asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have yet been made for the granting of holidays to the staffs of banks in lieu of this year's postponed Bank Holidays?

This question is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mr. C. B. Andrews, of East Sheen, has been finally rejected for military service; whether he first applied for, and was refused, exemption by the Mortlake and Barnes Tribunal as a conscientious objector; whether the Surrey County Tribunal and the Central Tribunal dismissed his appeal from the local tribunal's finding; whether he was, nevertheless, subsequently exempted on the ground first that he was suffering from agoraphobia and dreaded to appear before a military board and subsequently on the ground that his agoraphobism amounts to unsound mind not certifiable; whether Mr. Andrews was ever suspected of acute agoraphobia amounting to non-certifiable insanity until he had been refused exemption as a conscientious objecor; whether the certificate of the local principal medical officer excusing Mr. Andrews from appearing before a local board was found to be unsustainable and was cancelled; whether the subsequent certificate of non-certifiable insanity is to pass unchallenged; and whether any precedent exists exempting in this manner and upon such grounds a strong man of thirty-one years of age?

Instructions were sent by the War Office in September last that C. B. Andrews was to be called up. I am informed that he was accordingly called up and was specially examined by each member of the medical board separately. It was found that he was unfit for any form of military service and he was accordingly rejected.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state, in general terms, what are the powers, functions, and financial arrangements of the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors?

The powers and functions of the Committee are to find work of national importance not directly connected with the War for such men as the Central Tribunal, after a review of their cases, may decide ought to be so employed as an alternative to the sentences of imprisonment passed on them by courts-martial and to continued service in the Army, and to arrange for their employment on such work in groups and under civilian control; to recommend to the Home Secretary the release of the men from prison as when such employment is secured, and to send them when released to the work allotted to them; to make arrangements for their maintenance and good behaviour while so employed; and, if and when any man absconds or ceases to work or otherwise breaks the conditions on which he has been released, to recommend to the Home Secretary or to the Secretary of State for War, as the case may be, that he be recalled to prison or, if his sentence has expired, to the Army. As regards the financial arrangements made by the Committee, they receive from the authorities or individuals who employ the men the full value of the work performed by them at the local rates. The Committee pays for the housing, feeding, and clothing of the men, for their conveyance from prison to the place of their employment, and from one place of employment to another, for medical attendance and for the upkeep of their national health insurance and other similar subscriptions, and provides separation allowances for their dependants. The men receive a daily wage of 8d., which is subject to deduction in respect of the allotment to dependants.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Harry C. Jones, aged forty-one, managing owner of the firm of J. W. Johnstone and Company, wholesale importers and distributors of foodstuffs, of Colonial House, Tooley Street, S.E., employing no man of military age, who was given exemption from military service until 31st December by the Croydon local tribunal; and whether he is entitled to complete exemption on the ground that his occupation is included in the list of certified trades?

I have no information on this case, and the hon. Member will see that it is quite impossible for me to say whether the man he refers to is or is not entitled to complete exemption.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the wastefulness in food, clothing, petrol, and other supplies still existing among the forces in France; whether he is aware that where the responsible officers take an interest in preventing extravagance the results from an economical point of view are satisfactory and the salvage corps are doing excellent work, while where responsible officers are indifferent waste is the rule; whether he will take steps to institute a thorough inspection with regard to such wastefulness and call the attention of both officers and men to the necessity of economical usage of supplies in all directions; whether he is aware that the tobacco ration is generally thrown away, the men usually preferring cigarettes; and whether it is contrary to regulations to return to stores supplies not required for consumption?

No, Sir; I am not aware that waste is general. Strict orders have been issued to ensure economy, and I have no reason to suppose that they are not observed, as far as conditions of war allow. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of waste I will cause inquiry to be made. In regard to the last part of the question, I may mention that the troops have the option of a ration of cigarettes. It is not contrary to regulations to return to store supplies which are not required.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the allegations of insufficient food served to the 7th Company, Eastern Non-Combatant Corps, Newhaven?

The messing of the unit has been inspected recently. The arrangements were found to be satisfactory and no complaints were made. If the hon. Member will furnish me with details of the insufficiency which is alleged, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether lads engaged in head-turning at Woolwich Arsenal are often kept all night without work; and whether Alfred J. Coventry, of 82, Keith Road, Barking, who earns 18s. a week, was suspended for one week for being ten minutes late?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the boy in question, who was an incorrigibly bad timekeeper, was suspended for being absent on the afternoons of 31st October and 1st November, and was finally allowed to take his discharge on the 14th November

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state, either now or subsequently, the numbers of Australian soldiers taking part in the recent Referendum, and the number of soldiers' votes cast for and against Conscription?

I have not the information asked for. If official figures are given by the Commonwealth Government, I shall be ready to give them.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the business of the Calcutta firm of Ernsthausen, Limited, which was closed down by the Government, continues to be carried on by memmers of the family under the name of Ernest Howeson?

The business of Messrs. Ernsthausen, which has been wound up, was transferred to two companies. One of these companies is to be wound up, and British capital and control is to be introduced into the other. I understand that the gentlemen referred to in the question are natural-born British subjects.

asked the Home Secretary whether, as every political party in the House is represented on the Departmental Committee to inquire into the use of cocaine in dentistry with the exception of the Irish party, he will remedy this by appointing a member of that party to serve on the Committee?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for North Galway on 22nd November.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the possibility, with the view of preventing the extinction of a great number of small shops in working-class districts and the destitution of their owners, of allowing the use of small oil lamps in shops, duly protected from casting light outside as required by law, up to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 9.30 p.m. on the other nights of the week except Sundays; and whether he is aware that a similar arrangement has been adopted in France and elsewhere abroad?

The Home Office Order is based on the principle, already recognised by Parliament in the Shops Acts, of requiring all shops which carry on the same class of business to close at the same time. The provision in the French Order, which the right hon. Baronet suggests should be applied, would, I am satisfied, be strongly objected to by the great majority of shopkeepers in this country.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether the dependant mother of a soldier who was in receipt of separation allowance in respect of him, but who loses it owing to the marriage of the soldier, is eligible for a special separation allowance in cases where no State separation allowances are granted under Regulations, Part II., No. 8, of the Statutory Committee?

A dependent mother who loses her State separation allowance and her allotment in the circumstances mentioned in the question would be eligible for a special separation allowance under No. 8 of the Regulations of the Statutory Committee, Part II., to the extent of the amount which the son might reasonably have been expected to contribute to his mother's support had he married before enlistment. An Instruction on the subject is about to be issued by the Statutory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any figures available to show the number of mills engaged in polishing rice in this country and how many men are employed in this trade; and if the Food Controller will have power to close these mills and release the men for useful work, or will the Board of Trade retain the power to do this?

I regret that I cannot give the statistical details asked for, but the question of restricting the polishing of rice is at present receiving attention. The precise demarcation of powers between the Food Controller and the Board of Trade has not been decided, but I am advised that the recently made Regulation confers ample power for dealing with the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the Order of the Board of Trade prohibiting the use of wheat in the manufacture of beer and similar liquors, he will extend this prohibition so as to prohibit the use of any grain or other foodstuff in the manufacture of any intoxicating liquor?

I am not in a position at present to make a statement in regard to the point raised in the hon. Member's question.

asked what has been the estimated average weekly consumption of grain in the United Kingdom during the present month; and what proportion of this amount is estimated to have been consumed in the manufacture of intoxicating liquors?

I regret that I am unable to give an estimate of the weekly consumption of grain during the present month. On the general question of the consumption of grain in the manufacture of intoxicating liquors, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I returned to a question put by him on the 21st of the present month.

asked what are the estimated quantities of the different kinds of grain now being consumed per week in the United Kingdom in the manufacture of alcoholic liquors; what is the correspond- ing quantity of sugar consumed in that manufacture; and what is the estimated tonnage required for the sea carriage of those quantities of grain and sugar, respectively?

The most recent particulars respecting the quantities of materials used in brewing and distilling relate to the twelve months ended 30th September, 1916, in which year grain and sugar were used for the purposes to the following extent:

	Tons.
Barley	1,224,200
Other Corn and Grain	305,176
Rice, Rice Grits, Flaked Rice, Maize Grits, Flaked Maize and other similar preparations	67,578
Sugar	119,999
Molasses	41,115
Total weight	1,758,068

My hon. Friend will, of course, be aware that a substantial proportion of the grain above included was home-grown. It can, however, no doubt be argued that if home-grown grain was not used for these purposes the necessity for importing grain for other purposes would

asked the President of the Board of Trade if steps can be taken to organise the supply of wheat for milling, so as to prevent the wastefulness, delay, and increased pressure upon the railways resulting from the present system, under which wheat is carried by rail 100 or 200 miles across England, say, from Liverpool to Gloucester or from Bristol to Manchester, owing to the current price of a given description being 2s. 6d. or 3s. less per quarter at a distance than at the nearest port a few miles, away from the purchaser's mill?

The Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, on starting its operations, found that the distribution of shipments of wheat contracted for by the corn trade was most uneven, and that by far the largest proportion was directed to Liverpool and Manchester, causing short supplies at high prices in many other ports. The Royal Commission has been giving the matter its fullest consideration, and steps have been and are being taken to distribute arrivals more evenly around the United Kingdom, and to bring prices at the various ports more into line.

asked whether a seller of milk is allowed to make the sale conditional upon the purchase of other goods, as is the case with the seller of sugar?

Under Provision VI. of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, made on the 16th November (which provides for the fixing of prices in certain cases), it is laid down that

"where the consideration for any sale or offer consists wholly or partly of any conditions made or offered to be made in connection with the transaction, or is otherwise not of a pecuniary character, the value of the consideration or such part thereof as is not of a pecuniary character, shall, for the purposes of this Provision, be taken into account in determining the price of the article."

The effect of this is that if any condition is imposed, such as that suggested in my hon. Friend's question, the price charged for the milk will be taken to include any value so obtained by the seller. I shall be glad to have particulars of any such transaction, to enable me to ascertain whether the selling price of the milk calculated on this basis exceeds that permitted by the Regulations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the large purchases made by some people to accumulate stocks of white flour; and if he proposes taking any steps to prohibit its use?

I would remind my hon. Friend that the use of white flour for the purpose of manufacturing bread or any other article of food will be illegal after 1st January next, except with the express authority of the Board of Trade in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Manufacture of Flour and Bread Order, 1916. A notice calling attention to this was issued to the Press last week, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked if it is intended to issue an Order prohibiting the artificial bleaching of flour?

I will consider whether any action in the direction indicated is desirable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can secure the release of some of the 3,000 tons of sugar recently; stored in the Custom House docks, as some of the same is urgently needed to supply Dublin hospitals, infirmaries, and schools, as well as to supply food to the bottle-fed children of the country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The sugar to which my hon. Friend refers is, I assume, a half-cargo of sugar which was landed in Dublin some three weeks ago. This is being gradually released in accordance with the scale laid down by the Sugar Commission. To accelerate the process of release would have the result of producing a complete dearth of sugar at some later date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what measures are being taken by the Scottish Board of Agriculture to increase the production of food in Scotland?

The Board's general activities, of which an account is given in their Annual Reports, are all calculated in the interests of food production. Part IX. of their last Report, page 33, describes the special action taken after consideration of the Report of the Committee which reported on Food Production in Scotland in 1915. The Board continue to use every means within their power to promote an increase in production.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), having regard to the diminution of tillage and of food produced in Ireland this year compared with last, notwithstanding undertakings to the contrary in this House, will he now say what steps the Department is taking to maintain an adequate supply of labourers in Ireland for increased food production, to have deteriorated pastures broken for tillage, and to retain in Ireland sufficient native food for the population until next year's crops are harvested?

While there is this season a slight diminution (less than 2 per cent.) in the tillage area in Ireland as compared with last year, it should be remembered that the figures for last year showed the considerable increase of 3.3 per cent. over those of the previous year, an increase which has been practically maintained. Against the slight decrease in, the area under tillage this year there is the very substantial increase of 375,000 in the number of cattle, sheep and swine in the country, so that the assumption contained in the first part of the hon. Member's question in regard to food production is incorrect. As intimated in the reply given by me on 23rd August to a question put by the hon. Member for South Kilkenny, the Department have received no complaints which would lead them to anticipate any such general serious shortage of agricultural labour in Ireland this year as would call for exceptional action. In any case, the question of the supply of agricultural labour is not one in connection with which the Department possess any legislative powers. In regard to the last portion of the question, the Department have no power to prohibit the exportation of food from Ireland, but the whole matter is receiving attention on the part of the Department and the Executive with a view to any action which may seem called for by the circumstances.

asked the president of the Board of Trade whether the Tudor Accumulator Company is still owned almost entirely by Germans; whether he is aware that it is still advertising almost -weekly as carrying on business for contractors to the War Office and the Admi- ralty; whether it has been forbidden to trade in Australia; and why it has not been wound up?

In accordance with the recommendation of the Advisory Committee the shares in the Tudor Accumulator Company, Limited, owned by enemies, have been vested in the Public Trustee for sale to British subjects and he is at present negotiating a sale.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the price for, say, seconds coal in Liverpool was about 14s. per ton pre-war; that shippers are now charging about 25s. f.o.b., which is equivalent to an advance of 11s. per ton, or, say, vs. over the advance allowed under the Coal Prices (Limitation) Act; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Belfast last Wednesday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the average pre-war freight from Liverpool to Dublin was about 3s. 3d. to 3s. 6d., less 1s. per ton allowed by shipowners to consignees for the cost of labour of discharge; that the present rate is from 10s. 6d. to 10s. 9d., less 1s. per ton as above for the cost of discharge; and whether, seeing that the shipowner is charging about 7s. 3d. per ton over the pre-war rate of freights, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I fear I cannot usefully add anything to the answers which have already been given on this question of freight rates on coal to Dublin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the prevalent fashion for ladies to wear high-legged boots, the demand for which tends to increase the cost of ordinary boots and shoes; and, if so, will he state what action he proposes to take, having regard to the reported scarcity of leather?

I have received a letter from the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives on the subject, which is being looked into. I am under the impression that a large proportion of the uppers referred to are made of substances other than leather.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the reasons for the suspension of the steamship service between Heysham and Belfast; and whether, in order to alleviate the inconvenience and loss occasioned to traders in the North of Ireland by this fresh dislocation of traffic, he will arrange for the Midland Railway Company to establish through rates to Belfast via Derry and Dublin?

The steamships formerly run on this route by the Midland Railway Company have been taken over by the Admiralty. My right hon. Friend has, however, asked the Admiralty to requisition three suitable cargo boats to carry on the service.

asked (1) whether, in considering the introduction of coloured labour into this country, any regard has been made to the increased liability to disease and death of men coming from tropical or sub-tropical countries into this country during the winter season; what provision will be made for possible sickness which may arise; and (2) whether, in the event of coloured labour being brought to these shores for work at docks, on railways, or otherwise, there will be an undertaking given to return such labourers to their original country after the War, or to any other country to which they may desire to go?

In the event of its being decided to bring coloured labour to this country, the points to which he calls attention will not be overlooked.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that since the date of the alteration in Irish time the Great Southern and Western Railway Company have altered the time of running several of their passenger trains in the South of Ireland, which in many cases cause considerable public inconvenience; and will he, if complaints are forwarded to him, have them inquired into and, if possible, remedied?

This is not a matter in regard to which the Board of Trade have any statutory powers, but any complaints that are forwarded to me will be brought to the notice of the companies concerned.

asked if the system of limiting the consumption of petrol set up by the Petrol Control Committee is to be continued without relaxation, or if petrol consumers have any prospect of an early increase in the supplies allotted to them?

The supply of petrol otherwise than under licence is prohibited by the Finance Act of this year, and I could not, at the present time, recommend any relaxation of the prohibition or hold out hope that the supplies, for which licences are now being granted can be materially increased. The hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware that larger supplies are now being allowed for commercial purposes and small private consumers than were available under the original licences.

asked the Postmaster-General whether A. E. Henley, who enlisted soon after the outbreak of the War in the Royal Berkshire Regiment, and was severely wounded in the right arm at the battle of Loos, and subsequently discharged from the Army as the result of the injury and taken on as a temporary postman at the Abingdon post office, has been refused employment as a regular postman on the ground that his service with the Colours was for less than three years; and whether he will consider the possibility of giving this man the appointment he desires and deserves?

The number of disabled soldiers anxious to obtain situations in the Post Office is likely to be greatly in excess Of the vacancies available for them, and I am bound to reserve places for Post Office servants now serving with the Colours, and, therefore, I must maintain the three-year rule for the present. But the whole question is being closely watched.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in the western parts of the county of Limerick owing to the fact that for a considerable time past the mails have been carried by car, with the result that in bad weather there is no security of their delivery in proper time, and also owing to the fact that there are oftentimes two days' delay in the English mails; and, having regard to these facts and in the public interest, will he try and come to an agreement with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company for the delivery of the mails rather than continue the present methods?

I will have inquiry made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that letters arriving in Enniskillen from Great Britain at 10.5 a.m. are not now delivered until after 2.p.m.; and will he have the former arrangement restored by which such letters were delivered at 10.30 am., enabling replies to be sent by the mail train leaving Enniskillen at 1.30 p.m.?

I am having inquiries made into the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Irish mails which arrive at Euston sorted and ready for delivery about the hour of 6 a.m. do not reach the addressees for a matter of at least five hours later; that the delay, which in the case of letters for the City causes dislocation of business, is attributed by the Post Once officials to a shortage of postmen; whether he will take steps to employ sufficient workers; and, if there is any shortage of civilians, will he consider the question of employing wounded or discharged soldiers who may be fit for such work to deal with the mails, in whatever capacity, so as to ensure delivery of letters at a reasonable hour?

Correspondence received from Ireland by the mail train which reaches Euston in the early morning should not suffer delay in delivery when the train arrives punctually at 6 a.m. The train is frequently late, however, in present circumstances, and the correspondence then falls into the second delivery, commencing at about 10.15 a.m. in the City. I regret that it is not practicable to arrange for an earlier second delivery. The policy of employing wounded and discharged soldiers as opportunity occurs is already in operation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the contract with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company for the conveyance of the mails is for a fixed period; if so, will he say when it will next expire; whether he can state the average sum which this company gets from the Post Office for carrying the mails; and whether he will represent to the company that, in view of the subsidy which they receive from the Post Office, they might now accelerate the run of the mail trains between Cork and Dublin, the time for which was fixed twenty-four years ago, when their engines were not so powerful or their road-bed so good?

The original term of this contract—ten years—has expired, and it is now terminable by six months' notice on either side. I will ascertain the amount actually paid to the company for conveyance of mails during the last financial year and will furnish the figure to the hon. Member. As stated in reply to other questions, I am in communication with all the companies concerned in Ireland, and in my communication to this company I have made inquiry as to the possibility of a reduction of running time without additional remuneration to the company.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can now state the result of his promised communications with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company with regard to the improvement of the morning mail service between Kingstown and Kingsbridge Station; and whether the railway company were able to offer any adequate explanation of the fact that this mail train takes thirty-one minutes to run the six and a half miles between Westland Road Station and Kingsbridge?

I am still in communication with the companies concerned.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can give a list of the arrangements which have now to his knowledge been made, or are in process? of being made, for the provision of instruction in the Russian language in schools and other educational establishments in Scotland; and whether the Board of Education are taking any steps to encourage the provision of such instruction?

Classes in Russian are being held in the Technical Colleges at Aberdeen and Dundee and in the Commercial College at Glasgow, as well as in at least one secondary school, but, owing to the shortness of the notice, I am unable to give full particulars of these classes. In addition, instruction in Russian is provided at nineteen centres under the Continuation Class Code to upwards of 400 pupils. If the work of these classes is satisfactorily reported on by His Majesty's Inspector they will be entitled to receive Grants from the Scottish Education Department at the usual rates.

asked (1) whether any German prisoners are employed, or proposed to be employed, on the necessary work of road making and repairing in Scotland; (2) whether any German prisoners are being employed, or are proposed to be employed, for the purpose of carrying out works of public utility held in abeyance on account of labour difficulties due to the War; and (3) whether any consideration has been given to the question of the extent to which the labour of German prisoners might be employed in the preparation of land, the erection of buildings, the making of roads, and the arrangement of water supply with a view to the development of afforestation and small holdings after the War, and the provision of favourable opportunities for the settlement of discharged soldiers on the land?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Secretary of State for War on 21st August to a similar question by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme, from which he will see that it is not considered desirable to give the particulars he wishes.

asked whether any consideration has been given to the practicability of employing German prisoners upon excavation work for a ship canal from the Forth to the Clyde?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer on this subject given by the Secretary to the Admiralty to the hon. and gallant Member for Stirlingshire on 2nd November last.

asked the Treasurer of the Household to whom, under the scheme approved by the Government, application must be made for the services of German prisoners of war on agricultural holdings; and whether the services of the County War Agricultural Committees are to be utilised in connection with the Government scheme for employment of German prisoners on the land?

The full details of the scheme have not yet been worked out. It is hoped to arrange that applications for small parties, such as those referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Newton on the 21st November, shall be made to the local military authorities, while those for larger parties, which it will be necessary to guard, shall be made to the War Office. It is hoped to utilise the services of the County War Agricultural Committees in connection with this scheme. It should be pointed out that for some time past selected civilian prisoners of war who have volunteered for the work have been employed on the land. Applications for such civilian prisoners should be made to the prisoners of war branch of the Home Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to merge the existing Consular Courts and certain other Courts in Egypt into a new Court; whether the existing rights of Englishmen to be tried by English criminal law will be preserved in the new Court; and whether the House of Commons will be consulted before any change is made in the Egyptian Courts affecting the rights of British subjects?

His Majesty's Government are considering, in conjunction with the Egyptian Government, the establishment of Courts of General Jurisdiction in Egypt to replace the existing judicial system, which has been found to be cut of harmony with the social and economic development of the country. Proposals to this effect have been submitted to them in a draft form, and will require careful and lengthy consideration before a final decision can be arrived at. My hon. and learned Friend may, however, rest assured that the rights of British subjects in Egypt will be carefully safeguarded.

asked the Treasurer of the Household when the arrangement with Germany for the mutual repatriation of prisoners interned in Switzerland was concluded; whether there is any limit as to the number of men who can be repatriated if they are certified unfit for military service in the future; and whether the arrangement prescribes any and, if so, what age limit which a prisoner must have reached before he is repatriated?

We have not yet received a reply from the German Government to our proposal, but we understand, from information received from Berne, that they are prepared to accept it. There is no limit; to the number of men who may benefit by the proposed agreement, but the number will not be considerable. There is no age limit.

asked the Treasurer of the Household what arrangements have been made for the repatriation of English prisoners now in Switzerland; who is to choose those who are to be repatriated; whether the scheme includes officers; what number of men it is hoped to repatriate; and when the first lot will leave?

We have proposed to the German Government that British and German officers and men who have been transferred to Switzerland shall be repatriated if their infirmities develop in Switzerland to such an extent as to bring them within the scope of the schedule which governs the repatriation of British and German combatant prisoners of war from Germany and this country respectively. It is proposed that suitable cases should be selected by the Swiss medical authorities for recommendation through the delegates in charge of prisoners to the British and German War Offices, with whom the final decision is to rest. I regret that I cannot at present answer the last two parts of the question, but from the nature of the proposed agreement it is improbable that the number of men repatriated will be considerable.

asked the hon. Member for the Doncaster Division, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, how much vacant land at Rotherhithe, in Clapham Road, near Norwood Junction, and elsewhere in the Metropolitan area, the Commissioners have at their disposal; and whether, seeing that there is a demand for allotments from poor persons in London desirous of growing their own vegetables, the Commissioners will lend it, or any part of it, during the War to the Vacant Land Cultivation Society for this purpose?

The Commissioners have no property at Rotherhithe, and their vacant land in the Clapham Road comprises about 2 acres, the sites of demolished buildings, of which the debris and their foundations remain. This is not suitable for allotments. The Commissioners are the owners of land near Norwood Junction and in other parts of the Metropolis, but the whole is let on agricultural and other tenancies. At Norwood Junction an area of 7 acres is held on lease by the Corporation of Croydon for the purposes of allotments and a larger area adjoining is now being let The Commissioners have granted leases of allotments in other parts of Norwood, comprising about 30 acres, to the London County Council, the Corporation of Croydon, and the Norwood Gardeners' Society. The Commissioners are prepared to consider other applications for allotments from responsible persons or recognised societies. Within the last six months a considerable area of land in the North of London has been let on tenancies of this kind, generally for a term of years.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether me chairman of the Intermediate Board, who is also Resident Commissioner of National Education, brought to the notice of the Intermediate Board the decision of his fellow-Commissioners that before the adoption of any new regulations of sufficient importance, or likely to prove contentious, full opportunity should be afforded to managers, teachers, and other persons interested, by conference or written communication, to present their views; and whether this procedure was adopted by the Intermediate Board before the new rule imposing a written examination for experimental science was decided on?

The Board did not receive from the chairman any information in reference to the proceedings of the National Board referred to in the question. They desire to point out that such information would not, in their view, be of any avail as regards the particular subject under discussion, which they deem to be one of the fulfilment of their legal obligations.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the public suffer inconvenience in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank by their having to fill up a special form when drawing money through the medium of a friend, or relative, or other messenger; and whether he can see his way to permit drawings to be made from accounts on presentation of the bank books accompanied by any written demand, in the same way as in all other savings banks?

I do not think that I ought to allow withdrawal by a person other than the depositor at any Post Office on presentation of the deposit book, accompanied by a written demand in any form which the depositor may choose to use It must be remembered that there are 15,000 Post Offices at which Savings Bank business is transacted.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the housing conditions at present prevailing in Scotland, he will advise the early publication of the Report of the Scottish Housing Commission, in order that it may be considered by the authorities concerned and plans laid to be put into operation as soon as possible?

Yes, Sir. I am anxious that the Commission should complete and issue its Report at the earliest possible date, and am doing all I can to secure that object. I am informed, however, that the Report cannot be expected for some months to come.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether the travelling expenses of members of district committees when attending meetings are not repayable by the county committees or the Commission, whereas the members of the county committees are repaid their travelling expenses and are given an allowance for loss of time; and. if so, whether the Commission will forthwith proceed to remedy this inequality of treatment?

The provisions of Section 61 of the National Insurance Act. 1911, and of Section 31 of the National Insurance Act, 1913. do not apply to district insurance committees, so that the Commissioners have no power in the matter.