asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any pressure is being brought upon export merchants in Cologne to obtain French licences for export, although these licences arc not recognised by the German Government?

I am not aware of any pressure being exercised on merchants, but British firms desiring to obtain facilities for export. from the occupied territory are advised as to the method of obtaining licences, and the representatives of the British Government are always ready to give them any assistance possible to obtain such licences.

Are they advised to apply for licences?

Yes, certainly.

In spite of the fact that it is against the orders of the Germans?

Certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the disposal of the money collected by the French customs posts as duty on British goods entering the occupied area in the Ruhr has been decided upon; if so, what is the decision; and whether: His Majesty's Government has been consulted and has consented?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the remaining two parts do not, therefore, arise.

Have the Government made any representation on this matter?

This matter is being discussed at this present moment.

When is it expected that there will be some information on this very important question?

Soon, I hope.

Do not the Government recognise that we have an interest in these sums which are being exacted from our own traders?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Laing and Company, of Wellclose Square, applied to the Dyestuffs Advisory Committee, on 17th January last, for a licence to import from Germany 2 cwt. of a- dye known as Blue De Lyon O; that permission was granted on 27th February to import 20 lbs. only; and that, on further representations from the firm, a licence was granted for an additional 36 lbs. of that dye on 7th March; whether there is any reason why the firm should be refused permission to import the balance of 1 cwt. which they still require; and whether he will take steps to prevent such unreasonable delay and consequent interference with trade in the future?

The original application was not made by the firm named, but by an importer of German dyestuffs. It subsequently appeared that the only consumer concerned were Messrs. Laing, who informed the Committee direct- that their present requirements were 56 lbs. They were allowed 20 lbs. whilst inquiries were being made as to possible British equivalents, and later the quantity was increased to the full amount required by them.

Were inquiries made from the firm as to the amount of their trade and why they required so much?

What happened was this: The firm of importers said that 2 cwt. was required by the manufacturing firm, but the manufacturing firm said that they did not require 2 cwt. but 56 1bs.

Why should the Committee go behind the application and find out who the consumer was?

In order to carry out the Act as Parliament intended.

Are these dyestuffs not available for purchase in this country?

There are now some experiments being conducted and we shall probably know the result in a very short time.

Was there any British dye that was at all like De-Lyon O and would have stood the treatment with ammonia equally well?

3. The hon. Member asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that benzoic acid, B.P., a chemical not manufactured in this country. is protected by the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act. and that that chemical is required to manufacture-sodium benzoate, a substance dutiable under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and whether, in view of the difficulty of import. which is caused by the Dyestuffs (Import. Regulation) Act in the case of benzoic acid and the consequent handicap on the manufacture of sodium benzoate, he can see his way to remove the former from the operation of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act and so to encourage the manufacture of sodium benzoate, which is regarded as a key industry?

Benzoic acid is an organic intermediate, and as such is within the scope of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act. I have no power to exempt any particular product from the operation of that Act, but licences are granted for the importation of such quantities of benzoic acid as are shown to be required for purposes other than dye-manufacture.

Was it a fact that it took so long to get the licence that the importer was forced to purchase sodium benzoate from Germany rather than wait?

Obviously, I cannot tell about a particular case without. notice, but I know that the great majority of cases are dealt with in a few days.

Are we to understand that where it is found that a commodity has been included by mistake and is never manufactured in this country, it is impossible to get the Act amended?

The hon. and gallant Member knows, I think, that the Dyestuffs Regulation Act prohibits the import of any dye without licence. Where the article cannot be procured in this country the licence is always given.

But there is a long delay?

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that last year Germany imported from this country 6·50 per cent. and Switzerland 12·21 per cent. of the total cotton greys exported from this country as compared with 1·53 per cent. and 3·23 per cent., respectively, of the total exported in 1013, and that the percentage of total goods exported as prints has fallen from 17·39 per cent. in 1913 to 12·98 per cent. in 1922; and whether, in view of these facts, he will take steps to secure the early repeal of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused by the manner in which the Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee exercises its functions; whether he is aware that the Committee withholds its consent to the importation of foreign dyestuffs by demanding samples, and asking importers for the reasons why their clients cannot meet their requirements from certain British firms; and if he will state whether the Committee in making such demands are acting under the instructions of his Department?

I am unable to accept the suggestion made in the first part of the question, and, on the contrary, I am satisfied that the Committee commands the confidence of consumers generally. As regards the remainder of the question, the Committee have thought it desirable to call for certain information to enable them to give proper consideration to applications for licences.

How is an importer to supply a sample of a dye when he is not allowed to import it and has not it in his possession?

As this Committee is run by practical business men and contains a majority of colour users, I am perfectly satisfied that they conduct their business in a thoroughly practical way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the first part of my question, in which I refer to the thoroughly unsatisfactory way in which this Committee exercises its functions?

further asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the sole representative in Spain of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, is offering for sale reparation dyestuffs; if so, can he state whether such reparation dyes are sold by the corporation to their Spanish agents at the same price as to British firms; whether they are sold on behalf of the corporation's reparation agency or whether they are sold on behalf of their business as makers of dyestuffs; whether he is prepared to order an inspection of the corporation's books to ascertain the facts; and, in the event of it being found that the corporation, who, under their agreement with the Government, are prohibited from selling these reparation dyes for their own account, are disregarding this condition of the agency, is he prepared to place the agency in other hands?

I am informed by the British Dyestuffs Corporation that no reparation dyestuffs whatever have been supplied by them to their representative in Spain, whether for sale on their own account or on Government account, and that no reparation dyestuffs have been sold by them in any other way in that. country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to introduce the promised legislation relating to carriage of goods by sea, fol- lowing upon the agreement which has been arrived at between trading and shippers' organisations?

A Bill to give effect to the rules recommended by the Brussels International Conference on the subject of the carriage of goods by sea was introduced in the House of Lords yesterday.

Would the right hon. Gentleman accelerate the Bill in every way possible, as he knows the anxiety among the trading and shipping community about it?

Yes; I gave an undertaking that the Bill would be introduced in another place as rapidly as possible, and that was done yesterday, as that is the most rapid way when business is congested here.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that. the tariff on British-made steel pens imported into the United States of America has recently increased by 50 per cent., and the duty now amounts to 12 cents per box: and whether, seeing that this duty in effect closes to British pen-makers a large former market, he will consider the imposition of a reciprocal tariff on American pens which are at present imported into this country duty-free?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, a differential duty on American pens would be a breach of the Convention of Commerce of 1815 beween this country and the United States of America.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any way by which the pen-makers of this country can be protected against this unfair competition?

I do not think that by question and answer I can discuss the whole tariff question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the total value of motor-cars, and parts of motor-cars, that. have been imported into this country during the current financial year; can he state the number of motor-cars that were imported: of these, how many were imported as chassis only; and how many as fully-equipped motor-cars?

Is the answer contains a table of figures, I will, with the permission of my hon. and gallant Friend, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to furnish information on the sale and price of ex-enemy and other vessels disposed of by the Ministry of Shipping, and the firms to whom such vessels were sold?

The information as to the ex-enemy reparation ships for which the hon. Member asked on 11th December is now ready and is being laid on the Table. The hon. Member now asks for corresponding information about all the other ships sold by the Ministry of Shipping, that is, the standard ships, the ships that. were partly completed at the Armistice, and prizes, a total of over 700 ships, and the preparation of a detailed. return would involve a very considerable amount of labour and expense, which I do not think would he justified. All the accounts and papers relating to these transactions are examined by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.

Will the right hon. Gentleman place the Papers on the Table immediately, that is, before the Recess: and, secondly, is the information asked for with regard to ships other than ex-enemy vessels being withheld because the Board of Trade., in the interests of the shipowners, do not think it desirable to give it?

No, Sir; certainly not. The return which I have said would lay on the Table will he laid—I think it is ready now--before the House rises. There is no possible suggestion that I am holding bark anything in the interests of any shipowners. I am taking this decision in the interests of the public.

Is it possible for Members of this House to obtain any information with regard to the transactions of the Liquidation Commission so far as vessels are concerned?

Yes, Sir. But I think it would be utterly unreasonable that. a very large expense should he involved in giving information about accounts which have been checked in detail by the Comptroller and Auditor-General and have been before. the Public Accounts Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the need for revision of the apprentice system in the mercantile marine. both from the view of the boy himself and of his parents; that the parent has in most instances to pay a premium of up to £50 in order that the boy may serve a term of engagement of three or four years for a total remuneration of about £40; that the apprentice is supposed to be taken in hand by one of the senior officers and thoroughly grounded in seamanship and navigation; and that in many cases this is not done, and the apprentice is kept cleaning brass and shifting coals for excessive hours and given no chance of acquiring the knowledge which will allow him to pass his examination as second mate; and whether stricter supervision can be exercised by his Department to see that such practices are put an end to, and that the apprentice receives value for the premium his parents pay?

I am aware that complaints have been made against the system of apprenticeship in the mercantile marine on the lines indicated in the question, but I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Consett Division, on 7th March, dealing with this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a request from the Mitcham Urban District Council that an inquiry shall be held into the standard price of gas in that area; the date such request was received; whether an answer has been sent, and, if so, when; and, if an answer has not been sent, when one will be sent?

Yes, Sir; the request, was received on the 25th January. It has been found necessary to frame rules governing the procedure in regard to applications of this nature under the Gas Regulation Act, 1920. These rules will be ready almost immediately, and as soon as they are ready the council will be given the opportunity of proceeding with their application.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the chemical commercially known as ammonium phosphate is used exclusively for the purpose of fireproofing timber by the Timber Fireproofing Company; whether, in view of this fact, ammonium phosphate. was removed from the list of chemicals protected by the Safeguarding of Industries Act; whether it has recently been ascertained that this chemical, though commercially known and dealt in as ammonium phosphate, is, in fact, ammonium hi-phosphate, which is liable to duty under the Act; and whether, in view of the fact that, owing to the consequent enhancement in the cost of this material, the Timber Fireproofing Company may have to cease manufacture, he can see his way to removing ammonium bi-phosphate from the list of chemicals to which the Schedule of the Safeguarding of Industries Act applies?

I do not accept the suggestion that the material largely used for fire-proofing purposes is generally known in commerce as ammonium phosphate. The ordinary grades of ammonium phosphate were removed from the dutiable list in consequence of certain expressions of opinion by the Referee in cases under Section 1 (5) of the Act, and not for the reason suggested by the hon. Member. No complaint as to the inclusion of ammonium hi-phosphate was received within the period prescribed by the Act, and I have no power to remove from the list articles properly covered by the Schedule heading. I may add that since the passing of the Act a large British production has become available, and. the price is now substantially less than it was when there was no British manufacture.

asked the Pre-dent of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the vast majority of exhibitors in this country prefer to pay more for imported carbons: whether he can state what is the object in confining inquiries to the Home section of the carbon trade;

(2) what investigations arc being made by his Department in respect to the importation of carbons; why in the Circular issued by the Industry and Trade Department a special point is made of carbons and on whose request the inquiries are being made, and why the Circular is confined to a limited number of companies; and whether any of the large societies representing the users of carbons have been approached?

Inquiries are being made as to the position and progress in this country of all the industries covered by Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, including are lamp carbons; and as part of these inquiries the views of representative users of both British and foreign carbons are being sought.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he can state how much duty has been received on carbon importations for the year 1922 under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and what has been the cost of collection?

The duty received in respect of imported are lamp carbons during the year 1922 under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act amounted to £5,170. The cost of collection cannot be stated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, having regard to the danger of the prices of building materials being increased by trusts and combines in view of the Governments subsidy to houses, he will consider the possibility of counteracting such a move by means of a costings system and full publicity of all in ice movements and trade agreements:

(2) whether he is aware that the original rules of the Light Castings Association definitely stated that one of its objects was to raise and keep up prices against the buyers by pooling arrangements which so controlled production as to keep it just below the demand; and what steps he proposes to take to circumvent, such a policy at the present time, which would inevitably raise the price of houses that the Government propose to subsidise?

I would rfeer the hon. Member to the answers given by the Minister of Health yesterday to the hon. Members for Derby and Batley and Morley.

Arising out of the answer given yesterday by the Minister of Health, who stated that this Committee was making only a survey, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that. something more was done, and will he not give publicity to the findings of that survey?

It is precisely in order that publicity and accurate information should be available to the public that this Committee was set up.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that the tenants of the houses erected by the Renfrewshire County Council at Jenny Lind. Thornlie-bank, are stilt without a supply of gas although they have been in occupation for more than nine months of houses designed for the exclusive use of gas for lighting, cooking, and washing; and what steps he is prepared to take to secure a proper supply of gas?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, my hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties which have been encountered in this case and of the steps which have been taken to overcome them. I have reason to anticipate that the matter will he satisfactorily adjusted at an early date.

As I got precisely the same answer four months ago, can my hon. and gallant Friend give the House any guarantee that this very minor dispute between his Department and the local authorities will be settled within the next five years?

Four months ago I did not give the answer, But I can tell the bon. Member that I am perfectly prepared to guarantee that it will not be five, years before this question is settled. [HON. MEMBERS: "Will it be four? "]

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware of the fact that, owing to the large decreases in wages during the past two years, many of the tenants in the housing schemes in the burgh of Renfrew, the majority of whom are ex-service men, will be forced to vacate their houses on account of the high rentals insisted upon by the Scottish Board A Health; and if he is prepared to fix the rentals for the coming year on the scale suggested by the Renfrew Town Council Housing Committee?

Representations on the lines stated have been made by the town council to the Scottish Board of Health. Having regard to the rules laid down in the Financial Assistance to Local Authorities Regulations for the determination of rents, the Board are not prepared to agree to any reduction on the rents fixed by the Rents Tribunal or on the, other rents approved by the Board on the basis of the rents fixed by the tribunal. If the town council are dissatisfied with the Board's dicision it is open to them to appeal against it to the tribunal.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that. a number of men who are unable to obtain accommodation in Stornoway for themselves and their families, and who were not put in possession of small holdings, have, since the summer of 1921, been occupying, with their families, huts erected by them on the barren moorlands a few miles from the town; that the said moorland is now claimed to be part of the common grazings, and that the corner of it taken up by the huts is of little or no value, and had not been used by the adjacent. crofters: that legal proceedings have been taken in the local Sheriff Court for the removal, or ejection, or eviction of these men and their families from the said huts, although no other shelter is available for them; whether the company that claims to own the Lews, and of which Lord Leverhulme is chief director, is a party to these proceedings: whether the Board of Agriculture has power to acquire part of this moorland as sites for houses: whether the Board has been approached on the subject: and whether it intends to use its powers in time to provide for the occupants of the huts above referred to?

My Noble Friend is informed that land at Marybank on the Coulregein Common grazings was occupied in 1921 in the manner stated in the first part of the question. He understands that legal proceedings in the Sheriff Court have been taken by the proprietors. The Board of Agriculture have certain powers under Section 14 of the Land Settlement Act, 1919, to apply to the Land Court for the apportionment of common grazing land as sites for houses. The Board have been approached on the subject, and have found that the land on which the huts stand is unsuitable for housing sites owing to insufficient drainage. The Board are making inquiry as to the possibility of suitable alternative ground being available.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many houses have been provided for farm workers in Scotland, either by local authorities under The Housing and Town Planning (Scotland) Act. 1919, or under the private builders' subsidy scheme?

I regret that I am unable to give the information asked for by the hon. Member. Under The Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, a number of houses have been built in rural areas with State assistance under schemes prepared by Scottish local authorities, but these schemes have reference to the housing of the working classes generally and do not distinguish between the different occupations of workers for whom the houses were erected. As I stated in reply to the question addressed to me by the hon. and learned Member for East Fife on 20th March, houses have been provided for farm workers under the private builders' subsidy scheme, but information as to the number is not available.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend inform me whether any buildings have been provided for farm-workers in Scotland under any other Acts?

Oh, yes; buildings have certainly been provided for farm workers, as I know from my own knowledge.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the fact that the Holme Cultram Urban Council of Cumberland are compelled to impose a rate of 1s. 1·d annually for sea-wall defence, and whether, having regard to the fact that this is a national service, he will consider the question of making it a national charge?

I had not previously heard of the rate referred to in the question. The general question was fully considered by a Royal Coin-mission which reported in 1911 very definitely against placing the burden on the Exchequer, pointing out that such a course might easily lead to an enormous expenditure. from public funds, and I ant not prepared to reopen the question.

asked the President, of the Board of Trade what was the value of the imports and exports of Mesopotamia for the years 1920 and 1921, exclusive of military and railway goods; and what was the proportion of that trade handled by British subjects, British banking, shipping. and insurance companies?

The answer contains a number of figures, and, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quan- tity of wool, if any, is being held under the control of the Government; and is it proposed to realise such stocks at once or to hold indefinitely?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the, quantity of wool belonging to His Majesty's (government still in the hands of the British-Australian Wool Realisation Association or its successor, and what is the estimated value of such wool; is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to realise at market prices; or do they intend to hold it with a view of realising at higher prices?

The total quantity of wool now belonging to His Majesty's Government amounts to approximately 520,000 bales, the present market value of which is estimated at £10,500,000. It is proposed to continue the present policy of realising the wool systematically in regular monthly instalments, finishing in February, 1924.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange to have a memorandum published setting forth particulars regarding the claims against the Government to which the War Charges (Validity) Bill is intended to apply?

Yes, Sir, I shall be glad to have a memorandum prepared and published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when there is any likelihood of compensation being received by those fishermen whose boats where sunk by enemy action during the great War; and is he aware that great distress prevails at Brixham, which is dependent on the fishing industry, and that claims have been sent in to the Reparation Department without even an acknowledgment being received by the senders?

The answer is rather long, and, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that great hardship is caused to widows of long-service Army pensioners whose husbands elected to receive their pensions on discharge in periodic payments rather than in a lump sum, and died within a short period leaving their families without. means of support; and whether, in view of these circumstances, in order to tide them over a difficult period, he will agree to pay to the widows of men who die within 12 months of their discharge a reasonable percentage of the amount which the men would have received bad they elected to take a lump sum?

The hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that a soldier who is entitled on discharge to a long service pension can elect to receive a lump sum in lieu thereof. In certain circumstances permission may be granted to a pensioner to commute a certain portion of his pension, subject to his passing a satisfactory medical examination, but this could not be held to entitle the widow of a pensioner to claim a lump sum after the death of her husband for a pension which, had he lived, might have been commuted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. George Stevens, who was working at the Woolwich Arsenal, met with a serious accident on 25th July, 1921; that he was receiving £3 14s. per week until 28th November, 1921; and that his compensation was reduced down to 8s. 5d. per week; and, seeing that this is a violation of the Workmen's Compensation Act, as the man should receive at least £1 15s. in accordance with the Act, will he take action in the matter?

I am inquiring into this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will give the names of the members of Lord Haldane's Committee considering the question of the entry and early training of officers for the Army; what the terms of reference to this Committee are and will the Government, before giving effect to any of its recommendations, afford the House of Commons an opportunity of considering the Report of the Haldane Committee as a whole?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the list of members in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The terms of references are:

" To inquire into the system of entering officers for the combatant branches of the Army and their early training, and to consider how greater economy or efficiency might be obtained."

With regard to the last part of the question, my Noble Friend will be prepared, when he has received the Committee's Report, to consider the question of its publication.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when the Report will be published?

I have no information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to take any steps to amend the rules of field punishment so as to render it no longer permissible to inflict what is known as Field Punishment No. 1?

Yes, Sir; the Army Council after careful consideration have decided to abolish Field Punishment No. 1, and steps will be taken to lay the necessary amended rules on the Table of the House. in due. course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, with a view to supplying the British Army with home-produced meat., he will consider the practicability of instituting a system of slaughter under Army directions, seeing that this would save the expenses of the middleman and thus reduce the cost of British meat to that now paid?

The comparative cost of purchasing dead meat, and of purchasing cattle for slaughter in Army abattoirs, was investigated some years ago, and it was found that the latter plan, which, in any case, would only be administratively practicable at a few large stations, was the more costly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of the facts that on the reforming of the Territorial Army men were allowed to enlist for periods of less than four years, that, clothing issued to the Territorial Army can only be replaced in four-year cycles, and that recruits who enlist in the place of men time-expired under four years from enlistment have had to take over part-worn clothing from their predecessors, and of the effect on recruiting of requiring a keen young recruit to use some other mans part-worn pantaloons or trousers and boots, if he will authorise additional issues of the above-named articles, in a new condition, in order that they may be issued to recruits?

Clothing is provided free initially by the War Office at the rate of two suits for each man added to the strength, up to the limit of the establishment in each county; and its upkeep and replacement is provided for in the shape of cash grants for each man. calculated on a four years' life of the garments, out of which grant the Association purchases from Army Store as and when required. There is no replacement at fixed intervals. Apart from the special enlistments mentioned in the question, numbers of men have always left the Force with more or less than four years' service, and the practice of reissuing clothing which after being worn has been properly cleaned and reconditioned has been general. It is not proposed to interfere with the discretion of associations in this matter, or to authorise additional issues.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any British troops are at present stationed in Ireland; and, if so, in what numbers and for what purpose?

There are about 5,500 troops in Ireland at present. The purpose for which they are retained is, as in Great Britain, to make use of the military accommodation available and to discharge appropriate military functions.

Can the hon. and gallant. Gentleman inform us when it is proposed to withdraw all troops from Ireland?

It was never proposed to withdraw all troops from Ireland.

Are there any troops there other than those in Northern Ireland?

We have also garrisons at Berehaven, Lough Swilly and Queenstown.

What arc the "appropriate functions "of British troops in Ireland?

Is it the custom of the Government to maintain British troops in British Dominions?

Ulster is not a British Dominion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to allow dutiable goods such as old wines and spirits, on which duty has already been paid before the Customs' barrier was set up, to be admitted to this country or to Northern Ireland without a further duty if a certificate was obtained from a magistrate that such goods had already paid duty once?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Lieut.-Colonel Archer-Shee) on the 20th March. There is no power in law to exempt these goods from import duty if they arrive in Great Britain or Northern Ireland from the Irish Free State after midnight on the 31st March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an estimate of the amount of money to be found this year by the British taxpayer to meet the interest on the various classes of Irish land stock which was formerly met by the annuities paid by those who had purchased their farms under various Land Acts, but which annuities, under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, were handed over as a free gift to the Governments of Northern and Southern Ireland; and does this estimate include the interest on the moneys advanced to Irish local authorities for the erection of labourers' cottages?

Under Section 26 of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, an amount estimated at £658,000 in 1923–24 is payable from the British Exchequer to the Irish Land Purchase Fund in respect of the land purchase annuities payable in respect of land situate in Northern Ireland which are now retained by the Government of Northern Ireland under that section. This amount includes the amount of the annuities pay-al- le under the Labourers Act. As regards the Free State, these arrangements were repealed by Section 1 of the Irish Free State (Consequential Provisions) Act, 1922, and the amount of the annuities payable in respect of land situate in the Free State will still be applicable to meet the interest charges on Irish Land Stock.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make inquiries from the authorities of the Irish Free State as to whether Mr. Gilbert Francis Barrington, a British subject whose home is in 90, Mowbray Road, South Shields, who was arrested on 26th February in Ireland and has been lying since in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, without trial, can be allowed to see a solicitor and his brother, who have so far been refused access to him?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to reply to this question. Perhaps, therefore, the hon. Member will put it down again for Thursday.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received from the deportees in Mountjoy Prison a statement of their case and a request that they be put on trial on a definite charge; and whether he will read their statement to the House and indicate what reply he has made?

I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Battersea North (Mr. Saklatvala).

Having regard to the widespread dissatisfaction on this matter in the country, will the right hon. Gentleman give hon. Members an opportunity to visit these internees whenever they desire?

I have already answered that question. I am not aware of widespread dissatisfaction in the country.

If the right hon. Gentleman will take the assurance that I give him that there is dissatisfaction, will he give permission of the kind I have indicated?

No, I cannot do that.

When are we going to get answers to the letters we have sent to the right hon. Gentleman regarding the case of British deportees who have been sent to Ireland without trial Are they going to be kept in internment camps until after Easter?

That does not now arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will take steps to secure the reappointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the finances and management of the Navy and Army Canteen Board which was set up in the last Parliament?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Government will reappoint a Select Committee to inquire into the management and finance of the Navy and Army Canteen Board which was set up by the last Parliament?

My Noble Friend agrees to the re-appointment of a Select Committee with the same terms of reference as were given to the Committee set up by the late Parliament, and I will take steps accordingly.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the nearest school to the district of Riddrie is Haghill,1·milles distant from the furthest point of the new houses: that nearly 500 children arc at present attending various schools; that application by the parents to the local authority has been turned down; and will he take steps to have a school built immediately to meet the needs of a growing district?

The Department understand that the question of accommodation in this district is receiving careful attention from the Glasgow Education Authority.

Is it not a fact that it is not the local authority which inspects the schools but that the Department here sends out the inspectors?

There is another question on the Paper relating to this point.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the Secretary for Scotland consulted the Fishery Board for Scotland before deciding not to exercise his powers of cancellation of whaling licences under The Whale Fisheries (Scotland) (Amendment) Act, 1922?

Yes, Sir. Before reaching his decision my Noble Friend communicated with the Fishery Board and considered all the information which the Board were able to furnish.

Are we to understand from that answer that the Secretary for Scotland follows the advice of the Board?

The Secretary for Scotland considers the information which is given to him by the Board, and subsequently comes to his own decision on it, as he must do.

asked the-Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of new schools provided since January, 1919, in Scotland, and the total amount expended thereon; if any reports have been made to the Scottish Education Department regarding the present condition of school buildings by the local authorities or by His Majesty's inspectors of schools; and if he is prepared to institute a comprehensive survey of the needs of Scotland as regards the provision of modern school buildings and their equipment?

The number of new schools provided since January, 1919, in Scotland is 23, and the total amount expended thereon was £288,407. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I would refer the hon. Member to the general Reports of His Majesty's chief inspectors, which are published annually. In reply to the last part of the question, I am asked by my Noble Friend to point out that the duty of taking stock of the needs of each education area falls upon its education authority. The Department are in close touch with the education authorities in this matter, and the present time is not thought to be opportune for a more comprehensive survey.

Would it not be possible for the Department to collate the returns and the Reports by the local authorities, so that some general view could be had by Members of this House?

It would require an amount of investigation that we do not feel justified in pressing for at the moment.

Is it not the fact that one or the education authorities in Scotland has had a building scheme to the value of half a million turned down by Government Departments, despite the fact that the buildings are required at the present time?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he can state the area in which the 35,000 crans of herring, said to have been caught last season on the west side of Shetland, were caught?

Practically the whole of the herrings referred to were caught in waters from 10 to 30 miles north and north-west of the Rama Stacks.

Is it not a fact that a large quantity of these herrings were caught north-east of the Muckle Flugga?

No, Sir, not according to the chart which I have here, and which I shall be pleased to discuss afterwards with my hon. Friend. They were caught in the locality to which I have referred, namely, north-east of the Rama Stacks.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that a number of landless men living in or near the township of Torrin, in Skye, for cultivating without sanction patches of ground on the farm of Kilbride, are being threatened with imprisonment by John Anderson and his son, Roderick Anderson, the tenants of the farms of Kilbride and Kilchrist, in the island of Skye; what legal proceedings have so far been taken by these pursuers to obtain their purpose; will the Government consent to imprisonment in the same way as has been done in the Strathlaird case; whether he is aware that both these farms extend to several hundreds of acres, a considerable part of which is fit for cultivation and is now used for sheep and game-rearing purposes; whether the present tenants hold two considerable crofts in the said township of Torrin in addition to the said two farms; whether the Secretary for Scotland will take steps to make such lands available for small holdings, having regard to the fact that the Board of Agriculture has been often appealed to within the last ten years to provide for the landless people of the district, and to take the whole or part of the farms above-mentioned for small holdings?

My Noble Friend understands that Messrs. John and Roderick Anderson, tenants of the farms of Kilbride and Kilchrist, have applied for and obtained final interdict against three men who took possession of part of the farm of Kilbride. The question whether imprisonment will be ordered in the event of breach of the interdict is a matter for the court to decide. The farms comprise about 1,800 acres of which 30 acres are arable. They are stocked with cattle and sheep, and some game is obtained from the ground. The present tenants also occupy one and a half crofts at Torrin. Negotiations for the formation of small holdings on Kilbride were in progress when the illegal occupation took place, but my Noble Friend is not prepared to instruct the Board of Agriculture to proceed with the negotiations while the raiders remain in occupation. There has been no improper or avoidable delay in dealing with the question of land settlement.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he will submit to the House the correspondence that has passed between the Secretary for Scotland, the Board of Agriculture, and the representatives of the landless men regarding the various cases throughout the Western Isles in which the landless men are now being threatened with imprisonment for cultivating bits of land for which they are willing to pay fair rents?

My Noble Friend is not prepared to take the course suggested.

Why?

It is open to anyone to publish this correspondence, but my Noble Friend does not feel that it ought to be published at the public expense.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he will state how many new small holdings have been created in Scotland since the passing of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919; in how many of these cases have the tenants been settled on land which has been purchased by the Board of Agriculture; what has been the total cost of creating these holdings; and how much of it is due to the purchase of the land?

Under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, the Board have settled applicants in 1,219 new holdings and 674 enlargements, of which 762 and 140 respectively were on properties acquired by the Board under Part I of the Act. I am not yet in a position to give the actual total cost of the holdings already formed, but the total estimated gross cost of the schemes in question, which on completion will have provided for the settlement of an additional 1,037 holders, is £2,309,161, including £433,420 in respect of the purchase prices of properties acquired by the Board. In addition to the latter figure, the acquisition of certain properties involves the payment of £25,137 annually over varying periods of years.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health in how many cases the tenants on holdings created by the Board of Agriculture have not had their rents finally fixed?

In all but 15 cases the rents of holdings created by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have been intimated to the holders. The hon. and gallant Member is, however, aware that in certain cases the rents already fixed are to be revised by the Land Court at the request of the holders concerned, and to that extent they cannot be said to be final.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the conditions upon which a pupil can claim as of right entrance to an intermediate or secondary school without payment of fees, in terms of Section 6 (1) (a) of The Education (Scotland) Act, 1918?

The answer can only be in the negative. The Sub-section mentioned does not define the right of the pupil. What it does is to impose an obligation upon the Education Authority. I have already had an opportunity of informing the hon. Member that, whilst my Noble Friend has no reason to believe that the obligation is not being properly discharged, he will gladly consider any evidence to the contrary with which the hon. Member is good enough to supply him.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the question I put to him before, namely, whether he considers that the education authorities in Scotland are carrying out the law as laid down in this Section?

I think the previous answer was to the effect that our attention had not been drawn to the case of any authority that was not carrying out the law according to this Section.

Is it not the duty of Board's inspectors to draw the attention of the Department to any breaches of the law, have they done so, and have they been asked to do so?

It is the duty of anyone who observes a breach of the law to draw the attention of the responsible authorities to it, and I can only say we have repeatedly invited the hon. and gallant Member himself to draw our attention to any cases of breaches of the law.

I have a dozen cases.

asked the Prime Minister if, considering the inability of the Government to relieve agricultural depression, he will initiate legislation to repeal the Act of 1880, which established the free mash tub, and so encourage the larger use of malt and hops which we do produce in this country instead of rice and maize and other substitutes that we do not produce?

I do not think my hon Friend's suggestion is practicable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that farmers are unable to sell their barley except at a dead loss?

I do not think there is any desire for such legislation as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the injury to the national interest threatened by the imminent bankruptcy of arable farmers and by the inadequate wages paid to their workers, the Government will give fresh and favourable consideration to the recommendation of the Selborne Report that, by fixing a minimum wage for the agricultural worker and guaranteeing a fixed price to the farmer, the condition of agriculture should be made so stable that, out of its profits, the agricultural labourer would be assured a fair wage and the cultivator of the soil a fair return for his capital. energy and brains?

The recommendation to which the hon. Member refers appears to involve the payment of a subsidy to the agricultural industry. The Prime Minister has recently stated on behalf of the Government that any such proposal must be regarded as impracticable under existing financial conditions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement relative to the power of the Dominions to sign treaties without the counter-signature of the representative of the British Government?

I can add nothing to the replies which have already been given in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent decision of the Ambassadors' Conference to permit the incorporation of Eastern Galicia in the Polish State, places the responsibility for guaranteeing this arrangement upon this country; and when the reasons for this decision will be explained to Parliament?

No guarantee accompanies the arrangement. By Article 91 of the Treaty of Saint Germain the sovereignty over Eastern Galicia was renounced by Austria in favour of the principal Allied and Associated Powers whose responsibility it was to determine the future status of the territory. This responsibility has now been liquidated by the Allied Powers in the only practical manner consistent with the difficulties which surround the problem.

May we know whether any papers will be laid on the Table, or any explanation given of this extraordinary decision?

I cannot answer that question at the present moment. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member would put a question to the Prime Minister or to myself later on.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the fact that the official Report on the Lausanne Conference (Turkey, No. 1, 1923, Cmd. 1814) costs £1 10s., which places the Report beyond the reach of most of the persons desirous of reading it, he will endeavour to bring about a substantial reduction of the price?

The Report consists of 869 pages of letterpress and a map and was priced according to the usual scale for Parliamentary papers, which is calculated to represent the cost price of printing and publishing on the average. I doubt whether any reduction in price, such as I could contemplate, would have the effect. of materially increasing the number of conies sold, and the result would therefore be to increase the loss falling to be made good by the taxpayer.

Will the hon. and gallant. Gentleman reconsider his decision. in view of the fact that the voluminous Blue Book on the Versailles Conference cost. only £1?

Is it not a fact that this sum includes the cost of all the free distributed copies to Government Departments and Members of this House, and is it quite fair to the public?

It may or may not be quite fair to the public, but I can tell the hon. and gallant Member that only 310 copies have been sold, and there are more available for those who are interested in the matter. It is the general principle of the cost that is involved, and I could not consider modifying the cost and throwing an extra burden on the taxpayers.

When was the scale to which the hon. and gallant Member refers last, revised?

I could not say without notice.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman see his way to reduce the price to hon. Members, and will he see. that an additional supply of copies is placed in the Library?

Hon. Members get them free.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the desirability of reducing the unfunded debt and raising funds to pay the American indebtedness, he will remove the limitations of amount of investment in war savings certificates and permit unlimited investment, arranging the rate of interest to meet the popularity of the security?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on this subject on the 5th December last to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln, of which I am sending him a copy. I would only add that savings certificates are themselves unfunded debt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of interest included in the various Estimates of this year's expenditure, and also a comparison of the actual amounts paid, showing the actual expenditure on interest as against Estimate for the year?

must ask my hon. Friend to await the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, owing to the heavy taxes on the mineral water trade, 500 firms and over have been closed, throwing some thousands of workpeople out of work, and ruining the manufacturers in this industry; and if he will take off part of the duty?

As stated in my reply of the 19th February, to the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division (Mr. Sitch). representations on the matter have already been received, and arc now being given careful consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on income Tax, 1019, that all income derived by co-operative societies from invested funds should be subject to taxation, irrespective of the particular mode of investment; and if he can state the estimated loss to the revenue during the present financial year resulting from the exemption indicated?

My hon. Friend will not expect me, in a matter of this kind, to anticipate my Budget statement.

I hope my right hon. Friend will give careful consideration to this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member who put this question down is probably a to-operative organiser?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the valuations of land made under the 1909£10 Finance Act are completed have these valuations been so revised as to bring them up to date; and, if so, what are the main purposes for which they are used?

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 57 (1) of the Finance Act, 1920, and to the statement of my right hon. Friend the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Austen Chamberlain) when introducing the Budget of that year. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will inform the House how many persons receiving old age pensions during the three years ending 28th February, 1923, have been prosecuted for obtaining pensions under false pretences; in how many cases have such persons escaped prosecution on condition that they made restitution; and how many have had their pensions reduced as a means of ensuring repayment of the sums wrongfully obtained?

During the three calendar years, 1920, 1921 and 1922, 477 persons were prosecuted in Great Britain, under Section 9 (1) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, for having knowingly made false statements or false representations for the purpose of obtaining or continuing, either for themselves or for other persons, old age pensions, to which they were not entitled. The liability to prosecution under this Sub-section is distinct from the liability, under other provisions of the law, to repay the amount overpaid; and a person does not escape prosecution on condition of making repayment. Particulars are not available of the number of cases in which payment of old age pension has been withheld in order to effect recovery of a previous overpayment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many of those prosecutions resulted in conviction?

I am afraid not, without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a reduction of old age pensions simply means that the pensioners have to be provided with outdoor relief to provide for decreased income?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost to provide all men over the age of 60 years with a pension of 20s. per week, and the estimated cost of providing a pension of 20s. per week for all men and women over 60 years of age.

Subject to the more exact estimates that will be possible when the full Census particulars are available, the answer to the first part of the question may be put at approximately £90,000,000, and to the second part at approximately £200,000,000.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that much uncertainty exists among old age pensioners in Scotland as to the nature of their private means which they are called upon to declare as disqualifying them from full pension; that in some cases local officers press applicants to declare such sums as they receive in private charity; and whether the House will have an opportunity, on the Scottish Estimates or otherwise, of discussing the methods adopted by officials to extract information on these points from old people who have reached pensionable age?

In calculating means for old age pension purposes, the law requires all items of means, of whatever nature and from whatever source received, to be taken into account. If the hon. Member has in mind any case or cases in which it is considered that the old age pension officer has exceeded his duty, and will send me particulars, I will have inquiry made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been many cases of what appears to be a form of inquisition exercised at the expense of the old people, and will he carefully consider the Regulations under which these officers work, since some of them attempt to make old age pensioners acknowledge purely charitable gifts as an addition to. their means of subsistence?

That is part. of the hon. Member's original question.