asked the Minister of Labour (1) the percentage increase in money wages on 1st June, 1933, over the 1914 level;(2) the percentage increase in real wages on 1st June, 1933, over the 1914 level?

The information in the possession of the Ministry of Labour is insufficient to provide a basis for precise calculations, but it is estimated, from such particulars as are available, that for workpeople of corresponding grades weekly full-time rates of wages, at 1st June, were about 65 per cent., on average, above the level of July, 1914. The average level of working-class cost of living at 1st June, as indicated by the statistics compiled by the Ministry of Labour, was approximately 36 per cent. above that of July, 1914. On this basis, the average increase in "real" rates of wages for a full week would appear to have been about 21 per cent. These figures take no account of changes in average earnings resulting from increased unemployment and short-time working, or from changes in the proportions of workers paid at time and at piece rates of wages, as to which comprehensive statistics are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was received during the month of May in respect of Beer Duty; and how it compares with the receipts for May, 1932?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the amounts of duty assessed on beer brewed in the United Kingdom during the month of May in the two years in question. These amounts were respectively £6,614,000 in May, 1932, and £5,210,000 in May, 1933. The amounts of duty received during those months represent the amounts assessed in the month of April, in regard to which a proper comparison is not possible, owing to the change in the rate made by the Budget, as from 26th April of this year.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will decline to sanction any grants to the county highway authority responsible for the maintenance of the Margate-Canterbury road unless provision is made for the construction of adequate footpaths along this road?

It is the practice of my Department to require the provision of adequate footpaths, where this is desirable and practicable, in approving any scheme of improvement or new construction for a grant from the Road Fund. This practice will be followed in regard to all grant schemes for improving the Margate-Canterbury road.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is to be the annual subsidy given to the new combine of French civil aviation companies, and how this will compare with the subsidy to be given to British civil aviation during the same period?

The maximum annual subsidy which can be earned by the new French company is 154,800,000 francs for the first year, falling by stages to 135,000,000 francs in 1937. The maximum will then remain at this latter figure. The maximum subsidy which can be earned by Imperial Airways is £550,000 for the current financial year, falling by stages to £320,000 for the financial year 1936.