asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the yield per penny in the £ of the Income Tax, apart from Super-tax, during the last financial year for which the figure is available?

The yield for each penny of the leading rate of Income Tax. for 1915–16—thelatest year for which final figures are available—was £3,299,034.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it has been brought to his notice that, owing to the difficulty of procuring such food as bran, ureco, randans, and crammings, many rearers of poultry, often of fine breeds, may be forced to kill their stocks; and what action he proposes to take to enable them to buy these foods?

I can add nothing to the answer given last Monday to the hon. Member for Woolwich, except to say that every possible effort will be made to help.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether poultry owners have been warned that they will be required forthwith: to kill off a large proportion of their present stock; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that March, April, and May are the most productive and least expensive months in the year for the poultry owner, the issue of any Order, if contemplated, will be postponed?

No such warning has been issued or is in contemplation. The Board have informed poultry keepers of the shortage of feeding-stuffs and of the small allowance of controlled feeding-stuffs which they can be allowed to buy. It is for the poultry keepers to determine how many birds they can keep and rear, having in view both the limited amount of food they can buy and what they can produce or obtain from other sources.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, as the prices at which tea is to be distributed have been published, whether he can now say at what price the Government have bought the tea in India and Ceylon: what freight is paid upon it; and whether the complete terms precisely fulfil the promise made to the House and the country on behalf of the Government that the arrangements guarantee that the sales shall be at cost price?

The price at which the Government has bought tea in India and Ceylon is the average pre-war price subject to certain adjustments necessitated by the changed conditions. The freight paid on growers' tea to the 31st December, 1917, was at the rate of 300s. per ton of 50 cubic feet; since that date the rate has been 125s. per ton of 40 cubic feet. With the latter rate of freight the arrangements of the Ministry or Food allow a margin of ¼d. per lb. for contingencies. This margin has hitherto been absorbed, and will for some time continue to be absorbed by the higher rate of freight charged to the 31st December, 1917. Subject to this qualification, sales are at cost price.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the conditions just published under which tea is to be distributed contains a complete statement of the arrangements or if further allowances, drawbacks, or abatements in price have been conceded to particular firms, societies, or classes engaged in the trade; and, if so, what these are and why have they been kept secret?

The only allowance not included in the conditions already circulated to the wholesale trade is a proposed allowance in respect of van delivery to retailers' shops in certain cases. The nature of this allowance is still under discussion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the authority under which tea is brought within the authority of the Food Controller, and if tea is to be regarded as food; and if China tea bought in 1916 can be regarded as the subject of hoarding coming under the Food Hoarding Order, 1917, or other Order?

Tea, is brought within the powers of the Food Controller under Defence of the Realm Regulations 2 F to 2 J. In. the view of the Food Controller, tea is to be regarded as an article of food. With respect to the last part of the question, goods bought before the 9th April, 1917, are excluded from the provisions of the Food Hoarding Order, 1917, so long as further supplies of the same article were not acquired after that date, so as to render the amount held excessive.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the price of tinned meat has risen enormously, and that there has been profiteering in tinned meat in consequence of the scarcity of fresh meat; and if he has taken any action to protect the public in the matter and, if so, what action?

Yes. Sir. By the issue of the Canned Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, dated the 13th February, 1918, the Food Controller has fixed the prices at which canned meats of various descriptions may be sold by importers, wholesalers and retailers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received a representation from the Scottish Beekeeping Association to the effect that Scotland will require at least twenty tons of sugar to keep the stocks of bees alive through the early spring, and that the association has machinery for the proper distribution, and that for a few pounds of sugar supplied to each stock now the bees of Scotland will return fully half a hundredweight of sugar in the form of honey; and what sort of action the Ministry of Food means to take?

A communication on this subject has been received by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply through the Scottish Office. The Commission does not see its way to providing preferential treatment to Scottish beekeepers in this matter over those in other parts of the United Kingdom, but arrangements are being made under which a due proportion of the available bee candy shall be placed at the disposal of Scottish bee-keepers through selected firms. The Commission is not prepared to sanction the issue of unmedicated sugar for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that numerous private growers of potatoes on gardens and other small plots who last season produced more potatoes than their families can possibly consume, find themselves unable to dispose of, or utilise, their surplus stocks, having regard to local conditions, absence of market, and absence of transport; and whether arrangements can be made to secure these surplus stocks on suitable terms, and make them available for consumption in the towns and in districts where the supplies are short?

The Director-General of the Food Production Department has established a special section of that Department for the purpose of dealing with the subject of the marketing of the surplus produce grown in allotments and gardens, and the Ministry of Food are giving every assistance in their power. A Conference will be held during the coming week at which schemes for the formation of central marketing committees will be discussed, and it is further proposed to form village depots in suitable localities. So far as the coming season is concerned, as regards such fruit and vegetable produce as will be purchased by the Food Controller from the larger cultivators, it is hoped to extend facilities for sale to recognised associations of smaller growers in districts where a surplus is likely to arise.

asked if a farmer who makes butter and sells to some of his neighbours is bound to be registered as a retailer; and if the person who buys from the farmer is also bound to be registered?

Under the London and Home Counties scheme of rationing it is not at present compulsory for a farmer who sells his own butter by retail but has no special premises for carrying on retail trade to be registered. Nor is it now necessary for a person buying from a farmer in these circumstances to be registered. He may not, however, obtain from the farmer and from other sources together more than the prescribed ration, and if he relies solely on the farmer for supplies should have the butter and margarine portion of his food card cancelled by his Food Office. The provisions of other local rationing schemes vary with respect to these particular points.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food! whether, in view of the public anxiety and the many contradictions that are published, he will, in conjunction with the Censor, forbid the publication of any statement with reference to the control of food which is not contained in an official Order of the Ministry, and so prevent the constant misapprehensions caused by unauthorised and misleading statements in the newspapers on the subject?

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to prevent speculative comments on the policy of the Food Controller, from appearing in the newspapers; but the Publicity Branch of the. Ministry gives every opportunity to the Press of obtaining accurate information on all matters not expressly covered by statutory Orders or official announcements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to restrict the rearing of pigs, rabbits, and poultry by private individuals for consumption by their households; and, if not, whether any such food will be included in the meat ration; and, in that case, will its consumption be limited to the amount of the ration and will the possession of the residue of such food be regarded as hoarding; and, if so, what course should be taken with respect to such residue; and to what extent wilt the answer to the foregoing questions apply to eggs produced by such poultry?

I would refer the hon. Member to the announcement on this matter appearing in the Press on 20th February. As is there stated, it is proposed that for the present consumption in a household of domestic produce generally may be taken within the ration at two-thirds of its actual weight under the rationing scheme for London and the Home Counties. Rabbits, hares, and birds (other than game birds) caught or kept by members of the household can, for the present, be regarded as outside the ration altogether. These arrangements are provisional, and will be reviewed by a. Special Committee which is being consti- tuted by Lord Rhondda for the purpose. The Food Hoarding Order does not apply to any home-produced or home-made article of food in the possession of the producer or maker, and the same rule, applies to eggs produced by domestic poultry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state, without detriment to the public interest, what were the stocks of meat in the United Kingdom at the end of December, 1916 and 1917, respectively, or the percentage of increase or decrease between those dates; and the number of head of cattle, sheep, and pigs, or the percentage of increase or decrease?

Stocks of meat of all kinds held in cold stores and in importers' warehouses in the United Kingdom on the 1st of January, 1918, showed an increase of 14 per cent. on those of a year before. The increase is entirely due to items held for consumption by the Army, and the meat passing through cold storage represents only a small proportion of the total requirements of the country. With regard to the numbers of live stock, the only information relating to the numbers at the close of the two years in question is in respect of England and Wales. A comparison shows estimated decreases amounting to 5.3 per cent. in cattle, and 8.1 per cent. in sheep.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to make available for the nation's food supply an additional amount of fresh-water fish during the coming season, sport for the time giving way to the national need?

:The Fresh-water Fish Committee, who have carefully examined the question, are clearly of opinion that little relief could be afforded from the fresh-water fisheries of England and Wales. Difficulties of labour, transport, and other facilities for collecting these scattered supplies are such that to bring the fresh-water fish to the markets in commercial quantities appears to be practically impossible. In certain cases the Board have been able to assist local operations for increasing supplies from this source. A leaflet on the subject of the various methods of preparing and cooking fresh-water fish has also been issued. The Board hope to receive very shortly from the Fresh-water Fish Committee recommendations as to the extension in suitable cases of the open season for catching various kinds of fresh-water fish. The Committee have also submitted to the Board a scheme for increasing the output of eels, and the Board hope shortly to put their recommendations into effect.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what representations his Department have made to the Admiralty against their railing up fishermen, in view of the increasing importance of the fish supply to the nation; and whether, seeing that the position of these men is analogous to that of the agricultural labourers, he will say how many have up to the present been withdrawn from what is now a staple industry?

The Board have always been fully alive to the importance of the fish supply to the nation, and on all matters affecting the fish supply, including the question of the recruitment of fishermen for naval service, they have been in almost daily communication with the Admiralty since the commencement of the War, and their representations have been most sympathetically received. The Board have, however, recognised that the services of fishermen in the protection of sea-borne supplies of food may in fact represent a much greater contribution to the food supplies of the country than they could make by fishing. While, therefore, the Board have constantly recommended to the Admiralty the necessity for restricting the recruitment of fishermen within the narrowest limits compatible with naval efficiency, and the importance of employing fishermen only in such naval capacities as required those qualifications with which fishermen are especially endowed, they have not made any general representation against the recruitment of fishermen. The Admiralty are as anxious as the Board to maintain the fish supplies of the country at the highest level which the circumstances permit, and have given very valuable assistance in the protection of the fishing fleets. It is impossible to state precisely what number of fishermen have been called up for naval service. Many fishermen who were members of the Royal Naval Reserve were called up immediately on the mobilisation of Reserves at the out-break of war; others have been recruited from time to time as the need for their service arose, under special arrangements made between the Board, the Scottish Fishery Board, and the Admiralty, designed to prevent any sudden and disastrous dislocation of the industry.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the amount of prize money now available for distribution to the Fleet; whether the amount now in hand would permit of an immediate grant to officers and men of, say, three months' substantive pay; and, if so, whether instructions will be given to credit officers and men with three months' substantive pay on current ledger as an advance on account of prize money?

It is impossible to slate the amount of money which will stand to the credit of the Prize Fund. My hon. Friend may have in mind the figure which was officially announced on the 31st March of last year as the amount standing to the credit of the London Prize Court. But, on the one hand, there are other Courts with sums in their keeping; and, on the other hand, the sums in the keeping of all the Courts will have to meet a number of charges, and, further, consist of Droits of Crown and Droits of Admiralty and sums of money which are neither one nor the other. The net proceeds of Droits of Crown will be allocated to the Prize Fund for distribution to the Fleet, and to provide for that distribution notice of the introduction of a Bill has been given. As regards my hon. Friend's suggestion that there should be an ad interim distribution, I may say that we have very carefully considered that on more than one occasion, and I regret to add that it has been found impracticable. But I should add that interest will be paid on such sums as may hereafter be declared to be the property of the Prize Fund from the date at which sums came into the keeping of the Government.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will extend the provision of Appendix I. of the Admiralty Instruction under which medical officers are allowed 3s. 6d. per diem charge pay when in sea-going ships with complements of over 650 both in peace time as well as in war; and will he consider the advisability of extending to accountant officers similar treatment under like circumstances?

In branches so dissimilar as the medical and accountant branches of the Naval Service, the considerations which govern the issue of allowances to the officers of these branches are necessarily different. The present Regulations as regards charge pay for accountant officers wore drawn up for the period of the War only, and no reason is seen for amending them at present. On conclusion of hostilities, however, they will be reconsidered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a large food ship was recently sunk in the Channel almost at the conclusion of her voyage; and whether further steps can be taken to ensure, particularly at the present moment, the safety of such vessels when they have almost completed their journeys?

A ship with a general cargo, about 50 per cent. of which was foodstuffs, was recently sunk when nearing the conclusion of her voyage. This vessel was under escort at the time. With regard to the second part of the question, the necessity of safeguarding such vessels is fully realised, and all possible steps are taken to this end.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now state the result of his inquiries into the reason why the request made on behalf of Mr. James Hurley, a competent carpenter and joiner, for employment in the Haulbowline dockyard was refused?

The question of employing Mr. James Hurley is at present under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many officers of the Regular Army are there now on the strength of Cavalry regiments who have served for fifteen years and over and still only hold the rank of captain?

The number is eighty-three, of whom three have been superseded, and one is a prisoner of war.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that an Army Council Instruction, No. 1,182, of the 27th of July, 1917, was issued directing the review of all transfers to Class W and Class P Army Reserve with the object of discharging unfit men, he will state how many of these transfers have been reviewed, and how many men have been discharged and pensioned since that date?

The Army Council Instruction referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend merely summarised the history and present position of Classes W. and P. of the Reserve. In order to regularise the position of all men who had been transferred to Class W of the Reserve, including those men who were transferred to that class of the Reserve before the formation of Class P., an Army Council Instruction was issued on the 13th of March, 1917, directing the review of all such transfers. Under the Instruction 60,515, Class W. Reservists were circularised. Up to the 31st January, 1918, 56,007 replies had been received, and the investigation of 54,890 cases had been completed. As a result of the review of these oases, 18,730 men were transferred to Class P. of the Reserve or discharged. All these cases were submitted to the Ministry of Pensions with a view to the consideration of their claims for pension.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Harold Skjalm Banks, a born Danish subject, naturalised as British in Australia, but, according to recent legal decisions, held to remain a Danish subject in Great Britain, was arrested in August. 1916, in Glasgow, as a military absentee, imprisoned without trial, and handed over to the military authorities at Hamilton Barracks; that his letters from his parents in Copenhagen have been intercepted by the military authorities; that he has been advised that he has good ground for an action for false imprisonment; and that he is still being persecuted by the military authorities; whether, under any recent convention of law, the War Office claims the right to force Danish subjects into the British Army; and what action he proposes to take?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result. I may add that there is no power under which Danish subjects can be compulsorily enlisted into the British Army unless they also possess British nationality in Great Britain.

asked the Minister of National Service why Mr. S. H. Titshall, of 30, St. James Road, Edmonton, who holds a certificate of exemption from the Military Service Act, granted by a tribunal on the ground of health, was irregularly called up for re-examination under the Review of Exceptions Act, and put back R.R., and his total rejection certificate destroyed by the military representative; and whether he will take steps at once to remedy the irregularity which has taken place?

Inquiries are being made into this ease, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many divisional and brigade commanders who are officers of the Territorial Force are actually commanding divisions and brigades in the field; and how many of these officers had no previous service in the Regular Army?

In command of divisions, none. In command of brigades, ten, of whom five have had previous Regular service, namelyThree as majors.One as captain, andOne as lieutenant.Another Territorial Force officer (not ex-Regular) was recently wounded in command of a brigade.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War how many officers of the Special Reserve, Territorial Force, and New Army have been appointed General Staff officers (1st Grade)?

The number of officers of the Special Reserve, Territorial Force, and New Armies who have been appointed General Staff officers (1st Grade) from August, 1914, to 18th February, 1918, is

Special Reserve	…	…	2
Territorial Force	…	…	3
New Armies	…	…	2
Total	…	…	7

The House will realise that this number refers only to the operations branch, and does not include the various administrative and other branches of the Staff.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that discontent and dissatisfaction are expressed in many parts of Ireland by the relatives of soldiers owing to the failure of the War Office authorities to grant leave to those longest on foreign service; and if he is aware that cases have been brought to the notice of the hon. Member for the Harbour Division, Dublin, where soldiers have not received leave for the past two, and in many cases three, years?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday during the discussion on Army Estimates. I would also refer him to my reply to a similar question which he asked on the 23rd January last, in which I stated that there was no truth in the suggestion that Irish soldiers are treated less favourably, in the matter of leave, than their comrades from other parts of the United Kingdom.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that South African British soldiers who have been weakened physically as the result of malaria or dysentery whilst on active service in East Africa are invalided home and at the end of two months, during which period they are kept on full pay, are then discharged from the Army; and whether, having regard to the effect of these diseases on the general health of those who have been attacked by them, he will arrange that the soldiers who have gone from here to East Africa and have since suffered seriously from the effects of the diseases in question shall at least be brought back and put on garrison duty at home?

I am not quite clear as to what my hon. Friend means by the term "South African British soldiers," but the matter appears to be one for the Union authorities.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Irish soldiers of all ranks in Irish regiments are allowed to wear their national emblem, the shamrock, on St. Patrick's day, he will give English soldiers in English regiments the same right to wear the rose, their national emblem, on St. George's day?

Under the King's Regulations special emblems may be worn on the headdress on anniversaries, provided authority has been obtained. I understand that the Northumberland Fusiliers are permitted to wear the rose on St. George's Day, but that no other regiments have asked for permission to do so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when clerks, temporary and permanent, in Army offices in Ireland may expect an increase in wages or war bonus; and if he will see that Government offices in Ireland shall pay the same rate of wages to their employ és as is paid in Great Britain for similar work?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him yesterday on this subject. As regards the latter part, the policy of the War Office is to pay its employ és, both in Ireland and in Great Britain, in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether an application has been received on behalf of the employ és at the Stirling Army Ordnance depot for an increase of wages to meet the high cost of living, the wages at present paid being the lowest paid in the town; and, if so, when this application was received, and what reply has been sent?

I have agreed to the case going to arbitration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether officers attached to the Lands Directorate are to participate in the new officers' families grant; and, if not, why they are so excluded?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the written reply which I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for the Mile End Division.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any and. if so, what arrangements have now been made, and when they will take effect, for removing the comparatively -unfair treatment of the Royal Army Medical Corps officers who were in the Territorial Force and placing them on a reasonable basis of equality as regards position, pay, and promotion with the Royal Army Medical Corps officers who were not in the Territorial Force?

This question was fully considered by the Cabinet Committee on Officers' Pay, and it was decided not to make the change proposed. These Territorial officers get the same emoluments as Regular officers and, like them, will get the new children's allowances at full rates in the junior ranks, while the officers serving under special contract will get half rates only.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that 800 tons of manure have been taken by rail from Prees Camp, in Shropshire, to Essex; whether this manure could have been sold locally and thereby saved the railway journey; and whether this manure can now be offered for sale to the local people?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that John H. Corddell, of Eastfield Road, Portsmouth, was working in Portsmouth at a wage, with bonus, of Is. 3d. per hour, and that, having volunteered to work on munitions, his pay at Huntingdon, where he is now working is, with subsistence allowance, Is. per hour; and if he will see that this man gets the rate he is entitled to — that is, the rate he last received —or the rate in the place he is working, whichever is the greater?

Corddell is receiving the rate to which he is entitled, namely, ll½d. per hour, that being the Portsmouth rate, inclusive of war bonus, for his trade, and higher than the rate current at Huntingdon. In addition, subsistence allowance at the rate of 17s. 6d. a week has been authorised.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the total amount of war bonus or war wages which labourers in Government-controlled establishments are entitled to?

The amount of war bonus to which labourers employed on munitions work are entitled depends on the trade carried on by I lie establishment in which they are employed. The number of different trades carried on by controlled establishments is so large that no general statement on the matter is possible.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the scheme for the erection of 300 houses as a first instalment in Lincoln is being delayed; can he state the reason for this delay after the plans have been prepared and arrangements made for the commencement of the work; whether he is aware that the delay is causing unrest amongst the munition workers in Lin- coin; and whether steps will be taken to secure the carrying out and completion of the scheme without unnecessary delay?

A scheme has been formulated for the erection of permanent houses at Lincoln, and has been submitted for the sanction of the War Priorities Committee of the War Cabinet. It is understood that owing to the serious shortage of building material and labour a i the present time it has not been possible for the Committee to make a decision on the scheme without, at the same rime, considering other requirements. It is understood that a decision will be made at an early date.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether supplies of linseed oil required for the production of glycerine and soap are being used with his approval in the production of linoleum?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The War Cabinet have decided that, in order that Government requirements may be met and to obviate unemployment in certain localities, manufacturers of linoleum shall be allowed to use certain stocks of linseed oil actually in their hands. I understand that certain processes now under investigation may enable manufacturers to dispense with the use of linseed oil at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is still satisfied that the R.E.8 is a safe and useful type of machine for young pilots to fly; and whether the Air Ministry have decided to continue the building of this type?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The hon. Member may rest assured that the Air Ministry makes it its constant business to see that the types of machines used by pilots are satisfactory both from the point of view of performance and safety, but it would be wholly contrary to the public interest to announce to the world at what time one type is likely to be displaced by another.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the new cloth for the officers and men of the Royal Flying Corps has been designed; if so, what is its colour and whether arrangements have been made for large quantities of it to be manufactured; if so, when it will be ready; and whether officers will be required to have their uniforms made there from?

:The new cloth approved for the uniform of the Air Force is light blue. Difficulties of manufacture will, however, prohibit its introduction during the War, although it may be used by officers for evening wear. This, however, is optional. For the period of the War both officers and men will be clothed in a similar pattern uniform made of Army khaki cloth. No extra orders for cloth have been placed as it is considered that the Army supply will be sufficient.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether it has been decided to abandon the aerial gunnery school in Ayrshire on which £400,000 has been expended; whether the hutments are being or will shortly be demolished; if so, how long the works had been in progress before this decision was taken; and what portion, if any, of the works erected are to be regarded as otherwise than a dead loss for military purposes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The hutments axe being taken down and removed for use elsewhere. A good number have already been sent away. A contract was entered into in February, 1917. In regard to the last part of the question, I am unable to answer this at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the Air Ministry have refused to recommend the Fresh Issues Committee at the Treasury to sanction the proposed increase of capital of White-head Aircraft (1917), Limited; and, if so, on what grounds; whether he is aware that this concern has within a few months doubled its output; whether he is aware that the concern could readily obtain the £750,000 additional capital it desires per- mission to issue and has acquired the necessary land, and could again double its output in a few months; and if he will explain why facilities for so doing should be withheld, having regard to the constant wastage and urgent necessity for properly constructed machines?

The Ministry of Munitions will not oppose any reasonable scheme for raising capital by public issue. The Ministry of Munitions can meet its programme of requirements from facilities existing and arranged for without necessity of further extensions to Messrs. Whitehead. The issue of capital is asked to pay off financial liabilities in the way of advances made by the Ministry of Munitions

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Whitehead Aircraft (1917), limited, which makes machines for the Air Board, has grown rapidly and acquired land and all facilities for immediate extension, and its wages have risen to £11,000 per week and its floor space to 325,000 square feet; whether he is aware that it has asked for permission to issue a further £750,000 capita] and has secured promises of the £750,000 if permission could only be obtained, which would enable it in a few months to again double its output; and whether he will explain why the Fresh Issues Committee at the Treasury continue to refuse sanction to the proposed increase as not being in the public interest?

I am informed that amended proposals have been made by this company, and that they have been agreed to with the exception of one small item.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in the case of widows who were dependent on sons who have been killed and who have received a pension on the basis of dependency, if such widows open a shop or take up other means of earning a living after pension is awarded they run any risk of having the pension reduced or stopped?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions whether, according to present Regulations, the widow of an officer who has died on active service of disease certified as directly attributable to active service is not entitled to the gratuity granted to the widows of officers killed in action or who have died of wounds; and, if so, whether such Regulations can be reconsidered, in view of the fact that such officer's death is as much due to active service as is the death of an officer who is killed in action?

A gratuity is not granted in the circumstances set forth in the hon. and gallant Member's question. The matter was very carefully considered at the time the Royal Warrant of last August was drafted, and it was determined, with the strong support of military opinion, to restrict the gratuity to cases of death in action and of violent death due directly and wholly to war service.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state the ground upon which a pension may be refused to tine dependants, Class A, of a soldier killed in action: and whether, in order that such a dependant may establish a claim to pension, it is necessary that the applicant should be reduced to actual pauperism?

:A pension would be refused where the conditions laid down in the Royal Warrant or subsequent modification of it are not fulfilled. These grounds would principally be the absence of pre-war dependence, or, in the case of non-dependent parents, the absence of pecuniary need through age or infirmity. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the inadequacy of the sum allotted as allowance to wives of soldiers; and, having regard to the present cost of living, and the fact that the majority of employ és in factories and workshops have had increased wages on that score, if steps will be taken to grant a similar increase in allowances to the wives of the men in our fighting forces?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 14th December last to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Dublin Harbour Division.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether specially enlisted men in the Army Pay Corps have derived any benefit from the recent increase in pay and allowances; whether the consolidated family allowance payable in the case of married men living at home is in effect separation allowance plus 7s. per week for the keep of the sodier; and, if so, whether, in view of the increased cost of living, steps will be taken to increase the allowance or, alternatively, to issue rations instead of the said 7s.?

Generally speaking, the men of this corps are paid special rates at a level above that reached by the new rates of pay for the Army in general; but non-commissioned officers have the option of drawing the new rates in lieu of their special rates. I will look into the question of the issue of rations in kind to the men referred to in the second part of my hon. Friend's question and communicate with him

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that where wounded soldiers are discharged with surgical appliances, such as surgical boots, no provision is made for the time when such appliances need repair; and whether he can see his way to order that in the case of surgical boots a discharged soldier should be issued with two pairs instead of one, as at present?

In the case of surgical boots it is the practice of the Ministry to provide two pairs, but to withhold the issue of the second pair for a short time to enable it to be seen whether this style of boot provided is satisfactory. With regard to surgical appliances generally arrangements are made to effect repairs and renewals on and when they become necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the expression in Section 38 (2) of the Education Bill of last Session, "the net expenditure of the authority recognised by the Board of Education as expenditure in aid of which Parliamentary grants should be made to the authority," includes expenditure that may be made on buildings and interest on and repayment of debts incurred by the local education authority, or the school boards who were their predecessors, in respect of land or buildings for schools?

It does not include expenditure on buildings out of loans; it includes the annual charges on loans and may include expenditure on buildings, if instead of being met out of loans, such expenditure is borne in the revenue account of the year.

asked the Home Secretary if he is now satisfied that all suitable and available shelters in the East End against air raid attacks are now at the disposal of the public; and whether, if this is not the case, he will take immediate steps to ensure that this is done?

Every effort has been made by the Commissioner of Police, with the assistance of the local authorities, to secure the maximum of suitable shelter in the East End. In the event of further suitable premises becoming available these would, if necessary, be added to the list.

asked whether any official supervision is being exercised over the condition of air-raid shelters so as to guarantee their cleanliness and suitability; who is responsible for the provision of sanitary arrangements; and what steps are taken to avoid overcrowding?

The Commissioner of Police has specially invited the co-operation of the local authority, as public health authority, in each area, in making the necessary sanitary arrangements at air-raid shelters, and many authorities have responded. The police do their best to prevent overcrowding, but when the condition of the streets has become dangerous on the occasion of an air raid it is not possible to deny shelter to those seeking it, though the accommodation there available may be overstrained.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now satisfied that the maximum is being done in regard to the public distribution of sandbags in the East End for the purpose of strengthening shelters against air-raid attacks?

:An adequate supply of sandbags for the strengthening of public shelters has been placed by the Government at the disposal of local authorities free of cost, but not every local authority has taken advantage of the offer.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will state the reasons which have led him to appoint the Town Clerk of Chatham as registration officer for the new Parliamentary Borough of Rochester, in spite of the fact that this House has already decided that the united boroughs of Rochester, Chatham, and Gillingham shall be named Rochester; and whether, in view of this appointment being contrary to the spirit of such unanimous decision and much resented locally, he can see his way to withdraw the Order making the appointment?

Of the two more ancient municipal boroughs comprised in the new Parliamentary Borough of Rochester, Chatham is the larger in population. It is, moreover, centrally situated, the municipal borough being partly in each of the two Parliamentary divisions. On a careful review of all the facts, I came to the conclusion that the proper course would be to appoint the Town Clerk of Chatham as the registration officer for the Parliamentary borough, and I see no sufficient reason for withdrawing the Order at the present time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will give a summary of the replies of the Metropolitan borough councils to his circular letter of 28th July, 1917, as to their views and intentions in respect of housing and town-planning; and whether he has sought or received the views and intentions of the London County Council on London housing and town-planning?

I doubt whether any useful purpose would be served by publishing a summary of the replies received from the Metropolitan borough councils in reply to the Circular letter of 28th July, 1017. At the time that letter was issued the Board asked for the views and assistance of the London County Council on the housing question from the point of view of London as a whole, and copies of the replies so far as received from the Metropolitan borough councils have been sent by the Board to the London County Council.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why the town-planning scheme for Rosyth area which was submitted by the Dunfermline Towa Council to the Scottish Local Government Board in August, 1915, has not yet been approved; and what is the reason for the prolonged delay, which is seriously interfering with the proper development of the district?

A copy of the scheme as amended by the Board after very full and careful consideration is now in the hands of the town council. Owing to the many important alterations which the Board have found it necessary to make, final approval of the scheme is necessarily delayed until the views of the town council have been obtained and considered and the parties interested have been consulted. As regards the second part of the question, I stated the reasons for delay in the Debate on the Vote on Account on 8th March last, to which I would beg to refer my hon. Friend. One of the reasons was the depleted staff of the Local Government Board for Scotland. I am glad to say that provision is being made in the Estimates for the coming financial year for increasing the Housing Department of the Board.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether any date has been fixed for the issue of the Order in Council specifying the areas or land abroad in which voters will be permitted to vote by proxy; and when it is proposed to issue the Order in Council prescribing the forms to be used and the Regulations to be made as to the mode in which proxy papers may be issued and cancelled?

No date has yet been fixed for the issue of the Order in Council referred to in the first part of the question. The Order in Council referred to in the latter part of the question will be issued as early as practicable.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Local Government Board have issued to registration officers any general or special directions with respect to the arrangements to be made for a house-to-house canvass of their areas and for otherwise carrying out their duties in connection with the preparation of the register; and what is likely to be the date of the expiration of the qualifying period with respect to the first register of electors under the Act?

I hope to be in a position shortly to issue Instructions on the matters referred to in the first part of the question. I am not in a position to state at the moment the date which will be fixed as the last day of the qualifying period.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the contagious nature of the so-called Isle of Wight bee disease, he will consider the propriety of instituting measures for compulsory notification and destruction of all affected hives, compensation being paid to their owners?

As at present advised, the President is not prepared to introduce legislation dealing with this subject during the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will issue instructions for the payment of the 12 per cent. to the employ é's of the Irish Lights Commissioners and the Dublin Port and Docks Board

The application of certain employ és of the Irish Lights Com- missioners has been referred by the Board of Trade to the Ministry of Labour for arbitration. The Board of Trade have no jurisdiction as regards the employ és of the Dublin Port and Docks Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total export of linen goods during the year 1917; and what quantities were exported to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Switzerland in that year and in the last completed year before the War?

I will have a statement prepared, and will send it to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Royal Commission on Paper consists of three gentlemen connected with the manufacture of paper, three associated with newspapers, three publishers, and one printer, together with the chairman and deputy-chairman; and if, in view of the fact that this Commission has now ceased to be a purely expert body and is administering a Paper Restriction (Posters and Circulars) Order which imposes restrictions upon certain classes of paper users, he will take steps to secure adequate representation upon the Commission of the interests so restricted, particularly as six out of the ton ordinary members represent interests competing with the restricted interests for paper and advertisements?

I understand that the private interests of the members of the Commission are substantially as stated in the question, but it is not to be assumed that the members represent only those interests with which they are in business most closely associated. Full consideration has been given from time to time, and will be given again, if and when need arises, to the points raised in the question. I am of opinion that the present representation has been fully adequate for the proper discharge of the duties with which the Commission was entrusted. In view of the necessity of economising in imports, the whole question of paper control is at present receiving most careful attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state the result of the inquiry into the damage done to the houses of the fishermen at Hallsands, Devon, by the sea, consequent on the removal of the shingle; and will he state the amount of assistance the Government propose to give the fishermen towards the cost of rebuilding their houses, which is urgently needed, in order that they may carry on their work?

I hope to be able to inform the right hon. and gallant Member of the decision of the Government in this matter very soon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the new petrol coupons which have been issued; whether eight signatures are required for every tin of petrol issued; and, if so, what action he will take to simplify this procedure?

The holder of a motor spirit licence issued in respect of a private motor car is required to sign his name once only in order to obtain a tin of petrol. The supplier is also required to sign the coupon and the counterfoil attached thereto. The coupons issued in respect of commercial vans and lorries are usually for more than 2 gallons of petrol at a time.

asked the President to the Board of Trade whether he can grant some relaxation of the Motor Spirit (Consolidation) and Gas Restriction, Order, 1918, in favour of owners of hire cars who converted them for the use of gas before the making of the Order, and especially during the summer months, when the consumption of gas is reduced?

Gas permits will be issued under the provisions of Clause (11) of the Motor Spirit (Consolidation) and Gas Restriction Order, 1918, in respect of all hire ears fitted with gas apparatus prior to the date of the Order. Hire cars driven by means of gas are subject to exactly the same restrictions as regards purposes of use as have been in force for the last nine months for hire cars driven by means of petrol. The purposes for which a hire car may be used are set out in paragraph 3D (I) of the same Order, and they appear to cover all reasonable requirements. I regret that no further relaxation of the Order in favour of this class of vehicle can be granted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what was the tonnage of mercantile shipping completed in the United Kingdom in the second six months of 1916; and what amount of this consisted of ships under 1,600 tons?

The mercantile shipping completed in the United Kingdom in the second six months of 1916 amounted to 338,293 tons (gross). Particulars of the amount of this tonnage, which consists of ships under 1,600 tons (gross), are not readily available, but are being extracted, and will be supplied later to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, on a recent date, five steamers called at the mouth of the Thames for orders, and were sent to an East Coast port, and on their arrival there they received within twenty-four hours orders to return to London; whether any of these ships carried foodstuffs or valuable raw material; and for what reason these vessels were sent through dangerous waters on a fruitless journey?

I regret to say that it is true that on a recent date four steamers containing cargoes were misdirected in the manner indicated by my hon. Friend. The misdirection was the result of a clerical error, which was not discovered soon enough to prevent an unnecessary voyage by three of them. I should like to be allowed to say that no such mistake has before been made by the Department concerned, which has issued thousands of instructions, and its work has been of great value and importance in reducing the losses of British tonnage. Nevertheless, precautions have been taken to prevent its recurrence, as far as that is humanly possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a Committee to inquire into the actual increase in the cost of living has been appointed; if so, what are its reference and composition; and whether any changes have been made in the mode of stating the cost of living based on retail food prices, with and without economies, etc., in the monthly issues of the ''Labour Gazette"?

With regard to the first part, it is hoped to appoint a Committee: very shortly. With regard to the second part, the information now furnished by the Ministry of Food as regards the consumption of various articles has made it possible, to substitute for a somewhat hypothetical calculation as to the effect of certain economies, which has regularly appeared in the "Gazette," one of a more comprehensive and exact character. This is the only change and it is fully explained in the "Gazette" itself.

asked the President of the Hoard of Agriculture how much land has been acquired for the settlement of discharged soldiers on the land; and whether the Government intends to seek further legislative powers to obtain more land for this purpose?

Four thousand five hundred and thirteen acres have been acquired, and 1,345 are about to be acquired, under the Small Holdings (Colonies) Act, 1916. In addition, 300 acres have been given under the Sailors and Soldiers (Gifts for Land Settlement) Act, 1917. It is hoped that it will be possible to introduce further legislation on this subject at an early date.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) in what condition the wounded British and Indian prisoners of war recently arrived from Turkey; and when he expects the Turks will ratify the convention their delegates signed at Berne last autumn, and effect the larger exchanges of prisoners for which it provides?

In regard to the first part of the question, the military authorities will make inquiries of the medical authorities, in whose care the prisoners referred to at present are. In regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government understand that the text of the agreement signed at Berne on 27th December last only reached the Turkish Government early this month, and its consideration by the latter must, therefore, have been considerably delayed. His Majesty's Government hope, however, to hear shortly of its ratification.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if memorials for a permanent increase in pay and pensions have been received from the Royal Irish Constabulary; if it is intended to give effect by legislation to the claims put forward in these memorials; if it is intended to give effect to the demand for a statutory increase in pay and pensions by making the present war bonus pension able for all ranks; if he is aware that the abolition of the rank of acting-sergeant is not being carried out in the manner recommended by the 1914 Commission; if it is intended to continue the abolition in the same manner as heretofore; if and when the rank is finally abolished it is intended to leave men who have been acting-sergeants for three and a half years or more in the same position as regards pay, seniority, and eligibility for promotion as men who will then be promoted from constables to sergeants; what are the maximum weekly rates of pay, war bonus, and merit pay, if any, for an unmarried constable in Norwich and in the Royal Irish Constabulary; what is the service for and the amount of maximum pension (yearly) in both cases, also the weekly pay of a special constable in Ireland and a time-expired constable in Norwich: and if he is aware that sufficient recruits cannot be had to fill the restricted wastage in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and that the small scale of pay and the conditions of the pensioners and their families through-out Ireland have changed the views of suitable candidates with regard to accepting service in the Royal Irish Constabulary as a means of livelihood?

Memorials have recently been received from the Royal Irish Constabulary for increased pay and pensions, and, as I have stated in reply to previous questions, an additional 2s. 6d. per week to the existing war bonus has been: sanctioned for the period of the War. Certain allowances have also been temporarily increased. It is not intended to introduce legislation dealing with the pay and pensions of the police. The abolition of the rank of acting-sergeant is being carried out in the manner recommended by the 1914 Commission by the gradual absorption of the present acting-sergeants by promotion to sergeant's rank. It is not proposed to give any special privileges as regards pay, seniority, or subsequent promotion to the men who have served as acting-sergeants for more than three years. The maximum pay of a constable is now 34s. per week, and, if unmarried, his war bonus is 8s. per week, making a total of 42s. A constable may obtain the maximum pension of £58 18s. 8d. when he has completed thirty years' service and is fifty years of age. The weekly pay of a special constable is 20s., plus war bonus, 8s. for himself, Is. 6d. for wife, Is. for each child, plus his pension, from which no deduction is made. I have no information as to the rates payable in Norwich. The number of candidates for admission to the Royal Irish Constabulary is more than sufficient to meet the actual wastage due to retirements, etc. Although the number of candidates is reduced by the present great demand for labour, I have no reason to believe that the suggestion at the end of the question is well founded.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland in how many cases of third-term rents fixed since August, 1914, the rent has been raised or reduced, respectively; whether, in cases where a reduction has been made, due account was taken by the Court of agricultural prices and the prospects of agriculture for the next few years; and whether the reduction of rents is to be taken as an indication of agricultural depression?

I am making inquiries of the Land Commission.