asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give a definite date when the Federation of Women Civil Servants are to receive an answer to their claim put forward to the Treasury on the 24th April last?

The claim of the Federation of Women Civil Servants was heard by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board yesterday.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the case of British subjects and subjects or citizens of Allied countries who have securities belonging to them deposited with the London agencies of the German banks now being wound up; what is the reason for the delay in handing over these securities to the persons entitled in cases where their title has clearly been proved, and, in particular, what is the reason for the delay in the case of the person whose name has been privately given quite recently to the Secretary to the Treasury; and what steps should, under the new conditions that have arisen, be taken by the persons entitled to these securities in order to obtain delivery of them?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There has, so far as I am aware, been no delay in cases where the claimant to securities held by the enemy banks is in a position to prove clearly that the securities are and have been continuously since the outbreak of the War, his absolutely property. In the case to which the hon. Baronet refers the securities claimed are held by the London Agency of the Deutsche Bank for the account of their Head Office, and the London Agency has no knowledge of the claimant. The claimant has not produced the necessary evidence as to his ownership or the authority of the Head Office for the delivery to him of the securities. The London Agency were, however, as I have already informed the hon. Baronet, prepared, at Sir William Plender's suggestion, to deliver the securities on an indemnity from the claimant against any loss arising from their action, but the claimant does not appear to have desired to take advantage of his suggestion. In reply to the last part of the question, application should be made to the Controller appointed by the Board of Trade.

asked the Food Controller (1) what amount has been paid by the Government to the wholesale association at Smithfield Market; what proportion of that amount was due to bad grading and to over-estimating the weight of live cattle and sheep; and what steps, if any, have been taken to recover from farmers the excess sums which have been paid to them on these accounts; (2) what precautions are taken to ensure that butchers shall receive full weight on their live-stock permits; and whether any reason exists why competent persons should not be authorised to supervise the weighing of cattle and sheep in butchers' slaughterhouses and to decide in cases where the live-weight is questioned; and (3) how many markets for live-stock there are in England and Wales; whether, apart from the seaports on the St. George's Channel, there are less than twenty supervisors of grading for the whole of England and Wales; whether an application has been made for the appointment of thirty additional supervisors; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such appointments, with a view to reducing the losses now incurred through inefficient grading of live-stock?

Payments to the wholesale association at Smithfield Market amount to £17,353 5s. 4d. For the months of January and February grading losses averaged roughly £6,500 a month, but this charge has shown a satisfactory decline, although the precise figures are not yet obtainable. It is not proposed either to recover from the farmers any excess which they may have received, or to refund to thorn any loss which they may have incurred. The effectual remedy, apart from the extension of sale by dead weight, is to improve the grading. At present grading is carried on in the 725 live-stock markets of Great Britain by committees composed of a farmer, a butcher, and the Government agent, who is usually a live-stock auctioneer. The work of the committees is checked by twenty official supervisors, and it is proposed to add to their number. Experience has shown, however, that the judgment of even an admitted expert gives less satisfaction than the decision of a committee on which each interest is represented.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is yet in a position to make a statement in regard to the contemplated increase of ration allowance issuable to soldiers sent on furlough pending discharge?

I regret that I am still unable to make a statement with regard to this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to 25 acres of common land recently ploughed up and planted with oats; what its value for feeding purposes was before being ploughed and what will be the probable yield of the crops now growing?

I understand that the inquiry of my hon. Friend refers to Lenthay Common recently cultivated by the Dorset Agricultural Executive Committee. I am informed that the grazing of this common was worth, at the outside, 10s. per acre. It is estimated that the out-crop now growing on the 54 acres broken up will yield not less than 56 bush, or 7 qrs. per acre.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a circular has been issued by Lieutenant-Colonel P. P. Curtiss, of the General Staff, in which advice is given to the military to co-operate with the police in the arrest of persons whom the police suspect of being aliens, Sinn Fein leaders, or other persons, and, without affording any trial to them, people so suspected are to be arrested and no opportunity given to the people to refute such charges?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am not aware of any particular circular, but it is naturally the practice of the military authorities, when providing for contingencies which may arise, to prepare instructions which must of necessity be kept secret and confidential.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on 18th July when some men came together, without public bill, notice, or announcement to form a section of the Irish. Transport and General Workers' Union at Dunkerrin, Roscrea, and were entering a disused shop for the purpose, Sergeant Lucas and two police entered and prevented the gathering or further progress of this trades union assembly; whether it was on orders from Dublin Castle or the Chief Secretary that this action was taken; and under what Statute or Regulation are trade union gatherings of a private nature prohibited or illegal.

I am informed that a gathering was about to take place in the Sinn Fein club-room at Dunkerrin, near Roscrea, when the persons convening the meeting were informed that it could not take place without a permit. The organiser of the meeting stated that it would take too long to obtain a permit, and that he would not ask to hold the meeting. There is no prohibition of bonâ fide trades union gatherings of a private nature.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what instructions have been given to the police of Ireland regarding bands parading; whether advice has been tendered to the police that, provided they have force enough, they are to break up the bands and the instruments on the spot and handle the people roughly; is this in the interests of peace and order in Ireland; and whether a circular to that effect has been issued by the Inspector-General to the Constabulary, dated 16th March of this year?

The Instructions referred to in the Circular of 16th March, 1918, have only reference to bands taking part in unlawful assemblies. No such Instructions as suggested in the second part of the question have been given—the rest of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he proposes to bring in a Bill this Session to give security of tenure to the allotment-holders; and whether it will apply to Irish allotment-holders and secure to them all the advantages given to British allotment-holders?

I am not aware of the necessity for legislation on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether on the 16th July, the official Press Bureau issued a notice to the Press of Great Britain forbidding them to publish any letters or extracts of letters from Mrs. Sheehy-Skeffington without previous submission and stating that extracts from American newspapers quoting letters from or speeches of Mrs. Skeffington should be similarly treated; and by what authority under any Regulation of the Defence of the Realm Act a person is prohibited from using the Press to state their grievances when such statements are not seditious?

The Press have been requested to submit these letters and extracts to the Press Bureau before publication, but if they contain nothing which is contrary to the Defence of the Realm Regulations they will be passed for publication.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland for what reason soldiers at Finner Camp requiring hospital treatment are not received at Bally-shannon Union Hospital, close to the camp, but have to be sent to Enniskillen Union Hospital, thirty-two miles distant, incurring considerable risk and discomfort to the men and expense to the country?

I am making inquiry into this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is revising the Regulations under which persons are allowed to visit or leave all ships when in British ports?

The Regulations governing the visiting or leaving ships in British ports cover so much ground under very different conditions that it cannot be said that they are all being revised, but they are constantly being strengthened, especially in regard to aliens and undesirable persons. The whole subject of control of personnel of shipping at shipping centres is continually engaging the attention of the authorities, not only at the Admiraly, but also at the War Office and Home Office.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps His Majesty's Government are taking to recognise the services and sacrifices of the mercantile marine either in the form of pensions or allowances to dependants or of other appropriate decoration, or of any of these in combination according to circumstances?

The Admiralty is directly concerned only with mercantile marine officers and men employed and paid by the Admiralty during the War. Since the beginning of the War such officers and men disabled and the dependants of officers and men killed on duty have been eligible for the pensions and allowances provided in the scheme framed under the Injuries in War (Compensation) Act, 1914.The main benefits provided in the scheme are as follows:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can, without supplying information to the enemy, state the number of enemy submarines which attacked the steamship "Justicia"; whether the crew of one of these enemy submarines surrendered; whether this enemy submarine vessel was sunk or captured; whether the "Justicia" was escorted from her port of departure, and, if so, can he give particulars of the escort; whether the "Justicia" was being escorted at the moment she was struck by the first torpedo; and, if so, what was the nature of the escort?

The Admiralty official announcement which appeared in the newspapers on Friday last gave all the information with regard to the circumstances attending the loss of this ship that it is in the public interest to give. With regard to the latter part of the question, the vessel was under destroyer escort from the time of leaving port until she sank.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty why the compensation promised to the cottagers at Beachley, in Gloucestershire, who were evicted in September last, in consequence of the Chepstow and Beachley dock scheme, has not yet been paid; and when the promised payment may be expected to be made?

I am informed by the Director of Lands, who has conducted the negotiations in respect of these cottages, that in spite of every effort made by his Department it has only just been possible to obtain claims from those who are advising the claimants in the matter. These claims have now been received, and the Director of Lands is awaiting a reply from the agents acting for the claimants as to whether they will accept the figure which that Department has been advised to offer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the output of new mercantile tonnage which the Admiralty at the beginning of 1918 estimated would be launched in each of the first six months of this year?

The Admiralty did not estimate the output of mercantile tonnage for individual months, that period being considered too short for a reliable estimate.The quarterly estimates were as follow:

The facts which affected the output in January and February are well known and have been fully discussed. The enormous and increasing amount of repair work which absorbs a large proportion of skilled labour must, of course, also be taken into account.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty when the back pensions due to those men of the Royal Marines who have completed time for pension since 4th August, 1914, will be paid?

Payment of the back pensions due to Royal Marines who have completed time for pension during the War has, I am glad to say, been commenced, 202 payments having been made up to the end of last week. The officers commanding His Majesty's ships and stations have been directed to furnish the necessary particulars to enable payment to be made as quickly as possible. In view, however, of the wide distribution of the men of this corps, and the fact that each man has to be consulted, it is not practicable at the present moment to name a date by when all will have been paid.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why a soldier without children, who is living apart from his wife, receives 11s. 1d. for pay and 22s. 2d. for ration and other allowances, making, with the wife's separation allowance of 12s. 6d., £2 5s. 9d. per week for the maintenance of himself and his wife, while a soldier without children who is living with his wife receives 11s. 1d. for pay and only 21s. 6d. family allowance, making £1 12s. 7d. for the maintenance of himself and his wife; and whether the whole question of family allowances will be reconsidered?

The rate of family allowance is under consideration, and I hope to be able to announce a decision shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in cases where soldiers are put to agricultural work and billeted out their family allowance is paid, but, where billeted at home, the allowance is stopped, which throws on wives, an increased charge with a decreased income; why, if farmers pay the wage agreed, the soldier spending it in his own home should deprive his wife of her allowance; and whether the War Office will reconsider this grievance with a view to its removal?

The soldier living at home receives a slight addition to the full civil wages paid to the agricultural labourer similarly placed, and I regret that the decision in this case which has been arrived at after careful consideration cannot be modified.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) what are the present arrangements in regard to the separation allowances of men who are drafted into agricultural labour battalions; and, if under the existing Regulations, when a man is sent to a locality in which his home is situated all pay and allowances are immediately stopped, whereas if a man is sent to a locality a few miles from his home separation allowance to his wife and children continues; and (2) what are the present arrangements in regard to the separation allowances of men who are drafted into Agricultural Companies, Labour Corps; and if, under existing Regulations, when a man is sent to a locality in which his home is situated all pay and allowances are immediately stopped, whereas if a man is sent to a locality a few miles from his home separation allowance to his wife and children continues?

If a soldier is drafted for agricultural work to his own home, separation allowance ceases. If he is separated from his wife and children, separation allowance continues.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the fact that, under the recent Royal Warrant, the pensions awarded to soldiers totally incapacitated in previous wars have been brought into line with the pensions awarded to soldiers disabled in the present War, he will consider if facilities for treatment can also be provided for the disabled veterans of former wars under the same conditions as apply to men disabled in the present War?

The medical treatment given to men disabled in the present War is: confined to the wounds or other disabilities for which they have been discharged. With the disabled veterans of former wars, the disability for which the man was discharged would in most cases have reached a condition of finality leaving no scope for curative medical treatment. Moreover, the Royal hospitals at Chelsea and Kilmainham afford provision for veterans with chronic disabilities who require to be cared for in an institution. It is not, therefore, in contemplation to make any further provision for the medical treatment of the soldiers of former wars.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is now in a position to state whether a man who was partially disabled by wounds or injuries received in former wars shall be put in a position corresponding to that of a man who was totally disabled in such wars and receive the scale of pensions as laid down for the present War?

I am not yet able to announce a decision in this matter.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that an application on behalf of Mr. F. B. Bolton, of 9, Rupack Street, Rotherhithe, late 280533, 1st London Regiment, was sent up by the Bermondsey Local Pensions Committee at the beginning of last month, and that no reply has been received to this application; and if he will have this matter settled forthwith, in view of the delay that has occurred?

I have not been able to trace this matter. If the hon. and gallant Member will inform me of the nature of the application, so that I may identify the branch of the Ministry to which it would be appropriate, I will make further inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War after how many months' service with the British Expeditionary Force in France an officer doing regimental duty may apply for leave and how many months must a Staff officer have served in order to qualify to make a similar application?

I regret I have no information which would enable me to answer this question, and I do not think I should be justified in referring the question to the military authorities in France at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that T. H. Bates, late private of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, No. 5294, was discharged time-expired on the 11th January, 1916, although he was actually in hospital on that date, and that in consequence of nephritis, sustained in France, and for which he was invalided home to England, he was granted a conditional disability pension for twelve months; and whether the man is entitled to discharge under paragraph 392 (xvi.), King's Regulations, as no longer physically fit for war service?

The question whether, in cases such as this, any alteration should be made in the sub-paragraph of paragraph 392 of the King's Regulation, under which the man was discharged, is at present under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Sapper Vivian Burrows, No. 337339, now stationed at Sandwich, who was called up in spite of the fact, certified by three specialists, that he was partially paralysed in the right arm and was at the time under electrical treatment in a hospital as an out-patient, was on 10th July reported by the regimental medical officer as suffering from monoplegia and unfit for the band or any other duties; whether he knows that if kept in the Army, where he has so far been practically useless, unless treatment is resumed the arm will be completely paralysed; and whether, under these circumstances, he will present the Army from being permanently burdened with a cripple by immediate discharge before recovery has been rendered hopeless?

I have been in communication with my hon. Friend regarding this case, and I informed him in a letter yesterday of the result of a recent medical board which was held on Burrows. He has been retained in his original category, namely, B1.

asked the Minister of National Service if a person holding a temporary exemption from military service is required to give at least fourteen days' notice of claim for an extension of the exemption; if so, when was this Regulation adopted and what notice has been given to men holding such certificates to that effect; if a request has been made to him by W. S. Barrett, 133, Hally Road, Forest Gate, now employed on farm work at Collie Don, Foots Cray, Kent, for permission to put in a claim for the extension of his conditional exemption on conscientious grounds, which expired on the 8th July, notice having been given within seven days in ignorance of the change of the Regulations; and will he, in the circumstances, give instructions for the tribunal to hear the claim?

I am inquiring into the case referred to by the hon. Member with a view to ascertaining whether Mr. Barrett has applied for leave. If he has done so, his case will be considered. Regulations governing tribunal procedure are made by the Local Government Board, and any questions concerning them should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President.

asked the Minister of National Service whether a joint committee has been set up between co-operative societies and the representatives of the Ministry of National Service to consider the cases of exemption from military service of certain classes of co-operative employés engaged in the retail distribution of food; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of giving similar facilities to the National Federation of Grocers' Association of discussing questions of this kind with his Department?

Yes, Sir; and a conference with the Grocers' Federation is taking place at the Ministry of National Service to-day.

asked the President of the Local Government Board why the Civil Liabilities Committee have refused to make any allowance to Mr. Fielding, of Joseph Road, Guildford, a one-man business man called up for Army service and whose family are left with considerable obligations for insurance and rent; and will he have the case favourably reconsidered?

This case has been reconsidered by the advisory committee, who have decided to make a grant at the rate of £14 a year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state whether the War Office have, during the last three years, made any important purchases of cotton or cotton waste from any firm in this country of which any of the partners are of enemy birth; and, if so, will he state the name of such firms and the total amount of business transacted with them?

So far as is known, no War Office purchases have been made during the last three years of cotton or cotton waste from any firm in this country of which any of the partners are of enemy birth. If my hon. Friend has any particulars of such a case, I shall be glad to investigate the matter.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can now state the terms and conditions under which the Alliance Aeroplane Works of Messrs. Waring and Gillow have been acquired by the Government?

Since my reply to a similar question by the hon. Member on the 17th July several meetings have been held with the parties concerned. Certain points are still under consideration, and if my hon. Friend would put the question down again in a week's time, I hope to be able to give a definite reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he will say by whose authority Captain Boothby was sent up in an aeroplane on Sunday, 21st July, on West Common, Lincoln, during a demonstration of discharged men, when he flew over the meeting at a low height, making the holding of the meeting impossible; whether Captain Boothby is a member of the Comrades of the Great War Association; and what steps it is proposed to take to prevent men of the Air Service from using Government aeroplanes and Government petrol to break up meetings of discharged soldiers?

The records of the Royal Air Force do not show the name of Captain Boothby. I am informed that an officer flying at Lincoln on the date in question was compelled by the direction of the wind and in order to effect a landing to fly very low over West Common, where a demonstration was being held. There was no intention of interfering with the meeting.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that two firms alone in London employ thirty-five enemy aliens released from internment by order of the Home Office, who hold notices from the Ministry of Labour, and are employed in making Army clothing; whether, though their present employment may be useful from a national point of view, he will state why these enemy alien workers are permitted to draw the ordinary full rates of pay, totalling from £3 to £8 per man per week, while our fighting Infantry soldier draws 1s. 3d. a day; and whether he will arrange that moneys earned by these men above strictly necessary amounts shall be credited to some fund raised to benefit the dependants of our sailors and soldiers?

My hon. and gallant Friend is misinformed, as only two men in all have been released from internment under licence for employment in making clothing in London. Possibly the question relates to Poles who were exempted as being of friendly race, but if my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of the firms in question I will make inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he has inspected or been shown the accounts of any cab proprietors since the additional hiring fee was imposed; and if he will, if the cab masters persist in charging for petrol, consider the advisability of abolishing the additional hiring fee; and (2) whether he is aware that the Cab Masters' Federation has, by notice that came into effect on 22nd July, decided to charge drivers ½d. per mile for petrol; whether the additional hiring fee was intended to recoup cab proprietors for loss caused by the non-payment by drivers for petrol and the increased cost of the same; and, if so, whether he intends to take any action?

The books of the British Motor Cab Company were inspected by Sir William Plender before the additional hiring fee was authorised, but none of the other proprietors have submitted their books for inspection. Notice has been given by the Cab Masters' Federation of their intention to charge the drivers ½d. per mile for petrol, and I understand that it is proposed that the matter should be submitted to arbitration. The additional hiring fee was sanctioned in consideration of the increase in working expenses, and I see no reason to abolish it.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the desirability of promoting legislation with a view to allowing the cost of the petrol and licence which has been announced is to be allowed to a candidate and his agent at a Parliamentary election to be excluded from his election expenses?

The cost of the petrol used by a candidate for the purposes of an election appears to be included in his "personal expenses." I cannot undertake to introduce any fresh legislation on this subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give any information as to the position of householders employed in the fighting Services after the list of claims are closed, since their names are not on the absent voters' list; and what steps he proposes to take to enable them to exercise their votes?

By Order in Council of the 4th June last a householder or other person whose name appears in the lists other than as a naval or military voter and who has subsequently joined the forces will have his name placed upon the absent voters' list if a statement is received in respect of him not later than the 17th August. By a further Order in Council this time has been extended so as to allow the names of such voters to be placed on the absent voters' list so long as it may be practicable without interfering with the printing off of the list, which has to be published as a supplement to the register.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the firm of Weiner and Company have a contract with His Majesty's Stationery Office; if so, when was the firm of Weiner and Company established; what previous contracts have they had with the Government; what amount of paper is being supplied under the present contract; what percentage of the previous importation is allowed to the firm; and if this amount is greater in proportion to that allowed to other firms?

The company referred to has no running contract with the Stationery Office. During the past two years they have tendered, in competition, for particular work on several occasions, and have secured orders. The present company was registered in 1910. The paper required for each order was supplied by the Stationery Office, and I understand that the company holds no licence from the Paper Controller for the importation of paper. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the firm of Holzapfels, Limited, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, have now any direct or indirect connection with or interests in concerns in the same line of business in New York, Odessa, Hamburg, Yokohama, Bergen, and Genoa?

I am informed that Holzapfels, Limited, hold shares in companies carrying on similar businesses at the places mentioned by my hon. Friend, except that the Japanese company is at Kobe instead of Yokohama.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the relatives in this country to whom Mr. Max Holzapfel and Mr. A. C. A. Holzapfel transferred shares in Holzapfel, Limited, gave any consideration for such transfer; if so, whether it was a cash consideration; if so, was this money sent out of this country; and, if not, will he say where it now is?

I am informed that no shares in Holzapfels, Limited, have been transferred by Mr. Max Holzapfel to his relatives, and that the shares transferred by Mr. A. C. A. Holzapfel to his children and son-in-law were transferred without consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any of the shares formerly the property of Mr. Max Holzapfel and Mr. A. C. A. Holzapfel which have been sold were sold for cash; and, if so, can he state what has become of that cash?

I am informed that 89,856 shares formerly belonging to Mr. Max Holzapfel have been sold for cash and the proceeds invested in National War Bonds which are held in this country, and that the company is unable to say what has been done with the proceeds of 3,840 shares formerly belonging to Mr. A. C. A. Holzapfel which have been sold for cash.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that special constables are being cited in Glasgow as jurors to attend the sittings of the High Court of Justiciary and the various sheriff and jury courts; whether such special constables are officers of the Law within the meaning of the Jurors (Scotland) Act, 1825, and, as such, entitled to exemption from acting as jurors whilst they are discharging duty as special constables; and if he will give instructions to those responsible for citing jurors to those courts that special constables be not called upon to serve as jurors?

My attention has not previously been called to the matter referred to by my hon. and learned Friend. I am making inquiry.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has seen a statement from the Ballyhack, Passage East, Arthurs-town, and Duncannon fishermen relative to the destruction of salmon by seals in Waterfowl Harbour, and the consequent injury of the fishermen's livelihood; is he aware that heretofore the increase of seals in the harbour was kept in check by one of the fishermen who carried a rifle in his boat and was a good marksman; is there any objection at present to allow this man to furnish himself with a rifle and ammunition for the express purpose of shooting seals; and, if so, will the Department appoint some person to do it, or employ some means for the destruction of the seals that are ruining the salmon fishery?

The answer to the first two queries is in the negative. The possession and use of firearms is a matter over which the Department have no control. For a number of years the Department have contributed half the amount of rewards paid by the Waterford Conservators for the destruction of seals. They are not prepared to employ a person to shoot seals in this locality.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any Committee or Commission has investigated and reported on the question of educational reconstruction in Ireland after the War; whether he is aware that there is need for such reconstruction, and especially as regards agricultural, technical, and primary education; have representations been made to him on this question by various educational authorities in Ireland; and what steps, if any, it is proposed to take in reference to the matter?

No Committee or Commission has investigated or reported upon this question I have received representations from numerous authorities in Ireland as to the need for the vigorous development of schemes both of agricultural and technical instruction after the War, of the necessity for which the Department are fully satisfied. The matter is receiving consideration by the Irish Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has seen resolutions passed by the Technical Instruction Committee for New Ross Urban District complaining that the representation made by the Irish Technical Instruction Association regarding the necessity for increased Grants for technical education have been without result; that, notwithstanding the increased Grants made for primary and secondary education, no similar Grant has been made for technical education; and that no Committee has been appointed, as the Irish Technical Instruction Association (Standing Council) recommended, to consider and make recommendations to further the needs of this important branch of education; and if he will say what the Government proposes to do in the matter?

The New Ross Technical Instruction Committee, as well as other local authorities, have passed a series of resolutions urging that increased funds are needed for technical education. Representations have been made to the Treasury on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any definite understanding has been come to between him and the Departments concerned with the housing question in Ireland as to the policy of Irish rehousing after the War; has any estimate been formed of the national requirements of Ireland in this matter; and has any special sum been set apart to substantially and sufficiently meet the Irish case?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question asked by the hon. Member of the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin on the 11th April, in which it was stated that it is intended that Ireland shall participate in any measures submitted to Parliament for the improvement of housing conditions. With regard to the latter part of the question, it has been estimated by the Committee on Housing of the Irish Convention that £27,000,000 was the total amount of capital expenditure required to deal with the matter. I am not aware that a special sum has, up to the present, been set apart for the improvement of housing for Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that, under the Regulations issued by the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, the maximum pay of a teacher in the second section of first grade (men) is £160 per annum plus a war bonus of £15 12s., whereas, if this teacher is promoted for efficiency to the first section, he receives a salary of £168, but is deprived of the war bonus and has to pay, in addition, an increased pension premium; and, seeing that the result is that the teacher is a loser by reason of his efficiency, will he take steps to remove this grievance?

I am in hopes that I shall be able to make a definite announcement in the course of a few days.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can now make any statement with regard to the grievances of Irish national school teachers, more specially with reference to the arrears due to paper-promoted teachers, the war bonus for teachers of Grade 1, and the appointment of committees?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply just given to the hon. Member for East Cork on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the discrepancy between the conditions under which principals of large schools were to receive supplementary salary, as described in the White Paper and as described when the Grant was voted, will be brought before the promised Committee; and, if so, what powers will the Committee have in the matter?

I would ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Terms of Reference of the Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office are aware that since the issue of White Paper, No. 4 (1915), Cd. 7813, the following Powers have, in addition to Great Britain and the eleven Powers mentioned in the Paper, ratified the Opium Convention of 1912, namely, the Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Uruguay; and whether the United States, China, the Netherlands, Norway, and Honduras have also signed the special Protocol opened at The Hague in July, 1914, with a view to putting the Convention into force without waiting for ratification of the Convention by all the signatory Powers?

I am taking steps to ascertain what is the precise position, and will communicate to the hon. Member in due course the information which I obtain.