asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the treatment recommended for Barakat Pasha; whether the treatment was recommended by a qualified dentist; and whether, in the absence of a qualified dentist in the Seychelles, the treatment could be carried out?

The reply to the first portion of the question is in the negative. As regards the remainder, I have nothing to add to my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on 5th April.

Can we have an assurance that the work will not be carried out by a blacksmith?

I am told that there is a qualified dental practitioner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the names of the Egyptians who are at present concerned in the negotiations with this country; and which of them are opposed to the return of Zaghloul Pasha from banishment?

As regards the first portion of the hon. Member's question, I would refer to my reply to a question asked on 22nd June by the hon. and gallant Member for Bromley (Lieut.-Colonel James). I am not aware of the views held by individual Egyptian Ministers respecting the return of Zaghloul Pasha.

In order that apprehensions may be removed, may I ask whether any recommendation has been made that they should declare an election and, from the chosen representatives, decide who shall negotiate with this country?

That is a different question altogether. The question of an election rests with the Egyptian Government.

Will it be necessary to decide who shall have a vote under the new Constitution before there can be any voting in Egypt?

I think that is extremely probable.

Ought it not to be left to the Egyptians themselves to decide their constitutional election?

It is being left to the Egyptians themselves.

asked the Under-Secretary of St-ate for Foreign Affairs whether Lord Granville's Egyptian despatch of 1884, to the effect that in important questions affecting the administration of Egypt the advice of His Majesty's Government should be followed, and that Ministers and Governors must carry out this notice or forfeit their offices, has been officially revoked by His Majesty's Government now that they have declared Egypt to be an independent sovereign State?

The Declaration to Egypt, which was approved by this House on the 14th March, replaces or revokes previous instructions with which it is inconsistent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the revenues of the Egyptian State Railways constitute one of the securities to the foreign bondholders for the payment of Egyptian debt; whether he has any information that the Minister of Transport to the Egyptian Government has issued to himself and to members of his family 14 first-class free passes for life on the Egyptian State Railways; and whether, if this report be substantially accurate, steps can be taken to protect the interests of the Egyptians themselves or of the foreign bondholders against such abuses?

Save in so far as the general revenues of Egypt constitute security for the payment of interest on the Egyptian Debt, the revenue of the State railways is not specifically charged. I have no information that the Minister of Transport has issued 14 free passes for life to the members of his family; the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the facts are as stated?

I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend ought to ask me to make a rather frivolous inquiry of that kind.

In these affairs, again, would it not be better to leave it in the hands of the Egyptians to determine their policy?

Certainly, and it is being so left.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists as a result of the prolonged inflation of the numbers in the Civil Service staff attached to the Admiralty, especially in view of the drastic reductions in the fighting personnel; whether it is considered that there is justification for employing 2,417 more persons at the Admiralty than were so employed in the year 1914, while the total number of ships of all kinds only exceeds the 1914 strength by 65 out of a total of 1,123; and by what date it is expected that commensurate reductions will have been made?

The figure of 2,417 quoted by the hon. and gallant Member is incorrect; it should be 1,678 if naval officers are included, or 1,561 if civil staff only be taken. A large proportion of this increase is employed for the benefit of the fighting personnel in the distribution of prize money, medals and marriage allowance, etc. It is hoped that a large part of this work will be completed by the end of this year, and that the numbers will then he considerably reduced. In the meantime they are under continual scrutiny and reduction.

In the meantime, may I ask how the hon. and gallant Gentleman can defend the increase of 400 per cent. or over in the case of naval constructors, who have nothing to do with marriage allowance? When will these people be reduced?

I have given a general answer. I think it would be better to put these matters of reduction of staff on an occasion when the subject can be debated.

Will a further reduction of staff in the Admiralty take place before the issue of clasps?

There is another question on the Paper with reference to that matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions the names of the officials now employed in the Publicity Branch of the Ministry of Pensions and the salaries paid in each case; whether these officials are non-service men and retained on five-year contracts; and if he will explain under what circumstances such contracts were made and quote the Treasury Regulation authorising such procedure?

There are only two officials employed in the Publicity Branch at the present time—one, who is paid a salary of £700 a year, is a non-service man, and the other, a temporary male clerk with 71s. 6d. a week, is an ex-service man. The former officer was appointed in April, 1918, and was then assured by the Minister of Pensions at the time that his appointment would not be for a shorter period than five years. This officer relinquished a post carrying pensionable rights and he possesses special qualifications for the work.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of officers employed in the Press or Publicity Department at the War Office; and how many of these are service men and how many non-service men?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to my hon. and gallant Friends the Members for Moss Side and Harhorough on the 19th and 27th June, respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the number of officers employed in the Press or Publicity Department at the Post Office; and how many of these are service and how many non-service men?

One such officer is employed at the Post Office; he is a non-service man.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what vessels of war are at present stationed on the North American and West Indies station; what would be the extra cost of sending those vessels to Rio de Janeiro for the forthcoming exhibition; and whether this has been considered by their Lordships and with what result?

The force attached to the North America and West Indies station consists of the light cruisers

• "Raleigh,"
• "Capetown,"
• "Calcutta," and
• "Constance,"

• "Valerian" and
• "Wistaria."

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that these four magnificent light cruisers would be better than nothing at Rio?

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that men engaged in commerce are extremely anxious that British ships should go to Rio?

I am quite aware of that.

Could the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how long it is since the British flag has been shown in those waters?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty by how much the cost of the work carried out at Pembroke Dockyard on H.M.S. "Capetown," H.M.S. "President," and the R.F.A. "Oleander," exceeded the estimate in each case; whether, in view of the situation as disclosed by the figures and the recommendations of the Geddes Committee, the Admiralty will reconsider the decision to maintain Pembroke?

As far as can be ascertained, the amounts by which the cost of the work has exceeded the original estimate so far are

Is it not obvious that an extra cost of £180,000 is a very serious matter in these days, and is it not really better that the whole question of Pembroke dockyard should be reconsidered forthwith?

I quite agree as to the serious increase, but I have nothing to add to my answer and to my previous statements.

Was the decision to carry on with this work arrived at by the Admiralty or the Cabinet Secretariat?

It was arrived at by the Government in view of national interests.

Not by the Admiralty?

I have already said in this House that, as far as the Admiralty is concerned, we can do without it.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say who is responsible for supervising men who have turned out an inadequate output?

The Director of Dockyards under the Board of Admiralty, and we are taking fairly drastic steps in regard to that.

Was the view of the Admiralty frankly put before the Government?

Yes, certainly it was, and the question has been debated in this House, and when I introduced Vote 10 the other day I gave the full national reasons. I do not believe it would pay to do away with Pembroke in the present state of unemployment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the total estimated saving from the reduction of table money and allowances to flag officers and commodores: and what is the maximum reduction in any one case?

The estimated saving consequent on the reduction of table money to pre-War rates, which takes effect from the 1st July next is as follows:

Is this the second reduction which has been made this year and is the figure of 800 exclusive of the reduction of 200 already effected in one particular instance?

On 1st July we shall be back to pre-War rates and that figure is inclusive.

Does the total figure of a single reduction of one officer amount to nearly £1,100 this year?

No.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to carry out experiments with the various methods of attack from the air against any of the capital ships due to be scrapped under the terms of the Washington agreement?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Can we be informed of some details? How many ships are going to be experimented upon and when will it take place?

The experiments are being carried out on H.M.S. "Superb." These will be preceded by those on the monitor "Gordon," which does not come under the provisions of the Washington Treaty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the first share-out of prize money was granted in full to the estate of every rating of the Royal Navy who was killed in action; if he is aware that the second share-out of prize money is being withheld from such estates; and if he will see that this matter is put right, and the dependant of no man killed in the service of his country shall be penalised for such service?

The amount of naval prize money correctly payable to the legal representatives of those killed on qualifying service is the amount which the latter would have earned had they continued to serve until the Armistice. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any specific case in mind which does not seem to have been dealt with on those lines, perhaps he will let me have the particulars.

Am I to understand from the answer that the family of a man who was killed in the service of the country early in the War is in at least as good a position as the family of a man who passed through the fighting and is now alive, and if my hon. Friend thinks this would be only just?

Yes, and if there are any special cases I shall be glad to have them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the great delay in the distribution of the second share-out of prize money; and if he can expedite the same?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the delay in the distribution of naval prize money and the hardship thereby entailed; and whether he will take immediate steps to get this matter settled?

As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Plymouth on the 15th March last, the final distribution of naval prize money is expected to extend over a period of at least nine months. Groups of initial letters are being opened for payment as fast as the reduced staff available admits. Consideration is given to any cases of special necessity, the hardship of which is represented to the Admiralty and justifies special payment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement as to unemployment in London at the present time; whether there has been a general decrease for men, women, and young persons leaving school during the last few months; and how do the present figures of unemployed in London compare with the highest figures he has recorded?

There has been a continuous improvement in employment in the Greater London area during recent months. The percentage unemployed in insured trades on 22nd May, 1922, in the Greater London area was 10.6, as compared with 12.1 at the end of last January, and 13.2 on 27th May, 1921, when unemployment was at its highest point. On 19th June, 1922, there were on the live registers of Employment Exchanges in this area 156,775 men, 30,007 women, and 11,022 boys and girls; compared with 183,036 men, 81,193 women, and 28,382 boys and girls on 27th May, 1921.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement in the papers by the Mayor of Poplar that two yards have made application for unemployed, as they have work waiting to be done, and they cannot get the men in consequence of the treatment they are receiving at the hands of the guardians?

No.

I will fetch it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to the accuracy of the statement?

In view of the enormous demand for domestic servants, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are 30,000 unemployed?

left the Chamber, and returned with a copy of a newspaper, which he handed to Dr. Macnamara.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of glove workers who were totally or partially unemployed during the first week in May?

On 24th April, the nearest date for which particulars are available, there were 470 glove workers registered at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain as wholly unemployed, and 407 as working systematic short time.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the extent to which gun-running from abroad is now being carried on in Irish waters; how many ships are known to have landed cargoes; how many have been detected; and what is the general policy of the Government in the matter?

I have no reason to suppose that gun-running from abroad is being carried on in Irish waters to any appreciable extent; nor so far as I am aware, has any ship successfully attempted to land a cargo of arms. One vessel carrying ammunition has been intercepted and her cargo confiscated. A second suspected vessel was also intercepted, but no arms were found on hoard her. In reply to the last part of the question, I can assure the hon. Member that the policy of His Majesty's Government has been, and will continue to be, to prevent by all possible means the acquisition of munitions of war by persons or parties known to be acting in defiance of lawful authority.

Is it a fact that factories have already been set up for the manufacture of ammunition, and what steps are being taken to prevent necessary materials being landed for that purpose?

The Provisional Government are within their rights in setting up factories for the manufacture of munitions if they find it necessary, or to apply to us or to make contracts abroad.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to get accurate information as to whether or not arms are landed in Ireland?

I do not know. I cannot say; but we have intercepted several cargoes which were ordered for people who were opposed to the Provisional Government. The Provisional Government can import arms. They have only to ask for arms and they will be supplied with them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what right the British Government has to interfere with the importation of arms either by the Free State Government or by the Free State Government's opponents?

That is reducing the whole thing to an absurdity.

Would the right hon. Gentleman interfere with a citizen of Canada who was importing arms?

It is very difficult to know from a question like that what is the position of the hon. and gallant Member in these matters. We are passing through a very difficult time, which is not comparable to any existing situation in any of our great Dominions. The Provisional Government is in a period of transition, and very exceptional and anomalous procedure is involved in that period.

Is the House to understand that the Free State Government will be furnished with further supplies of arms if they ask for them?

If in my judgment, and with the approval of my colleagues, that course is thought necessary and proper, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can inform the House of the existence of any obstacles in the way of the Irish Provisional Government raising an adequate force to maintain law and order, from the absence of which so many British subjects are suffering; and whether, in that case, these obstacles are in any way due to causes whose removal this country might facilitate?

I am not aware of any material obstacles preventing the achievement of the desirable end indicated by the hon. Member; but there have been obvious political difficulties, which still exist, although I am glad to think that they are now far less formidable than before the recent elections. I know of no way in which His Majesty's Government can assist at present in the removal of these difficulties otherwise than by a consistent fulfilment of the policy which has been fully explained to the House.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he could give the House any account of the happenings in Dublin during the last 24 hours?

This morning at dawn the forces of the Provisional Government attacked the insurgent bands occupying the Four Courts in Dublin. This decision in no way arose out of the Debate in this House, nor in consequence of the declaration of His Majesty's Government to Parliament. It arose as the result of further aggressive anarchic action by Mr. Rory O'Connor's insurgents, culminating in the forcible seizure of one of the principal officers of the Irish Army.

What orders, if any, have been given to the Imperial troops?

What instructions would my hon. and gallant Friend suggest?

It is not for me to make suggestions. I merely asked a simple question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, bearing in mind the need for special diet in cases of diabetes and tuberculosis, he will reconsider and revise the terms of Circular 2097, whereby special diet is to be disallowed in certain cases, and revert to the system hitherto in operation?

I would refer ray hon. Friend to the answer given on the 26th June to the hon. Member for Burslem in reply to a similar question, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give consideration to the terms of Article 11 of the Royal Warrant whereby the eligibility of a widow to be granted a pension is, among other conditions, that the soldier's death must occur within seven years of receiving a wound or injuries, with a view to cancelling this provision of the Article?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Wandsworth Central, on the 13th June, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of captains and subalterns whom it is proposed to discharge from the Indian Army; what procedure is being adopted in the selection for discharge, and what compensation it is proposed to pay to officers of both ranks; and whether consideration will be given in special cases of hardship involved, particularly in the cases of young officers trained at Sandhurst, who have made the Army their career and have had no training for civil employment?

The number of surplus officers will be about 2,400, but is not yet finally determined. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Regulations governing compensation. The selection is wholly in the hands of the military authorities in India, who will give as much consideration to personal circumstances as is consistent with the paramount interests of the Service and with justice to all parties.

Is it a fact that many of these officers who are excess served throughout the whole War?

That may be, but that does not affect the point that consideration is being given, so that the minimum of hardship will be caused, and the best officers can be retained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that the late Mr. Stanley Patrick Eaton, manager of the rubber plantation of the Pullangode Rubber Company at Manjeri, was murdered by the Moplahs during the Mappilla rising of 1921; that he had been assured by the collector of the Calicut district that it was quite safe for him to return to his estate; that the said Stanley Patrick Eaton was the sole support of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Netterville Albert Eaton, of Belcarres, Serpentine Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin; that the said John Nettcrville Albert Eaton was from 1883 to 1896 an engineer under the Public Works Department of India, from which he was retired without pension, but with a compassionate gratuity of £250, owing to chronic dysentery contracted during his public service in India from complications of which he is still incapacitated; that the said J. N. A. Eaton has applied to the Government of Madras for compensation for the loss of his son and only means of support, and has received a reply from the Chief Secretary of the Government of Madras to the effect that the Government can accept no responsibility for loss of life caused during the Mappilla rebellion; if he is aware, however, that they granted compensation to the widow of the late Stanley Patrick Eaton; and if he will have the parents' claim reconsidered, having regard to their present almost destitute condition, and the father's past services for the Empire and his disability caused thereby?

I am aware of most of the circumstances stated in the hon and gallant Member's question, but I did not know that the request of the late Mr. Eaton's widow for compensation had already been met, or that the request of his father had been refused. I will send a copy of the question to the Madras Government for their consideration, but my Noble Friend does not feel that he could dictate to the local Government as to the manner in which they should deal with the very numerous applications from sufferers from the recent disturbances in Malabar.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the reduction of 9s. per ton in London in the prices of the best house coal is also being proportionately introduced in the prices of coal in the provincial districts; and, if not, why, when there is such a reduction in the prices of coal, the benefits cannot be extended to all classes of the community irrespective of residence?

I believe that there is a tendency for the retail price of coal to fall in the provinces as well as in London, but I have not the information to enable me to give a categorical answer to the hon. Member's question. As regards the last part of the question I would remind the hon. Member that the price of coal depends upon factors which are not uniform throughout the country, and over which the Government have no control.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that coal is selling in London at 40s. per ton; can he say what the coal-getter at the coalface gets per ton; what is charged for royalty, rent, and wayleaves per ton; what for plant per ton and carriage or freights per ton: and what coal merchants got per ton for delivery in London?

I understand that the cheaper qualities of house coal are now selling in London at rather less than 405. a ton, but I am not in a position to give, an analysis of the production costs of particular classes of coal. With regard to distribution costs I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Keighley on the 29th May.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that miners' wages are only 20 per cent. above 1914 wages, or one-fifth; that the cost of living is 80 per cent., or four-fifths, above 1914 prices; that miners' wages depend on the selling price of coal less the expenses of the trade: and that this means a further reduction of miners' wages; and will he say what course the Government intend to take to meet the cases of such reductions?

On the first two parts of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 26th June to the hon. and gallant Member for Farnworth, and on the last part to the answer given on the 27th June to the hon. Member for Abertillery. A reduction in the pithead price of coal does not necessarily mean a reduction in the men's weekly earnings. Apart from the fact that many miners are now, unfortunately, on the guaranteed minimum, it is possible that a reduction in price may lead to increased trade, and so to more regular working and a reduction in cost per ton.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the children of these miners are not getting enough food, and will he call on the nation that has to pay in the future through the weakness of its men and its women to take action?

Will the right hon. Gentleman have some inquiry made as to how it is that the miners cannot get a sufficient wage, the owners cannot earn a profit, and yet the price of coal is so high that industries cannot he re-established?

I cannot agree as to an inquiry. I regret very much what the hon. Member has told me, but I have no power to grant any money.

Is this the reward for those left behind by the men who laid down their lives on the battlefield?