asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the desirability of encouraging the construction and maintenance of sewers in the interest of public health, and of the hardship at present existing in Scotland, of sewers, which were formerly exempt, now being subject to what is equivalent to a double assessment of Income Tax, he will take steps to have the law amended to remedy the hardship by providing that sewers in Scotland shall be exempt from Income. Tax, or otherwise that tax deducted from interest on sewer loans may be retained as is done in the case of water and other public utilities?

The Income Tax position in this matter was explained in the answer given to the hon. Member's question of the 13th instant. The general question of the Income Tax liability of local authorities in respect of non-productive property and the tax deductible by them from payments of interest on loans raised in connection with such property is one that might be raised before the Royal Commission on the Income Tax which is shortly to be set up.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Income Tax is charged in cases when but for the receipt of a war pension the tax would not be payable; and whether in such cases he will use his influence to obtain complete exemption?

As regards wound and disability pensions I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 13th instant to the hon. Member for Chelsea. Under the exemption for which it is proposed to seek authority in the Finance Bill these pensions would neither themselves be taxed nor be included in the computation of total income. As regards other pensions whether military or civil the position is that where the taxpayers' total income from all sources exceeds the exemption limit, regard is necessarily had to the full amount of the income in assessing the Income Tax liability.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to abandon the Excess Profits Duty in the coming Budget, and to substitute a scheme for taxing above a certain level the profits of every industry by a graduated tax upwards?

I cannot at present add anything to the answer given on the 20th instant to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for For far. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether signallers in the Royal Engineers are being pressed to re-enlist; and whether seeing that the services of these men are essential to the maintenance of an efficient military organisation, he will undertake that they shall receive their civil pay in addition to all Army emoluments?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for Deptford.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury on what grounds the Entertainments Tax is levied upon agricultural shows; and what item of a purely entertaining character should be eliminated from their programme to secure exemption from this tax?

An agricultural show is an exhibition, and as such constitutes an entertainment as defined by the Finance (New Duties) Act, 1916, and payments for admission thereto are liable to tax unless a certificate of exemption is issued by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. When the entertainment is provided by a society not conducted or established for profit the Commissioners are prepared to issue such certificate under Section 1 (5) (d) of the Act in cases where the proceedings do not include items such as bands, horse-jumping competitions, or extraneous attractions generally.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government, in granting permission for new issues to be made, does so only provided they are not of a speculative or hazardous nature; and, if this Regulation is not always adhered to, on what grounds the Treasury refused to grant the recommendation of the Select Committee on Inland Transport that the New Transport Company be allowed to raise fresh capital to further demonstrate its system?

Issues of a speculative and hazardous nature have only been authorised to meet urgent war requirements. I think it would in any case be desirable for the application of the New Transport Company to wait until the new Minister of Communications can be consulted.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what, in round figures, up to the present time have been the receipts and payments, respectively, under the Government scheme of aircraft and bombardment insurance; what, in round figures, was the aggregate amount in hand on the 11th November, 1918, representing proportions of unexpired premiums paid before and relating to periods of insurance commencing before that date; and whether the Government has retained these unexpired premiums?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ealing on the 24th instant. It is proposed to lay before Parliament shortly an interim statement showing the approximate results of the various Government war risk insurance schemes.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government scheme of aircraft and bombardment insurance was originated with the purpose of assisting out of national resources to insurance at easy rates persons exposed to enemy attacks by sea and air; and whether he will consider the desirability of distributing the profits, if any, made by the Government in the conduct of the insurance scheme, as well as proportions of unexpired premiums, so as to relieve the Government from the suspicion of having conducted a commercial enterprise under the guise of assisting the people?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Government scheme of aircraft and bombardment insurance was formed with a view to providing insurance at as low a rate as practicable against damage to property by air raids and bombardment. The profit resulting from this scheme is paid into the public Exchequer, which financed the scheme, and which would have had to find the money if there had been a loss.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been drawn to a speech delivered before the Balham, Tooting, and District Traders' Association; and, if so, whether he can give any indication as to the correctness or otherwise of the statements made with reference to the profits of grocers during the War?

I have seen the speech to which the hon. Member refers. The margins allowed to grocers have been fixed, after close investigation, by the Costings Section of my Department on a basis which leaves a reasonable profit, having regard to the nature of the services rendered. These margins have been reviewed from time to time, and a further investigation is being made at the present time in order to ascertain the extent to which increased supplies may justify reduced margins. I would inform the hon. Member that it was necessary to fix a flat rate of remuneration for all grocers in order to enable the majority of distributors to obtain a fair return, and thereby to avoid any dislocation in the distribution of foodstuffs which would result in the reappearance of queues. It is, of course, inevitable that the fixing of a flat rate operates in favour of the most efficient distributor, and is in such cases higher than would be allowed to such distributors if they stood alone. I have no knowledge of the actual figures of profit earned by grocers, but, having regard to the conditions to which I have referred, I have no reason to suppose that they are excessive.

asked the Food Controller if he intends to compensate grocers and small shopkeepers for the difference in price on their stocks of tea which the proposed reduction will make, seeing that they have been requested to carry adequate stocks of controlled goods to meet difficulties that might arise through probable transport troubles?

As regards the question of a rebate on stocks held by retailers on 24th March next, when the suspension of the Order governing the distribution and price of tea comes into effect, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25th February. It does not follow that any loss would be incurred by retailers on the sale of such stocks after that date.

asked the Food Controller whether the Travelling Milk Commission which has been appointed to inquire into and report upon the shortage of milk in Great Britain will extend its inquiries to the milk question in Ireland; whether he is aware that there has been a considerable falling off in milk production in Ireland, causing the gravest concern not only to the milk producers but to consumers, especially the poorer classes in the larger towns who are suffering very much from the scarcity and dearness of milk; whether an inquiry into the causes which have led to the present reduction in output in Ireland is not essential; and whether there will be added to the Commission, for the purposes of its Irish investigations, two or more Irish representatives possessing practical knowledge of the subject, at least one of whom ought to be in a position to speak for the Irish Co-operative Creameries?

The question as to whether the Travelling Milk Commission would extend its inquiries to Ireland is receiving the consideration of the Food Controller in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland. The Food Controller is aware of the decrease in milk production in Ireland, and the Food Control Committee for Ireland has already urged the Department of Agriculture to institute an inquiry into the circumstances which have led to it. If it is decided that the Commission should visit Ireland, the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the last part of the question will certainly be adopted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can explain the difference indicated in the accounts relating to the trade and commerce of certain foreign countries and British possessions which record the average value of bacon shipped from America as 1s. 1½d. per lb., while the Board of Trade Returns indicate an arrival value at Liverpool of the same foods as costing 1s. 6½d. per lb.; and what items constitute the difference and who declares the value at Liverpool and other British arrival ports?

The average export price of bacon shipped to the United Kingdom from the United States in the first nine months of 1918 was, as shown by the United States Trade Accounts, equivalent to 1s. 2d. per lb. The average import value of bacon landed in the United Kingdom from the United States in the same period was, as declared by the importers 1s. 6½d. per lb. I have no means of saying in what way the difference was divided between freight, marine insurance, war risk insurance, landing charges and other expenses.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board investigates each case where an allotment holder receives notice to quit his allotment under the Cultivation of Lands Order; whether in each case it must be proved that the land is required for a better purpose than food production before it is released from the obligations of the Order; whether he will make representations to the local authorities that allotment holders under the Order should be permitted to cultivate the land until it is actually required for some more necessary public purpose than food production; and whether, in the event of an allotment holder being dispossessed, he will impress on local authorities the necessity of the dispossessed holders being provided with an equivalent amount of suitable land wherever possible?

The Board cannot undertake to investigate each case, but the local authorities who administer the Order have been informed by the Board of the course they should adopt, and I am sending a copy of the instructions issued to them to the hon. Member. As regards the latter portion of the question, it is the statutory duty of the local authorities to provide land to meet the demand for allotments, but in urban areas there is often not sufficient land available to provide for all the applicants.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the total number of pensioners of the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary chargeable to the Constabulary Vote on 1st January last; and how many of them are receiving pensions less than £44 per annum, £44 and under £52 per annum, £52 and under £65 per annum, £65 and under £80 per annum, and £80 and upwards, respectively?

The number of pensioners of the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary on the 1st January, 1919, was about 7,000. They are not classified in relation to the amount of their respective pensions, To classify them in the manner suggested in the question would involve a considerable expenditure of time and labour by the staff which is fully occupied with other work of a more pressing nature.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what reduction has been made in the staff of his Department since the Armistice?

The total number of civilian staff (excluding messengers and charwomen) employed by the Admiralty on the 11th November last was 8,044; there are now 7,415, showing a net reduction of 629. The gross reduction was in point of fact 910, but there have been 281 new entries rendered necessary by the increased work in the Accountant-General's Department—payment of War gratuities, increases in children's separation allowances, and so on—and in connection with reconstruction and demobilisation problems.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the number of men over forty-one years of age detained at Blandford Camp in idleness, while many younger men are being demobilised; and whether he will give instructions that these older men should be demobilised as soon as possible?

There are 122 men over forty-one years of age at Blandford. The majority of them are engaged on work in which they have special experience, and which is essential to the demobilisation of others. Airmen reach Blandford every day from all parts of the world for demobilisation, and those over forty-one years of age are being released as quickly as possible. Four hundred and forty-nine such men have already been demobilised from Blandford.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps can be taken to expedite the repatriation of demobilised Ceylon officers, all of whom are urgently required to fill their former appointments in Ceylon?

Owing to the conditions of shipping generally, the opportunities for passages, to Ceylon have been very restricted. The situation is, however, improving, and I hope there will be sufficient accommodation available daring next month to take those who are waiting to return.

asked the Secretary of State for War what position men are now in who in due course would have been demobilised but for the fact that they were in hospital up to the date of the new Order?

If my hon. Friend is referring to men discharged cured from hospital after twenty-eight days' treatment, their demobilisation depends on whether they are otherwise eligible under Army Order 55 of 1919, which provides for the composition of the Armies of Occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men who have been discharged from the Army and who have returned to their old employment have been recalled and ordered to rejoin, and that great inconvenience has been caused to employers, as in some cases they have discharged men to make room for their old employés?

I am not aware of this, but if my hon. Friend will furnish details of specific cases, inquiries will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the memorandum, dealing with the Armies of Occupation promises release to men who enlisted before 1st January, 1916, presumably on the ground that their original enlistment was voluntary, whereas the first Military Service Act was dated 27th January, 1916, and did not come into operation until twenty-one days later, or 17th February, 1916, he will extend a like concession to all men who voluntarily enlisted between the 1st January, 1916, and the 17th February, 1916?

The date of 1st January, 1916, was selected with the intention, among other things, of not drawing an invidious distinction between men who volunteered and those enlisted under the Military Service Acts. I regret that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion cannot be entertained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the demobilisation of a number of the men with the 53rd Divisional Signal Company, Royal Engineers, in Egypt, was ordered at the beginning of February; whether the Director of Army Signals cancelled the whole of the orders; whether these men are engaged on civilian work, building telegraph lines for the post-war period; whether the Director of Army Signals is to be made the Director of Telegraphs in Egypt after the War; and whether, seeing that 6,000 Royal Engineer telegraphists are being used in place of skilled trade unionists, he will inquire and state what authority the prospective Director of Telegraphs has for this endeavour to retain military labour?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an application was made on form R.C.T.V., early in November, 1918, for the release of Rifleman E. J. Tucker, No. 63995, 53rd Battalion King's Royal Rifles, to enable him to complete his legal studies, and to be articled to a solicitor, and that a request had been sent forward for his early release by the Ministry of Labour on or before the 29th January; and upon what ground this young man is being retained in the forces?

The release of Rifleman Tucker is, of course, dependent on his being eligible for demobilisation under Army Order 55 of 1919, which provided for the composition of the Army of Occupation. I am informed that an application on Form R.C.V. and not R.C.T.V. in respect of this soldier in which he was described as a bank clerk was received by the Ministry of Labour some time ago, and his release slip was forwarded to his commanding officer in the usual way; if he is eligible he will be released in due course.

asked the Prime Minister whether a final address by a properly qualified speaker can be given to all troops assembled in demobilisation dispersal camps thanking them for their services, and an explanation given of the national economic position and the necessity of increased production in all industries?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is not practicable, as dispersals proceed during the whole period, twenty- four hours each day, and in many cases men arrive and are dispersed during the night. If this suggestion were carried out the effect would be to delay dispersals. On the other hand, arrangements have been made for all men to be seen and personally bidden farewell before they leave their units to proceed for dispersal. Commanding officers have been specially instructed to give all ranks a good send-off on their homeward journey, and I have reason to know that a great deal has been done in this direction.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that many fishermen on returning home from military service have found their nets and fishing gear ruined and their boats badly damaged; and whether the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department is empowered to grant compensation to these men in order that they may be able to resume their calling?

I have been asked to answer this question. I may refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Bermondsey on the 13th instant. The arrangements there mentioned will apply to fishermen who after demobilisation and in the circumstances mentioned in the aforesaid reply are unable to restart their occupation without assistance. The Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department are giving considerations to applications of this kind, and communications on the subjects should be addressed to them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the delay in the discharge from the Army of master-masons and other pivotal men in the building trade, recommended for immediate discharge by local advisory committees, is both retarding building operations and accentuating unemployment; and whether any steps can be taken to accelerate such discharges?

The statement in the first part of this question is, I am advised, open to considerable doubt If local advisory committees will bring to my notice the case of any pivotal man duly applied for before the 1st February whose absence is, in their opinion, retarding building operations and accentuating unemployment, steps will be taken to expedite his release.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether Mr. W. A. Wilcox, of No. 6, Hay Yard, Nine Elms, recently applied to the Central Council Civilian Forage Supply, 47, Victoria Street, for permission to deal in hay, and that it has been refused; whether he is aware that Mr. Wilcox was, prior to the War, a hay merchant by profession; that he joined the Army in December, 1915, giving up the whole of his trade earnings and incurring a heavy financial sacrifice thereby; that his health has been gravely impaired by his military service; that he is now demobilised and, unless permitted to resume his profession, will have no means of earning a living; and why the Government is depriving Mr. Wilcox of his livelihood in this manner?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed that it is not the fact that Mr. Wilcox's application has been refused. There is nothing to prevent him, so far as the Government is concerned, again trading as a hay merchant, provided he complies with the terms of Army Council Orders of the 30th July, 1918. The chairman of the central council is willing and anxious to help him to do so, and has so informed him.

asked the Secretary of State for War when eleven Manchester schools, now being used as military hospitals, can be returned for educational purposes?

It is hoped that six council schools and one training college will be vacated very shortly. It will be necessary to retain the other schools for a further period, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that every endeavour is being made to study the educational interests of the city in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Government Departments will not consider applications for the employment of disabled officers over twenty-eight years of age, and that there is much dissatisfaction felt by disabled officers over the lack of consideration being shown towards them; and if steps could be taken to remedy this matter?

It is the intention of the Government to give the fullest opportunities of securing appointments in the Civil Service to those who have served during the War in Naval, Military, or Air Forces of the Crown. There is no obstacle in the way of the employment of officers over the age of twenty-eight in temporary situations, or in certain established positions, for which special qualifications are required. As regards situations filled before the War by competitive examination the usual age limits have been relaxed in order to make it possible for candidates to compete who would have been eligible but for the suspension of examinations during the War. In consequence, the age limit for the class 1 situations, which was twenty-four years, has been raised to twenty-eight. Having regard to the small number of vacancies, it is not practicable to extend this limit so as to give a fresh opportunity for entry into the permanent Civil Service to those who failed to take advantage before the war of the opportunities which were then open to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total estimate for the work now being carried on at Cippenham, and how such estimate compares with that given in evidence before the National Expenditure Committee, allowing for the part of the work not now being proceeded with?

The revised Estimate of £1,750,000 was reported to the National Expenditure Committee last autumn, and at that time certain reductions were contemplated, which later matured in the omission of three large store sheds and a few roads. The net saving on this account would amount to some £136,000. On the other hand, certain expenditure has been incurred on lorry parks and roads to accommodate vehicles from Kempton Park, on temporary workshops, and on a railway extension and platform for the workmen totalling about £51,000. If it is decided to modify the barrack accommodation to suit a civil administration, there will be an additional saving which cannot at present be estimated. Subject, therefore, to the above, which will be taken into account in a general review of the financial aspect of this service, now in hand, and to market fluctuations, the estimated cost stands at approximately £1,665,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the number of members of the Royal Army Medical Corps who, having the rank of major, have been promoted to that of lieutenant-colonel; and whether, as regards such promotions, due consideration has been given to the character of the duties performed by members of the Royal Army Medical Corps who have given their services to the sick and wounded of His Majesty's Forces in our home hospitals?

If, as I presume is the case, my hon. Friend is referring to officers of the Regular Royal Army Medical Corps, the present number of substantive lieutenant-colonels is 237, and promotion to the rank is made by selection based on the records of the whole service of the officers. If the question refers to acting promotion among Regular, Special Reserve, Territorial Force and Temporary officers, such promotion is governed by the establishments of the various units in which officers are serving, and the appointments are made by the local authorities concerned from the officers considered most suitable for the duties required.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the return to this country of a considerable number of officers and men of the Territorial Force and the desirability of preserving regimental traditions and esprit de corps, he will instruct the county associations to reform the Territorial divisions on their pre-war basis; and whether he will enable batteries that have retained their Territorial identity to retain the guns with which they fought?

The suggestions contained in my hon. and gallant Friend's question will be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the guardians of the Oxford Incorporation voluntarily handed over, in October, 1915, to the military authorities for use as a hospital their Poor Law institution situate in the Cowley Road, Oxford; and whether, in view of the anxiety of the guardians to recover the use of their institution, he can now state when it will be vacated and restored to the guardians?

I am having inquiries made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the Government's undertaking to remove all existing inequalities in the present law as between men and women, he will give his sympathetic consideration to support the claim of women doctors serving under or attached to the War Office for recognition of the rank and privileges to which they are entitled?

The general policy of the Government in seeking to remove the existing inequalities between men and women cannot be held to commit them to immediate action in this sense in every sphere, and I am not prepared to introduce legislation during the present Session on the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended, after the War, to reconstitute Yeomanry regiments at present partly merged in Infantry battalions in France?

They will be reconstituted, provided they are first line units.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what circumstances uncertifiable mental cases occurring among undischarged soldiers as a result of nerve strain during the War come, directly or indirectly, under lunacy administration?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a similar question of his on Monday last. Such cases do not come directly under lunacy administration, and the only indirect connection which they have with such administration is that five of the hospitals in which they are treated are administered by officers who were formerly working under the Board of Control.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper James P. Carlin, No. W.R. 200191, Royal Engineers, at present under treatment in Norfolk War Hospital, Thorpe, Norwich, is suffering from dangerous mental disorder contracted while on service, and that it is proposed to discharge him from the Army and hand him over to the parish authorities after discharging him from the Army; whether there are institutions in Glasgow, other than Poor Law and under the control of the military, where mental cases, dangerous or otherwise, are treated; and why a man who has served meritoriously is made a pauper instead of being treated in a military institution for an ailment which came upon him on service?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 3rd Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment has been sent to Yorkshire, and the nucleus for the 2nd Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment is to be formed at Woking instead of at Winchester; and, if so, why accommodation for the battalions of the county regiment cannot be found at Winchester, Aldershot, Portsmouth, Gosport, or any of the several other camps in the county of Hampshire?

A certain reorganisation has been taking place involving the move of many battalions, including the 3rd Reserve Battalion Hampshire Regiment, which is being stationed in Yorkshire. The 2nd Battalion was to be reformed at Woking, but this has now been changed to Aldershot.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to many hardships suffered by the troops across the Channel, such as the great delays in travelling home on leave, the accommodation of the men in cattle-trucks in mid-winter, and the slow demobilisation of men entitled to release; and whether he will appoint a small Commission, on which this House will be represented, to investigate all such complaints on the spot?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the fact that soldiers returning to England from Germany are sent home in cattle-trucks under condition s involving much hardship and exposure; and, if so, what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men coming down the lines are frequently detained from five to ten days, and that a number of deaths have resulted from exposure; and whether he proposes to take any steps for the speedier transport of the men down the lines?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given to the hon. Member for Morpeth last Monday, and to the Report, dated 22nd February, from General Headquarters, France, which was circulated in the Official Report. The demobilisation of men who are eligible for release is proceeding as rapidly as possible. It is already the practice to inquire into cases where complaints are brought to notice, and I do not think the appointment of a Commission, as suggested in the first question, would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in Slough and the neighbourhood owing to the different rates of pay prevailing at the works at Cippenham, whereby local labourers consider they are unfairly treated; and whether he will introduce flat rates for all workers, local or imported; and (2) whether building mechanics employed on the works at Cippenham who live outside a three-mile radius are paid £5 8s. per week, while those who live inside that radius are paid £3 15s. only; whether labourers are paid £4 5s. 9d. and £2 19s. 1d., respectively; and whether he will state how these amounts are arrived at and what is the reason for the difference?

The amounts mentioned in the second question as paid to workmen at Cippenham are approximately correct. As the supply of local labour does not suffice to man the work it has to be reinforced by London workmen, whose rates are higher than those of local men. The rates paid and the nett wages for the fifty and a half hours' week which is now being worked are as follows:

	Rate per hour.		Nett Wages.
	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Local mechanic	1	4	3	15	9
	plus12½%
London mechanic	1	9	4	8	4½
Local labourer	1	0½	2	19	3
	plus12½%
London labourer	1	5	3	11	6½

The difference between the foregoing wages and the money actually paid to the workmen is due to allowances for travelling time, lodging money, and railway fares. Rates and allowances are settled by conciliation boards of employers and workmen, or by arbitration, and the War Department has no authority to alter them. The local workmen are now raising the question of their being paid the same rates as the London men, and if pressed, this again is a matter to go before the Conciliation Board or to arbitration. There appears to be no trouble as regards the extra allowances, all classes of workmen being treated equally in respect of these.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether medical officers who, after general demobilisation, volunteer to serve with the Army of Occupation will be allowed to bring their wives to the towns in which they are serving?

This point is being considered. I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the decision arrived at.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can indicate at what date the three London county mental hospitals at Epsom, which the London County Council has voluntarily placed at the disposal of the War Department for use as war hospitals, namely, the Horton Hospital, the Manor Hospital, and the Ewell Colony, will be returned to the council for renewed use for the accommodation of civilian mental cases, for which they are seriously needed; whether he will take steps to secure that these hospitals are demobilised and restored to the council at the earliest possible moment; and whether he can indicate at what date the Maudsley Hospital buildings at Denmark Hill, which were taken over from the London County Council by the War Department at the commencement of the War and are now being used as a neurological clearing hospital, will be returned to the council for use for the purpose for which the buildings were designed?

The Manor Hospital will be closed from the 15th March next. Every effort is being made to close the other hospitals as early as possible, but it has to be remembered that sick are still being returned from France at the rate of 1,000 a day, and a very large number require special treatment. As regards the Maudsley Hospital buildings, this hospital is a neurological centre, and a busy one, and so far it has been difficult to reduce its activity. Efforts are, however, being made to find another hospital into which the whole centre can be moved, and it is hoped that it will be possible to do this and to close the Maudsley Hospital at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers who report sick with influenza are obliged to parade at 7 a.m. outside the medical officer's hut and, having been diagnosed as suffering from influenza with a high temperature, have to return to their quarters, pack up their kit, return it to store, parade again, and march to hospital; and whether, in view of the high death rate among influenza cases in the Army, he will consider the advisability of altering this procedure?

I am not aware that such a procedure is followed, but telegraphic instructions have been issued to all military commands in case the practice does exist in any unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he will consider the advisability of granting some special badge or distinction to soldiers who volunteered for and were liable for active service during the years 1914 and 1915 but did not actually visit a theatre of war?

The question of the medals or other distinctions to be awarded in respect of services rendered during the War is at present under consideration. It is hoped shortly to publish a comprehensive statement embodying the conditions of such awards.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the peremptory notice which has been issued to the 14th battalion County of London Volunteer Regiment to return all equipment and clothing and threatening legal proceedings in cases of non-compliance; and if he is aware that such notice has been issued without any notification that this regiment is to be disbanded?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so. It is not at present intended to disband the Volunteer Force, and in this connection I would refer to the answers given on Monday last to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ealing, as to the War Office intention to keep the Volunteer Force in being until the general policy as regards the future of the force can be determined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether letters are delivered to and collected from prisoners of war in North Russia; and what steps, if any, are taken to deliver parcels to these prisoners of war?

If the hon. Member is referring to British prisoners of war captured in the Archangel and Murmansk districts, letters are forwarded to and sent by these prisoners through the Danish Chargé ďAffaires at Petrograd, the Danish Consul-General at Moscow, and representatives of the Swedish Red Cross Society. Two representatives of the British Red Cross Society are at present in Finland arranging for the regular delivery of parcels to these prisoners through His Majesty's Consul at Helsingfors.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men serving in the Royal Air Force in connection with the seaplane base, Malta, who have been on the island for about two and a half years without any home leave, made a request toward the end of last year for leave and permission to finish the time intervening for demobilisation at a home station; whether he is aware that the request was made through the proper channels to the major and to the commanding officer for permission to put the case before the group officer; whether he is aware that the question was dismissed as frivolous, and a warning given that a similar request would result in the senior hand being arrested and court-martialled; whether this sort of treatment of men for taking legitimate constitutional action has his approval; and whether, in view of the report that there are three times the number of men at Malta to do less than half the work there was in war-time, steps can be taken to grant home leave?

An application, as indicated in the first part of the question, was made at the end of last year through the proper channels, and so far as reliefs were available for carrying on the necessary work of the station, the men concerned have been sent home for demobilisation. I am informed that there is no truth whatever in the statement that the request for drafting to the home establishment was dismissed as frivolous. I would add that the present strength of the unit in question is less than 30 per cent. of its establishment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state the method being adopted to dispose of surplus Army boots, new and repaired; and whether, in order that working men may be given facilities to purchase these boots at a reasonable price direct from the department, he will favourably consider the possibility of putting up in post offices a notice advising would-be purchasers where to apply in writing and the prices for the various kinds and sizes?

The problem of supplying the public at reasonable prices has already been carefully considered by the Department, and has been met by giving the small buyer throughout the United Kingdom, after advertisement in the local press, the opportunity of acquiring small or assorted sizes of either unrepaired or repaired discarded Army boots on equal terms to the large buyer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that it was decided to add interest at 5 per cent. to the two-thirds instalment of the bounty granted under ArmyOrdrs 209 of 1916 and 222 of 1918, which was withheld pending the discharge of the men who had earned it, he will consider the addition of a like rate of interest to the second and subsequent instalments of the bounties payable to men who re-engage for the Regular Army under Army Order 4 of 1919, and to war gratuities in the cases of men whose discharge will not fall due until some considerable time after their maximum gratuity has been earned?

Only a part of the old bounty was paid when it was earned, and interest was allowed or the balance deferred. The new bounties have been promised for payment as they are earned, and the question of interest does not, therefore, arise. The question of the date of payment of the war gratuity to men retained for the Armies of Occupation is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that many Regular soldiers were debarred from participation in the re-engagement bounties under Army Order 4 of 1919, on the ground that they were just over the age of thirty-five, whereas the age limit for the Armies of Occupation is now apparently fixed at thirty-seven, he will consider an Amendment to Army Order 4, so as to make it applicable to all Regular soldiers who are not above the age of thirty-seven?

I will consider this point.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, under a recent Order, gratuities are to be paid on an officer's last substantive or temporary rank; whether acting rank is disregarded; if so, what is the difference between acting and temporary rank; and if it is intended that an officer who has held acting rank for a considerable period should be treated differently to one who has held temporary rank?

An Army Order dealing with the question of acting rank will be issued in the course of the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of granting extra pension or gratuity to warrant officers or non-commissioned officers of the old Army who were called up from the Reserve, or had been retired at the commencement of the War, in view of the invaluable nature of their services in the training of the New Armies?

I regret that I am unable to adopt this suggestion. These men had the full benefit of the Regulations, and where men of all classes have rendered such magnificent services, I do not think discrimination would be justified.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that on mobilisation an officer of the Special Reserve receives an outfit allowance of £50, whereas under paragraph 671 (Allowance Regulations) other officers receive £100; further, on demobilisation, under paragraph 497 (Royal Warrant for Pay), Special Reserve officers get a higher scale of gratuity, but those who are ex-Regular officers in the Special Reserve only receive the lower scale under paragraph 497; and whether, therefore, he is prepared to remove an anomaly by which ex-Regular officers serving in the Special Reserve receive the lower mobilisation grant because they are in the Special Reserve, whilst on demobilisation they receive the lower gratuity on the grounds that they are ex-Regular officers?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. There is no connection between the two grants. The £100 grant for outfit was a maximum grant, and was reduced to £50 for officers rejoining after the 4th December, 1914. The lower gratuity, as is clearly stated in the Warrant, is determined by the fact that the officer retired from the Regular Army with retired pay (or a gratuity), and not on the ground that he is an ex-Regular officer. Such officers receive full pay and retired pay whilst employed. It is not proposed to make any alteration in the Regulations.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that there are, or were until recently, twenty-one special companies of Royal Engineers in the British Expeditionary Force, France, which are commanded in every case by a major, acting; and whether it is a fact that it is now proposed to assess the gratuities of these officers on the pay of captains or lieutenants in spite of the fact that in many cases these officers have had the responsibility of commanding these companies for three years?

As already stated, the whole question of acting rank as affecting gratuity is under consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will consider the grant of a further bonus on war pensions, in view of the fact that the bonus of 20 per cent. already granted does not nearly represent the increased cost of living; and whether he will arrange to have this bonus and any further bonus that may be granted added to all service and alternative pensions as well as ordinary disablement and dependants' pensions?

The bonus of 20 per cent. is not designed to meet the increase in cost of living since the beginning of the War, pensions and allowances having been repeatedly raised since 1914, and I do not think that it can be regarded as inadequate. The question of extending the bonus to certain other classes of disability pensions is under consideration. Service pensions are not administered by the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any of the national factories or other Government establishments which are now being disposed of by sale have been sold to private firms in accordance with agreements or understandings arrived at between the Ministry and the firms concerned, either at the time of their construction or subsequently before the cessation of hostilities; if so, to what number of factories this applies; and whether a statement showing the full terms of any such sales, actual or proposed, will be laid upon the Table of the House in sufficient time to enable criticism, if necessary, to be directed upon the proposed terms of sale before the transfer is actually carried through?

There are twelve cases of national factories, in connection with which an option or agreement exists for purchase by a private firm. Although no actual contract has yet been signed, negotiations for sale have been practically completed in regard to two of these factories; in one case the firm was under an obligation to purchase and in the other the firm had an option. To publish the terms on which these negotiations are based before the transactions are actually completed would seriously prejudice the interests of the Government in dealing with the disposal of factories and other properties on which firms may possess an option, and which cannot therefore be disposed of by public auction or tender.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes at an early date to explain the Government's policy with regard to the utilisation of those national factories and other Government establishments created during the War which are retained in the hands of the Government; whether it is proposed to utilise these factories in order to produce goods for sale in the open market and goods required by the Government or by local authorities for public works; and whether he will give an assurance that the full utilisation of these factories for the manufacture of articles required by the Government or local authorities will be carried out?

The Government do not propose to utilise these factories to produce goods for sale in the open market but they are considering the possibility of devoting some of them to the production of goods required for public services. If there is a general desire for a discussion on this subject I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House would be prepared to arrange for it.

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, and I hope to make a statement shortly in regard to it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether civilian observers employed in flying at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough are not entitled to any compensation for accidents under the Workmen's Compensation Acts nor to the same compensation as soldiers would receive in the event of an accident; and whether he can state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Any civilian observer employed by the Royal Aircraft Establishment, South Farnborough, whose remuneration does not exceed £250 per annum, and who sustains an injury arising out of and in the course of his employment, would be dealt with under the terms of the Workmen's Compensation Acts or of the Government scheme there under, if he had accepted the latter. A civilian observer of that establishment with remuneration exceeding £250 per annum would be dealt with in accordance with the terms of a special Warrant of the Treasury under Section 1 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, a copy of which is being transmitted to my Noble Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements could be made under which discharged disabled officers and soldiers might be afforded the opportunity of purchasing surplus Government cars and motor cycles at a cheap rate either for cash or deferred payments, more especially for those who are severely disabled and who have great difficulty in getting about at present?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne on the 13th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will grant a Return showing the areas of public lands alienated to private owners throughout the Punjab in each of the last ten years; whether he is aware that the capitalists are buying this land; and whether the policy will be held up till the province acquires some form of self-government?

The Secretary of State will ask the Government of India to supply the desired figures, if they can readily be made available, and to report whether the aggregation of these lands in the hands of capitalists is such as to make it desirable to reconsider the policy adopted in disposing of the public domain.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the re-arrest, after acquittal, of one Maiku at Farrukabad; and whether he will make inquiries into the continued imprisonment of this acquitted man?

The Secretary of State understands that Maiku was acquitted on a charge of dacoity, but was re-arrested in order to be brought before a magistrate under a Section of the Criminal Procedure Code, which provides for the taking of security for good behaviour from habitual offenders. From a newspaper report of the case it appears that application for a revision of these further proceedings has been made to the High Court at Allahabad, and is being dealt with by that Court.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the custom is developing in the Punjab of making assignments of public land revenue, called jagirs, to private grantees, many being rich men; and whether this mortgaging of the future resources of the State will be stopped pending the establishment of some form of self-government?

The granting of jagirs, or assignments of land revenue by way of reward for public services, is an ancient Indian custom which is still common in native States. In the Punjab the local Government is empowered to make such grants, in recognition of meritorius public service, not exceeding the yearly value of Rs. 1,000 in each case, up to an aggregate of Rs. 5,000 in each year. The grants are for life, but may be continued by the local Government at half-rates to one of the grantee's descendants for his lifetime. They are resumable in the event of misconduct. The Local Government and the Government of India consider this method of reward to be of great political value. The Secretary of State does not propose to interfere with the practice.

asked the Secretary of State for India (l) whether a British Service officer appointed on the staff of an Indian formation of the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force receives only British rates of pay, whilst an Indian Army officer appointed to a British formation also only gets British rates of pay; and why such expedients are adopted to reduce the pay of officers serving in more arduous, unhealthy, and dangerous fields than that which falls to the lot of the Army in India; and (2) why British officers serving in India have their pay reduced on proceeding to the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force?

I have been asked to answer these questions. A British Service officer who was not in India on the 4th August, 1914, and therefore was not promised that he should retain his Indian pay, draws the British rate of Staff pay if appointed to an Indian formation. An Indian Army officer appointed to a British Staff draws the British rate, or may retain the Indian rate of his substantive appointment if more advantageous. In neither case is there any reduction of an officer's existing emoluments. These decisions have been arrived at after the fullest consideration of the difficulties arising from the clashing of the British and Indian pay codes in mixed forces in the various theatres of war. As regards my Noble Friend's second question, the rate of pay of British regimental officers is at identical Indian rates whether serving in India or Mesopotamia.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the demand on the part of teachers for an increase in their salaries to meet the high cost of living and the inability of local education authorities to meet these demands, he will favourably consider the possibility of the three-fifths Grant made by the Government being increased to four-fifths?

I do not feel justified in asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consider so substantial a modification of the formula on which Grants in aid of elementary education are calculated. As regards specially necessitous areas, I would refer the hon. Member to Article 6 of the Draft Regulations for the substantive Grant for elementary education, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that constables of the Metropolitan Police Force, who served over thirty years and were pensioned before 1st September, 1918, receive a lower rate of pension than those who retired after that date, who have only served twenty-six years; and whether he will take steps to have this anomaly rectified by an amending Bill to the Police (Pensions) Act, 1918?

I regret that it is impossible, as regards any increase of existing pensions, to distinguish police pensions from Civil Service and other pensions, and that I cannot undertake to introduce legislation on the lines suggested.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that a widow of a police constable who died after 1st September, 1918, is entitled to a pension, whereas widows now living of men who served thirty to forty years are receiving nothing, he will take the necessary steps to amend the Police (Pensions) Act, 1918, so as to treat all widows of the police in the same manner?

A proposal to this effect was discussed and negatived when the Police Bill was under discussion in this House last November. It would involve a very heavy charge on public funds, and I do not see my way to proposing fresh legislation on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he intends to extend the provisions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, to protect tenants in England who occupy a house at a rent of £35 per annum, the net rateable value of which, as shown by the demand note, is only £26?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is the intention of the Government to extend the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act for such a period as will enable local authorities to meet the present lack of housing accommodation by a rapid development of their housing schemes, in conformity with the needs of the population?

In reply to these questions, I can only refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on Monday last to somewhat similar questions addressed to him by the hon. Members for Finchley and Dartford.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has yet come to any decision as to the possibility of supplying temporary accommodation in areas where the scarcity of houses is causing particular distress and unrest; and if, in such cases as Barry, in the county of Glamorgan, where a military hutted camp exists in close proximity to the town, he will consider the advisability of making such arrangements with the military authorities as will leave these huts free to be adapted for civilian occupation?

I am giving careful consideration to the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion, and hope to be able to come to a decision at a very early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the inconvenience and loss that is occasioned to tenants of small and middle-class houses; whether it is a fact that a large number of landlords are serving tenants with notice to quit unless they purchase the property at very high prices; and what steps the Government intend to take to mitigate this evil in view of the great shortage of this class of house?

I can add nothing to the various replies which have already been given on this subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the extensive unemployment existing throughout the country amongst the workers in the building, public works, and allied trades, he will indicate when it is proposed to proceed with the various housing schemes, new roads, or other public utility works?

Works of public utility are now in progress to a considerable extent, and every effort is being made to facilitate the commencement of other works of that character. The Local Government Board are making arrangements for expediting the preparation and execution of housing schemes, and their inspectors are conferring with the local authorities with a view to bringing into operation, as rapidly as possible, schemes of public utility calculated to provide employment.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps are being taken to secure that doctors who have served in the Royal Army Medical Corps should have first claim for medical employment in Government offices or in part-time work; and whether he will give an assurance that such members of the medical service who have made considerable professional sacrifices will have due consideration for any such appointments?

A list is kept at the Board's offices of medical officers who have served in the R.A.M.C., Naval or Air Force Medical Services, and who wish to apply for medical employment on the Board, and due consideration will be given to such officers when medical appointments are being made.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the Departmental Committee appointed last year to consider the question of superannuation to local government officers has completed its Report; and, if so, will he state the intentions of his Department with regard to it?

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers have not yet completed their inquiry.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can see his way in the near future, with a view to the prevention of insanity and the reduction of our asylum expenditure, to encourage county and borough councils and other local authorities to supply or aid the supply of homes intended for the recovery of early and uncertifiable mental cases, and secure that, for the encouragement of voluntary applicants, such homes should be kept entirely apart from lunacy administration?

The suggestion made by the hon. Member is one which has been under the consideration of the Departments concerned. The whole matter will be reviewed with cognate questions in connection with the establishment of a Ministry of Health.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps are being taken, both in research and in practical measures, to arrest the present epidemic of influenzal pneumonia; and if he will cause a gratuitous supply of the electrolytic disinfectant, produced in large quantities at trifling cost by the authorities of the borough of Poplar, to be made available in all parts of the Metropolis?

Researches into various points relating to the nature and cause of influenza, and the measures which are of practical value in preventing its spread, are being actively undertaken in my own Department, by investigation of the Medical Research Committee, and by many other observers in different countries. The present position of these researches was referred to in the Memorandum on Prevention of Influenza issued by the Local Government Board last week. The electrolytic disinfectant referred to is supplied by the Public Health Department of the Poplar Borough Council for use, after suitable dilution, as a gargle or for irrigation of the nose. A weak solution of chlorine, such as is made by this disinfectant, or the weak solution of permanganate of potash recommended in the Board's circular or other similar antiseptics, are of value in the prevention of influenza when used as a gargle or for nasal irrigation. Local authorities are authorised to provide such solutions within their districts with the Board's sanction, which was signified in the circular letter to local authorities of 4th November, 1918.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions are at present placed upon the importation of cotton hosiery; and whether it is intended at an early date to make any and what change in the existing practice?

The ration of import of cotton hosiery for the year ending 22nd February was 50 per cent. of 1916. The amount of the new ration is at present under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that dissatisfaction is being caused to the manufacturers of brushes in this country, who have been prohibited from exporting during the last few years, owing to the fact that the Japanese are exporting to this country poor quality low-priced brushes; and if it is the intention of the Board of Trade to take any steps in the matter?

A general licence has been in existence for some time in respect of brooms and brushes. The question of its withdrawal in order that the Board of Trade may regain control over imports has been receiving the attention of His Majesty's Government, and an announcement on the subject will shortly be made. The situation will be carefully watched from the point of view expressed in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to their serious effect upon the leather trade of this country, he is prepared to remove the restrictions on the import of finished leather?

This matter has been under careful consideration for some time in consultation with the various Departments interested. Temporary general licences have already been issued for certain types of leather—chiefly glove leather—and further relaxations will be authorised as soon as all the circumstances permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures, if any, are being taken to provide that the standard uniform as authorised by Order in Council shall be worn by officers of the Mercantile Marine; and whether the necessary steps are being taken to make it an offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations for an unauthorised person to wear the standard uniform?

It is not proposed to take measures to make the wearing of the standard uniform compulsory for Mercantile Marine officers. It is already an offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations for an unauthorised person to wear the uniform.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many officers and servants there are in the Petrol Control Department; what was the total amount of their salaries; and what were the total receipts from petrol licences during the year 1918?

The number of persons at present employed by the Petrol Control Department is 438, including messengers and charwomen. The total amount of salaries and wages paid during the year 1918 was £39,620. This figure does not include the cost of ten Civil servants lent by other Departments, whose salaries total about £4,000 per annum. The total receipts from Motor Spirit Licence Duty during the year 1918 were £278,091. I may add that until the beginning of the present year the principal function of the Department was to control the consumption of petrol, but now that it exists only for the purpose of collecting the Licence Duty, its procedure has been simplified, and it is anticipated that the cost of the Department will now decrease while the revenue collected will increase.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a serious shortage of coal for domestic purposes exists at Shildon, county Durham; that the prevalent sickness is much aggravated in consequence of this; if he is further aware that meanwhile large quantities of coal are being sent from local collieries for shipment; and if he will take steps to ensure an adequate supply for local needs?

No information has been received which would indicate a serious shortage. The outstanding orders unexecuted are only returned at 43 tons, or about two days' trade. Inquiry is being made locally whether any unusual circumstances have arisen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether London brewers are restricted in brewing stout to an average gravity of 1,032, whereas Dublin brewers are granted an average gravity of 1,047; and, if so, if he will give the reason why the London brewers are not allowed to brew up to the same strength as those carrying on this industry in Dublin?

I have been asked to reply. The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. London brewers are not under the restriction suggested. The latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the officers' employment bureau is placed in touch with the various Government Departments with a view to finding employment for medical officers who have served in the War?

It is presumed that the hon. and gallant Member refers to the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry of National Service is responsible for the demobilisation of qualified medical men in His Majesty's forces. Medical men are registered, and informed of openings for Government or private appointments.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the date of publication of the latest directory of industrial associations; whether this has now become very largely obsolete; and whether it is possible to arrange for an early reissue of this volume?

The latest edition of this directory was published in April, 1917. Since that date there have been many changes among the Associations and Trade Unions included, and a considerable number of new organisations, both among employers and among workpeople, have been formed. A revised edition of the directory is now being prepared and will be published within a few weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the period for receiving out-of-work donations will, in a large number of cases, expire next week; and, if so, whether it is proposed to extend this period of payment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hendon on the 24th February.

asked the Minister of Labour whether an insured person who attained the age of seventy more than fifteen months ago, and thereupon ceased to be employed and to be insured under the National Health Insurance Act, is now entitled to claim the out-of-work donation?

A person falling within this description would be entitled to out-of-work donation under the scheme subject to his satisfying the governing conditions. He must, among other things, be capable of work and be prepared to accept suitable employment if offered to him.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to the inhabitants of Bridlington owing to there being no delivery of letters before 10.30 a.m.; and whether he intends taking any action to restore the early delivery of letters?

The North Eastern Railway Company are restoring the 5.50 a.m. train from Hull on the 1st March next, and the first delivery of letters at Bridlington will then be due to commence at 8.10 a.m. instead of at 9.30 a.m. as at present.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters to and from London and Berne, Switzerland, still take as long as eight days in transit and sometimes longer, whilst communications between other towns of the United Kingdom and other parts of Switzerland are often considerably more protracted; whether the delay takes place within his jurisdiction or elsewhere; and whether steps can be taken to remedy this impediment to an immediate resumption of business relations?

In consequence of the congestion on the railway and steamship services between London and Paris, and of the great difficulties of railway communication on the Continent generally, the course of post between the United Kingdom and Switzerland is necessarily much longer than in normal times. Further unavoidable delay, for which the Post Office has no responsibility, is occasioned by the censorship of correspondence in London. Every effort is being made by my Department and by the Chief Postal Censor to reduce delays to a minimum; and I am in communication with the French Post Office as to the possibility of a general improvement in the mail services with France and countries served through France.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that no certificate of hostile occupation exists in regard to Baku, and that trade between this country and that part of the Caucasus is consequently legal; and why a registered letter addressed by a British oil company to its Baku office was returned as recently as 14th February marked "Commercial papers, service suspended?"

It has not yet been possible to arrange for the transmission of registered correspondence to South Russia and Caucasia, and the letter in question was probably returned because it had been wrongly accepted for registration. If the hon. and gallant Member will send me the cover of the letter, I will have further inquiry made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if it is the case that fruit baskets can be imported from abroad and sold at a cheaper rate than they can be produced in this country; and whether, having regard to the development of this industry during the War, especially among blind soldiers, steps will be taken to protect it?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The question involved is not one of comparative cheapness. The important point is to secure a quick and constant supply of serviceable baskets, without which it would be impossible to move fruit and other perishables on the railways with the necessary rapidity and safety. I can, however, assure the hon. and gallant Member that the important consideration set out in the last part of the question is being constantly kept in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he purposes taking any step to control the price of binder twine in order that its present enhanced price of 146s. per cwt. may be brought down to something approaching pre-war prices of about 40s.?

As part of the general policy of the resumption of normal trading conditions at the earliest moment, it was decided to discontinue the control of the sale of binder twine. The high price at which this article is at present offered for sale is governed almost entirely by the price of the raw material from which it is made. I am advised that it is now being sold at considerably less than 146s. per cwt., but that there is no immediate probability that the price will approximate the pre-war figure.