asked the Minister of Labour what is his policy as regards the granting of permits to jockeys who come into Great Britain from other countries to ride in races; and whether, in view of the unemployment among British jockeys at the present time and the number of jockeys who have come into this country recently, he will consider the advisability of adopting a stricter measure of control?

I find it necessary to make some inquiries before replying to this question. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of people unemployed on 1st March, 1931, and 1st March, 1932, in the carpet industry?

At 22nd February, 1932, there was 3,051 insured persons in the carpet industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain. The corresponding figure at 23rd February, 1931, was 7,834.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the copy sent to him of a resolution passed by the Darwen Town Council asking for a Government subsidy to provide employment for the workers in the textile trade; and if he intends to take any action on these lines?

I have received a copy of the resolution in question, but I am not prepared to take action on the lines suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a petition addressed to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, on 14th January, 1932, by representatives of the Bulgarian minority in Jugoslavia has been brought to his notice; and whether he can give any information regarding the position taken by the League of Nations on the question of this petition?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to a petition dated 7th January, a copy of which has been circulated to His Majesty's Government by the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, drawing attention to the situation in Southern Jugoslavia, with particular reference to certain questions of a religious nature in that area. It is understood that this petition is now being examined by a committee of three appointed by the Council of the League of Nations in accordance with the existing rules of procedure.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of making representations to the League of Nations health committee in regard to the way in which statistics of small-pox cases are set forth in their periodical reports, in view of the fact that no discrimination is made in the reports between the mild and almost nonfatal variety of small-pox, known as alastrim, which has been recently prevalent in England, and the severe or classical type which is prevalent for the most part elsewhere?

Distinctions between the two varieties of small-pox appear in the latest of these reports which deal with epidemics of this disease. The reports are issued solely on the responsi- bility of the Health Section of the Secretariat of the League of Nations. It is specifically stated in each report that the responsibility of the Health Committee of the League is not involved.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has taken note of the declaration made by the Prime Minister of France that the United Kingdom and Italy would participate in a scheme for the economic restoration of the Danubian countries; and whether His Majesty's Government have any statement to make on this matter?

Some weeks ago His Majesty's Government initiated a preliminary exchange of views between the Great Powers on the subject of the economic restoration of the Danubian countries. Owing to the material difficulty of arranging simultaneous meetings at Geneva between the representatives of these Powers, it has been impossible as yet to carry discussions to a point where any announcement can be made by His Majesty's Government in regard to any plan of action, but it is the intention of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to pursue the matter in collaboration with the other Governments concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated value to farmers of the crowns and leaves of sugar beet, if properly utilised, in the whole period 1924–31; whether these residuals are properly utilised; and how the value compares with the aggregate amount paid in dividends by the factories in the same period?

As regards the first and third parts of the question, I am unable to form a reliable estimate, but I am communicating with my right hon. Friend on the subject. The reply to the second part of the question is, generally speaking, in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any estimate has been formed of the value to the beet-sugar factories of refining imported raw sugar during the off season, and of thus balancing their standing charges against a larger revenue; whether any estimate of the value of such activities was made when the beet-sugar subsidy was originally begun; and, if not, whether he proposes to make any allowance for the profits accruing from such activities in determining the future policy of the Government as regards beet-sugar?

I have made no such estimate as that mentioned in the first part of the question. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and with regard to the last part I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all relevant facts will be taken into consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cattle and sheep were slaughtered in the United Kingdom for human consumption for each of the last six months?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many pigs were slaughtered for human food in this country for each of the last six months?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what sum of money has been expended by his Department for each of the last 10 years on research into bee diseases; and how the money has been allocated to various parts of the United Kingdom?

Research into bee diseases has not been conducted by my Department during the past 10 years. Some work has been carried out at Aberystwyth University College, which is aided by a grant from my Department, but I am unable to state what precise expenditure has been incurred. Research into other bee problems is undertaken at the Rothamsted Experimental Station, but this does not include investigations into disease. For information as to work on bee diseases carried out in Scotland, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that experts have established a differentiation between malting barley and feeding barley; and whether, with a view to placing an additional duty upon imports of the former, he can state what are the objections of his Department to accepting such differentiation?

As I stated in my announcement on the subject of agricultural policy on 11th February, the administrative feasibility of levying an additional Customs duty on malting barley is being examined. I am not at present in a position to add anything to this statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of Bradley Green Common, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire; and whether he will take steps to see that a proper approach is supplied to the inhabitants?

The common referred to is regulated by a scheme made in 1913 under the Commons Act, 1899, and the authority responsible for its management is the Dursley Rural District Council. No representations have been made to me with regard to the condition of the common, and, in any case, I have no power to take any action as suggested.

asked the Home Secretary how many men and women, respectively, were sentenced to death in England and Wales during 1931; how many of such persons were recommended to mercy; and how many of such persons recommended to mercy were subsequently executed?

Seventeen men were sentenced to death, of whom three were recommended to mercy by the jury; and one woman, who was so recommended. None of those recommended to mercy were executed.

asked the Home Secretary at which prisons in England and Wales persons were executed during the year 1931; on which dates such executions took place; and what was the age of the persons executed in each case?

Executions took place at Bedford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Pentonville and Oxford. The dates of the executions and the ages of the prisoners were: 3rd January, age 21; 4th February, age 26; 10th March, age 36; 16th April, age 41; 3rd June, age 23; 5th August, two prisoners, ages 55 and 56; 12th August, age 32; 10th December, age 58; 15th December, age 21.

asked the Home Secretary how many murders were known to the police in England and Wales during the years 1930 and 1931, respectively; in how many cases the supposed murderer committed suicide; how many persons were proceeded against for murder; how many of such persons were found to be insane before trial or on arraignment, or guilty but insane; how many of such persons were convicted of murder excluding those found guilty but insane; and how many of those convicted of murder were subsequently executed?

The full details desired are not yet available for 1931. In 1930, 108 murders were known to the police, involving 119 victims of whom 22 were newly-born infants whose bodies were found in such circumstances as to afford no clues enabling arrests to be made. Thirty-six suspects committed suicide; 41 were proceeded against; 17 were found to be insane; 14 were convicted and sentenced to death, the sentence being executed on six of them.

asked the Home Secretary how many murders have taken place during the last 12 months in the Metropolitan area; how many arrests have been made; how many convictions secured; and whether he will have inquiries made as to how these results compare with those obtained by provincial police forces?

There were 28 cases of murder in the Metropolitan Police district during the 12 months ended 29th February, 1932, involving the death of 25 adults and six infants. In seven cases the murderers committed suicide. In 15 of the other 21 cases arrests were made. Of the persons arrested six were acquitted, four sentenced to death (two in respect of one murder), three found guilty but insane, and the cases against three were pending. The six cases in which no arrests have yet been made included an unidentified infant and two women who died as the result of illegal operations. I regret that no figures are yet available for other districts, but in any case no useful comparison could be made, because the Metropolitan and other police forces constantly render each other assistance in their inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary how many dead bodies were taken from the Thames for the year ended 29th February, 1932; and what were the verdicts recorded at the inquests?

I can only give figures for the City of London and Metropolitan Police district, as follow. The number of bodies was 158 and the verdicts at the inquests were—found drowned and open verdict, 56; suicide, 46; accident or misadventure, 39; still-

NUMBERS of (a) offences known to police and (b) persons proceeded against in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction for certain sexual offences during the years 1926 to 1930.
—	1926.		1927.		1928.		1929.		1930.
	Offences.	Persons proceeded against.	Offences.	Persons proceeded against.	Offences.	Persons proceeded against.	Offences.	Persons proceeded against.	Offences.	Persons proceeded against.
Defilement of girls under 13.	86	64	91	65	73	59	76	61	58	38
Defilement of girls under 16.	223	185	279	218	275	218	346	259	402	304
Attempts to commit unnatural offences (indecent assaults on males under 16).	*	125	*	167	*	162	*	162	8	165
Indecent assaults on females (under 16).	8	959	*	935	*	989	*	949	*	891
* Numbers not available.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the waste of time caused to business men by jurors being summoned to attend an assize court who are afterwards not even empanelled and yet not released; and whether he will communicate with the under-sheriffs suggesting that in the interests of the trade of the country they should only summon the minimum of jurors needed?

I have no authority in the matter, but the information at my disposal leads me to believe that summoning officers do not summon more jurors than is necessary. A margin is required so as to allow for excusals, challenges, and for a fresh jury being required. If the Noble Lord has any specific case in mind, I should be obliged if he would furnish me with particulars.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give a statement showing the number of complaints made to the police during each of the years 1926–31 of sexual offences against young persons; and the number of persons charged with these offences during the same period?

Such statistics as are available are given below.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the high cost of fees paid to analysts and others by the Metropolitan Police, he will give instructions for all examinations of garments and other specimens to be carried out by the scientific branch of the Criminal Investigation Department at Scotland Yard in all cases which can be dealt with by means of ordinary scientific apparatus?

The total cost of such fees in any one year is not high, the average for the last three years being less than £100 a year. Where expert evidence on scientific matters is in question, it is better that it should be given by independent witnesses free upon occasion to give evidence either for a prosecution or for a defence and not regularly employed to give evidence for the police only.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any replies and, if so, of what nature, to the letter which he sent to all licensing authorities under the Cinematograph Act, 1909, in England and Wales, dealing with the work of the Film Censorship Consultative Committee?

The circular letter to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was sent not by me but by the Film Censorship Consultative Committee, and any replies which may be received will be considered by the committee. I am not, therefore, in a position to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Lloyd's underwriters have complied during the year 1930 and 1931, respectively, with the requirements laid down in Schedule 8, paragraphs (B) and (C) 1 (b) of the Assurance Companies Act as regards the furnishing to the Board of Trade of a statement showing the extent and character of the business effected by them; and how many Lloyd's underwriters during the same period, in lieu of complying with paragraphs (B) and (C) 2 of the Schedule, supply the Board of Trade with an auditor's certificate in lieu of a full statement showing the extent and character of the business transacted?

No Lloyd's underwriters during 1930 and 1931 complied with the requirements laid down in the Eighth Schedule, paragraphs (B) and (C) 1 (b). In lieu of complying with paragraphs (B) and (C) 1 (a) and (b) the undermentioned numbers of Lloyd's underwriters elected during the years 1930 and 1931 to comply with paragraphs (B) and (C) 2 of the Eighth Schedule, namely: 1930, 1,359; 1931, 1,370.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of deposits, if any, furnished during the years 1930 and 1931, in accordance with Schedule 8 (B) and (C) 2 (b) of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, by Lloyd's underwriters as security for the due fulfilment of their fire and accident insurance contracts; the amount of the security furnished in the form of guarantees; whether any of the guarantees which may be furnished as an alternative to a deposit are given by persons who are not members of Lloyd's Underwriters' Association; and if he will state the terms of the underwriting members' non-marine guarantee and the trust deed now approved by the Board of Trade under heads (B) and (C) 2 (a) of the Eighth Schedule?

The amounts of deposits and guarantees for the years 1930 and 1931 furnished by Lloyd's underwriters in accordance with the Eighth Schedule (B) and (C) 2 (b) as security for the due fulfilment of their fire and accident insurance contracts were as follow:

Year.		Deposits.	Guarantees by members of Lloyd's.	Guarantees given by persons other than members of Lloyd's.
		£	£
1930	…	3,194,374	12,104,659	Nil.
1931	…	3,216,438	12,008,942	Nil.

As the terms of the Underwriting Members' Non-Marine Guarantee and the Trust Deed now approved by the Board of Trade under heads (B) and (C) 2 (

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations which have been made to him regarding the desirability of providing that agreements under Clause 33 of the Town and Country Planning Bill should be recorded in the Registers of Sasines; and whether he is prepared to introduce an Amendment to make it clear that such agreements will not be binding on singular successors unless they have been so recorded?

I have considered the representations made to me on this matter, and have decided to introduce an Amendment on the Sixth Schedule of the Town and Country Planning Bill which will make it clear that, in Scotland, agreements made under Clause 33 of the Bill will be binding on singular successors from the date of recording in the appropriate Register of Sasines, and not otherwise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons from the Glasgow area who are at present certified as suffering from tuberculosis; the numbers in institutions; the names of the institutions concerned; and the ages of the persons?

The number of persons in Glasgow who were known to be suffering from tuberculosis on the 3rd instant was 9,675. The number of Glasgow tuberculosis patients in institutions on that date was 1,714, and the names of the institutions in which these patients were resident are as follow:

• Ruchill Hospital.
• Knightswood Hospital.
• Robroyston Hospital.
• Benefield Sanatorium.
• Mearnskirk Hospital.
• Darnley Hospital.
• Ochil Hills Sanatorium.
• Bridge of Weir Sanatorium.
• Dunblane Sanatorium.
• Lanfine Homes.
• Stobhill Hospital.
• Barnhill Hospital.
• Eastern District Hospital.
• Oakbank Hospital.
• Merryflats Hospital.
• Hairmyres Sanatorium.
• Strathblane Children's Hospital.

The patients in question are of all ages, and to classify them according to age would involve an amount of labour out of proportion to the value of the result.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what local authorities have submitted schemes involving the erection of hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, mental institutions and other buildings associated with the maintenance of public health which have been postponed or abandoned since the date of the Ministry's Circular No. 1,222;(2) which local authorities have submitted schemes under the Housing Acts which have been postponed or abandoned since the date of the issue of the Ministry's Circular No. 1,222;(3) which local authorities have submitted schemes involving the erection of public buildings which have been postponed or abandoned since the date of the Ministry's Circular No. 1,222?

I regret that I have no complete information as to the action taken by local authorities since the date of Circular 1,222 in regard to schemes of the various types mentioned in these questions.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce the Bill to amend the Rent Restrictions Act?

I cannot at present say when it may be possible to introduce amending legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether any of the Dominions have yet entered into a reciprocal arrangement with this country for the payment of old age and widows' pensions to persons who have returned to Britain from the Dominions; and the number of persons in receipt of pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act who are living in parts of the British Empire overseas?

With regard to the first part of the question, reciprocal arrangements have been entered into with Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man; but, as the Dominions have no contributory schemes of health and pensions insurance corresponding to those in force in Great Britain, it has not been possible to enter into reciprocal arrangements with them. In reply to the second part of the question, 2,156 pensions are being paid in accordance with Section 3 of the Contributory Pensions Act, 1929, to persons who are in the parts of the British Empire outside Great Britain,

asked the Minister of Health whether any changes have been made in the methods of manufacturing vaccine lymph in the Government lymph establishment, with a view to the prevention of the risk of post-vaccinal encephalitis; and whether the changes, if any, include the abandonment of the use of rabbits for the purpose of strengthening the lymph supplies?

This question has been fully considered, and no such change has been made or is contemplated. I am advised that there is no evidence to suggest that the use of rabbits in the preparation of lymph has any influence on the occurrence of post-vaccinal encephalitis.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what cadet units have been affiliated to Territorial Army units?

Affiliations sanctioned by Territorial Army Associations will be notified to the War Office in due course, but no information is yet available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the intention of the Government in regard to the disposal of the premises of the Royal Army Clothing Factory, Pimlico?

The premises will be surrendered to the ground landlord.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the personnel in officers and men in the Royal Navy, and the number of persons employed at the Admiralty and at the Naval outport establishments in July, 1914, and the latest available date, respectively?

The numbers are as follow:

Royal Navy:
	No.
15th July, 1914	148,047
15th February, 1932	91,951(including 556 Royal Marine Police)

Persons (other than Naval personnel paid as such) employed at the Admiralty and at Naval outport establishments at home and abroad on the nearest comparable dates:

July, 1914	71,204
1st October, 1931 (the latest figures available)	68,712

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total personnel of both sexes and of all ranks, grades and occupations, both naval and civil, at present employed for salary or wager at home and abroad by the Admiralty and Royal Navy?

I would refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to the question by the hon. Member for South Molten (Mr. Lambert).

asked the Minister of Transport the estimated amount contributed in national taxation by the motor coach proprietors in the country under the separate headings of revenue licences, Petrol Tax, and road service licences?

The information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member is not available. Separate figures for motor coaches, as distinct from omnibuses and other hackney carriages or public service vehicles, as the case may be, are not recorded, nor is any separate record kept of the amount of tax paid in respect of petrol used by motor coaches.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Depart- ment whether, in view of the demand far space at the London section of the British Industries Fair, receipts for rentals have now been adjusted to cover the whole expense of the fair, the cost of administration, and the cost of advertising, hitherto in whole or in part defrayed by public funds?

The Department's estimate for the forthcoming British Industries Fair has been framed on the basis indicated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. The rental to be charged to exhibitors is now under consideration.