asked the Prime Minister whether the recent increases of pay to the sailor and soldier will affect in any way his existing grants either from the Civil Liabilities Committee or the local War Pensions Committee?

It is not intended to reduce existing grants.

asked whether the recent increases in pay to the sailor and soldier require a Supplementary Estimate; and, if so, when will it be introduced?

As I stated on the 19th instant, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Somerset, the increased expenditure will be met from the Vote of Credit.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information showing that among enemy prisoners in the various allied camps there are men who, prior to the War, took out British or Allied naturalisation papers; whether such men who became British citizens in our Empire will be tried under the law dealing with such matters; and whether there is an agreement among the Allies to hand over such prisoners to the country which they have betrayed?

The answer to the first and last part of the question is in the negative, and the second part therefore does not arise yet.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total amount of silver and copper currency issued for the United Kingdom from the Mint in each of the twelve months ending 31st July, 1914, 1915, 1916. and 1917 respectively; and how much silver and copper currency was withdrawn from circulation or exported abroad in the same periods?

The total amount of silver and bronze currency issued for the United Kingdom from the Mint in the years in question was as follows:

The total amount of silver and bronze currency withdrawn from circulation in the United Kingdom in the same years was:

In addition, silver and bronze currency was issued from the Mint for export to the Colonies as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the importation of Spanish potatoes was prohibited through the ordinary channels of business and only a limited supply permitted through a single firm; whether this experiment was made on behalf of the Government; whether it resulted in a loss; and, if so, to what extent?

I have been asked to reply. An announcement was made on the 19th April to the effect that potatoes made available for export to the United Kingdom from Spain under the special arrangement concluded with the Spanish Government would be imported into this country on account of the Britsh Government, and that importation on private account would be prohibited. The transaction resulted in a loss of approximately £60,000, owing to the fact that the Spanish Government did not find themselves able to release the potatoes for export until the demand for them in this country had practically ceased. The price of potatoes in the English markets was, however, brought down considerably by the Government's action in buying Spanish potatoes, so that the financial loss involved is not a fair interior of the success or failure of the undertaking.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the estimated quantity of home-grown potatoes available this year as compared with last year's harvest and the additional acreage put under potatoes during the present year?

The estimated quantity of potatoes produced in the United Kingdom during 1916 was 5,470,000 tons, as compared with an average production during the previous ten years of 6,750,000 tons. It will not be possible to obtain anything like an accurate estimate of the 1917 crop until it has been lifted, but it is expected to exceed 8,000,000 tons. The additional acreage put under potatoes this year as against last is 80,000 acres in England and Wales, 20,000 acres in Scotland, and 117,000 acres in Ireland. The above figures take no account of potatoes given by persons holding less than 1 acre.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that owing to the high price of potatoes fixed by the Potato Order, 1917, namely, £6 a ton, many consumers are now using bread instead of potatoes; and what steps he proposes to take to make potatoes available to the poorer classes of consumers as a substitute for breadstuffs, in order to diminish the consumption of bread?

The Food Controller does not accept the suggestion that the consumption of bread is being increased at the expense of potatoes, or that potatoes, at present prices, are not available to the poorer classes of consumers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any allowance of sugar will be made to grocers who started business since the beginning of the War; and if he is aware that a number have failed to obtain supplies for their customers?

It is open to grocers who were retailing sugar in 1915 and have since continued to do so to be registered under the sugar registration scheme; and such registered retailers are authorised under the scheme to obtain the sugar necessary to supply their registered customers after the 30th December next. In the meantime their supplies of sugar are based upon the amount supplied to them in 1915. Local food control committees have a discretion to register a trader which was not retailing sugar in 1915, if, in their opinion, the needs of the public render such a course desirable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any official information to the effect that people coming from other countries to Great Britain with small supplies of sugar have been refused permission to retain the same, although they were quite willing to pay any duties that ordinarily would have been charged?

The importation of sugar into the United Kingdom was wholly prohibited by Royal Proclamation of 26th October, 1914, and no licences for private imports have been issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a number of the best milking cows are bought by dairymen keeping cows in London and the big towns, and that these dairymen refuse to sell these cows back to the farmers, as it pays them better to fatten them off for the butcher; and whether, as a result of this practice, numbers of the best milking cows are lost for producing milk, he will take steps to prevent these men having any cows sound and suitable for producing milk killed if under ten years old?

Complaints have been received by the Ministry of Food that, owing to the high prices for fat cattle which have recently obtained, the number of dairy cattle fattened for slaughter has exceeded the normal. But Lord Rhondda is advised that the progressive fall in meat prices, due to the operation of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, together with the permitted increase in the maximum price chargeable for milk from 1st November onwards, will be an adequate check to this practice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the amount of barley and sugar required to produce a standard barrel of beer at the gravity of 1,036 and 1,042 degrees respectively?

As I informed the hon. Gentleman on 16th August, the amount of malt required to produce a barrel of beer at a gravity of 1,036 degrees is 53 lbs. If sugar or other malt substitutes are used the amount of malt required is proportionately less. The quantity of malt required to produce a barrel of beer at a gravity of 1,042 degrees is about 62 lbs., and, as in the previous case, if sugar or other malt substitutes are used the amount of malt required is proportionately less. Four pounds of barley produce about 3 lbs. of malt, and also various by-products which are used for the feeding of animals.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the quantity of beer brewed during the past year at a gravity exceeding 1,042 degrees, and the amount of barley and sugar allocated for the production of such higher gravity beers?

There are no figures available which would enable me to distinguish the ingredients of beers of different gravities or to estimate the respective quantities brewed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the further 33⅓ increase in the barrelage of beer permitted during the quarter commencing 1st October, 1917, is to be allocated to brewers for sale to munition workers only or to the public generally?

Of the 33⅓ increase in the barrelage of beer permitted during the current quarter, 20 per cent. will be available for the general public through the ordinary channels of distribution and the remaining 13⅓ per cent. will be under Government control for allocation among munition workers.

asked whether, under the Beer (Prices and Description) Order of 15th October, 1917, brewers will be permitted to sell beer of a gravity exceeding 1,042 degrees at whatever price they may choose to charge, while beer of a gravity not exceeding 1,036 and 1,042 degrees, respectively, can in future only be retailed at 4d. and 5d., respectively, per imperial pint; and what reduction the last-named prices represent on the prices current at the date of the Order?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that the fixed prices only apply to beer sold in a public bar. There has in the past been no standard or uniform price for beer of any given gravity; it is, therefore, impossible to say what reduction has been effected by the fixing of prices.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that passengers from the Londonderry, Strabane, and Dungannon direction holding third-class tickets on the Great Northern Railway are prevented from travelling third class on the evening mail train from Belfast to Dublin, although Belfast passengers and passengers from the Enniskillen and Dundalk line are allowed to travel third class on this train, and that there is a military policeman at Portadown to prevent passengers from the districts named from boarding the train; and, if so, under what Statute or Regulations the company discriminate between passengers holding the same description of ticket?

I understand the Irish Railway Executive Committee are making inquiry into this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the statement re insufficient funds made by Mr. T. P. Gill at the recent prize distribution in the Technical Institution, Blackrock; whether he received a copy of the resolution unanimously passed at the meeting; and what the Government propose in this matter?

I have seen the statement referred to and the resolution of the ratepayers of Blackrock. Proposals for the further development of technical education in Ireland are at present under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has taken steps to amend the Light Railways and Tramways Act, Ireland, to expedite the passage of Orders in Council for the purpose of constructing the railways, tramways, and other transit facilities necessary for the development of the industries of the country; if he is aware that under the Light Railways and Tramways Act, Ireland, application can only be made twice a year, May and November, while under the Light Railways and Tramways Act, England, application can be made in any month of the year; if he is also aware that under the Light Railways and Tramways Act, Ireland, no demesnes or house properties can be acquired except with the consent of the owner, and that this also seriously interferes with the development of industrial enterprise in the country: and if he will take steps to amend immediately the Light Railways and Tramways Act, Ireland, to the extent referred to, and also include powers to acquire railways and running powers over railways where desired?

Schemes under the Tramways (Ireland) Acts require the approval of the county councils concerned, which must be given at two quarterly meetings of the council. I am informed there are no specified dates for lodging applications in Great Britain under the Light Railway Act, 1896. Under Section 43 of the Tramways (Ireland) Act, 1860, mansion houses, demesnes, etc., cannot be acquired without the consent of the owner, but by Section 5 of the Light Railways (Ireland) Act, 1889, an Order of the Lord Lieutenant in Council in cases proceeding under that Act may provide that Section 43 of the Act of 1860 shall not apply. No question of amending the Irish Light Railways and Tramways Acts arises. The railway at present under construction for the development of collieries is authorised by the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in Ireland owing to the Prohibition of Export of Horses Order, 1917, and that there is in the country a larger supply of horses than is necessary, while in Great Britain, owing to the shortage of petrol, there is a great demand for Irish horses; whether he is aware that the accumulation of horses unnecessary for the requirements of the country is tending to unduly decrease the supply of cereals; and if he will at once take such action as will have the Order withdrawn?

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin on Monday except to say that the Department of Agriculture are not aware of any foundation for the statement in the concluding portion of this question. The position will be carefully watched with a view to taking any necessary action.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that difficulty is experienced by pensioners from the Royal Irish Constabulary in paying for their upkeep in consequence of the reduced value of the pensions through the increased cost of living; will he say whether and, if so, when the Government will take some steps to increase the pensions of these men, even as a bonus during the period of the War; will he say if he has received a memorial from the pensioners; and, if so, what course he intends adopting with reference thereto?

The question of increasing police pensions in Ireland has been carefully considered, but the Government do not see their way to introduce the legislation which would be required for the suggested purpose.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when he proposes to submit the Instructions to the Irish Boundary Commissioners; who will appoint the Commissioners; and whether an opportunity will be given to the House to consider and debate the names of the Commissioners before their appointment is finally confirmed?

The names of the proposed Commissioners and the Instructions will be made public without delay. It is intended that the appointment of Commissioners shall be made under the hand of the Lord Lieutenant, as in 1884. The latter part of the question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland as to the rates of remuneration of hospital cleaners employed at King George's Military Hospital, Dublin, whether he is aware that the wages of these women do not exceed 18s.; whether he has considered that rate of wages, having regard to the present cost of living and to the laborious nature of the occupation of the women; whether the War Office have defended the rates in question on the ground of the character of the local rates of wages for unskilled women in Dublin; whether that is regarded as a sufficient defence of the payments in question; and, if not, whether action in regard to the matter may be expected?

The weekly wages of the cleaners in question were fixed in accordance with the rates of wages paid locally to unskilled women.

asked whether the attention of the Army authorities has been called to the rates of wages of certain seamstresses, sorters, and forewomen employed at the Army Ordnance Stores, Island Bridge and Montpelier Hill, Dublin; whether certain of these workers under eighteen years of age are in receipt of wages of about 6s. per week and certain others over eighteen years of age of wages of about 12s. per week; whether the rates of wages of these workers have been advanced, and, if so, in what degree, since the War; whether the authorities sanction the present rates of wages and consider that women and girls can, with the cost of living as it is now, properly exist upon them; and, if not, what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The rates mentioned in the second part have been discontinued. In the third part of the question I assume my hon. Friend refers to girls under sixteen and women sorters in the salvage depot Dublin. They were not employed before the War, and receive now a minimum of 9s. and 17s. respectively, which represents an increase on earlier rates.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) why his Department refuses to grant a half-holiday weekly with pay instead of fortnightly, as at present, to the employés at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, and owing to no alteration of the staff employed pre-War; and whether he can see his way to grant this concession, which has been under consideration for the last eight months?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer to his question on 29th June. The Department of Agriculture regret that it is not possible to entertain the proposal until the cessation of the War admits of the staff at the Royal Botanic Gardens being restored to its normal strength.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in reference to the attack on the Norwegian convoy on 17th October, at what time the raiders were sighted by the convoy, and at what time the last shot was fired by them before they retreated?

Until the Admiralty are in a position—subject to the public interest—to give accurate and detailed information, I think my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that it is best not to furnish a fragmentary and possible inaccurate statement.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether in adding to the establishment in the various dockyards due regard is had to the claims of men who are employed there after having been invalided out of the Army?

Due regard is had to the claims of the whole of the men employed, including those referred to in the question. Other things being equal, men with war service would be given preference, but such service would not of itself give a title to establishment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the interests of both economy and efficiency, he will consider the desirability of shoeing smiths being posted to the Army farrier schools for a short period of instruction in Army shoeing and thence posted to mounted units, so as to supersede the present system which takes unqualified men into the farrier schools; and, if so, whether the Army Council will make this change, which is recommended by the National Master Farriers' Association?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 23rd instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Edinburgh.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a debt of £123 14s. 6d. is owing in respect of poor rates due on Membland Hall and Alston Hall, in the parish of Holbeton, South Devon, occupied by the War Office as cadet schools, in spite of frequent applications for the same, a considerable portion being six months overdue, to the disturbance of local finances; and whether interest will be forthcoming in respect of such portion of the debt, which is very considerably overdue?

No debt for rates is owing, as the matter is purely one of bounty, a contribution in lieu of rates being made in proper cases. In the case of these two houses a contribution would be made when the terms under which the Crown occupy are settled by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. The owners have not at present, however, preferred any claim to that body, so that no terms have been settled. The Treasury, however, will consider the question of a contribution as soon as it is definitely ascertained if no claims will be made, and inquiries as to this have been made several times of the owners without response. In the case of Alston Hall, no rates were paid for years before Crown occupation, as it was derelict property.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War for what reason salaries of male clerks in certain recruiting offices have been recently reduced from 40s. to 38s. a week for a working week of 54 hours, without war bonus; and why the war bonus awarded under A.C. 1,906 and 962 of June, 1917, has not been paid to male clerks in recruiting offices, whereas female clerks have been paid a war bonus of 3s. a week as from 1st January, 1917?

I shall be glad to have particulars of the cases referred to, to enable me to make the necessary inquiries.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, as the bonuses granted to the employés in the Army Ordnance Department, Dublin, were given to meet the high cost of living, he will give instructions for overtime pay to be paid out at the present rate of wages, namely, 29s., and not on the prewar rate, namely, 22s., as at present?

Inquiry is being made. I will communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a man passed into the Army under the old conditions who produces a certificate of subsequent date from a civilian doctor to the effect that he is medically unfit for the work assigned to him can claim to be re-examined by an independent medical board?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a man passed into the Army under the old conditions who produces a certificate of subsequent date from a civilian doctor to the effect that he is medically unfit for the work assigned to him can claim to be re-examined by an independent medical board?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. With regard to men passed for the Army but remaining in reserve, i.e. , not called up, arrangements are being made that any such man will be graded if he so wishes by a National Service medical board, and, if dissatisfied, he may apply to be examined by the Local Government Board medical assessors attached to an Appeal Tribunal. My hon. Friend will realise that serving soldiers are in no way under the control of the Ministry of National Service, but I can assure him that the Army Council is doing everything in its power to prevent soldiers being employed upon work for which they are physically unsuited.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a petition signed by 175 persons residing in the Thornbury Division of Gloucester complaining that six conscientious objectors resident in that division, recognised as genuine by the tribunals, are now undergoing in some cases their third sentence of hard labour, have not received the exemption from military service provided by law and are suffering punishment similar to that given to persons guilty of crimes of theft or violence; and does he propose to alter these conditions?

Yes, Sir; I have received the petition referred to, but it is not the case that any of the six men referred to are deprived of any exemption to which they are entitled by law. They are in prison on conviction by court-martial for disobedience to military orders, but they have all had the opportunity of obtaining release for employment under the Brace Committee on satisfying the Central Tribunal of the genuineness of their conscientious objections. One of them has done so and will be released for such employment in a few days. Of the others, four have refused the conditions necessary for the hearing of their cases by the Central Tribunal, and the fifth refuses the employment offered him by the Committee.

asked the Minister of Munitions what precaution is taken to prevent persons of enemy origin and other undesirable persons being employed in munition factories, particularly in those factories in which explosives are handled?

No persons known to be enemy aliens hold permits for employment in any explosive or filling factory in this country. All persons, whether men or women offering themselves for employment in a national explosive factory or a national filling factory are required to furnish two references as to good character, which are taken up by the management of the factory. If neutral or friendly aliens desire to obtain employment in such a factory, permission has to be obtained from the Ministry of Munitions in London, who cause special inquiry to be made into their antecedents by the military and police authorities. At all explosive and filling factories there is a staff of watchmen or works police expressly responsible for the internal protection of the factory. The need of guarding against the possibility of action by evilly disposed employés is constantly present in the minds of those responsible for the management of the factories. It would obviously be undesirable to particularise all the precautions taken.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many flax buyers will be on duty at Strabane Flax Markets during the present and the coming month?

There will be ordinarily one inspector and eleven graders on duty two days per week. The number will be increased if the quantity of flax to be graded increases.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Order dated 7th July, 1916, under Regulation 30a of the Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, fixing the maximum prices for pig iron, is intended to differentiate between pig iron made within the geographical boundaries of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottingham on the one hand, and that made within the geographical boundaries of Northamptonshire on the other hand, irrespective of the method of manufacture and quality of the pig iron produced, or whether it is intended to differentiate between pig iron manufactured by the methods generally adopted and of the quality generally produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottingham on the one hand and Northamptonshire on the other hand; and, if the distinction is purely geographical and not dependent on the methods of manufacture or quality of the pig iron manufactured, will he say why there is a difference in the maximum selling price between that made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottingham and that made in Northamptonshire?

The quality of pig iron varies according to the district in which it is produced. The maximum prices have been fixed at such levels as will give the manufacturers in each district a reasonable margin of profit. The difference between the maximum price for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottingham district, and the Northamptonshire district, is due to a difference in the average cost of manufacture.

asked the Pensions Minister why pension and allowance on the Imperial scale have been awarded the widow and child of Private John MacKinlay, No. M/Z 153021, Canadian Army Service Corps, seeing that MacKinlay was a Canadian soldier enlisted at Winnipeg, Manitoba, on the 9th December, 1915?

I understand that Private MacKinlay was enlisted for the British Army on an Imperial attestation, and that the Canadian Government have, therefore, no liability in respect of his widow's pension.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will issue Instructions to the effect that separation allowance will be awarded to dependants on the earnings of the soldier for twelve months previous to joining the Army instead of six months previous to joining as now in force?

Separation allowance is based, not on the soldier's earnings, but on the amount which he actually contributed to the support of his dependant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that separation allowance has been refused to a soldier's mother, the reason given being that she was already in receipt of separation allowance from her husband in the Navy; and when this Regulation will be altered?

No such case has come specially to my notice. But I see no reason to alter the general rule that no single individual, whether wife or dependant, is entitled to more from the public funds than the separation allowance for a wife.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the case of Gunner B. G. Blake, No. 135604, 70th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, who was killed in France on 4th November, 1916; whether he is aware that this soldier was killed owing to the explosion of a fuse which he had picked up, and that on this ground his widow has been declared to be not eligible for the grant of a pension; and whether he proposes to do anything further for the widow and children?

This case has been under reconsideration, and it was decided on the 18th instant to grant a full pension to the widow and children. Payment will be authorised as soon as Mrs. Blake has furnished the necessary details.

asked the Pensions Minister how many men have been discharged from the Army in Wales and Monmouthshire; how many of these men have been examined by medical specialists; how many have received special medical treatment; and how many have been recommended for special training to fit them for new employment?

I regret to say that the numbers asked for by the hon. Member cannot be given from the records available, and, in view of the limited staff of local war pensions committees and the pressure of other work upon them, I hope that the hon. Member will not press for this information to be given at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary whether all persons interned under Regulation 146 of the Defence of the Realm Act have been called before the Advisory Committee and examined by it?

Every person who is interned under Regulation 14B has been allowed an opportunity of appearing before the Advisory Committee, and with eight exceptions all such persons have availed themselves of this opportunity.

asked the Home Secretary if the instructions issued by one of his predecessors to the divisional police in Kensington, to the effect that they were not to watch or report on Dr. Markel, who lives in Queen's Gate Terrace, have been cancelled; if so, will he give the date; and has Dr. Markel been interned?

I cannot find that any such instructions were given. Dr. Markel is a British subject, having been naturalised in 1889, and is not interned.

asked the Home Secretary whether within a few weeks from the outbreak of war the police and military authorities at Dublin fully examined the case of the Croat Slav, Alfonso Palcic, and decided that he should not be interned; whether, since the date of that examination, Palcic carried on his business at Merrion Row, Dublin, without having given any cause of complaint or suspicion; whether he is aware that he was recently interviewed by a policeman, who informed him that if he did not enlist in the British Army he would be conscripted, notwithstanding that he is an Austrian subject, and whether he is aware that, as the threat of Conscription had not the desired effect, the policeman next informed Palcic that if he did not enlist he would be interned; whether he is aware that the interview with the policeman took place in the presence of four respectable witnesses, and the threat of internment has since been carried out; whether he is aware that this man is married to an Irish woman, that he has several children, and that his earnings are their only means of support; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Alfonso Palcic is an enemy subject of military age. He has never been exempted from internment, but he was not interned earlier because he claimed to belong to a race friendly to the Allies and there was difficulty in obtaining satisfactory information on this and other points. When his internment was at length decided on, he was given an opportunity of joining a non-combatant labour battalion instead of going to a camp, as has been done in the case of other alien enemies who claim to be of friendly race and in sympathy with the cause of the Allies, but he declined to do so. It is open to his wife to apply to the local authorities for the special allowance made to the British-born wives of interned aliens.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the total amount of cement that was sent to Holland from this country for 1914, 1915, 1916, and up till September, 1917?

The quantities of cement registered as exported from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands were 20,800 tons in 1914, 4,100 tons in 1915, 1,300 tons in 1916, and 41,300 tons in the nine months ended September, 1917. I understand that no licences to export cement to the Netherlands are now being granted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that retailers of coal in London are selling above the official prices, and also charging lodgers in tenement houses extra prices when the delivery is upstairs; what means the Coal Controller has taken to prevent these extra charges; and whether he will obtain the assistance of the police to report such excess prices, with a view of prosecutions taking place?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has not been called to the facts referred to, but if the hon. Member would supply him with specific instances of retailers selling coal in London above official prices or charging unauthorised prices to lodgers in tenement houses where the delivery is upstairs, the Controller of Coal Mines will take such steps as may be necessary to deal with the offenders. Any information or other assistance which the police are able to give will be welcomed. It should be added that an Order was made dated the 15th October by the Controller of Coal Mines, under the powers conferred by the Household Coal Distribution Order, revising the coal prices for the London area. This Order has been published to the trade, and will be published generally as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any spirits and rum are at present being exported from this country; and, if so, the quantity so exported during the past year or latest period for which the figures are available?

The latest particulars available of the exports of spirits and rum from the United Kingdom to all destinations are those relating to the first nine months of the present year and are as follows, the corresponding figures for 1913 being added for comparison:

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that, whilst there was a daily average of 14,225 names on the books of the Employment Exchanges in August last and that only 4,152 vacancies were filled on an average each day, there were no less than 99,595 names on the register on 10th August, he proposes to have an inquiry made into the working of the Exchanges, particularly in view of the unsatisfied demand for labour in several industries?

The average number of fresh applicants who placed their names upon the Exchange registers daily during the four weeks ended 10th August was 9,329, and at any time during the period there were about 100,000 applicants upon

the registers. The difference between these figures and the average daily number of persons placed in employment is accounted for mainly by the inclusion of applicants who are unable to move to other districts in which alone employment can be obtained for them or who are unwilling to accept the conditions offered by employers for work of the kind they desire. There are also a number of persons on the registers who are already in employment and wish to obtain better paid work. A more appropriate test of the efficiency of the Exchanges seems to be the relation between the number of vacancies notified and the number filled. During the four weeks ending 10th August the Exchanges were able to fill the following percentage proportion of the vacancies notified during the period:

asked the Minister of Labour what steps, if any, are being taken to put the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee into operation so far as they apply to insurance agents of Great Britain and Ireland; if he is aware that a number of the insurance companies have refused to pay their agents a living wage and offer a bonus on condition that the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act is repealed; whether the Corrupt Practices Act is still in operation; and if he is aware that the dissension amongst the insurance agents is rapidly growing and is caused by the delay of the Government to carry out the recommendations of the Committee?

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 18th October, the Department have been in communication with one of the principal companies on the matter. It appears from these communications that, the contention of the company is that, as a result of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, they are not in a financial position to grant a war bonus. The Ministry are continuing their inquiries in the matter. With regard to the hon. Member's inquiry as to whether the Corrupt Practices Act is still in operation, I have to refer him to the Index to the Statutes in force from which he will see that there are a number of such Acts in force.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what are the twenty-five sets of buildings in London taken over by the Government since the House rose in August, showing in each case the Department to which the building has been allotted?

The buildings taken over by the Government since the House rose in August last and the allocation are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government are permitting the importation of Chinese labour into Plymouth?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Comptroller of the Household whether he can state (1) the number of sailors and soldiers now on the Navy and Army Insurance Fund; and (2) the number of Scottish sailors and soldiers in the Navy and Army Insurance Fund?

It is not in the public interest to publish these figures at the present time.

asked the Comptroller of the Household whether he can state the average length of time taken to make payment of claims on the Navy and Army Insurance Fund after they are made?

In the case of claims subsequent to the first, the average length of time taken for payment from the Navy and Army Insurance Fund is under three days. In the case of first claims for benefit, the average length of time has been sixteen days, this being due to the necessity of obtaining proof of title to benefit, and of ascertaining whether the claimant is already a member of an approved society, in which case that society and not the fund would be responsible for the payment of benefits. I am considering whether arrangements can be made between approved societies and the Navy and Army Insurance Fund, which will make possible an earlier payment of first claims.

asked the Comptroller of the Household whether he can state the average expenditure on money benefits per week in respect of each man on the Navy and Army Insurance Fund?

Sixpence-halfpenny.

asked the Comptroller of the Household whether he can give the number of discharged men entitled to benefit out of the Navy and Army Insurance Fund?

The number of discharged men entitled to benefit out of the Navy and Army Insurance Fund is just over 25,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the duties of local secretaries under the National Health Insurance; what is the actual cost allowed for administrative purposes per annum for each member, and how much of this is allowed the local secretary upon whom the whole working of the Act practically depends; how much office and sundry expenses are allowed each general secretary, say, of three approved societies, over and above the administrative allowance; how many Commissioners comprise the Irish Commission; what are their duties and salaries; how many officers and officials comprise the general administrative staff; what are their duties and salaries; and if he will consider the advisability of placing those men on a permanent footing and recruiting officers from their ranks in future?

The duties of a local secretary of an approved society are not defined by Statute or Regulation, but are such as are laid down in the rules of the particular society concerned. The maximum amount allowed to approved societies for the purposes of administration out of contributions under the Act is 3s. 5d. per annum for each ordinary member and half that sum for serving soldiers and sailors The manner in which the total amount available for administration is allocated by the society is a matter for that society itself to determine. The administration allowance is an inclusive amount covering all expenses of administration, and no additional sum is available from contributions under the Acts for office and sundry expenses. The Irish Commission consists of four Commissioners. For information as to the duties of the Commissioners I must refer my hon. Friend to the National Insurance Acts, and in particular to Sections 57 and 81 of the Acts of 1911. The salaries of the Commissioners are set out in the Estimates which are presented to Parliament, and these Estimates show also the constitution of the administrative staff of the Commission and the salaries payable. The duties of the staff of the Commission are to assist the Commissioners in carrying out their duties under the Acts. If I rightly understand the last part of the hon. Member's question, the action suggested would, I am sure, be resented by societies as an unwarrantable interference with their independence.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why a pension has not been granted to Mr. Thomas Dolan, Corracliff, Giangerelin, county Cavan, No. 2675 in the pension officer's register; is he aware that this claimant has now no means; and will he have his case specially considered?

This claim was disallowed on the ground that the claimant's means exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of a pension. The case was decided last month and it is not now before the Local Government Board.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that men engaged in the Irish prison service are prohibited from holding meetings to consider and make recommendations for bettering the conditions under which they labour; if this is done with the consent of the Irish Prisons Board; and, seeing that such privileges of meeting and discussing questions affecting their salary, duties, etc., are permitted to the English services, why such facilities should not be given to those engaged in the Irish service?

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin on the 8th May, there is no Rule in the Irish Prisons Service forbidding warders to act in any manner permitted in the English Prisons Service.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland have long been of opinion that Talbot House, in virtue of its location and surroundings, is entirely unsuitable as a residence for the women King's scholars in training in Marlborough Street Training College, Dublin, and that this view was confirmed by a special Report obtained by them from Sir Charles Cameron; whether four women students of the college for the past session died and nine were unable to complete their course through illness; whether he is aware that a joint deputation representing the Presbyterian and Methodist churches waited on him on 27th August and requested him to provide the necessary funds to secure temporary premises to which all the girls now compelled to reside in Talbot House could be removed, and that a number of public bodies in Ireland had made a similar request; and what steps he has taken or proposes to take to give effect to these representations and to safeguard the health and lives of the women students?

The statements of fact in the question are, I think, substantially correct. In consequence of the representations made to me from various quarters I visited Talbot House lately, and after observing the conditions at present in force and conversing with those who could give me information, I came to the conclusion that while it is desirable that a more modern residence for the students shall be provided as soon as circumstances permit, the students are at present housed in a way which is consistent with the maintenance of health and does not prevent the efficient prosecution of their studies.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Central Midwives Board have recently passed a resolution requesting that the Bill already drafted will be introduced and passed into law in the interest of public health?

I have not seen the resolution referred to. The Local Government Board for Ireland have been repeatedly pressed by various representative bodies to prepare a Midwives Bill for Ireland, and to have it introduced into Parliament. A Bill has been drafted, and I propose to introduce it on an early day.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that contagious abortion has been very prevalent amongst dairy cattle in parts of the Queen's County for some time past, with very serious losses for both stock raising and milk production; and what steps the Department intend taking in the matter?

The Department have received a communication in regard to contagious abortion among cattle in Queen's County, and are in correspondence with a veterinary surgeon in connection with the infected herd. The Department will be prepared, if necessary, to supply vaccine free of cost and to furnish instructions as to its administration. With the exception of the case of the particular herd referred to, no reports as to the disease in Queen's County have been received for a considerable time. The Department do not consider that further steps are at present called for, but the position will be carefully watched.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is the intention of the Government that it shall be obligatory on any local education authority to make any payment under Clause 22 (2) of the Education Bill if it does not desire to do so?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that Section 7 of the Education Act, 1870, shall apply to nursery schools provided under Clause 19 of the Education Bill, 1917?

The Bill does not apply Section 7 of the Act of 1870 to nursery schools.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that full-time instruction in a public elementary school may be recognised for the purpose of Clause 10 (2) (ii.) (6) in the Education Bill; and whether the Government propose to amend or repeal Section 22 (2) of the Education Act, 1902, so as to make that Act more in harmony with the spirit of the new Bill?

As regards the first part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative, but under the Clause it may be necessary to consider the individual scholar as well as the school. With regard to the second part of the question, I am considering whether any Amendment of Section 22 (2) of the Act of 1902 is necessary or desirable.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that under Clause 36 (2) ( c ) of the Education Bill the official and expert witnesses of the local education authority may be excluded?

The answer is emphatically in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Education, in reference to Subsection (3) of Clause 40 of the Education Bill, whether he will now state, or present a Return showing, the dates in recent years on which any Minute laid upon the Table by the Board of Education has been debated; and, if so, when a Division has been taken?

The last formal Debate on a Minute which took place within the month prescribed by Section 97 of the Elementary Education Act, 1870, was apparently on 3rd May, 1900, on the Higher Elementary Schools Minute of 6th April, when the House divided. But the Regulations of the Board, whether they are technically Minutes or not, have been frequently discussed in Parliament both on Estimates and on other occasions. For instance, in 1908 the Board's new Regulations for Secondary Schools, issued in July, 1907, were discussed in the Debate on the Address on 5th February, and the House divided. In 1909 the Board's proposals relating to the staffing of Public Elementary Schools, which had been announced in a circular in the previous March and were subsequently embodied in the Code of 1909, were discussed on a Motion for the Adjournment on 7th April, and later in Committee of Supply on 15th July. On the last-mentioned date there was also a discussion on the Regulations for the Training of Teachers for Elementary Schools, which had been issued in the March preceding. And in 1910 there was a discussion in Committee of Supply on 10th March on the same Regulations.

asked whether, under Clause 5 (2) of the Education Bill, a local authority may delegate to a provincial association the power of raising a rate or borrowing money?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that regulations under Clause 9 (2) of the Education Bill may be made to exclude children of five years of age from attendance at school?

A regulation may be made, subject to the approval of the Board, that a child of five shall not be admitted to school till the beginning of the school term after he attains that age.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that any residential schools established under Clause 20 of the Education Bill shall be public elementary schools within the meaning of Section (7) of The Education Act, 1870, and other Acts?

The provision of board and lodging need not involve the establishment of a boarding school, but if such a school is established the Clause does not require it to be conducted as a public elementary school.

asked whether the provisions of Clause 28 (1) of the Education Bill, 1917, will apply to all schools in which advanced instruction, as required in Clause 2 (a) (ii), is given.

The reply is in the negative.

asked whether the word "school" in Clause 26, line 34, of the Education Bill is a mistake for "school-house" or is it intended that the managers shall exercise in a provided school facilities for religious instruction secured by Section 7 (1) (a) in schools carried on by them?

I am obliged to the hon. Member. The word "school" in line 34 is intended to refer to the school premises, and "schoolhouse" would be a better word.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that the words "provision made for the purpose by the authority" in Clause 20 of the Education Bill refer exclusively to schools provided by the local authority in the sense in which the words "provided by" are used in the Education Acts, 1870 and 1902?

The reply is in the negative. The reference to "ordinary provision" is to the provision of education which is made by the local education authority both in provided and non-provided schools.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government that Sub-section (3) as well as Sub-section (2) of Section 12 of the Education Act, 1902, shall apply to grouping of managers under Clause 27 of the Education Bill, 1917?

The whole of Section 12 of the Education Act, 1902, is intended to apply to any grouping under Clause 27 of the Bill except that it extends the power of the authority to group. The specific reference to Sub-section (2) was inserted in order to show how the managers of the group would be constituted, and not to exclude the operation of such other parts of the Section as are applicable to the particular case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recommendations of the Rhodesian Native Reserves Commission were announced by the president of the company to be in the interest of the shareholders; whether they were made by a Commission of four gentlemen of whom three have been or still are employés of the company; whether he is aware that no member of the Native Affairs Administration was appointed upon this Commission; and whether His Majesty's Government will take these facts into consideration before agreeing to a variation of the status of native reserve lands the title to which is still sub judice ?

The president, I believe, described the result of the Commission as satisfactory to the shareholders, but immediately proceeded to qualify his observation by remarking on the unsatisfactory position of the company's title to the land. With regard to the personnel of the Commission, I would refer to an answer given to a somewhat similar question on 2nd August. The last part of the question is, I think, based on a misapprehension, as the hon. Member will see if he will read the Reference to the Privy Council printed in Cd. 7509. Land in a reserve is by law the property of the British South Africa Company, and the question which it now sub judice , does not turn on whether the British South Africa Company have any right to the land either in or outside the reserves, but on the nature of their rights—that is, on the question whether their ownership is a private and commercial ownership or not.