Written Answers
War
Customs Officers (Mileage Allowances)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increased cost of motor spirit, lubricating oils, illuminants, repairs, and renewals, he will authorise without delay a corresponding increase in the mileage rates, fixed in the year 1911, for motor cycles and motor cars used by officers of Customs and Excise in the performance of public business
The rates of mileage allowances payable for private motor cars and motor cycles used by officers of Customs and Excise are the rates approved for the public service generally, and I see no reason to consider that they are insufficient to cover the cost of motoring under present conditions.
Government Employes (Con Ciliation Bond)
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he proposes to publish, and, if so, when, the Report of the first year's working of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government employés?
This matter is under consideration.
Civil Servants Pensioned
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Department will consider special cases of hardship due to war conditions of pensioned Civil servants
I am unable to add anything to my previous answers on this subject.
Dublin Dock And Harbour Dues
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been directed to the correspondence between the solicitor to the Corporation of Dublin and Mr. L. Chubb, secretary of the Dock and Harbour Dues Claims Committee, on the subject of the ancient dues received by the corporation from all ships except His Majesty's warships coming into the River Liffey, of which the committee has refused to take cognisance owing to a Treasury ruling to the effect that the con cession in respect of dock and harbour dues did not apply to such claims, and that payment should not be allowed; whether he is aware that the right of the corporation to these dues is based upon the ownership of the bed and soil of the river conferred upon the corporation by various Royal charters of King John, King Henry III., and other sovereigns, and that they are claimed only as against ships in Government hands other than warships; whether he is aware that the amount now claimed by the corporation in respect of these dues upon, vessels in the service of the Crown other than war ships is £ 180; and whether he will make representations to the Treasury with a view to having an ex gratia Grant of this sum mad to the corporation and having directions given that similar claims arising in the future shall be similarly dealt with?
I have not seen the correspondence referred to. But I under stand that no services are rendered by the corporation in respect of the dues claimed by them under the charters, and I have therefore not felt able to authorise any ex gratia payment in respect of Government ships.
Food Supplies
Milk
asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of milk in Ireland; and if he will issue instructions prohibiting the issuing of licences for the export of milch cows
I have been asked to reply. The Chief Secretary answered the first part of this question fully on 21st February, in a reply to an inquiry by the hon. Member. As the season is now commencing when milk supplies increase in the ordinary course, there is no present reason, in the opinion of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, for withholding all licenses for the export of milch cows. In considering such a matter the interests of the breeders of cattle and of the community at large have to be borne in mind.
Increased Rations (Permits)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether medical permits for increased rations of meat and butter are only allowed to sufferers from tuberculosis and diabetes] and whether he will also consider cases of neurasthenia, especially if the patients are invalided out of the Army?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am advised that in cases of cases. thenia, no special advantage is to be derived from giving extra quantities of meat. Fish, eggs and butter beans are preferable forms in which to supply protein, the class of food which pre dominates in meat. I will, however, consider whether any extension of the pre sent provisions is necessary and desirable.
Overcharges
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to cases of overcharge for margarine, oat meal, and meat at Cowdenbeath, Fife; whether these cases were all duly reported to the local food control committee; and what action is being taken in the matter
I am aware that a butcher at Cowdenbeath was convicted on 16th February for selling meat in excess of the maximum price, and fined £ 5, with the alternative of imprisonment for twenty days. I have no information as to the other cases of overcharge to which the hon. Member refers, but I am having inquiries made.
Sugar
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Minister has received a. letter from the West of Scotland Whole sale Confectioners' Association pointing out that any plan for assigning sugar to the members of their trade ought to include those numerous shopkeepers whose sales also include newspapers, tobacco, cocoa, and sundry other articles; and whether the Ministry of Food intend to act on this suggestion?
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is now in a position to make an announcement as. to the intention of the Government with regard to preventing the disappearance of businesses solely concerned with the selling of sweets?
I hope to be able to announce the decision of the Food Controller on this matter in the course of a very few days. I may, however, state that the proposals under consideration do not exclude shopkeepers whoso sales comprise other articles besides confectionery, provided that the sale of sweets forms a sufficiently large part of their business.
Tea
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a scheme for the better distribution of tea to the public has been received by him from the tea trade; and, if so, whether he can make any statement as to the disposal of such scheme?
The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as the small amount of China tea remaining is practically all fine tea, he will say why it is put on a par with the lowest-priced tea when it cannot be replaced; whether he will consider the desirability of protecting those who cannot drink any other kind of tea; and whether he will explain why it is proposed to entail loss upon men who have devoted all their lives to give this beverage their earnest attention?
An appreciable quantity of the China tea remaining is not fine tea and it is not desirable for it to be sold above the price allowed. There are still supplies of China tea which can be purchased by retail by persons unable to drink any other kind of tea. The question of the disposal of such fine China tea as remains in the United Kingdom is at present under consideration.
Newspaper Statements
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he realises that he was not asked to stop newspapers printing speculative comments, but statements which purport to be authoritative statements of fact but which are both unauthorised and also incorrect; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the traders and the public with reference to the sale without coupons of offal, bacon, and sausages, which was announced by certain newspapers, he will reconsider the matter, and forbid any statement purporting to be one of fact unless officially sanctioned by the Ministry?
While I deprecate the inaccurate statement to which the hon. Member refers and realise the inconvenience to which it gave rise, it is not my experience that such mis-statements, purporting to be authoritative, are fre- quently made. I adhere to my opinion that there is no sufficient ground for imposing any statutory prohibition on newspapers which have rendered, and are still rendering, much assistance to the Ministry. I prefer to rely on their good feeling and good sense.
Rationing Scheme
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the position of an hon. Member whose Parliamentary duties keep him in town four nights a week, Monday to Thursday, and who goes home to a rationed area for the remaining three nights; as his meat and butter and margarine cards are registered with London retailers, is he to go meatless and butterless when at homo, or can he have the same privileges as theatrical and variety artists, Government officials, tinkers, and hawkers moving from place to place, or can he get. an emergency card in the home counties area in which he lives on cancellation of appropriate spaces and coupons on his present cards; and, if so, why should he be made dependent on emergency cards issued for a limited period in respect of a permanent arrangement?
Travellers' cards are intended only for special classes of persons whose business or occupation requires them to move continually from place to place, so that they are unable to obtain their food regularly from any particular shop or shops. I am, however considering an Amendment in the Rules applying to persons transferring their addresses, which would appear to meet the ease raised in this question more simply than by the method suggested by the hon. Member. An announcement will shortly be made on the matter.
Live Animals (Grading)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the unfairness, both to farmers and butchers, of the present system of grading live animals sold under market regulations; whether any revision of the system is in contemplation; and, if so, can ho indicate the nature, of the new Regulations?
There have undoubtedly been defects in the grading system, and complaints made as to grading of cattle have been brought to the notice of the committees concerned. The Ministry of Food in consultation with representatives of agricultural and other interests is at present considering the introduction of the sale of cattle by dead weight, a system which would be free from the objections made to the grading system.
Irish Cattle
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can now make any statement as to the quantity of Irish cattle slaughtered at Birkenhead recently which on arrival in London was condemned for tuberculosis; what action has been taken to prevent this diseased meat from reaching meat markets in the future; and what becomes of the offal of such slaughtered cattle, is it condemned in Birkenhead or is it sent to any markets for sale?
I have been asked to answer this question. During the month of February, of the meat of Irish cattle slaughtered at Birkenhead and arriving at Smithfield Market, thirty-five sides and sixteen quarters were condemned on account of tuberculosis The assistant meat inspector at Birkenhead has been called up for military service, and in the recent pressure of work some diseased carcases and offal which would ordinarily have been condemned at the place of slaughter have, unfortunately, escaped detection there and have been sent else where for sale. Steps have now been taken to provide a qualified assistant to the meat inspector at Birkenhead.
Cork Butter Market
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution adopted by the Cork Butter Market trustees at a special meeting on the 26th February demanding that, in view of the Regulations about to be issued with regard to the purchasing of butter in Ireland, they should be compensated for any losses that may be sustained by decrease in revenue or additional expenses incurred owing to the operation of these Regulations, such compensation to be based on the revenue of the market in 1916; and whether it is proposed to accede to this demand of the trustees?
My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has received the resolution, and is making inquiries into the matter referred to.
National Teachers, Ireland (War Bonus)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the second war bonus recently granted to Irish National teachers has been withheld from convent school teachers receiving an annual salary of £ 40 or £ 44 and a weekly war bonus oil 4s., also from junior assistant mistresses receiving an annual salary of £ 24 or £ 28 a year and a weekly war bonus of 4s.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
The recent extension of war bonus did not include the classes mentioned in the question; but they are dealt with in the arrangements for the distribution of a permanent additional grant for Irish elementary education. The Chief Secretary has no expectation of being able to provide an additional war bonus.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the number of work-mistresses in national schools who have been appointed under the Board since 1908 at very small salaries and who are not at present able to attend to their duties owing to the in creased cost of living under the present existing circumstances; and whether, having regard to the fact that they have always discharged their duties to the satisfaction of the Board and to the benefit and advancement of the people, their claims to a war bonus under the new scheme will now be considered?
I am informed that there are fifty-five work-mistresses in national schools, all of whom were appointed before 1901. They give two hours' service on days when the schools are open, and have received a war bonus of 2s. per week since July, 1916. Inquiries are being made as to their position in comparison with other part time employés.
Industrial Schools, Ireland (Maintenance Grant)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state why the supple mental Grant of Is. sanctioned by the Treasury in August last for the maintenance of children in industrial and reformatory schools in Ireland has not yet been paid to these schools; will he say why this supplemental Grant is made con- ditional on receiving a similar grant from the local authorities, seeing that there is no condition attached to the ordinary Grant; can he state the average number of children maintained in these schools during the years 1914 and 1917; what was the total amount of the Grants paid to these schools during the years 1914 and 1917 from the Treasury and the local authorities, respectively; what was the cost of the food, clothing, and fuel required by these schools during the years 1914 and 1917, respectively; and, seeing that, having regard to the increased cost of living, a supplemental Grant of Is. from the Treasury and a similar grant from the local authorities is inadequate to provide for the proper maintenance and care of the children for whoso welfare the managers of these schools are responsible, will he say from what source he suggests that the managers should obtain what is required?
Payment of the additional capitation Grant of Is. a week for the maintenance of children in reformatory and industrial schools is conditional in Ireland, as in Great Britain, on payment of an equivalent contribution by the local authority. I am informed that any delay that has occurred in payment of the additional Grant is due partly to delay on the part of some local authorities in notifying their agreement to make their increased contribution, and partly to the fact that other local authorities agreed to make an increased contribution of less than 1s. a week. In the latter case Treasury authority has been obtained for payment of additional capitation Grant of correspondingly reduced amount. The comparative figures asked for by the hon. Member are as follows:(1) The average numbers in reformatories and industrial schools during the years 1914 and 1917:
— | 1914 | 1917 | |
Reformatories | … | 674 | 642 |
Industrial Schools ' | … | 7,499 | 7,086 |
— | 1914 | 1917. |
£ | £ | |
Reformatories — | ||
Received from Treasury | 10,575 | 10,398 |
Received from Local Authorities | 5,054 | 5,887 |
(a) Coat of food | 8,308 | 10,273 |
Coat of food clothing | 1,900 | 2,299 |
Coat of food fuel, washing and light | 1,171 | 1,529 |
Industrial Schools— | ||
Received from Treasury | 97,490 | 96,267 |
Received from Local Authorities | 47,449 | 53,528 |
(b) Cost of food | 71,389 | 95,557 |
Coat of clothing | 20,111 | 22,941 |
Coat of fuel, washing and light | 15,468 | 19,865 |
(a) Including food for Officers | 740 | 936 |
(b) Including food for Officers | 7,935 | 10,195 |
Military Service
Conscientious Objectors
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the conscientious objectors interned in Ireland are obtaining similar concessions to those objectors who are interned in England
There is nothing to add to the reply given by the Chief Secretary to a question by the hon. Member for the Dublin Harbour Division on this subject on the 6th February, except that the Scottish conscientious objectors in Irish prisons were removed to Scotland on the 22nd February.
asked the Minister of National Service whether those Italians liable under the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act holding conscientious objections will be afforded similar treatment to that, of English conscientious objectors
Italian subjects who have elected to serve in the British Army under the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Acts, 1917, have the same rights of application to the tribunals for exemption as are possessed by British subjects, including the right to apply for exemption on the ground of a conscientious objection to the undertaking of combatant service.
asked the Home Secretary whether, since the reduction in the scale of dietary in His Majesty's prisons, there has been an increase in the number of conscientious objectors who have given in?
I do not know what the hon. Member means by "have given in." If he desires to know whether more conscientious objectors in prison have agreed to undertake military service, the answer is in the negative.
asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are at present in His Majesty's prisons who have served aggregate sentences of two years' hard labour; and where there is anything in the British law which allows of the most hardened criminals being sentenced under any pretext to periods of hard labour exceeding two years?
I cannot give this number without a search through the records at the different prisons which would involve more labour than I should feel justified in throwing on the prison staff at the pre sent time. There is nothing in English law to prevent the passing of successive sentences of imprisonment exceeding two years in the aggregate when successive offences are committed.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will have immediate inquiry made into the treatment and condition of Mr. Barker, a conscientious objector serving a term of imprisonment in Maidstone Gaol, who has nearly completed two years' imprisonment with hard labour; will he say whether this man has become a mental wreck and has partially lost his reason, and has been confined in a padded room; and whether he will at once release this man from such treatment?
This case has presented special difficulties. The man has peculiar ideas, objecting not only to military service, but to work in prison, to medical examination and to medical treatment; but there is no truth in statements that he has become a mental wreck, or that he has been confined in a padded room. After fully considering the reports, I have come to the decision that I am justified in recommending on medical grounds his release from prison and from military service.
asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement made by a conscientious objector at Princetown that conscientious objectors had offered their services to act as stretcher bearers, but that the authorities had rejected their offer; will he say whether any such offer was made; and, if so, by whom and on what ground it was rejected?
My attention has not been called to any particular statement of this nature; but I am informed by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors that several of the men under their control have applied to be transferred for service with the R.A.M.C. These applications have been forwarded to the Army Council, who, how ever, have not felt able to accept the men's services. Other men have applied to be allowed to serve in the Friends' Ambulance Unit; but the authorities of the Unit and the Committee are agreed that such service is only suitable for such men as may be permitted by the Committee to take up exceptional employment under the. new Rules.
Admiralty (Sea Lords' Remuneration)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the remuneration of the Sea Lords of the Board of Admiralty has been increased recently under the sanction of Order in Council or otherwise; and, if so, what is the amount of such increased remuneration?
The reply to the first part of this question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.
High-Legged Boots
asked the Under secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the scarcity of leather and the difficulty of supplying the demand for women's boots, he will amend the Order of 1st February prohibiting the sale of women's boots above 7 inches, so far as refers to the stocks which were in hand and unsold on the date of the said Order?
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given on the 20th February last to my hon. Friend the Member for North Islington.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mrs. Katherine Kennedy, mother of Driver John Kennedy, No. 26037], Army Service Corps, is now living in a cellar at 11. Lower Gardener Street, Dublin, where she is trying to exist on 3s. 6d., her only income, allotted to her by her son, who previous to enlistment allowed his mother 26s. per week; if he is aware that this soldier's mother has signed a sworn declaration to this effect, which has been sent with an appeal to the paymaster at Woolwich; if he will see that this woman will be paid the full separation allowance, with arrears, that is allowed to mothers of soldiers; if he is aware that this woman has pawned all her household goods in order to secure food whilst her son is fighting for the protection of the weaker nations; and if he is aware that the only protection that has been offered to her is a shelter in the Dublin Workhouse?
Mrs. Kennedy's claim for separation allowance was disallowed by the pension authorities, who, after investigating the case on appeal, were not satisfied as to the facts alleged, and adhered to their original finding.
asked the Under secretary of State for War if he is aware that Corporal John Nagle, No. 9006, E Company, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, who joined in November, 1916, and is now in hospital in France, made the usual allowance to his mother out of his pay, which was supplemented by the sum of Is. 5d. per week on the ground that previous to his enlisting he was not out of his time as an apprentice; and whether, having regard to the fact that he had only one month to serve to complete his apprentice ship, and that he would now be receiving £ 40 per year all found, and would be in a position to support his mother, inquiries will be made, and a more liberal allowance granted?
The facts of this case are not quite accurately stated in the question. Corporal Nagle was out of his apprenticeship, and earning £ 40 a year, all found, for some months before his enlistment, and in these circumstances the case does not come within the apprentice Regulation of the Special Grants Committee. The pension officer appears to found a dependence of 2s. a week, and so far as the Special Grants Committee are aware, no appeal against this decision was made by Mrs. Nagle.
Laundries, Thanet
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government purpose to erect a laundry or laundries at Manstone and/or Stonar, or at any place in Thanet; whether at present washing for the troops is being done at the rate of 7d. per bundle by existing laundries; whether he is aware that by this means alone these laundries, deprived under war conditions in Thanet of their pre-war sources of custom, continue to carry on their business; whether he realises that the erection of Government laundries in Thanet will involve the ruin of these existing laundries, and that this policy is calculated to increase the difficulties under which industries in Thanet labour; and whether, if Government custom is to be withdrawn, the question of requisitioning and turning to account existing laundries will be considered as a desirable alternative to erecting new laundries and reducing to ruin the existing establishments?
So far as I am aware, there is no proposal to erect Government laundries in Thanet, and the remainder of my hon. Friend's question does not, therefore, arise.
War Department Employes (War Bonus)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will have instructions given for the payment of the new rate of war bonus to principal fore men, foremen, foremen writers, and writers in the Army Ordnance and Army Service Corps departments at Dublin and the Curragh with effect from the date of the Treasury authority
The reference is no doubt to the recent award of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board. This award applies to certain classes of permanent Government employés engaged on clerical duties. Full instructions were issued to the Commands on the 2nd February last. The award does not apply to principal foremen or foremen, nor to temporary employés, who are dealt with separately. war increases and war bonus paid at the different ordnance depots in the United Kingdom; and why the rates are higher at stations where there are also naval depots?
The increases vary from 7s. to 20s. The differences are due to the fact that under the Fair Wages Resolution of this House, the wages of War Department employés are based on the current rate of the district for similar work. In dockyard towns, the Admiralty rates practically determine the rates of the district.
Munitions
Kynoch's Factory, Arklow
asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that over 1,000 unskilled and semi-skilled men employed in-munition making at the factory of Messrs. Kynochs, at Arklow, have received notice of dismissal; why this action has been taken; and if it is pro posed to utilise the services of these men in any similar capacity?
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Wicklow on 18th February.
Soldiers' And Sailors' Families (Ejectment)
asked the Home Secretary whether he intends to introduce legislation at an early date to prevent the arbitrary ejection from their homes of wives and children of soldiers who are in hospital or are serving their country in the Army or Navy?
This question is under consideration.
Bolshevik Methods
asked the Home Secretary if he has evidence that an hon. Member of this House has incited the public to acts of violence or sedition; and, if so, does he propose to take action under the Defence of the Realm Acts?
I would refer the hon. Baronet to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Hertford yesterday.
Wands Worth Prison (Visiting Committee)
asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the date of the last visit of the visiting committee from the Home Office to Wandsworth civil prison; whether they received any complaints from prisoners; and what was the period of time between the last visit and the preceding one?
The visiting committee is composed of local justices appointed by Quarter Sessions and not by the Home Office. It last met at the prison on the 25th February, when no complaints were received. Individual members of the committee visit the prison weekly, and the last weekly visit took place on Monday last, when no complaints were made.
Winchester Gaol (Prisoner's Health)
asked the Home Secretary if he will have immediate inquiry made into the physical and mental condition of J. Pritchard, No. 2674, Winchester Prison, who is reported to be in a serious state of health; and will he, in order to avoid another death in prison, have the man released?
This prisoner is anæmic, but he is being treated by medicine, extra diet, and out-of-door work in the garden, and is improving; otherwise he is in good health, and he is reported fit for military service. I can find no reason for recommending his release.
Mr Kameneff
asked the Home Secretary whether Mr. Kameneff was allowed, as promised, to take his luggage with him when he left London en route for Russia?
Mr. Kameneff was allowed to take all his luggage with him,
Irish Lights Commissioners (Employes' Wages)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the proposals, if any, his Department has sanctioned for increases in wages, bonuses, or awards to be paid to the employés of the Irish Lights Commissioners; if he will state the amounts to be paid and to whom they are to be paid; and if he will state the increases to be paid to Irish lighthouse-keepers and crews of steamers.
The Board of Trade sanctioned the payment to lighthouse-keepers, the clerical staff of the head office, the officers of the steam vessels, and certain employés at Kingstown, of war bonuses similar to those payable to Civil servants under the Treasury circular of the 24th December last and the relative awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board. Sanction has also been given to the payment to the crews of the steam vessels and the officers and crews of the light vessels of a war bonus of 3s. 5d. per diem and of a "danger money" allowance of 5d. a day.
Tobacco
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a statement has been made by a responsible member of the tobacco trade to the effect that a shortage of tobacco, necessitating a curtailment of supplies to the smoking public at an early date, is in evitable unless larger imports are permitted; and, seeing that a curtailment of supplies will lead to widespread discontent, what steps it is proposed to take to prevent this?
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is an object of the Tobacco and Matches Control Board to ensure as far as possible the same quantity of imports of tobacco in 1918 as in 1916, but this is subject to the provision of the necessary tonnage, and as to this they are in communication with the Ministry of Shipping.
Lurgan District Council (Labour Dispute)
asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the action of the Lurgan Urban District Council in refusing to be party to arbitration proceedings, for which his Department appointed an arbitrator for the heaving on 21st September, 1917, to consider the claims put forward by the council's employés in the gas works; whether he is aware that, in consequence of this action on the part of the council, a number of the workmen came out on strike and that the dispute still continues; and what action he proposes to take in the matter
I am aware of the difference to which my hon. Friend refers, but as the Lurgan Urban District Council are not subject to the Munitions of War Acts, Arbitration proceedings could not take place otherwise than by consent which the Council were not prepared to give. I am addressing another communication on the subject to;. he Council.
Insurance A Gents (Remuneration)
asked the Minister of Labour when the result of the inquiry into the conditions of insurance agents may be expected; if he will take steps to accelerate the decision: and if he is aware that it is twelve months since the Industrial Unrest Committee drew attention to the wages which insurance agents were paid and recommended immediate intervention of the Government on their behalf in order to remove the growing dissatisfaction?
The Committee of Inquiry is holding frequent meetings, and will no doubt report to me as soon as possible.
Tramway And Omnibus Employes
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement as regards the position with the employés of tramway and omnibus under takings who have handed in their notices to their employers; and, in view of keeping many of these services running for the convenience of munition and other war workers, what steps he has taken in order to prevent this great stoppage of London traffic?
I have held conferences with both sides, and I have arranged for a further joint conference to be held on Thursday morning, at which it is hoped that a settlement will be reached.
Committee Of Reconstruction
asked the Minister of Reconstruction (1) whether the Committee of Reconstruction as at present constituted is adequate to afford to His Majesty's Government the information and guidance which should be available as to important problems of reconstruction awaiting solution; and whether, in view of the public dissatisfaction which exists as to the personnel of the Committee, he will take immediate steps to meet the demand for efficiency; and (2) whether, in the absence of personal knowledge as to the qualifications of men selected by him to serve on the Committee of Reconstruction, he observes the practice of requiring that reports should be submitted to him from chambers of commerce and other commercial authorities as to the suitability of men whose names are laid before him for nomination?
The Committee on Reconstruction ceased to exist when the Ministry of Reconstruction was created last year. The points mentioned in the hon. Member's questions do not appear, therefore, to arise.
House Rents, Glasgow
asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the increase of rents of houses in Glasgow, in some cases amounting to an increase of 100 per cent.; and what steps he is taking to protect the people of that city against unreasonable charges?
:I assume the hon. Baronet refers to houses over £ 30 rental, the limit fixed by the Rent Restriction Act. I have received some complaints in regard to such houses, but none suggesting such an increase as 100 per cent. If the hon. Baronet has any evidence supporting such a figure I shall be glad to consider it. For the present I have nothing to add to my answer given to the hon. and learned Member for the Tradeston Division on the 30th January.
Agriculture Committees, Ireland (Officers)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any steps have been taken to secure better salaries for officers of committees of agriculture and technical instruction in Ireland?
I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to his question of the 27th February.
asked what steps have been taken to bring a pension scheme into force for whole-time officers of committees of agriculture and technical instruction in Ireland?
Before the War a superannuation scheme for the officers referred to was prepared, and a Bill has been drafted to give effect to the scheme. Owing to the outbreak of the War the introduction of the Bill has been deferred.
Royal Irish Constabulary
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that there is a rule of the Royal Irish Constabulary Code which forbids con stables marrying until they have had seven years' service or obtained the permission of their authorities; can he explain what the object of this rule is and whether a constable found guilty of an infringement of it is liable to instant dismissal; and whether, having regard to the population and marriage statistics in Ireland, the State will encourage all eligible young men to marry, instead of putting restrictions in their way?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The rule is of long standing, and is necessary for the proper administration of the force A constable who marries without leave is liable to disciplinary punishment, but it is not usual to dismiss from the service for that cause alone.
Royal Dockyard Apprentices (Examination Syllabus)
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Civil Service Commissioners propose to make any alteration or extension, in the syllabus of the examination for dockyard apprentices and boy artificers in the Royal Navy for the year 1919; and whether it is proposed to add an examination in French to the subjects already taken?
My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. No such alteration or extenson as that referred to is contemplated by the Admiralty.