position to give the figures asked for since cases of persons committed for trial certified mentally deficient and acquitted would not necessarily come to the knowledge of my Department, and as regards persons certified after conviction, the statistics do not distinguish between those serving commuted death sentences and other prisoners.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the retention by a police officer convicted of corrupt practices of money accumulated as the result of such conduct?

Not as at present advised.

Would it be correct to say at this moment that an ex-sergeant of the Metropolitan Police is enjoying the blessings of liberty and is in possession of a comfortable fortune as a result of these dishonest practices?

If my hon. Friend knows that it is correct to make such a statement, I shall be glad to have information with regard to it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, in the interests of the welfare of this very fine force, show to them and to the public that it is in the power of the Government to prevent the repetition of such glaring instances of the prosperity of the wicked?

I deprecate these reflections by implication on the force in general by introducing some half-concealed allusion to a particular case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a copy of the Report on the conditions of employment in the boot industry in the East End of London, prepared by Dr. A. D. Denning for the Boot Manufacturers' Federation and the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, in which the conditions of sweating are described as inhumane; and what action he proposes to take?

I have not seen this Report, but I gather from the notice of it, which appeared in the Press that it is at present being considered by a joint conference representing the manufacturers' and operatives' associations, who will, no doubt, confer with the Department or Departments concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the serious effect of these conditions on the workers in the East End, and that it is also operating in other towns under good conditions, and will he take action under the Factory Act as soon as possible?

I can only repeat that so far information comes from the Press, and I have seen no official or authoritative Report.

If the facts are as stated, does it not indicate that the factory inspectors are not doing their work properly?

I think that one ought not to pre-judge the facts by assuming that they are not.

asked the President of the Board of Education why no women were appointed to serve on the committee which is advising him with regard to maintenance grants for school children at 14 years of age?

The members of the committee which is advising me in regard to maintenance allowances were not selected by me but by the local education authorities, whom I asked to help me because of their long experience of the administration of maintenance allowances for children attending secondary and central schools.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman the power, if he desires, to appoint a woman on the committee?

No, I have asked the bodies representative of the local education authorities to help me by appointing their own members.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman supreme in the matter?

Would my right hon. Friend consider making a representation to the local authorities?

No, I think the local authorities ought, to be allowed to appoint their own representatives.

asked the President of the Board of Education the estimated cost of the committee which is assisting him on the question of maintenance grants for school children at 14 years of age; and does he propose to issue a Supplementary Estimate for the amount?

The committee which is advising me in regard to maintenance allowances does not involve any additional expenditure from public funds.

Are we to understand that these gentlemen are paying their own expenses for attending this committee?

I really do not know.

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out?

It is not my business to ask local authorities how, if they do, they are paying members for attending this committee.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received a resolution from the Grimsby and District Chamber of Trade protesting against rate-aided and State-aided departments being used for the purpose of trading in any form whatsoever, and requesting him to issue instructions to all State-aided teaching staffs to cease immediately from any trading with their scholars; and what action he will take?

I have received a resolution from the Grimsby and District Chamber of Trade in regard to a school tuck shop. The matter is primarily the concern of the local education authorities, and I do not see any reason for action on my part.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make suitable suggestions to the local authorities that this trading in the schools should be stopped permanently?

No, I think that the local authorities are the best judges of where the children should get food.

It is not a question of food at all, but of the sale of other things, and, in view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the matter to see if something cannot be done to stop the practice?

I would suggest to the hon. Member that he should make inquiries as to the schools in his own locality, and probably a good many of his friends would be able to stop it there.

asked the President of the Board of Education if any special steps have ever been taken to enforce Section 50 of the Education Act, 1921?

For more than 40 years it has been the statutory duty of the Board to report annually to Parliament in regard to the attendance at school of children in canal boats. These reports show the efforts that have been made, both by the local authorities and by inspectors, and they also draw attention to the difficulties with which they have been faced in their endeavours to secure the enforcement of the law.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the local authorities have taken every possible step to carry out this section?

I have no reason to think that they have not.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the report should be made to the President of the Board of Education or to the Minister of Health?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of requiring, as a condition of grant, the installation of electric cooking, lighting and cleaning apparatus in all domestic science teaching centres,, as and when current becomes available, in order that pupils may gain experience in household management on the most scientific lines as well as with the old-fashioned unhygienic and labour-making apparatus now common in the houses of many areas?

I am not prepared to require, as a condition of grant, that electrical apparatus should be installed in premises to be used for the teaching of domestic science, wherever current is available, as I consider that this is a matter on which the decision should be taken by the local education authorities, who are familiar with the local conditions in each case. I may mention, however, that electrical apparatus is available at all the domestic training colleges, and that the Board are including a course on the subject of its use among the short courses for teachers which are to be held this summer.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is very important to encourage in the domestic science centres the very best methods of housekeeping, cooking and cleaning, and that, if he encouraged local authorities in every possible way to have such apparatus, it would help materially in forwarding that principle?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that recent investigations in England and Scotland have proved the great value of milk in the diet of children; and whether he can say to what extent comprehensive schemes for the supply of milk to school children are in operation in England and Wales?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I am glad to he able to say that an increasing number of children receive milk at school, either under schemes organised by the teachers through the National Milk Publicity Council, or under arrangements made by the local education authority. In Birmingham, for instance, over 3,250,000 bottles of milk were supplied to school children in 1928, representing a daily average of over 15,000 children. In Leeds more than half the school children receive milk under the exceptionally extensive arrangements made by the local education authority. I am having more detailed inquiries made, and when these are completed, I will communicate the results to my hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider introducing legislation on similar lines to the Bill now before the House in regard to Scotland?

I will wait until I have finished my inquiries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use any powers that he has, or will he advise the local authorities to use all their powers, to get tuberculin-tested and grade A milk for giving to these children?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has now received the Report of the North Riding Education Committee respecting the provision of a secondary school at Eston; and if he is now able to state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received the programme of the North Riding Local Education Authority. It includes a proposal for the provision of a secondary school at Eston, but I am not yet able to give a decision on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education what local authorities have organised day continuation schools; whether the Board has had any reports on the system of day continuation schools in Germany; and, if not, whether he will consider sending over one of the Board's inspectors to collect information on the working of the scheme there?

The local education authorities for London and West Ham have organised provision for voluntary day continuation schools; the Warwickshire authority conduct one school at Rugby on the basis of compulsory attendance; and 14 other authorities conduct one or more such schools, mostly on the basis of co-operation with individual firms of employers. The Board has not prepared any report on the German day continuation schools, but they possess some information on these schools, and I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind should the occasion arise for a further inquiry on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these continuation schools are a success; and, if so, will he try to stimulate local authorities in other parts of the country to provide them?

I have no doubt that they are a success, but I think we are asking almost enough just now so far as the work of local authorities is concerned.

Have any of the right hon. Gentleman's inspectors been in the habit of going abroad to get information? Is is a common practice, and has the right hon. Gentleman sufficient powers to send them abroad?

Yes, they go very frequently.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has had any reports made by the medical officer of the Board as to the effect on the child mind of constant attendance at cinemas; and, if not, whether he will cause an inquiry to be held and consult local education authorities thereon?

No report has been made by the Board's medical officers as to the effect on the child mind of constant attendance at cinemas. I am afraid that I cannot undertake to initiate an inquiry of this kind at the present time; but I understand that some investigations are to be made by the London Local Education Authority, and I shall await the results with great interest.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information of what has been done in this matter on the Continent, particularly in Germany? If not, will he collect the information?

If my lion. Friend will send me any information that he has, I will make further inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the child welfare committee of the League of Nations at Geneva have had a committee sitting for the last three years, and that they have obtained considerable information?

I will take information from that source.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received resolutions from local authorities requesting that there should be a rearrangement of the holidays of State-aided schools throughout the country in order to provide, say, three weeks at or about Whitsuntide and at least three weeks during August, with a view to assisting seaside and other holiday resorts by enabling people to take their holidays earlier and avoiding the present congestion in the first two weeks in August?

I have received such resolutions from the local authorities of some seaside resorts. Under the provisions of the Education Act the fixing of school holidays is a matter which lies within the discretion of the local education authorities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the local authorities on this matter, as it is of national importance rather than of local importance?

The most important thing is that the parents and the local authority should decide when they want holidays.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that, if the education authorities of the schools do not fix the holidays, the parents cannot fix them? Could there be anything better than that the month of June should be used for this purpose?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in certain parts of the country, where hop pickers and strawberry pickers are concerned, it is most important to have holidays at suitable times?

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is prepared to indemnify any education authority who may enter into commitments on the assumption that the Education (School Attendance) Bill will be in operation on 1st April, 1931, if for any reason the Bill is not on the statute book on that date?

I am not prepared to indicate what course of action I should pursue in hypothetical and unlikely circumstances.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House any reason for his excessive optimism on this point?

asked the President of the Board of Education how many education authorities have applied for permission to enforce Section 23 of the Education Act, 1921, during each of the years since 1921; and how many of these requests have been approved each year?

No record is kept of proposals submitted to the Board under Section 23 of the Education Act, 1921, and not approved. Proposals under this Section subsequently approved by the Board have been submitted by the following numbers of authorities during the last eight years: 6; 6; nil; 1; 11; 8; 7; 6. Arrangements usually remain in force for several years without further approval by the Board.

Does the President of the Board of Education think local authorities are taking full advantage of the provisions of this Act; and can he take some steps to draw their attention to the powers they have in dealing with the case of these children?

I think that the local authorities know their powers.

I do not think that they do.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that children attending Sigden Street School, Dalston Lane, Hackney Downs, were vaccinated at school on or about 21st March last without the previous consent of their parents being obtained; and by whose authority were such vaccinations carried out?

I have made inquiries, and have not been able to ascertain that any children have been vaccinated recently at the Sigden Road School, either with or without the consent of their parents.

Are we to understand that no child is to be vaccinated without the previous consent of their parents having been obtained in writing?

I do not think that is my business.

asked the President of the Board of Education what action the Government proposes to take regarding the findings of the Report of the Mental Deficiency Committee issued in 1929?

The recommendations of the Report of the Mental Deficiency Committee involve important legislative changes, which will need careful consideration and affect other Government Departments as well as the Board of Education. I am not yet in a position to indicate the attitude of the Government towards the Report.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the total amount of money spent annually from public funds upon education in the United States of America?

I understand that the gross expenditure, including capital expenditure, on public educational institutions in the United States of America was about 2,315 million dollars in 1925–26, the latest year for which I have been able to obtain figures.

Do not these figures suggest the desirability of spending more money on education in this country?

Is not the President of the Board of Education aware that there are enormous endowments on education in the United States which accrue to the American Education Department?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the scarcity of men teachers in Liverpool; and if he will take steps to see that an adequate simply of teachers is available to fill the places of those who will be leaving at the end of the present term?

I am not aware that there is any scarcity of men teachers in Liverpool. The responsibility for the staffing of the schools rests with the local education authority in the first instance; but I will make inquiries on the point raised by my hon. Friend and shall be glad to inform him as to the result.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to place the subject of Empire economic unity on the agenda of the Imperial Economic Conference?

I am unable to make any statement regarding the economic agenda for the Imperial Conference which, as explained by the Prime Minister in his reply to the hon. Member for Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on the 25th March, is now under discussion between the Governments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that an enormous amount of interest is taken in this question oversea as well as in this country, that this subject may be placed upon the agenda?

I do not very clearly understand what the hon. Member means by "economic unity," but, if he is thinking about the Empire Protectionist stunt, I can go so far as to say that he may be assured we shall not place that subject on the agenda.

Are there not good precedents for a very full statement being made by the Government to Parliament, well in advance of the meeting of the Imperial Conference, as to the scope and character of its work, and will not the right hon. Gentleman follow the precedents and let us know when we may expect a full statement from his Government?

It wants about five months before the Conference will meet, and surely the right hon. Gentleman is asking at a very early stage for a statement about the agenda of the Conference to be made to Parliament. If he is correct in saying that there are precedents to this effect, then I am quite sure the Prime Minister will try and follow those precedents.

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention—[HON. MEMBERS: "No"] May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how he interprets the word "stunt," which he used in his reply?

It is quite impossible.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) lock, bolt, and bar the door on this subject many years ago?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the Shardlow Poor Law Institute casual poor are still set to breaking stones; and if he will represent to the board of guardians concerned the undesirability of continuing to impose this task on the casual poor under their charge?

So far as I am aware, the Shardlow Board of Guardians have not discontinued this task which they are empowered to require in suitable cases. It is one of several tasks which may be required of casuals under the provisions of the Casual Poor Relief Order, 1925, and as I have stated on previous occasions, I do not propose to consider the revision of this Order until I have received the report of the Committee which I appointed to consider the administration of the relief of the casual poor.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember all that he has said about stone-breaking?

Yes, Sir, and I hope the right hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) remembers all that he did about it.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman now approves of the task of stone-breaking?