asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to announce the details of the proposed Round Table Conference on Burma?

I am circulating the names of the Burma delegates who have been invited to attend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the date when the Conference will take place?

I cannot announce the date, but the idea was to have it towards the end of the Indian Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for India, in view of the present financial situation, what reductions are contemplated in the salaries and allowances paid to troops and/or persons in the employ of the Government of India?

I am not in a position to give any information on this subject at present, but I hope to be able to do so very shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to be able to give any information to the House?

I have said that I hope to be able to give the information very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information with regard to the riots in Kashmir on Wednesday, in which a number of Moslems were killed and wounded; and whether he will make representations to the Hindu Government of Kashmir urging them to abolish the penal laws against Moslems and thus remove the causes that have given rise to this and previous rioting, which has caused loss of life?

asked the Secretary of State for India the circumstances of the present non-communal rising in Kashmir directed against the ruling dynasty; and what steps are being taken to prevent outside interference from British India or other countries with the internal affairs of this State?

On a point of Order. I believe that it is a Rule of this House that hon. Members must make themselves responsible for the statements in their questions. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fourth line of the hon. and gallant Member's question, in which reference is made to "penal laws against Moslems As this is entirely inaccurate, may I ask you if the question is in order?

On that point of Order. May I be allowed to say that the question is perfectly accurate, seeing that Moslems get seven years' imprisonment if they kill a cow?

I am afraid I cannot take any responsibility as to the accuracy or otherwise of what is stated in the question.

The facts of the recent regrettable disturbances in Kashmir have been reported in the Press. I understand that the situation was somewhat eased by the peaceable dispersion of the large crowd which had collected on Thursday evening. A further outbreak entailing loss of life is reported to have occurred on Saturday at Shupian, 30 miles south of Srinagar. The Government of India is, of course, in close touch with the situation. As regards the second part of question Number 8, I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the answer which I gave on the 24th September to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for South Derbyshire (Major Pole).

Will not the right hon. Gentleman have an impartial inquiry made, under the authority of the Viceroy, into the serious and longstanding grievances of the Kashmiri Moslems?

I must not give an answer to that question. We are dealing with the affairs of the State of an Indian Prince, and it would not be in my power to give an answer to the hon. and gallant Member's question. I can assure him, however, that we are following the matter with very close attention.

With regard to the second part of my question, as to the prevention of outside interference with the internal affairs of this State, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is not only watching the matter as regards British India, but whether our representative in Kabul has been asked to watch the situation?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that we are watching the question from every angle. We realise that it is a very important question.

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask whether it is not a fact that the State of Kashmir has been remarkably free from these Moslem-Hindu conflicts?

That does not arise out of these questions.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the policy of maintaining a fixed rate for the rupee and the present proposal of pegging it on to sterling adversely affects conditions of living in India; and whether His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of granting the Indian legislature permission to discuss this matter and decide their own policy on a free vote of the elected representatives?

As a decision has already been taken, the question of submitting the matter for decision to a free vote of the Indian Legislature does not arise. I note in the Press that the matter has been discussed by the Assembly.

In view of the adverse vote on that issue, will not the Government reconsider it?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India the progress that has been made in the inquiry by Mr. R. G. Gordon, collector of Nasik, into the revenue collection grievances in Bardoli, in accordance with the agreement arrived at between Mr. Gandhi and the Government of India before the former's departure for this country?

I have not yet received any information as to the progress of this inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give information showing the number of trade unions in India registered under the Indian Trade Union Act?

On the 31st March last the number was 132. I have no later information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the number of members of these unions?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for India the figures relating to the year 1930–31 and to the four previous years showing the amount of opium exported by the Government of India, and the total revenue received by the Government of India on this account?

I am circulating the figures.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reductions are contemplated in the allowances, salaries and pensions of the senior members of the diplomatic service, and particularly in the expenses of His Majesty's Embassies and Legations paid for out of taxes, in view of the financial situation?

The salaries of His Majesty's Ambassadors and Ministers will be subjected to the abatement of 10 per cent. applicable to all Crown servants in receipt of corresponding salaries. No reduction in the pensions of these officers is contemplated. Reductions in representation allowances are now under consideration. A special review of other expenses of maintaining His Majesty's Embassies and Legations is also being made, with a view to effecting all possible economies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the financial situation, it is proposed to cut down the expenditure on foreign Embassies and Consular services throughout the world; and what contribution towards balancing the Budget such cuts will yield?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not yet possible to state the amount by which the total expenditure will be reduced.

Would it not be a very substantial economy to withdraw some of these Embassies, which are very expensive, and to go to the League of Nations?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will request the Travel Association to issue an appeal to motor-car owners that they should not increase the strain upon the sterling by motoring for pleasure on the Continent, but that they should instead take motoring holidays in the British Isles?

The desirability temporarily of discontinuing visits to the Continent has been dealt with by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as I informed the hon. Member in reply to his question on the 24th September. The Travel Association, whose duty it is to encourage foreign visitors to come here, will seize every opportunity of bringing to the notice of foreign nationals the advantages of coining to this country.

The question I asked was with regard to people going from this country. Is anything more being done than hoping the Travel Association will intimate to our people that the Government intend to make an appeal to people in this country not to spend their holidays abroad?

The hon. Member's question leaves me in some doubt whether he heard my answer. I tried to explain that the Travel Asso- elation is only concerned with increasing the number of foreign visitors who come to this country. The other kind of propaganda has been dealt with by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the causes and circumstances of the pressure on the London gold market and its lack of support during the month of August, 1931, and with a view to preventing similar occurrences in the future?

No, Sir.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there has never been any valid reason given for the lack of support in the early days of August?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to recommend this House to put in operation that part of the Act 7 and S Vic., c. 32, s. 27, which empowers the House of Commons by vote or resolution to give notice to end the exclusive privileges of the Bank of England?

No, Sir.

Arising out of the direct negative given by the Prime Minister, does he not consider that some control over the Bank of England, which already can be obtained by the Government under this particular Act, ought to be put into operation to prevent a recurrence of the events of the early days of August?

That is a matter of opinion.

On a point of Order. My supplementary question has been kept entirely within the terms of my original question, to which I have had no reply, except a direct negative.

The supplementary question is entirely a matter of opinion.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are taking any steps to prevent foreigners gambling in the pound sterling and forcing its value down in terms of foreign currencies?

I have been asked to reply. The essential steps, which we have already taken, are to balance our Budget, to set our faces against any sort of inflationary measures, and to control exchange purchases by persons resident in this country. It is not desirable to prevent realisation of sterling assets by foreign holders at a sacrifice if they decide to do so. As regards speculation, persons who sell sterling at figures well below its intrinsic value are incurring serious risks and the remedy will come quickly enough when they begin to make losses. In the meantime it is essential that speculative operations should not be assisted by allowing foreigners or their nominees to obtain new sterling credits in this country. In this connection I welcome the decision of the Stock Exchange Committee to limit transactions to cash dealings.

Is this confined to foreigners? Have we not proof that gambling was undertaken by some of the members who signed the May Report?

I see no reason why the hon. Member should put that question, if he is well aware of the fact.

Are we to understand that there is not now, and never was, any serious danger of a great flight from the pound?

The hon. Member must assume nothing of the sort.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is intended to renew or vary the announced deductions in police pay after 1st October, 1932?

The measures which come into operation next month are designed to secure a first instalment of 50 per cent. of the total saving required. The further measures to be put into force as from 1st October, 1932, are, as already explained, reserved for consideration in detail, and I cannot at present add anything to what I said in the course of the Debate last Friday.

In view of the apprehension which exists in the police force at the announcement that it is intended to double economy in the police force next year, can the right hon. Gentleman deny that there will be a further cut next year?

I cannot say anything at present. The matter is to be considered in consultation with the Police Council.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his intention to impose upon the receivers of fixed incomes reductions equivalent to those imposed upon wage earners?

The Government's proposals have already been submitted to the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what bas, up to date, been the cost of the £80,000,000 loan, including interest and other charges?

The commissions and publicity expenses, amounting to £1,047,000, have already been paid. As regards interest, none of the Bills issued under the credits have yet matured for repayment, while the rate of interest they are earning is less than the actual current rate of interest on Treasury Bills in this country.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer say whether any of these charges are being borne by the Bank of England?

This is a highly technical matter, and I have already dealt with it in reply to a question by the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood).

Is it not the ease that the profits are made by the Bank of England and the losses are borne by the Government?

On the contrary, the profits come to the Treasury.

Is it not the fact that as the exchange stands now the loss on this transaction is equal to 9d. in the pound in Income Tax?

No Sir, I am not aware of that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total National Debt on 31st March, 1920; what was its commodity value at that date in terms of the Ministry of Labour cost of-living index with 1924 as base; what were the corresponding values at 30th March, 1931; and what was the percentage rise in the total as measured in commodities?

The total National Debt on 31st March, 1920, was £7,829,000,000, and on 31st March, 1931, £7,413,000,000. The cost-of-living figures can be calculated from published data. As, however, nearly 95 per cent. of the debt was borrowed before 1920, I do not see that any useful purpose would be served by the calculation.

Does not a calculation show that the actual value of the National Debt measured in commodities has increased the price by 30 or 40 per cent.?

The hon. Member is quite as capable as my officials to make these calculations for himself.

In view of the erroneous impression conveyed by this question, will the Chancellor of the Exchequer take steps to issue a statement showing that little or no fresh money was borrowed by the nation after 1918, and that consequently the attempt to draw conclusions from a comparison of commodity prices applicable to the period covered by the dates in this question is irrelevant and the implication misleading?

I have already stated in the reply to the question on the Paper that 95 per cent. of the Debt was incurred before 1920, and I have said in reply to previous questions of this nature that nothing at all can be deduced from such calculations as the hon. Member makes.

If the right hon. Gentleman does issue any such statement will he include in it statements made by his immediate colleagues and also by the right lion. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) in regard to this matter?

If I issue such a statement, I shall certainly include the fact that the Russian Government owe us about £1,000,000,000, and no hon. Member of this House would render greater service to his country at the present time than the hon. Member if he will induce his Bolshevik friends to pay us some of what they owe us.

Arising out of that reply, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman is Chancellor of the Exchequer, not I, would he not be more usefully fulfilling his functions if he addressed representations of that sort to France and Wall Street?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of countries which have discontinued the Gold Standard since 21st September, 1931; whether the Government has considered the advisability of reverting to the Gold Standard; and whether any negotiations are going on between the Government and other Governments on the subject of convening an international conference with a view of fixing an international standard of exchange?

Portugal, Norway, Sweden and Bolivia have temporarily abandoned the Gold Standard since 21st September, 1931, and the Government of Denmark have temporarily prohibited the export of gold. It would be premature at present to make any statement in reply to the second part of the question, since the future policy of this country will have to be decided later in the light of the existing circumstances at home and abroad, but I think it right to repeat that it is the firm determination of the Government to avoid any inflationary measures, and too much regard should not be paid to temporary fluctuations. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that all the Gold Standard countries will now follow the example of Britain? Is it not about time, that some movement was made to call an international conference?

In reply to the first part of the question, we had better wait and see.

Arising out of that reply, are we to understand that the Government have no policy at all with regard to the Gold Standard, and if that statement is not correct will the right hon. Gentleman say what the policy is?

The Government have a policy on the Gold Standard question, but it is quite impossible in an answer to a supplementary question for me to say what that policy is.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of the question asked by my hon. Friend?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can give the total percentage of income to be paid in direct and indirect taxation by taxpayers whose earned income is £50, £100, £150, £200, £500, £1,000, £2,000, £5,000 £10,000, £20,000, and £50,000 under the proposals of the Budget now before Parliament, on the basis of the tables on pages 94 and 95 of the Colwyn Corn-mission's Report, but ignoring provision for Death Duties?

The income and Sur-tax payable on the incomes in question are shown in Command Paper 3954 issued last Friday. The amount of indirect taxation borne by individuals depends very largely on their different personal tastes and the Colwyn Committee were careful to state that their estimates had no official authority. In view of the great labour involved in bringing these tables up to date and the hypothetical character of the results, my right hon. Friend does not feel justified in having their preparation undertaken.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of allowances that have been extended beyond the age of 21 to total orphans who are unable to contribute to their own support because of mental or physical infirmity?

Up to the end of June last, allowances had been extended beyond the age of 21 to 72 orphans on the ground.of permanent infirmity.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of claims that have been submitted outside the seven years' time limit during the past 12 months; and the number that have been admitted during that period either by way of award of pensions or provision of treatment?

During the 12 months ended June last, a diminishing number of new applications, amounting in the aggregate to 11,193, were received. During the same period, 13,000 claims were decided, out of which about 680 cases were admitted to pension, 275 were given other forms of pecuniary grant, and 22 were found to require not more than medical or surgical treatment.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the fact that comparatively few applicants have been awarded pensions, that they should be given some right of appeal; and will he bring pressure to bear with a view to facilitating the passing of the War Pensions (Amendment) Bill?

I am entirely in agreement with the following answer which was given by my predecessor:

"No, Sir. The arrangements which I announced to the House on the 18th November last are, in the Government's view, the preferable method of dealing with this class of case, and in the best interests of the ex-service men concerned."—[OFFICIAL, REPORT. 19th May, 1930; col. 48, Vol. 239.]

Is it absolutely necessary that the right hon. Gentleman should follow the example of his predecessor?

I am not following; the late Government copied my method of dealing with these cases, which was to deal with them administratively rather than by legislation.

Although these men's cases have not been favourably received on the first application after the seven years' period, is it or is it not a fact that, if they can produce further evidence, a further investigation can be made; and, if that be the case, is it not an argument in favour of the position taken up by the present Government, and also by the late Government

Is it not a fact that there are thousands of these ex-service men who have not got justice yet?

I should regard such a description of the action of the Ministry of Pensions, both under myself and under the Labour Government, as most inaccurate.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will state the total amount of accrued balances that have been retained by his Department under the provisions of Article 6 (1) of the 1919 Royal Warrant in respect of single ex-service men pensioned for mental trouble who have died in mental institutions?

Under the terms of the Royal Warrants no balance accrues in the circumstances referred to. No record has been kept of the amounts which would otherwise have been payable to such men had they been discharged as recovered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much of the supplementary sum of £90,000 to assist unemployed and partially employed miners to start allotments, which was voted in December, 1930, has been used in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively how much reverted to the Treasury at the end of the financial year; and how many persons have been helped during 1930 and up to June, 1931?

I regret that it is not possible to give separate figures for England and Wales respectively, while as regards Scotland I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. As regards England and Wales the sum voted to enable unemployed or partially employed persons to undertake the cultivation of allotments was £80,000, of which £35,000 was surrendered to the Treasury at the end of the last financial year. It is estimated that £43,000 will have been spent when all accounts are closed, and of this amount approximately £17,000 is repayable by the allotment holders towards the cost of seeds, fertilisers and implements supplied. Approximately 64,000 persons were helped under the scheme up to June, 1931.

Does this reply mean that the charge falling on the Treasury for allotments amounts to 8s. 6d. per head per annum?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to the number of allotments which have been taken up during each of the last five years; and whether he can state the local authorities under which the largest number have been taken up?

As the answer necessarily contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will announce his decision in respect of the balance at present available from the fund granted in December last for assisting unemployed men to cultivate allotments and small holdings; and whether, as £15,000 of this represents payments by the men concerned for supplies provided, a prompt decision will be taken in view of winter planting?

I would refer the hon. Member to my full statement on this subject in the Debate on the Adjournment on 22nd September.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the last point of my question, that £15,000 represents payments for supplies?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many drainage schemes have been submitted to his Department by catchment area boards; how many of such schemes have been approved; and the total cost?

Four catchment boards have submitted five drainage schemes, and of these, four have been approved by the Ministry. The estimated total cost of the approved schemes is £25,800.

Are we to understand that encouragement is being given to the catchment boards to proceed with drainage schemes?

The boards must, of course, have regard to the fact that there will be a limited amount of money available and only the most urgent schemes can be proceeded with

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Ouse (Yorks) Catchment Board have yet submitted any proposed schemes to his Department for draining the Doncaster area; and, if so, whether such scheme or schemes have yet been approved?

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

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that no scheme has been submitted to deal with the Ouse area?

Yes, that is so. I understand that the catchment board is considering a scheme.

In view of the terrible conditions in that part of South Yorkshire, will the right hon. Gentleman insist on the catchment board doing the job for which they were set up?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Board's inspector, who recently inspected the flooded area in and around Bentley-with-Arksey, has submitted his report; and, if so, whether, as a result of such report, any remedial measures are to be taken to prevent further flooding?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I understand that the Doncaster Area Drainage Board, with whom responsibility for remedial measures rests, have under their consideration a scheme for dealing with the flooding in this area.

Has the inspector been there, and is he prepared to submit any recommendation to the board to assist them to arrive at a decision?

I understand an inspector has been down.

Has he submitted any recommendation as to the nature of the work that shall be done?

That will not arise until a scheme is submitted by the board and goes before the Department.

Seeing that 1,506 people are now rendered homeless and that this board has been in existence for at least 2¼ years, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is the duty of the Department to insist on the board doing the job for which they were set up?

That must be r matter for the board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any schemes have been submitted to his Department by the Doncaster Area Drainage Board dealing with drainage in that area and, if so, what is the estimated cost of such schemes; and whether they have yet been approved?

One scheme has been submitted to the Ministry by the Doncaster Area Drainage Board. The estimated total cost of the scheme is £300, but I have been unable to approve a grant in respect of this expenditure.

Does that mean that the scheme has been turned down?

Yes, so far us regards a Government grant.

In view of the fact that this is the only scheme that is being put forward to deal with the flooding, is the Ministry going to take any steps to see that the question is dealt with?

This particular scheme was judged on its merits and was turned down.

In view of the flooding that has occurred where 1,500 people have been turned out of their houses, if this scheme cannot be approved, will the Minister insist on something being done?

The hon. Member must realise, as I have already stated in reply to previous questions, that until a further scheme from the Doncaster area comes before the Ministry I can express no views.

I beg to give notice that I will call attention to the matter on the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is considering and is prepared to recommend some form of assistance for the relief of agricultural depression among British farmers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 14th September last to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Buckrose (Major Braithwaite) of which I am sending him a copy.

Has any further decision been arrived at since the answer was given?

No, Sir.

That question must obviously be addressed to another quarter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the appeals of the Prime Minister and the President of the Board of Trade to help the nation in the present emergency by wise spending on British goods, he will take steps to call attention to the facilities which the public now have through the national mark of identifying British farm products?

I will gladly consider within the means at my disposal what steps can be taken to give effect to the hon. Member's proposal, and I trust that especially at the present time British housewives, as well as retailers, will take the fullest possible advantage of this means of identifying good quality home produce.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be possible to persuade cinema proprietors to issue this appeal on the screens, or some of the big corporations to do something in the matter?

The Ministry have taken every step within their power to make this as widely known as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many county agricultural committees have submitted reduced programmes of work to him; how many such reduced programmes he has approved; and what the total saving to date has been?

No such programmes have been submitted to me.

Are we to understand that the Government have abandoned this particular form of economy?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been directed to the difficulty of collecting tithe and the unpopularity with which legal action for its recovery is covered; and what action he proposes to afford relief to the tithe payers?

I cannot undertake to introduce legislation relieving landowners of the liability of their property to tithe rentcharge.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the difficulties which arose last week; and does not he think that in the present inflamed state of public opinion in industrial districts it is a bad job to set such an example?

asked the Postmaster-General the income and expenditure in the case of each of the various classes of telegrams?

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postage rates from the United States of America to this country were increased to five cents for ordinary post letters as from the 1st September, 1931; whether, under the Universal Postal Union Convention, any increase in the corresponding rate from this country to the United States becomes necessary; and, if not, whether he will consider increasing the rate in order to assist the national finances?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. It is not proposed to make any increase in the British postage rates to the United States at present; but I intend to keep this matter under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has under consideration the provision of up-to-date branch post office accommodation for Erdington, Birmingham; and if, in view of the growing population, he will expedite the matter?

It is my intention to provide a new post office and telephone exchange at Erdington and I hope that building operations will commence as soon as possession can be obtained of a site which is being acquired from the Birmingham Corporation. I regret that the negotiations with the Corporation have proved somewhat protracted.

Will my right hon. Friend see that these facilities extend to the rest of Birmingham?

This deals with a new telephone exchange in Erdington.

Will the right hon. Gentleman seriously extend his inquiries into the incomplete facilities in most towns? They are totally inadequate.

asked the Attorney-General under what circum- stances the Public Trustee office branch of the Civil Service Clerical Association has been denied permission to use the committee room in the Public Trustee office for purposes of committee meetings?

I am informed that the committee room in the Public Trustee Office is reserved for official use and that it would cause inconvenience if the room were placed at the disposal of staff associations. Suitable rooms are always available for use by staff associations whenever they are required.

asked the Minister of Health the amount paid in cash and the value of goods issued by the public assistance committee for the borough of Southwark, and giving the number of recipients of such relief, for the year ending at the last convenient date, with similar information for the same period for the three preceding years?

The returns 'as to poor relief in London now made to my Department relate to the administrative county as a whole, and do not include separate figures for any part of London for the year ended the 31st March, 1931. The amounts of out-relief in money and kind paid by the Guardians of the late Southwark Union, which was conterminous with the borough, during each of the three years ended 31st March, 1928, 1929 and 1930 were £181,417, £147,210 and 2129,371 respectively. The average numbers of persons, including dependants, afforded such relief were 9,571, 8,506 and 7,129 respectively.

Is it not possible to give figures for later years, or to have them extracted from the London returns so as to give the returns for this area?

I have not the information, but I will have inquiries made to see if it is possible to get it.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Department also have the figures as to the number of applications refused?

I understand not.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider legislation to overhaul the whole system of public assistance finance, making it a national responsibility financed direct from national taxation, and apportioning the burden more equitably among those wealthy municipalities better able to bear the increased responsibility?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the hon. Member aware of the unequal and unfair conditions which exist between industrial centres and other parts of the country, and cannot steps be taken to even up this matter by the State taking over the whole responsibility?

I am aware of the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers, but a new system has been introduced, and I think that system ought to be given a fair chance.

asked the Minister of Health whether any reports have been received from his factory inspectors as to preventible nuisance emanating from the cement factories on the banks of the Thames in Essex and Kent; and whether the investigation of continental improvements designed to prevent effluent has been completed?

The reports of the Alkali Inspectors of my Department show that some progress has been made in reducing the emission of dust, though that progress has been slower than it would probably have been had trade conditions been better. No recent complaints have been received. No continental investigation of the kind indicated in the question is being made.

Will the Minister of Health confer with the President of the Board of Trade to see whether the Board of Trade has undertaken any inquiries; and, with regard to the question of nuisances, has he not received complaints from horticultural associations in Kent?

No complaint has been received in recent months. I will have inquiries made as to whether the Board of Trade has any information.

asked the Minister of Health how many subsidised houses were built in Manchester between May, 1929, and August, 1931, inclusive, and at what cost to the State; and how many such houses are let at rents within the means of working-class families?

3,807 subsidised houses were built in Manchester between the months named. The present value of the subsidies payable out of the Exchequer in respect of these houses is £472,390. As regards the last part of the question, I can only send my hon. Friend a statement of the rents at which I understand the corporation let their houses.

Can my hon. Friend say how many houses are let at working-class rents?

It is a matter of opinion as to what are working-class rents. The hon. and learned Member will see what rentals are charged, and I am afraid he will find that they are to a large extent in excess of what members of the working-classes can be expected to pay.

As a matter of fact, is a single house let, at a rent within the means of the working class?

asked the Minister of Health whether any and, if so, what proposals are under consideration to extend the control of rents and to effect a decrease in rents?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing prices of food and other commodities since 21st September and also the increased taxation falling heavily upon persons who have purchased their house on the instalment or mortgage plan, it is the intention of the Government to introduce a new Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Bill?

I have been asked also to reply to the question of the hon. Member for Kettering (Mr. Perry). The action which the Government propose is to extend the Rent Restrictions Acts by means of the Expiring Laws Continuance Act.

Does the hon. Member recollect the answer which was given by the Prime Minister which was sympathetic, in principle, to reductions, and cannot he, from his great knowledge of the subject, find some way of applying that principle?

As the hon. Member is aware, an Act which is extended under the Expiring Laws Continuance Act, cannot be amended.

Will the hon. Member consider abolishing the 40 per cent. increase in rent by Order-in-Council?