asked the Minister of Transport if he will approach the North Riding County Council and the local authorities in the Cleveland district with a view to assisting them to put into operation immediately certain schemes of work, such as the improvement of the Kilton Valley Road, for the purpose of providing employment for the miners and other persons who are now unemployed in Cleveland as a result of many of the mines closing down?

I do not, think I can do better than refer my hon. Friend to the circular letters which were issued on the 3rd July by the Ministry of Health and by my Department to all local authorities, setting out the revised terms and conditions of assistance which the Government have recently decided to make available in respect of approved road works and other works of public utility. I am sending copies of these circulars to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour how many naturalised aliens are at present in receipt of unemployment benefit?

I regret that the figures asked for are not, available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons in Great Britain classified as belonging to the drink industry as at the last convenient date; and the number of persons recorded as unemployed at that date?

The estimated number of insured persons, aged 16 to 64, classified as belonging to the drink manufacturing industries (including bottling, blending, etc., but excluding hotel, public-house, etc., service) in Great Britain at July, 1929, was 106,660, of whom 6,447 were recorded as unemployed at 24th June, 1929.

asked the Minister of Labour the present number of unemployed in the Tyneside area, giving the number for each Employment Exchange and the comparable figures for 1928 and 1929?

The following table shows the numbers of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the Tyneside area at 9th July, 1928, 8th July, 1929, and 7th July, 1930, respectively:

Employment Exchange.	9th July, 1928.	8th July, 1929.	7th July, 1930.
Blaydon	2,031	1,757	2,012
Elswick	4,147	3,926	4,780
Gateshead	7,867	7,404	10,203
Heaton	5,856	4,951	5,820
Hebburn	2,152	1,317	1,394
Jarrow	3,237	2,414	3,109
Newcastle	7,575	7,054	9,342
North Shields	3,222	2,787	3,790
South Shields	8,457	7,294	10,248
Wallsend	2,825	2,016	2,316
Willington Quay	1,187	869	1,142
Dunston	937	789	1,292
Felling	1,651	1,467	2,439
Newburn	1,224	874	3,761
Walker	1,500	1,065	1,125
Total Tyne Area	53,868	45,984	62,773

asked the Minister of Transport the number of bridges in England and Wales in Class I, Class II, and unclassified roads, respectively, whose user is restricted to vehicles of lesser weight than may legally use those roads; in how many cases is such restriction by by-laws of railway and canal companies and similar bodies; and in how many by order of the Ministry of Transport under Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920?

Four Orders made under Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, are in force prohibiting the driving of various classes of mechanically-propelled vehicles on five bridges, three of which are on Class I roads, one on a Class II road, and one on an unclassified road. The other restrictions on the use of bridges to which my hon. Friend refers are in the main restrictions under the provisions either of the Locomotive Act, 1861, or of the Heavy Motor Car (Amendment) Order, 1907. These restrictions can be imposed without reference to me, and I have no information as to the number of bridges affected.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on Saturday, 12th July, the road surface of Albany Street, N. W., had been sprinkled with a coating of tar and granite chips, with the result that the pavements were covered with these tarred chips thrown up by the passage of motor vehicles along the road, causing considerable inconvenience and danger to pedestrians and all vehicles using the road; and whether steps can be taken to ensure that the local authority concerned adopts one of the many less objectionable methods of treating road surfaces which are practised by other local authorities in the future?

I am informed that part of Albany Street was treated with a bituminous preparation and coated with granite chippings on the date mentioned. The highway authority has been informed of the substance of the hon. Member's complaint and an assurance received that all steps will be taken to reduce inconvenience to a minimum in carrying out work of this nature.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of a decision of the Court of Session (Second Division), on or about 11th July, 1930, in an action in which a passenger, who sustained serious injuries as the result of an accident, claimed damages against the railway company; that the company admitted negligence, but their plea was sustained by the court that they were not liable in damages because the passenger was travelling on a special pleasure-party ticket issued to him at a reduced fare on condition that he discharged the company from liability for negligence; and that the law, as interpreted, imputed knowledge of and consent by such a passenger (who accepted a ticket bearing a reference on the back to the company's general notices, regulations, and conditions on current timetables and bills) to eight or more closely printed pages, embedded in which is a discharge of the company's liability, a passenger thus receiving no reasonable or sufficient intimation that he was abandoning possible claims against the company; whether he realises that the decision in question raises a question of wide public application to all passengers who, in response to advertisements and invitations of the railway companies, accept excursion tickets at reduced fares but have no claim for damages for injuries sustained through the companies' negligence; and whether he is prepared to take forthwith whatever steps are necessary, including legislation, to amend the existing law so that railway companies should be debarred from escaping liability?

I have not yet had an opportunity of perusing a report of the case to which the hon. Member refers, and as regards the general question I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 4th February last and to the previous answer to which I then referred.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make an estimate of the number of motor-coach travellers who use chars-a-bancs and motor coaches for long distances for the purpose of taxation of fares for passengers by road?

There are no statistics available from which such an estimate could be made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the arrangements in force for providing medical attention for the families of officers and men in the Navy?

The families of officers and men in the Navy are not entitled to medical attention at the public expense. As a privilege, however, the families of naval personnel serving in particular appointments in certain shore establishments, and the families of Royal Marines resident in barracks are afforded free medical treatment by the medical officer of the establishment subject to certain conditions, one of which is that no extra expense to Navy Votes is thereby entailed. As an exceptional measure, a contribution from naval funds is also made in approved cases towards the cost of the treatment afforded, either in the Military Hospital or in the King George V Merchant Seamen's Hospital, Malta, to the British wives and families of ratings who, having joined the Navy in the United Kingdom, are temporarily resident at Malta while serving on the Mediterranean station. Assistance has also been given by means of a grant from the residue of the Naval Prize Fund to enable them to obtain out-patient treatment and medical attention in their own homes at reduced rates. This latter privilege is applicable also to families of officers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of chief sick-berth petty officers allowed to Portsmouth port division for the financial year 1st April, 1930, to 31st March, 1931; and the number borne on 1st June, 1930?

The number allowed is 43. The number borne on 1st June is not available, as under Admiralty practice returns of personnel are rendered for 15th of each month. The number borne on 15th May was 44, and on 15th June 41.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of naval cook ratings allowed by complement to the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, the number of naval cook ratings borne, and the number of ratings victualled in the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, on 3rd July, 1930?

21 cook ratings are allowed by complement. Figures or 3rd July are not available, but on 7th July 80 cooks were borne, whilst the average number of ratings cooked for during the week ending 6th July was 2,307.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the number of officers' cook ratings borne in the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, are surplus to requirements; and if he will say why officers' cook ratings are employed in the general mess galley of the ship's company if there is not a shortage of naval cook ratings?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Supernumerary officers' cooks are employed in the general mess galley so that their services can be used to the greatest advantage.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the provisions of Admiralty Fleet Order 1411, of the 7th June, 1929, are being observed by the drafting office at the naval barracks, Portsmouth; and, if so, why a chief petty officer cook, who arrived in England in February last after two years and 10 months in the Mediterranean, has now been placed on draft for a ship commissioning for China?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A chief petty officer cook who arrived in England in February last, after two years and 10 months in the Mediterranean, has now been placed on draft for a ship commissioning for China because he has reached the top of the "Longest at Home" roster.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a design has yet been selected for telegraphist aerial gunner's badge; and, if so, when the badge will be ready for issue by purchase to the ratings concerned?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, supplies are expected to be available for issue in the near future.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Navy, Army and Air Force Canteen's white price list is operative all the year round in ships on the American and West Indies station; whether there are always ample supplies available of foodstuffs shown on the list; and what the percentage increase in cost is of articles of perishable food which have to be purchased locally on the station, such as fish, vegetables, fruit, eggs, butter, etc., compared with the price of such items in England?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and in regard to the second part, I understand, from inquiry of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, that adequate supplies are available. As regards the third part, information is not at present available, but the matter is being inquired into.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that chief petty officers, petty officers and other ratings serving at Whale Island, and who are on draft to His Majesty's ship "Suffolk, are being detained for duty on account of the centenary celebrations, thereby being deprived of their foreign drafting service leave; and whether he will take steps to see that these ratings are granted at least the same amount of leave as ratings drafted to His Majesty's ship "Suffolk" from other ships and establishments at Portsmouth?

Chief petty officers, petty officers and other ratings at Whale Island who are on draft to His Majesty's ship "Suffolk" are not being deprived of their drafting leave.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present number of aeroplanes attached to the Fleet air arms of the British, American and Japanese Navies, respectively?

The present number of aircraft attached to the British Fleet air arm is 141. The numbers attached to the Fleet air arm of the United States and Japan are not accurately known, and therefore cannot be given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many stokers or engine-room artificers have been invalided with tuberculosis from the Royal Navy during the past year?

The numbers of stokers and engine-room artificers invalided from the Royal Navy on account of pulmonary tuberculosis during the year 1st January-31st December, 1929, are as follow:

Chief stokers	2
Stoker petty officers	11
Leading stokers	10
Stokers	35
	58
Chief engine-room artificers	4
Engine-room artificers	11
Engine-room artificer apprentices	2
	17

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether electrical fittings for His Majesty's ships "Shoreham" and "Rochester," and similar vessels, could be made in Chatham Dockyard?

I cannot say definitely with reference to particular ships, but the importance of employing to the fullest the facilities for manufacturing electrical apparatus at Chatham Dockyard will not be overlooked.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to ask the various cotton trade organisations for their considered views on the Cotton Report; and, if so, does he propose to fix a definite date before which these replies should be received?

asked the Prime Minister if he proposes at an early date to ask Parliament for power to implement the recommendations and conclusions contained in the Cotton Report?

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary stated recently at Manchester that the Government are anxious to receive as soon as possible the considered views of the various sections of the cotton industry on the Committee's report. In view of the general recognition in Lancashire of the urgency of the problem, I am confident that there will be no delay. The second part of the question of the hon. Member for Stockport (Mr. Hammersley) does not, therefore, arise. At this stage, it would be premature to ask Parliament to take action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, taking the annual value of British goods imported into Australia during the last 12 months for which complete figures are available, he can state the amount of duty then collected on such goods and the extra amount of duty which would have been collected had the new Australian tariff been in force?

The official compilations of the Commonwealth show that, during the year ended 30th June, 1929, there were imported into Australia goods of United Kingdom origin, affected by the preferential provisions of the tariff then in operation, to a total value of £52,019,999, the duties collected on these goods amounting to £8,618,712. In addition, goods not subject to preference, mainly of classes free of duty whatever their origin, were imported into Australia from this country to a value of about £3,000,000. Owing to the nature of the provisions of the new tariff, under which for example, the importation of certain goods is prohibited or restricted, no reliable estimate of the amount of the additional duties that would have been payable on imports from this country had the new Australian tariff been applied to the imports of 1928–9 has been found possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the figures for the export of sugar machinery from this country for the first six months of this year as compared with the corresponding period for the preceding four years?

The following statement shows the total weight and declared value of sugar-making and refining machinery and parts thereof (other than centrifugal^*), of domestic manufacture, registered as exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the six months ended 30th June of each of the years 1926 to 1930.

Period.	Quantity.	Declared Value.
	Tons.	£
January to June, 1926	7,842	449,040
January to June, 1927	5,744	333,305
January to June, 1928	6,135	379,444
January to June, 1929	4,852	305,339
January to June, 1930	3,274	188,280

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of manufactured exports, the population, and the value of manufactured exports per head of the population of the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France, respectively, in 1914 and 1922?

The following statement shows, in respect of the United Kingdom, the United States and France, the values of the domestic exports of goods classed as wholly or partly manufactured, the estimated population of these countries, and the values of such exports per head of the population, during each of the years 1914 and 1922. Particulars of the exports from Germany during the whole year 1914 are not available and with regard to 1922 quantities only were recorded.

Country.	Value of Domestic Exports.	Estimated Population.	Value of Exports per head of the Population.
	Million
United Kingdom:	£.	Millions.	£	s.	d.
1914	344·5	46·0	7	9	8
1922	574·4	47·4	12	2	7
United States:
1914	200·1	97·9	2	0	10
1922	390·6	109·9	3	11	1
France:
1914	115·9	39·8	2	18	3
1922	250·9	39·4	6	7	4

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. William Gschwind, a Swiss citizen, lately an export merchant in Manchester and resident during the War as a neutral in this country; if he is aware that the German Government confiscated Mr. Gschwind's property in that country as if it were the property of a British subject; and if he will give further consideration to Mr. Gschwind's claim to be treated in accordance with the accepted principles of international law and grant him compensation out of the realised enemy assets at his disposal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Any claim which Mr. Gschwind may have in respect of the sequestration of his property lies against the German Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a general desire by all parties that legislation should be embarked upon designed to reduce risk of loss to the public arising out of frauds by solicitors convicted in the criminal courts; and will he give facilities for an agreed Solicitors Bill based upon the two Solicitors Bills recently introduced in the House?

I am aware that there is considerable demand for a Bill of the nature indicated by the hon. and gallant Member, but the pressure of public business makes it impossible for me to hold out any hope of facilities being given, even were there an immediate possibility, which I doubt, of an agreed Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to issue a White Paper giving the Government's reason from a diplomatic point of view for opposing the building of the Channel Tunnel?

It is not possible to do this.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any evidence showing that poison gas and other experiments on living animals being conducted at Porton throw any light on the effects of such poisons on human beings?

The results which have been obtained both during and since the Great War show that experiments on animals at Porton give definite evidence of the mode of action of poison gases on human beings. Indications are also obtained of the curative treatment which should be adopted, and I am advised that the knowledge thus gained resulted in great alleviation of human suffering during the Great War.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give regarding the recent disturbances in Alexandria; and what were the casualties, if any?

No final report of the total casualties has yet been received. The first reports of damage to property appear to have been exaggerated. It seems that premeditated assaults were made on the police by bands, composed mostly of youths under 18, armed with stones and soda-water bottles filled with sand. These assaults were directed, without any provocation, against the police in the main square of the town, and against several police stations. The police were unarmed, and thus powerless against such a concerted attack, but their moderation under exposure to great danger is reported to have been most praiseworthy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement regarding the use of British troops in the disturbances at Alexandria?

British troops were not used in the recent disturbances in Alexandria.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the intention of Iceland to apply for election to the League of Nations at the Assembly this year?

I have no information to this effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the right conferred by Article 12 of the Minorities Treaties upon any member of the Council of the League of Nations to bring to the attention of the Council any infraction, or any danger of infraction, of the obligation incurred by these treaties, he is prepared to call the attention of the League Council to the treatment of the White Russian and Ukrainian minorities in Poland by the Polish authorities, which constitutes an infraction of these treaties?

asked the Secretary a State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have yet considered the question of representation on the Sixth Commission of the League of Nations; and whether, having regard to the urgency of the problem, anyone has been specially appointed to deal with the question of minorities?

The policy to be adopted by His Majesty's Government in regard to the question of minorities at the forthcoming meetings of the Council and Assembly of the League of Nations is at present under careful consideration, as is the distribution of duties between the various members of the British Delegation. As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to questions on Monday last, he is making inquiries at Geneva into the alleged delays in dealing with certain Ukrainian minority petitions. I might add that a White Russian Minority petition is at present under examination by a committee of three members of the Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has recently been made in the negotiations with the United States Government for the abolition of visa fees between the two countries; and whether he will consider the immediate provisional abolition of visa fees for American subjects into this country in order to stimulate tourist traffic?

As I am informed the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hacking) on 24th February last, His Majesty's Government, after a thorough consideration of this question, came to the conclusion that, in view of the financial sacrifice involved, it is not possible to abolish or reduce the existing fee at the present time. I regret, therefore, that it is not possible to give effect to the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether instructions have at any time been given to His Majesty's consular officers in Marseilles to investigate the means by which it is alleged drugs are smuggled into England?

No such instructions have been issued.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the frequency of accidents at local fairs, such as the accident to the chairoplane at Henley Fair on Saturday night last, which resulted in injuries to five persons, he will take steps to introduce legislation providing for the periodic inspection by officials of his Department or by the local authorities of all such side-shows, in the interests of public safety?

I am afraid I cannot undertake to propose legislation on this subject. It would, I think, be difficult to devise a system of periodic inspection for travelling structures of this kind, and I am not sure that the effect might not be to weaken in some degree the responsibility towards the public for the safety of such structures which at present rests on those who erect them. So far as I know, accidents are comparatively rare.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent case where a woman was tried for murder at Stafford and sentenced to imprisonment because she agreed with her husband to commit suicide; and whether it is his intention to introduce legislation altering the law on this subject?

I have seen a newspaper report of the case. I am not prepared to introduce legislation altering the law on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that difficulty is being experienced by the herring fleet fishing in northern waters in receiving information relating to fishing which is broadcast from the station at Aberdeen; and whether, seeing that the fishermen can receive clearly from Daventry, he will arrange that these bulletins are broadcast, also from that station?

The question of a broadcast from Daventry has been considered by the Fishery Board for Scotland in consultation with the British Broadcasting Corporation, but so far it has not been possible to make an arrangement. My right hon. Friend will look into the matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of acres in Scotland laid down this year in cereal crops, turnips, sugar-beet and potatoes, respectively, and the comparable figures for last year?

I regret that I am not in a position to furnish the desired information. Agricultural returns for the current year are now being tabulated by the Department of Agriculture and provisional estimates as to the acreage of crops will be available in a few week's time, when I will communicate the figures to the hon. and learned Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of agricultural workers in Scotland under their various classes, and the comparable figures for last year?

I regret that I cannot furnish particulars for the current year. Provisional figures will be available in a few weeks time, when I will communicate them to the hon. and learned Member. Particulars for the year 1929 will be found in the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 19th February last.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases functions relating to medical and surgical treatment have been delegated to town councils, district councils, or joint committees, respectively, with the approval of the Department of Health for Scotland, under Section 13 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929?

No county council has approached the Department of Health for Scotland for approval, under the Section mentioned, of the delegation of functions relating to medical and surgical treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland under what circumstances Scottish education authorities are empowered to provide maintenance allowances for children attending primary schools; for how many weeks in the year these allowances are given; and whether Government grant is available for this purpose?

The circumstances under which Scottish education authorities are empowered to grant maintenance allowances are stated in Section 4 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918. Subject to the provisions of Subsections (1) and (3) of that Section, and to the provisions of each authority's scheme for the exercise of such powers, as approved by the Department under Section 6 (1, b) of the same Act, maintenance allowances may be granted to enable children to attend any post-primary department providing at least a three-years' course of instruction beyond the stage known as the "qualifying stage." Allowances are as a rule made on a sessional, not on a weekly, basis. No grant is specifically earmarked to aid the expenditure on maintenance allowances, but the general grant made under Section 21 (2, a) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, is available for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to adopt the recommendation of the departmental committee set up to inquire into the administration of the existing casual ward system, that stonebreaking should only be allowed as a task after a special request to allow it has received the sanction of the Minister of Health?

The report to which the hon. Member refers has only recently been received, and is under consideration. I hope to publish it in due course, and until then I think it better not to announce what action I propose to take on any particular recommendation.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the public assistance committee of Dorset-shire desires to house 80 children of both sexes in an old workhouse at Beaminster; and whether he proposes to assent to this course?

The Dorset County Council have asked whether I am prepared to sanction a proposal of the public assistance committee to allocate temporarily the Beaminster Institution for the accommodation of children chargeable to the county whom it is not possible to deal with by boarding-out. I am not at present satisfied that the proposal is desirable or practicable, and I propose to communicate with the council on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the public assistance committee of Wakefield desires to dispense with the boarding-out committee, and consequently with the services of the three women whom the boarding-out committee must include; and whether he proposes to assent to that course?

The council's administrative scheme under Part I of the Local Government Act, 1929, contains no provision for co-opting to committees persons who are not members of the council and they have asked for my sanction to a proposal that the public assistance committee should act as the boarding-out committee. This committee contains only two women members, and I have informed the council that I attach importance to the requirement that there should be at least three women members of the boarding-out committee and am advised that article 98 (1) of the Public Assistance Order, 1930, confers upon the council power to co-opt one or more women to their boarding-out committee.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses completed during the quarters ended 31st December, 1929, and 31st March, 1930, under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924?

The numbers were 14,507 and 10,571 respectively.

asked the Minister of Health if, for the purpose of preventing fresh overcrowding when the Housing (No. 2) Bill comes into law and is put into effect, he will, at an early date, issue model bye-laws for the guidance of local authorities wishing to act under Sections 6 (1) (a), 7, and 68 of the Housing Act, 1925?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health if, in the case of those applicants for a pension under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1929, where the application is still under consideration, but is subsequently admitted, pension payments will be made retrospective from 1st July, 1930, for those who are entitled to participate as from that date?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health the procedure required by his Department to be followed by those applicants for widows' or old age pensions who are unable to produce birth certificates in proof of their age?

The procedure adopted does not require applicants for pension to produce birth certificates in proof of their age. The Department applies to the Registrar-General for verification of the particulars of birth supplied by applicants. If the reference to the Registrar-General is unsuccessful, particulars are obtained to enable search to be made in the census records. If this also fails, the applicant is given an opportunity of producing any other evidence of age which may be available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will recommend the appointment of a commission or committee to make full inquiries into the causation of mental deficiency; into its relationship to other abnormal conditions and social problems; and into any measures, including both segregation and sterilisation, by which it might be prevented.

I cannot undertake to recommend the appointment of the suggested Commission at the present time; but the desirability of initiating such an inquiry will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received the report on the facts regarding the spread of tuberculosis from cattle to men promised on 6th February last; and, if not, when he expects to receive and publish it?

I have not yet received this report, and at present I am unable to say when it will be completed.

asked the Minister of Health what are the latest figures that he has in his possession showing the number of small-pox deaths registered in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Russia?

According to the official returns received from the countries in question, no deaths from small-pox were registered during the year 1929 in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Sweden, or Denmark, while three deaths occurred in Spain. According to the figures published by the Health Section of the League of Nations, there were no deaths from small-pox in France during 1929, while five deaths occurred in Italy during 1927, which is the latest year for which information is available in respect of that country. No particulars are available in regard to deaths from small-pox in Russia.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of the following diseases were notified during the year 1929 in England and Wales and how many deaths were registered from the same diseases: measles, scarlet fever, influenza, diphtheria, small-pox, chickenpox, and tuberculosis?

Influenza is not notifiable in England and Wales, and measles and chicken-pox are notifiable only in certain areas. The number of notified cases of these diseases cannot, therefore, be stated. Such figures as are available are shown in the following table:

—	England and Wales (including Port Sanitary Districts).	England and Wales.
	Gases notified (excluding non-civilians) in 52 weeks ended 28-12-29.	Deaths registered in Calendar year 1029 and classified to disease named.
Measles	—	3,388
Scarlet Fever	120,232	717
Influenza	—	29,084
Diphtheria	62,774	3,446
Smallpox	10,967	39
Chicken-pox	—	53
Tuberculosis (all forms).	69,178	37,990

asked the Minister of Health if an inspection of hop fields was conducted by the officers of his Department during the 1929 season; and, if so, whether the reports satisfy him as to the adequate protection of the hoppickers?

11 rural districts in which hop fields are situated were visited by an officer of my Department in 1929. In some instances unsatisfactory features were observed and the attention of the local authorities concerned has been drawn to them.

asked the Minister of Health how many councils in the hop-growing districts of Kent have adopted the model rules approved by the Ministry of Health for the purpose of obtaining reasonable conditions for the hoppickers?

By-laws based on the model by-laws have been adopted by 21 local authorities, covering practically all the hop-growing area in Kent.

asked the Minister of Health if any prosecutions of hop growers were undertaken during 1929 and, if so, with what result?

I have no complete information on this subject, but I am informed that fines amounting to £40 were imposed in 1929 on four hop growers in the area of the Maidstone Rural District Council for offences against the by-laws with respect to the accommodation of persons engaged in hop-picking.

asked the Minister of Health whether, following his interview with the representatives of the National Playing Fields Association, he has found it possible to take any action to safeguard the playing fields of the poorer classes of the community against high rates; and, if so, the nature of the action he intends to take?

I understand that the National Playing Fields Association are in communication with the Central Valuation Committee with a view to formulation by the committee of recommendations for the guidance of rating authorities and assessment committees.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state who will be the representatives, or how they will be selected, to attend the roundtable conference on Indian affairs called for the autumn?

I am not able to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the complications which have hitherto prevented him from deciding whether or not the Statutory Commission's Report should be translated into certain Indian languages; and how soon he expects to surmount these complications?

The hon. and gallant Member is mistaken in supposing that no decision has been reached. Arrangements have been afoot for some time to facilitate translation; and I understand that negotiations are proceeding for an Urdu version. I hope shortly to be in a position to inform the House what results have followed the plans suggested to the Provincial Governments for translations into other Indian languages.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any announcement to make with reference to the policy of the Government concerning the separation of Burma from India, as recommended in the Simon Report?

It would be premature for me to make any statement on this matter.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when the bowling greens in Hyde Park will be ready for the use of the public; and what will be the hours and conditions of play?

I have decided that, in order to allow the turf to consolidate and become thoroughly established, play should not be allowed until next season. The hours and conditions of play are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that an applicant for increase of pension on the ground of deterioration is not granted a full medical board; under What regulation such claims are considered only by one medical officer; and if he will take steps to see that a full medical board is granted in each case and that the man's own medical adviser, who is fully conversant with the man's condition, is consulted before a decision is arrived at, so as to protect adequately the interests of the men concerned?

Medical examination and certification may, under the terms of the Warrant, be carried out by one or more medical officers according to the circumstances of the case. The class of case to which my hon. Friend refers is one in which examination by an experienced medical officer is normally sufficient, though a specialist or another medical officer may be associated with him where necessary. Opportunity is given, especially where an applicant has been recently under the care of his private practitioner, to furnish any statement from such practitioner, and full consideration is always given to the statement, but it would not be practicable or necessary to adopt the practice suggested by my hon. Friend in every case.

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of telegraph poles are home grown, what proportion come from the Dominions, and what proportion from abroad?

Telegraph poles purchased by the Department are mainly of foreign origin. During the last three years only 1.2 per cent. of the requirements were forthcoming from home sources. Dominion poles are ruled out owing to the heavy cost of freight.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what part of the Hague agreements of January, 1930, binds the creditor nations to exempt the operations of the annuity trust account of the Bank of International Settlements from all taxation, present and future; what countries have implemented this agreement by national legislation; and will he give details?

The first paragraph of Article X of the agreement with Germany, signed at the Hague on 20th January, 1930, reads as follows:

"The contracting parties will take in their respective territories the measuree necessary for securing that the funds and investments of the bank, resulting from the payments by Germany, shall be freed from all national or local fiscal charges." (Command Paper 3484, page 22.)

So far as this country is concerned, this agreement will be implemented by Clause 49 of the Finance Bill. I have no detailed information about the position in other creditor countries, but I understand that any necessary action has been taken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the names of the countries represented both as shareholders and directors on the International Bank?

Shares of the Bank for International Settlements have up to the present been subscribed either by central banks or by the public in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Danzig, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Rumania, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America. The board of the bank at present consists of the directors appointed under Article 28 (1) and (2) of the Statutes, belonging to the following nationalities: Belgian, British, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and United States of America.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the next report of the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors will be published; and is he aware that it is three years since the last report was published?

The Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors submitted its fifth report on 31st December, 1927, and the question of the submission of a further report is a matter for the Commission. I have no doubt that, in due course, a further report will be received. I understand that since 1st January, 1928, there have been only a few cases with which the Commission have been called upon to deal.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the occasions since 1905 upon which the cost of robes, etc., on the appointment of a Lord Chancellor has been defrayed out of the Civil Contingencies Fund?

Under an arrangement dating back to the reign of George II, each Lord Chancellor on first appointment received an allowance of £1,843 13s. from the Civil Contingencies Fund which was intended to meet the expenses of first entering office. In 1912 a new arrangement was reached under which the allowance ceased to be payable and the Lord Chancellor's actual expenses of the nature referred to are borne by the State. This arrangement was made in the interest of economy, and has operated on every occasion since 1912—seven occasions in all—on which a Lord Chancellor has received his first appointment as such.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the appointment of Registrar of the University of Oxford has been recognised as approved employment within the meaning of Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1914?

The reply is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the dumping of foreign fruit-pulp, jam makers who bought English fruit last year lost large sums of money and, in consequence, are refusing to buy English fruit this year; and whether, in view of the loss to fruit growers and the unemployment which will be caused, he will take steps to prevent the importation of fruit-pulp, or to cause jam, etc., made from it to be marked?

I have no information as to the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I am not in a position, by reason of international obligations, to consider prohibition or restriction of the importation of fruit pulp, and it is not possible under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, to arrange for jam made from such pulp to be marked with an indication of origin. The best practicable form of assistance to home producers of fruit would be the adoption of a voluntary scheme for the application of the National Mark to jams made solely from homegrown fruit, and a suggestion to this effect has already been made by my Department to the Food Manufacturers' Federation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that certain sugar-beet factories are employing imported Irish labour, while agricultural labourers are unemployed in adjacent districts; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am informed that a small number of workers have been brought over from Ireland this year by two sugar-beet factory companies who state that such workers have been used only by growers unable to obtain suitable local labour. As explained in my predecessor's reply on 29th April to the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild), special efforts have been made by any Department to urge growers to use local labour, and I now understand that the two factories mentioned will adopt this practice in future.