asked the President of the Board of Trade who is the present Coal Controller; what is the number of staff employed in this department; what buildings they occupy for offices; and what is the total cost of this Department for last year and the estimated cost for this year?

The present Controller of Coal Mines is the hon. Member for Pembroke, who was appointed to succeed the late Sir Guy Calthrop on the 11th March. The staff of his Department numbers approximately 910, of whom 530 are in London. In addition about 450 engineers throughout the country render honorary part-time assistance in connection with the campaign to secure economy of fuel in industrial works, etc. The Holborn Viaduct Hotel, containing 134 rooms, and twenty-two rooms at Bank Buildings, Holborn, are occupied by the staff of the Department in London, while outside London there are about forty separate offices. The cost of the Coal Mines Department during the financial year 1918–19 is approximately £250,000, and the estimated coat for the year 1919–20 is £517,253, the increase being due largely to the fact that payment of the claims of local authorities and gas and electricity undertakings and companies in respect of work done by thorn under the Household Fuel and Lighting Orders will fall mainly within the coming year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in spite of this the poor people of Nottingham, who are not far from the coal mines, cannot get coal?

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that we should spend more money?

Oh! no, no.

Is not this cost supposed to come out of the extra tax upon those collieries that are working at a profit under the Coal Bill of last year?

I am not quite sure about that. I do not think the answer I have given refers to that at all, but I will inquire.

Are we to understand that this £500,000 is the cost of compensating poor collieries and undertakings, or is it purely the cost of the clerical services of this Department?

I cannot give details till I see the Paper. I cannot carry all these figures in my head.

asked if any coal was imported into London from Canada or the North American Colonies during the years 1912, 1913, and 1914; and if he will give the quantities in tons for each year, and who were the principal importers?

33,092 tons of coal were imported into London from Canada in 1912, and none in 1913 and 1914; no coal was imported into London from the North American Colonies in these years. It is not possible now to give the names of the importers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether any rebate on freight has been conceded to Norwegian coal importers; and, if so, what was the total value of such concession and for what reason was it given?

Under a general agreement and under arrangements with the Norwegian interests concerned, a large amount of Norwegian tonnage was chartered by the British Government for employment on Allied service in exchange for the carriage of coal to Norway in British ships. The total freight paid by the Norwegian coal importers has proved to be in excess of the total charge which the British Government was entitled to make on the basis of the agreement and the excess, which in all will amount to about £1,500,000, is being repaid in accordance with the original understanding.

Has any similar rebate been made to British importers and particularly to British importers of wire nails?

I do not think that question arises.

asked when restrictions upon the export of butter from Ireland will be removed?

:I have been asked to reply. The Ministry of Food already purchases the total exportable surplus of butter from Ireland, and it is anticipated that it will be necessary to continue to do so during the next season.

asked what arrangements are in progress for the continued and most advantageous use on the land of the agricultural machinery of war agricultural committees as they become available for purchase; and whether special terms and priority of purchase can be offered to actual farmers and to owners who are prepared to place the outfits at the disposal of farmers in their districts?

:Implements and machinery as they become surplus are being sold by public auction in the locality in which they have been at work. It is not possible to arrange for special terms to any class of purchaser, but, so far as my information goes, the purchasers have for the most part been farmers.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that is the best way of getting cultivation extended?

That would require a long answer, but that is our present view anyhow.

asked what will be the guaranteed prices of cereals of the 1919 crop?

I have nothing at present to add to the answer I gave to the question addressed to me by my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton on the 10th instant.

Can the hon. Gentleman, at any rate, give me certain figures relating to cereals below which the minimum prices, for 1919 will not be fixed in view of the fact that there is very grave disquietude among the farmers of the country?

I realise the position entirely and sympathise with the farmers, but as I have said before, and I can only repeat now, that I hope to be able to make a definite statement in the course of this month and at all events before Easter.

If the Government cannot make up their mind will they refer this question to the National Agricultural Council which represents all interests in the industry and get an answer from them?

I have no doubt the Government can make up their minds.

asked under what Act or Order the importation of Canadian store cattle into this country is prohibited; and if, with a view to reducing the price of beef, he will take steps to have the embargo removed?

The Diseases of Animals Act of 1896 forbids the landing in this country of animals from any country except for slaughter at the port of landing. The only exceptions admissible under the Act are with regard to animals intended for exhibition. In these cases quarantine is enforced. No legislation to amend the above-mentioned Act is at present contemplated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the difficulty of British farmers in disposing of their wheat in competition with imported supplies; and whether he will consider the desirability of insisting on a definite percentage of British wheat in all loaves produced for the British public?

I must refer the hon. And gallant Member to the answer I gave to the question addressed to me on the 11th inst. by the hon. and gallant Member for Henley.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the extraordinary difficulty in which agriculturists are placed owing to the present situation in the country?

Yes, we are quite aware of it, and we are taking every step that we can to help them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether consideration can be given to the establishment by the Government of demonstration dairy farms managed on purely commercial lines, as examples, both on intensive arable and extensive pasture lines?

The Board are establishing ten demonstration holdings managed on purely commercial lines as examples of intensive dairy farming on arable land. The Board are doubtful whether demonstrations of dairy farming on extensive pasture lines are necessary in present circumstances, but will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a very large acreage of blue peas was grown last season, and that, owing to the purchase by the Government of largo quantities of Japanese peas (now being exported to France and Belgium) and the prohibition of the export of home-grown, the home trade is completely blocked, and growers are unable to find a market for their produce, although compelled to thresh for use of straw; and whether immediate action may be taken in conjunction with the Food Controller?

The acreage under blue peas is not distinguished in the returns from the acreage of peas generally, but there was a considerable increase in the production of peas in 1018. The Ministry of Food have made no purchase of Japanese peas since the 17th December, 1918, but small quantities of such peas previously purchased have been delivered since then. I am informed that none of these have been exported to Belgium or France, and that home-grown peas will be freely licensed by the War Trade Department for exportation to approved destinations.

asked the Food Controller whether he has seen resolutions passed by the National Federation of Dairymen's Associations at Liverpool on 19th February; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action upon such resolutions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Two of the questions raised in these resolutions have already been dealt with. The restrictions on the use of milk as a beverage in catering establishments were removed on 9th March last, and the operation of the Egg (Prices) Order is being suspended as from to-day. In view of the shortage of butter supplies, the Food Controller is not at present prepared to act upon the resolution recommending that the restrictions on the sale of cream should be withdrawn. Full consideration will be given to the other resolutions in determining the policy to be followed as regards the future of milk control.

asked the Food Controller whether, having in view the necessity of ensuring a certain supply of milk, he will announce without delay the fixed maximum prices for milk and cheese, based on the ascertained cost of production not only for this summer, but also for the winter of 1919–20?

The Food Controller is fully aware of the desirability of making an announcement as soon as possible in regard to the prices of milk and cheese during the coming summer and the winter of 1919–1920, and hopes to do so as soon as the Travelling Milk Commission now engaged in ascertaining the cost of production has made its Report.

When will it be published?

I do not know.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that hardly any cheese can be obtained in London; and will he make such arrangements as will mitigate the shortage?

The supplies of cheese now available for distribution to the civilian population throughout the country are very low, owing to the limited facilities for the transportation of cheese from Australasia, the only source of supply ouside this country at the present time. It is anticipated that there will be considerable improvement in the position in the early summer.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why he puts the prices down when no cheese is to be obtained?

asked why the No-Returns Order governing newspapers and periodicals is maintained in spite of the renewed supply of paper, and what special reasons exist against its abrogation?

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Southern Division of Salford on the 13th inst.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the reason why this No Returns Order is going on is because the papers supporting the Government do not wish it to be withdrawn?

asked the Secretary of State for India on what terms will licences to carry arms be issued under the new Regulations in India; and will the carrying of revolvers be permitted?

The detailed conditions on which licences to carry arms will be issued have still to be worked out by the Government of India. The Secretary of State understands that for revolvers and pistols licences will be issued only in cases of real necessity and to persons of approved character, and that the licence fee will be raised for such weapons and also for breech-loading rifles and smooth bores.

asked whether the opinions of the provincial governments in India on the Report of the Secretary of State and Viceroy have been officially received from the Government of India?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the propriety of suggesting to the Government of India that the title of the Indian Famine Relief Code should be changed to that of the Famine Prevention Code, in order that the fact may be appreciated at home, that when it is brought into force, because food grains rise above a certain price, famine is prevented by such action and the people are not suffering from but are saved from famine?

This suggestion was communicated to the Government of India a few years ago, and they preferred not to act on it.

Is there a possibility of reopening the question once more: they may have grown wiser in the interval?

asked whether the Rowlatt Bills provide for indefinite imprisonment without trial; and whether the Indian members of council have unanimously opposed these Bills?

In November last the Government of India sought the approval of the Secretary of State in Council to the publication of the Bills with a view to introducing them into the Legislative Council and approval was given. So far as Indian opinion had manifested itself in the Legislative Council, the Secretary of State had no reason to believe that it was opposed to a fair consideration being given by the Legislature to legislative proposals embodying the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee. A resolution moved in the Legislative Council on the 23rd September that the consideration and disposal of the Committee's recommendations should be kept in abeyance until a further inquiry was made had the support of two members only.

May I ask whether the inquiry that is held after one years' imprisonment without trial is an inquiry before a judicial authority of any sort or merely a private administrative inquiry?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked whether the Rowlatt Bills were approved by him before being submitted to the Legislative Council; and, if so, whether he made any attempt to gauge the temper of the Indian people on the subject before he gave that approval?

The Government of India has informed the Secretary of State that the Bill, as modified in Select Committee, limits the total period of confinement to two years and gives the person concerned the right of having his case re-examined at the end of the first year by the investigating Committee. The Indian members, in opposing the introduction of the Emergency Powers Bill, supported an Amendment to defer the consideration of the Bill until six months after the expiry of the term of office of the existing Council.

Do I understand that the Secretary of State gave his authority to the Bills being published, but did not give his authority to them being introduced into the Legislative Council?

I do not think so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether that is not the case?

asked the Secretary of State for War what gratuities are to be paid to the Regular officers of the Indian Army and the Royal Indian Marine and when such gratuities are likely to be given; and whether officers of those Services who have been invalided out on account of wounds or causes resultant from the War are eligible for such gratuities?

The Secretary of State is in communication with the Government of India regarding gratuities for the Indian Service on the lines of those granted to the British Service. Invalided officers will be included in any grant of gratuities that is decided on.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the fact that while both the French and Italian plenipotentiary representatives to the Czecho-Slovakia Republic have been duly accredited by their respective Courts, the English plenipotentiary representative has not yet been accredited by Great Britain, despite the fact that he has already been in Prague some months; and whether he is aware that the absence in Prague of an accredited Minister from Great Britain gives rise to the feeling that Great Britain does not consider the Republic of sufficient importance to warrant this?

:The present British Representative at Prague is Mr. Gosling, His Majesty's Chargéd' Affaires, who was received in audience by the Prime Minister of the Czecho-Slovak Republic on the 15th of January, and who accupies a position in Prague identical with that of the Czecho-Slovak Representative in this country. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a reply has yet been received from the Treasury in reference to the scheme of reorganisation of the Board of Agriculture?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary if he will obtain from the county councils of England and Wales information which will enable him to lay upon the Table a statement showing the number of ex-Service men who have actually been settled on the land up to the 1st March, and also the number to the same date in regard to whom negotiations are in progress?

The county councils have been asked to supply information on these points, and I hope shortly to be able to supply the particulars desired by my hon. Friend.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman also consider the advisability of giving particulars of that land provided by land owners directly without the intervention of the county council?

I will consider that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the number of discharged soldiers and sailors in England and in Wales, respectively, who have applied to the various county councils and to the Board of Agriculture for land for settlement purposes; what is the total acreage represented by such applications; and what steps have been taken in England and in Wales, respectively, by the county councils and the Board of Agriculture to meet the applications?

Six thousand six hundred and thirty-five applications have been received by county councils in England and 436 in Wales. The acreage applied for is, approximately, 121,400 acres in England and 8,000 in Wales. The Board have received 441 applications for land on their land settlements. The amount of land required or arrangements to acquire which have been concluded is, approximately, 18,815 acres. Additional land is being acquired every week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the 7,000 applications have been successful, and how much land has been granted?

In order to give complete figures, I should like to have notice of that question.

Are there any?

Certainly.

asked whether forty allotment-holders of the Sunbury and District Allotment Holders' Society have received notice from the council of Sunbury to quit their allotments situated in Lower Sunbury; and whether he will take steps to see that these men are secured in the tenure of their allotments for at least two years after the War?

Inquiries have been made into this case and it appears that the district council gave notice to quit to the allotment-holders under a misapprehension as to the powers of the Board. The position has been explained to the council, and the notices to quit will be withdrawn.

asked whether a number of allotment-holders cultivating land at Sharlston Road, Mortlake, have received notice from the urban district council of Barnes to quit their allotments; whether this particular piece of land had been lying unused for twenty years before it was taken over for food production, was very rough, necessitating much hard work and time by the cultivators, and has been in cultivation under the Cultivation of Lands Order only for the past year; for what purpose this land is required; and whether, should the land be required for some purpose of greater necessity than the production of food, the allotment-holders will be allowed to cultivate it until it is actually required for that purpose and will, on dispossession, be provided with an equivalent amount of land in substitution?

I am glad to say that the Board have decided that the allotment-holders at Sharlston Road shall not be disturbed at present. If later on the land is required for building purposes, every endeavour will be made to provide them with other land.

asked whether, seeing that the Circular of the Board relative to the tenure of allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order and Regulation 21, dated November, 1918, expressly provides that certain particulars must be proved to the satisfaction of the Board before allotment-holders are dispossessed, and in view of the necessity of continuity of policy in these cases, he will secure that the Board's policy in this respect shall be carried out; that local authorities shall be instructed to remit to the Board all cases of proposed termination of tenancy of allotments; and whether, in view of the anxiety among allotment-holders at the present time in regard to their tenure, some machinery will be set up to enable allotment-holders to have a voice in the interpretation of the conditions under which allotments have to be surrendered in the public interest?

The intention of the Board is to retain possession in all cases except where the compensation would be excessive or when the land is situated in parks and open spaces. Each case has to be considered on its merits, and absolute uniformity of treatment is impossible. Local authorities have been instructed to submit their proposals to the Board for approval. The Board are always glad to consider representations from allotment-holders, but they cannot delegate their responsibility of deciding what land shall be retained or not.

Would my hon. and gallant Friend consider the desirability of asking for further powers for his Department in respect of the Cultivation of Land Orders, so as to protect the interests of allotment-holders?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will await the introduction of the Land Settlement Bill, I think he will see that further powers will be asked for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether there is a keen desire on the part of the members of the Maypole and District Allotment Holders' Association, Bexley, to secure a lease of the land they are at present cultivating, with a view to obtaining more adequate security of tenure than they have at present; and, as the Board have recommended allotment-holders to lease ground wherever possible, whether he will make representations to the urban district council of Dartford to effect a lease of this land or, failing that, a lease of other land in the district to satisfy the demand for allotments?

The Board have no special information about this case, but inquiries will be made with the object of giving the association all possible assistance in obtaining land for allotments on lease.

Will greater power be taken with regard to security of tenure for these allotment-holders?

I think that my hon. Friend had better wait for the introduction of the Bill.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether it is intended to act upon the recommendations made in the Report of the Committee presided over by Lord Moulton by paying the awards to the persons found by them to be entitled to such for the invention and design of the tanks?

The recommendations made in the Report of Lord Moulton's Committee is being referred to the Royal Commission on Awards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions for what purpose he is still retaining about seventeen acres of Clapham Common for his Department; if the London County Council has repeatedly applied for its release so that this acreage can now be used for its original purpose of an open space for games; and if he will give instructions to release this land at once so that it can be used during the ensuing summer months?

The seventeen acres in question form part of a total area of twenty-six acres used by the Ministry for testing anti-gas respirators, and for the storage of respirators and helmets returned from France. The remainder of the ground is, at the request of the London County Council, being reinstated for use as an open space during the summer. The seventeen acres retained are still being used for storage purposes. No request has been received from the County Council for vacation of this apace, but I am making inquiries as to the earliest date at which it will be possible to surrender the whole area.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if any contracts were placed by his Department during the War without a break clause; and, if so, will he state, approximately, the number of such contracts and equally the number of contracts containing such a clause?

No contracts made by my Department during the War contained a break clause. My reply to a supplementary question last Monday was given under a misapprehension. In regard to the furniture contracts, to which I understand the hon. Baronet to refer, it would have been inadvisable to insert such a clause, even if the contractors would have agreed to one. It was necessary to induce furniture manufacturers to set aside their private work, for which there was a great demand, and to concentrate on the urgent Government requirements. Instead of having to make compensation under a break clause my Department has been free to negotiate with contractors for the cancellation or diversion of their contracts, and as a matter of fact has secured the cancellation of over £300,000 worth for the small compensation of £50.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that his is the only Department which has not such a clause in all war contracts?

I have gone carefully into the matter, and, looking through one of the break clause contracts, I am very glad that we have not got them.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the return to civil life of a number of men who have served in the forces of the Crown and have enjoyed during their period of service the social amenities provided in connection with regimental institutions, and the absence of any such facilities for recreation and social intercourse in the rural districts of the country, he can state what contribution, if any, he proposes to make from State funds in aid of such forms of war memorials as are contemplated in the erection of village halls and institutions?

:The Local Government Board are prepared to sanction expenditure by local authorities for this purpose.

Would not an economical solution of this important question be to use the obsolete hutments all over the country for this specific purpose? Would this suggestion be considered?

The use of the huts for all purposes is being considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view of meeting the views of those who consider it undesirable to retain so-called conscientious objectors in prison, he will afford to the latter after the signing of the Peace Treaty the option of joining the Non-Combatant Corps for road making and other essential work in the devasted areas abroad, and thus give the opportunity for the genuine conscientious objector to be distinguished from those who have no genuine conscientious scruples?

:I am informed that it has always been the practice to release any man of the class referred to who has given an undertaking to serve in any non-combatant unit, and my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that any conscientious objector who is prepared to give that undertaking will be afforded the opportunity. I understand, however, that many genuine conscientious objectors have persistently refused to do any work whatever under military control, and I am afraid, therefore, it is not possible to apply the test suggested in order to distinguish genuine from non-genuine cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the same to the notice of conscientious objectors and so knock the bottom out of this agitation which is going on?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that most conscientious objectors obtain by good conduct a remission of part of their sentences, an arrangement could be made whereby they would benefit by this remission and be allowed to see their families at home before being re-court-martialled and again imprisoned?

There is no advantage in considering this question piecemeal. It cannot in the opinion of His Majesty's Government be dealt with until demobilisation is further advanced.

asked the Prime Minister what is the position with regard to the draft Bill to restore the right to strike and keep up wages for six months, stated to have been submitted to a joint committee of employers and men?

I have been asked to answer this question. The prohibition against strikes, contained in Part 1 of the Munitions of War Act, 1915, was removed by the repeal of that part of that Act by Section 6 of the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act, 1916. This Act also maintains wages at their existing level for a period of six months from the date on which it was passed, namely, 21st November, 1918. The question of the future method of dealing with war wage advances is now under consideration by a Joint Committee set up as a result of the recent Industrial Conference.

asked the Prime Minister what Department is responsible for the accumulation of Government motor cars at Kempton Park and other depots; what percentage of these cars has been disposed of since the Armistice, including deliveries to which the Government is committed under existing contracts, and how many cars are now in stock; whether he is aware that they are daily depreciating in value; and when and by what means they are to be realised?

The War Office is responsible for all Army mechanical transport vehicles at Kempton Park, and certain other depots. The vehicles are collected from all Government Departments, and after being sorted, classified by makes, etc., they are handed over to the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board at the Ministry of Munitions for disposal I am informed that the motor cars thus put forward for disposal to date amount to just under 17 per cent., and that about 30 per cent. of these have actually been disposed of, while a further 394 cars, which are ready for disposal, will be sold by auction in due course after full publicity. Auctions are being held at as frequent intervals as possible. The number of cars in stock at the depots under the War Office is 3,362, including current deliveries of new vehicles. I have no doubt a good deal of depreciation is taking place in this and other Government stores. Every effort will be made to accelerate disposals.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether it is proposed to move any of these cars to the depot at Slough?

I think that it is quite possible the same may be moved to Slough, but that is getting on to a subject which is really better suited to Debate.

Are these cars being preserved, even though they are getting into a state of deterioration, in order that they may be moved to Slough and thus justify the Slough experiment?

I am sure that my hon. Friend does not believe that it is as bad as all that.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the photographs in the public Press showing the conditions at Kempton Park; whether they are true, and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I know that some of the conditions at Kempton Park are deplorable, and that some of these cars are up to their axles in mud. One of the reasons it is proposed to move some of them to Slough, so I am advised, is that they can stand there under better conditions.

Will Slough be put up before these cars are put up for auction?

I do not think that I had better go into that matter now.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of appointing a Commission to collect information and evidence concerning the aims and objects of the Bolsheviks, with special regard to their treatment of women?

I do not think such a Commission is necessary in view of the large amount of information and evidence already available.

Is the evidence to be circulated throughout the country?

I believe it is arranged that is shall be published, but I cannot pledge myself to that circulation.

Are the Government taking any definite steps to deal with Bolshevism in this country?

They are doing as much as they can. The amount of their success must be judged by the hon. Member.

Is not Bolshevism in this country a pure bogey?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has any objection to now publishing the Report of the inquiry which was held into the loss of the "Hampshire?"

The Admiralty see no reason to depart from their previous decision not to publish this Report.

What considerations of public interest stand in the way of letting the public know the truth of the circumstances under which Lord Kitchener met his death?

I understand that the Reports of Courts of Inquiry are never published. I have not gone fully into the question, but perhaps my hon. Friend will ask the Admiralty what is the objection to publishing it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement in Lord Jellicoe's book that the "Hampshire" was sent up an unswept channel?

I was not aware of it.

Does the Government not recognise the unfairness of holding Courts of Inquiry on such matters, the Reports of which are never published?

There are reasons for and against, but I do not profess to be familiar with the subject, which has often been discussed in this House.

Is it not the case you can hold courts-martial, and that there is no precedent against publishing what transpires there, whereas the Reports of Courts of Inquiry are never published. Is there not grave reason to think that Courts of Inquiry are not properly held?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can announce the day on which the thanks of the House of Commons shall be given to the Navy, Army, and Auxiliary Services, including the Mercantile Marine, for their services in the War?

It is not yet possible to give the date.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that in numerous cases soldiers or their wives or dependants write to different Government Departments for information or redress and for weeks and sometimes months receive no reply; and whether, in view of the fact that such omission has caused, and is causing, discontent, he will give directions that all letters and complaints from the classes above referred to shall be promptly attended to and replies sent?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the local pensions committees have been established all over the country for the express purpose of giving information and redress on the spot, and it is to them that applications should be made in the first instance.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he is aware that in 1914 and 1915, owing to the need of men in the Army who possessed the ability to administer large telegraph and telephone offices, his Department was asked by the War Office to select suitable men for such work; that they were for the most part of the minor establishment of the Post Office and normally their salaries were totally inadequate to maintain their families and also the ranks of commissioned officers, and that they were promised full civil pay as well as the emoluments of officers of the Royal Engineers; under what authority it has been advised that these men are not to receive the gratuities granted to their comrades in the British Army, and whether the postal authorities are about to represent to the War Office the need for the immediate withdrawal of the Army Council instruction withholding this right;

(2) Whether, seeing that, in response to the questions raised by Members in the House in 1918, he promised to consult the Law Officers of the Crown regarding the legality of the action of his Department in withholding allowances and gratuities from Post Office servants who accepted military service in response to a promise admittedly made, he will say whether the Law Officers have decided such stoppages were illegal, and refundments in certain cases have been made; whether he can state why separation allowances granted in 1917 onward have been paid, as a result of this decision, while the gratuities, an essential part of military pay, promised in 1914–15–16 have not been paid;

(3) Whether, in 1914, the Post Office authorities promised full civil pay in addition to military pay to expert telegraphists who volunteered for the Royal Engineers (Signal Service);whether the Departmental authorities agreed with the officials of the postal telegraph trades unions that the application of these terms were to be identical with those enjoyed by the Army Post Office in South Africa;

and whether, in view of the pledges given to men who enlisted knowing these conditions in 1914 to 1917, he will state why the gratuity given to soldiers and officers is being withheld?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dartford on the 12th instant.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether disability pensions equally with wound pensions are to be free of Income Tax?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister it, in view of the fact that controllers and other officials temporarily or otherwise engaged during the War in Government Departments are now transferring their services to private or other firms, he will require each of such controllers or officials in all State Departments to make a written declaration that no information of a Government, industrial, or commercial nature, whether verbal or in writing, shall be communicated to any person or be utilised in any way in relation to his future employment; and will he make any breach of such declaration punishable under the Defence of the Realm Regulations or by other means?

I think that the suggestion made by my hon. Friend is already covered by the Official Secrets Act, 1911 (S. 2), but the Government is at present considering whether it may not be desirable to provide further safeguards.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the hardships inflicted on a number of men serving with the Salonika Forces, who have been away from home for over three years without any leave, he will guarantee that such men will be immediately discharged?

Such men as are eligible for demobilisation are being demobilised as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service and transport facilities permit.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is immense dissatisfaction owing to the impossibility of getting men away from Salonika?

I am only aware that everything is being done, in accordance with the scheme which was announced to Parliament, to bring men home and release them.

Will the men who are eligible for release, and who have been sent from Salonika to Batum, en route for Baku, be allowed to return home?

I have given a very full explanation to the House of the policy we are pursuing. We are pursuing it honestly in all directions. We are only keeping certain classes of men, and we are giving them leave—such leave as there is—and we are bringing all the others home for demobilisation at the earliest possible moment.

Ought not men who have not done any service overseas to be sent to Russia to take the places of these men, so that these men can return home?

Is the right lion. Gentleman aware that some of these men are over forty years of age?

They are eligible for demobilisation if they are over forty, and they will be brought home if it is possible.