asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the quantity and value of the imports into the Crown Colonies from the United Kingdom, India, and foreign countries, respectively, classified under the principal categories of goods for the last year for which the figures are available.

The information desired by the hon. Member will be found in the Blue Books issued annually by the various Colonies. It has not, however, been compiled into a single comprehensive statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the cures effected in cases of pulmonary phthisis by the British remedy Umckaloabo; and whether he will give instructions for this fact to be officially brought to the notice of medical officers in official appointments concerned with this disease.

The evidence available in regard to the efficacy of this preparation has been carefully considered on several occasions. I am advised that the claims made on its behalf in regard to tuberculosis do not appear to differ in character or degree from those made for many other so-called "remedies" which have been advertised from time to time and afterwards found to be valueless. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to hold the conference of public assistance authorities in the North-eastern area; whether the special commission of inspectors of the Ministry will take evidence and receive representations from applicants for transitional payments as to the administration of the means test; and whether the area conference will be held in public.

I hope that it will be possible to hold this conference shortly after Easter. The primary object of the conference is for consultation with the responsible public assistance authorities, and I do not think that good results would be attained by public meetings or by submission of evidence in the manner suggested in the question.