has, in pursuance of the promise given to Mr. Kennedy Jones on the 13th instant [Official Report, col. 290], furnished the following table showing the total stocks of food in the United Kingdom, the quantities held by and in transit to the Ministry of Food, and the quantities purchased for shipment to the United Kingdom but as yet unshipped. The stocks and quantities are given as on or about 1st February, 1919:

—					Ministerial Stocks in the United Kingdom.			In transit to the United Kingdom.	Commitments (unshipped purchases).	Total Stocks in the United Kingdom.
					Quantity.	In week's consumption.
					Tons.			Tons.	Tons.	Tons.
Wheat and Flour (as Wheat)				…	1,049,000	6	6–7	95,000	1,420,000	2,765,000
Maize	…	…	…	…	33,000	2	4–7	114,400	272,000	33,000
Rice	…	…	…	…	146,000	29	1–7	25,900	40,000	146,000
Meat—Fresh and Frozen				…	73,000	2	6–7	7,200	26,800	102,600
Preserved			…	…	15,000	9	3–7	—	50	24,500
Bacon and Hams				…	52,200	5	2–7	18,900	38,700	64,600
Butter	…	…	…	…	12,400	8	6–7	8,100	18,900	12,400
Cheese	…	…	…	…	11,000	7	6–7	3,500	29,800	16,100
Lard	…	…	…	…	26,200	10	3–7	6,800	8,000	28,900
Condensed Milk			…	…	18,700	5		3,000	17,100	32,200
Tea	…	…	…	…	57,600	19	1–7	13,400	14,000	63,000
Dried Fruit		…	…	…	1,800	1		7,300	30,100	9,400
Sugar	…	…	…	…	300,000	9	5–7	91,700	1,128,000	364,000
Canned Salmon			…	…	27,000*	—		—	—	30,400
										(Total fish)
* Includes commitments.

The total stocks of food given in the last column of the above table are obtained from a return made by the actual holders of stocks in granaries and warehouses but do not include the goods in the possession of the smaller wholesalers or of retailers. Such total stocks in most cases, and especially in the case of provisions, are considerably in excess of the stocks owned by the Ministry, as they include

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that notices to give up land are being served upon allotment-holders; and whether he will bring pressure to bear on local authorities to satisfy themselves before such notices are carried out that the land is really required for immediate building or other public purpose?

Local authorities have already been informed that possession of the land taken for allotments under the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations should be retained unless they are satisfied that the land is required for building or other public purpose, or that the liability for compensation would be excessive. A further circular is being issued to local authorities on the subject. The Board have no control over land that has been acquired for allotments by agreement.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been drawn to a statement publicly made by the zonal chairman for the Holland Division of Lincolnshire, that out of 267,000 tons of potatoes grown within his area only 30,000 tons had been removed up to the1st January, 1919; whether he is aware that the labour available in the district is altogether insufficient to move these potatoes and to carry on the necessary seeding operations on the farms during the coming spring; and whether he will take immediate steps to remove at least 15,000 tons per week during the four weeks next ensuing?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, every effort is being made to load potatoes as fast as is compatible with the demand and with the capacity of the railways to move them. I cannot guarantee to lift a stated quantity of potatoes per week from any definite area, but I can assure the hon. Member that every effort will be made to have as large a quantity of potatoes of the less keepable varieties loaded as quickly as possible.

asked the Food Controller if he will state what were the stocks of potatoes belonging to the Ministry of Food on 1st February, 1919, in England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively; what proportion of this tonnage consists of sound ware and under-sized potatoes, respectively; what are the estimated requirements of the Ministry of Food for the purposes of human consumption between 1st February, 1919 and 30th June, 1919; and to what purpose he proposes to put those potatoes not so consumed or used for seed purposes?

The Returns of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries of the stocks on 1st February, 1919, are not yet available. As soon as they are received, I will cause a statement, including these stocks and the estimated requirements for the period in question, to be forwarded to the hon. Member. As regards the last part of the question, arrangements have already been made for the export of large quantities of potatoes to European countries, and other outlets are under attention.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that many thousands of tons of unsound ware potatoes exist in the potato clamps of this country; whether such potatoes at the present time constitute excellent food for cattle; whether, if not used for this purpose, they will rapidly become rotten and valueless; whether he considers it advisable, that these potatoes should be immediately utilised for cattle-feeding purposes; and whether he will issue instructions fixing a price at which farmers can acquire these potatoes from the Ministry of Food?

The Food Controller is aware that as a result of blight the quantity of unsound potatoes in the clamps is in excess of the normal; and is certainly of the opinion that these potatoes should be used for cattle feeding where possible. There is nothing to prevent the farmer from at once selling unsound potatoes or using them for his cattle, and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, I will have a further notice issued to farmers on this subject. I may add that the question whether the farmer has a claim against the Ministry for abnormal wastage will be settled by the Ministry in each case.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the fact that great hardship is being caused, particularly to small holders, in disposing of the potato crop which they were encouraged by the Ministry of Food to grow, he can now state definitely the policy of the Government with regard to this matter?

The policy of the Ministry of Food in regard to potatoes is to reduce the surplus throughout the country as quickly as possible, and large quantities of potatoes are being exported to France and other destinations. If the hon. Member will be good enough to give particulars of any case in which great hardship is being caused to a small holder, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Food Controller how long it is proposed to continue, national kitchens or restaurants, seeing that local authorities are in doubt if to proceed with those contemplated and partially equipped?

asked the Food Controller whether the national restaurant at New Bridge Street, E.C., is a financial success, if the whole capital expenditure has been met, and what has been the weekly profit, if any; and if he has in view to announce his policy with regard to the national kitchens?

I can inform the hon. and gallant Member for Plaistow that the national restaurant at New Bridge Street is certainly a financial success. The weekly profit is, and has been for some time, £75, and it is anticipated that the capital outlay will have been completely met by the end of May. As regards future policy, on which the hon. Member for North St. Pancras has also inquired, the Consumers' Council have expressed approval of the establishment of national distributing kitchens and natonal restaurants, and are of opinion that the system should be continued and extended. The Food Controller is generally in accord with this recommendation, subject to the proviso that he considers that these institutions should probably come under local rather than national control. My Department is now in communication with the Local Government Board on this point.

asked the Food Controller whether the fixed price at which a poor person is supplied with a pound of oat flour to make porridge is 5d. in England and 4½d. in Scotland, while the proprietor of studs of hunters or race-horses can procure the same quality of oats at 50s. per quarter of 336 lbs. or 1¾d. per lb.; and whether the consumption for the latter purpose has risen about 300 per cent. since the signing of the Armistice?

The prices mentioned are incorrect. The present maximum prices for oat products as fixed by the Oats Products (Retail Prices) Order, 1918, and Amendments thereto, are 4½d. per lb. for sales in England and Wales and 4d. per lb. in Scotland and Ireland, and such products are manufactured from milling oats and not feed oats. With regard to the second portion of the question, the prices mentioned, 50s. per quarter, is the present price under the Grain Prices Order, 1918, for home-grown feeding oats, but practically the only native oats available for the purposes mentioned are Irish and Scottish oats, which, when transport and other charges are added, cost the consumer in the neighbourhood of 65s. per 336 lbs. In regard to the latter portion of the question, hunters or race-horses are rationed under the Horses Rationing (No. 2) Order, 1918, dated 17th October, 1918.

asked the Food Controller if the flour-milling industry is at present controlled and subsidised; if so, to what extent; if the oat-milling industry at home or in neutral countries or in the Colonies is subsidised in any form; if so, will he give the particulars; and if he will state the grounds on which the policy adopted in this matter is based, having regard to the serious manner in which the oat-milling industry is crippled under the arrangements now obtaining?

The flour-milling industry is fully controlled and subsidised sufficiently to enable bakers to produce the 9d. quartern loaf. The oat-milling industry is not controlled at home or in the Colonies, or, to the best of the Food Controller's information, in neutral countries. The Food Controller has, however, fixed a maximum retail price for oatmeal in the United Kingdom, according to which a reasonable profit is ensured to all parties concerned.

asked the Food Controller whether edible fats are being or have recently been sold in Holland by His Majesty's Government at a price nearly £11 a ton less than the Government are selling the fats at in this country?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how the Government proposes to guarantee to the producer a market for his cereals for 1919 at the guaranteed minimum prices which are not to be less than the maximum prices for 1918?

The method by which the promise of the Government will be carried out is at present under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons of public policy or interest now justify the continuance of any restrictions upon the supply of spirits from bond?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons of public policy or interest now justify the continuance of any restrictions upon the supply of spirits from bond?

I can add nothing to the answer already given on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the grave resentment and unrest caused by the failure of sick persons to obtain spirits when medical certificates have ordered such; and if he can state the reason for the withholding of the necessary supply?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the resentment and unrest caused by the failure of sick persons to obtain spirits when medical certificates have ordered such; and if he can state the reason for the withholding of the necessary supply?

I can add nothing to the answer already given on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the resentment and unrest caused by the failure of sick persons to obtain spirits when medical certificates have ordered such; and if he will state the reason for the withholding of the necessary supply?

I have been asked to reply. I can only refer the hon. Member to the answers which have already been made on this subject.

asked the Food Controller if the small increase in the beer supply is all that may be expected; and whether he will make a statement which will allay the indignation and unrest to which the continuance of a reduced supply is everywhere giving rise?

asked the Food Controller whether he will explain the policy of his Department with regard to the beer supply; and whether he will make a statement which will allay the discontent and unrest to which the present restrictions on supply give rise?

I can add nothing to the answer already given on the same subject on Friday last.

asked the Food Controller, if the small increase in the beer supply is all that may be expected; and whether he will make a statement which will allay the unrest to which the continuance of a reduced supply is everywhere giving rise?

asked the Food Controller if the present increase in the beer supply is all that may be expected; and whether he will make a statement which will allay the unrest to which the continuance of a reduced supply is everywhere giving rise?

I can add nothing to the answer already given on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister what action he proposes to take on the recommendations of the Committee on the Machinery of Government?

The Government are now considering in what way the principles of the Report may be most usefully applied.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the Oldham and District Life Assurance Superintendents' and District Managers' Fraternal Association; and whether at any time guarantees have been given or implied to the companies or societies for life insurance that the Government would reimburse them for the amounts paid in war claims, or any part thereof?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I understand that the only communication he has received from this association related to a war bonus to staff. In reply to the second half of the question, no guarantees, of the nature indicated have been given or implied by the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the conclusions arrived at by the Committee on Currency and Foreign Exchanges in their first Interim Report; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to deal with the situation which has arisen by reason of the large issues of legal tender paper money made during the War?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for West Woolwich.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the quantity of whisky exported direct from bond, and the amount of loss to the Revenue arising from such exports during the last two years; and can he state when the consumer in this country will be enabled to purchase a moderate amount of whisky at a reasonable price?

The quantities of home-made spirits exported from bond in the United Kingdom during the years 1917 and 1918, respectively, were as follows:

Year.	Proof Gallons.
1917	5,753,293
1918	2,936,395

No statistics are available to show the quantity of whisky as distinguished from other descriptions of home-made spirits. As consumption in this country in the years mentioned was officially restricted, the exports had no effect in reducing the quantities available. As regards the last part of the question. I would refer the hon. Baronet to the recent answers on this subject given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship which presses upon many municipalities in which air raids took place; whether he is aware that the damage caused to public works and sewers by such action has to be borne by the ratepayers in such municipalities; and whether, considering that it was impossible to provide against same and the immunity from such terrors in some parts of the country, he will take the necessary steps to have such damage made good by the Treasury, in order that the costs may be equally distributed over the whole country and thereby not penalise those districts which have been the victims of enemy action?

I am unable to add to the answer given on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on the 6th of November last to the hon. and gallant Member for South-West St. Pancras.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the allowance made to non-commissioned officers and men who have received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the field is assessed for Income Tax; will he state whether the same practice obtains as regards the Victoria Cross allowance; and, if so, whether he will consider as to making representations to the Treasury with a view to an alteration of the Regulations in this respect?

Pensions of this kind are chargeable to Income Tax in common with other pensions. But this is the result of Statute Law and not of Treasury Regulations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ask the Commission appointed to consider Budget questions to include the question of the escape from payment of Income Tax by co-operative societies who act as manufacturers and traders?

The question raised by my hon. Friend will fall within the scope of the investigation of the Income Tax in all its aspects which is to be made by the forthcoming Royal Commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the abandonment of the principle of collection of the Income Tax at the source involved in the payment of War Loan and War Bonds interests without deduction of tax and the difficulty experienced by taxpayers with several sources of income verifying their full and true liability to Income Tax and Super-tax, he will cause provision to be made for the assessment of Income Tax and Super-tax in one direct charge upon the individual actually liable?

The machinery of assessment will doubtless form one of the subjects into which the forthcoming Royal Commission on the Income Tax will inquire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the penal tax of 2s. in the £ in respect of the dividends on securities not loaned to His Majesty's Treasury is to be discontinued, more particularly in regard to investments in the Oversea Dominions, such as the Canadian Pacific Railway?

The additional tax lapses on the 5th of April next, unless renewed by Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can arrange that those officers who have already paid Income Tax on wound gratuities before the commencement of the current financial year can have their Income Tax refunded to them?

Wound gratuities are not chargeable with Income Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way, in view of the increased cost of living, to give a larger abatement of Income Tax to parents or, as an alternative, allow parents when making out their Income Tax returns to deduct all school fees paid for their children's education?

The question raised by my hon. Friend will fall within the scope of the investigation of the Income Tax in all its aspects which is to be made by the forthcoming Royal Commission.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the increase in the cost of living at the present time is about 130 per cent. compared with the period before the outbreak of war; whether any increase has been made in the pension scale of Civil servants to assist in meeting this increase; if not, whether the Government has the matter under consideration; and what action they propose to take in the matter.

I cannot accept 130 per cent.—which is merely the amount of the average change of retail prices—as the correct figure for the increase in the cost of living, which was found by the Sumner Committee to be only 80 per cent. in the case of urban working-class households.

The question of an addition to the pensions of Civil servants has been carefully considered by both the present and the late Governments. The Government is not prepared to introduce legislation to secure the proposed increase, the cost of which would be prohibitive.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether the necessities of pensioned Civil Service officers have been, or are proposed to be, considered by the Treasury in view of the increase in the cost of living; and whether, having regard to the fact that age or infirmity in the majority of cases prevents the pensioners from working to add to their incomes, he will endeavour to increase the pension by a corresponding sum to that whereby the purchasing power of the sovereign has been reduced; (2) whether, as the active staff of the Civil Service, both indoor and outdoor, have been accorded war bonuses to compensate for the increased cost of living, he will see that an equivalent sum is added to the pensioned officers of the Service, having regard to the fact that pensions granted previous to the War were based on the value of money at that time, and that pensions are deferred pay and not gratuities?

I have nothing to add to my answers to the hon. and gallant Members for Dulwich and Leith on the 13th instant, except that Civil Service pensions are not deferred pay, as suggested.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in calculating the yearly means of applicants for the old age pension who are living with friends or relatives many pension officers debit the applicant with a proportion of the permanent charges of the home, such as rent, heating, and lighting, although such charges are practically unaffected by the presence or absence of the applicant for the pension; whether he is aware that by this method of calculation applicants are often made to appear as in possession of means disentitling them to pension, although as a fact they have no income whatever; and whether, in these circumstances, he will instruct pension officers that in estimating the yearly means of applicants for the old age pension standing charges such as those named shall not be taken into the calculation?

I would point out that Section 2 (1) (d) of the Old Age Pension Act, 1911, provides that in calculating means for old age pension purposes account shall be taken of the yearly value of any benefit or privilege enjoyed. Where, therefore, an applicant for an old age pension is maintained by friends or relatives, the pension officer has to estimate the yearly value of the maintenance, and, for that purpose, the has to take into consideration the whole circumstances of the household. In view of the provisions of the above-mentioned Sub-section, I am unable to issue the instruction suggested.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what reductions in staff have been made in the following Departments since the Armistice: War Office, Admiralty, Munitions, Air Board, National Service, Food Control, Blockade, and Shipping?

As the information is not presently available at the Treasury, I would ask the hon. Member to apply direct to the Departments concerned.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will take into consideration, in the assessment of Excess Profits Tax, where partners are doing the work of skilled craftsmen and thereby saving the wages of employés, that it may be permitted that they deduct the weekly wage prevailing in the trade for such work?

The Excess Profits Duty, being levied only on an increase of profits accruing to the proprietors of a business as compared with the pre-war standard, is equally exigible whether the increase is in part attributable to the services given by the proprietors or otherwise.

asked the Prime Minister who was responsible for the scheme of demobilisation after the declaration of the Armistice; whether the Ministry of Reconstruction who issued a pamphlet explaining the scheme, the Ministry of Labour to whom all applications for demobilisation had to be made, the Home Office, or the War Office; and whether the order, since revoked, allowing men to be demobilised when on leave was approved by the Army Council before being issued?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The scheme of demobilisation published after the declaration of the Armistice was prepared by a Sub-committee of the Reconstruction Committee before the Ministry of Reconstruction was formed. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that applications for pivotal men by employers, which are dealt with by the labour authorities in two or three days, are, even when all the particulars required are furnished correctly, retained by the Admiralty for seven or eight weeks before being forwarded to the commanding officers of the ships in which the men are borne; and whether, as these men are urgently required, he will give instructions that these claims by employers shall be dealt with more expeditiously and that, upon receipt of their pivotal papers by commanding officers, all pivotal men must be demobilised without delay?

I can assure my hon. Friend that where all particulars required have been furnished correctly, the necessary orders have been issued to commanding officers within two or three days of the "pivotal" names being received at the Admiralty from the Ministry of Labour. Commanding officers have already been ordered to release "pivotal" men (with the exception of writer, victualling, and sick berth ratings) immediately orders for their release are received. The only cases in which orders for the release of "pivotal" men were suspended at the Admiralty were for a small number of engine room artificers of a particular trade who could not at the moment be spared. As regards "pivotal" names, therefore, the records of the Department show that in spite of the considerable inaccuracies in lists received, names have been traced and forwarded within a few days.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the writer, sick-berth, and victualling ratings who joined the Navy for hostilities only, and who are pivotal or slip men, are being penalised in regard to securing demobilisation under a certain Admiralty order requiring that immediately their services can be spared from their present duties they are to be sent to their home depots, with, the possibility of being re-drafted or indefinitely retained, instead of being demobilised from their present bases as in the case of all other ratings similarly situated as regards terms of enlistment and post-war employment, resulting in a strong feeling of injustice and discontent, and in petitions against the order in question having been made to their commanding officers; and will he therefore take steps to remedy this grievance by granting to some or all of the afore-mentioned three branches the same facilities for demobilisation as are allowed to all other branches of the Navy?

The services of writer, victualling and sick berth ratings have been essential to the early stages of demobilisation, and their indiscriminate release would have resulted in a considerable slowing down of the rate of demobilisation of men of all other classes from the Navy. These ratings, like all other members of the naval service, are liable to draft wherever and whenever necessary. Contrary to leading to their indefinite retention, their discharge to depot is especially designed for the purpose of releasing first those men who have the highest industrial claim to release, no matter where they may be serving. Whilst under the necessity of retaining these men's services during the early stages of demobilisation, the Admiralty are aware of the fact that it is in great part due to the loyal and hard work of these ratings that over 100,000 of naval personnel have already been demobilised; nor is the Admiralty unmindful of the comparative disabilities in regard to release under which these ratings have been during the earlier weeks. In regard to this latter, the Admiralty have, in the early part of this month, authorised the issue of an appeal to the prospective employers of any such men to the effect that, whilst the man is temporarily and necessarily retained, the Admiralty trust that his retention will not in any way prejudice his engagement with that employer.

asked the Secretary for War whether he will give immediate attention to the applications for the release of pivotal men from the Army in the interests of the boot and shoe industry; and whether he will release all men for whom application is made with the promise of immediate employment?

Men who have been certified by the Ministry of Labour and registered by the War Office as pivotal men before the 1st February, 1919, are being demobilised as quickly as possible. With regard to the second part of the question I cannot undertake to entertain this proposal, unless these men are eligible for demobilisation under the recent Army Orders, making provision for the composition of the Armies of Occupation.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that, on reviewing, amongst other Territorial troops, the First and Second-Sixth Devons, on the 25th September, 1914, General Donald stated that Lord Kitchener gave him an absolute guarantee that the division would bebrought back to this country before the end of the War so that the men might resume or get employment before the great rush took place from the Colours; and whether, seeing that these troops are still in India, the failure to redeem the said guarantee has caused unrest and discontent among the men affected and among their relatives at home, he will give instructions for the early return of the men to this country?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers given yesterday on this subject to my hon. Friends the Members for Frome, Honiton, and Wells, in which an early statement was promised.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that men who have lost the sight of one eye and who wish to be demobilised are still being retained in the Army?

Men who, having lost the sight of one eye, are otherwise capable of performing military duties and are at present sewing in the Army, will be demobilised under the same conditions as laid down for other soldiers.

asked the Secretary for War whether a man is regarded as fit for demobilisation providing his papers went through satisfactorily by 15th January, 1919; if so, whether he is aware that the same man is still being retained under an Order issued on 7th February, 1919; if he will investigate the case, and, if proved correct, guarantee this man immediate release from the Army; and whether he is aware of the discontent prevalent owing to a distinction being drawn between the Air Force and the Army by the application of Army Order No. 14 of last January?

It is not quite clear to what class of man the hon. Member is referring in the first part of his question. Unless the man has been certified by the Ministry of Labour as a civil demobiliser or pivotal man, and registered as such by the War Office before the 1st February, 1919, his demobilisation would depend on his being eligible under the recent Army Orders making provision for the Armies of Occupation. As the hon. Member has not given particulars of the soldier referred to, it is impossible to investigate the case. The Army Order mentioned in the last part of the question does not apply to the Royal Air Force, members of which are subject to Air Force Regulations.

asked the Secretary for War if he is aware that apprentices of His Majesty's dockyards who were called to the Colours or joined up are still serving; and if, in view of the time already given by these men, and the importance of their work in the dockyards, and that they have been asked for by the dockyard authorities, steps may be taken for their release?

My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that the recent Army Orders making provision for the composition of the Armies of Occupation set out definitely the conditions rendering men eligible for demobilisation. Men who are eligible under the provisions of such Army Orders will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit, or, if temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation, as and when they can be individually substituted or dispensed with.

asked the Secretary for War, whether he is aware that Private J. H.Jones, No. 128, Western Non-Combatant Corps, after being demobilised at Prees Heath Camp on the 13th instant, has received notification that his demobilisation has been cancelled in accordance with War Office instructions, and that he has been ordered to rejoin the 4th Western Non-Combatant Company, Park Hall, Oswestry; and whether he will state by what authority, and for what reason this man, who had actually been demobilised and who had returned to civil life, has been recalled to the Colours?

I am not aware of this having occurred but will make inquiries and inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary for War why Private F. Hayes, No. 60,524, C Company, Royal Scottish Fusiliers, attached to the Lincolnshire Regiment, No. 1 camp, Old Park, Canterbury (depot, Ayr, Scotland), has not been demobilised and discharged, seeing that he is over 37 years of age, was called to the Colours 4th August, 1914, and has already served three years and two months over his time?

asked the Secretary for War if a number of men over forty-one who voluntarily enlisted are still being retained at the Royal Artillery Section, General Headquarters, Expeditionary Force; and how soon they may expect to be released?

Men eligible for demobilisation under the present Army Orders making provision for the composi- tion of the Armies of Occupation will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service and transportation facilities permit, or if required temporarily for the military machinery of demobilisation, as and when they can be individually substituted or dispensed with. These Orders are already in force. From the information given, Private Hayes would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, but my hon. Friend will no doubt appreciate that there has not yet been sufficient time to demobilise everybody who is eligible for demobilisation under such Army Orders.

asked the Secretary for War (1) whether he will give orders for the immediate demobilisation of Private J. A. Scampton, No. 60191, Royal Army Medical Corps, Military Infection Hospital, Chonbra, Cairo, a man of over forty-five, who enlisted in June, 1915, and since October, 1915, has served continuously with the Eastern Expeditionary Force, with only four days' leave at Alexandria; (2) whether he will give instructions for the release of Private G. Andrews, No. 138458, Royal Army Medical Corps, York Place Military Hospital, Brighton, a one-man business man of over forty-one, whose business is being ruined by his long absence?

Men who are over thirty-seven years of age will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit, or if temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation, as and when they can be individually substituted or dispensed with. I have no doubt the soldiers referred to will be released in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions for the demobilisation of Private L. G. Booth, No. 510113, London Scottish, who went to France with his battalion in September, 1914.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to-day to questions put by the hon. Members for Thornbury and Horsham and Worthing.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the hardship being suffered by the delay in de- mobilising one-man business men; and whether these men will be given priority over others who are not dependent for their living upon a business.

asked the Secretary for War whether he will consider the possibility of expediting the demobilising of one-business men, especially in those cases where the livelihood of a wife and family is dependent upon a business which is being ruined by the man's absence.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given to the hon. Member for Nottingham East on the 13th instant.

asked the Minister of Labour what order is followed in the demobilisation of officers and men serving in the Army applied for by employers; if preference is given to married men; and if instructions can be given for the immediate release of men coming under the class known as one-man business?

The current instructions as to priority of release will be found in Army Order 14 of the 20th January and Army Council Instruction No. 69 of the 30th January, 1919, copies of which I have already sent to the hon. Member. In all cases preference is given, other things being equal, to married men.

The fact that a man is the proprietor of a one-man business is not of itself sufficient to render himself eligible for demobilisation, but, provided he is eligible under the recent Army Order dealing with the constitution of the Armies of Occupation, he receives the same priority as "slip" or contract men applied for by their employers in the same trade. In addition, a large number of proprietors of one-man businesses were registered by the War Office before 1st February for release as pivotal men.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the whole of the ship's company on His Majesty's ship "Bacchante' are suffering from influenza, and that the men are having to remain in their bunks owing to limited suitable hospital accommodation; and whether he will take steps to secure that the non-infected men are removed from the ship, and that adequate accommodation and medical attendance in provided for the men who are suffering?

I am advised that when influenza broke out on the 30th January on His Majesty's ship "Bacchante" only 200 ratings were on board. Most of these were attacked by the disease, and all the more serious cases, numbering over 100, were sent to hospital, the mild cases only being retained on board. There was no lack of hospital accommodation, nor were cases at any time refused. I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the great majority of the cases retained on board are now on duty, and that no death has occurred on board. The medical staff on the ship consists of three medical officers and five sick berth ratings, and is considered adequate to deal with the cases. I may add that extra heating apparatus has been provided for the mess decks.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Board of Admiralty have yet considered the advisability of keeping in force the regulations with regard to compulsory pilot age introduced under the Defence of the Realm Act; and whether, in view of the importance attaching to the question and its bearing upon other matters in connection with the pilot age service of the United Kingdom, the Admiralty will consider the advisability of maintaining the present system of compulsory pilot age until such time as the whole question has been fully and carefully considered?

The matter has been carefully considered. Compulsory pilot age is being abolished at ports where it was introduced under the Defence of the Realm Act as rapidly as conditions permit. In fact the Admiralty do not consider it advisable to continue the present system of compulsory pilot age at those ports.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that before the Armistice was signed the policy of the Admiralty was to replace as many Service writers as possible by members of the Women's Royal Naval Service in all shore establishments, an Order being circulated that no writer who could be replaced by a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service should be retained in a shore establishment; whether, since the signing of the Armistice when there has been a reduction in the staff of shore establishments, it has invariably been the policy of commanding officers to reduce the number of members of the Women's Royal Naval Service employed while retaining the naval writers; and whether, in view of the number of women already unemployed and the number of naval writers who are anxious to return to their civil employment, he will give instructions that members of the Women's Royal Naval Service shall be employed in larger numbers upon this work in order to allow of the demobilisation of naval writers?

The facts are as described by my hon. Friend in the first part of his question. As regards the second part of the question, the clerical ratings of the Women's Royal Naval Service employed at shore establishments are not being reduced. And as regards the last part of the question, the services both of clerical ratings of the Women's Royal Naval Service and of naval writers, are still required. It is, therefore, impossible to use the former in place of the latter, but wherever possible the former assist the latter. It is not practicable to substitute non-clerical ratings of the Women's Royal Naval Service for naval writers. These naval writers have to compute pay, which is pretty complex; to make out closing up certificates, of which there are many types; and to make out protection certificates and dispersal returns for each man. On the writers depend to a great extent the speed with which men are demobilised, and the accuracy of various documents upon which men's gratuities, and so on, depend. My hon. Friend will therefore see that writers of experience are essential to the work of demobilisation.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make it clear that the disinclination of the naval authorities to employ members of the Women's Royal Naval Service upon the clerical work in connection with demobilisation is in no way a reflection upon their efficiency or ability, similar work having been done by them in a very satisfactory manner, but is merely due to the considered policy of the Admiralty; and whether, now these women are being encouraged to ask for their demobilisation, he will consider the advisability of some public statement being made in recognition of the valuable services these women have performed?

I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no such disinclination on the part of the Admiralty, as he suggests. In fact, the Board of Admiralty has expressed its high appreciation of the services rendered by the Women's Royal Naval Service. Perhaps I may quote from the Admiralty Order:

"The Board desire to take this opportunity of placing on record their high appreciation of the work which this corps has accomplished. The Women's Royal Naval Service was brought into being at a time of great national emergency, when it was necessary to release every man that could be spared for the active fighting forces. The rapidity with which the corps was organised to this end and brought to a high state of efficiency constitutes a remarkable achievement and one that reflects the great possible credit on the director and her officers and ratings.

All who have come in contact with the Women's Royal Naval Service have been impressed by their discipline, zeal, and esprit de corps, and the Royal Navy has felt justly proud of the women's service which the greatest war of all times called into being to work with it for the common end."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that pensioners in naval depots are now being demobilised with a view to their obtaining civil employment; and whether he can see his way to offering the same facilities to pensioners afloat?

Subject to the requirements of the Service, pensioners both ashore and afloat are being demobilised as their services can be spared. From the nature of their duties, it may be the case that in some ratings pensioners serving ashore can more easily be spared; but there is no reason to suppose that there is any great discrepancy in the percentage of pensioners demobilised from shore service and from sea service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the present inadequacy of naval officers' pay, having regard not only to the fact that the cost of living and the maintenance of their dependants has been so largely increased, and also to the recent legislation affecting the distribution of prize money, whereby, owing to the large augmentation of the naval forces consequent upon the War, the share of prize money has been spread over the whole Service, and the share of each individual member has been reduced to an in significant sum, while officers' pay continues to be based on the conditions which obtained when prize money formed the principal reward?

I have already explained that Admiral Jerram's Committee is dealing with the question of naval officers' pay. As regards prize money, my hon. and learned Friend is not correct in suggesting that prior to the present War prize money was the principal reward to officers. When prize money was awarded to the actual captors only, the recipients were necessarily very few in number as compared with those who will participate now. In any case, the consideration of the question of naval officers' pay will be quite apart from the expectation to share in prize money.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the increased pay or remuneration given since the War to all operative employés of the Admiralty, as well as to the general body of artisans and workers throughout industry, to meet the increased cost of maintenance, he will reconsider the basis of naval officers' pay and ensure that they and their dependants shall not be worse off than other Government servants or the working community generally?

Admiral Jerram's Committee which is dealing with the pay of naval ratings, is also charged with the consideration of officers' pay.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why regular naval nursing sisters were omitted from the recent general increase of pay for all officers and men in the Navy, in view of the official standing order that they are to be regarded as officers of the hospitals, taking a position immediately after the surgeons?

The question of an increase in the pay of naval nursing sisters is being considered, and proposals on the subject will shortly be submitted to the Board. The nursing sisters are engaged and paid on a quasi-civil basis, and their pay is separately dealt with from that of naval officers, though, as my hon. and gallant Friend points out, they are given the status of officers in hospitals and similar establishments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he would consider the appointment of a Welfare Department at the Admiralty to deal with representations from the lower deck, such a Department to deal with conditions of life without prejudice to discipline?

A standing committee under the presidency of a flag officer has been in existence for some time, and inquires into and makes suggestions on matters of this nature. The Board now has under consideration certain proposals for extending the scope and usefulness of this committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board of Admiralty intend to recognise the responsible, dangerous, and contiuously hard work which has been performed by naval officers in convoys; and whether acting captains who have been at sea in charge of convoys are being ordered to revert to commander's rank or given the option of retiring on commanders' pensions?

The Board of Admiralty are fully conscious of the value of the work carried out by these officers, and the form in which this service should be recognised has been engaging their attention. But, as my hon. Friend will be aware, acting appointments in higher ranks are granted to officers carrying out particular duties which necessitate the higher rank, and it is the custom that when these duties cease the officers revert to their original rank. It is at the option of these officers to remain in the Service in their confirmed rank or to retire, in which event they would receive the retired pay of their confirmed rank. The Admiralty have already considered the question of the possibility of increasing the rates of retired pay of officers holding higher acting rank, but any such plan under existing Regulations would not affect the officers in question to any extent, and it is advisable to await the Report on the general investigation into retired pay. The point will not be overlooked.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the failure of his Department to carry out an award, No. 49, of the 10th June, 1918, made by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government Employés at the Woolwich and Deptford depots; whether he is also aware that the Department gave an undertaking on the 16th December last that the terms of the said award would be complied with; and whether he will take steps to have the award given immediate effect to?

The award was issued shortly after its receipt from the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, and full effect was immediately given to it. It would appear, however, that as regards some portion of the award, the official interpretation of the award is not concurred in by some of the employés concerned. Steps have been taken to obtain further details of the point of difference, but until they are received it is not possible to proceed further with the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieutenant H. O. Barber, Gloucestershire Regiment, was torpedoed at sea in steamship "Umgeni"; that the widow was granted a pension of £100 a year and £24 for her child from 10th November, 1917, but that the gratuity of £140 and £46 13s. 4d. for the child, which would have been granted had this officer been killed in action or died of wounds, has been refused on technical grounds; and whether he will now take steps to have Article 11, Sub-section (1), of the Royal Warrant amended so as to remedy this obvious anomaly.

The information supplied to the Ministry by the Admiralty, through the Colonial Office, points to the conclusion that the "Umgeni" was not lost through an enemy attack, but that she foundered in a storm. The circumstances of Lieutenant Barber's death enabled the Ministry to award his widow the highest rate of pension, but by the terms of the Royal Warrant, she is not entitled to a gratuity in addition.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any special Grant is made to parents of commissioned officers killed in action to compensate them for extra expense spent on such officers'education—for example, sending them to the university with a view to their obtaining a degree?

Pensions may be granted to the parents of officers who lose their lives through war service, under certain conditions which are shown in Articles 18–20 of the Royal Warrant of the 1st August, 1917, a copy of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend. These pensions are not given as compensation for past expenses incurred, but the value of an officers' education as a partial indication of the support he might have afforded his parents in the future is not overlooked.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that deputy-assistant directors, remounts, and district remount officers are precluded from drawing rations or allowance in lieu of rations; whether, in view of the high cost of living, he can see his way to grant these officers rations or ration money; whether he is aware that these officers are the only officers in the Army outside the War Office who are excluded from this benefit; and whether he is aware that by the Mobilisation Regulations it is laid down that all officers are to draw rations irrespective of their being on consolidated pay or not?

These officers, in common with some other classes, are in receipt of special rates of pay inclusive of allowances. These rates of pay were increased in December, 1917, in view of the increased cost of living. My hon. and gallant Friend has, I think, misunderstood the force of the passage relating to rations in the Mobilisation Regulations. Those, Regulations are not an authority entitling officers to emoluments, but an administrative direction as to when the supply in kind of rations not supplied in peace should begin.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in assessing the gratuities to officers, any regard whatever is being refused to the acting rank of the officer concerned; whether this is so however long such acting rank may have been held; and is he prepared to consider recommending that the acting rank shall be taken into consideration if it has been held for not less than a stated time?

As stated in the note appended to Army Order IV. of the 13th February, this question is under consideration. I hope that a decision will be readied very shortly.

asked the Secretary for War whether it has been decided to award to Regular officers a war gratuity on a lower scale than that applicable to temporary officers; and, if so, whether he will reconsider the decision and raise the scale for Regular officers to that granted to temporary officers?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon.

asked the Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that hospital charges are now remitted, he will consider the possibility, in cases where the grant of £3 3s. per week under Army Council Instruction 1,815, of 1917, to officers undergoing treatment in sanatoria does not cover the cost of expenses and incidentals such as necessary drugs, of increasing the amount of such grant so that no part of the coat of treatment falls on the officer; and whether the case of Captain E. Harrison, Rifle Brigade, who underwent treatment at Mendip sanatorium, can be reconsidered to this end?

I will consider this suggestion and have inquiry made into the case of Captain Harrison.

asked the Secretary for War whether a combatant officer who is brought, into a regiment to act as quartermaster receives 2s. a day extra, thereby making his pay higher than that of a quartermaster of the rank of lieutenant; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting quartermasters and riding-masters the pay of their rank with an addition as extra duty pay as in the case of adjutants?

A combatant officer performing the duties of quartermaster receives under the Royal Warrant 2s. per day extra pay for the additional work he performs. I am afraid I cannot adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion that an officer commissioned expressly for the purpose of performing certain duties should receive extra duty pay for performing them.

asked the Secretary for War if he is aware that dentists temporarily commissioned in the Royal Army Medical Corps for the period of the War are debarred from receiving, on the termination of their employment, the gratuity issued to all other officers similarly commissioned; and has he any statement to make on the matter?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on Tuesday last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wandsworth, Central.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the trial of Private Albert Handy, a British soldier in the Royal Engineers, and Paul Boger and Lorenz Kelbhenn, two German prisoners, on 30th December last, for grossly ill-treating the horses of which they were in charge while carting manure; is he aware that, owing to a recent War Office, Regulation, they could not be brought before a military Court and punished; and will some instructions be issued to the Commandant of the Charlton Kings Prisoners Camp to secure the protection of animals employed at the camp and the infliction of a penalty for the offence?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that six or eight months often elapse before the money due from the War Office to the estate of a deceased officer is paid; and whether he will take steps to expedite these payments?

I am aware that a considerable period frequently elapses. Payment is being expedited as much as possible, but for a variety of reasons estates cannot usually be wound up without some delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Colours have recently been presented to Service battalions in the British Expeditionary Force, some of which have only recently been formed, Colours may also be given for those Service battalions which were formed at the beginning of the War and which were only recently disbanded; and whether he is aware that the 12th (Bristol) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, after serving in France from November, 1915, was disbanded on 5th October, 1918, that this battalion had heavy casualties, over 700 of all ranks having been killed, and that no Colours have been granted to this battalion?

The Colours referred to are merely silk Union Flags given to Service Battalions now serving with the British Armies in France for ceremonial purposes, and are not being issued to disbanded units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the same rights exists for women officers as under the King's Regulations exist for men officers to request a Court of Inquiry; and, if so, would such request receive equal consideration?

An official of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps who feels aggrieved has the right to submit her case through the superior official for investigation and for decision by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief or by the Army Council when necessary. An officer has no right under the King's Regulations to request a Court of Inquiry.

asked the Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that the War Office have published the war records of some battalions that have been disbanded, they will now publish the war record of the 12th (Bristol) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment from November, 1915, to the date of disbandment, 5th October, 1918?

The war services of all battalions are in course of preparation, the system being, as far as possible, to write the record of battalions in the order in which they ceased to exist. The writing of these narratives involves much searching of records and war diaries, etc., and only some 200 have so far been issued, dealing with battalions disbanded and demobilised in the early part of the War. The battalion referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, is one of the more recent disbandments and the narrative will be issued in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the respective mobilised strengths of the British, French, Italian, American, German, Austrian, Bulgarian, and Turkish armies on11th November, 1918, and the corresponding figures at the present time?

Accurate figues as to the strength of the enemy forces are not available. In the time available it has not been possible to prepare the other figures asked for, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend will repeat his question a week hence, I hope to be able to reply.

asked the Secretary for War whether the German officer prisoners of war have yet been removed from Kingston Agriculture College, Derbyshire; and if he is aware that this college, which serves the counties of Derbyshire, Rutland, Notts, and Leicestershire, has been unavailable for the training of officers and others in agriculture, and is likely to be for some months unless vacated by these prisoners.

Yes, Sir, the officer prisoners of war have been removed from Kingston Agricultural College.

asked the Secretary for War whether, as regards the surplus Army horses to be sold in Mesopotamia, Salonika, and Italy, he can state the conditions as to age and soundness under which these horses are to be sold; whether instructions have been given to the military authorities in those countries who are charged with the sale of surplus Army horses not to sell any horses which, by reason of age or unsoundness, are not reasonably fit for work; and what precautions, if any, are taken to ensure good treatment by the purchasers of the horses sold?

The instructions given to the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in Mesopotamia and Egypt were stated in the reply which I gave on Monday last to a question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Yeovil. Special instructions were given to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Italy. I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that the military authorities in all theatres of operations are fully aware of the public anxiety that no animal should be sold which is in any way unfit for work, and that good treatment should be ensured to those horses that are of necessity sold abroad. I am inquiring of the several Commanders-in-Chief what steps are taken to ensure that all animals sold are well treated.

asked the Secretary for War what are the, proper steps for municipal and local authorities to take who are anxious to obtain an enemy gun to place in their parks or gardens or to use as part of the war memorials they may be constructing?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject on Tuesday last to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Chertsey. All unclaimed war trophies will be distributed according to the recommendations of the Lord Lieutenant of the various counties. Claimed trophies are allotted according to the wishes of the units which captured them. In suitable cases the recommendations of the Lords Lieutenant are brought to the notice of units with substantiated claims

asked the Secretary for War if he can state the percentage of regimental quartermasters and riding masters of the Regular Army compulsorily retired owing to age who are in receipt of the maximum pension of £250 a year?

The Royal Warrant which extended the rate of retired pay to £250 did not make it possible for that maximum rate to be given till 31st August, 1916; and since that date sixteen quartermasters and riding masters have retired for age, of whom three were granted £250 a year.

asked the Secretary for War if facilities can be given to the men serving with the Salonika field force to enable them to come home on leave, many of them having been there for three or four years without a break?

asked the Secretary for War whether, seeing that numbers of men of the Salonika force have been on continuous service in the East for a period of nearly four years without leave, the Government are making arrangements to grant them leave as soon as possible?

I would refer to the answer given yesterday to a similar question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lancaster (Waterloo).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the arrangement sanctioned for enabling officers to purchase their war horses, other than such horses as they previously sold to the Government, only at an auction sale, involves animal collecting camps and risks of the horses being infected with disease, as well as inflation of prices, the result of the officers' names being clapped on the animals; and will he consider allowing the sale of all horses to officers who have ridden them at a valuation?

The risk of animals being infected in collecting camps is not greater than would occur if they were sent to this country direct from their units. A careful veterinary examination is carried out before any animal is admitted to a collecting camp, and strict supervision is exercised in the camps. Officers and other ranks are permitted to clip their names on animals they wish to purchase in order to identify them during transit to the home depot from which they will be sold, but the name, is obliterated and a number substituted before dispatch to the sale yard, and I do not think that possible inflation of prices can arise from this procedure. I regret I cannot adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question, which has already been considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper F. C. Hayes, 42nd Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers, who was about to undergo extensive dental treatment and had undergone part of it when he was sent to France, can now have the treatment to his mouth completed although he has been demobilised, seeing that the removal of some teeth by the Army dental surgeon has made further removals and substitution essential?

The question as to the supply of dentures is at present under discussion with the Ministry of Pensions. As regards the case of Sapper F. C. Hayes, if my hon. Friend will furnish his regimental number and present location I will have inquiry made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that troops arriving late from the Continent on leave find on arrival the money-exchange office at Victoria Station closed, with the result that, having journeys to make to their homes, they find themselves in a position of great embarrassment; and whether he will take immediate steps to have this shortcoming remedied?

Under arrangements made with the railway company, troops arriving by leave trains are able to exchange their money, on arrival, at the Exchange Offices at Victoria Station which are always opened for this purpose. In exceptional cases when troops do not arrive by leave trains, arrangements have been made for exchange to be carried out at the booking offices. I understand that an isolated case has recently occurred in which sufficient cash was not available at the booking office to make the exchange; I am informed by the railway authorities that such a case is not likely to recur, but I am considering whether any further steps are necessary. I might add that during the War over eleven million pounds have been exchanged by the railway company for the troops, and the arrangements made have given great satisfaction.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Knowles, of 109, Aldersgate Street, has had to billet 20 soldiers at a rate of 6d. per head per night; that for this sum lodging, fuel, and light had to be provided as well as cooking three hot meals and finding all utensils, crockery, etc., as well as providing cleaning and attendance; and, in view of the inadequacy of this remuneration, will he take steps to introduce such amendment in the forthcoming Army (Annual) Bill as will remedy the matter?

The facts are as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend except that Mrs. Knowles is under no obligation to cook any meals. In view of the early reduction of billeting to a minimum no amendment of the Army (Annual) Act is contemplated, but steps have been taken to reduce the number of men billeted on Mrs. Knowles, and a claim by her for exceptional losses is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War why officers in possession of the Volunteer Force decoration are not eligible to receive the Territorial Force decoration; whether it is unfair on an officer who has served so long as to qualify for both decorations not to be able to receive both; and, since there can be very few who are qualified for both, will he have the matter reconsidered?

It has been decided that officers may qualify for both decorations, and the necessary instructions will shortly be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men returning home on leave from France and Belgium take five to six days to accomplish the journey; and whether it is possible to expedite their transport?

The difficulties of transportation in France and Belgium are at present very great, but, as I have already stated, every effort is being made to effect improvements.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the strength of the British and Overseas Forces and the West Front at the date of the signing of the Armistice?

The strength of the British and Overseas Contingents in France and, Belgium on 11th November, 1918, was 1,953,600. These figures exclude the Portugese forces and certain French, American and Belgium troops on the British ration strength, and the Prisoners of War used to replace labour, amounting roughly in all to 323,000. The British Force in Italy at the time amounted to 84,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the new 1914 ribbon will be issued to the troops?

The issue of the riband for the 1914 Star has been completed. Supplies of the riband for the 1914–15 Star are being obtained, but I regret it is not possible at present to state definitely when a preliminary issue to the troops can commence.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will allow the silver badge to be worn by war correspondents?

Civilians who have been employed with the Army overseas, provided such employment received official sanction, will be issued with the silver war badge if they resigned their military occupation on account of wounds or sickness.

asked the Minister of National Service if the Government Roadstone Control Committee is still in existence; if so, when he proposes to abolish it; what useful purpose the Department of the Controller of Roads and Bridges is serving at the present time; and what is the cost it has entailed since its creation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The post of Controller of Roads and Bridges was abolished in October last, but it has been considered necessary that the Roadstone Committee should be continued in existence, to secure the most economic use of the road material available, which is still below requirements. The cost entailed is not at present available, and could not be ascertained without undue labour.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether instructions have been given to deposit 1,000 tons of amatol in the sea; whether in is likely to be so deposited in the Wash, on the Lincolnshire and Norfolk coast, and, if so, how much more amatol it is proposed to dispose of in like manner; whether amatol contains 80 per cent. of nitrate of ammonia which, by a safe wet process, could be extracted and utilised as a fertiliser for agricultural land; and would the Ministry of Munitions be prepared to hand over all the surplus amatol at a nominal price if they are satisfied the ammonia could be safely extracted for agricultural purposes?

Instructions have been given to destroy 1,400 tons of waste amatol; it will not be deposited in the Wash, but dumped into the sea in consultation with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries; the amatol in question contains about 10 per cent. only of ammonium nitrate; whilst in the opinion of my advisers the extraction of the ammonium nitrate from this particular waste amatol would not be a paying proposition in view of the low ammonium nitrate content, I should be prepared to hand over this material for the purpose mentioned at a nominal price, subject to any necessary safeguard.

asked the Parliamentry Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board have been informed that the Ministry of Munitions propose to deposit thousands of tons of amatol in the sea; and, seeing amatol contains 20 per cent. of T.N.T. which is exceedingly bitter and poisonous, whether it will poison the fish and seriously damage the in-shore industry?

The Board are aware of the proposals of the Ministry of Munitions regarding the deposit of waste amatol. They were consulted on the subject by the Adviser on Shipments of Explosives who postponed all dumping operations until the Board had had an opportunity to test the effect of the deposits on fish life. Arrangements have now been made, in the light of the information gained, to make the deposits at localities where no considerable fisheries exist and under conditions in which it is thought that the damage caused to fisheries will be infinitesimal.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that in the sale of machines at the National Shell Factory at Washwood Heath, which is being dismantled, machines costing £420 were disposed of for £10 each, whilst the price for Otis boring lathes averaged £35; whether the prices realised on the majority of the lots sold were scrap prices; and whether, in view of the great shortage of and the high prices prevailing for new machinery, it is proposed to take steps to secure that in any future sale of national property prices more in accordance with the value of the property disposed of shall be realised?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the National Shell Factory at Washwood Heath is being dismantled and that the plant has been put up for auction; whether he is aware that at the recent sale firsts-class machine tools which cost large sums of money were sold out at scrap prices, thus for example a machine which cost over £400 was knocked down for only £10; will he state who was responsible; and whether those responsible will be made to refund the loss to the nation?

My attention was called to the newspaper report on which the statements in the questions are based. The facts are as follows: The shell factory had to be dismantled and the building returned to its original owner. The whole of the machinery was secondhand, and it was estimated that the original cost was £100,000. The sale realised £54,000, which, in the circumstances, must be regarded as very satisfactory.

Those of the machines which were capable of being used for commercial purposes fetched excellent prices, and in some cases more than their original cost. A number of machines were single-purpose machines, which could only be adapted for some other purpose at considerable expense, even supposing any use could be found for them. The storage and transport of these machines is a costly business, and owing to the heavy nature of the castings the breaking down would also be very expensive.

For these reasons, it is not a matter for surprise that some of the secondhand single-purpose machines, for which there was no longer any use, realised little more than scrap prices.

I think it is necessary that the House should realise that there is a quantity of single-purpose secondhand machinery no longer required for war purposes, which has to be disposed of, and that in many instances it will be cheaper to dispose of such machinery even at something like scrap value rather than to face the cost of storage, transport, and breaking down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been arrived at with reference to the petition of the officers of the Uganda Railway marine service for improved conditions of pay and service; whether he can state what is the decision; and whether the decision has been communicated to and accepted by the petitioners as satisfying their requests?

A local Commission of Inquiry is examining the conditions of service of the marine staff and of the other branches of the Civil Service of the East Africa Protectorate. I hope to be in a position to give my hon. Friend further information as soon as the report of the Commission has been received and considered.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether manœuvres were held near Attock in January or February, 1919; if so, whether the troops so engaged consisted of men who are awaiting demobilisation; and, if so, what reason there was for incurring the expense of further field training of men who are about to be disbanded?

I have no information as to manœuvres having been held near Attock recently. But the troops in that part of the country form part of the Field Army for the defence of the North-West Frontier of India, and clearly, so long as they are employed on such duty, they must be kept efficient.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether barracks have been built for troops of the Indian Army stationed at Chaklala, Punjab; and whether barracks have also been built for British officers of these regiments or whether they have been obliged to live in tents during the summer?

One of the new battalions of the Indian Army is temporarily located at Chaklala. This battalion is one of those raised for service during the War. A large number of additional battalions has been raised and trained in India, and it was impossible to provide barracks for all these units while training in India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a bishopric in India is vacant; and if he proposes to tender advice to the Crown with reference to the appointment?

I have asked my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to act for me in this and similar matters.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been directed to a telegram from Delhi stating that the Government of India have urged in the most emphatic manner the difficulties in the way of procuring homeward passages and the exorbitancy of the rates of passage; that the local Governments and the chambers of commerce have made forcible representations to the Government of India on the subject, and that public indignation prevails; and whether, in view of the urgent nature of the problem, he will endeavour by all means in his power to hasten a solution of it?

I fully realise the difficulty and urgency of the question. The rates have been fixed by the Ministry of Shipping, which is also responsible for the provision of accommodation. For more than two months I have been impressing on the Ministry the serious position of Europeans in India who, after years of tropical conditions, have as yet been unable to procure passages home; and in my communications with the Ministry I have done all I could to reinforce the urgent representations made by the Government of India. The Ministry is doing its best to provide accommodation. I am doing everything in my power to find a remedy for the great hardships involved by the present high rates.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will take steps to permit boys who have reached the age of fourteen and are in or have passed the sixth standard to leave school before the end of the term, provided a certificate is produced to the headmaster stating that a berth is open for the boy?

I am satisfied that the hon. Member's suggestion would not be to the advantage of the boys concerned or to that of the schools. The provisions of Section 9 (1) of the Education Act, 1918, received very general approval in Parliament and in the country, and before fixing 1st February, 1919, as the appointed day for the operation of that Sub-section the Board gave most careful consideration to the effect which its operation would be likely to have in present circumstances.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give the latest available figures as to the number of scholars in the public elementary schools of England and Wales, distinguishing between those in council schools, Church of England schools, Wesleyan schools, Roman Catholic schools, Jewish schools, and undenominational schools, respectively?

The latest figures available in the form asked for in the question are for the year 1913–14, and are as follows:

PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (including HIGHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS).
—	Actual Average Attendance.	Average Number on the Registers
Council schools	3,323,320	3,741,911
Church of England schools	1,644,158	1,848,889
Wesleyan schools	43,735	50,057
Roman Catholic schools	304,086	349,265
Jewish schools	8,549	9,307
Undenominational schools	68,731	77,759
Total	5,392,579	6,077,188

It has not yet been found possible to resume the tabulation of statistics, which was suspended during the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Gilbert Foan, a conscientious objector, in Maidstone Prison, is in a very weak state of health, having suffered for some months from severe gastric trouble and having recently had influenza; and whether he will inquire into the case, with a view to this man's release from prison on health grounds?

I have made inquiry in the case, and find Mr. Foan is in good health and fit for military service. He had an attack of influenza, but made a good recovery; he has increased 6 lbs. in weight since admission to prison.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that S. E. Haddon, a conscientious objector who has been court-martialled four times, and is now serving a sentence of two years' hard labour in Canterbury Prison, is in a very weak state of health; whether he is also aware that this man has tubercular tendencies, and when younger suffered from tuberculosis of the leg for several years; and whether he will order his release from prison on health grounds?

I have made inquiry in the case. The medical officer reports that Mr. Haddon is fit for military service, and shows no signs of tuberculosis. I cannot, therefore, make any distinction in his case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give an undertaking that no man now undergoing imprisonment for evading his duties as a citizen in the War, who claimed exemption from military service on the grounds of conscien- tious objection, will be set free until the last man now serving in the Army and the Navy is demobilised?

I have no authority to give the undertaking asked. My authority in this matter extends only to the case of those prisoners who are suffering in health and whose release obviously cannot be deferred as suggested by the hon. Member. The general question is one to be decided by the Government, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Leader of the House on the 17th February.

asked the Secretary for War whether he can avoid the further court-martialling of conscientious objectors who have been two or more years in prison, and have served their sentences by granting such men indefinite furlough when returned to their unit?

The general question of the treatment of conscientious objectors is receiving consideration, and I will take an opportunity to make a statement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that assistant medical officers of public asylums are not allowed to marry; and, if so, whether that rule will be rescinded?