asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that the Serbs are now attacking the Albanians in Ipek and Djakova; whether this district, although inhabited by a large Albanian majority, was allotted to Montenegro in 1913 but never occupied by that country; whether the Serbs have been warned to desist from their attack; and whether the ultimate possession of this disputed territory will be reconsidered at the Paris Conference?

Reports have reached His Majesty's Government of the serious situation in the district mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member. These reports are now engaging the attention of the Allied Governments and the Peace Delegates in Paris. I understand it to be the case that no attempt has hitherto been made to occupy the district. I do not think it would be in the public interest to say anything more for the present.

asked the Pensions Minister what decision has been arrived at on the question of the payment of gratuities to the widows of officers who have died of disease?

I have con- sidered this, matter most carefully, and I do not propose to make any alteration in the present practice.

asked the Pensions Minister for what reason in the grant of an alternative pension to the widow of a deceased officer the widow with children is penalised in comparison with the widow without children; and whether, in the event of the subsequent death of a widow with children who had availed herself of an alternative pension, the children would be deprived of their own separate pensions?

The purpose of the alternative pension is, within limits, to place the deceased officer's family in the position they were in before the War, having regard to his earnings at that time. If the widow who has elected to receive an alternative pension should die, the children would thereafter receive the ordinary pensions provided by the Warrant.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the fact that a parent is not eligible to receive an alternative pension, a modification of the Regulations may be considered whereby the parent of an officer or soldier who is in receipt of the highest rate of pension may be awarded an increase to bring the pension up to the amount of proved pre-war dependence, provided that such increased rate is not in excess of any alternative pension that might be awarded to a widow?

I do not consider that an amendment of the Warrant is necessary. The Special Grants Committee have power to supplement pensions under their regulations in special circumstances, and they are prepared to deal with such cases as are indicated in this question where there is need and where permanent provision, or what was intended to be permanent provision, for the parent was made by the son.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the assurance given in the House that South Africans enlisting in British units would have their pensions supplemented so as to bring them up to South African rates, he will consider the case of Mr. A. H. Bulteel, who landed in England on the 9th December, 1914, enlisted in the 24th Royal Fusiliers on the 21st December, 1914, and was discharged on the 13th March, 1918, with 60 per cent, pension, and whose claim for increase has been refused by the South African Records Office?

Mr. Bulteel is receiving the full amount of pension to which he is entitled under the Royal Warrant, and the question of supplementation can only be dealt with by the South African Government. From inquiry I have made I find that his application for a supplementary grant cannot be traced in the South African Records Office in Victoria Street, and I am informed that if a fresh application is made to that office, they will be glad to consider it.

asked the Pensions Minister whether local pensions committees are only authorised to pay £5 to meet the expenses of indigent discharged soldiers, their wives, and dependants; whether, in the event of the expenses exceeding this amount, the expenses have to be met by the Poor Law guardians; and whether, if this is the case., local committees can be authorised to incur a greater expenditure in order that no Poor Law taint should be attached to the funerals of discharged soldiers and their dependants?

I have not yet been able to make any satisfactory arrangements.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state what scheme, if any, he has now in contemplation under which the widows of soldiers who died on active service may receive State Grants to enable them to make a start in business?

I have no scheme in contemplation for assisting widows by means of State Grants other than their pensions, but assistance can be given to them from the King's Fund on application through the local war pensions committees. If any Government scheme is contemplated it will presumably be administered by the Civil Liabilities Committee, which is now under the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the delay in announcing the terms upon which the Government propose to make provision for the advance of capital to officers and soldiers is preventing them coming to a decision, is creating dissatisfaction, and causing loss to this country by many men going to settle abroad where better facilities are offered; and when the Government will be able to announce their proposals?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I trust that the hon. and gallant Member is misinformed as to the effect which has been produced by any delay which has unavoidably occurred in the publication of the scheme referred to in his question. The reply which I am making to-day to the hon. Member for West Woolwich will, I hope, satisfy the hon. and gallant Member that progress is being made in the matter.

I have not been misinformed as to the effect of the delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the fact that men who won commissioned rank during the War but who were drawing pension for service in the ranks prior to this War do not receive officer's pension but revert to their pre-war pension on discharge, he will consider granting an extra pension to such men?

My hon. Friend is of course referring to ex-soldiers who have received temporary commissions. As such they have continued to draw their soldier pension during the War in addition to their pay, and they receive on demobilisation the full gratuity given to temporary officers. It is not contemplated to increase their pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by officers in obtaining through the Army agents any clear account of the gratuity due to them on discharge; and if he can simplify the procedure so that an officer is sent a cheque direct by the Army paymaster immediately he takes his discharge?

I am not aware of the existence of any general difficulty in this connection. The gratuity is credited by the Army agents to the officer's account on receipt of his protection and clearance certificates, and I understand that the agents send the officer a full statement as soon as his account has been finally made up to date of discharge. No Army paymaster is concerned with officers' pay, and it is not considered possible to introduce any simpler procedure.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of one agent, Messrs. Cox, owing to the inadequacy of their staff, it is impossible to obtain an answer under ten days, and very often it is three weeks, and then they generally send the wrong one?

That is the result of an enormous pressure of work.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving them clerical assistance or interviewing the heads of this business on the matter, as complaints are widespread amongst officers demobilised that they cannot get the gratuities paid or any explanation?

I have no doubt this conversation which has taken place in the House will draw their attention to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether time expired men upon re-enlisting received a bounty of £15, whilst men whose time expired while prisoners of war are denied this bonus; and whether he will sympathetically consider a change in the Regulations, so that these men who have suffered for their country may not be penalised from the fact that they were taken prisoners?

I understand my hon. and gallant Friend to refer to the bounty paid to men compulsorily held to serve under the Military Service Acts, after they had completed their term of enlistment. The bounty is not payable except to men so retained; and under the Act of 1916 prisoners of war were expressly exempted from such retention.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Regulations governing the scheme for financial assistance to demobilised officers and men in cases of special hardship arising from military service have yet been published; how many applications have yet been received under such scheme; and in how many cases has assistance been rendered?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The general outlines of the Government scheme were described in the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Bermondsey on the 13th February. The Regulations will be published, I hope, in a few days.

The scheme will apply to officers and men (other than retired officers recalled to service) whether married or unmarried, who joined the forces on or after the 4th August, 1914, or are members of the Territorial Force, and were ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom before joining the forces and have been demobilised from His Majesty's forces.

Assistance will be given to such officers and men in cases in which serious hardship would be caused to them on account of their inability, after demobilisation, to meet their financial obligations by reason of their having undertaken military service.

The obligations in respect of which assistance in suitable cases may be granted are: Rent, interest, and instalments payable in respect of loans (including mortgages), instalments for the purchase of house, business premises, or furniture, taxes, rates, insurance premiums, and school fees.

In lieu of assistance in respect of the obligations mentioned above, it will be within the discretion of the Civil Liabilities Department to give assistance towards the purchase of stock-in-trade or fittings or the like in the form of a lump sum payment or by quarterly or other instalments.

No application will be entertained for assistance in discharging ordinary debts. Assistance will not be given to any in- dividual for a longer period than twelve months from his demobilisation, or to a larger amount than £104.

Applications for assistance will be made on prescribed forms, which will be obtainable at the Post Office and Employment Exchange. The forms of application are being printed, and will be available at the Post Offices and Employment Exchanges as soon as possible.

The applications, which should ordinarily be made by the man himself, will be investigated locally by Commissioners, who will hear the cases in private. The Commissioner will not decide the case. It will be his duty to satisfy himself as to the accuracy of the statements made by the applicants, and to report, with recommendations to the Central Department, by whom the grant will be awarded.

Commissioners are already sitting to hear these applications. Between six and seven thousand applications for assistance have been made to the Civil Liabilities Department, and Commissioners are already engaged in making preliminary investigations into a large number of these applications.

I hope that decisions upon a considerable number of cases will be communicated to the applicants very shortly.

I would suggest that a long answer of that kind should be circulated. We might have got through five or six questions had the hon. Gentleman taken that course.

May I ask if my hon. Friend or the Leader of the House, as this involves a grant of money to millions of men who are being demobilised, and as it is stated in the long answer that it is only to be a maximum of £104 as payment for one year, to be given to men while serving, does he intend to give the House an opportunity of discussing what assistance will be given to those demobilised men before that is agreed upon?

That question is almost as difficult to follow as the previous answer, and I should like notice of it.

asked the Pensions Minister if Income Tax is still being deducted from the war gratuities of officers?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 13th February on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon. In view of the promise then made, Income Tax is not now being deducted in respect of the gratuities in question. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any specific case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it if he will furnish particulars.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his pledge that authority would be sought in the Finance Bill to exempt wound pensions from Income Tax as from the beginning of the now current financial year will apply to all wound pensions whether granted to the wounded of this War or of previous wars?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to encourage the better education of the younger generation and to mitigate the hardships of the incidence of the Income Tax, he will favourably consider the granting, in addition to the existing £30 abatement in respect of each child, of an abatement not exceeding £50 to cover the expenses actually incurred in his or her education?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle North on the 20th ultimo.

Is the answer a favourable one?

I do not know whether my hon. Friend will consider it favourable.

asked how many women are to be appointed on the Royal Commission on Income Tax?

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the announcement, which my right hon. Friend hopes to make at an early date, of the constitution of the Commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a resolution from the Metropolitan (Saltley, Birmingham) Works Executive Committee urging that incomes up to £200 be free from Income Tax and that the abatement in respect of a wife or child should be the amount of tax on £50; and, if so, whether he can favour reform on the lines suggested?

The question of the nature and extent of the reliefs allowed to taxpayers will be one of the subjects for investigation by the forthcoming Commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to encouraging the investment of local capital in British companies operating in the Colonies and foreign friendly countries, he will consider the advisability of making the stocks, shares, and debentures of such companies free of Income Tax when issued and held in the Colonies and such foreign friendly countries?

This matter will fall within the scope of the inquiry into the Income Tax which a Royal Commission is about to undertake.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether undesirable aliens deported from the United States or our Dominions are allowed to land in this country?

There has been during the War an understanding with the United States and Dominion authorities that they would not deport to the United Kingdom any undesirable aliens except persons previously resident here. In the case of the latter notice has been given so as to enable us to send them on, if practicable, to their own country.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that unrest and dissatisfaction exists in the Metro- politan Police force, largely due to inequality in the hours of service; that, while police constables in some districts are on duty eight hours a day, inspectors and station sergeants are on duty for twelve hours a day; and whether he can give an assurance to take such steps as may be necessary to remove this inequality?

This matter is under consideration; but it must be realised that when men accept promotion, and thereby greater responsibility and higher pay and pension, they must be prepared equally to accept the longer hours of duty that such positions demand.

asked the Home Secretary whether be will consider the withdrawal of the restrictions as to the sale of intoxicants on Saturday afternoons so as to enable participants in out door sports to obtain refreshments?

As recently as Monday last the Central Control Board have made an Order, which will take effect next week, relaxing a number of the current restrictions on the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor. The relaxation suggested by the hon. Member would go considerably beyond those recently announced, and I understand that the Central Control Board do not see their way to concede it.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he can give the House his reasons for this decision?

No. The reasons are the reasons of the Central Control Board, for whom I answer in the House, but over whom I have no control.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a full statement can be made of the imports from overseas Dominions and Dependencies now subject to British Customs Duties which shall in future be free from the continuance of import restrictions?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The list of all dutiable goods, the importation of which was prohibited, but is now free in respect of those which are produced in and exported from any part of the Empire is as follows: Beer, playing cards, cinematograph films, clocks, raw cocoa and preparations of cocoa, coffee, fruit, whether canned, bottled, dried, or preserved, mechanical lighters, matches, musical instruments, brandy and rum, articles of food containing sugar, table waters, tea, tobacco, watches,. not of or containing gold, and wine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the proposed declaration relating to import of raw material required for British industries, His Majesty's Government will take into consideration the necessity of special encouragement being given to the development of cotton grown in suitable areas within the Empire; and whether the importance of developing the growth of British-grown cotton has been kept in view?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The development of cotton-growing within the Empire has engaged the earnest attention of His Majesty's Government, and of the Governments of India, Egypt, and certain of the self-governing Dominions and Colonies for a considerable time past. A Standing Committee on the subject, representative both of the Governments and of the trade interests concerned, has been appointed by the President of the Board of Trade, and is doing very valuable work.

asked the President of the Board of Education what special opportunities are offered to the sons of miners to acquire that higher knowledge which will enable them to take superior posts in the mining industry; and if he can indicate what proportion of the boys now enjoying scholarships in the Royal School of Mines are the sons of actual miners?

Within the limits of a reply in the House I can only give an answer in general terms to the hon. Member's question. In nearly all the English and Welsh counties where coal-mining is carried on facilities, including scholarships for courses in higher institutions, as well as courses of instruction held locally, are provided by local education authorities, by means of which the sons of miners can obtain the qualifications required for higher posts in mines. A considerable proportion of the successful candidates for mine managers' certificates are sons of miners. Most of the courses of instruction are held in the evening at local centres, but there are in normal times day mining courses at university and other institutions. The Royal School of Mines in the Imperial College is better suited to the needs of those who propose to take up a career in metalliferous mining. I am informed that no sons of working miners attend that school. Day courses in metalliferous mining are provided also at the Camborne School of Metalliferous Mining. Twelve scholarships providing a maintenance allowance as well as free instruction are tenable at this institution by Cornish artisans, and ten out of the twelve scholarship holders must be Cornish artisans working on mines.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he proposes to take steps in the near future to ensure that adequate playing fields are made available for pupils attending national schools in this country?

I am fully aware of the importance of this matter, and will see that it is not overlooked when the schemes to be submitted by local education authorities under Sections 1 to 5 of the Education. Act, 1918, are under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give a definite undertaking that British Empire sugar will receive preferential advantages in the market of the United Kingdom over sugar from enemy countries?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies gave on 10th March to a question addressed to him by the Member for Newcastle North.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state how he proposes to guarantee to the farmer the minimum price of corn in 1919, which shall not be less than the maximum in 1918?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the question addressed to me by the right hon. Member for South Molton on the 10th instant, to the effect that I hoped to be able to make a definite announcement before the end of the month, or, in any case, before Easter.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the seeding season is on, and we cannot wait till the end of this month? Cannot he give an answer before the end of this week?

I am afraid it is impossible. I have promised my hon. and gallant Friend that an answer will be given as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if, in view of the fact that medical demands are specifically exempted from the restrictions of the Central Control Board, measures can be taken to compel licensed victuallers to reserve from their stocks of spirits a sufficient allowance to meet all medical demands at any time?

I have been asked to reply. No Department of State has power to compel traders to reserve stocks for specific purposes. The additional quantity of spirits recently permitted to be released from bond will, however, go far towards meeting demands for spirits for medicinal use.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of food in Harris, Uist and Barra owing to inadequate steamer service, and that for some weeks there has been no meal obtainable in certain parts of North Uist; and whether he will take immediate steps to secure a regular supply of food to these islands?

The question of the steamer service to these islands has been, engaging the attention of the Ministry of Food for some time. Arrangements have now been made to provide a special vessel which will supplement the steamer services to these islands and will be used for conveying foodstuffs and for meeting any emergencies which arise. I may add that on receiving a personal intimation from the hon. Member yesterday of the difficulties to which attention is directed in this question, I have telegraphed to Colonel Rose, Divisional Food Commissioner for Scotland instructing him to take all steps for meeting any emergency in the supply of foodstuffs to these islands.

asked the Food Controller what total sum has been realised by the charge of 11s. 4d. per cwt. on animals sold in markets, and what is the average charge per animal?

Between 19th September, 1918, the date on which the per head charge of 11s. 4d. per cwt. was levied on all cattle sold for slaughter in markets, and the end of last month, the total sum realised by this charge amounted approximately to £3,449,939. The average charge per animal was approximately £5 13s. 2d.

Where does this money go?

Of course, this money would go towards the general administrative expenses.

Has this £3,400,000 been taken out of the pockets of the farmers?

Under what Vote is this money taken?

Hon. Members had better give notice of any further questions.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the legality of the charge of 11s. 4d. per cwt. on animals sold in markets is questioned by some legal authorities; and whether he will submit this question to the Law Officers of the Crown for their opinion?

I am not aware that the legality of the per head charge on cattle sold for slaughter, which I may mention has recently been reduced, has been questioned by legal authorities. The Law Officers of the Crown will be consulted if, and when, the necessity arises.

asked the Food Controller whether there is any intention of withdrawing the Order restricting the sale of sweetmeats and chocolates in public places of amusement?

The Order to which the hon. Member refers, namely, the Sale of Sweetmeats in Theatres (Restriction) Order, 1918, was revoked as from 1st March last.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the difficulties of catering for school treats and similar functions, more especially at Whitsuntide, owing to the shortage of currants; and whether a special ration can be issued for this purpose?

Considerable quantities of currants have recently arrived in this country and are being distributed as rapidly as possible. I anticipate that before Whitsuntide there will be ample supplies of currants to meet all reasonable requirements; and I do not think that special rations need be issued for school-treats and similar functions, even if it were practicable to do so.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the uncertainty and dissatisfaction as to the prices of food and the nature of the Government action and expenditure in relation to the regulation of the prices of food, he will appoint a strong committee of representative business men and experts, together with Members of this House, to inquire and report forthwith?

The possibilities of lowering food prices are being carefully explored by an Interdepartmental Committee comprising representatives of the Treasury, the Board of Trade, the Board of Agriculture and my own Department, and prices have in several instances already been substantially reduced. The Food Controller has always enjoyed the assistance and advice of competent business men and it is not thought that the appointment of an additional Committee would serve any useful purpose.

Will the Report of the Committee be available to Members of this House when it is made?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether there is a large unsatisfied demand for millers' offals for the feeding of livestock; that farmers are frequently charged more than £18 per ton for bran, though they are unable to obtain the guaranteed price of £16 per ton for wheat; whether export of millers' offals is permitted; and what steps are being taken to increase the supply and reduce the price of these feeding-stuffs?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As has already been announced, there is such an accumulation of millers' offals in certain districts that, although the price has been reduced, the normal production of flour has been threatened owing to congestion of the mills. Export of these offals has accordingly been permitted as an emergency measure to the extent of one quarter of one week's output. As regards the latter part of the question, farmers may not be charged more than the maximum price under the Cattle Feeding-stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1918, and amendments thereof which, apart from some minor exceptions, is £13 per ton, ex-mill with bags returnable. There is no guaranteed price for the 1918 British wheat crop other than that contained in the Corn Production Act.

Has any of this been exported out of the country?

The permission to export offals, if my memory serves me correctly, was only given about a fortnight ago, and I have no information yet as to what has happened.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether many farmers who wish to sell their wheat are being asked to accept less than the control price; and what steps will be taken to make the guarantee of price effective?

While the Grain Prices Order, 1918, only fixed maximum prices for wheat the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies have issued instructions that sound wheat of the 1918 crop should be purchased by millers at the stated maximum price. Owing to temporary congestion of storage it has not always been possible for millers to take wheat offered to them, but if the hon. and gallant Member will forward to the Board particulars of any instances in which farmers are unable to dispose of their wheat, endeavours will be made to find a market.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement as to the railway facilities which will be offered for Easter holiday travelling in the West Riding district of Yorkshire?

The Board of Trade have no detailed information on this matter, and I would suggest that the hon. Gentleman should ask the railway companies concerned for any particulars he may desire to obtain.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the withdrawal of the No Returns Order, which is handicapping the sale and distribution of serious literature in many directions?

My right hon. Friend is not now in a position to make a statement with regard to the withdrawal of the No Returns Order, but expects to be in a position to do so at an early date.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these restrictions, are a hindrance to propaganda which, would be very useful to the Government?

My right hon. Friend, I think, is aware of all the difficulties surrounding the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, if the newspaper owners have now received 75 per cent, more paper than they were allowed when the No Returns Order was, issued, there is any reason for the continuation of that restriction so far as newsagents are concerned?

My right hon. Friend is considering the reasons for and against the continuation of the No Returns Order, and expects to make an announcement at an early date.

Will my hon. Friend expedite the decision on account of the great inconvenience which it causes to the retail newsagents?

I should be very glad to do it if I could. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a reply from the Stoke-on-Trent Borough Council to the statement made by the North Staffordshire Railway Company upon the report of Mr. Rowland Whitehead, K.C., with reference to the workings of the above railway company; and whether he is aware of the effect of the delay in giving effect to the findings of the inquiry upon the industrial development of North Staffordshire, and of the uneasiness among the manufacturers, traders, and the public generally caused thereby?

My right hon. Friend has not received a reply from the Corporation of Stoke-on-Trent to the statement referred to, but as soon as a reply is received it will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on how many railways during the War was the service of trains entirely suspended; and whether these services have been resumed in any form?

I am afraid I cannot inform the hon. Gentleman on how many railways train services were entirely suspended during the War. As regards the latter part of the question, I am asking the Railway Executive Committee if they can furnish information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that no other civilised country will allow wrack wood to be utilised in the construction of houses for human habitation; If he will take steps to prevent its further use for this purpose in this country; (2) what is the total f.o.b. value of all timber bought by the Timber Controller and/or the Government buyer since the Armistice; what are the total Government stocks, hard woods expressed in loads and soft woods in standards; (3) how many standards of wrack wood have boon purchased by the Timber Controller and/or Government buyer since the Armistice; how many standards were still to come forward at that time against old contracts; what is the total quantity of wrack in stock in the United Kingdom; and for what purpose this wood is imported?

Since the Armistice timber purchases have been made to the value of about £7,000,000 in order to ensure supplies for reconstruction. In making these purchases the Controller of Timber Supplies has had the benefit of the assistance, not only of the Government timber buyer, but also of an advisory purchasing committee, composed of highly expert timber merchants. The amount of wrack imported is relatively insignificant. This quality of wood is used for making packing cases. About 100 standards of wrack were still to come forward at the Armistice, about 180 standards have been purchased since, and about 120 standards are in stock.

The total timber stocks held by the Board of Trade, both in this country and yet to arrive, are about 550,000 standards of soft wood and 10,000 loads of hard woods, excluding mahogany. Particulars of the Government stocks will be duly announced in the trade papers, in a few weeks in connection with the winding up of the Timber Control after the end of the month. If my hon. Friend desires further information, I would suggest that he should communicate with the Timber Controller, who would be happy to give him any particulars possible. Questions as to housing regulations should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board.

Will my hon. Friend promise that none of that wrack wood will be used for any purpose except packing cases?

I have read a very interesting article which the hon. Gentleman wrote in the "Sunday Times," and I entirely sympathise with the object of it. I should be very glad if he would see the Timber Controller himself.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, having regard to the increasing habit of reading among the general population, he will consider an amendment of the law enabling local authorities to spend more than the amount of the present limited library rate?

The suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member will be borne in mind when legislation on the subject of public libraries is being undertaken.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Army pension, of which a parent, grandparent, or other person may be in receipt in respect of a eon, grandson, or other relative who has met his death as a result of the War, is taken into account when calculating the moans of an applicant for an old age pension; and whether he will, in conjunction with the Treasury, take early steps to revise this practice?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for Mansfield.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what is the average duration in years of an old age pension, and what is the average cost per pensioner for the period during receipt of an old age pension?

I regret that no statistics are available to enable me to supply the information asked for by the hon. Member.

Could they not be obtained?

I am afraid not. There is no means of getting the figures.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, at the recent election in the Rugeley Division for the Staffordshire County Council, a number of people who were on the Parliamentary register for the General Election and have occupied the same houses for many years discovered they were not on the register for the county council election; whether he is aware that Hazeslade, a mining village three and a-half miles from Brereton, had no polling station and, consequently, many voters were unable to poll; and whether he can make inquiries into this matter?

I have no information with regard to the matter referred to in the question, but I am in communication with the clerk of the county council on the subject, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Government are prepared to guarantee that the lymph issued by them for public vaccination purposes will not produce unintended complications; and, in the event of such complications arising, will they consider the advisability of giving compensation to the sufferers?

The lymph issued from the Government lymph establishment to public vaccinators is prepared by methods which prevent it from being contaminated by septic organisms. In the relatively rare cases where vaccination is complicated by the occurrence of septic conditions, the complications usually result from accidental infection of the vaccinated surface, and are not attributable to the lymph. I cannot accept the principle that compensation should be paid by the Government in cases where complications arise after vaccination.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what guarantee the Government have that the remedies approved by them as substitutes for salvarsan are exactly similar, or even approximately similar, to the remedy as discovered and patented by Ehrlich?

All the approved substitutes, except gelyl, are manufactured under licences issued by the Board of Trade for the express purpose of allowing the manufacturers to employ the processes which are used in the manufacture of the original salvarsan and which are protected by patents. The presumption is, therefore, that the drugs produced by these manufacturers are similar to the original article. For the protection of the public all the approved substitutes are tested on behalf of the Medical Research Committee before being placed on sale. I understand that the Salvarsan Committee appointed by the Medical Research Committee have already considered the question, and that they will shortly issue a report in regard to it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has under consideration modifications in the building by-laws to allow of the use of soldiers' hutments for the housing of farm labourers generally, and particularly of soldier settlers on the land?

The question of the application of by-laws and of any Statutory provisions affecting the erection of dwelling-houses of a temporary character is under consideration.

Would the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a small Sub-committee to consider this matter with the advice, of the local authorities?

I will put that to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether temporary Civil servants in receipt of wound pensions have their salaries as Civil servants reduced by the amount of 10 per cent.; and whether in certain cases this reduction absorbs the whole amount of such pensions?

As regards wounds pensions in the strict sense of the term, the answer is in the negative, pensions for wounds being specifically excluded from the operation of the Statutory Rules made under Section 6 of the Superannuation Act, 1887. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the case of officers in receipt of retired pay for disability, such officers if taken into civil employment in a Government Department are at present liable to a deduction in respect of their retired pay, which may in some cases absorb the whole amount of such retired pay. The Treasury are advised that this deduction cannot be waived without special statutory power being taken to amend the existing Rules. A Bill for this purpose is in course of preparation and will be introduced at the earliest possible date.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is able to state the decisions arrived at with regard to the increase of the permanent salaries of the Civil Service; and whether he is arranging to ascertain the views on the matter of the staffs themselves?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the question of the revision of bonus and rates of pay for various branches of the Civil Service is under consideration; and, if so, whether, before any decision is come to, opportunity will be given for consideration, on the lines of the Whitley Report, of the questions involved, and for a conference between representatives of the Treasury and of the Civil Service?

asked whether, before any adjustment is made with regard to salaries and conditions of employment in the Civil Service, an opportunity will be given to Civil servants to place their views before the Treasury?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given on Tuesday last to the right hon. Member for the Platting Division of Manchester

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the number of men in the Statistical Office and other branches, respectively, of the Customs and Excise Department who volunteered and were accepted for service in 1914 and 1915, the number of these men who have been put forward by the Customs and Excise Department for transfer to the Ministry of Pensions as second-class clerks and have been given clerkships, and the number of civilians who have been so put forward and have been given clerkships; and whether preference for such appointments will in future be in all cases given to the men who voluntarily joined for service provided they are properly qualified?

Applications for transfer to the Ministry of Pensions as second class clerks were invited from the staff of the Customs and Excise Department, and every effort was made to bring the matter to the notice of members of the staff on military service. The nominations numbered fifty in all, of whom twelve had served in the War, and the Ministry of Pensions selected twenty-one for transfer on probation, of whom four had so served. I am informed that the Ministry needed the services of experienced officers, and that owing to their age most of the applicants with military service failed to satisfy this requirement. The transfers in question were arranged prior to the issue of the Treasury Circular of 29th January last, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the suggestion contained in the concluding sentence of the question will be carefully borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether all Papers relating to the Paris economic resolutions may be laid upon the Table of the House?

I regret that no further information is available for publication except that which is contained in the White Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the number of discharged men recommended for employment in light work only, and the lack of such employment in the ordinary labour market, he will consider the question of State employment in special factories for such men under medical supervision until fit for normal work?

As I have already informed the House an appeal to employers to engage disabled men is about to be made by the Prime Minister, and I am hopeful that this will result in suitable employment being found for a large proportion of the disabled men who have not yet been placed in employment. It is, I think, undesirable at the moment to consider as to any alternative, and obviously less satisfactory means of securing employment for disabled men until the Government have had an opportunity of measuring definitely and analysing the nature of that part of the problem which will remain unsolved, say, a month or two after the Prime Minister's appeal. I can, however, assure the hon. and gallant Member that the whole question will receive further and most careful consideration as soon as it is apparent that disabled men have obtained the maximum amount of benefit which may be expected as the result of the Prime Minister's appeal.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received any and, if so, what resolutions from local authorities in regard to the inclusion of roads in the Ways and Communications Bill?

I am informed that a number of resolutions have been received, but they vary in character.

Will my right hon. Friend either tabulate the resolutions, or give us some indication of the authorities?

The majority are in favour of the views of my hon. Friend, but against that must be set the very much larger number who have not replied to his circular.

They are doing so rapidly.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any steps are taken to carry out the proposed Channel Tunnel between England and France, the scheme will of necessity come before the House of Commons in the form of a Bill?

asked the Prime Minister whether, before coming to a decision on the Channel Tunnel question, he will take into consideration the comparative cost, the speed in which it can be started working, and the value to our industry and commerce of a train ferry, or several train ferries, across the Channel as against a single Channel tunnel; and will he give an assurance that the House will have an opportunity of pronouncing on the question before the country is committed?

Before any action is taken in the matter the consideration referred to in the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Durham, would certainly be taken into account and the sanction of Parliament would be required.

asked the Prime Minister if he can assure the House that the Government's policy in regard to dumping will be announced before the presentation of the new Budget; and, if not, will he explain the reasons for this course of action?

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to make the long-promised statement as to the policy of the Government for the protection of key industries and the prevention of dumping?

I have nothing to add to what I said in reply to supplementary questions on the 5th March arising out of a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Islington South.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this matter is one of great and increasing urgency; will he not, therefore, under the circumstances, see his way to make some definite statement at an early date?

In the supplementary questions and answers to which I have referred, I pointed out that it is impossible to do everything in one day, and that time must be given for these matters.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that this question was addressed to him all through last year, and on several occasions this Session, with unsatisfactory results?

I am aware of that, and that I have answered many questions on the subject. But I would suggest to my hon. Friend that no decision is hastened by asking the same question once or twice every week,

Is it true, as stated, that the Government has a Bill in being?

I have already said, in answer to previous questions, that the Government are taking steps as rapidly as possible to carry out the undertaking given to the electors.

asked with a view to reducing certain imports from the United States and to stimulating British exports to the United States, he will consider the advisability of allowing the American exchange to find gradually its own level by removal of artificial support?

My right hon. Friend may rest assured that in considering their policy in regard to the American and other foreign exchanges, His Majesty's Government will not lose sight of the very important considerations referred to in his question.

Do the Board of Trade approve of maintaining the American exchange in view of its effect in restricting our exports and imports?

I am afraid that I cannot express the view of the Board of Trade. I have no right to do that.

Have the Board of Trade been consulted about this matter?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the German Armistice Commission or the German Government has refused to hand over the German mercantile fleet to the Allies; if he will say in what ports the ships are lying; and whether it is proposed, in view of the fact that we are still at war with Germany, to employ the British Navy to take forcible possession of the German ships?

This subject is now being dealt with in Paris, and I cannot at present make any statement about it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the demand of the Allies for the use of the German mercantile fleet for the specific purpose of revictualling Germany and other countries means that the ton-for-ton policy is not to form part of the permanent terms of peace; and, if so, will he say why British public opinion in this respect is to be disregarded?

No, Sir; the demand of the Allies does not bear the construction suggested in the first part of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether our representatives on the Reparation Commission have been instructed to press for the full amount of indemnities due to this country, so that in the event of a proportionate distribution of the amount obtainable we shall obtain our full and proper quota?

I cannot add anything to the very definite statements which have been already made on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the third time that he has felt himself unable to answer on this point: are we to assume, that the answer is in the negative?

That would not be aright assumption. On the last occasion I reminded my hon. Friend that if he put the same question every week he could only get the same answer. The position of the Government on the matter has been made quite clear.

May I ask whether, in view of the widespread rumours that we are not insisting upon our full indemnity, the right hon. Gentleman will at any rate give us a little more information than he has done up till now?

It is impossible to give more information. The policy of the Government has been made quite clear. It is that we shall take everything which, in the opinion of our Commission, Germany is able to pay. We cannot go beyond that.

and Brigadier-General CROFT rose—

Any further questions must be put down.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when it is hoped to introduce the Bill dealing with land settlement?

I hope that it will be possible to introduce this Bill early next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what amount of land has been taken over by the Government and local authorities for the purpose of land settlement of soldiers and sailors?

Approximately 16,400 acres have already been acquired for the settlement of ex-Service men, and additional land is being acquired for the purpose each week.

How many men have been actually settled on the land?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Government has considered the possibility of forming county land settlement colonies for officers or men who have served in the regiments belonging to the county?

The Board have urged county councils to establish land settlement colonies for the ex-Service men for whom they are responsible, and the Board have reason to believe that in the selection of tenants for any colonies that are established preference will be given to men who have served in the County Regiment.

How many colonies have been established?

Four have been already established by the Board.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any estimate how many men require land?

I cannot give any actual estimate. We are obtaining figures at the present moment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what progress has been made with the development and organisation of the Crown colony at Towyn and Penybedd, in the county of Carmarthen; whether a director has been appointed; and whether the said director will be required to submit his proposals for approval by the Advisory Committee?

Adverse weather conditions have seriously handicapped the work on this settlement. Before any beginning can be made in the settlement the land must be drained and thoroughly cleaned; this work is in progress. No director has yet been appointed. When appointed he will be required to submit his proposals as to policy to the Board, who will consult the Advisory Committee as occasion arises.

Is this one of the four colonies which are stated to be in good working order?

Yes, it is one of the four colonies.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to take any steps to secure the re- consideration of pensions paid under pre-war conditions to Civil servants and to the police, in view of the increased cost of living and to the higher rates of pensions which are in many cases being paid to those who are retiring under the new conditions?

I have nothing to add to my previous answers given on this subject to the hon. Member for Belfast on the 5th instant and to other hon. Members previously.

asked the Prime Minister whether has has now received the Report of the Interdepartmental Committee on the proposed application of the Whitley Councils scheme to the clerical side of the Civil Service; whether, in that event, he can inform the House of its main recommendations; and whether, before there is any modification in respect of either permanent wages or hours of employment, he will first, through these councils, ascertain the views of the employé's?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the negative. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Tuesday last to the right hon. Member for the Platting Division of Manchester.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to preserve the historic character of the chief battlefields in Flanders with which the bravery and the sufferings of the British troops are more especially connected?

My right hon. Friend will make a statement on this subject in the course of next week.

asked if in view of the present low sales of War Bonds, he proposes to withdraw that issue; and will he consider the desirability, in view of the national debt, of issuing a form of bond that will appeal to the public and, by so doing, maintain the steady investment in Government securities that was so apparent during 1917–1918?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second, I should like to take this opportunity of emphasising, the great importance of maintaining subscriptions to War Bonds and War Savings Certificates. The need for steady and increased subscriptions is now and will for some time continue to be as essential as at any time during the War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the lack of a definite statement concerning Excess Profits Duty is impeding business and that the continuance of this war tax is causing the general public to have to pay unnecessarily high prices for all kinds of wearing apparel and other necessaries; and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?