asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the congestion of business in the outdoor branch of the Customs and Excise Department; whether he has considered in relation therewith the various cases of death or breakdown of members of that branch, where the demands of official business have been very heavy; whether he is satisfied that the Board of Customs and Excise have taken all the steps in their power to relieve the strain; whether he will instruct the Board of Customs and Excise when formulating schemes for doing new and old work to consider them more closely than hitherto, from the point of view of saving labour to the already heavily pressed outdoor officials; whether he will direct the Board of Customs and Excise to hold special inquiry into the pressure of work in the outdoor service, with a view to obviating a general breakdown which threatens it; and, if so, will he direct that representatives of the federation representing the officers' interests shall be appointed to the committee of inquiry?

The whole staff of the Customs and Excise Department, indoor and outdoor, has been heavily pressed during the War, but relief has been obtained in every possible way— e g., by utilising superannuated officials, introducing women and other temporary assistance, and decreasing the ordinary revenue work. The number of deaths and retirements on the ground of ill-health is not above the normal, and there is no sign that the general health of the staff is being undermined, much less that a general breakdown is imminent. There is, therefore, no necessity for the general inquiry suggested by the hon. Member, but I can assure him that the Board of Customs and Excise are doing all in their power to prevent any undue strain being thrown on their staff.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps the Department of Agriculture intend taking against landowners in the Ossory Division of Queen's County who failed to carry out the compulsory tillage Regulations of this year; and whether any steps will be taken by the Government to provide town tenants, labourers, and landless men requiring allotments for the production of food?

Occupiers of arable land who, without reasonable cause, failed to comply with the Defence of the Realm Regulations in regard to the cultivation of their holdings are being given an opportunity of undertaking to plough up the areas in default by a specified date before the end of this year. In a considerable number of cases undertakings have been given. In the event of an occupier failing to give, or comply with, such an undertaking, the Department of Agriculture will take action under the Regulations to enforce the requisite cultivation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what negotiations took place between the authorities in the Isle of Man and himself for the reduction of the price of the loaf to 9d.; whether he can give the dates of the commencing and the completion of such negotiations; and can he state the cause of the delay in sanctioning the insular expenditure required?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. No negotiations have taken place between the Imperial and Insular Governments on this subject. In reply to inquiries made last August by the Governor as to the position of the Isle of Man in regard to the nine-penny loaf, His Majesty's Government replied that they were not aware of any reason why the scheme should be extended to the island at the expense of the British taxpayer, but promised any assistance in its power if the island decided to adopt a similar scheme at the expense of the island. Early this month the Court of Tynwald, after an inquiry by a Committee of the Court, voted a sum of £20,000 from the accumulated fund of the island for the purpose of reducing the price of the loaf for six months. This resolution has been submitted for the approval of the Government, and a decision will be announced very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the use of any tonnage has been sanctioned by him during the past year for the export of spirits and rum from this country; and whether tonnage is still being allocated for the export of spirits and rum?

In reply to the hon. Member's question, the Food Controller has not requested the allocation of any tonnage for export of spirits or rum.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in Cork at the expenses incurred by the local war pensions committee, which amount to £1,697 10s., and which include salary of secretary for ten weeks, £315; investigator and assistant, £225; rent, furniture, telephone, and heating, £450; hire of motor cars, £70; and loss of remunerative time, £270; and whether, before allowing the ratepayers to be charged in the first instance with so large a sum, he will advise the Secretary of State for War to have an audit made of the expenses incurred by the committee and a Report made to the local authorities for their consideration?

The Naval and Military War Pensions, etc. (Administrative Expenses), Act, 1917, provides that the estimate of the administrative expenses of war pensions committees shall be forwarded for the approval of the Local Government Board by the local councils for whose areas the war pensions committees were established, with a notification of their approval or modification of the estimates as they may think fit. In the case of the Cork War Pensions Committee the estimate has not yet been forwarded by the Corporation of Cork to the Local Government Board for approval, and I am not aware whether the corporation have dealt with it. I will consider what action, if any, is necessary when I have the facts before me.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any acknowledgment has been made to the workers on the Clyde who were responsible for the building, with accuracy and expedition, of the naval gunboats, without which Bagdad would not have been captured?

Yes, Sir; a letter was sent expressing the high appreciation of the Admiralty. The gunboats materially assisted in the operations resulting in the capture of Bagdad.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will cause inquiries to be made regarding Private E. J. Wheeler, No. 6749, B Company, 10th Battalion, Queen's Royal West Surrey, whose letters have for several weeks been returned with the superscription, "Wounded," but whose relatives have received no other intimation of his condition and have failed to obtain any acknowledgment of the inquiries addressed to the competent authorities on the subject?

No casualty to this soldier has been reported to the War Office, but an inquiry has been sent overseas with regard to him. I am not sure to what inquiries my hon. Friend refers, but I have not been able so far to trace any inquiry received in the War Office earlier than the 16th instant, and these have been answered.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War what was the acreage and what was being taken as the annual value for rating at the time the property of about 2,000 acres which, as mentioned in paragraph 40 of the Report of the Committee of Public Accounts, was purchased for £70,000 in 1912?

The annual value for rating purposes of the property conveyed to the Department amounted to £1,265 2s. 6d., and the area conveyed was 2,655 acres.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will state the number of detention barracks, military prisons, and field punishment barracks which have been set up under the control of the British military authorities since August, 1914, adjacent to the various areas of military operations abroad, and the number of prisoners these various descriptions of prisons are able to accommodate; and whether he will state the nature of the punishments authorised to be inflicted upon men who are fighting For their country?

There are no detention barracks, military prisons, or field punishment barracks, in the proper sense of the terms, in the areas of military operations abroad. There are, however, certain establishments known as "military prisons in the field," but I regret that it is not in the public interest to state the accommodation available. With regard to the expression used by the hon. Member, "field punishment barracks," possibly the hon. Member has in his mind the arrangements which may be carried out under the provisions of sub-paragraph 5 of the Rules for Field Punishment made under Section 44 of the Army Act. In regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, the nature of the punishments authorised to be inflicted upon soldiers of the British Army will be found by reference to the Army Act.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War (1) whether there are any ex-commissioned officers, who applied for employment on the outbreak of war, now serving as deputy assistant censors on the cable censorship, who, though rated as civilians, and consequently deprived of the privilege of a ration allowance, wearing uniform, a travelling voucher when on leave, and other privileges enjoyed by those who are gazetted, yet nevertheless hold appointment papers, which they were asked to sign before being given their appointment and under which contract they have since served, informing them that they are subject to military law and that they are graded for pay as first-class staff lieutenants; and (2) whether there are deputy assistant censors now serving rated as civilians who hold an appointment paper making them subject to military law and grading them for pay as staff lieutenants, first class; and, if so, will such appointments be completed by the holders of such appointment papers being now gazetted?

In answer to these questions, I regret I can add nothing to the reply which I gave my hon. and gallant Friend on 30th July last.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether noncommissioned officers and men employed in Territorial record offices are ineligible for promotion; and, if so, whether their services will be recognised in some other manner?

Territorial Force record offices no longer exist as such, and all soldiers serving in record offices are treated alike. In record offices there are two classes. Specially enlisted clerks, who in view of their special rate of pay are ineligible for promotion carrying increase of pay, except to fill a vacancy for deputy-superintending clerk. They draw, however, increased pay at certain intervals. There are also ordinarily enlisted soldiers of low medical categories, who are eligible for promotion to acting rank within the establishment of the office; I think, therefore, that my hon. and gallant Friend is not correct in saying that there is no eligibility for promotion.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether an officer who is asked to resign his commission has a right to have a Court of inquiry or a court-martial; and, if not, whether he has any, and, if so, what, means of re-establishing himself in the esteem and respect of his fellow officers?

An officer has no right to a Court of inquiry or a court-martial, but if he thinks himself aggrieved he possesses the right of appeal under Section 42 of the Army Act. The hon. Member doubtless realises that, of necessity, the question of an officer's efficiency is a matter of opinion, and upon the opinion of his superior officers the question of his disposal must therefore rest. On the other hand, if the disposal of an officer arises out of alleged misconduct, this is a question of fact which can properly be dealt with by a court-martial. In regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I am glad to say that there are at the present moment officers serving in the Army who have re-established themselves in the esteem and respect of their fellows by regaining their commissions.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of all ranks of the Army in France over the prices charged by the Expeditionary Force canteens in France and their general management; whether any balance sheet has ever been published showing the amount of their profits and the manner in which they are disposed of; and whether he will appoint a small Committee to report on the whole of their administration?

Recent reports received from General Headquarters, France, do not support the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend that dissatisfaction exists among all ranks in regard to prices charged by Expeditionary Force canteens and the general management. During the current year very substantial reductions in selling prices have been made. A balance sheet has not hitherto been published, but the matter is under consideration. The appointment of a Committee to report upon the administration is not considered to be necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that complaints are being made concerning the quantity and quality of the food provided for soldiers at Wadford Camp, Chelmsford, Essex; if he is aware that both in regard to this camp and other camps wives and parents of soldiers who have no spare money of their own to buy food with are being heavily taxed to send parcels containing food which ought to be supplied to the soldiers as part of their ordinary rations; and if he will take steps to remove this grievance?

No, Sir; I am not aware of these complaints, but I will have inquiries made, and let my hon. Friend know the result. I understand it is the fact that parcels of food are sent to soldiers in camps by their relatives, but there is really no need for this, as the ration is ample in quantity and good in quality if properly cooked and served.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Emanuel Ribeiro, a conscientious objector, now at Lord Derby's War Hospital, Winwick, has been forcibly fed since 24th January last; whether this man is still considered not to be genuine in his conscientious objection; and whether he may now be discharged to make room in the hospital for more urgent cases?

The answer to the first and second parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. There is no necessity to adopt the suggestion made in the third part.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the complaints of the men in the workshop section at Le Havre, France, that they are insufficiently and badly fed; and if he will make inquiries as to the cause of these complaints, with a view to its early removal?

I am not aware of the complaints to which my hon. Friend refers, but there are many workshops at Havre, and if he will give me further particulars I will inquire of the military authorities in France.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that at the beginning of the War the steelwork part of the harness for the horses of the Royal Field Artillery employed on active service was painted but is now polished and burnished; if he is aware that drivers are occupied two or three hours a day at this work of polishing and burnishing; if he is aware that convoys, in some cases comprising twelve to twenty wagons taking ammunition to guns, have, in the opinion of the men whose lives are at stake, been betrayed to enemy observers by the glittering steelwork on horses and wagons moving together in such numbers; and whether, seeing that polishing and burnishing affords no greater protection to metal against rust than painting and that the absence of glittering display makes the convoys and the guns they serve less liable to attract the attention of the enemy, he will relieve the drivers of this addition to their labours whilst on active service with the Overseas Armies?

I have no information as to the point raised by my hon. Friend, but I will inquire of the Field-Marshal Commanding in France, and let my hon. Friend know the result when I am in a position to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any recognition can be given to men who volunteered for service in 1914 and were at Gallipoli in 1915, some of them having afterwards gone on to Mesopotamia; and whether he is aware that the 29th Division who served in Gallipoli receive no recognition under the proposed new system?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the announcement which appeared in the Press on 16th October. Every officer and man who has entered a theatre of war will be entitled to wear a distinctive chevron when in uniform.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware of the irritation felt by invalid soldiers at being spied upon by military police in plain clothes; whether this employment of spies is general; and whether, with a view to the soldiers' recovery and early return to the fighting ranks, he will discontinue this practice?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative, and the third does not therefore arise.

asked the Under-Secreary of State for War whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed at the annual meeting of the National Master Farriers' Association on 25th August last; whether the question of using the qualified shoeing smiths now serving in various branches of the Army as regimental farriers and saving the cost of training less qualified men at farriery schools has been considered; and, if so, whether any decision has been arrived at?

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

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a new rifle, designed for Mark VII. ammunition and that will not fire Mark VI. ammunition accurately, is being issued to troops in India destined for Mesopotamia; that the Indian military authorities refuse to issue Mark VII. ammunition to these troops for practice purposes before embarkation and insist on their taking Mark VI. ammunition with them to Busra; and what happens to this useless ammunition and who is responsible for the policy?

Troops proceeding to Mesopotamia from India carry rifles which are sighted both for Mark VI, and the Mark VII., and with which either mark of ammunition can be used with a minor adjustment of the sight. The Mark VI. ammunition is not useless, and the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why Army Order 367/15 has been issued to Poor Law authorities; why under this Order all separation allowances are stopped to any dependants of wounded men who are placed in Poor Law infirmaries, generally by instructions of hospital authorities; and whether some London authorities have refused to supply the names of men in their infirmaries as requested by this Order?

The Order in question has no reference to wounded men, but regulates generally the issue of allowances from the public funds to persons in rate-supported institutions. Where the fixed Army separation allowance is stopped under its operation a discretionary allowance from the local War Pension Committee is issuable according to the circumstances of each case. I regret to say that the statement in the last part of the question is correct.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a soldier released for agricultural work receives 25s. weekly, of which at least 17s. 6d. is required for lodgings and food, that all Army pay is stopped, and that the wife and one child's allowance is reduced from 19s. 6d. to 16s.; and, if so, is the soldier expected to give his wife 3s. 6d. out of the 7s. balance in his hands, or are the wife and child to go without food?

The facts are not quite as stated. Twenty-five shillings is the minimum rate of wages, and Army pay is issued in addition for Sundays. The farmer, if he supplies board and lodging, charges 15s.; otherwise the charge varies according to local circumstances If the soldier paid 17s. 6d. the balance in his hands would be at least 7s. 6d. weekly; and it has already been announced that in future the public will pay the compulsory allotment of 3s. 6d. to the wife.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether soldiers living in their own homes receive an allowance of 20s. 5d. per week on which to maintain themselves and their families and no separation allowance; and, in view of the present cost of living and the inequality of the financial treatment between those who live at home and those who are billeted out, if he proposes to take any steps to increase the family allowance?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich on the 18th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Mrs. Ogden, of 65, Ordsall Lane, Salford, whose son, Private James Ogden, No. 43322, York and Lancashire Regiment, joined in February, 1917, whether he is aware that she has not yet received any dependant's allowance; and whether, in view of this delay of eight months, he will have the matter inquired into at once?

Inquiries will be made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the wages paid in the Government Department at Shoeburyness to the various men engaged in the building trade, including the skilled labourers and general labourers, are in some cases 2d. per hour below the district rate in South-end for a similar class of work; and if he will take action in the matter?

Inquiry is being made, and I will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when the issue of boots on repayment to officers on home service will be made as promised?

I am afraid that my hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension. I know of no such promise, as he mentions, with regard to boots. Officers can always obtain boots of rank and file pattern from store on repayment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the German Government pay British prisoners of war in Germany of the rank of lieutenant 60 marks per month and no more; whether the equivalent of this sum in British currency at the present rate of exchange is about £1 14s. 3d.; whether the War Office deduct from the pay of such British prisoners of war the sum of £3 per month; and what becomes of the, difference between the £3 deducted and the £1 14s. 3d., the equivalent of the sum received by the British officer?

The value of marks issued and spent in Germany has no connection with the foreign rate of exchange; and it is only where German money is brought to this country by released or escaped prisoners that the question of loss arises. In such cases this Department is prepared to exchange any German currency received as pay from the German Government for the equivalent in British currency, calculated at the standard rate of 20 marks to the £.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the sum in German marks which by The Hague Convention of 18th October, 1907, the German Government are bound to pay British officer prisoners of war in Germany; and what is the sum in German marks which they actually do pay?

Under The Hague Convention Germany should pay British officers the pay of officers of corresponding rank in the German Army. Instead of this they pay 60 marks a month to lieutenants and 100 marks a month to officers of higher rank.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the conference of European red cross societies held in Geneva on 19th September proposed the repatriation of all interned civilians as promptly as possible and the repatriation of all unwounded prisoners who have endured a long captivity on condition that they are not sent back to the front; and whether, in view of the allegation that the Germans hold more prisoners than the Allies, the Government is favourably considering this proposal?

This suggestion has been repeatedly considered; but the military reasons which have hitherto prevented its adoption remain as cogent as ever.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of bringing temporary quartermasters under the provisions of Article 577 of the Royal Warrant for Pay and Allowance for the Army?

The scale of retired pay in Article 577 is intended only for permanent Regular quartermasters. No temporary officer counts his time as service towards retired pay, and it is not intended to make any exception in favour of quartermasters. Further, the retired pay under Article 577, apart from disablement cases, is only granted to Regular quartermasters when they are retired for age or have given enough service to be allowed to retire voluntarily. The temporary quartermaster would never be in this position, but he has the same privileges as Regular quartermasters if he has to retire for disability.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the Government proposes to treat part of the recently sanc- tioned increase in the soldiers' allowances as deferred pay to accumulate up to the date of his discharge, so that he may be relieved from anxiety and want during the interval elapsing between his discharge and his return to civil employment?

The answer is in the negative. Facilities are given for investing in the various War Loans, and it is hoped that full advantage will be taken of them.

asked the Pensions Minister what arrangements have been made for the appointment of medical referees under Article 12 of the instructions and notes on the treatment and training of disabled men?

In response to advertisements inserted in the medical Press and otherwise circulated, a number of applications for the post of medical referee have now been received from all parts of the country, and a Committee of Selection, consisting of representatives of the Central Medical War Committee, the Local Government Board and the Insurance Commission are considering the qualifications of candidates. The Committee have already made recommendations to cover all the Southern, and some of the South Midland Counties of England, and the whole of Wales, and over 100 medical referees, out of a probable total of about 400, have been appointed.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the manufacture of linen for aeroplanes has been delayed by the closing for six weeks of the weaving manufactories in the North of Ireland, whereby 11,000 workers have been kept out of employment; whether the dispute between the employers and the Tenters' Union which caused the stoppage was referred by the Ministry of Labour to arbitration under the Munitions of War Acts; whether the arbitrator's award has been duly given and accepted by the men; whether the employers have, nevertheless, refused to allow the men to return to work unless they sign an undertaking to accept a lower rate of wages than that awarded by the arbitrator, and are keeping the mills closed; and, if so, what steps he intends to take in the matter?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will put this question down for Tuesday next, when my right hon. Friend hopes to be prepared to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will circulate to Members of Parliament the figures recently published regarding the effect of the control of the liquor traffic in munition areas on drunkenness and excessive drinking, and on illness or mortality due to alcoholism?

An abstract of returns of convictions for drunkenness in scheduled areas of Great Britain with other statistics bearing on alcoholism has been compiled by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) and placed on sale as a Stationery Office publication. This return has been deposited in the Library and copies can be obtained by Members on application at the Vote Office.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that railway facilities have been granted to the reserve munition workers, he can now see his way to grant the same facilities to those who have, on the appeal of the Government, voluntarily removed to other districts to do work of national importance, involving, as in the case of a number of quarrymen from North Wales, a journey of close upon 200 miles to visit their families?

The Army Reserve Munition workers to whom the hon. Member refers are granted free railway travelling upon certain occasions. The quarrymen referred to are N.S.V.'s, and in order that they may visit their homes at recognised trade holidays they are allowed to purchase return railway tickets at the cost of a single fare. The Minister of National Service has now inaugurated a War Work Volunteer Scheme under which Volunteers will be granted similar travelling privileges to those enjoyed by the Army Reserve Munition Workers. The existing National Service Volunteers will, where suitable, be invited to enrol as War Work Volunteers and will then qualify for the increased travelling facilities which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amount of cement was exported from Britain to Holland during the past twelve months and what amount during the corresponding twelve months immediately preceding the War?

The quantity of cement of United Kingdom manufacture registered as exported from this country to the Netherlands in the twelve months ended September, 1917, was 41,300 tons as compared with 17,000 tons in the twelve months ended July, 1914.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the number of race meetings held during this season in connection with which special railway facilities have been afforded; and how many special trains have been run to convey horses and passengers to such gatherings during the past year?

One of the conditions under which racing under Jockey Club Rules was allowed during the present season was that no special trains would be provided. The duplication of trains may have been necessary in some cases, but the Board of Trade cannot give the number of instances in which extra trains were run.

asked whether it is intended to afford railway facilities for race meetings during the present winter; and, if so, how many special trains will be required for the conveyance of horses and passengers to the race-courses?

In the circumstances now existing it will not be possible to afford railway facilities for race meetings during the coming winter.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether his attention has been called to the sale of war spoil which was re-sold at a net profit of 2,500 per cent.; and whether, in order to prevent a similar sacrifice when the War is over of the millions of pounds' worth of machinery, plant, and buildings supplied by the Government to private factories making munitions, he will set up a Committee charged with the duty of keeping a record of all such contributions of plant and material, of investigating the uses to which these could be put in the post-war enterprises of the firms concerned, and of estimating this value and taking it in shares instead of in money on behalf of a trust for the endowment of education, of scientific research for the benefit of industries, and of schemes for the betterment of workers?

After reference to all the Departments concerned, proposals for obtaining complete inventories of all surplus War stores and for advising as to the best, way of dealing with them, as well as for the establishment of proper machinery for giving effect to the decisions arrived at, are now in an advanced stage. If the hon. Member will repeat his question in a few days' time, I hope to be able to give him further information on the subject. I have no knowledge of the particular incident referred to.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the trouble which is arising at the post offices owing to the fact that the Ministry of Munitions takes away many women clerks by offering them increased wages, so that the staffs are depleted, whilst at the same time further work is continually being thrown on the post offices, and that if this continues a breakdown will ensue in the postal service; and what he proposes to do under the circumstances?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. If he will send him particulars of the cases he has in mind inquiry will be made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the total amount advanced in cash and stock, respectively, during each of the last three financial years by the Estates Commissioners; and whether he will state the quantity of untenanted land at present in their possession in County Meath, the quantity they have already distributed in the county, and the quantity, if any, that they are at present negotiating the purchase of?

The amounts advanced by the Estates Commissioners in cash, 2¾ per cent. and 3 per cent. guaranteed stock during the three financial years ended 31st March last, are:

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that up to October, 1915, Irish prison warders were in receipt of two pairs of uniform boots, issued free of charge, yearly, in accordance with the terms of their appointment providing them with free uniform; that each of those pairs of boots were kept in proper repair by prison labour, also free of charge; that in October, 1915, the free issues, plus repairs, were withdrawn and a cash allowance of 26s. per year given in lieu; that at the present time 26s. is wholly inadequate to provide boots and keep them in proper repair for a year, and that that sum is just sufficient to merely keep the boots repaired without purchasing new ones; whether he is aware of the discontent at present prevailing amongst the Irish warders consequent on their being compelled to utilise a portion of their salary to provide themselves with what they are legally and rightly entitled to be supplied with free by virtue of the terms of their appointment; and if he will now consider the advisability of making representation to the proper quarter with a view to having those officers' boot allowance substantially increased so that they may sustain no loss by being deprived of their former free issues?

Up to the year 1915 Irish prison warders were allowed two pairs of boots per annum and repairs of same, the last issue being made on 1st April, 1915. In October, 1915, the allowance in kind was replaced by a cash allowance of 6d. per week which is the same as that granted to Scottish prison warders and to the Royal Irish constabulary. The allowance was paid as from 1st April, 1915. Owing to the high cost of footwear due to war conditions it is probable that the allowance is not now sufficient, but it must be remembered that the warders have been granted two war bonuses to meet the increased cost of living, and they have benefited by these bonuses to the extent of at least 7s. per week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the scale of fees for remuneration of clerks to committees and sub-committees of old age pensions has remained unaltered since 1908, and that the regulations regarding additional allowances and abolishing poor relief disqualification coming into force in July last deprived the clerks of a much needed source of income, meaning in most cases a reduction of 50 per cent. off their total income; and whether, to make this loss good, the Treasury, or whoever is responsible, will increase the scale of fees payable to clerks for old age pension claims from 5s. per first twenty claims per quarter to 7s. 6d. per claim for the first twenty claims, and from 2s. 6d. per claim for every additional claim over twenty per quarter to 5s. per claim, thus bringing the clerks' income up to what it was before July last?

I am aware that the scale of fees has remained unaltered, but it is a generous one, and there appear to be no justification for increasing it. With regard to the alleged deprivation of a source of income, it must be remembered that the great bulk of the work performed by the clerks was in connection with the initiation of the original scheme, and was, therefore, of quite a temporary character.

asked the Postmaster-General if it is intended to discontinue the running of a mail car between Creeslough and Downing's Bay, county Donegal; whether this car at present is the sole means of regular communication between these places; and whether he has received representations showing that its discontinuance would involve serious dislocation in the development of the fresh fish traffic from Downings viâ Creeslough railway station?

A mail car between Letterkenny and Downings ( viâ Milford) will shortly be introduced in place of the present car between Creeslough Station and Downings. The new service will be economical and will provide improved postal facilities. Though the mail car appears to be the sole means of regular communication between Creeslough and Downing's Bay, little use is made of it for passenger and goods traffic, and I am satisfied that the new arrangements will not adversely affect the fishing industry at Downing's Bay.