asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the House statistics showing the total tonnage of Admiralty contracts completed during 1913, 1929 and 1933, respectively; the proportions allocated to the north-east coast, the Clyde and Belfast; the comparative values of such contracts in each of the years quoted; and the number of men employed in each case in each year?

I understand the question to refer to the contracts placed in the years mentioned, and, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the tonnages and comparative values in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I regret that I have no information of the number of men employed in each year.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include in his written reply the figures relative to the Mersey for the same years?

I have only answered the question on the Order Paper.

In circulating the statement, will the right hon. Gentleman

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any,

Will the right hon. Gentleman place further contracts for warships so as to provide work for men in these centres who are out of work?

I have answered that question before. We have to go by the tenders, and we have to accept the lowest tender. In reply to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean), I may say that I had already framed the answer and what he asks for is not in it. I have only answered what is in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get the information?

Certainly.

Pensioners are mobilised when, in the opinion of the Admiralty, an emergency requiring their services arises, and must serve for so long as the Admiralty consider necessary. Naval Reservists are mobilised only on such occasions as the Sovereign thinks fit, after Royal proclamation or notification to Parliament; and their term of service is limited by Statute.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the official rate of exchange between francs and the pound sterling adopted by the Condominium Government of the New Hebrides is determined; how often this rate is reviewed in the light of the local commercial rates of exchange; and if he is satisfied that the system is sufficiently flexible to avoid prejudice to the financial interests of the British Government in the event of violent fluctuations of the franc?

I am replying for the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The rate of exchange for Condominium Government purposes is fixed by agreement with the French Government. The rate adopted in the Protocol of 6th August, 1914 (Cmd. 1681), was 25 francs to the pound sterling, and this rate was adjusted to 124 francs to the pound sterling by an exchange of notes in September, 1930 (Cmd. 3690). The rate has not been altered since but the question is under discussion between His Majesty's Government and the French Government, and the point to which my hon. and gallant Friend draws attention will of course be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the levy on the salaries of public servants in Ceylon; and how much revenue it produces?

The temporary levy on the salaries of public servants in Ceylon is as follows:

10 per cent. on salaries of Rs. 4,800 and over;

7½ per cent. on salaries less than Rs. 4,800 but not less than Rs. 900;

5 per cent. on salaries less than Rs. 900 but not less than Rs. 450;

2½ per cent. on salaries less than Rs. 450.

Can the hon. Member say what are the monthly rates?

Is it not a fact that under the present constitution such items as pay, emolument and pensions cannot be reduced by the Council and that this levy is in fact illegal?

This levy has been authorised by the Governor of Ceylon and is therefore perfectly within the terms of the constitution. These are annual salaries, and, as far as I know, the levy is per year. I am afraid that I must have notice of the question of the hon. Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall). As the hon. Member knows, I am extremely unfamiliar with this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the desire expressed by the Permanent Mandates Commission that His Majesty's Government should give a detailed account in their annual report on Tanganyika of the measures they were taking to put Mr. Roger Gibbs's report on railway finances into effect; and whether up-to-date steps have been taken in this direction?

In compliance with the request made by the Permanent Mandates Commission in its report to the League Council on the Twenty-third Session, particulars will be given in the Annual Reports on Tanganyika as to any steps which may be taken with regard to that territory on the basis of the suggestions in Mr. Gibbs's report. That report is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with regard to the proposal, on the ground of recent improvements in medical and hygienic conditions, to raise the embargo hitherto placed on the recruiting of native labourers for work on South African mines from territories north of latitude 22 degrees south, the Governments and also the native authorities in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland have been consulted on the matter; whether he is satisfied that the high mortality which prevailed among natives imported from such territories prior to the placing of the embargo in 1914 may no longer be expected; and, if so, on what grounds?

It is understood that the Government of the Union of South Africa have decided as an experiment to permit the recruitment of a limited number of natives from north of 22 degrees south latitude for work on the mines. The permission of the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland would be required if it were proposed to recruit natives in those territories, but I am not aware at present that this is contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the recent report prepared by Mr. Stockdale, the agricultural adviser to the Colonial Office on the production of arrowroot in the island of St. Vincent; and if steps have been taken to give effect to the recommendations embodied in that report through restriction of planting and by limitation on a quota basis of factory production?

Yes, Sir. The recommendation that the planting of arrowroot should be restricted and that factory production should be limited on a quota basis is at present under consideration by the St. Vincent Arrowroot Association and the Colonial Government concerned.

Will the Colonial Office give every possible assistance to this Island in the development of arrowroot, as this is the only source of arrowroot in the world?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken, and with what result, with regard to the representations from the Jamaica Imperial Association urging the safeguarding of the term Jamaica rum in Europe?

No representations of the nature suggested have been received from the Jamaica Imperial Association. At the request of the secretary, certain information regarding the trade in rum and the legislation which might be held to govern the term "Jamaica rum" in certain European countries has been obtained and supplied to the association.

Now that we have established the reputation of whiskey throughout the world may we not equally seek to establish the reputation of Jamaica rum?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the recent report prepared by Mr. Stockdale, the agricultural adviser to the Colonial Office, on the situation which confronts the cocoa industry in Trinidad; and if any action is contemplated by His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the local administration to assist the industry?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My hon. Friend will remember that in reply to a question of his on the 16th of November last my right hon. Friend informed him of the action which His Majesty's Government were taking with regard to cocoa. I am now in a position to say that the memorandum then referred to has been sent to the Secretariat of the League of Nations for communication to the Bureau of the Monetary and Economic Conference. His Majesty's Government consider that the most practical step which they could take to assist cocoa producers in Trinidad is to press on the arrangements for a general conference of all countries substantially interested in the production of cocoa. As regards breeding and disease, and other questions referred to in Mr. Stockdale's report, his views are engaging the careful attention of the Colonial Government.

While thanking the hon. Member for his reply, may I ask whether the Colonial Office will keep in view the interests of cocoa production in the British Empire and see that full justice is done to that industry?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether foreign commercial or privately-owned foreign aeroplanes are allowed to cruise over London and other large cities, not on any regular air route, at night without a permit; and what, if any, regulations in this respect obtain with regard to foreign cities?

No permits would be necessary in the case of civil aircraft of States that are parties to the international Air Convention or of certain other States with which special air agreements are in operation. This is subject, of course, to compliance with the regulations as to safety provisions and navigation lights, and to the avoidance of any prohibited areas. The position as regards flights over foreign towns is reciprocal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give an estimate of the number of persons in Great Britain and Northern Ireland now able to fly who could be trusted to act as pilots?

I can perhaps best answer the right hon. and gallant Member's question by stating the number of civil pilots holding A or B licences issued in this country—which is about 2,870.

The Under-Secretary has completely misunderstood the purport of my question. I wanted to know the number of persons in the Air Force and elsewhere who were capable of flying high-speed machines?

I am sorry that I have misunderstood the question. Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to put it down again.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, having regard to the regular night services operated by foreign lines, anything is to be done to encourage night flying in connection with British air lines?

As my hon. Friend knows, the necessary ground organisation exists for night services between this country and abroad. The development of night flying rests primarily with the operating companies concerned, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that the possibility of improving British services in this respect is constantly borne in mind by all concerned. For example, proposals for night flying on the Indian route are under active consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, before His Majesty's Government consent to the proposal for air services by the Royal Dutch air lines between Amsterdam and Great Britain, they will consider the advisability of making it a condition that reciprocal services should be carried out by the British-owned and British-operated planes?

Consent in such a case would normally be subject to the grant of reciprocal consent for a British service if required, and I have no doubt that in the case in point this would be acceptable to the Netherlands authorities.

Can the Under-Secretary say whether the terminal station of this line in the United Kingdom has been decided upon?

No, not yet.

Can the hon. Member assure the House that he will not permit the Royal Dutch to operate an internal air line in this country?

The negotiations are not sufficiently advanced to say anything more, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the interests of any British operating company will be safeguarded.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider making a regulation requiring posts painted white to be erected every 50 yards or so and/or the curbs to be painted white along our main thorough-fares in cities and main roads in the country, as this would materially contribute to the safety of driving at night and in foggy weather?

I have no power to make a regulation of this nature. Highway authorities can, and do where they think it desirable, paint curbs or erect safety posts defining the limits of the carriage- way. Expenditure on classified roads under these headings is eligible for grants from the Road Fund at the normal rates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make any definite statement as to the ability of his Department to pay a 75 per cent. Grant-in-Aid of any suitable scheme put forward by any local authority for dealing with the reconstruction of weak bridges; and whether he is prepared now to receive representations from local authorities in Yorkshire on the subject?

75 per cent. grants from the Road Fund will again be available during the next financial year for the reconstruction of privately-owned weak bridges, and I am prepared to give consideration to any schemes for this purpose which may be submitted by highway authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has considered the application for a grant from the Manchester Corporation towards the widening of the dangerous railway bridge crossing Queen's Road, Miles Platting; and what action he intends to take?

The position has not altered in any way since I answered a similar question by my hon. Friend on this matter on the 29th January. No application from the corporation for a grant has reached me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that accidents are liable to be caused by incorrectly focussed headlights; and whether he will make improperly adjusted lights a punishable offence?

The dazzling effect of headlights may be intensified by incorrect focussing, but my attention has not been drawn to any accidents which have been attributed directly to this cause. As at present advised, I do not think that it would be practicable to enforce correct focussing by a regulation, but I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider making it compulsory for all motor cars to be fitted with the system of headlight control by which the off-side headlight can be extinguished and the near-side light turned down and to the left or, alternatively, both headlights turned down and to the left?

The devices to which my hon. Friend refers for preventing dazzle are in common use, but there are other systems for which equal or greater efficiency is claimed. Most modern vehicles are provided with anti-dazzle devices and I have not thought it necessary to make a regulation on the subject. I have, however, asked the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to consider the question of the lighting of vehicles generally in relation to public safety and to let me have their views, when I will review the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that in some cases the stopping places of omnibuses and tramcars are not only common to both types of vehicle, but are sometimes placed opposite one another on either side of the road, thus causing congestion when stoppage is coincident; and whether he will consider taking action against this procedure?

My Department fixes safety stops for tramcars, but otherwise I have no powers outside London to fix stopping places for either tramcars or omnibuses. Should these be fixed inconveniently I think that representations to the police or to the local authority concerned would normally result in an adjustment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the traffic commissioners have decided to grant licences for Sunday omnibus excursions in the Highland area, in spite of the protests of the churches, the county councils, and other public bodies in that area; and if, in view of the public indignation aroused, he will withhold his sanction to the order?

I have no power to revoke or alter road service licences granted by the traffic commissioners unless a valid appeal is made to me by a person so entitled under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930. I have to-day received an appeal relating to these particular licences from the Sutherland County Council and I have it under examination.

Is the Minister aware that there is also an appeal from the Ross-shire County Council?

In that case there is an appeal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the inadequacy of most tail lights on motor vehicles to illuminate their number plates; and if he will take steps to make compulsory the use of a tail light so enclosed as to shine through white opaque glass letters and numbers?

I agree that the number plates of many motor vehicles do not comply with the regulations, which require that every letter and figure shall be easily distinguishable. I am, however, advised that in hours of darkness it is possible satisfactorily to illuminate the number plate by reflected light, and therefore do not at present feel justified in making compulsory the use of internal illumination.

Is the Minister aware that this form of illumination is in practice in other countries and has proved satisfactory? Would it not be advisable to introduce it in this country for the protection of the public?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that pedestrians take their guidance from the automatic traffic signals at street crossings; and what steps he proposes to ensure that vehicles filtering off the all-clear road do not cause danger to foot travellers obeying the signals?

In accordance with the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs, I propose in the next edition of the Highway Code, to warn pedestrians that it is not safe for them to rely solely on signals when crossing at a road junction but that they should, in addition, pay attention to the movements of traffic and particularly of turning traffic. I also propose to warn drivers of the necessity for care when turning to the left or to the right after passing the green signal.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in order to ensure the greater safety of pedestrians, he will recommend all local authorities to allocate the only points where pedestrians will be permitted to cross any public highway; to have suitable signs erected; and, in as many parts as possible, to have an officer in charge of the crossing?

I have the whole question of better regulation of pedestrian crossing places under consideration and will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many gallons of oil have been produced from coal in the United Kingdom since the beginning of last year to the latest date for which figures are available; and how many were produced during 1931 and 1932?

No official information is available but the following quantities of oil are estimated to have been produced from coal by various processes in the last three years:

Can the hon. Member say whether the figures show that there has been an increase in the production of oil from coal since the oil tax was introduced in the last Budget?

If the hon. Member will look at the figures, he will see that that is so.

Can the hon. Member say how much coal was used to extract this oil?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of samples taken of coal dust during 1932 and 1933, in each of the inspectorate divisions, giving results of the content of incombustible matter and the content of matter injurious to mine workers?

During the year 1932, 3,864 samples of the dust on underground roadways in coal mines were taken by the inspectors, and 87 per cent. of these samples were found on analysis to contain 50 per cent. or more of incombustible matter. Details for each of the inspection divisions will be found on page 73 of the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector. The corresponding figures for 1933 are not yet available. The measures taken to prevent the use of stone dust which would be injurious to health are based on a consideration of the character of the stone dust itself rather than of the mixed dusts on the roadways and no general statistical information on this point is available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the amount of coal dust, minimum and maximum, per cubic foot of air space, necessary to propagate an explosion in a mine?

The amounts vary considerably with the character of the coal and the fineness of the coal dust. The finest dusts of the most inflammable coals are the most explosive and the least quantity that will propagate flame, when raised in a cloud under experimental conditions, is rather less than one tenth of an ounce per cubic foot of air. The greatest quantity is difficult to determine, but explosions have been produced experimentally with as much as two ounces of such coal dust per cubic foot of air.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of visits made by His Majesty's inspectors of mines to the West Cannock No. 5 Colliery, Staffordshire, during the year 1932, and from 1st January to 15th May, 1933?

The answer is fourteen times underground and twice on the surface during 1932; seven times underground and twice on the surface between 1st January and 15th May, 1933.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of violations of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and the regulations provided under that Act, discovered as the result of the inquiries held to ascertain the cause of the colliery explosions at the Garswood Hall No. 9 colliery, Lancashire, 12th November, 1932, and at West Cannock No. 5 colliery, Staffordshire, 16th May, 1933; and, if there were violations, what action has been taken and with what results?

The inquiries showed that the explosions in question resulted primarily from defects in ventilation. The reports of the inquiries were published. These and the available evidence were carefully considered at that time and I came then to the conclusion that I should not be justified in taking proceedings against the managements concerned under the Coal Mines Act. It was also concluded from both inquiries that the immediate cause of the explosions was incendive sparking from an unsafe signalling system. Precautions had been taken, but they were not effective; this was due, however, to lack of understanding of a very complicated and difficult problem. Within a fortnight of the publication of the report of the Garswood Hall Inquiry, I published an explanatory memorandum, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, to make this problem easier to understand, and I have since taken other steps to simplify the position. Unfortunately, the explosion at West Cannock occurred on the same day as the memorandum in question was received by the management, and it was not possible for them to take in time the further precautions which might have prevented the explosion in this instance.

Can the hon. Member say whether there is any connection between the information as to visits of inspection given in the previous answer and the implications in this question?

The explanatory memorandum—if the hon. Member would like a copy I will see that he gets it—was sent to all owners and managers in May, 1933. It is difficult to deal with these complicated matters by way of question and answer.

I want to know why there were the frequent visits mentioned in the previous reply unless there was something wrong in this pit?

The answer is that the number of inspections was normal for a pit of this size.

No!

Hon. Members have asked for the answer and I have given it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of separate mines employed in producing coal, in each of the inspectorate divisions, for the years 1932 and 1933?

As the reply involves a statistical table I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health the estimated number of persons insured under the National Health Insurance for old age pensions and widows' pensions who have arrived at the age of 60 years, with the number of persons already in receipt of such pen- sions under the Acts of 1925 to 1929 and the Acts of 1909 to 1924, respectively?

It is estimated that at the 31st December, 1931—the latest date for which such information is available—there were approximately 720,000 persons between the ages of 60 and 65 who were insured for old age and widows' pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts. The number of persons in receipt of widows' pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts and old age pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts and the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1924, was, at the 31st December 1933, approximately 2,993,000. My right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member particulars for the two sets of Acts as they are somewhat long.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of members of approved societies who, in the last contribution year, were in arrears owing to the reduction in the number of franks provided during unemployment, and the number of persons who had paid up their arrears by 31st December last; and whether he is satisfied that approved societies are granting ample facilities for the payment of arrears by receiving instalments where unemployed members desire to pay arrears by weekly amounts?

The information which the hon. Member asks for in the first part of the question could be obtained only by asking for separate returns from each of 7,000 approved societies and branches. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to propose to the House the recommittal of Clause 18 of the Unemployment Bill?

I can only refer the hon. Member to what I said on this subject on the 13th February last in reply to a Private Notice Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Limehouse (Mr. Attlee), to which at present I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he will state the number of men, women, boys and girls registering at the various Employment Exchanges in the county of Lanark in January, 1931; and the numbers registering at the present time;

I am sending the hon. Member the information for which he asks.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the post of secretary to the Department of Agriculture is about to become vacant; if he will see that the position is filled by the appointment of a Scotsman who has a knowledge of Highland problems and land settlement needs and methods; and, if not already conversant with the problem of roadless islands and footpath areas in the Outer Hebrides, will he ensure that the new secretary shall acquire a competent knowledge as soon as possible?

My right hon. Friend much regrets that Sir Robert Greig, Secretary to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, will shortly retire from the public service. The hon. Member may rest assured that my right hon. Friend will take all relevant factors into consideration in appointing a successor.

Is the Under-Secretary not aware that Scots people are quite prepared to compete for any office on their own merits, independently of their nationality?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that men who were debarred from serving in His Majesty's Forces during the War owing to the loss of a limb prior to 1914 are refused consideration for temporary posts in Government Departments on account of the preference accorded to ex-service men; and whether he will consider relaxing this rule in such instances?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, it would not be practicable to extend to a paricular caegory of non-service men the preference which is accorded to ex-service men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is taking any joint action with Holland and the Dutch East Indies and our own Colonies with reference to Japanese imports to those countries?

As has been stated previously, the Government desire that the question of Japanese competition both in the Empire and elsewhere shall, if possible, be dealt with by direct agreement between the British and Japanese industrialists. Discussions to this end are now proceeding in London and no question of official action by the Government arises at present.

If this affects the Dutch East Indies could we not have some communication with Holland? Is it not necessary in the interests of our own trade to do that?

It is purely a matter for the industries concerned.

Is it not a question of widening the basis of the discussions?

asked the Prime Minister when the House will have an opportunity of debating the Anglo-Soviet trade agreement?

Conversations are taking place through the usual channels and I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement on Business which I will make to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of persons who were in receipt of public assistance in the parishes of Blantyre, Bothwell, Cambuslang, Dalserf, Dalziel, and Hamilton, and the burghs of Airdrie, Coatbridge, Hamilton, Motherwell, and Wishaw in January, 1931, and the numbers in January of the present year?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the widespread system of incendiarism and corruption, as revealed by evidence advanced at the recent trials of Leopold Harris and Captain Miles, initiated after investigation by the principal insurance companies; if he is aware that the burden of financial responsibility involved in the collation and sifting of evidence was borne by these insurance companies; and if it is the intention to take steps to render assistance to the interested parties with a view to probing this scandal?

My attention has been drawn to the facts disclosed by the evidence in the two cases to which my hon. Friend refers. I am aware that subject to allow-

Under the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, the parish ceased to be the area of Poor Law administration on the 15th May, 1930, and I regret, therefore, that separate figures relating to parishes are not available after that date. The area of administration is now that of the county (including small burghs) and the large burgh, and I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information asked for in the question in the case of the County of Lanark (including the small burghs) and of the large burghs referred to.

Would my right hon. Friend say whether he received any representation from the offices concerned which paid these expenses?

No, Sir. I understand they are perfectly content.

Is the Home Secretary aware of the very widespread belief in this country and abroad that the Government are in some way responsible for the London Salvage Corps, and will he make it clear that neither the Government nor any local authorities are in any way responsible for or connected with that organisation?

I am glad indeed of the opportunity to disclaim any responsibility on the part of the Government or the local authorities.

Is it in the public interest and reasonable, when it is almost certain that a crime of this description has been committed, that the Public Prosecutor should leave the proceedings to private interests, in view of the fact particularly that if the private investigations are not adequate it would mean that the criminals would not be brought to justice?

I have no reason to suppose that these questions are not closely watched by the proper authorities. If it were otherwise, undoubtedly it would be desirable that further steps should be taken. But in this case I think justice has been achieved, and so far as I know the responsible authorities have been in close touch with all the proceedings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any cases have been brought to the attention of the Treasury of co-operative trading societies trading with non-members?

It is, I think, common knowledge that co-operative societies trade to some extent with non-members.

Are we to take it from the reply that no such trading takes place, or that if such trading does take place the Department takes any action under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act?

We know that it does take place.

What action then is taken under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. It does not matter whether the trading is with members or non-members. The profits are taxed.

Has the hon. Gentleman any reason to doubt the evidence that this form of trading by co-operative societies is only one-half per cent.?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are guided by any precise definition of mutual trading in making their assessments to Income Tax of those who claim to be engaging in mutual trading; and, if so, whether he will state what that definition is?

The Income Tax Acts do not define mutual trading, but my hon. Friend is, of course, aware that since the enactment of Section 31 of the Finance Act, 1933, Income Tax is chargeable on all trading profits of incorporated companies or societies, whether of a mutual character or not. In these circumstances the question whether the company's or society's trade is to any extent mutual does not arise for Income Tax purposes.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on the arrival of an express train from Aberdeen at Carlisle Station it was discovered that three of a vanload of greyhounds were dead and others injured; that the van was not detached from the train at Carlisle, but sent on to Crewe, where it was met by a veterinary surgeon, who destroyed three more seriously injured dogs and treated 16 others; and will he order an inquiry to be made into the matter, with a view to avoiding any recurrence of such cruelty to animals?

I am making inquiries about this matter and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in how many cases during each of the past eight years the estates of intestates dying in England and Wales have passed to the Crown on the grounds that relatives more remote than first cousins are now excluded from the distribution of intestates' estates under the Administration of Estates Act, 1925; and what has been the aggregate amount so received in each of these years?

I regret that the information desired is not available. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the absence of a claim does not necessarily denote the non-existence of relatives remoter than first cousins. I have no grounds for believing, however, that the cases in question are numerous or involve a substantial amount in the aggregate.