asked the Lord Privy Seal the increase in the number of unemployed women at the present time as compared with 12 months ago; the number and nature of the schemes initiated by him to deal with the large number of unemployed women; the number of women he estimates to have obtained employment under these schemes; and the number who will be employed under them during the next 12 months?

The increase in the number of women on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain between 25th March, 1929, and 24th March, 1930, the latest date for which figures are available, was 195,712, the greatest rise being in the North Western Division of England which showed an increase of 78,312. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 11th November last to the Noble Lord the Member for Aldershot (Viscount Wolmer) in which I pointed out that in view of the nature of the trades in which such unemployment as exists among women is found, the 'benefit which they derive from works instituted with Government assistance must necessarily be in the main through increased employment indirectly resulting from such works. Schemes of training for women and girls are, however, being extended in various directions. I may add that the latest industrial analysis shows that during the past year the industry with the greatest numerical and proportionate increase in unemployment among women was the cotton industry. As regards the steps taken to deal with the position in this industry I would refer to the reply which I gave on 11th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Sowerby (Mr. Tout) a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether in respect of the applications from the corporation of the city of Nottingham to the Unemployment Grants Committee relative to work of the value of £864,842, he will say upon what date or dates were the applications made and in respect of what amounts, and upon what date or dates was approval given; and how many men will be employed on the works in question?

1.—Schemes Approved.
Number of Schrmes.	Dates of formal applixations.	Estimated Total Cost of Schemes.	Estimated direct employment (in man-years).	Dates of Approval.
		£
1	11.9.29	82,000	150	24.10.29
3	11.9.29	619,665	960	8.10.29
6	11.9.29	27,702	60	10.3.30
10	—	729,367	1,170	—

2.—Schemes Refused.
Number of Schemes.	Dates of formal applications.	Estimated Total Cost of Schemes.	Estimated direct employment (in man-years).	Date Refused.
	£
3	18.12.29	37,972	—	25.3.30

3.—Schemes under consideration.
3	11.9.29	81,563	160	—
1	21.2.30	16,000	40	—
4	—	97,563	200	—

In regard to the schemes still under consideration I understand that decisions upon three are unavoidably deferred, in one case because the corporation do not possess the necessary statutory authority, and in the other two cases in order to allow the Sherwood Area Water Authorities Regional Advisory Committee an opportunity of considering the proposals in conjunction with the report of their Technical Sub-Committee on the allocation of the water resources of the Sherwood Area amongst the authorities concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the nature of the project to be undertaken in Cyprus with assistance from the Colonial Development Act, 1929?

The project is one for the improvement of the harbour at Famagusta. It is proposed to enlarge

The position is as follows:the harbour, widen its entrance and provide greater wharfage facilities.

asked the Minister of Labour the aggregate number of schemes laid by local authorities since June last before the Unemployment Grants Committee for assistance in respect of the relief of unemployment; the aggregate outlay entailed by such schemes; the aggregate number of men who would be employed under them; and the number of such schemes sanctioned to date, their value, and the total number of men who will be employed?

The following statement gives particulars of the applications for grant from Exchequer Funds received and approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee in respect of schemes of work for the relief of unemployment:

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed registered at the Heywood, Ramsbottom and Radcliffe Employment Exchanges now and at the end of last June, respectively?

The following table shows the numbers of persons on the registers of the Employment Exchanges in question at 24th March, 1930, and 24th June, 1929, respectively:

Employment Exchange		24th March, 1980.	24th June, 1929.
Heywood	…	2,602	1,119
Ramsbottom	…	650	526
Radcliffe	…	3,067	2,404

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed registered at the Employment Exchanges in the Blackpool Parliamentary area now and at the end of last June, respectively?

At 24th March, 1930, there were 5,279 persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the Blackpool Parliamentary area, as compared with 2,160 at 24th June, 1929.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed registered at the Employment Exchanges in the Nottingham Parliamentary areas now and at the end of June, respectively?

At 24th March, 1930, there were 12,519 persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the Nottingham Parliamentary areas, as compared with 8,987 at 24th June, 1929.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed registered at the Employment Exchanges in the Waterloo Parliamentary area now and at the end of last June, respectively?

The only Employment Exchange in the Waterloo Parliamentary area is the Juvenile Employment Bureau of the local education authority and I regret therefore that comprehensive statistics for this area are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated increased cost falling on the Unemployment Insurance Fund for the financial year ending March, 1931, of the payment of benefit to unemployed persons and their dependants who, but for the provisions of the last Unemployment Insurance Acts, would have been dependent on Poor Law relief?

I regret that information is not available showing to what extent persons who become entitled to benefit under the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1930, would, but for the receipt of such benefit, have been dependent on Poor Law relief.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the building of the new Employment Exchange at Camberwell, special provision is being made for the work in connection with juvenile placing?

Yes, Sir. In planning the new Employment Exchange at Camberwell, special provision has been made for the work in connection with juveniles.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she can give the calculations showing the reason for the balancing point of the Unemployment Insurance Fund now being placed at £1,240,000 as compared with the figure of £1,200,000 given when the previous Act was introduced?

The changes made in the Unemployment Insurance Bill during its passage through Parliament affected the balancing point of the Unemployment Fund in two ways. So far as they increased the rate of payment per head of the register in respect of benefit paid otherwise than under the transitional conditions they reduced the balancing point to a corresponding extent. On the other hand, so far as they increased the numbers of persons in receipt of benefit under the transitional conditions they raised the balancing point, since the cost of that benefit was charged to the Exchequer. The net effect was to increase the balancing point, as estimated, from 1,200,000 to 1,240,000. I should add that it was also estimated that 80,000 persons previously unemployed but not on the Exchange registers would under the amended conditions register and, according to this estimate, a live register of 1,240,000 under the amended conditions would represent the same amount of actual unemployment as a live register of 1,160,000 previously.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed registered at the Employment Exchanges in the East Willesden Parliamentary area now and at the end of last June, respectively?

At 24th March, 1930, there were 1,906 persons on the registers of the Willesden Employment Exchange as compared with 1,152 at 24th June, 1929.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she contemplates the establishment of instructional factories and training centres in various parts of the country; and, if so, whether she will consider the claims of Nottingham, having regard to the many advantages in situation, access, and general suitability which Nottingham possesses?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will bear the hon. Member's recommendation of Notcingham in mind, but I cannot undertake at present to open a centre there.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual charges borne by each local authority for sewerage and sanitary services and all expenses and upkeep, apart from upkeep of the houses or housing schemes?

The following table contains particulars of the expenditure of local authorities in Scotland on certain services during 1925–26, the latest year for which complete figures are available.

Service.	Amount of Expenditure.
	£
Sewers, drains, etc.	709,280
Water supply	2,120,414
Cleansing streets, etc.	1,157,511
Hospitals, etc.	536,226
Tuberculosis	611,291
General sanitary operations*	901,252
* Includes maternity and child welfare services, venereal diseases schemes, salaries of sanitary officers, expenditure on public conveniences, nuisances, and numerous small items.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give figures for each of the three last financial years for Scotland, distinguishing the amounts paid to able-bodied unemployed persons and their dependants and the amount expended on the relief of those who cannot be classed under this category?

The following table contains the desired information:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated total sum for each of the last three financial years expended by the Poor Law authorities for Scotland in the relief of able-bodied unemployed persons, including their dependants; and what is the estimated sum by which these figures will be reduced for the coming financial year by reason of the operation of the last Unemployment Insurance Act?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer on this subject given to-day to another question asked by the hon. Baronet. As regards the second part of the question, it is not yet possible to estimate what reduction will be effected in the expenditure of parish councils on the relief of the able-bodied unemployed in Scotland as a result of the new Unemployment Insurance Act. I propose, however, to call for returns from the large industrial parishes on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average grant per house now being paid by the Treasury to Glasgow for houses constructed under the 50–50 slum-clearance scheme?

I regret that I am not in a position to furnish the information asked for. The expenditure in connection with the various schemes has not yet been finally determined and grant is meantime paid not only in respect of expenditure on houses completed but in respect of expenditure on houses under construction, and on the acquisition and clearance of insanitary properties. Up to 31st March, 1930, however, the total contributions paid by the State to the corporation under these schemes amounted to £140,464, while at 28th February, 1930, the number of houses completed under slum clearance schemes was 3,874 and 1,308 were under construction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the occupants of the houses on the Wester Hailes Estate of the Department of Agriculture are to be agricultural tenants paying rates on house and land as one agricultural subject; or allotment holders paying rates on house and land separately, only the land being treated as an agricultural subject for the purpose of rating?

Each holding, including a house and steadiag, will be let as one agricultural subject, and I have no reason to doubt that for rating purposes it will be so treated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount paid by the local education authorities during the last financial year for the provision of free books under their bursary schemes?

The amount paid by education authorities under their bursary schemes in 1928–29 to pupils attending advanced divisions and secondary schools is estimated to have included £7,200 towards the cost of school books. This figure does not include the cost of similar provision for students attending universities, training colleges, and central institutions, or expenditure on free books in connection with the general provision of free education in their areas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total exports during 1919 of lace made from silk and artificial silk and, for the purposes of comparison, the corresponding total for 1925?

The total declared value of silk lace (except apparel and embroidery) of United Kingdom manufacture exported from this country during the years 1919 and 1925 was £162,960 and £63,691, respectively. Similar particulars

Description.		1925.	1926.	1927.	1928.	1929.
		lbs.	lbs.	lbs.	lbs.	lbs.
Silk Cocoons and Waste	…	3,589,179	3,074,961	2,311,288	2,136,515	3,078,582
Silk Noils	…	168,537	16,184	(—) 49,563*	118,170	160,469
Silk raw	…	765,817	981,602	1,162,008	1,492,290	1,397,335
Thrown Silk	…	186,126	284,209	313,479	399,434	440,005
Spun Silk Yarn	…	1,103,238	266,155	487,997	401,780	321,696
* Re-exports in excess of imports.
NOTE.—Figures for 1929 are provisional.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any complaints from the users of safeguarded articles that they have suffered from any disadvantages as a result of safeguarding; and, if so, can he furnish particulars of the complaints?

I have received four complaints from users of wrapping and packing paper, two of which relate to the inclusion of certain kinds of paper under the duty and two to the increase in price of the complainants' raw material.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply complete half-yearly figures of production, prices, imports, and exports for the years 1927 to 1929, inclusive, in respect of that part of the button industry the products of which are, on importation, liable to duty?

Complete figures of the production of buttons are not available. Particulars furnished by the British Button Manufacturers' Association that for lace of artificial silk are not available, as such exports were not separately recorded prior to 1st July, 1925.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the increase in the consumption of raw material by the real silk industry since the introduction of the Silk Duties?

The following table shows the weight of the imports less re-exports of the undermentioned descriptions of raw silk and silk yarn into Great Britain and Northern Ireland, registered during each of the years 1925 to 1929.relate to the output of a substantial part of the trade in 1927, 1928 and the first three quarters of 1929 show that, comparing the number of buttons made in the period January to September in each of these years, there was an increase in 1928 compared with 1927 of about 5 per cent. and that in 1929 the increase relative to 1927 was about 22 per cent. It is not known how far the kinds of buttons made were similar in the three periods, and the descriptions of buttons liable to duty have not been stated separately. I regret that I am not in a position to furnish data relating to prices, and with reference to the particulars of imports and exports I would refer the hon. Member to columns 1998 and 2010 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 27th February, 1929, and to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on 4th February last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the new Australian tariff applies to con- signments of goods which are still on the sea; and, if so, whether he proposes to make representations to the Australian Government that these should be exempted from prohibition of entry and the differential duties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the effect of the new Indian import duty of 15 per cent. or 3½ annas, whichever is the greater, on plain cotton cloth called grey shirtings; and whether, in view of the fact that the latter duty is much higher than the former, he can give an approximate percentage of what 3½ annas means on the bazaar value and on the makers' price, respectively?

I am aware that the effect of the minimum duty of 3½ annas per lb. imposed on all plain grey cotton piece goods imported into India is that the duty leviable on a substantial proportion of such goods from the United Kingdom exceeds 15 per cent. on their real value. Having regard to the wide range in the value per lb. of the goods to which the specific duty is applicable, I regret that I am unable to give figures on the lines of those asked for in the second part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies at what date it is anticipated that the contracts will be placed for the Zambesi Bridge construction work in this country; by what date it is anticipated that the bridge will be completed; and by what date it is expected that the resultant new railway communication with Nyasaland will be ready for operation?

It is hoped that the contract for the bridge will be placed in May. It is anticipated that, apart from unforeseen delays, the bridge and through railway communication should be completed in 1934.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many teachers have been granted breakdown allowances under the Teachers' Superannuation Act during the past three years; and what were the ages and sex of these teachers?

The numbers are as follow:TEACHERS (SUPERANNUATION) ACTS 1918–1925Infirmity Allowances awarded during the 3 years ended 31.3.1930 classified according to to Age at commencement of allowance.

Age at date from which allowance was payable.			Men.	Women.	Total Men and Women.
29	…	…	—	2	2
30	…	…	—	1	1
31	…	…	—	3	3
32	…	…	—	3	3
33	…	…	2	10	12
34	…	…	1	20	21
35	…	…	3	18	21
36	…	…	9	23	32
37	…	…	9	25	34
38	…	…	5	22	27
39	…	…	6	31	37
40	…	…	7	25	32
41	…	…	6	35	41
42	…	…	4	33	37
43	…	…	4	46	50
44	…	…	5	54	59
45	…	…	10	45	55
46	…	…	6	59	65
47	…	…	8	61	69
48	…	…	14	66	80
49	…	…	7	71	78
50	…	…	5	83	88
51	…	…	22	78	100
52	…	…	12	75	87
53	…	…	13	93	106
54	…	…	18	82	100
55	…	…	21	109	130
56	…	…	35	103	138
57	…	…	34	119	153
58	…	…	45	115	160
59	…	…	28	76	104
60	…	…	2	6	8
61	…	…	2	8	10
62	…	…	1	4	5
63	…	…	1	3	4
64	…	…	2	2	4
Totals	…	…	347	1,609	1,956

In addition 23 Men and 71 Women not qualified for the grant of an allowance were awarded Short Service Gratuities on account of infirmity.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware of the difficult position of elderly uncertificated supplementary teachers, in view of the fact that very small pensions are granted to them after life-long service in the teaching profession; and whether he will make further investigations to see if their means of livelihood can be increased?

The Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, 1918–25, include uncertificated teachers within their scope, but, as superannuation allowances are partly based on salary, the allowances paid to them are necessarily smaller than those paid to teachers of higher qualifications. Supplementary teachers are not within the scope of the Acts. New legislation would be necessary either to alter the basis on which the allowances are calculated, or to enlarge the scope of the Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of full-time pupils on the rolls in England and Wales for the years 1913–14 and 1928–29 in the following three groups: junior technical, junior art, and trade schools; technical institutes and polytechnics; and higher grade and higher elementary schools and central schools?

The numbers of full-time pupils attending institutions in the first two groups in 1928–29 were:

1. Junior technical schools (including trade schools), junior housewifery centres, and junior art departments	…	20,753
2. Technical schools and colleges:
Pupils under the age of 16	…	590
Students over the age of 16	…	6,017

Owing to changes in classification it is not possible to give figures for 1913–14 distributed between the different types of school, but the corresponding aggregate for that year was about 8,000 pupils under 16 years of age, or about 10,400, if older students also are included. Figures are not available for so-called higher grade, higher elementary and central schools separately from other elementary schools.

asked the Home Secretary what was the capital cost of acquiring the various licensed premises, licences, breweries and other real and personal property in the Carlisle area and elsewhere; what sums have ben spent in alterations on these subjects; what was the source or sources from which the said capital and cost of alterations were derived; how much, if any, has been refunded; has interest thereon been charged and paid, and a what rate; what is the total sum of such interest; and are there any arrears thereof outstanding?

I would refer the hon. Member to the published aeports and Accounts for the State Management Districts, and, in particular, tc the Report for the year ending 31st March, 1929 (the last published Report). I would only add that interest on the outstanding Exchequer issues was always charged and paid at current rates, that the total sum of interest in respect of the Carlisle district was £205,193, and that there are no arrears outstanding.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the increase in the letter-postage rate from Palestine to Great Britain is still in force or not; what is the present rate on internal letters in Palestine; what additional revenue the Palestine authorities estimated would accrue in a year by the increase; what did they actually receive in this period; and whether, if the increase still continues, it is proposed to remove it. and, if so, when?

This information was given on 2nd April in reply to a question by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give particulars of any alterations which have taken place in the conditions that prevail in the West African Colonial Service during the previous 12 months; has any recent decision been arrived at in consultation with the Governments of the Colonies for future regulations of this service; and will he give particulars?

Strictly speaking, there is no general West African Colonial Service; but as far as possible, having regard to the varying importance of appointments in the different Colonies and Protectorates, and the different degree of responsibilities attaching to posts in various places, European officers appointed to the service of Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and the Gambia, receive similar treatment in regard to their salaries, pensions, passages and leave. The present main scales of salary were introduced in 1920, following upon a comprehensive inquiry undertaken by the Government of Nigeria, whose conclusions were adopted by the then Secretary of State and applied to the other Colonies. The present leave conditions and the revised pension ordinances were introduced at the same time. In 1924 the initial salaries for new entrants were lowered in some posts. Since then no substantial alteration has taken place, though revised and more favourable conditions applicable to officers with mixed service, partly in West Africa and partly outside of it, have been introduced. Minor alterations in the case of individual posts are of frequent occurrence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration is being given at the present time or is contemplated to a possible change in the status of Swaziland?

No such proposal is under consideration at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many persons received sums in excess of £1,000 from the Irish Grants Committee; and will he publish a list of the names of such persons?

It has already been explained, in reply to previous questions, that publication of the names or other particulars of those to whom awards have been made might be prejudicial to the persons concerned. But I may say, in reply to the question, that the total number of awards exceeding £1,000 does not reach 500.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of seven-year limit cases submitted to the independent medical experts and the results?

Up to date about 25 cases of material doubt or difficulty have been or are being referred to the independent medical consultants for consideration and advice, but not more than nine of these have so far been decided, with results unfavourable to the claimants. These figures are not, however, representative, as the new arrangements have only quite recently reached their full operation. I may add that during the same period 227 applications have been admitted without reference to the consultants.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is his intention to send a representative of his Department to Moscow to supervise the furnishings and arrangements of His Majesty's Embassy?

I cannot say until negotiations for the lease have reached a more advanced stage.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is considering the extension and co-ordination of the national insurance services; and whether he will include in any new legislation for that purpose facilities for small shopkeepers and business men with limited incomes to become voluntary contributors for health purposes?

; These matters come within the scope of the Cabinet Com- mittee engaged on a general survey of the existing insurance and pensions legislation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the estimated value of the pension rights of civil servants of the administrative, executive and clerical classes, respectively, and of established civil servants as a whole expressed as a percentage of the salary (inclusive of bonus) received; what rate of interest has been assumed in making the calculations; and when the actuarial investigation was made upon which the estimates are based?

No separate estimate has been made of the values of the superannuation privileges of the respective grades mentioned and it is doubtful whether, having regard to the element of promotion, valid results could be obtained from an estimate on this basis. In the case of existing staff, moreover, the question is complicated by the fact that although the benefits related to bonus are computed on the complete period of service, their value must be measured with reference to the ages attained when the bonus system was introduced. This factor was taken into consideration in obtaining the percentages given in the reply of the Postmaster-General on 20th March, 1930, to a question by the hon. Member for Hammersmith, North (Mr. Gardner). The actuarial investigation in this case was completed in 1928. In respect of established civil servants generally, while no comprehensive investigation has been made, it is estimated that on a 4 per cent. basis (excluding manipulative and industrial classes) superannuation privileges are worth on the average about 12½ per cent. of salary and bonus in the case of male entrants to the service at the present date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of boys and the number of girls appointed to the Civil Service from the clerical classes and departmental clerical classes examinations in 1927 and 1929, respectively?

The numbers are as follow:

		Boys.	Girls.
1927 examination	…	302	281
1929 examination	…	352	260

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his calculation of an amount of yearly yield obtained from the duty upon vegetable turpentine and white spirit?

The best calculation which can be made is between £500,000 and £600,000 per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for War in respect of the preparation of what films the War Office has received payments in the financial year 1929–30; and, of the sum received, what portion represents lump-sum payment and what portion a percentage of the profits?

Payments were received in 1929–30 for facilities granted in connection with films of the Trooping of the Colours and for assistance rendered in connection with the films "Somme," "Ypres" and "Mons." Of the total received, two-thirds represented percentage on profits and one-third lump sum payments.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and men at present serving in the Regular Army are unfit for general service?

If the hon. Member refers to the number of officers and other ranks in hospital, the figures on 31st January last for stations at home and abroad, administered by the War Office, were officers 68 and other. ranks 2,755. Apart from those who are temporarily unfit, no officers are retained on full pay, and no soldiers are kept with the Colours, unless they are fit for general service.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers, after enlistment, fail to pass the test for a third-class certificate; and What is the nature and standard of that test?

It is exceptional for a soldier to fail to get a third-class certificate of education during his service with the Colours, and approximately 70 per cent. obtain this certificate during the first six months of their service. The standard of the test, which consists of arithmetic, regimental history, writing and reading, approximates to that of Standard IV of an elementary school.

asked the Secretary for War what were the various disabilities, by categories, which were the cause of the rejection of applicants to join the Army for this year and the previous three years?

The main physical defects which caused the rejection of recruits by the examining medical officers during the last four years were:

• Diseases of the middle ear.
• Loss or decay of many teeth.
• Defects of lower extremities.
• Defective vision.
• Diseases of the heart.
• Insufficient weight.
• Flat feet.
• Under chest measurement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the recent increases in the assessment of private sports grounds used not for profit but for playing games by the members of amateur clubs will inevitably have the effect of causing many such grounds to be given up, with the result that increased demands will be made upon local authorities to provide public recreation grounds, he will grant facilities for the early passage into Law of the Playing Fields (Exemption from Rating) Bill, now before Parliament?

I regret that I can hold out no hope of facilities being given for this Bill.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the approximate cost of providing a mooring mast in this country for airships; and whether, considering that we have only one mooring mast and two airships, he will expedite the provision of additional mooring accommodation?

In answer to the first part of the question, the cost (based on that of the Cardington mooring mast) would be approximately £50,000. As regards the second part, I explained the policy in this respect in my reply to the hon. Member on 3rd April.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement as to the results of the publicity campaign of the Telephone Development Association; and whether he will cause the Post Office to engage in more extensive publicity activities with a view to popularising the telephone service?

It is impossible to separate the results of Telephone Development Association publicity from those of other causes promoting telephone development. The Post Office relies mainly on personal canvassing, supplemented by the distribution of literature, for the purpose of popularising the telephone, and these methods are considered to be the most fruitful and are continually being developed.

asked the Postmaster-General how many Departmental committees or select committees have inquired into the affairs of the Post Office since 1918; and if he will give the name of the chairman of the committee in each case and the subject of investigation, and state whether in each case the Report has been published?

The following Select and other committees whose reports have been published have dealt with matters with which the Post Office is directly or indirectly concerned. matters of minor importance have not Numerous Departmental Committees on been included.

Title.	Chairman.	Subject.	Report published.
Imperial Wireless Telegraphy Committee.	The Rt. Hon. Sir Henry Norman, Bt., J. P.	Scheme of Imperial Wireless Telegraph Communications (The "Imperial Wireless Chain").	Cmd. 777. 1920.
Departmental Committee on Telephone Rates.	Sir Evelyn Murray, K. C. B.	Telephone Rates	Cmd. 804, 1920.
Select (Parliamentary) Committee on Telephone Charges.	Sir E. Coates, Bt., O. B. E.	Telephone charges	December, 1920.
Wireless Telegraphy Commission	The Rt. Hon. Viscount Milner, G. C. B., G. C. M. G.	Technical means of carrying out the recommendations of the Imperial Wireless Telegraphy	Cmd. 1572, 1921.
Select Committee on Telephone Service.	The Rt. Hon. Sir Evelyn Cecil, G. B. E., M. P.	Telephone Service	March, 1922.
Committee on National Expenditure.	The Rt. Hon. Sir E. Geddes, G. C. B., G. B. E., LL. D.	National Expenditure …	Cmd. 1589, 1922.
Committee on pay, etc. of State Servants	Sir A. Anderson, K. B. E.	Pay, etc. of State Servants	Published 1923.
Broadcasting Committee	Major - General Sir Frederick Sykes, G. B. E., K. C. B.	Future organisation of Broadcasting Service.	Cmd. 1951. 1923.
Imperial Wireless Telegraphy Committee, 1924.	Sir Robert Donald, G. B. E., LL. D.	Policy as regards ownership and operation in Great Britain of Imperial and Foreign Wireless Services.	Cmd. 2060, 1924.
Broadcasting Committee …	The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, K. T.	Future organisation of Broadcasting Service.	Cmd. 2599, 1926.
Committee on the Inland Telegraph Service.	Sir H. Lever, K.C.B.	Inland Telegraph Service	Cmd. 3058, 1927.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the growing practice of blending cheap foreign butter with British butter and selling the mixture as British; and whether any steps are being taken either to stop this practice or insist upon the blended product being properly described when offered for sale?

The practice of blending butter of different characteristics and origins is one of long standing. Generally these blends are sold under brand names and are not described as "British" but, if the hon. Member is aware of any case in which one of these blends is labelled "British," my right hon. Friend will be glad to have full particulars in order that the position may be considered, with a view to a prosecution under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state what boards are already in existence for the control of wheat marketing?

According to the information in my Department, the marketing and supply of wheat are controlled by national authorities both in Norway and in Switzerland. In Soviet Russia the distribution, sate and export of wheat, in common with that of all other products, is under the control of the Soviet Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the principal items of State expenditure in relation to agriculture in England and Wales for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, giving the total, including, if possible, administration and other expenditure?

The principal items of State expenditure in relation to agriculture in England and Wales in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1930, were as under:

Service.	Approximate Expenditure.
	£
Collection of agricultural statistics	36,000
Agricultural education	269,000
Agricultural research	299,700
Eradication of diseases in animals	184,200 (a)
Livestock improvement	48,600
Land settlement	1,793,000 (b)
Allotments	20,500 (c)
Land drainage and water supply	87,700
Agricultural wages regulation	38,300
Agricultural credits and co-operation	430,000 (d)
Improvement of marketing	62,500
Rural industries development	12,600
Beet sugar subsidy	4,221,500
Relief of agricultural rates	8,734,800
Total	£16,238,400 (e)

General Note.Except as regards "Agricultural wages regulation" and "Improvement of marketing," the above figures exclude expenses of administration (i.e. salaries, travelling, rent, rates, stationery and printing, superannuation, postages, etc.).

asked the Secretary for Mines the average cost per ton of coal raised in each of the British coalfields, respectively, in 1913 and 1929?

The only figure available for 1913 relates to the whole country for which the average cost per ton of saleable coal raised was 8s. 7½d. Figures on the same basis for the various coaltields and for the whole country for 1929 are as follow:

District.	Average cost per ton of reasonable coal raised.
	s.	d.
Sctoland	11	5·68
Northumberland	10	5·53
Durham	11	9·93
South Wales and Monmouth	13	9·26*
Yorkshire	12	1·64
North Derbyshire, and Notting-hamshire	11	10·90
South Derbyshire, Leicester-shire, Cannock Chase and Warwickshire	13	1·03
Lancashire, Cheshire and North Stafforshire	15	2·48
Other Districts (Cumberland North Wales, South Staffordshire, Shopshire, Bristol, Forest of Dean, Somerset and Kent	13	6·72
Great Britain	12	6·57
* Year ended January,1930

asked the Secretary for Mines what poportion of coal was cut by machinery in Lanarkshire in 1913 and 1929?

Of the total quantity of coal raised in Lanarkshire in 1913, 26 per cent. was cut by machinery, and in 1929 the proportion was 72 per cent.