Written Answers
War
Aircraft Manufacture (Capital)
asked the Prime Minister whether he will give instructions to the Air Board and the Treasury and other Government Departments to give all possible facilities to the concerns at present engaged in the manufacture of aircraft, with a view to increasing the output, and not to persist in putting impediments in the way, such as refusal of permission to increase their capital with the object of increasing output and efficiency?
I do not think it necessary to issue general instructions in the sense suggested, as all Departments concerned are fully alive to the importance of increasing the production of aircraft.
Death Duties
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of property assessed for Death Duties during the last financial year for which the figure is available; and how much of that amount consisted of estates of less than £1,000 in value?
The total amount of property on which Estate Duty was received in the year 1913–14—the last. financial year for which the figure is available—was £298,006,479, of which £21,142,978 consisted of estates not over £1,000 in value.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of revenue obtained from the Death Duties during the year ended 31st March, 1917; how much of that amount came from Estate Duty; and how much in detail from the other Death Duties?
The amount of Death Duties paid into the Exchequer in the year ended 31st March, 1917, is shown on page 5 of the Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for that year, divided approximately between the several heads as follows:
£ | |
Estate Duty (including Settlement Estate Duty), Probate (and Inventory) Duty, Account Duty, and Temporary Estate Duty | 25,180,000 |
Legacy Duty | 5,060,000 |
Succession Duty | 950,000 |
Corporation Duty | 42,000 |
Total Estate, etc., Duties | £31,232,000 |
Income Tax (Repayment)
asked the Secretary to the Treasury if persons who have paid Income Tax on their wages during one or more quarters for which their income has amounted to more than £32 10s. are entitled to claim repayment if their total income for a full year is less than £130; what is the procedure to be adopted by persons desiring to claim repayment; if there is a statutory date prior to which notice of claim for repayment must be given; if small sums received on account of interest on savings must be included in their taxable income; and, if so, whether such small sums as have been received on account of interest must be separately claimed for repayment if their total income does not exceed £130 for the whole year?
The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The procedure is very simple, involving merely an application to the Surveyor of Taxes with a statement of the total income and proof of payment of tax. Claims are admitted at any time within three years after the end of the year of assessment, but application may be made for repayment as soon as the year's income is ascertained. With the exception of the accumulated interest payable in. respect of War Savings Certificates, for which there is express statutory exemption, all income from investments, however acquired, falls to be included for Income Tax purposes. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the different practice regarding the commutation of pensions at present obtaining in the Army and in the Navy, although under the same Act; whether the Treasury make any objection to the practice in the Navy; and will he state what is their attitude with respect to the practice in the Army?
I am causing inquiry to be made into this subject, and I will communicate with the hon. Member later.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the hardships in individual cases caused by the suspension of the commutation of officers' pensions, he will consider each of them on their merits if brought to his notice?
This matter is receiving further consideration.
asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will have inquiry made into the cause of the delay in paying the separation allowance to the mother of Private H. Barlow. No. 61240, 5th Platoon, B Company, 36th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, as this soldier enlisted on the 20th August last and immediately made an allotment of 3s. 6d. a week?
If the hon. Member will furnish me with the name and address of the soldier's mother, I will have inquiry made.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has considered the injustice which is inflicted upon the lawful wives of soldiers who have been separated from their husbands by an order of a Court of competent jurisdiction and who have a maintenance order for themselves and their children, which has been evaded by the husband designating another woman as his dependent wife, so that under the Army Regulations such woman receives the separation allowance for herself and her illegitimate children to the exclusion of the lawful wife and children; whether he is aware that the grant at the motherless-children rate is in most cases wholly insufficient to support the lawful wife and her children, who suffer much hardship and privation, especially where ill-health prevents the mother from earning any income ; and whether the Army Council will reconsider their decision, which declares that the lawful wife is non-dependent and prevents the local pensions committees from making any rent or sickness grants and innocent women are deprived of the maintenance which would be available to them in civil life?
My hon. Friend has not, I think, apprehended the effect of the Regulations quite correctly. As regards the position of the lawful wife, I would refer him to the reply given on the 17th December last to the hon. Member for Westhoughton. The claim of the lawful wife has priority under Army Regulations, and any payment of separation allowance for her or her children renders the un- married wife ineligible for the allowance, but the latter may in such circumstances receive a special allowance from the local war pensions committee.
Food Supplies
Meat
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he now realises that the fixing of prices for beef and other meat has been the means of creating a meat famine both in Great Britain and Ireland owing to the farmers having no certainty as to what prices may or may not be fixed; and will he, in the interests of the consumer, do away with maximum and minimum prices and thus afford a chance to those who are willing to fatten and rear cattle of supplying the public demand without the Orders and Regulations which have hitherto been in force?
The Food Controller cannot agree that the present meat shortage is due to the fixing of maximum prices. The main causes of this shortage, as I have already frequently pointed out, are the diminution in the quantity of imported meat available for the civilian population, and the reduction in the supplies of feeding-stuffs for cattle. Lord Rhondda has already announced that the maximum prices for meat will not be lowered during 1918. He is not prepared to adopt the course suggested by the hon. Member of abolishing maximum prices for meat altogether.
Sugar
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether ho is aware that throughout Ireland sugar is practically unobtainable; whether this is due to a desire to keep all sugar supplies for the people of Great Britain only; whether he is aware that the latter is the general feeling in Ireland; and if steps will be taken to ensure that Ireland will not be exceptionally treated in this matter and adequate supplies given to meet the demand which the Food Controller laid down as a standard and thus allay the anxiety which prevail?
I am not aware that sugar is practically unobtainable in Ireland. My information, on the contrary, is that the supplies there are, if anything, more plentiful than in other parts of the United Kingdom. I cannot believe that the hon. Member can be correct in thinking that there exists in Ireland any general belief that all the sugar is being kept for England, Scotland, and Wales. The supplies for Ireland have throughout been regulated on the same basis as those for other parts of the United Kingdom, except that the rationing system is only now about to come into force in Ireland, as administrative difficulties there prevented its introduction at an earlier date.
Home Produce
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if it is permitted under the meat rationing scheme that poultry reared by members of a household and rabbits or hares caught by them may be consumed in addition to the rations; if pheasants and other game birds are also outside the rations; if it will be possible for a member of a self-supplying household to have extra supplies of home-produced food sent to him if he is away from home on a visit to a friend's house but not if he is temporarily occupying another house of his own; and if he will explain the reasons for drawing a distinction between the two cases?
Rabbits, hares, and birds (other than poultry and game birds) kept or caught by members of a household may for the present be consumed in addition to the ration. Poultry kept and pheasants or other game caught or killed in the neighbourhood by any member of a household, or any employéof a householder, may be taken within the rations at two-thirds of their actual weight. I take the opportunity of making a correction in the statement on this subject as issued last week, when, owing to the accidental omission of a reference to poultry, it was made to appear that home-reared poultry could be taken outside the ration altogether. The point is now dealt with by statutory Directions under the London and Home Counties Rationing Order in the sense of this answer. It is in contemplation to limit this privilege to people actually resident in the district in which the food is produced or absent for a period not exceeding four weeks in all. It makes no difference where the period of absence is spent so long as it is merely temporary, and a person who, while actually residing in the country, pays a short visit to a home of her own in the town, can continue to draw supplies as a self-supplier. I should add that the foregoing arrangements are provisional. The whole question is now being examined by a Special Committee.
Wines
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether private persons having cellars of wine, repleted before the Food Orders against hoarding were issued, are liable to inspection, search, and confiscation of their wines if their stocks in cellars exceed a certain amount?
No, Sir. Wine is not regarded as a food.
Fishing Restrictions
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Rings-end fishermen have met with considerable losses owing to the Regulations that compel them to travel a distance of 15 miles from Dublin Bay before they are allowed to fish; if he is aware of the effect on the food supply caused by this Order; if he will take steps to have the Order withdrawn; and if he is aware of the dangers 15 miles from Dublin?
The Regulation referred to was made in the public interest by the Admiralty authorities, and I have no evidence that it is having the consequences suggested in the question.
Potatoes
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland at what price the seed potatoes supplied to rural councils last year were purchased by the Local Government Board; what was the fixed price put on by the Local Government Board to rural councils; what was the charge for freightage, etc.; if he is aware that in some cases the labourers had to pay more than Is. 8d. per stone; and if the full estimate of the cost of these potatoes and the incidental expenses will b given so as to satisfy the general public, and particularly the labourers?
Seed potatoes, under the Labourers Scheme; were purchased by rural district councils, with the approved of the Local Government Board, through the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, who had arranged beforehand with shipping merchants to supply such potatoes at a fixed price. This price was the price fixed by the military to the grower, plus a fixed sum to cover cost of handling, bagging, and placing free on rail. The fixed price so determined and charged to all rural district councils was £10 5s. per ton—that is to say, 1s. 3⅜d. per stone. The incidental expenses incurred by rural district councils in connection with supplies were heavy in some cases and considerably increased the cost. The expenses were not subject to control except in so far as the remuneration of officers was concerned. In a number of cases the remuneration was materially reduced. In ten rural districts, out of 130 receiving supplies the charge slightly exceeded 1s. 8d. per stone. In one rural district the charge was 1s. 9d. The average charge was about s. 7d. a stone. The Return suggested in the concluding part of the question could only be compiled at an expenditure of time and labour which would not be commensurate with the information obtained.
Nicholson Estate, Kilbeg, Meath
asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he received a memorial from labourers at Kilbeg, Kells, county Meath, asking that provision be made for pasturage for their cows and allotments for food production on the untenanted lands of Horath, on the Nicholson estate; and what action he has taken?
I am informed that no such memorial has been received by the Department of Agriculture.
Food Ships Sunk
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in quite recent times a food ship putting into a south-western port was allowed to leave the port and was sunk outside by submarine attack; and how many of these incidents there have been where a ship has touched British soil and then been lost afterwards before reaching her destination?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The vessel probably referred to was part of a convoy, but unfortunately had to leave the convoy and put into port for fresh water. Presumably the cargo could not be discharged at this port, and the vessel was sent on to her destination under escort. I am afraid I cannot give the information asked for in the last part of the question.
Dog Tax (Ireland)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received a resolution from the Irish Game Protection Association asking that the Dog Tax in Ireland should be raised to 7s. 6d. and be collectible on 1st January in each year, and further pointing out that numbers of useless dogs, many unlicensed, are kept in Ireland effectively wasting food and causing loss to farmers, especially in the lambing season, and, as this tax is paid in reduction of local taxes in Ireland, whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
A copy of the resolution mentioned in the question has been forwarded to me. The question of increasing the Dog Tax in Ireland has several times been considered, and it was discussed last year in connection with a similar proposal in regard to England. Legislation would be necessary to make any change in the amount of the tax, and it was decided not to proceed with the matter for the reasons stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Cambridge University on the 19th July last.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has seen a resolution passed by the Wexford County Council protesting against the payment of a war bonus to clerks of petty sessions out of the Dog Tax as recommended by the Associated Petty Session Clerks of Ireland; and, as this tax is at present paid to county and urban councils which are, in most instances, now labouring under excessive taxation, will he see that the present arrangement is not disturbed?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As I stated in a written answer to a question by the hon. Member for West Donegal, in the Official Report of the 28th January, no case has been made out for any general increase of salary to Petty Sessions clerks in Ireland.
Labourers' Wages (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether labourers' wages fixed by Government boards in Ireland are retrospective; and, if so, from what date?
The Agricultural Wages Board for Ireland have issued two Orders, dated 10th November, 1917, and 14th January, 1918, relating to wages payable to different classes of workers. The wages fixed by the Orders are payable from their respective dates.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a memorial from the Meath labour union stating that, owing to the increased cost of living and scarcity of many of the necessaries of life, and considering the profits made by graziers and tillage farmers, proven by the fact that they are able to pay £15 per acre for grazing land this season, they demand a minimum wage of 25s. per week, and that, in view of the necessity for an increased birth rate to make good the ravages of this War, they call upon the Government to introduce forthwith a scheme for State allowances to workers with families, to be worked similar to the scheme in operation for payment to soldiers' dependants, to enable the workers to provide sufficient nourishment for their children, thereby reducing the rate of infantile mortality; and, if so, if he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Agricultural Wages Board for Ireland have fixed a minimum wage for the county of Meath of 22s. 6d. a week for ordinary workers for a ten hour day with overtime thereafter at the rate of 6¾d. per hour, and 25s. a week, inclusive wage, to certain classes of employés to cover overtime and Sunday work, where such is done.
Labourers Cottages (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many rural councils in Ireland had schemes under the Labourers Acts held up because of money shortage since the outbreak of war; if he is aware that in many cases the necessary inquiries were held and the inspector's report as to who were eligible for cottages and plots of land furnished to the local authority; and if he will, in the interests of the poor and for the sake of producing more food, arrange that in all cases where the inspectors' reports have been submitted the allotments should be handed over to those who passed the inquiry, by an arrangement between the owners and occupiers and the local authority, by the Local Government Board guaranteeing to the former the compensation which they would be entitled to under the Labourers Acts, as such a move would be a boon to the poor and, in order to have the land ready for the spring season, immediate stops should be taken?
Forty-two rural district councils in Ireland have had schemes under the Labourers Acts held up since the outbreak of the War. In seven cases inquiries have been held. The Local Government Board have no power to give any such guarantee as that mentioned in the question.
Royal Navy (Temporary Officers)
asked the Secretary to the Admiralty how many temporary officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve or in the Royal Marines have lost their lives or been incapacitated by reason of their service and who would, had they been in the Army in a corresponding position, have benefited by the authority to pay either to them or to their dependants the Regulation gratuity?
The number of temporary officers referred to by my hon. Friend is 522, 424 of whom are dead and ninety-eight have been invalided. These figures do not include temporary officers of the Royal Naval Reserve, of whom 517 are dead and twenty-nine have been invalided. I think it well that this information should be given, although my hon. Friend does not ask for it specifically in his question.
Admiralty Temporary Clerks (War Bonus)
asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the effect of the latest war bonus presented to temporary clerks at the Admiralty, namely, to put all men clerks previously receiving 54s. a week or less on a flat rate of wages of that amount, including war bonus, irrespective of length of service, merit, or any other consideration ; whether he is aware that on this basis such temporary clerks arc now receiving increments to their previous emoluments varying from 10s. a week in the case of men of short service to 2s. a week in the case of those with longer service, thereby discounting or annulling all previous increments for presumably good service; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting more equitable treatment in these cases, and of giving a wage of more than 54s, a week for skilled clerical labour?
The considerations mentioned in the first part of the question have not been lost sight of, and the question whether any further increase can be granted to clerks who by reason of length of service or special merit had been granted rates of pay in excess of the old minimum is under consideration.
Military Service
Departmental Corps (Men Over Thirty-Five)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether by any War Office Order or Army Council Instructions it has been decided that men over thirty-five years of age are not to be removed from Departmental corps?
No such decision has been given.
Conscientious Objectors
asked the Home Secretary if he will have immediate inquiry made into the case of Leslie Kent, a conscientious objector in Wormwood Scrubs, who for some time has been in hospital and is said to be getting weaker and weaker; and will he, in order to avoid another preventable death, order his release at once?
The latest medical report in this case was satisfactory, but I have asked for a further report.
Soldiers' Railway Passes
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the railway transport officer at Victoria refuses to endorse passes of soldiers returning to the front unless they produce the endorsements of officials at the northern termini to show that they have been delayed by air raids and have thus missed their trains; whether he is aware that these men have to retrace their steps across London for this purpose: and whether, since the knowledge of an air raid is common to all he will take steps to avoid this unnecessary fatigue being imposed on men who have not been warned of the necessity for such action on their part?
The usual practice is as stated by my hon. Friend, but the matter is at present receiving further consideration.
Mistley Camp, Essex
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will have an immediate inquiry made into the state of things in the camp of the 5th Worcesters, Mistley, Essex, where the men are lodged in malt-houses with no fires or heating apparatus of any description, the buildings being dark and dismal, and in consequence of these unhealthy conditions the men are reporting sick daily; and will he also inquire into the absence of any facilities for recreation and the provision for bathing, the bath-house being described as being in a filthy condition?
Inquiry is being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.
Medical Officers (Territorial Decoration)
asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that there are medical officers of the Volunteer and Territorial Forces who have completed twenty years service and more and are entitled to the Territorial decoration, and have been recommended there for by their officer commanding and by the general officer commanding their district, but who have not received the same; and if he will acquire into the matter and have it put right?
Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any case he has in mind. I am only aware of three or four applications for the Territorial decoration received recently, which are being dealt with, and which should appear in the next list of awards.
Royal Garrison Artillery Promotion
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when the War Office may be expected to carry out their repeated promises of putting the relative promotions of the Royal Garrison Artillery on a fair equality with the promises in the Royal Field Artillery; and what are the reasons for the prolonged delay?
I regret I can add nothing to the answer which I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southampton on the 29th October. M hon. Friend will realise that there are financial and other administrative difficulties in the way of frequent readjustment of the relative rates of promotion, but there is every reason to hope that matters will readjust themselves in the future.
Public Schools Officers' Training Corps
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the present total strength of the Public Schools Officers' Training Corps battalions?
The last half-yearly return, dated 1st October, 1917, gives the strength of junior contingents of the Officers' Training Corps as:
Officers | … | … | 545 |
Cadets | … | … | 28,844 |
Soldiers' Leave
asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that, because of the serious illness of his wife, application was made for leave by Gunner J. Kimpton, No. 130,684,Royal Garrison Artillery, 115, AA. Section H.R., E Battery, Italian Expeditionary Force, Italy; that the wife was assured by the police that her husband's application would be granted; that after the application for leave had been put in Mrs. Kimpton died, and that a letter has now been received from the husband stating that leave was refused him; and whether, in view of the circumstance that his child is now very ill, he can see his way to authorise the granting of leave to this soldier?
This case has been referred by wire to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, and I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result as soon as possible.
Army Pay Department (Civilian Clerks)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when the award of the Conciliation Board for increased wages to the civilian clerks employed in the Army Pay Department in Beggar's Bush Barracks, Dublin, may be expected; and if he will take steps to accelerate the decision?
I hope that a decision will be announced shortly.
Army Officers (Pay)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any decision has been reached with regard to an increase in the retired pay of officers who have been in the Service during the War and have reached the age limit; whether it has already been decided that non-commissioned officers and men who have twenty-one years' service should receive their pension in addition to their pay; and whether officers who were pensioned before the War but who are now serving are receiving both their retired pay as well as the pay of their rank?
I would refer my hon. Friend, with regard to the first part of his question, to the answer which I gave on the 19th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Melton, to which I have nothing to add. With regard to the second part, the decision as to non-commissioned officers and men is that, as soldiers were before the Military Service Act, 1916, only liable for an extra year in the event of war, they may have the option of drawing pension after twenty-two years' service with no increase of pension thereafter for further service, or of counting their whole service on ultimate discharge in the assessment of pension. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative in most cases.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the daily rate of pay of Army chaplains of the honorary rank of captain and major is 10s.; and whether it is proposed to give to such Army chaplains the recent increase of pay given to junior combatant officers or any and what, increase?
The rate of pay of a captain (4th class chaplain) has recently been raised from 10s. to 10s. 6d., rising to 12s. 6d. after five years. A major (2nd class chaplain) receives 15s. 3d. No further increase is contemplated.
Munitions
J S White And Company, Northwood
asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that there is a considerable amount of discontent and unrest at the aeroplane works of J. S. White and Company, at Northwood, caused by certain of the workmen, including A.R.M.W., being ordered by a foreman to sharpen and put in order tools used by women workers at these works, and that the A.R.M.W. have been told that if they refuse to do this they will be returned to the Army; and whether A.R.M.W. can be compelled to do something that the ordinary workmen refused to do?
I presume that the hon. Member's question refers to the firm of J. S. White and Company, of Cowes. If so, no complaint on the subject appears to have been received by the Ministry. I may say, however, that no firm has any power to return any Army Reserve munition workers to the Army, and the Ministry take the strongest possible exception to any threats of the nature suggested being made by employers or their agents. With regard to the last part of the question, an Army Reserve munitions worker is employed under entirely civilian conditions, and cannot, therefore, be compelled by his employers to do anything that ordinary workmen cannot be asked to do. Inquiries are being made in the matter generally.
Wheat Growing (British Colonies)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether wheat growing is possible in some of the Colonies directly under the control of Downing Street; and. if so, whether he will consider the advisability of drawing the attention of some Colonial Governments, such as East Africa, to the necessity of stimulating output in this direction?
The increased production of wheat is under the consideration of the Government of the East Africa Protectorate, and I understand that, as a preliminary measure to secure an adequate supply of seed wheat, the sale of wheat for milling purposes has been temporarily prohibited and a maximum price fixed for wheat sold for seed purposes. Very little wheat is grown in other British Colonies and Protectorates, and I fear that for climatic and other reasons it would not be feasible materially to increase the production.
Press Bureau
asked the Home Secretary which of the various Government Departments has authority to issue instructions to the Press Bureau; and whether instructions not officially emanating from any State Department can be issued by an individual in such Department?
The discretion exercised by the directors of the Press Bureau is subject only to the instructions of the War Cabinet and of the Home Office, but requests and commendations are made to the Bureau by other Departments. All such communications emanate from the Departments officially.
Volunteer Patrol Committees
asked the Home Secretary whether special armlets are to be issued to the volunteer patrol committees in the East End?
I regret that this cannot be done.
Bank Amalgamation (Procedure)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, as a result of amalgamation, to transfer Ulster Bank stock held in Ireland it is necessary to have all grants resealed in England and afterwards exhibited at the London County and Westminster Bank; if stock or those holders in the latter bank wishing to transfer must similarly reseal in Ireland and exhibit script, etc., to the Ulster Bank; and has his Department any control over this tedious and expensive procedure, or will he have some more businesslike method adopted?
I am not sure that I fully understand the hon. Member's question, but in any case the procedure to which he refers is not within the control of the Board of Trade.
Motor Cars (Restrictions)
asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the reasons for differentiating between motor cars driven by electricity and those driven by gas or petrol; it the use of electricity for propelling cars entails a consumption of fuel; and whether economy of electricity is as important as economy of gas?
The number of electrically propelled cars in regular use is very small, and is unlikely to increase in view of the great difficulty of obtaining accumulators, for which a priority certificate from the Ministry of Munitions is required. Economies of electricity and gas are equally important, but the supply of electricity required for driving motor cars does not necessarily entail an additional consumption of fuel, as accumulators arc usually charged from generating stations during a period of light load. The use of gas for driving motor vehicles involves the employment in the manufacture of gas containers and fittings of labour and material which are urgently required in other directions, and in view of the large and rapidly increasing demand for the use of gas for purely private or pleasure cars, hitherto driven by means of petrol, it was decided to impose restrictions upon the purposes of use of cars by means of gas.
Delayed Press Telegram
asked the Postmaster-General why a Press message of 564 words regarding the torpedoing of the Cunard liner "Andania," handed in at Belfast General Post Office at 10.10 a.m. on Mon- day, 28th January last, by the Belfast correspondent of the London "Evening News," was not delivered to that newspaper until after 3 p.m. on the same day; was the message held up by the Belfast Postal Telegraph Department for fully two hours before being punched; is it the practice of the postal telegraph authorities or Press Bureau to now give precedence to messages sent by the Press Association correspondents to those dispatched by special contributors; and, if so, having regard to the fair treatment of the latter, will he say why a Press Association representative should hold an important position in the office of the Press Bureau in London?
The telegram in question was delayed on account of the heavy pressure of telegraph business at Belfast and the faulty working of the wires to London. It was not held up at Belfast as suggested before being punched. It is not the practice of the postal telegraph authorities to give precedence to messages sent by Press Association correspondents over those sent by special contributors.
Russia
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information of the threat of the Russian Commissary of Foreign Affairs to the effect that, unless the British Government recognises M. Litvinoff, the Russian People's Ambassador in London, stringent measures will be taken against British subjects in Russia; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take to protect these British subjects?
I have seen the report in the Press, but I have no official confirmation of it. Such measures would be entirely unjustified, and unless and until the report is confirmed I cannot say more than that His Majesty's Government are giving the matter their consideration and will, the case arising, take all steps that lie within their power.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can confirm the report of the cancelling by the Council of the People's Commissioners of Russia of the Anglo-Russian Agreement of 1907 concerning Persia, and also of efforts by the Council to obtain a complete evacuation of Persia by Russian, Turkish, and British forces; and, if so, what action His Majesty's Government propose to take?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I am unable to make any statement regarding matters at present under consideration.
Vaccination (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Ballymore Trade and Labour League passed a resolution complaining of the treatment meted out to their president, Mr. Christopher Cullston, who was imprisoned in Waterford Gaol and treated as a third-class prisoner, being compelled to wear the prison garb, because he conscientiously objected to the vaccination of his child; why the Conscience Clause, which saves English objectors to vaccination from imprisonment, is not extended to Ireland ; and will he endeavour to have the law in this respect assimilated in both countries?
The resolution referred to has been received. The prisoner was committed to Waterford Prison for seven days in default of paying a fine of 5s. and 8s. costs. He complained of his treatment and was offered ameliorations, but declined the privileges except that of wearing his own clothes. As to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in Debate on the 7th August, 1917, and to a written answer to a question by the hon. Baronet the Member for North Wexford in the Official Report of the 29th October.
Land Purchase (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when it is proposed to divide the Reynell estate, at Lobinstown, county Meath; and whether the Estates Commissioners are aware that there are several labourers with large families in the district anxious to take portion temporarily and cultivate it for food production which is needed in the locality?
The estate referred to is the subject of proceedings for direct sale under the Irish Land Act, 1903. It has not yet been reached in order of priority on the Register of Direct Sales for cash. When the estate is being dealt with the wants and circumstances of small occupiers and labourers in the district will be borne in mind in connection with the allotment of such untenanted land as the Estates Commissioners may be able to acquire for purposes of distribution.
asked whether the Estates Commissioners propose to distribute the Killna estate, near Kells, county Meath, in time for cultivation this season?
The reply is in the affirmative.
Tobacco Cultivation (Ireland)
asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) why tobacco growers whose seed beds failed and who could not procure plants for their plots were compelled to leave the same idle for the season, or if they sowed catch crops, were deprived of the tobacco growers' bonus?
Persons who intended to grow tobacco and were unable to plant it were not required to keep land idle during the season. Land sown with crops other than tobacco obviously could not be regarded as coming within the scheme of tobacco experiments, and in respect of it no grant could be payable from the subsidy for tobacco experiments.
National School Teacher (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the application of the manager of Mohober National Schools, No. 7,048, county Tipperary, made last August for the promotion of the principal teacher, Mr. O'Mahony, to second division of first grade, has been put before a Board meeting for their consideration; was the fact made known to the Commissioners that Mr. O'Mahony was prevented by medical authority from availing of a course of training; if the Commissioners were not made aware of it, will he request the resident Commissioner to now put Mr. O'Mahony's claims for promotion before the Board for their consideration; will he also state if the Commissioners have previously made exceptions in favour of untrained teachers; and have any untrained teachers been promoted to first grade, second division, during the past two years with less than thirty years' experience; and, if so, what conditions did they fulfil?
The teacher referred to has never been trained in a recognised training college, and he is ineligible under the Rules of the Commissioners of National Education for the promotion to first grade. Untrained teachers in the service before the 1st August, 1887, who were: on that date either(a) married or (b).aged twenty-five years or upwards, are exempted from training as a condition of promotion, but Mr. O'Mahony did not fulfil either of these conditions. Inability under medical advice to attend a course of training does not warrant an exception being made to the rule. Such exceptions are granted only in cases of exceptionally efficient teachers whose schools have received very favourable reports for not less than six consecutive years. The case is governed by the rules and is not one for special submission to the Board of National Education.