asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take powers in the next Finance Bill to exempt all incomes below £l56 per annum from liability to pay Income Tax?

My right hon. Friend is unable to anticipate his Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Income Tax is payable in the United Kingdom on incomes derived from Australia and already charged with Income Tax there; whether there is a limit to the rate chargeable here on such incomes; and what is the extent of that limit?

United Kingdom Income Tax is chargeable on the income of a person residing in the United Kingdom whether such income arises in this country or elsewhere. The rate chargeable in this country is in effect limited by Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1916, which provides that where a person has, on any part of his income, borne both United Kingdom Income Tax (at more than 3s. 6d. in the pound) and also Colonial Income Tax, he shall be repaid—

(a) Such an amount as will reduce the United Kingdom Income Tax on that part of his income to 3s. 6d. in the pound, or

(b) The whole amount of tax on that part of his income at the rate of the Colonial Income Tax,

whichever is less.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the character of the Committee which he is about to set up to examine into the incidence and administration of Income Tax and its terms of reference; and whether there will be direct representation both of officers appointed by the Treasury and the General Commissioners of Taxes on such Committee?

The terms of reference and the personnel of the Royal Commission are under consideration, and for the moment I can make no statement on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the possibility of allowing soldiers to average their incomes for Income Tax over the three years permitted in the case of civilians?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in supposing that the three years' average is generally applicable to the earnings of civilians. Large classes of civilian taxpayers are assessable to Income Tax upon the basis of the earnings of the year of assessment, for example, weekly wage earners employed by way of manual labour, Civil servants, officials of companies and corporate bodies. The question of the bases of assessment respectively applicable to the various classes of income will be a matter for consideration by the coming Royal Commission on the Income Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total number of Treasury notes, £1 and 10s., printed up to 31st December last?

The total number of currency notes printed from the commencement of the War up to the 31st December last is—

£1	799,598,319
10s.	517,455,123

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to put into circulation the 5s. Treasury notes which were printed last year?

My right hon. Friend hopes there may be no necessity to issue 5s. Treasury notes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount of royalty rent which was paid on coal in the United Kingdom for each year since 1911–12, also way leaves for the same period; and if he will give the same information for the county of Durham?

My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not in his power to supply the information for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether subscriptions to an agricultural show are liable to Entertainment Tax if admission tickets to the show are given to subscribers and are not so liable if admission tickets are not given to the subscribers?

If admissions to the show generally are liable to tax, and subscribers are entitled to admission in virtue of their subscription, the subscription is liable to tax. Where the subscription confers no right of admission, no liability to tax attaches to it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of maintaining an adequate rotation of green cropping, he can now announce if there will or will not be a guaranteed price for the 1919 crop of late potatoes?

I have been asked to reply. Having regard to all the circumstances, the Food Controller has decided not to take over the 1919 potato crop, and an announcement to this effect has already been made. He further anticipates that it will not be necessary either to fix prices or to interfere with the normal methods of its distribution.

asked the Food Controller what is the total quantity of bacon shipped to foreign countries since 1st January, 1919; what parts have been sent; and what were the prices realised for each group of goods?

The total quantity of bacon shipped by the Ministry of Food to foreign countries since 1st January, 1919, amounts to 10,504 tons. The shipments comprised a large variety of cuts, with a range of prices according to the cuts. The prices charged were such as to ensure the Ministry against any loss on the transaction.

asked the Food Controller whether, in the official table showing the total stocks of food issued by him, the statement that the present prices paid by the Ministry for bacon are in excess of the price at which stock is sold means that he is incurring a loss upon the sale of bacon; and, if so, will he state how much is it a week?

The Ministry have not very recently made any purchases of bacon, but the approximate loss on the sales now being made is £7,000 on the present weekly consumption.

asked the Food Controller whether it is the fact that the Allies purchase bacon hogs alive in America at 17 dollars 50 cents per 100 lbs., or 8¾d. per lb., as stated by Mr. Hoover; whether the average weight of bacon realised is 75 per cent. of the live weight of the hog; and whether he will supply a provisional esti- mate of costs and realisations on a 200-lb. hog bought alive at Chicago, and indicate in detail the various items which cause a hog costing 8¾d. per lb. alive to arrive at Liverpool as bacon at 1s. 6½d. per lb. as indicated in the Board of Trade Returns, showing what realised for head, pluck, lard, etc., what paid for slaughtering and packing, rail Chicago to New York, and freight New York to Liverpool?

The purchases of the Ministry of Food in America are of bacon, not of live hogs. The average weight of bacon realisable from a 200-lb. live-weight hog is, approximately, 109 lbs., about 25 per cent. of the original live weight being lost in the killing and gutting of the animal. Only about 68 per cent. of the carcases can be made into bacon, the remainder being head, feet, lard, backbone, etc. The percentage of the live weight of hogs, which is made into bacon and the cost of making the bacon, is not under the control of the Ministry of Food. The profit, however, which can be made by the packer is limited by the United States Food Administration. The price paid for bacon by the Ministry of Food is f.a.s., and is fixed by the United States Food Administration, after consultation with the representatives of the Ministry of Food in the United States. During November and December, 1918, the average price of the purchases made by the Ministry of Food was 32¾ cents per lb., equivalent to 1s. 4½d. per lb. at the present rate of exchange. To this price must be added the freight, insurance, and landing charges, administrative charges, and loss in weight, which brings the total cost up to at least 1s. 6½d. per lb.

asked the Food Controller what is the maximum price which a poultry producer can now obtain for produce; whether auctioneers can be granted wholesalers' or retailers' licences; and what is the maximum price for poultry now chargeable by retailers?

The maximum prices which the poultry producer may obtain for his produce are governed by the Poultry and Game (Prices) Order, 1918, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. Apart from his auctioneer's licence, an auctioneer does not require any special licence for the sale of poultry either by wholesale or retail. The maxi- mum price for poultry now chargeable by retailers is also shown in the schedule to the Order referred to.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the fact that butchers have to buy their meat early in the week, he will alter the date of the reduction of meat prices from Saturday to Sunday?

It has been arranged that the reduction in the wholesale and retail prices of beef, veal, mutton, and lamb, both home-killed and imported, shall come into operation on Monday, 3rd March. The amount payable by butchers for live stock will be reduced as from Thursday, 27th February.

asked the Food Controller whether the export of marmalade from Great Britain to Ireland is to be prohibited; and, if so, upon what grounds he proposes to take this course?

The export of jam and marmalade from Great Britain to Ireland is prohibited as from 4th February under the Jam (Prohibition of Export) Order, 1919. Inquiries have shown that the stocks of jam and marmalade in Ireland, and the stocks of jam and marmalade which it is estimated will be produced by the Irish jam manufacturers before the next fresh fruit season, are and will be sufficient to meet the requirements of the Irish consumers on at least the same ration basis as that at present in force in Great Britain. If the export of jam and marmalade from Great Britain to Ireland were permitted, there would be a danger of unnecessary supplies being accumulated in Ireland at the expense of a shortage in Great Britain. The Food Control Committee for Ireland have expressed their concurrence to the Order.

asked the Food Controller whether he can give an assurance that the order preventing the sale of confectionery and chocolates to theatres, cinemas, etc., will be not withdrawn in the near future; is he aware that such withdrawal, if contemplated, would inflict hardship on the small retail confectioner, who can now only obtain limited supplies, and would only benefit the proprietors of the theatres and cinemas, who at the present time are making enormous profits without embarking on side lines; and, in releasing supplies, will he give priority to those small tradesmen who rely on the sale of confectionery exclusively for their livelihood?

The Food Controller cannot give the undertaking asked for in the first part of the question. I am, however, informed that the manufacturers, at the request of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, are prepared as long as is necessary so to arrange the distribution of their output as to safeguard the smaller retailers from any temporary hardship which may arise.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of labour and of materials other than sugar, confectioners are still rationed by the manufacturers, and that the withdrawal of the Order restricting the sale of confectionery and chocolates by other traders must reduce the supplies available for those small shopkeepers who depend upon the confectionery trade for a livelihood; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I have already made on this subject.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction amongst small traders at the revocation of the Sale of Sweetmeats in Theatres (Restriction) Order, 1918, as from the 1st March proximo; and whether he will postpone such revocation for a reasonable period to enable the smaller traders, who are mainly dependent on sales for their livelihood, to obtain stocks, which are still very short, from the manufacturers?

It is not the intention of the Ministry to postpone the revocation of the Order. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for North Islington on the same subject.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that the controlled price of salmon is proving a dead loss to the spring salmon fishing in northern waters, where the higher prices obtained during the early months of the year are required in order to enable these fisheries to pay; if salmon is a luxury fish which is retailed at very high prices in restaurants, and therefore the only effect of controlling the price of early salmon is to put extra profit into the pockets of the restaurant proprietors; and if he will immediately increase the controlled price or raise the control altogether?

The Food Controller is aware that the maximum price for salmon permitted under the Fish (Prices) Order does not provide a large margin of profit at the beginning of the spring season; but this margin becomes relatively higher as the fishing proceeds, and the Food Controller does not agree that the excessively high prices obtained for salmon prior to the restoration of the controlled maximum price on the 2nd February are necessary to enable the salmon fisheries to pay a reasonable profit. The question whether salmon is a luxury is a matter of opinion, but one of the main effects of control has been to make salmon available as a food for all classes. The Food Controller cannot undertake immediately to increase the controlled price or to withdraw control.

asked the Food Controller if he will state the price to the Government of the stocks of sugar, bacon, lard, condensed milk, rice, tea, maize, wheat, and flour, and dried fruits; whether there is a flat rate for all meat, including home supplies; and, if so, what it is?

A number of particulars as to prices were given in the answer to the hon. Member on the 20th February. I am arranging that the hon. Member shall be supplied with a statement giving the further information asked for, so far as I understand his question. As regards the latter part of the question, meat is sold at a uniform price for each cut, whatever the source of supply. The present prices are given in the Meat (Retail Prices) Order, 1918, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Food Controller whether he will state the names of the gentlemen composing the Consumers' Food Council; the date of their appointment; and the principle or method by which they were selected?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the same subject on 25th February. The appointments were made on January, 1918, and the first meeting of the Council was held on 1st February, 1918. Fifteen of the members were nominated, respectively, by—

(1) The Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress;

(2) The National War Emergency-Committee;

(3) The Parliamentary Committee of the Co-operative Congress; and

(4) The Women's Industrial Organisation, as representing "organised consumers." The remaining members, as representing "unorganised consumers" were appointed by the Ministry of Food.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that over 12,000,000 gallons of whisky are in bond; what amount has been exported between 1st January, 1918, and 30th June, 1918, and between 1st July, 1918, and 31st December, 1918; and, if so, to what places and to whom consigned?

As regards the first part of the question, no separate figures of the amount of whisky in bond are available. As regards the latter part of the question, it has not been possible in the time available to ascertain the information asked for; but I have given instructions that a separate statement on the subject is to be sent to the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland, with reference to the "Grammar of Anarchy" and the "Handbook of Rebels" which have been suppressed by the Government, whether he can state the passages which are seditious and tend to the promotion of anarchy?

The device resorted to in these two publications by each compiler is to group short extracts from various speeches by different persons and cite them for his purpose, which is to promote anarchy and sedition, as their titles declare. From a perusal of the extracts the hon. and learned Member can satisfy himself what passages came within the scope of his question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a large number of workers in the city of Belfast are anxious to purchase the houses in which they reside; and whether, in any housing scheme which he may introduce, he will make provision for assisting these people?

The suggestion contained in this question is receiving consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will have printed and placed on the Table of the House the unanimous Report of the Committee of the Irish Convention upon the Housing Question in Ireland?

This has already been done—Command Paper 9019.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that there is at present in existence a unanimous Report of the Irish Convention, signed by representatives of all parties in Ireland, on the housing question, he will base his forthcoming scheme for housing in Ireland upon the recommendations made in that Report?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary in reply to the deputation of municipal authorities in Ireland on Monday last on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Intermediate Education Board (Ireland) have submitted to the Irish Government their Report under the Intermediate Education (Ireland) Act of 1914 as to the application of the teachers' salaries grant for 1917–18; whether that Report has been presented to Parliament; and, if so, will it be published as in former years and when?

The answer to all parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Report will be circulated as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is yet in a position to say what grant is to be made for Ireland, and under what conditions, in respect of housing and also in respect of road improvement?

I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary and with the Road Board on these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. F. A. Sparling, of Dublin, obtained permission of the Censor to exhibit a cinematograph film, "Ireland a Nation," and had expended money in advertising the production; that it had been two days on view, 7th and 8th January, 1917, when the military authorities in Ireland prohibited its further display; that, on application to the Defence of the Realm Property Losses Commission, he was recommended a payment of £50 owing to the attitude taken up by the military authorities; and that this Department has refused to pay this £50, and declined to act on the recommendation of the Property Losses Commission; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

A report has been called for, and until this is received I regret I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the action of the railway companies in Belfast in their action towards the working men since the resumption after the strike; whether he is aware that the cheap weekly tickets issued to workers have been cancelled and the working men using the railways have to pay fares largely in excess of what formerly prevailed, on one of the lines up to 14s. per week; whether this action on the part of the railway companies is a breach of the Defence of Realm Act; and whether he will take immediate steps to have this grievance removed and the former conditions allowed to the working men?

My attention had not previously been called to this matter, but I am making inquiries, and will let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state what privileges as regards demobilisation are open to repatriated prisoners of War?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps can be taken to release from active service repatriated prisoners of war, considering the hardships and privations they have suffered in captivity?

In answer to these questions, I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given yesterday to similar questions asked by the hon. Members for Kettering and Bishop Auckland, to the effect that it would not be right to conference privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the latest Regulations on demobilisation apply to repatriated prisoners of war?

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to questions on this subject put by my hon. Friends the Members for Kettering and Bishop Auckland, to the effect that it would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades of the fighting line.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers attached for duty to dispersal units are entitled to immediate demobilisation, in view of the fact that they do not benefit by the extra pay recently announced in Army Orders?

Officers attached for duty to dispersal units and retained for this purpose are eligible for the full bonus for the period during which they are compulsorily detained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to demobilise all dockyard apprentices, so that they may return to their civil employment and work at their respective trades?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Portsmouth North on this subject on the 20th instant. Men who are eligible under the recent Army Order 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 of State for War if he is aware that more than fifty men of the Royal Engineers, postal section, have been serving with the forces in Salonika for more than three years without home leave; and whether early arrangements will be made for these men to visit their families in this country or to be demobilised?

Men of the corps referred to cannot be treated preferentially to soldiers in other branches of the Service, who have also served a long time in Salonika and other distant theatres without home leave; those eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service and transportation facilities permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, including the l/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, who enlisted voluntarily in 1914 and 1915, and have seen three or four years' active service overseas in India and elsewhere, have had no leave at all to return to the United Kingdom; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is felt by the troops in question, because no special steps have been taken to expedite the release of these long- service men: whether there are amongst them, classed as miners, pivotal men, etc., men who have seen no fighting but have already been demobilised and sent to England; whether he will take steps to facilitate the release of these men, who enlisted immediately upon the outbreak of war; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I regret I can add nothing to the answer given to my hon. Friend on the 19th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War at what date he expects to complete the demobilisation of all the non-commissioned officers and men who enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps, Motor Transport, before 1st January, 1916, and who have employment awaiting them, officially approved by the local advisory committee of the Ministry of Labour, and which employment has been officially communicated to the military authorities concerned?

I would refer to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chorley yesterday. It is not possible to say definitely when the demobilisation of the men referred to will be completed, but it is hoped that those who are eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations will have been released by the 1st May, except in so far as they may be temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation. In the latter part of his question my hon. and gallant Friend would appear to be referring to "slip" and "contract" men; such of these men as are eligible for demobilisation will receive priority of release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any special arrangements have been made or are under consideration for the demobilisation of proprietors of one-man businesses?

The recent Army Orders dealing with the composition of the Armies of Occupation provide that officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men for whom recommendations for special release have been received by the War Office from the Ministry of Labour before the 1st February, 1919, will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit. Amongst those so recommended are included a very large number of proprietors of one-man businesses. Apart from this, as has already been stated in this House, the fact that a man is the proprietor of a one-man business is not of itself sufficient to render him eligible for demobilisation, unless he is otherwise eligible under the Army Orders, but arrangements have been made by which the Ministry of Labour will forward release slips in respect of proprietors of one-man businesses. This will secure for those not liable to be retained for the Armies of Occupation a certain priority of release. Under these arrangements a large number of proprietors of one-man businesses have already been demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Lance-Corporal Alexander W. Govan, D Company, l/4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, now with the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, an engineer's apprentice to the Golden Valley Paper Mills, Bitton, near Bristol, has not been discharged; whether he has been abroad in Army service for four years, is only twenty-one, and his career is being seriously injured by the delay; if three applications by the employer have been sent in for this boy; and what course he is taking to grant discharge in this and other like cases?

If the soldier in question is eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations, he will be demobilised in due course; if my hon. Friend will inform me of Lance-Corporal Govan's regimental number, I will make inquiries into the case and let him know the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if a man is considered to have joined up when attested under the Derby scheme or not until he was actually called up?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Melton. Men attested under the Derby Scheme did not join the Colours until they were actually called up.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether He is aware of the dissatisfaction in Wimbledon of the treatment accorded to soldiers returning to Wimbledon camp for demobilisation, who are obliged to walk with full kit up the steep Wimbledon Hill, in consequence of which many of them, particularly those from hot climates fall out exhausted and ill; and whether he will now provide suitable motor lorry accommodation to carry the kits of the men, or, if not, make arrangements for the demobilisation of the men in the town without the necessity of walking up the hill?

This matter is being investigated, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War if troops who joined the Colours in 1914, and who have been retained in Salonika, have been, or are being sent to Siberia and other parts of Russia, and if protests have been lodged by some of the men who have been drafted to Russia and an inquiry asked for by them; and whether these men who have served since 1914 have been promised demobilisation some time since which has not yet been redeemed?

No troops other than volunteers and those eligible for retention in the Armies of Occupation are being sent from Salonika to Russia. Troops, no doubt including some who have served since 1914, have been sent in the last three months from Salonika to Transcaucasia to carry out the terms of the Armistice with Turkey. All, of course, other than Regulars with unexpired Colour service, who enlisted prior to 1st January, 1916, or are over thirty-seven years of age, are eligible for demobilisation and will be brought home as soon as possible, unless they volunteer to remain in the Armies of Occupation. I have not heard of any protests being lodged.

asked the Secretary of State for War why certain students whose release slips were dispatched to commanding officers prior to the end of December are still being retained in the Army?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will direct the immediate release from the Army of students desirous of continuing their professional education, notwithstanding their having attested after 1st January, 1916; and whether, in particular, he will so release Lance-Corporal E. J. Scarlett, No. 195934, Section 50, K (Special) Company, Royal Engineers, British Expeditionary Force, France, to enable him to study applied chemistry as holder of a three-year scholarship at the Manchester College of Technology, won in 1916 before joining His Majesty's Forces?

As many students as possible were demobilised before the issuing of Army Order 55 of 1919, which provided for the composition of the Armies of Occupation. Since the issue of this Army Order, only such students are being demobilized as are eligible for demobilisation under its provisions. The release of Corporal Scarlett is dependent on his being eligible for demobilisation under the Army Order referred to.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the Government will consider the extending of financial assistance to enable demobilised men who do not come under the conditions applying to pensions or the King's Fund to restart their businesses?

I have been asked to reply to this question. This question is under consideration. I hope to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction what steps have been or will be taken in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour to enable apprentices whose training has been interrupted by the War to complete their training; whether any compensation will be given them for the time lost through serving in the forces of the Crown; and whether apprentices who enlisted after January, 1916, and who will not be demobilised until later, will be treated in the same way as those who enlisted prior to the above date and who are being demobilised now?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of a memorandum which hag, been published describing the scheme which has been, arranged by the Ministry of Reconstruc- tion and the Ministry of Labour to enable apprentices whose training has been interrupted by the War to complete their training.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the horses that are being sold in France are only those considered not worth the expense of bringing home; whether his attention has been drawn to the poster published in this connection which states that no certificate will be required from the buyer; whether the intention of this is that a buyer is not called upon to make the usual promise of good treatment; and, if so, whether this matter will be reconsidered?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 13th instant to a question on this subject asked by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York, from which it will be seen that only animals well fitted for work in civil life are sold in France and Belgium. I have made such inquiries as were possible in the time available, but can obtain no information as to any poster of the nature suggested. If the hon. Member can furnish me with further particulars, I shall be happy to cause further inquiry to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to give mounted officers in France a chance of purchasing at a valuation chargers that have been ridden by them for a considerable period?

No, Sir. In order that officers in France who wish to purchase the horses they have ridden may have an opportunity of doing so, they are informed of the date and place of sale by public auction. This is as far as the Army Council can go to meet any wishes the officer may have from the point of view of sentiment.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British prisoners of war in all theatres and belonging to all Services are included in the total of 64,800 stated by the Secretary of State to be still missing?

The figure 64,800 refers to missing men, who have not been reported prisoners and whose death has not yet been presumed. It is an estimate, and is subject to continual alteration as information comes to hand showing the fate of the men in question. The only prisoners of war included in the total would be a few men captured about the time of the Armistice in respect of whom no prisoner of war report had been received before their release and return.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the number of prisoners of war in German hands unaccounted for before the recent investigation into the matter on the spot was undertaken; the number that have since been traced as the result of the special inquiries that have been put in hand; the number still missing; and what practical steps beyond giving general warnings have been taken to convince the German Government that it is intended to call for the effective punishment of those known to have been concerned in the ill-treatment and neglect of British prisoners?

The number amounted to about 6,000, but as a result of information since received from various sources, and the finding of about eighty by search parties, this has been reduced to 2,900. As regards the last part of the question, the whole matter is being considered by a Sub-committee of the Peace Conference in Paris.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of cases in which Army officers feel that they were unjustly treated in official decisions during the pressure of the late War, he will consider the possibility of constituting an Appeal Tribunal for the investigation of such complaints?

No, Sir. I am afraid it would be impossible to proceed otherwise than under the existing law.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners we now hold of the grade of sergeant or under in France; and how many died in the months of December and January respectively?

Inquiry is being made, and I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an additional twenty-five acres of valuable agricultural land has been taken for disposal of sewage from the works at Cippenham; and whether five acres would have been sufficient for the purpose?

The sewerage scheme is a joint one for eventual use under agreement by the Eton Rural District Council, and the Government in connection with the Cippenham depot. Twenty-five acres of land were taken up by the War Office as an irrigation area for the joint users and the land will probably be partly cultivated. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of state for War whether the recent appeal delivered by the Post Office to the public for spare books for the troops to be sent to the camp libraries has been issued with the sanction of his Department; whether he is aware that the Rationalist Press Association has supplied free during the past four years quantities of good scientific literature by Darwin, Huxley, Tyndall, Mill, and others to the various camp libraries; whether this free supply has now been refused by the directors of camp libraries; if this refusal has the support of his Department; and, if not, will he at once take steps to remove this ban on books and literature which is much appreciated by all classes of the troops?

All appeals through the medium of the Post Office have been made under the authority of the Postmaster-General and the Secretary of State for War, but I understand that no such appeal has been issued now for several months. I am aware that the Rationalist Press Association have presented the literature mentioned by my hon. Friend. The camps library is, however, now only a medium for the distribution of works of fiction, other arrangements having been made by the War Office for the supply of instructional and educational works to the troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any information as to the present whereabouts of Private Vincent Lemon, No. 202004, 8th Battalion Tank Corps, who was reported wounded and missing on the 21st March, 1918, and who, it is understood was imprisoned successively at German camps situated at Münster and Strassburg, West Prussia, where he was reported as working in salt mines; and, if not, will he cause inquiries to be made into this case?

The latest report is that Private Lemon was wounded and missing on 21st March, 1918. No further information has been received. Unfortunately, there seems little doubt that the information given to his friends that he was a prisoner was false, and that the informant was an imposter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the employés at the Army Clothing Depot, Frog Island, Leicester, have not received the increase in wages awarded under an award of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government Employés of 1st November, 1918; and, if not, what is the reason for the award not being acted upon in this instance?

I will have inquiry made, and let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the plaques and accompanying scrolls commemorative of those who have fallen in the War will be issued; whether they may well be issued now in respect of those, at least, who fell during the first three years of the War; and what has been the cause of the delay in such issue?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for From on the 17th instant, to the effect that it is impossible at present to indicate a definite date. Progress is being made with the officers' scrolls, about 6,000 names being now ready for engraving. As regards other than commissioned ranks, I am afraid that very little progress is possible at present, for the reasons given in my previous answer already referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers of the Special Reserve have the option of continuing in the Service or of retiring on retired pay according to rank and service, as laid down in the Royal Warrant for pay; whether they are entitled to receive a gratuity on demobilisation; and, if so, on what scale?

Officers of the Special Reserve are not eligible for a service pension, such pensions being confined to officers of the Regular Army. They are entitled to a gratuity on demobilisation under Article 497 of the Royal Warrant (124 days' pay for the first year of War service, and 62 days' pay for each subsequent year or part of year).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any fur-their information as to the serious loss of life and health suffered by soldiers returning from the front beyond the one case of illness from this cause already announced?

One other case has been reported, about which inquiries are being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by and financial expense involved to Colonial officers who, having journeyed at their own expense to this country after the outbreak of war, volunteered their services, were granted temporary commissions in the Army, but whose pay ceased upon the date mentioned in the "Gazette" of their being allowed to relinquish their commissions on ceasing to be employed, thereby necessitating an interval of several weeks, during which hotel and other expenses are incurred, before a date can be arranged for their free passage back to the Colonies; and if he can see his way to affording them some measure of relief by extending the period of their pay to the date of their arrival in the Colonies, or, alternatively, to the actual date of embarkation for their passage home?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. Officers who undertake to embark from the United Kingdom at the earliest opportunity retain their commissions and continue to draw pay during their period of waiting and for the voyage. It is only those who wish to defer their departure and to terminate their service at the first opportunity, who relinquish their commissions on ceasing to be employed. The choice is entirely at the officer's option, and it is not proposed to make any change.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the amount of the moneys now in process of being transferred to the Army Trustees for the purposes of the proposed new Service League?

There is a sum of approximately £500,000 in process of transfer, but it is impossible to state the amount of further moneys which may in the future be transferred to the custody of the Army Trustee. Their amount depends upon contingent profits of canteens, etc., not yet realised and upon the amount of the funds remaining after certain units shall have been disbanded.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will favourably consider an increase of pensions in the case of warrant officers, armament artificers' section, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who, being compulsorily retired after 21 years' service, on the urgent request of the War Office, re-enlisted as instructors on the outbreak of war, and served a further four years; and whether he is aware that the present Regulations cause much dissatisfaction?

I am not aware of any special circumstances in this case. These warrant officers have been drawing their pension in addition to their pay throughout their extra service. In such cases the Regulations do not permit of any increase of pension in respect of the extra service.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he proposes to make any increase in the amount of life pensions at present held by soldiers who served in wars previous to 1914?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers and other ranks who proceeded to France during 1915 on courses of instruction are eligible to receive the 1915 ribbon?

The answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the negative. Under Army Order 8 of 1918 officers not definitely appointed for duty on the establishment of a unit serving overseas are not, by virtue of a visit to any theatre of operations for a temporary purpose, to become eligible for war medals,

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received any reports attributing the ill-health of the troops at Darrington Camp, Salisbury Plain, to the in sanitary condition of the huts in which the men are housed; whether he has received any complaints as to the irregular payments to the men from 2s. to 3s. weekly, some weeks nothing, and as to the insufficient supply of food; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

I have no information at present on this subject. Inquiries are being made, and I will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the case of Sapper A. Robinson, No. 444307, Royal Engineers, Signals, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, can have special attention, in view of the fact that he has been with the force since May, 1915, and has had no leave since January, 1916?

This case has been referred to the military authorities in Egypt for sympathetic consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Regular officers who have lost a leg below the knee are being discharged from the service as unfit; and, if so, may cases be reconsidered, in face of the fact that many officers are fit for sedentary employment and their discharge would be a great hardship?

Regular officers who have lost a leg, whether below the knee or not, are permanently unfit for general service, and thus liable to be retired from the Army; but their cases are sympathetically considered and every endeavour is made to find them suitable employment. It will, however, be realised that opportunities for employment are few.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Infantry performs the heaviest work, undertakes the greatest risk, and suffers the highest proportion of casualties on active service, he will consider the advisability of making the Infantry the highest paid arm of the Service?

These considerations will not be overlooked in settling the future permanent pay of the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has had brought to his notice that Sergeant T. Reynolds, No. T.R. 4/28062, 53rd Welsh Regiment (late of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment), was convicted by court-martial in 1915 of embezzlement and sentenced to be reduced to the ranks and to be imprisoned for six months; that a confession has since been received from another man that he was guilty of the crime, and that Sergeant Reynolds was innocent of the charge; and whether he will take steps to have the conviction quashed and the record of it expunged from Sergeant Reynolds's documents?

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

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, having regard to the number of certificated masseuses available, the War Office now propose to discontinue the employment of uncertificated masseuses; and, if so, whether category B of Army Council Instruction 65 of 1919 will be cancelled?

There are no uncertificated masseuses in the employ of the War Office. The necessity for retaining category B of Army Council Instruction 65 of 1919 under present circumstances is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, having regard to the heavy initial expense necessarily incurred by a masseuse and to the present high cost of living, the War Office will raise the rate of pay of the masseuses employed by the Army to the rate which is paid by the Navy; and what is the reason for the discrimination in pay between the two Services?

The new rates recently introduced were adopted after very full consideration of the rates paid by other Departments and by civil employers. Certain representations regarding them are, however, under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why the mas- seuses belonging to the military massage service were forbidden last December to form an association amongst themselves; and whether, having regard to the fact that the men masseurs have been allowed to form an association amongst themselves a similar privilege will now be granted to the women?

The masseuses being military employés have the same facilities for making representations as other individuals under military control. This is done through their official superiors. No association of men masseurs has been recognised.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can state what gratuity is paid to an officer who has been promoted from the ranks, and who has held his commission for less than six months and then been discharged through wounds?

He receives a soldier's gratuity in respect of his service in the ranks, and an officer's gratuity in respect of his commissioned service. The scale of these gratuities have been published in full detail.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether war gratuities are only granted on substantive rank; and whether, in view of the fact that officers with acting or temporary rank in numerous cases assumed responsibility and held commands for long periods, he will now arrange that gratuities shall be granted to officers who have held such acting or temporary rank for a resonble period of time?

Gratuities are granted on substantive and temporary rank. As already stated the conditions under which acting rank should be allowed to count are at present under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether previous service in the ranks during the War counts towards an officer's gratuity; and, if not, whether officers promoted from the ranks are entitled to the bonuses they would have received for such service in the ranks?

Previous service in the ranks does not count towards the officer's gratuity, but it does count for the man's gratuity. The answer, therefore, to the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory pensions conditions under which the men belonging to the K Company, Royal Engineers, are serving; and whether he can see his way to introduce legislation to remove the injustice under which these men are suffering?

I would refer to the reply which I gave on the 17th instant on this subject to my right hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich East. The Treasury are not prepared to introduce the desired legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier in receipt of a disablement pension from the Ministry of Pensions is entitled to a service pension as well; and is the total disablement pension the same after one month's service as after eighteen years' service for the same degree of disablement, or is there an addition to the disablement pension in the latter case in respect of service?

A soldier's disablement pension is determined by rank and degree of disablement and not by length of service. Disablement pension and service pension may be held concurrently, but a warrant officer or non-commissioned officer entitled to both service and disablement pension must elect whether he will take disablement pension at private's rate in addition to service pension or forfeit the latter and take disablement pension in accordance with his proper rank. He naturally elects to take that which is of the greater advantage to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the widow of the late Lieutenant Barber, Gloucester Regiment, has been refused a gratuity for herself and child amounting to £186, which, by the terms of the Royal Warrant, is awarded to the widow of a lieutenant who suffers a violent death due to war service, on the ground that the ship on which Lieutenant Barber was travelling on duty is believed to have foundered in a gale, though there is no evidence that she did not strike a mine or was spurlos versenkt; and if, under the circumstances, the will cause the Royal Warrant to be amended to cover similar cases?

My right hon. Friend is personally considering the case.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has received a communication from the coroner of South Bucks concerning Joseph Jeremiah Smith, late Royal Garrison Artillery, of Chapel Road, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, who committed suicide on 2nd February last; whether Smith was discharged as physically unfit for further service on account of wounds received in action, and granted a pension of27s. 6d., afterwards reduced to 13s. 9d., and on 18th December last to 11s. per week; whether, on 24th January last, deceased received a communication from the Buckinghamshire War Pensions Committee stating that, as the medical referee bad confirmed the invaliding board, his claim for a fresh medical examination could not be granted; and whether he will cause a full inquiry to be made?

I have arranged for a. full report to be obtained from the Buckinghamshire War Pensions Committee.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is able to report any speeding-up in regard to the assessment of disability pensions, appeal in regard to awards, and the granting of alternative pensions?

My hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that demobilisation is throwing a very great strain on practically all branches of the Department. Every effort is being made to cope with the work, and by reorganisation and increase of staff to ensure greater expedition, but some considerable time must necessarily elapse before any substantial improvement can be expected.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, seeing that only 2 per cent. of disabled soldiers in receipt of disablement pensions are in receipt of alternative pensions he will take steps to circularise all soldiers in receipt of pensions pointing out in simple language the advantages of the alternative pension scheme?

The alternative pension scheme is explained in simple language in the Disabled Soldiers' Handbook, which is issued to every soldier on discharge. The scheme has also been publicly explained from time to time by means of Press announcements. The small number of alternative pension applications received from disabled men in 1918 is in some measure explained by the fact that large numbers of partially disabled men succeeded in obtaining employment at wages which, in conjunction with their disablement pensions, made them ineligible for alternative pension benefit.

asked the Pensions Minister if soldiers undergoing treatment are debarred from applying for alternative pensions?

A soldier drawing disablement pension can at any time apply for an alternative pension. If he has to go under treatment and is thus unable to work he is given, in lieu of his pension, allowances for himself and his family at the full disability rate, and if the allowances so granted are less than his pre-war earnings he can apply for an alternative allowance calculated on the same basis as the alternative pension of a man totally disabled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many discharged disabled officers and soldiers other than those who have lost a limb suffer much pain and discomfort through being crushed in crowds while travelling; and can arrangements be made that disabled officers and soldiers of this category may receive the armlet issued at Roe Hampton on application to the War Office?

I am not aware that there are many discharged disabled officers and soldiers other than limbless who suffer much pain and discomfort through being crushed in crowds while travelling. Arrangements can be made to supply armlets to cases of this description, if it is shown that there is any demand from the officers and men for the provision of such a distinguishing badge.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements could be made under which discharged sailors and soldiers should be allowed to purchase beds, bedding, and other articles of furniture from Government surplus stores at a fixed cheap rate in order to assist them in setting up their homes?

Whilst I am afraid it would be impracticable for the Disposal Board to deal with individual discharged sailors and soldiers on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, as I stated on 13th February in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Eastbourne, I should be glad to consider applications from approved organisations, interested in the welfare of discharged Service men, for the purchase of articles of the nature indicated.

:0 asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what reduction has been made in the staff of the Air Ministry since the Armistice?

The following reductions in the staff of the Air Ministry have been made since the Armistice:

Officers	58
Temporary Clerical and Technical Staff (including Airmen)	227
Messengers	28
Total	313

As against this, there has been an increase of twenty-four in the number of permanent Civil servants employed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

The reduction in the staff of the Ministry of Shipping, including out ports, since the Armistice totals 433, representing an annual charge of £136,345.

asked the Food Controller what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

The numbers and cost of the staff of the Ministry of Food at the date of the Armistice and on the 26th February, 1919, are, approximately, as follows:

—	11th Nov., 1918.		26th Feb., 1919.
	No.	Cost.	No.	Cost.
		£		£
Headquarter Staff	4,700	670,000	3,700	580,000
Provincial Staff	4,100	560,000	3,100	440,000
Totals	8,800	1,230,000	6,800	1,020,000

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

The reduction affected in the headquarters staff of the Ministry of Munitions since the signing of the Armistice has been 7,407 persons. Of these, 2,541 were transferred to the Resettlement and Demobilisation Department of the Ministry of Labour, and 4,866 have been discharged.

asked the Secretary of State for War what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

On the 11th November, 1918, the total staff (military and civilian) was 21,807, and since that date reductions to the extent of 3,097 have been effected, largely in the censorship, casualties and military railways staffs and the staff of the Surveyor-General of Supply. Against these reductions must be set, however, increases of staff to the extent of 1,425, chiefly in respect of increases of work due either directly or indirectly to demobilisation, so that the net reduction of staff is 1,672. The question is being carefully watched, and further reductions will continue to be made wherever possible.

asked the Minister of National Service if he can state what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

The table following gives the reduction in the staff at headquarters and in the regions since the signing of the Armistice.

Date	Administrative	Clerical, etc., including Porters, Messengers, and Cleaners.	Total.
Headquarters Staff.
14 Nov., 1918	272	951	1,223
20 Feb., 1919	109	404	513
Reduction	163	547	710
Regional and Area Staff.
14Nov., 1918	1,630	12,271	13,901
13 Feb., 1919	354	1,187	1,541
Reduction	1,276	11,084	12,360

By the 1st of April next practically the whole of the Regions and Areas staff will have been dismissed or transferred to the Ministry of Pensions and the Ministry of Labour, in connection with the Pensions Boards and Retail Shops Licences. The headquarters staff will likewise be reduced for the same reasons, further reductions being made from time to time as the affairs of the Ministry are completed.

asked the Minister of Blockade what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

Since the signing of the Armistice the following reductions of staff have been made in the various Departments of the late Ministry of Blockade, apart from the posts ofMinister of Blockade and two Private Secretaries,Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Blockade,which have been abolished.

asked the Minister of National Service if it is still necessary for everyone who desires to open a new retail shop to obtain a licence under the Order issued in 1918; whether this Order applies to discharged or disabled men from the Navy and Army; and whether, in view of it preventing many of these men from earning a living in small businesses for which they have experience, he will consider as to cancelling this Order as regards all ex-Service men who have served in the present War?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers sent on Wednesday and Thursday last to the hon. Member for Edge Hill and to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Deptford.

asked the Pensions Minister whether it is proposed to consider making any addition to the pensions of retired officers of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, in view of the fact that these pensions were fixed very many years ago when the purchasing power of the sovereign approached three times the purchasing power at the present day?

I have been asked to answer this question. The question of the retired pay of officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines was one of the subjects being dealt with by Admiral Jerram's Committee; but, in view of the pressure of work upon that Committee, the Board have decided to appoint another Committee working in close liaison with Admiral Jerram's Committee to consider solely questions relating to the pay, etc., of officers. This Committee will work under Admiral Jerram and will report through him.

asked the Pensions Minister whether arrangements can be made to give local war pensions committees in London direct self-government and access to the Ministry, seeing that the sub-committees in London are as important as the county committees, who already have direct self-government?

It would require legislation to make the committees to which the hon. Member refers independent of the London War Pensions Committee, whose scheme of constitution is regulated by Section 2 (2) of the Naval and Military War Pensions Act, 1915, and it does not appear to my right hon. Friend that there exists any sufficient ground for proposing such legislation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions why Mrs. Eliza Spalding, 2, Lady Somerset Road, High gate, who met with an accident on 28th August, 1918, whilst employed at the National Filling Factory, Hayes, causing intestinal injury for which an operation was necessary, has received no compensation although continued applications have been made; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The weight of medical and other evidence before the Department is to the effect that the internal injury to Mrs. Spalding was not in any way due to the cause alleged. The Department are consequently unable to sanction the payment of compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and Mrs. Spalding's legal advisers were informed to that effect on the 20th instant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many contractors were placed on the black list in respect of misconduct in the supply of war materials during the War; whether any of them were guilty of supplying munitions made of inferior metal calculated to cause loss of life in the field; and whether any of them were guilty of falsification of accounts?

The whole subject of Departmental black lists is now under consideration. I hope to make a statement shortly in regard to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total amount received as War Munitions Levy and Excess Profits Duty for the years 1915, 1916, and 1917, respectively, from controlled and non-controlled firms, and the amount still owing to the Government for the three years named; whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the Excess Profits Duty in its present form; and, if so, for what period?

It is not possible to furnish figures precisely in the form required by the hon. Member, but the assessments to Excess Profits Duty and Munitions Levy made in the several financial years are approximately as follows:

—	Uncontrolled Establishments.	Controlled Establishments.	Total
	Million £	Million £	Million £
1915–16(last few days)	3	—	3
1916–17	153	3	156
1917–18	224	65	289
1918 (first half-year)	167	29	196
	547	97	644

The amount of duty outstanding in respect of these separate years cannot be precisely stated, but the duty in arrears on the 1st January, 1919, on the above assessments was approximately 80 millions, of which about 30 millions related to controlled establishments. On the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for For far on the 20th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether British subalterns serving with the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on British rates of pay get 10s. 6d. and 11s. 6d. with 3s. 6d. field allowance per diem, which equals at present rate of exchange 280 and 300 rupees, respectively, and British subalterns serving in India get 350 and 375 rupees, respectively, whereas British subalterns on Indian rates of pay serving in Mesopotamia only get 265 and 285 rupees, respectively; and, if so, whether he can state the reason for this differentiation?

The subaltern in Mesopotamia on Indian rates gets the same rate of pay whether in Mesopotamia or in India. I am not aware of any subaltern in Mesopotamia on British rates of pay. Perhaps the Noble Lord will give me more information as to the case he has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will ask the Bombay Government to take up the matter of the sanitary condition of Bombay, and stop the dumping of cow manure in the city as it did in 1897?

The Secretary of State will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the Bombay Government. He understands that the sanitary condition of the city of Bombay is engaging the earnest attention of the local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the promise given by the Viceroy in his speech at Delhi on 7th February, 1917, he is yet in a position to announce when the increase in pensions to retired officers of the Indian Services recommended in the Montagu-Chelmsford reform scheme will actually come into force?

The subject is engaging the attention of the Government of India. They report that they hope to submit their recommendations shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the desirability of calling the attention of local education authorities to the importance in preparing schemes for the organisation of continued education under the Education Act, 1918, of so arranging the hours of obligatory attendance under that Act that continuation classes may be held, as far as possible in the morning, and may in all cases terminate not later than 5.30 in the afternoon?

The hon. Member will realise that the economical use of school buildings and teaching staffs will require their employment both morning and afternoon, and also that it would not be convenient for all young persons that the latter part of the day should be treated as not available for educational work. The limits of time prescribed by the Education Act, 1918, are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and I think that within those limits the local education authorities should be left to exercise their discretion in fixing the hours of the classes as far as possible to suit the convenience of all parties concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will urge upon local education authorities the desirability of using their power to make by-laws raising the age at which children may leave the elementary school to fifteen years, with a view to further improving their education and diminishing the entry of boys and girls into industry at a period of industrial dislocation?

Section 8 (2) of the Education Act of 1918 left the discretion in this matter with the local education authorities; and I should be reluctant to urge them to take immediate action in view of the great difficulty, which will exist for some time to come, of providing the necessary accommodation and staffs for the children who would be retained in the schools by such a raising of age of school attendance.