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Written Answers

Volume 104: debated on Thursday 14 March 1918

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Written Answers

War

British Government Securities

Exemptions From Taxation

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that from time to time there is in America considerable doubt as to the exact freedom from British taxes of the various bonds and short-dated notes issued on behalf of Great Britain in that country; and whether he can make a statement as to the absolute exemption of these securities from all Income Tax, Super-tax, Death Duties, and British taxation of every description?

I am not aware that any doubt is entertained in America as to the scope of the exemptions from British taxation which are enjoyed by British Government securities issued in the United States of America since the outbreak of War. The effect of these exemptions is as follows:—

  • (1) No deduction in respect of any British tax, present or future, is made or to be made from payments in respect either of the interest or of the principal of any of these securities.
  • (2) Further, the securities are exempt from liability for assessment to British taxation under the following provisions:—
  • (a) The Anglo-French American loan was issued subject to the condition prescribed by Section 1 (3) of the American Loan Act, 1915, namely:
  • "Any securities issued for the purposes of any such loin in the United States of America except where they are held by persons domiciled in the United Kingdom, or by British subjects ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, shall not be liable no any 'axation present or future."
    (b) Securities issued subsequently in America fall under Section 47 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, as amended by Section 44 (1) of the Finance Act, 1916, the effect of which is that neither the capital nor the interest of these securities will be liable to any British taxation, present or future, so long as the securities are in the beneficial ownership of persons who are neither domiciled nor ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom; further, the interest will not be liable to British Income Tax, including Super-tax, so long as the securities are in the beneficial ownership of persons who are not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, irrespective of their domicile.
    There has never been any suggestion that a person living here who does not satisfy the conditions set out in paragraph 2 (

    a) or ( b) above, as the case may be, would not be liable, in respect of a holding of these securities, to the same public burdens as attach to the holding of any other securities by persons living in this country.

    Commercial Attaches And Trade Commissioners

    asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether proper provision is being made for the appointment of commercial attaches in all foreign countries or British protected countries where British trade interests are at stake; and (2) whether his Department has been unable to sanction any of the credits requested by the Department of Overseas Trade for the appointment of Trade Commissioners; and, if so, will he state the detailed amounts?

    A Committee appointed by the Foreign Office recommended that the annual expenditure on the Commercial Attaché Service should be raised from £10,907 to £97,250, and that an initial non-recurrent expenditure of £7,100 should be incurred in addition. They observed:

    "It may be found difficult or undesirable to fill all the poets immediately, either because suitable candidates are not forthcoming or because of temporary confusion in the political and economic condition of certain countries; but we have indicated what we believe to be the probable requirements of the near future, and the Departments concerned will, no doubt, complete the scheme gradually."
    In these circumstances a provision of £60,000 (to include non-recurrent expenditure) was included in the Estimates for 1918–19 (Class II., Vote 8 a, Sub-head C); and proposals by the Department of Overseas Trade for its allocation have been approved by the Treasury. The figures are in all cases exclusive of provision for enemy countries.

    Government Departments (Staff)

    asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state approximately what were the numbers, at any recent date, of the administrative and clerical staff of each of the following Departments, including their sub-Departments, and the total: War Office, including Army Pay Department, Admiralty, Ministry of Munitions, Board of Trade, Ministry of Food, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Pensions, Ministry of National Service, Air Council, and War Trade Department?

    Details of administrative staff will so far as possible be given in the White Paper to be published in con- nection with the Vote of Credit. The only complete figures at the moment available were compiled in May last and bear little relation to the present position. The Committee on Clerical Staffs, however, has recently called for detailed returns of all staffs in these and other Departments which have expanded during the War, and if the right hon. Member will repeat the question at a later date I will obtain the information from the Committee.

    Houses Of Parliament (Officials Extra Work)

    asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to say what steps will be taken, by increase of salary, bonus, or otherwise, to recompense the officials and public servants in the employment of the Houses of Parliament for the extra work thrown upon them by the constant sitting of Parliament?

    I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend gave on the 11th instant in answer to the hon. Member for North-West Lanarkshire. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

    War Department, Island Bridge

    asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the workers at Island Bridge were excluded from the award given to Civil servants previous to the 17th December last by the Conciliation Board; whether they are now included in the extended award of that date; and when they may expect payment according to the terms of the award?

    The Civil Service bonus awarded by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board is not applicable to workmen in the employ of the War Department; their rates of wages have been regulated in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution. Instructions have recently been issued regarding a further bonus for clerks and writers in the employ of the War-Department at Island Bridge.

    Timber Felling (Ireland)

    asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what measures, if any, are being taken to prevent the wholesale cutting down of trees in Ireland; whether he is aware that Wicklow County is being specially denuded of trees; and whether the Department intend to take any measures on this matter?

    I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on 26th February, to which I am not in a position to add anything. The Department of Agriculture are not aware that County Wicklow is being denuded of timber to a greater extent comparatively than other counties.

    Food Supplies

    Sugar

    asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why Nolan Brothers, of 19, Capel Street, Dublin, have been refused a supply of sugar as accorded to other merchants in a similar position?

    I am not aware that the facts are as stated, but Messrs. Nolan Brothers should obtain vouchers for any sugar to which they may be entitled through the Food Control Committee for Ireland. This firm appears to be under the misapprehension that the Sugar Commission deals in confectionery. This is not the case.

    Ration Coupons (Residential Hotels)

    asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that confusion has arisen in the orders as to the coupons of boarding establishments classed as residential hotels, the Victoria branch of Grosvenor House declaring that the coupons must be retained by the boarding establishment, and certain local authorities laying down a strict rule that the butcher must have them; and whether he will issue a clear order binding on all concerned in this matter?

    There is a difference in the procedure prescribed for residential and catering establishments. In the case of the former the establishments collect the food and meat cards held by their residents and produce them to their suppliers on every purchase of butter, margarine, or meat. The suppliers thereupon cancel the appropriate spaces on the butter-margarine cards, or detach coupons from the meat cards. In the latter case the coupons are cancelled or detached by the establishment. Every establishment in the London and Home Counties area has been informed by its food control committee in which category it is placed.

    Feeding Stuffs

    asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether 12,000 tons of oil cake was imported into this country last September and has been warehoused ever since, and is deteriorating in quality; and, if so, whether the owners have refused to sell it at the price fixed by the Government?

    I have been asked to reply. The amount of oil cake referred to in the question was imported into the United Kingdom in September, 1917, and was warehoused in consequence of the refusal of the owners to sell at the controlled prices. It has now been requisitioned under the Cattle Feeding-Stuffs (Requisition) Order, 1918, and is being distributed throughout the country. It has not, as a whole, deteriorated in quality.

    Children's Rations

    asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his attention has been drawn to the new food Regulation which limits the meat ration to children under twelve years of age to half the adult ration; is he aware of the medical and educational opinion which is expressed against this Regulation; and if he will consider cancelling the Regulation?

    Children of ten years and upwards are entitled to full meat rations, I am aware that the restriction presses hardly upon children just below the dividing line, especially those in educational establishments, and I will consider how far it will be possible to grant supplementary rations in these cases, after the claims of those engaged on heavy physical work have been satisfied.

    Army Houses (Farm Work)

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Instructions will be issued to officers commanding remount camps that all suitable heavy horses should, during the next two months, be rendered available for harrowing and rolling grass and arable land within reach of the camps?

    Under Instructions already in existence officers commanding remount depots have been ordered to give all assistance possible to farmers in the immediate vicinity of their camps. At the present time all available heavy draught horses are being issued on loan to the Food Production Department for work on the land, and farmers needing assistance should apply to the war agricultural executive committee of their county.

    Store Cattle (Importation)

    asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, in view of the statement made by him on 26th April last at the Imperial War Conference (Cd. 8673) to the effect that his Board were in favour of the removal of the restrictions on the importation of Canadian cattle into Great Britain, when it is proposed to carry out that expressed intention, in view of the fact that the large local authorities of the country are again urging this matter?

    There is no restriction upon the importation of Canadian cattle for slaughter at the ports nor on the importation of dead meat from Canada. But as regards the importation of store cattle, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 25th May last to a question by the hon. Member for Sunder-land. The question of reviewing the legislation prohibiting the importation of store cattle born and bred in Canada must be reserved until the end of the War.

    Shipbuilding (February, 1918)

    asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the gross tonnage of mercantile shipping completed in the month of February, 1918, in the United Kingdom?

    The output of mercantile shipping in the United Kingdom in February, 1918, was 100,038 gross tons.

    Naval Officers (Victualling Allowance)

    asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why, in view of the fact that the cost of food has increased at least 50 per cent., and in most cases much more, since the outbreak of War, the Admiralty has only increased the sum paid in respect of victualling allowance to naval officers in receipt of such allowance from 1s. 6d. to 1s. 8d. a day, an increase of 11 per cent. approximately?

    The facts are generally as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. The matter is at present the subject of communication between the Treasury and ourselves.

    Courts-Martial ("Soldiers' Friends")

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the details of the trial and execution of the young officer on the 15th January last; whether the officer who was to defend this officer who was subsequently shot did not see him until half an hour before the trial; whether, in order to avoid the possibility of such an occurrence and to facilitate the proceedings of courts-martial, he has conveyed to the Secretary of State for War the views of Members of the House of Commons with regard to the appointment of legal officers to be attached to corps or divisional headquarters in France to act as properly qualified soldiers friends in all cases of field general courts-martial; and whether he can inform the House what steps it is proposed to take in this matter?

    My information is that it is not true that the officer who was to defend the accused did not see him until half an hour before the trial. I understand that he was with him from eleven to three o'clock two days before the trial. I may say that he is an officer with legal qualifications.

    Royal Defence Corps (Captain Hall)

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the statement by Captain William Hall, Royal Defence Corps, that he did not resign, the "Gazette" having stated that he had resigned his commission on account of ill-health, it is possible for his case to be reconsidered by the War Office; and why, in view of Captain Hall's forty-five years experience of Army work, he has only been granted a pension of 2s. 3d. per diem?

    My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. The normal procedure was followed in this case. Having been found by a medical board to be unfit even for Home service, the officer was gazetted out as having "relinquished" not "resigned" his commission. As regards the last part of the question, his pension dates from 1895. He has continued to draw it since, and his subsequent service has not entitled him to any increase.

    German Prisoners (Military Tunics)

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will make further inquiries as to the issue of military tunics to German prisoners of war; whether he is aware that, in spite of his denial, a large number of red tunics have been issued to prisoners in the Midlands with regimental buttons on; and whether these tunics have been recently called in to be dyed?

    I find on further inquiry that one lot of scarlet tunics was issued in error by a regimental depot. This was quite irregular, and as soon as it was found out steps were taken to get them in to be dyed. The issue was not made by the Royal Army Clothing Department, and I regret it had not been reported at the date of my previous reply.

    Army Officers

    Pay And Promotion

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, when the Army Council raised the pay of junior combatant officers, they took into consideration the position of fourth-class Army chaplains; why a rise of 6d. a day was considered sufficient for them, having regard to the fact that many of them are married and their home liabilities are as great or greater than those of second-lieutenants; and whether the Army Council will further consider the matter?

    I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Montgomeryshire.

    Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

    simply deferred pay for work already done; if so, whether they are in any way taken, into account in the rate of pay granted to officers of the Reserve of Officers now serving in the New Army; whether such officers are entitled to count their present service towards an increased pension; and, if not, why not?

    The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Generally speaking, officers who were in. receipt of retired pay before the War continue to draw that pay in addition to the full pay of their new post—an arrangement which, as my hon. Friend will remember, has been very generally criticised as too liberal. They do not count their additional service towards an increased pension, because the payment of the pension already earned by that service definitely closes their claims on account of it.

    Removal From Regiment

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to remove an officer from his regiment whose conduct has been the subject of a Court of Inquiry, the results of which have not been communicated to the officer in question; and, in the case of these proceedings being lost, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that justice is done

    As my hon. and gallant Friend will realise, this question is in hypothetical form, and this, consequently, makes an answer difficult. I am not in a position to say whether the facts suggested in the question are as stated.

    Promotion

    asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether there is any section of the King's Regulations which prevents general officers from emulating the example of certain admirals who have resigned in order to secure promotion for younger men; and, if so, whether some alteration will be made in the Regulations in order that generals of advanced years might have the same opportunities as their naval contemporaries of showing their public spirit?

    My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. During war time there is no establishment of General Officers, and there is unlimited power to promote supernumeraries. Moreover, pro-motion to and in the Generals' List is by selection not by seniority. The question of promotions, therefore, would not be in any way affected by the resignations suggested?

    Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Platoon)

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that certain men joined the cadet platoon of the 19th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles on the understanding that their applications for commissions would be endorsed and sent to the War Office provided they passed the usual tests and that their conduct was satisfactory, and that up to 18th February these men were treated as cadets but since then they have been treated as ordinary riflemen, and have been given to understand that they are to proceed as such to some theatre of war; and will he state if the applications of these men to be transferred to an Officers' Cadet battalion have been refused, and will he have the matter fully investigated and appropriate action taken?

    It was found out that a cadet platoon was formed as described, and its formation being unauthorised, the Army Council wrote on 29th November to the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland drawing attention to this platoon, and saying that the men would be accepted as special oases if recommended by the Commander-in-Chief. The letter went on to say that they noted that the Commander-in-Chief had taken steps to put an end to the custom which existed in the unit named.

    Pensioned Soldiers (Readmission To Hospital)

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a man who has received his pension can on any condition be readmitted into a military hospital if it can be shown that his wounds had not healed and if he should require additional treatment?

    Cases of facial injury are at present being readmitted to-military hospitals. Certain other cases of a special nature are readmitted when the nature of the injury renders their treatment in a military hospital absolutely necessary in view of the urgency of the particular case.

    Soldiers Leave

    asked the Undersecretary of State for War if arrangements can be made that all men who have served in the East for over three years consecutively may be granted a period of leave to the United Kingdom on the grounds of their long period abroad and apart from other reasons?

    I have frequently explained_ in answers to questions and also in Debates in this House the very great difficulties in the way of granting leave to troops serving in the Eastern theatres of war. In particular, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which I made during the Debate on the Army Estimates on the 20th February last and also to the answers which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friends the Members for Torquay and South Somerset on the 27th February and 5th March respectively, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Roxburghshire on Thursday and Monday last.

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will make representations to the Commanding Officer concerned in favour of a home leave being granted to a soldier who enlisted in the Mechanical Transport Department in August, 1916, was sent to France in February, 1917, was transferred to the Infantry, not at his own request, in August, 1917, was sent straight from hospital to Italy on 20th December, 1917, and has had no leave since he joined, although it is understood that all the other men of the column to which he belongs have had leave?

    I have frequently explained that leave for all ranks is a matter for the general officer commanding, and I regret that I cannot intervene in a particular case such as this. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that the question of leave constantly receives the sympathetic consideration of the general officer commanding, but I must remind him that it is dependent on the military exigencies at the moment and the availability of transport.

    Corporal Watkins

    asked the. Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received information in reply to his cabled inquiry concerning the fate of Corporal Watkins?

    Yes, Sir; a reply was received, and I wrote to my hon. Friend on the 5th February last, giving him the information obtained. I will forward a copy of the letter to him.

    Army School Teachers

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the military schools in certain garrison towns, notably York, Portsmouth, and Colchester, are over-staffed with Army teachers while there is a dearth of teachers in local authority schools in these and other places; and whether Army teachers can be released for work under local authorities?

    The policy of lending surplus Army schoolmistresses to local education authorities has been in force since the beginning of the War. There are at present ten Army schoolmistresses working in civil schools, but as a draft of schoolmistresses is shortly proceeding to India, it is not possible, without unduly depleting the staffs of Army schools, to lend any more. There are no Army schoolmasters to spare as more are, in fact, wanted for Army schools.

    Military Service

    Agricultural Worker (Release)

    asked the Undersecretary of State for War why the War Office refused to release No. 240330 Private John Agnew, l/5th King's Own Scottish Borderers, for the management of the farm of Barlauchlan, of about 400 acres, after the case was recommended by the Board of Agriculture, the local agricultural committee, and the National Service representative, he being urgently required for that purpose owing to the death of his father?

    My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The application for the release of this man has not been definitely refused. At present the man is fit for general service, and the question of his release is still under consideration.

    Boys Of Eighteen

    asked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that boys who have attained the age of eighteen and who have not received their calling-up papers, and who report within thirty days at the recruiting office nearest their homes, are in many cases being immediately medically examined and sent to a depot without giving them the opportunity of returning to their homes or informing their employers; and will he take steps to stop this kind of treatment?

    The cases referred to by my hon. Friend are presumably those of boys who attest voluntarily before attaining the age of eighteen years and thirty days. The mere fact of their attestation implies that they are willing, after medical examination, to join up for service rather than wait for a calling-up notice under the Military Service Act. Directors of recruiting are entitled to use their discretion in granting leave for a few days in special cases of this kind where application is made, on the understanding that such leave carries with it no pay or allowances. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any case in which such a request has been made and has been refused without good cause, I will have it investigated.

    Conscientious Objectors

    asked the Secretary for Scotland why the concessions granted to conscientious objectors in English prisons who have had twelve months' imprisonment in regard to being allowed to talk while exercising have not been extended to such prisoners in the Scottish prisons; and will he see that this is done?

    The English prison rules do not apply to Scotland. When special treatment was accorded to conscientious objectors in England I gave instructions that the utmost relaxation permitted by the Scottish code, namely, treatment as civil prisoners, should be accorded to the same class in Scottish prisons. This treatment does not coincide in all respects, including the point to which the hon. Member refers, with the methods followed in England, but I have no reason to suppose that the prisoners are dissatisfied. In certain other respects, such as the number of visits and letters allowed, I understand that the Scottish rules give greater latitude. I see no sufficient reason for altering the Scottish rules.

    Wool

    asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that there is wool in Yorkshire held on account of Scandinavians to the value of approximately £2,000,000: and whether he is prepared to take steps to have this wool released for use in Great Britain and thereby ease the situation caused by the shortage of wool available for manufacturers?

    According to the census taken on the 31st December last, the total value of wool and wool products in Yorkshire held on Scandinavian account was less than half the amount mentioned in the question, and of this quantity only one-eighth was raw wool. The question of rendering such stocks available for manufacturers' use is under the continual consideration of the Department, and of the trade advisory bodies. (Up to the present it has not been thought advisable to requisition waste shoddy, noils or yarns of any ownership.)

    Russian Aliens

    asked the Minister of National Service whether he has come to a decision that all Russian, aliens of military age shall be compulsorily employed on work of national importance at military rates of pay or be interned pending deportation to Russia?

    The answer is in the negative. The whole question of the treatment of Russian aliens in this country, which is one of great complexity, is under the consideration of the Government, and it is hoped that it may be possible to announce a decision very shortly.

    Discharged Service Men (Employment)

    asked the Minister of National Service whether, for the purposes of the Government concession to discharged officers and men. Post Office work is regarded as of national importance; and whether, in order to secure a uniform decision, such matters will not be left to the regions concerned, but will be decided at Headquarters?

    Direct and continuous employment under the Post Office, as under other Government Departments, is recognised by the Ministry of National Service as work of national importance for the purposes of the concession to men invalided from the fighting forces. Questions relating to the exemption of persons so employed are dealt with at the Headquarters of the Ministry, as heretofore.

    Messrs Leylands And Company

    asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that Messrs. Salter and Stokes, general merchants, of Chard Junction, Somerset, and Smithfield Market, London, are sub-contractors to Messrs. Leylands and Company, Leyland, Lancashire; if the Government consented to sub-contracting; if he is aware that Messrs. Salter and Stokes are not paying by many shillings per week the recognised trade union rate of pay; and if he will take action in the matter?[

    The hon. Member had given notice of a similar Question to the Under-Secretary of State for War]

    I have been asked to answer, at the same time, the question addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for War. I am informed that Messrs. Leylands hold no contracts for the War Office or for the Air Ministry, or for the production of aircraft under the Ministry of Munitions. The remaining parts of the hon. Member's question, therefore, do not arise.

    Waziristan Field Force

    asked the Secretary of State for India whether any dispatches have been received from India concerning the operations of the Waziristan Field Force, which was broken up in August, 1917; and, if so, when it is proposed to publish them?

    A Dispatch dealing with the operations in question has just been received from India. It is hoped to publish it at an early date.

    asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in August last, when ordering the dispersal of the Waziristan Field Force, the Commander-in-Chief in India praised the skilful operations and pluck of all arms, including the Nepalese contingent; and whether it is proposed to issue any honours or rewards to the officers and men engaged an those operations beyond the K.C.B. awarded to the General Officer Commanding the Field Force?

    The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. Distinctions have already been awarded to the General Officer Commanding and to three other officers whose services were exceptionally good. Any other awards that may be considered necessary must await the publication of dispatches just received.

    Indian Kip Committee

    asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Indian Kip Committee was formed by the War Office Contracts Department without reference to the Government of India or the Indian Munitions Board; whether only one of the five firms composing the Committee had previous experience of the Indian kip trade; and, if so, whether the composition of the Committee will be reconsidered with a view to including expert old-established British firms which are at present totally prevented by the Government's action from carrying on their legitimate business?

    The firms constituting the Kip Buying Committee were appointed by the Indian Government in consultation with the War Office and the India Office, it being understood that any recognisable previous German element would be excluded. The Secretary of State for India understands that it is not the ease that only one of the firms so appointed as buying agents had had previous experience of the trade. The composition of the Committee has lately been under consideration by the Government of India, but the Secretary of State for India is not at present able to make an announcement on the subject.

    Enemy Air Raids

    Steel Helmets

    asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, while steel helmets are being issued for the use of air-raid relief parties, members of such parties are not allowed to keep them in their own possession; that many times members of the Y Division air-raid relief party, both nurses and men, who assemble at the Northern Polytechnic, Holloway Road, have had to proceed there while the barrage is in progress without any protection, and that the experience of other parties has been similar; and can he hold out any expectation that the supply will soon be sufficient to give those women and men the protection that is available immediately only if they are allowed to keep the helmets at home?

    I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given in regard to this subject on the 27th February to the hon. Member for the Tottenham Division.

    Compensation

    asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. S. W. Edwards, whose shop and dwelling-house in the rear were damaged by enemy aircraft on 25th September last, and who is refused compensation on the ground that he was not insured under the Government scheme and the aggregate value of his property exceeded £500, such refusal being made notwithstanding the fact that the aggregate value was not much over £500; and, seeing that the case is one of peculiar hardship, having regard to the fact that Mr. Edwards has had to borrow the whole of the money necessary to put the premises in repair and has been rendered practically penniless through the raid, will he now consider favourably Mr. Edwards' claim?

    Under the terms of the Compensation Scheme, compensation can only be paid to uninsured persons if the aggregate value of their insurable property in the United Kingdom does not exceed £500. The aggregate value of Mr. Edwards' insurable property was well over that amount, and the Air Raid Compensation Committee had, therefore, no alternative but to disallow his claim. It would not be possible to make exceptions in individual cases.

    Proportional Representation (Local Inquiries)

    asked the Home Secretary whether the Commissioners appointed under the Representation of the People Act to suggest a scheme for applying proportional representation to 100 selected constituencies have sent out emissaries to ascertain local views on this question; whether these emissaries have been sympathetically received; and whether they have discovered in any of the constituencies visited that there exists any great knowledge of the subject or any real desire on the part of the electors to be included in the scheme?

    I am informed that the Commissioners propose to ascertain local feeling with regard to the application of proportional representation in those areas which they select for the purpose by means of local inquiries, of which due notice will be given in the locality. None of these inquiries have yet been held.

    Increase Of Rent (Amendment) Bill

    asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the growing practice of the sale at enhanced prices of small houses to which the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, applies, and thereby indirectly getting round the provisions of the Act as to the restrictions placed on an increase of rent; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

    The matter has been receiving the attention of the Government, and a Bill to amend the Act was introduced in another place on Tuesday.

    asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the practice, for the purpose of evading the present law, of purchasing houses, even individual houses in tenement buildings, in order that the tenants may be evicted and the new owner take possession; whether he is aware of the case of the wife of a soldier, whose house at 15, Hutcheson Square, Glasgow, has been purchased; that the wife with three children has been given notice to leave the house and cannot find accommodation elsewhere; and whether any action will be taken, either administratively or legislatively, to prevent the eviction of tenants unless and until other accommodation is found?

    I am aware both of the general question and of the particular case to which my hon. Friend refers. My Noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has introduced a Bill in another place the purpose of which is to amend the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restriction) Act, 1915, by limiting the powers of purchases of houses covered by the Act to eject the sitting tenants. It is hoped that this Bill when passed into law will remove the main grounds of grievance which presently exist.

    Department Of Overseas Trade

    asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to open a branch of the Overseas Department of the Board of Trade in Dublin; and whether he is aware that the Dublin Chamber of Commerce request that such a branch shall be established in the Irish capital?

    The question of opening branches of the Department of Overseas Trade (Development and Intelligence) in a few centres outside London has been engaging my attention, but it has not proved practicable to proceed with the matter at present. If, however, it is decided to set up such branches, the representations of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce will have full consideration.

    Waste Paper (Ireland)

    asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government commandeered a Dublin steamer about five weeks ago, and that, previous to this vessel being taken, the waste paper; averaging between 40 and 50 tons, went regularly from Belfast to Clondalkin Paper Mills for remanufacture; whether he is aware that, owing to increased traffic on the railways or other causes since that removal of the vessel, scarcely any paper is conveyed from Belfast to Dublin, although the full supply is wanted at Clondalkin, and those holding permits in the northern city are anxious to give it for Irish manufacture and requirements; whether he is aware that, owing to the lack of inland transit in Ireland, a large quantity of waste paper is being shipped to Aberdeen and elsewhere; and whether, in order to save tonnage, an arrangement will be made with the Great Northern Railway Company to reserve wagons, approximately 8 or 10 tons per day, at Belfast for Clondalkin and prohibit export across the Channel?

    I am having inquiry made into the matter, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

    Poor Persons (Hospital Treatment)

    asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the advisability of immediately introducing a Bill to amend Section 7 of 25 and 26 Vic, cap. 83, so as to empower boards of guardians, on the recommendation of a medical officer, to send poor persons, whether inmates of workhouse or otherwise, to an extern hospital for special treatment?

    The representations which have been received as to the necessity for such an amendment of the law are being considered.

    Swine Fever (Serum Treatment)

    asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what further arrangements have been made to enable extensions of the serum preventive system against swine fever being more widely known and practised in Ireland?

    I am glad to say that funds have now been provided to enable the Department of Agriculture to proceed with a scheme for establishing a laboratory for the serum treatment of swine fever, and instructions in its use. Though present circumstances are not favourable for building operations, the matter is proceeding as rapidly as possible. To be effective, serum treatment should be carried out by qualified operators, and the Department are not in favour of its application by others.

    Lunatics Maintenance (Government Contribution)

    asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a memorial and several resolutions asking the Government to undertake to defray a larger proportion, if possible amounting to one-half, of the cost of the maintenance of patients resident in lunatic asylums in Ireland; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

    My right hon. Friend has received the memorial referred to, and has asked me to reply. I cannot add anything to the answer I gave to a question on this subject by the hon. and learned Member for North County Dublin on 21st January.

    Parka, Etc (Local Authorities' Powers)

    asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the powers possessed by county, borough, urban district, and parish councils in regard to the provision of parks and open spaces, recreation halls or rooms, and places where all kinds of refreshment other than alcoholic liquors may be obtained?

    As regards the powers possessed by the authorities referred to under the general law to provide parks, recreation grounds, and open spaces, reference may be made to the following enactments:

  • (1)County Councils: Section 14 of the Open Spaces Act, 1906S;
  • (2)Metropolitan Borough Councils: Section 24 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1893;
  • (3)Borough and Urban District Councils: Section 161 of the Public Health Act, 1875;
  • (4)Parish Councils: Section 8 of the Local Government Act, 1894.
  • As regards the provision of refreshment-rooms and other buildings in connection with public parks or pleasure grounds, I may refer to the provisions of Section 76 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907.