asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Treaty of Rapallo between Germany and Soviet Russia has been communicated in full to the League of Nations; and what are the terms upon which it can be denounced by either party?

The text of the Treaty of Rapallo was signed on 16th April, 1922, and was registered with the League of Nations on 19th September, 1923. It was concluded between the German Reich and the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic, and contained no provision for denunciation. A further treaty (dated 5th November, 1922) extended the application of the Treaty of Rapallo to the Ukraine, White Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Far Eastern Republic, and was concluded between Germany and these States. This Treaty was registered with the League of Nations on 13th July, 1924. Article 8 appears to provide for denunciation at three months' notice (a) of Articles 3 to 6, and (b) of Article 4 of the Treaty of Rapallo (in so far as this applies). The exact scope of the Article is not, however, entirely clear, and I am sending it to the hon. and gallant Member so that he may form his own conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with regard to the question of Ukrainian minority petitions which was raised at the recent meeting of the Council of the League of Nations, what is the membership of the committee of three set up to deal with this matter; and what further action is proposed?

The committee was set up in accordance with the usual procedure whereby the President of the Council invites two of his colleagues to act with him. My right hon. Friend, as President of the Council, was fortunate enough to secure the collaboration of the Italian and Norwegian delegates. The committee held one meeting before the session ended, and it is proposed to hold further meetings in London shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the China Indemnity Bill proposes the expenditure in this country of a large sum of money for the relief of unemployment, he proposes to expedite its passage through the House?

The hon. Member will have observed that the Second Reading of this Bill was taken on the day of the resumption of the House after the Christmas Adjournment. There will be no avoidable delay, so far as the Government are concerned, in taking the further stages.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the large sales of silver made in recent years by the Government of India, of the low world price for this metal, and of the consequent reduction of the purchasing power of Far Eastern countries, he will approach the Governments of the United States and France with a view to taking such joint action as may Le possible to rehabilitate the value of silver?

I am not aware that any practicable proposals for the rehabilitation of the value of silver have hitherto been suggested, and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by action on the lines suggested by the Noble Lord.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the continued drain of gold from the Bank of England, the Treasury is in consultation with the Bank with a view to increasing the fiduciary issue?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the recommendations of the gold delegation of the League of Nations; and what international action it proposes thereon?

The further interim report of the gold delegation relating to the distribution of gold which has just been prepared is being transmitted by the League to the various Governments for their consideration, and time will be required for its study before any view can be expressed as to further action.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to take steps to secure the better treatment of pre-War pensioners and, if so, what?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state what action he proposes to take in regard to pre-War pensioners?

His Majesty's Government are unable to contemplate legislation to amend the Pensions (Increase) Acts. Steps have been taken, however, to simplify the existing inquiry into means in all cases in which an increase of pension has been received for at least three years and is payable wholly and finally from the British Exchequer. I am in communication with the various Departments concerned as to whether a similar arrangement can be made in the remaining cases.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether instructions have been issued to allow to pensioners the benefit of sums of money expended on the repair to their houses and to award the percentage increases on the actual net income derived from their property in all cases where pensions are subject to an income limit?

Provision is already made in the Treasury Regulations dated 1st October, 1924, under Section 4 of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, for a deduction from the gross value of house property in respect of the cost of repairs. If the hon. Member can supply me with particulars of any cases in which it is considered that this allowance has not been made, I will have the matter inquired into.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the committee he set up for the sale of surplus Government property has yet reported; if so, whether any sales have been effected which they have recommended; and, if so, what land has been sold?

The committee has not yet reported.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount that this country will receive from inter-allied debts and reparations combined during the financial year 1931–32; and what sum will be paid by this country to the United States of America under the debt settlement during the same period?

During the financial year 1931–32 this country should receive £33,350,000 from inter-allied debts and reparations together, and the amount payable in respect of the British War Debt to the United States Government is equivalent to £32,864,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the outstanding capital sum of our debt to the United States of America is represented by the annuity payable this financial year under the settlement made by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bewdley; and what are the corresponding figures for the debt settlements with the United States of America made by France and Italy, respectively?

—				Present values on basis of interest rates stated and percentage that present value bears to debt prior to funding.
Country.(1)			Debt prior to funding.(2)	3 per cent. (3)	Per cent.	4¼ per cent. (4)	Percent.	5 per cent. (5)	Percent.
			$	$		$		$
Great Britain		…	4,715,310,000	4,922,702,000	104·4	3,788,470,000	80·3	3,290,948,000	69·9
France		…	4,230,777,000	2,734,250,000	64·6	1,996,509,000	47·2	1,681,369,000	39·7
Italy	…	…	2,150,150,000	782,321,000	36·4	528,192,000	24·6	426,287,000	19·8

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the secretary of the Scottish Education Department, in addressing the Glas-

The annuity payable to the United States Government this financial year under the Debt Funding Agreement represents 3.6 per cent. of the capital outstanding at the beginning of the financial year; the corresponding figures in the case of the French and Italian Debt settlements with the United States are approximately 1 per cent. and 0.7 per cent. respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in actual figures and in percentages, what was the then present worth of the annuities payable under the debt settlement with the United States of America, negotiated by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bewdley, as compared with the original capital amount of the debt; and what were the corresponding figures in respect of the debt settlements with the United States of America made by France and Italy, respectively?

The present worth of the annuities payable under the debt settlements with the United States of America, as compared with the original capital amounts of the various debts prior to funding, varies according to the rate of interest assumed for the calculation. In the Combined Annual Report of the United States Foreign Debts Commission (page 443) calculations are given on the basis of the interest rate being 3 per cent., 4¼ per cent. and 5 per cent., and the following figures are extracted from this statement:gow local association of the Educational Institute, on 27th November last, emphasised existing defects in primary education and urged that various items in the primary curriculum in arithmetic, grammar, spelling, notes on authors, history, geography, and science everywhere should be jettisoned; and whether, in view of this statement, and his answer to a question in the House on 24th June, 1930, that 60 per cent. of the girls and boys sent forth from the day schools have failed in various degrees to reach the normal goal in education, the Council of Education in Scotland proposes to issue to teachers a revised curriculum for primary education in which unnecessary items will be eliminated and attention concentrated upon the essentials of a sound primary education?

I am aware of the address to which the hon. Member refers, and I am now considering the issue of a circular on the question with which it dealt.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a statement made on 14th January by the Secretary of the Scottish Education Department that in Leith Academy, out of 350 who started on a higher grade course, only 14 gained the leaving certificate, that Leith was an example of what occurred in many, if not most, of the secondary schools in Scotland, and that a solution must be found for this problem, which was one of the most serious educational problems in Scotland; and whether, in view of these statistics and his statement in reply to a question in the House on 1st July, 1930, that out of 77,996 pupils who passed the qualifying standard in primary education 10,550, or nearly 14 per cent., left school without completing even one year in an advanced division, he will now supply a table showing for the secondary schools under each education committee in Scotland statistics on a similar basis to those stated for Leith Academy; whether he will state, in view of the failure to take advantage of advanced education in Scotland, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation; and how those schools which were provided for full courses of higher education, but which are now taken advantage of only to the extent stated, may be utilised?

My attention has been called to the statement referred to, and when the statistics for which the hon. Member now asks have been tabulated, I will, with his permission, communicate them to him. With regard to the last part of the question, I can assure the hon. Member that this matter is receiving the most earnest consideration of the Department and the education authorities. In the secondary schools alternative courses are being steadily evolved with a view to meeting the needs of pupils of varying types of ability and to preparing them for commerce and industry as well as for the professions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the attention called by the Secretary of the Scottish Education Department to the state of education in the secondary schools, and the opinion he has expressed that the curriculum for primary education is a matter for careful investigation which should be undertaken without delay, he will, in the interest of education and of the parents and ratepayers, and in view of the fact that education in Scotland has, under the Local Government Act, 1929, now passed from the education authorities to new education committees of county councils or town councils, appoint a special committee of inquiry to investigate the whole subject of education in Scotland and its administration?

As these matters are at present receiving the careful consideration of the Department and the local authorities, I am satisfied that the appointment of such a committee would serve no useful purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres of land fit for agricultural purposes have been purchased or otherwise acquired by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland; how many holders or occupiers have been dispossessed; and whether, in view of the growing disquietude in the minds of those occupying farms or holdings on account of the Forestry Commissioners' activities in acquiring agricultural land for afforestation, it is the intention of the Government to reconsider their policy of land acquisition and to take for afforestation only land which is not in all respects suitable for smallholdings or farms?

9,035 acres of land fit for agricultural purposes have been purchased or otherwise acquired by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland. This is less than 3 per cent. of the total area of 326,000 acres of land acquired. Eleven holders or occupiers have been dispossessed. By agreement with owners and occupiers the Commission arranged changes in agricultural or grazing tenancies numbering 33 in all, and have formed or are forming 91 forest workers' holdings in their place. On the agricultural land acquired by the Commission 227 forest workers' holdings have been formed and 90 others are being formed. The Department of Agriculture has also utilised some of the land for holdings. As regards the last part of the question, the Commissioners do not afforest land suitable for agricultural cultivation, but utilise it, as already stated, for closer settlement. In so doing they give every consideration to farming tenants.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Mates Committee has completed the taking of evidence; and whether a complete or an interim report will be ready in time for the Navy Estimates Debate this year?

The committee has completed taking evidence and is preparing its report. I am unable at present to say when the Admiralty's decision on the recommendation of the committee will be made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of executive special entry cadets entered annually since 1913 and the number remaining on the active list, stating present ranks?

Up to and including the year 1923, special entry cadets were not earmarked on entry for executive duties. The figures given below for the years 1913 to 1923 inclusive show the number of special entry naval cadets entered for Executive and Engineering duties. The figures for the years 1924 onwards show the numbers entered for executive duties:For either Executive or Engineering duties—

1913	…	…	…	…	42
1914	…	…	…	…	62
1915	…	…	…	…	63
1916	…	…	…	…	83
1917	…	…	…	…	134
1918	…	…	…	…	158
1919	…	…	…	…	46
1920	…	…	…	…	15
1921	…	…	…	…	16
1922	…	…	…	…	15
1923	…	…	…	…	15

For Executive duties—

1924	…	…	…	…	15
1925	…	…	…	…	28
1926	…	…	…	…	28
1927	…	…	…	…	30
1928	…	…	…	…	18
1929	…	…	…	…	14
1930	…	…	…	…	11
Total	…	…	…	…	793

I regret the information asked for in the second part of the hon. Member's question is not readily available, and the detailed investigation in tracing the individual records appears hardly to be justified.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers of warrant officers and ratings promoted to mate annually since the inception of the scheme, and the number remaining on the active list, stating present ranks?

The numbers of annual promotions to the rank of acting mate are as follow:

Year.					No. of promotions.
1913	…	…	…	…	44
1914	…	…	…	…	31
1915	…	…	…	…	108
1916	…	…	…	…	51
1917	…	…	…	…	92
1918	…	…	…	…	43
1919	…	…	…	…	0
1920	…	…	…	…	11
1921	…	…	…	…	3
1922	…	…	…	…	6
1923	…	…	…	…	6
1924	…	…	…	…	6
1925	…	…	…	…	5
1926	…	…	…	…	9
1927	…	…	…	…	7
1928	…	…	…	…	8
1929	…	…	…	…	5
1930	…	…	…	…	6

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as the Washington Treaty, Chapter II., Part IV., requires a warship in the standard condition to have on board an equipment of miscellaneous stores and implements intended to be carried in war limited only by its storage capacity, the board is satisfied that all parties to the Treaty act up to this view?

The Board of Admiralty have no reason to suppose that any of the signatories of the Washington Treaty fails to include the full war equipment of miscellaneous stores, etc., when calculating the standard displacement of their ships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what period are provisions and fresh water for crews of warships calculated for standard displacement; and whether the Board are satisfied that the naval Powers have this same period in view in making their computations?

The period for which the weight of provisions and fresh water allowed in the standard displacement of ships of the Royal Navy varies slightly in the different types, but is that which has been found by experience to be sufficient for the intended service. It is not known if this period is the same as that taken in the corresponding types in other Navies.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Washington Treaty, Chapter II., Part IV., is interpreted by the Board as requiring that a warship in the standard condition shall have its magazines full to capacity; whether he is satisfied that the naval authorities of the other signatories hold the same view of the Treaty's requirements on this point or, if not, what number of rounds per gun is allowed in computing standard displacement; and whether he is satisfied that the naval authorities of the other signatories make the same allowance?

So far as ships of the Royal Navy are concerned, the usual standard number of rounds for each calibre of gun carried is allowed for in the standard displacement, and the magazines are designed for the stowage of that number. It is not known if the standard numbers of rounds, or the weight of ammunition and shell per round, is the same in other Navies as in the Royal Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what kind of service, in the opinion of the Board, the Washington Treaty, Chapter II, Part IV requires that a warship in the standard condition shall be fully manned; what is the weight per man assumed in the computation of standard displacement; and whether he is satisfied that the naval aultorities of the other signatories hold the same view as to what kind of service the Treaty envisages and as to the requirements in men of that service, and assume the same weight per man in making such computations?

The reply to the first part of the question is for war service, as stated in the definition. The Board of Admiralty have no reason to suppose that other signatories take a different view. The weight allowed in the standard displacement for each man and his personal belongings is 320 pounds. The weight allowed by other signatories to the Treaty is not known.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that only two out of the 10 heavy ships in commission are manned from Chatham, Kent, and that only two cruisers, "Hawkins" and "York," are so manned from Chatham; and whether he will consider the desirability of causing additional ships to be manned from Chatham, so that the relative number of ships so manned shall be equal to those manned from other naval dockyard towns?

I am unable to reconcile the figures in the first part of the question with the facts as shown in the Navy List. A perusal of the latter will show that a proper proportion of the ships of the Royal Navy is manned from Chatham.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the estimated amount sanctioned for Government schemes that has been spent to date, excluding expenditure from the Road Fund; and what is the approximate cost at the present rate of expenditure to provide direct employment for one unemployed person for a period of 12 months?

The approximate expenditure to 31st December, 1930, on schemes assisted under Part I of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929, is £3,354,000. As regards expenditure on schemes under Part II of that Act and under the Colonial Development Act, I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Northampton (Mr. Malone) on 22nd January. In reply to the second part of the question, I would remind the right hon. Gentleman of the estimates made on various occasions that the direct

—		Wholly Unemployed.			Temporarily Stopped.			Total.
		17th December, 1928.	16th December, 1929.	22nd December, 1930.	17th December, 1928.	16th December, 1929.	22nd December, 1930.	17th December, 1928.	16th December, 1929.	22nd December, 1930.
Men	…	5,242	5,327	9,120	7,304	8,432	11,799	12,546	13,759	20,919
Boys	…	147	118	289	169	168	381	316	281	670
Women	…	4,278	5,675	15,617	10,805	11,155	18,080	15,083	16,830	33,697
Girls	…	97	101	205	492	329	752	589	430	957
Total		9,764	11,216	25,231	18,770	20,084	31,012	28,534	31,300	56,243

asked the First Commissioner of Works what progress is being made with the provision of the new Employment Exchange at Bristol?

Drawings, specifications, etc., of the proposed new building are in hand, and it is hoped to commence building operations in June next.

asked the Minister of Agriculture for an estimate of the number of unemployed persons for whom work will be found under the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Bill, Parts I and II?

As regard smallholdings to be provided under Part II of the employment given by an expenditure of £1,000,000 on public works is about 2,000 men for one year. The basis of the present rate of expenditure for the cost per man employed, which is suggested by the right hon. Gentleman, would involve the collection of material which is not currently available and which would not be likely to yield any more accurate result.

asked the Minister of Labour the respective numbers of partially and totally unemployed, respectively, in the woollen and textile industry of the West Riding of Yorkshire for the months of December in 1914, 1928, 1929, and 1930?

The following table gives the numbers of insured persons classified as belonging to the wool textile industry recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in the West Riding of Yorkshire at the dates stated below; corresponding statistics for December, 1914, are not available.Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Bill, my hon. Friend will realise that in addition to the unemployed persons who will be provided with holdings, labour will be required in connection with the work of equipping the new holdings, including the erection of houses and agricultural buildings, the provision of water supply, drainage, etc. The manufacture and provision of the materials for such work will also employ labour. As regards Part I of the Bill, labour will also be required as a result of the operation of the provisions which deal with the reclamation and reconditioning of land. I fear, however, that it is quite impossible to state any estimate of the number of unemployed persons who will be found work, but when the Bill is in full opera- tion the number will clearly be large, and even in the first year it will, it is hoped, be considerable.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons, specifying

Numbers of Persons on the Registers of the Chatham Employment Exchange m November and December, 1930.
Date.			Men.	Boys.	Women.	Girls.	Total.
1930.
3rd November	…	…	3,685	287	576	277	4,825
10th November	…	…	3,696	276	614	296	4,882
17th November	…	…	3,745	246	581	240	4,812
24th November	…	…	3,633	218	553	242	4,746
1st December	…	…	3,650	208	566	240	4,664
8th December	…	…	3,732	210	563	247	4,752
15th December	…	…	3,787	204	537	225	4,753
22nd December	…	…	3,708	224	488	204	4,624
29th December	…	…	3,947	260	497	221	4,925

asked the Minister of Labour what will be the estimated cost by extending transitional period benefits for a further year from April next, with the unemployment register carrying an average of 2,000,000 and 2,500,000 unemployed, respectively?

In order to answer this question, it will be necessary to make a study of contribution records and other data. These are being collected as quickly as possible, and if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat the question in the week after next, I hope to be able to furnish him with an estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of emigrants who were assisted in 1930 under the Imperial Settlements scheme?

The exact figures are not yet available, but approximately 13,000 migrants proceeded to the Dominions during 1930 with assistance under the Empire Settlement Act, in addition to about 17,000 migrants who proceeded to Canada under the special £10 rate.

The following table gives the information desired:

asked the Minister of Labour what is the index figure of real wages now as compared with the index figure for each of the last three years?

Index numbers are given below showing the approximate average level of full-time weekly rates of wages and of working-class cost of living in each of the years 1929 and 1930, and at 1st January, 1931, in relation to the average level in 1928 taken as 100:

	Rates of Cost of
	Wages.	Living.
1928 (average of year)	100	100
1929 (do.)	99½	99
1930 (do.)	99	95
1931 (1st January)	99	92½

On this basis the average level of rest wages for a full week (the average for 1928 being expressed at 100) was approximately 100½ in 1929, 104 in 1930, and 107 at 1st January, 1931. These figures take no account of changes in actual earnings resulting from changes in the state of employment and other causes.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total amount subscribed to the political funds of all trades unions making returns of such funds during each of the years 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930?

The total amount subscribed to political funds of all trade unions making returns was as follows:

Year.		Registered Unions.	Unregistered Unions.*	Total.
		£	£	£
1924	…	146,176	—	146,176
1925	…	154,514	—	154,514
1926	…	137,006	—	137,006
1927	…	136,692	—	136,692
1928	…	100,489	69,612	170,101
1929	…	107,034	50,632	157,666
Figures for 1930 are not yet available.
* Before 1928 the Chief Registrar had no power to require returns from unregistered unions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement as to the ratification of the Tariff Truce by His Majesty's Government, as it is due for confirmation on 1st February?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement on this subject that I made in the House last Tuesday in reply to questions, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give figures of the production of buttons for each quarter of 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930?

Complete figures of the production of buttons are not available. Particulars furnished by the British Button Manufacturers' Association that relate to the output of a substantial part of the trade in 1927, 1928, 1929 and the first half of 1930, show that there was an increase in the number of buttons made in 1928 compared with 1927 of about 6 per cent. and that in 1929 the increase relative to 1927 was about 20 per cent. Particulars in respect of the first half of 1930 show some reduction on those for the corresponding period of 1929. It is not known how far the kinds of buttons made were similar throughout these periods, nor are separate particulars given for the descriptions of buttons liable to duty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government are proposing to take with reference to the flag discrimination practised by Portugal in international trade, in view of the importance of the matter to the British Commonwealth of Nations?

I can only add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham East (Sir A. Pownall) on 17th December, that His Majesty's Ambassador was informed by the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs on 22nd January that the decree to abolish the discriminatory quay dues had already been drafted and would be submitted to the Council of Ministers during this week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement regarding the closing of Polish ports to British steamers carrying emigrants; whether any official representations have been made to the Polish Government on behalf of the British shipping lines affected; and, if so, what has been the result?

The Polish Government recently issued a decree which made the grant of concessions to carry emigrants to North America conditional on their carriage direct from Dantzig or Gdynia to the country of destination. As the British lines concerned have no direct sailings to these ports, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs instructed His Majesty's Ambassador at Warsaw to make representations on the subject to the Polish Government. These representations have so far been without result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the names of the aerodromes in this country regularly used for passenger carrying services; and whether in all cases reports as to weather over the prospective route are available to travellers by air independently of the, companies engaged in the traffic?

The air ports at Croydon and Lympne are the only aerodromes used throughout the year for the operation of regular passenger services. At both of these reports of weather conditions on the routes to the Continent, received through the Meteorological Department of the Air Ministry, are posted up for the information of passengers. I may add that in the case of any other civil aircraft proceeding abroad (which would in all cases be from one or other of the various Customs aerodromes) the latest weather report for the route is always obtainable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the present position of the negotiations between Imperial Airways and the Italian Government with regard to the route to be taken by the Indian air mail service; and whether permission has now been obtained to fly over Italian territory?

Representatives of the British and Italian Air Ministries recently settled in Rome the details of an agreement under which, in return for certain reciprocal facilities, the Italian Government will permit Imperial Airways, Limited, to resume operation by their former route over Italian territory. The question of taking advantage of this permission is now under consideration by the company.

asked the Minister of Health how many insured persons have lost health insurance credit by reason of defaulting employers; in how many cases have proceedings been taken by the Department against employers; and whether loss of credit, in these circumstances, is followed by loss of benefit to the insured person?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The number of cases in which legal proceedings for non-payment of health insurance contributions were taken against employers in England and Wales in 1930 was 1,087, and in the great majority of these, although I cannot give the exact number, the contributions were recovered and duly credited to the insured persons. Loss of credit, where it occurs, does not necessarily result in loss of benefit to the insured person, and in any event an insured person who has lost health insurance benefit through his employer's non-compliance is entitled under Section 98 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1924, to recover from him the amount lost.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make any statement with regard to the funds of approved societies as affected by the Economy Act, 1926; and whether it is proposed to increase the grants to approved societies which were decreased under the Economy Act?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 12th November last to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on the same subject. As regards the second part, I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation at an early date to provide that wives of insured men shall be eligible for pension when their husbands attain the age of 65 years?

This is one of the matters remitted to the Cabinet Committee which has been engaged on a survey of the national insurance schemes. A report has now been submitted by the Committee and is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister of Health whether the general fall in prices has been reflected in the cheaper construction of subsidy houses; and what was the average price of a council subsidy house in 1930 as compared with the average price for a similar house erected by private enterprise?

There has been a substantial fall in housing costs over the last six years. The average cost of building non-parlour houses provided by local authorities in England and Wales during 1930 was £340. I regret that information as to the cost of houses erected by private enterprise is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the fair wage clause, he has any information as to whether local authorities are using timber imported from Russia in the erection of subsidy houses?

I have no precise information on the subject, but I do not doubt that local authorities, in accordance with the advice which I have given to them, are making use to the utmost extent practicable of goods and materials of home production and manufacture.

asked the Minister of Health the number of slum clearance schemes confirmed up to date since the passing of the Housing (No. 2) Act, 1930?

I have received from local authorities in England and Wales 95 resolutions declaring areas to be clearance areas within the meaning of Section 1 of the Housing Act, 1930.

asked the Minister of Health the number of slum clearance schemes confirmed in the London area since 1st January, 1929; and whether he can give the number of persons who will require to be re-housed under these schemes?

Resolutions have been passed declaring 17 areas in London, occupied by 2,174 persons, to be clearance areas under the Housing Act, 1930. These resolutions do not require confirmation by me. In addition, one improvement scheme under the old legislation, involving provision of re-housing accommodation for 2,632 persons, was, confirmed after 1st January, 1929.

asked the Minister of Health if he is in a position to give the total number of houses built in England and Wales during 1930; what were the number built under each of the Housing Acts; and what proportion were houses letting at a rental of less than 8s. a week?

Returns as to houses erected without State assistance are obtained only for half-yearly periods ending in March and September respectively. The last year for which complete figures can therefore at present be given is that ended 30th September, 1930. During that year 161,699 houses of a rateable value not exceeding £78 (or £105 in the Metropolitan Police district) were completed in England and Wales, of which 51,324 were erected with State assistance (14 under the Housing Town Planning, &c., Act, 1919, and 51,310 under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, and 110,375 without State assistance. These figures do not include houses erected by local authorities in replacement of houses demolished under improvement and reconstruction schemes. I am unable to state what proportion of the houses in question are letting at a rental of less than 8s. a week.

asked the Minister of Health the total liability to which municipalities are now committed under the different Housing Acts which have been sanctioned by Parliament to date, as well as the total number of houses which have been constructed by local authorities and by private enterprise, respectively, giving in each case the particular housing subsidy under which these houses are being erected?

The outstanding loan debt of local authorities in England and Wales in respect of housing (including Small Dwellings Acquisition) at 31st March, 1929, the latest date for which figures are available, was approximately £416,000,000 and the total charges on rates for the year 1928–29 was £2,387,000.The following statement gives the further information desired:

Act under which the houses are subsidised.	Number of houses completed at 30th September, 1930.
	By Local Authorities.	By Private Enterprise.
Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919.	171,054	4,545
Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919.	—	39,186
Housing, etc., Act, 1923.	84,349	362,738
Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924.	308,334	6,474
Totals	563,737	412,943

asked the Minister of Health the population to be rehoused and the number of new houses to be built under new five-year schemes at Leeds, Bradford, Hull, Sheffield and York, respectively?

I have not yet received the Leeds programme, though I expect it in the course of a few days. Particulars for the other towns mentioned are as follow:

Local Authority.	Total estimated number of houses to be provided by the local authority during the next five years.	Estimated number of persons to be displaced during the next five years by action taken under the Housing Act, 1930.
Bradford C.B	4,300	9,000
Kingston-upon-Hull C.B.	7,300	14,150
Sheffield O.B.	8,750	11,250
York C.B.	1,500	3,278

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation to enable tenants to be provided with alternative accommodation in all cases where houses are condemned and where a closing order has been obtained?

Under the Act of 1930 local authorities are given special financial assistance towards the provision of houses in the place of houses con- demned and demolished by action of the authority, and I do not think that any such alteration in the law as my hon. Friend has in mind is required.

asked the Minister of Health what schemes for clearance and improvement have been put forward by the borough of Kensington; how many persons will be provided for by these schemes; and what is the estimated cost to the ratepayers after allowing for Government grants?

The programme prepared by the Metropolitan Borough Council of Kensington, in pursuance of Section 25 (2) of the Housing Act, 1930, contemplates that the schemes for clearance and improvement to be undertaken by the council during the next five years will result in the displacement of 400 persons. I understand that the council have already passed resolutions declaring two areas to be clearance areas. Two hundred and seventy-five persons will be displaced from these two areas. It is not possible at the present stage of the proceedings to estimate the cost of these two schemes.

asked the Minister of Health whether research work is done in any of the public mental hospitals; and whether the results are circulated or otherwise made available?

Yes, Sir; and particulars are published in the medical Press from time to time, and in the report of the Board of Control every year.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the post of pathologist in the area of the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board has been vacant for several months; and whether he proposes to take steps to secure the filling of the post by a fully qualified pathologist?

I understand that this post is vacant. I hope that it will be filled, but the matter is wholly within the discretion of the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to make the experienced medical men from the existing public mental hospitals available as consultants in connection with the developments under the recent Medical Treatment Act?

It is certainly hoped that with the co-operation of the local authorities the services of medical officers in public mental hospitals may become available, for example, in connection with out-patient treatment and other developments under the Mental Treatment Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet come to a decision with regard to preventing the sale for human consumption of portions of imported mutton and lamb cut from carcases in which there has been evidence or suspicion of caseous lymphadenitis?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to any further measures which may be found desirable for the control of imported severed parts of mutton and lamb. If any evidence is found, upon inspection in this country, of the presence of this disease in any portion of mutton and lamb, the whole piece should, in accordance with the recommendations of my Department, be condemned.

asked the Minister of Health if there are any ports in Britain which do not put into operation the recommendation of his Department that where evidence of caseous lymphadenitis is found in portions of imported mutton and lamb the whole carcase should be destroyed?

I am not aware of any ports in England or Wales at which this recommendation is not put into operation. Any question in regard to Scotland should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the flooding with sewage-tainted water of domestic premises in Kensington; whether plans have been prepared by the borough council of Kensington for the improvement of the main-drainage system in the borough; and whether premises known to be liable to such flooding are still in use or have been evacuated?

I have made inquiry and understand that this flooding occurs only in times of very exceptional rainfall, and that the main sewerage system serving the borough is now otherwise sufficient. The premises which have experienced flooding are still in use, but any necessary cleansing has been done to the satisfaction of the local sanitary authority.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet in a position to state what action he proposes to take in connection with the death of Joseph Brooks in Ward A of Hackney Hospital?

I am informed that the London County Council still have this matter under consideration, and I am awaiting the result.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Gertrude. Elizabeth Hunt, of Chapel Court, Dover, who died at the age of 34 from anæmia and general exhaustion from lack of suitable nourishment; and, seeing that this woman was in receipt of poor relief, what steps is he taking to see that the relief granted by public assistance authorities is adequate?

I have at present only seen a newspaper report of the case, but I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in the boroughs of Gillingham and Chatham, Kent, for the months of November and December last, respectively?

The information desired by the hon. Member is not available. Persons in receipt of poor relief are now chargeable to counties and county boroughs as a whole, and are not assigned to smaller areas in the returns received in my Department.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation providing that an appeal shall lie to quarter sessions against acquittals by courts of summary jurisdiction of persons charged with cruelty to children or animals, as in the case of acquittals under the Inland Revenue Acts and the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894?

The general principle of English law is that while the prosecution can go to the High Court on a question of law it cannot, on a question of fact, appeal to quarter sessions against an acquittal. I know of no sufficient ground for proposing a departure from this principle in the particular classes of eases referred to. The other Acts mentioned stand on a special footing.

asked the Home Secretary the number of registration certificates granted to coloured alien seamen for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The latest figures in my possession show that there were, early in December last, 3,501 registered coloured alien seamen in the 18 police districts where such persons are chiefly found.

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases during the previous two years in which a verdict of murder has been returned in the coroner's court against some person or persons unknown, and for which no subsequent arrest or conviction has taken place?

In the years 1928 and 1929, taken together, there were known to the police murders of 13 persons aged one year and upwards in respect of which murder suspects were neither arrested nor found to have committed suicide. There were also in the two years taken together murders of 39 infants aged under one year in respect of which no arrests were made, usually because the infants were newly-born and their bodies were discovered in circumstances that gave no tangible clue.

asked the Home Secretary how many experiments on living animals were conducted in each of the last 10 years at the Royal Veterinary College and by the advisors or professors associated with the college?

I regret that this information is not available. It would be a long and laborious business to collect these particulars; probably in view of the changes of personnel which necessarily take place in a period of years many of the details would now be unobtainable; and I regret I could not undertake to attempt to procure them.

asked the Home Secretary the names of the members of the British League of Nations Calendar Reform Committee of Inquiry; and when a report is expected?

I regret that I am not in a position to give the information asked for. The constitution of the committee and the organisation of its inquiry are an entirely private and voluntary matter, and I am not in possession of a complete list of the members, or of information as to the progress of the inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary how many of what are known as "smash and grab" raids have taken place in the last 12 months for which the figures are available, together with the estimated value of the property involved; and in how many cases have the thieves been caught and convicted?

Between 26th January, 1930, and 25th January, 1931, 246 shops were broken into by means of "smash and grab" raids in the Metropolitan Police District. The total estimated value of property involved was £27,025 9s. 4½d. In 78 cases the thieves were arrested and convicted. Figures for other police districts are not available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a general statement as to the progress made with the new motor police and the methods of dealing with "smash-and-grab" raids without disclosing confidential methods; whether he can indicate in what way the public can best assist; whether he will deal especially with the question of the receivers of stolen property; and whether fresh legislation is needed in regard to the latter?

The police have for some years made use of motor vehicles in connection with the prevention and detection of crime of various kinds, and their increased mobility makes them better able to deal with "smash-and-grab" raiders among other types of offenders. The new motor patrols have been instituted primarily to deal with traffic, and it is too soon to say whether their presence on the roads will have any effect in reducing the number of crimes of this kind. The police find that when these raids are in progress the public are slow to intervene by taking active steps to impede the raiders in making their escape. I do not understand in what way it is suggested that I should deal with receivers of stolen property, and I am not aware that fresh legislation regarding them is required.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the varying decisions given by different magistrates, it is his intention to give any further definitions as to what constitutes a proper pillion seat on motor cycles?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 22nd January to a question by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps have been taken by increased personnel to meet the rapid growth of the Welling and Bexley Heath areas; whether any new post offices have been opened; what is the latest time for the last collection at night; and whether any deliveries are made before 7.30 a.m.?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the policy of the Board as regards sanctioning grant for the payment by the local education authorities of sums not exceeding £5,000 of capital except out of revenue?

Each case in which it is desired by a local education authority that capital expenditure out of revenue should be sanctioned for grant is considered with reference to the provision made by Parliament and to the practice hitherto adopted by the authority in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture by what percentage the wages of the average agricultural labourer in England and Wales to-day exceed those of 1913; and by what percentages the prices of the principal agricultural products of England and Wales exceed those of 1913?

I have been asked to reply. Insufficient statistics are available to permit of a precise comparison between the actual wages paid to agricultural workers at the present time with those which obtained in 1913. From such information as is available, it is estimated that the average earnings of ordinary adult male agricultural workers immediately prior to the War were about 18s. per week. The average of the present weekly minimum wages in force under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, for ordinary adult male workers is 31s. 8d. per week over England and Wales as a whole but this figure takes no account of overtime payments or additional earnings at special seasons. The percentage increase in the prices of agricultural produce during December, 1930, as compared with the average of the corresponding months of 1911–13 is given in the following table:

Commodity.	Per cent.
Wheat	-17*
Barley	Nil
Oats	-20*
Fat cattle	20
Fat sheep	44
Bacon pigs	26
Pork pigs	53
Dairy cows	30
Store cattle	22
Store sheep	50
Store pigs	104
Eggs	14
Poultry	31
Milk	65
Butter	12
Cheese	16
Potatoes	49
Hay	-7*
Wool	-19*
Produce generally	26
* Indicates decrease.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many egg-packing stations have now been established in Great Britain; and how the present stock of British poultry compares with that of 1928?

At the present time the number of packers authorised in the National Mark Egg Scheme is 140 in England and Wales and 42 in Scotland. The stock of poultry (fowls and ducks) on agricultural holdings in Great Britain was 56,820,000 in 1930 as compared with 48,087,000 in 1928.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he intends to take any steps to prevent the spread of the Colorado beetle from France to this country, in view of the menace to the potato crop from this pest?

The menace to which the hon. and gallant Member refers is a matter which is at present receiving serious consideration in my right hon. Friend's Department. I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the existing Order under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, which has been in operation for some years, and which prohibits the entry of potatoes grown in France unless they are officially certified to have been grown more than 40 kilometres from any place where the Colorado beetle exists or has existed. My right hon. Friend is considering what further restrictions may be necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of workers employed in English beet-sugar factories when these are all working to their full capacity?

The number of workers employed in the beet-sugar factories in England in the manufacturing season 1930–31, when the factories were working to full capacity, was 8,741 factory staff and 669 managerial and office staff, total 9,410. (In addition, the Cupar factory in Scotland gave employment to 466 workers in the factory and 24 in the managerial department.)

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now considered the copy of the resolution passed by the council of the National Veterinary Medical Association of Great. Britain and Ireland, on 6th January last, concerning the possibility of the closing down of the Royal Veterinary College in London and asking for assistance from the State; and whether he is considering taking action in this matter in view of the national and Imperial importance of the college?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received a copy of the resolution unanimously adopted by the council of the National Veterinary Medical Association of Great Britain and Ireland, expressing concern at the possibility of the closing down of the Royal Veterinary College, London, and urging that this institution should be endowed by the State; and what action he proposes to take?

My right hon. Friend has considered the resolution in question, but he regrets that he can add nothing to the reply which he gave on 27th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver). A copy of that reply is being sent to the hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can make a statement regarding the quality of the wheat imported from Russia?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he has no information on this subject.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the reasons for the increase in the cost of fishing licences to the coracle men and the net fishermen on the Towey?

The reason given by the Fishery Board for increasing the cost of fishing licences was that its revenue was insufficient to maintain an adequate staff of water bailiffs for the proper conservation of the fisheries, and that its revenue was actually declining. My right hon. Friend approved the scale, with one exception, having satisfied himself that the considerations advanced by the Fishery Board were sound and the increases were in the circumstances reasonable. I would point out to my hon. Friend that the cost of licences for fishing for salmon with rod and line has also been increased.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give a list of the mines closed in Fife since 1924; the dates when they were closed; the number of men employed in these mines; and whether any have been reopened?

Since 1st January, 1925, 28 pits in Fifeshire, employing 4,020 wage-earners, have closed and not reopened. I will send my hon. Friend a list of these pits showing the dates of closing and the numbers normally employed at each.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the delay in publishing the 1929 annual report of the Native Affairs Department of Kenya is due to the fact that this document must be printed in England; if so, for what reason; and will he take steps to publish the report without further delay?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is regretted that the report could not be published earlier, but the preparation and printing of a long document of this nature necessarily take time; the corrected proof is now in the hands of the printers, and it is hoped to publish the report early in March, by which time copies should be available for simultaneous publication in Kenya.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the communication addressed to him from the Abersychan Urban District Council, calling his attention to the action of the landlord who is demanding 50 years' purchase for the leasehold land from the lessees in the Garndiffaeth district; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

I have, received a letter from the clerk to the urban district council though it does not represent the action of the landlord as so definite or so general as my hon. Friend suggests. However regrettable the circumstances, I am advised that the Government have no power to intervene in such transactions.