asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of lieutenant-commanders (ex-cadet) who have been promoted since the first commander (ex-mate) was selected in December, 1926, and the percentage this represents?

The total number of lieutenant-commanders (ex-cadet) who have ben promoted since December, 1926, is 194. On the average 5.6 per cent. of lieutenant-commanders (ex-cadet) in the zone have been promoted on each occasion, while since December, 1928, 4.3 per cent. of lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) in the zone have been promoted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of pilots of the Royal Air Force reserve of officers who were exempted, owing to their civilian employment, from annual training each year between 1920 and 1930, inclusive?

Flying training in the Reserve of Air Force Officers did not commence until 1923; the number of officers who were exempted from such training on account of recent practical flying on suitable types of aircraft in each of the years ended 31st March, 1924 to 1931, is as follows:—

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received any reports, and, if so, what, regarding the advent of the Colorado beetle into this country?

I am not aware of any report that the Colorado beetle has appeared in this country.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the present position as to working agreements in the various coal-mining districts; how many districts have at present no agreement; and how many agreements expire before 1st June?

Of the 21 districts into which the industry is divided for wages purposes, five have continued working on the terms of the agreements exist- ing before 1st December last; nine are working under agreements expiring at various times after 1st June next; one is working under an agreement due to expire before 1st June; and six are working on day to day contracts or other temporary arrangements without any formal agreement. Of the six mentioned last, one case has been referred for hearing by the Coal Mines National Industrial Board, and in another case terms of settlement have been arranged, although no formal agreement has yet been drawn up.