asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has considered the desirability of ensuring a cheap, rapid, and judicial method of valuation in respect of land required for building purposes; and, in that case, what decision has been arrived at?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Durham on Wednesday last.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that two evictions are pending in Isleworth in the case of families who between them have provided the country with six soldiers; and whether he can do anything pending the passing of a Bill?

This is not a matter in which I have any authority to intervene.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware that the inadequate housing accommodation at Chepstow is causing hardship to the workpeople employed there, particularly to railway employés imported into the district who are not given the same consideration as the shipyard employés, and that the position is now aggravated owing to local farmers having served notice to quit upon a number of tenants in order to give immediate possession to farm workers recently returned from the Colours, which will result in a number of railway men and their families being deprived of a home or shelter; in view of the urgency of this matter, whether he will state what steps have been taken by the Government to push forward their housing scheme in this district; and what immediate provision will be made for the families who are about to be entirely deprived of housing accommodation?

I am aware that the hack of accommodation at Chepstow is causing inconvenience to the workpeople employed in that district. The housing scheme was to provide accommodation for workers at the national shipyards, of whom there is a long waiting-list, but efforts have been made in urgent cases to provide for railway employés also. Every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the houses, and it is hoped that a further fifty-eight houses will be ready for occupation by the end of £this month. I am informed that no railway employés occupying dwellings on Government property at the national shipyards have been evicted or have received notices of eviction in order to provide accommodation for farm workers who have been demobilised, or for any other reason. Inquiries are being made as to whether such notices of eviction have been served on railway men in the neighbourhood, and, if such is the case, the authorities at the national shipyards will endeavour to assist in providing accommodation for them.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to issue at an early date a Report of the War Cabinet for 1918 in continuation of the 1917 Report?

The War Cabinet Report for 1918 is under preparation, and it is hoped to issue it in the course of a few weeks.

asked the Prime Minister whether Sir George Gibb, previously the general manager of the North-Eastern Railway Company, has resigned the chairmanship of the Road Board in order to return to the service of that company; and whether it is his intention to appoint to the chairmanship of the Board someone who has practical knowledge of the problem of roads and road traffic, and who has the requisite capacity for carrying out the programme on the faith of which Parliament agreed in 1909 to his scheme for the establishment of the Road Board?

Sir George Gibb is continuing to act as Chairman of the Road Board until permanent arrangements can be decided upon as a result of the consideration by Parliament of the Bill for the establishment of a Ministry of Ways and Communications.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it will be possible for taxpayers assessed quarterly to be assessed for the year commencing 6th April, 1919, on the average of the three preceding years, where there is evidence of the earnings for each of the quarters during that period, and thus bring them on to the same basis of assessment as other employés?

Many classes of tax-payers, as well as weekly wage earners are assessable to Income Tax upon the basis of their current earnings and not upon a three years' average, for example members of His Majesty's Forces, Government employés, 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 if, in the selection of members of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, care will be taken to ensure the representation of the interests of those who are liable to pay a double tax in respect of incomes received from the Dominions and India?

My right hon. Friend is in communication with the Secretary of State for the Colonies on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since a claim for repayment of Income Tax by a woman living with her husband cannot be made until the end of the year of assessment, he will extend the time under which notice may be given?

As my hon. Friend will recall, the time limit within which applications for separate assessment in such cases can be made was fully discussed in connection with the first Finance Bill of 1914, and it was felt that an extension of the date was precluded on practical grounds.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Post Office servants invalided from the Army because of disabilities caused by military service, who are temporarily unable to carry out their Post Office duties, have all sick leave entered on their records, which records will militate against them during all the subsequent service; whether he is aware that the ordinary Regulations entailing half-pay after six months' absence and no pay after twelve months' absence, are rigidly enforced in these cases, despite the fact that the Treasury Regulations were designed for altogether different conditions; and whether, in consideration of the services rendered to the country by these men whilst in the Army, the Government will grant a more liberal period of sick leave on full pay to all disabled Civil servants, and endeavour to remedy all cases of hardship which have occurred?

The rules as regards Civil sick leave are correctly stated in the first two parts, of the question, and I donot see ground for modifying the present instructions which were issued after very full consideration. I may point out that the primary responsibility for meeting the case of Civil servants as of other soldiers invalided from the Army rests with the Pensions Ministry, anl the sick leave privileges granted under the normal Civil Service rules represent a benefit beyond what the ordinary private employé would obtain.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Imperial War Museum are anxious to include a collection of photographs of all officers of His Majesty's Services; and whether he concurs in the expenditure which such a collection will entail on the public purse?

The Committee of the Imperial War Museum have issued a notice inviting relatives of officers and men of His Majesty's Forces who have lost their lives during the War to present photographs of them for preservation in the Museum. It is not expected that this collection will involve any considerable expenditure, and I do not think that this is a matter on which the Treasury should interfere with the discretion of the Committee.

asked the Food Controller whether 500 tons of raw cocoa have recently been allocated at the British controlled price to the Dutch firm of Van Houtens for use by them in their factories in Holland upon an arrangement that they shall return 80 per rent., or some other proportion of the resultant products, to this country; and whether such arrangement will in effect enable Van Houtens to dump their foreign-made goods in this country at a cheap price in competition with British firms who have at the request of the Government during the War incurred heavy cost for the express purpose of producing here a supply of the same goods?

Vouchers entitling Messrs. Van Houten, Limited, to purchase 500 tons of raw cocoa were recently issued to them by the Raw Cocoa Distribution Committee of the Ministry of Food. Subject to the agreement of the importers concerned to issue contracts in exchange for the vouchers, Messrs. Van Houten will obtain the raw cocoa in question at the prices ruling under the Haw Cocoa (Prices) Order, 1918. In this event I understand that the War Trade Department will be prepared to grant to Messrs. Van Houten licences to export the 500 tons of raw cocoa for use by them in their factories in Holland conditional on their returning to this country 95 per cent. of the resultant products. As it will be necessary for the firm to pay the appropriate duty on the importation of the resultant products and in addition the freight both on the raw cocoa from this country to Holland and on the resultant products from Holland to this country, they will not be so favourably placed as British firms who obtain similar raw cocoa at the same prices, and it is in consequence not likely that the competition to which the hon. Member refers will arise. I may add that the Raw Cocoa Distribution Committee is composed of representatives of every section of the cocoa and chocolate manufacturers, elected by the trade.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution from the National Association of Insurance Committees in Ireland, representative of 900,000 industrial workers, demanding the establishment of a separate Ministry of Health for Ireland; and whether, in view of this and other recommendations from similar representative bodies throughout the country, he will consider the advisability of carrying out the suggestion contained in the resolution?

The resolution referred to has been received. The Government was strongly urged by very impor- tant sections of the medical profession in Ireland, and by Irish representative societies and bodies interested in health matters to extend the provisions of the present Bill to Ireland, and, having regard to such representations, agreed to do so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether privileged assistant teachers who have been deprived of positions as principals owing to amalgamation of schools are entitled to the same remuneration as if they had continued to be recognised as principals; does service as privileged assistant qualify for the same promotion and increment as if the teacher had continued to serve as principal of the separate school; whether highly efficient privileged assistants who, before amalgamation were principals of schools with an average attendance of at least 140 pupils, are eligible to receive a bonus in addition to grade salary on the same conditions as highly efficient principal teachers; how many privileged assistants have received the bonus; whether application for this bonus has been made on be half of one of the privileged assistants in Brown Street School, Belfast; is it a fact that the manager of the school has been advised that payment cannot be made on the ground that the teacher's service as principal before amalgamation was not reported as highly efficient; were the lower reports received more than ten years ago; will the proposed action of the Board in this case form a precedent for its future policy; can reports received so long previously now be taken into account in considering a teacher's claim to increased remuneration; is it proposed that such reports should prejudice the claim for bonus and on what grounds; does the Board intend to pay this teacher in future a salary lower than could have been earned in the separate school; would such action be in accordance with the provisions of rule 179 (f) of the code; and, if not, will he recommend to the Board that the decision in this case should be revised?

Under the regulations governing the new scales of payment for national school teachers which took effect from 1st April, 1917, the Commissioners of National Education were empowered to grant to principal teachers of schools with an average daily attendance of 140 pupils or above a supplemental salary of £30 per annum rising by incre- ments of £5 to a maximum of £50 per annum, provided that the service of these teachers was reported to be highly efficient. There were at that time serving in national schools three teachers who had formerly been principals of schools of the size mentioned above, which schools had been amalgamated with other schools in the vicinity; after amalgamation these teachers were recognised as privileged assistants in the amalgamated schools, and in accordance with the terms of Rule 179 (f) of the Commissioners' Code, were entitled to receive salaries not less than those of which they were in receipt as principals and to continue to be eligible for the award of increments and promotion on the same conditions as applied to them when they were serving as principal teachers prior to the amalgamation of their schools. The claims of these privileged assistants to the award of the supplemental salary were considered by the Commissioners in connection with the new regulations of 1917, and it was found that in the case of one of them the service rendered as principal was of a highly efficient character. Supplemental salary was awarded to this teacher with the special sanction of the Treasury. One of the teachers referred to, who is now serving as privileged assistant in Brown Street National School, Belfast, was principal teacher of Campbell's Row National School down to 30th June, 1910, after which date these two schools were amalgamated. The latter school had an average attendance in excess of 140 pupils. The manager of Brown Street National School made application last year for the payment of supplemental salary to the privileged assistant, but in view of the fact that her service as principal teacher of the Campbell's Row National School was not reported to be highly efficient the manager's request has not been granted. The claim for this supplemental salary which is given on account of service rendered in the capacity of principal teacher must be determined by the Commissioners in the light of the only available evidence in the case, that is, the manner in which the claimant discharged her duties when she occupied the position of principal teacher of a school with an average attendance of 140 pupils, and as her service in that position did not comply with the condition on which the new grant is dependent, namely, that of high efficience, it is regretted that the manager's application on her behalf could not be favourably entertained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty between what dates, after vacating the position of First Sea Lord, was Lord Jellicoe on half-pay; and whether, during the period of half-pay, he was employed on any work for which a special rate of pay was given?

Lord Jellicoe was on half-pay from 15th February, 1918, to 19th February, 1919, both dates inclusive. During this period of half-pay he was twice employed on Committees, and in respect of this service he received the difference between half and full pay for the days of actual employment, which amounted to seventeen and fourteen days respectively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a Regulation was issued during the War forbidding officers to keep diaries or to publish extracts from diaries?

No order was issued forbidding officers to keep diaries, but orders were issued prohibiting the inclusion of certain information. The publication of any naval information by persons belonging to the Fleet is subject to Article 14 of the King's Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the great delay in the repatriation of the officers and men who came from the River Plate to serve in the War; and if he will instruct the authorities dealing with this matter to consult with the honorary secretary of the River Plate Contingent Committee with a view to avoiding, as far as possible, the hardships from which these men are now suffering?

The shipping for South America has been seriously delayed by the strike in Buenos Aires and the arrangements for repatriation have been further restricted by the new Argentine Emigration Law. The result has been that there have been practically no sailings to South America during the month of March. It is expected, however, that the position will improve rapidly in April, and become as nearly normal during that month as the present world shortage of shipping will permit. An inquiry bureau has now been formed at the Repatriation Camp, Winchester, and facilities will shortly be given for a representative of the River Plate Contingent Committee to interview South Americans at this inquiry bureau.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council can now issue definite and decisive orders to all general officers commanding instructing them, not merely authorising them, to release mechanical transport non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Army Service Corps who enlisted before 1916, and for whose employment in civil life the Demobilisation and Resettlement Department of the Ministry of Labour have, after very searching local inquiries, expressed their entire satisfaction, and have intimated their satisfaction accordingly to the various responsible commanders of the British Army?

I cannot entertain my hon. Friend's proposal to treat men of the Royal Army Service Corps preferentially to men in other branches of the Service. As has often been stated in this House, demobilisation is at all times subject to the exigencies of the Service, and men who are otherwise eligible for demobilisation are nevertheless liable to retention for the purpose of the military machinery of demobilisation until they can be relieved or their services dispensed with. Every effort is being made to replace men so retained as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Robert Watt, No. 205572, Motor Transport, Army Service Corps, attached 253rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrsion Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, France, formerly manager of Messrs. Macfarlane and Gilmour's motor garage, Helensburgh, has been informed that, unless he can now obtain his release his position cannot be kept open for him; and whether his case can receive prior consideration, he being already over thirty-five years of age, especially if it is found that by having taken the date 1st January, 1916, more men are being retained than are required?

Private R. Watt is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, and his demboilisation is dependent on his being eligible under Army Order 55, of 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Sergeant R. L. Mesney, No. 85810, 56th general hospital, British Expeditionay Force, France, who is forty-one years of age, category B3, and owning a one-man business, namely a dispensary at Uffculme, Devon, has not yet been demobilised though all the necessary forms have been complied with and acknowledged, and all English patients have been evacuated from the hospital at which he is now dispenser?

Instructions concerning the release of Sergeant Mesney have already been issued and he will no doubt be released in due course. Inquiries will be made into the cause of the delay, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Army Order of 29th January, 1919, officers and men are still eligible for release on pivotal and special grounds, provided they were registered by the War Office as pivotal before the 1st February, 1919, or that recommendations for their special release were received by the War Office from the Ministry of Labour before that date, he will grant the release of those officers and men who, possessing claims for release on pivotal and special grounds, have returned from captivity as prisoners of war so late as to prevent their completing the necessary formalities in time to ensure their registration as pivotal by the War Office before the 1st of February, 1919, or their recommendation for special release by the Minister of Labour before that date?

Any eases involving special hardship which are brought to notice will receive consideration, each case being treated on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have been demobilised since 11th November, 1918; how many of this number enlisted in 1914, in 1915, in 1916, in 1917, and in 1918; and what proportion of the total are A1 category?

The total number of officers and men who have been dispersed up to twelve noon of the 9th instant is 44,653 officers and 1,756,387 other ranks, Of these 38,812 officers have been transferred to the unemployed list, and 1,484,974 other ranks have been, or will, on the completion of twenty-eight days'furlough, be transferred to the Reserve; 5,775 officers have been gazetted out of the Service, and 233,600 other ranks have been discharged. Included in the grand total are 66 officers and 37,813 other ranks, who, after having passed through dispersal stations, have proceeded on leave, and will be included in the after-war Army. I regret that the further information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

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

I am informed that instructions have been given for Private Jones to be demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether 1914 and 1915 men belonging to the signal companies of the Royal Engineers are not being demobilised in the ordinary way but are considered as part of the Army of Occupation; and, if so, whether he can take steps to obviate this hardship to these men?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that demobilisation is at all times subject to the exigencies of the Service, and that men who are otherwise eligible for demobilisation are nevertheless liable to retention for the purposes of the military machinery of demobilisation, until they can be relieved or their services dispensed with. No doubt there are officers and men of the signal service who are so retained, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that every effort is being made to replace them as early as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider the desirability of considering compassionate grounds as a claim for effecting the immediate demobilisation of men who enlisted in 1914–15?

Men whose release on extreme compassionate grounds is ordered by the War Office or approved by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief receive priority of release, but it is not possible to guarantee that they will in all cases be demobilised forthwith. They are, however, demobilised as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the decision that temporary captains or majors of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) who, at the time of their demobilisation, are holding higher rank temporarily and may have held it for many months, shall only receive gratuities calculated on their last substantive rank, has been again under consideration; if so, with what result; and, if not, will the matter be reconsidered with the view of granting gratuities calculated on acting rank?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the further instructions dealing with this matter which will be issued almost immediately.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the terms of enlistment for men who volunteered, before the introduction of the Conscription Act, for three years' service or the duration of the War, any man who, through age or medical category, would not be subject to the Conscription Act as at present enforced would be entitled to consider himself automatically demobilised on the signing of the terms of peace?

No, Sir; no soldier is at any time or under any circumstances entitled to consider himself automatically demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the Army of Occupation is based on the principle of voluntary service or if soldiers can be selected for this Army without their consent; and if, in any case, it will be arranged that married men should not be taken while there are suitable single men available?

The explanatory note on the Armies of Occupation which I issued on the 29th January indicates the principles on which these Armies are being formed. I will send my hon. Friend a copy. Volunteers for one year's service at a time from among men who would otherwise be entitled to release are being accepted, but in order to secure the large number of men required, it is considered necessary to provide by legislation for the retention of sufficient men for a certain period after the termination of the War. A Bill for this purpose is now before the House. With regard to the suggestion in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I regret that I cannot undertake to make any arrangement of the kind. Length of service, age, and wounds are the main considerations governing release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether captains of Line regiments are receiving a higher rate of pay than captain-quartermasters; and whether, in view of the responsibilities of the latter class of officers in the matter of the custody of commissariat, they will be more favourably treated as regards the bonus?

The pay of quarter masters depends not upon their rank, but upon their length of commissioned service. During the War they have been granted the rank of captain before reaching the rate of pay (13s. 6d. a day) which is drawn by captains in Line regiments. The bonus given to the Armies of Occupation follows the rate of pay. The responsibilities of quartermasters were fully held in view in making these arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the quantity of coal which is now being supplied to the German prisoners' camp at Brocken hurst for the purpose of heating water for baths; and whether, in view of the abundance of Crown wood fuel in the immediate vicinity of the camp, he can see his way to order the substitution of wood for coal, and so enable the cottagers to obtain a little coal?

I have no information at present. Inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty have now recognised and approved the principle of lower deck representation, it is now proposed to recognise the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Union or any other organisation in the military or air forces?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any steps are being taken to augment the pensions of retired Army quartermasters in view of the increased cost of living?

The decision not to grant a war bonus on the service retired pay of officers applies to quartermasters as to other officers.

asked the Pensions Minister if the increase of pension granted to soldiers, serving on for pension, who have gained any distinction, such as the Distinguished Conduct Medal, may be granted to a pre-war pensioned non-commissioned officer who whilst holding a commission has been awarded the Military Cross?

No, Sir, it is not proposed to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of offering a reward of 500 marks, or any other sum thought suitable, to anyone in Germany and the other enemy countries who afforded information that led to the discovery and recovery of any prisoner of war still in enemy countries after a given date, the notice of this reward to be posted in every enemy village?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the statement made in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenhan on 13th February, in which it was mentioned that the question of offering a reward had been discussed and that it was considered most inadvisable at present, and to be adopted, if at all, only in the last resort.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any news has been received since his last statement in February of the 64,800 British prisoners whose fate is uncertain; what has been the result of the inquiries in Germany; and whether the list of the non-repatriated prisoners of war has been presented to the German Government, and with what result?

The figure of 64,800 referred to does not represent prisoners unaccounted for, but "missing," who have not been accepted as prisoners, and who have not yet been presumed to be dead. There is no material difference in the number at present. The result of the search by motor ambulance parties was to find about 100 prisoners, and I do not think there are many more left alive in Germany. These men were all known to be prisoners. The residue list has been sent to the military authorities in France for the Armistice Commission to present to that German Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make some arrangements in the War Office so that correspondence concerning the estates of deceased soldiers who have been killed in action shall receive attention; and whether he will inquire into the reason why no reply was sent to correspondence concerning the estate of the late Private W. Miller, No. 35644, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots, who died as a prisoner of war in Parchim Camp, Germany, on 22nd November, 1918?

It is much regretted that my hon. and gallant Friend failed to receive a reply to his letter, owing to pressure of work and the prevalence of illness in the Department concerned.

Country				Mobilised strength 11th November, 1918.							Mobilised strength Feb.,1919.
British Armies (including Dominion Contingents, Indian Army and Garrisons abroad)				5,680,247 (The number of troops demobilised during the period was 1,322,208, which included 144,351 Reservists. 160,733 Repatriated Prisoners of War were not included in strength of 11th November)	…	…	…	…	…	…	4,663,123
France	…	…	…	5,075,000 (round numbers)				…	…	…	3,800,000 (round number)
Italy	…	…	…	3,420,000	…	…	…	…	…	…	2,500,000
United states of America				3,707,132	…	…	…	…	…	…	2,400,000 (approximate)
The following are approximate estimates—
Germany		…	…	4,500,000	…	…	…	…	…	…	8,200,000 (including Volunteer formations)
Austria-Hungary			…	2,230,000 (On 3rd November, 1918. By the 11th November the majority of these had been disbanded and dispersed to their homes)	…	…	…	…	…	…	106,000 German-Austrians and Hungarians only)
Bulgaria	…	…	…	500,000 (Estimated strength on the 1st September, 1918, prior to the Allied offensive. The strength on the 11th November is not known)	…	…	…	…	…	…	129,000
Turkey	…	…	…	Under 400,000 (Estimated strength on 80th October, 1918, date of Armistice with Turkey)		…	…	…	…	…	70,000

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the case of an aerial squadron commander who lost his life in Franceand whose comrades erected over his grave a cross made out of his propellor, that his parents desire to have it copied in marble and erected on his grave, that they are not

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the respective mobilised strengths of the British, French, Italian, American, German, Austrian, and Turkish Armies on the 11th November, 1918, and the corresponding figures at the present time?

The figures are as follow:permitted to do so but are only permitted to have the design sanctioned by the War Graves Commission; and whether he will grant permission for the marble cross to be erected by the parents at their own expense?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to kindred questions asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley and others on the 18th, 19th, 24th and 27th February. This question is one for the Imperial War Graves Commission. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is Chairman of that Commission, but otherwise it is quite independent of the War Office. I am afraid I cannot say anything more at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether wholesale discharges of officers in the Royal Air Force, against their will, are now being made; and when he will be in a position to make a statement as to the future needs of the force in regard to men and officers?

The officers who are being demobilised at present are those desirous of discharge. I shall hope to be able to make a statement as to the future needs of the Royal Air Force in officers and other ranks when the Estimates are taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether a distinction is made on demobilisation between those officers of the Royal Air Force who are ex-Royal Naval Air Service and those who are ex-Royal Flying Corps officers; whether the ex-Royal Naval Air Service officer receives 124 days' pay as gratuity for the first year of service and 50 days' pay for every other year's service, but the ex-Royal Flying Corps officer receives the same for the first year and 62 days' pay for the other years; and why there is this difference in the gratuity of officers doing similar work in the same Service?

Both temporary ex-Royal Naval Air Service officers and ex-Royal Flying Corps officers receive on demobilisation the same rate of gratuity for the period of their service in the Royal Air Force. The period of their previous service in the Navy or Army is rated for gratuity according to the Regulations of the Admiralty and War Office respectively. The rates for the Navy and Army are as stated in the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what salary is being paid to the Controller of Civil Aviation; what staff he has; whether the new Regulations have yet been issued; and generally when he can make a statement on the subject?

The salary and staff arrangements for the Controller General of Civil Aviation are being considered by a Committee appointed by the Secretary of Stateto advise him as to the reorganisation of the Air Ministry, and their recommendations will be furnished at an early date. By regulations I understand my hon. Friend to refer to the orders to be made under the Air Navigation Act, 1919. Conferences as to these orders are still in progress with representatives of the aircraft industry. I shall hope to make a general statement when introducing the Air Force Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the statement that the Air Ministry had been obliged to abandon a proposed flight from London to Madrid on account of the perturbed state of Spain; has any communication from His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid been received on the subject, or was there any communication with the Spanish Government or with the representative of that Government of the Court of St. James?

The statement was to the effect not that the proposed flight had been abandoned, but that it had been postponed. This decision was not come to as the result of any diplomatic representations, but it was considered that postponement was advisable in view of possible transport difficulties in connection with the extensive preparation required for an initial flight of this kind. The reports as to disturbances have been greatly exaggerated.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give the latest information that has reached him as to the recent epidemics of influenza and cholera in the city of Bombay, together with the number of deaths from cholera in that city, and the total number of deaths from influenza in India in 1918 and the present year?

The Secretary of State has received the following telegram from the Government of India:

"The first influenza epidemic in Bombay City was in June last and was responsible for over 1,600 deaths; subsequent virulent outbreak occurred in September, October, and early in November, during which period the mortality in Bombay City exceeded the normal by 14,678. Besides bacteriological investigation relief measures consisted of treatment in hospitals, house-to-house visitation, free supply of milk and woollen jackets to prevent pneumonia, opening of roadside dispensaries in several wards, and supply of free medicine. Cholera appeared in epidemic form during second week of December last and continued till third week of February. The disease was mainly confined to mill districts and recent strikes not only aggravated it but prolonged its duration. Deaths reported in Bombay city from cholera during the period number 9,589. In view of scarcity prevailing in neighbouring districts steps were taken to segregate immigrant labour in special camps, etc. Deaths from influenza in India as a whole in 1918 are calculated at 5,000,000 for British-India and 1,000,000 for Indian States."

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of German and other enemy aliens who were exempted from internment so as to enable them to do work of national importance; and how many of these persons have been repatriated since the Armistice?

I regret that the figures asked for are not available. Exemptions from internment, as the hon. Member is aware, were granted for several distinct reasons, such as length of residence, British connections and sons in the Army, as well as on account of the national utility of the man's work; and no separate list was kept of those whose exemption was due to the last-named reason.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which of our Allies have passed legislation to exclude or regulate the admission of alien enemies to their respective countries and to repatriate those who, whether interned or uninterned, are resident therein; and what, shortly, are the provisions of such legislation?

I am not in possession of the information required, but I am taking steps to obtain it.

asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are now in Wandsworth Prison; how many of them are at present deprived of their privileges; how many have undergone punishment since 20th February; how many are hunger striking; how many have been forcibly fed since 20th February; and how many are in hospital or in the doctor's hands?

The numbers are as follows:

Number in Wandsworth Prison	108
Number who have been deprived of privileges	22
Number who have undergone punishment since 20th February	39
Number hunger-striking	3
Number artificially fed since 20th February	11
Number in hospital	11
Number sick with trivial complaints not requiring hospital treatment	4

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that salaries of clerks to factory inspectors range from £60 to £80 a year; that a Royal Commission five years ago recommended a material improvement, but during the War these men have received only a small war bonus, and that there has been no revision of salaries; and whether he will favourably consider granting these men a substantial increase?

These clerks are graded according to the nature and amount of their work in four classes, with the following scales of pay: £60 to £80, £60 to £100, £80 to £100, and £100 to £150. There are only two clerks on the lowest scale. Every clerk is paid a war bonus of 23s.a week. Action on the recommendations of the Royal Commission to which the hon. Member refers has necessarily been suspended during the War, but when the time comes for dealing with them the question of the pay and status of these clerks will not be overlooked.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the dissatisfaction amongst newsagents at the continued enforcement of the No Returns Order for newspapers; and whether he can now see his way to withdraw that Order?

I have been asked to answer this question. My right hon. Friend has been furnished with copies of resolutions adopted by the newsagents at a recent meeting in London, and is aware of their attitude. The question of with drawing the Order is still under discussion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the need for an inquiry into the rates charged for supply of public lighting by public undertakings, as compared with private undertakings, and also as to the standardising of lighting, particularly in London and Greater London, with a view to the prevention of the use of high units of light, extravagant in point of finance and unnecessary and damaging to the eyesight?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by an inquiry into the matter referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to my written reply to his question of the 4th March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the quantities of Lancashire manufactured goods held back from export to Scandinavia, Denmark, and Holland, to the embarrassment of our merchants and the inconvenience of their customers in these countries, who are in need of such goods, and also in view of the growing unemployment and fear of distress in Lancashire, he will, in conjunction with the Blockade Minister, arrange for the removal forthwith of all restrictions on the export of manufactured goods to the countries in question?

His Majesty's Government are now considering to what extent it may be possible to relax these restrictions, and steps are being taken to consult our Allies on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, in spite of prices being relatively high, the fuel now being sold as coal in Tottenham is of notoriously bad quality, containing a large percentage of slate; and, as the supply has been and is still insufficient to meet the reasonable demands of the consumers, who have apparently no redress with regard to the inferior quality of fuel, and in view of the doubtful benefit derived from the system of control, will he consider the desirability of abandoning the present scheme of rationing at an early date?

The present system of rationing is essential to receiving a proper distribution of coal while the present shortage in supplies continues. I will have inquiries made as to the quality of coal supplied in Tottenham.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the result of the Gas Coke Price Order, 1918, and its effect upon coal consumption whether it is the fact that the price of fuel wood has been found in practice to be too prohibitive to warrant its being used as a coal substitute; whether he is aware that any class of coal is sold from the trolley at 2s. 4d. per cwt.; and, as the Board of Trade are not able to guarantee either quality or to ensure adequate supplies, what useful purpose the present system of coal control is serving at the present time?

The Gas Coke Order referred to relates to industrial coke, and does not affect household coal at all. It has not been found possible to market fuel wood in the London area at a price which would induce purchasers to use it in place of coal. The maximum price of certain qualities of coal is 2s. 4d. per cwt. as stated by the hon. Member, but other qualities should be purchasable at 2s. 3d. If the system of coal control were withdrawn it would seem likely that some districts would be without any supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is possible to reopen Wicker Station, Sheffield, owing to the inconvenience and loss caused to traders by the delay in forwarding goods due to the station being closed?

I have communicated with the Midland Railway Company on this matter, and will let the hon. and gallant Gentleman know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now completed his investigations into the action of the railway companies in Belfast in increasing the prices of the weekly tickets issued to the working men since resumption after the strike; whether this action on the part of the railway companies is causing discontent among the workers affected; and whether he will take steps to have this grievance remedied and the former travelling conditions restored?

I am informed that there have been for many years past two sets of workmen's fares in operation from stations in the neighbourhood of Belfast, the lower being applicable only to certain very early trains. As work now begins at the shipyards and other large works at 8 or 8.30 a.m., instead of at 6 a.m., as formerly, the men travel to their work by later trains, to which workmen's tickets at the higher rate have always applied, and these fares have not been increased. The difference between the two sets of fares is said not to exceed 1s. a week in any case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the railways on which the services were suspended during the War have resumed their activities; and when he anticipates they will all be again in working order, at least so far as some measure of daily traffic is concerned?

I cannot give precise figures showing the extent to which pre-war conditions have been restored, but the Railway Executive Committee assure me that the railway companies are doing and will continue to do everything possible to effect improvements in the train services as and when circumstances permit. It would, however, be impracticable to say when the conditions will again become normal.

has circulated the following statement, pursuant to the promise given on Wednesday last, in reply to Mr. Rose (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 431–2):The number of National Aircraft Factories erected or purchased by the Ministry of Munitions is ten. All of these factories were completely finished and were engaged in production for some months prior to the Armistice. The approximate cost of these establishments is £2,261,300.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the difficulties that small householders have in obtaining any domestic help; if he would consider the advisability of establishing hostels in different centres where girls could be provided with good food, comfortable rooms, and smart uniforms, undertaking to work at so much per hour as might be agreed on; and if the establishment of such hostels could be paid for by the sums not paid for unemployment benefit?

I am aware that difficulty is being experienced by many small householders in obtaining domestic help. I understand that the matter has been examined by a Committee appointed by the Ministry of Reconstruction and that their Report will be available in the course of a few days. I will then consider whether it is possible to adopt the suggestion made by my hon. Friend, but he will understand that the expense involved could not be met out of moneys provided by Parliament for unemployed benefit or out-of-work donation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a Tobacco Trade Board has been recently formed under the Trade Boards Acts and the personnel approved; and whether he can make any statement as to when it will commence to exercise its functions?

I made a special Order on 24th January applying the Trade Boards Acts to the tobacco trade. Since then I have been in negotiation with the organisations representing employers and workers in the trade with regard to the selection of their representatives on the Trade Board for Great Britain. The final nominations from the employers were sent to me on 20th February, and they are receiving my consideration together with the nominations received from the workers. In connection with the latter certain points are still under discussion, and as soon as these have been settled I shall be in a position to establish the Trade Board. I am very anxious that the Board should meet as soon as possible, and can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Labour in how many cases have criminal or civil proceedings been instituted against persons in Ireland for improperly claiming and obtaining out-of-work donations, and with what results; and what is the total amount of the money improperly paid in these donations which has been recovered?

There are fifteen cases in which criminal prosecutions are pending against persons in Ireland for improperly claiming out-of-work donation. I will have inquiries made as to the results, and will inform my hon. and learned Friend as soon as possible. No money has yet been recovered by civil proceedings in respect of out-of-work donation improperly obtained. The question of what, if any, appropriate steps can be taken for that recovery is now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour on what day the new scheme of out-of-work donations in Ireland came into operation, and the total amount expended on the donations in Ireland since the scheme originally came into existence?

The date on which the modified scheme of out-of-work donation for Ireland came into force was Thursday, 6th March. The total amount expended in Ireland in out-of-work donation up to that date is estimated at £1,050,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that over thirty unemployed men at Blaydon-on-Tyne were early in February offered work fifty miles away at Middlesbrough, but were refused information as to the nature of the work, the rate of wages, or the name of the firm, and that although these men did not definitely refuse the work the donation benefit was stopped, and they were advised to appeal, but that in spite of repeated applications there are no indications as to when the appeals are to be heard; and whether, in view of the straitened circumstances of these men and their belief that they have been tricked out of their unemployment benefit, he will have immediate inquiries made into the matter?

I am informed that a number of these cases have now been dealt with by the Court of Referees, and that the remainder will be dealt with in the next few days. Further inquiries are being made in order to ascertain precisely the circumstances in which donation was suspended in these cases, and I will communicate the result to my right hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the establishment of a motor-car mail service leaving Lincoln at about 6 a.m. each morning for delivery of letters to Langworth, Wragby, Barkwith, Hamilton, South Willingham, Beenioorth, Baumber, and Horncastle?

The question of establishing a road mail service to the places mentioned will be considered in connection with the general measures which are about to be undertaken for the improvement of postal services curtailed during the War.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has received a letter from Messrs. Scriven Brothers, of Weston Street, Bermondsey, as follows:

"On the 21st February we received from you a telegram from Auckland containing proposals for business; as it arrived mutilated we sent it back on the 22nd and up to this moment, although we have continually applied, we have had no repeat of the mutilations; it is monstrous that business should be interfered with in this way; will you kindly give us an answer as to when we are likely to get this repetition; we are putting it before our Member, asking him if he can give us any assistance;"

whether Messrs. Scriven Brothers have received a reply yet, and when and why was the reply delayed; and, if no reply has been sent to Messrs. Scriven Brothers, why was it delayed?

The letter was duly received on the 4th instant, and immediate inquiries were made. The delay in furnishing a repetition of the telegram in question was due to irregularities, of which proper notice has been taken. I regret the inconvenience caused to Messrs. Scriven Brothers.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that a Land Court has begun its sittings in the island of Arran, empowered by the recent decision in the Court of Session to give Lord Graham a consideration from the revenue received by the smallholders and crofters from the letting of their houses to summer visitors; and whether he will take any steps to prevent these people being penalised when trying to increase their incomes?

I am aware from reports in the public Press that the Land Court has been sitting in Arran. As regards the last part of the question it would not be proper for me to express any view on matters which are subjudice.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in making additional appointments of sub-commissioners to deal with the settlement of soldiers on the land, promotion will be given to the present assistant sub-commissioners, or whether it is likely that persons not at present employed will be appointed?

I can assure my hon. Friend that in making additional appoint- ments of this character the claims to promotion of the present staff will have every consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the name of the Government representative sent to Brussels to receive and inquire into the claims of British residents in Belgium who have lost effects through the War; the address of this representative; the probable duration of his stay in Brussels; and whether it is the intention of the Government that this representative should visit other large towns in Belgium and France?

The Foreign Claims Office have sent Mr. Felex Jeffes, formerly British Vice-Consul at Brussels, to Belgium to inquire into claims of British subjects in that country arising out of the War which have been recorded in that office. The office of Mr. Jeffes at Brussels is 56, Rue Royale. Mr. Jeffes will stay in Brussels so long as his services are required, and he will in the course of his duties visit other places in Belgium. It's not at present proposed that he should visit places in France. Claims should be presented to the Foreign Claims Office, at the Foreign Office, S.W.1, in accordance with the Royal Proclamation of the 7th September, 1916.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether use is being made of the cinema in the United Kingdom and elsewhere for the purpose of giving information as to peace terms in the same manner in which the Government of the United States is rising that agency in North and South America at the instance of the United States official committee on public information; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of taking similar or some such action?

The Foreign Office is not responsible for propaganda of any kind in this country. With regard to the use of the cinematograph for propaganda abroad, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I returned to the hon. Member for Islington (S.) on 6th March.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any steps are being taken to secure the application of the provision of the International Opium Convention to this country and throughout the British Empire; and whether this matter can be brought before the Peace Conference with a view to the international enforcement of this convention?

The question in regard to measures for the enforcement of the provisions of the International Opium Convention in the United Kingdom and throughout the British Empire should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for the Colonies respectively. So far as the international enforcement of the convention is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham.