asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that police pensions are to some extent a form of deferred pay, he will favourably consider exempting such from Income Tax?

The Income Tax liability of a police pensioner is governed by the rules applicable to taxpayers generally, and the various statutory reliefs (graduation, abatement, etc.), are, of course, available to him. The circumstance suggested in the question would afford no ground for any differentiation in favour of this particular kind of income.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on the 26th February, seven sheep purchased by a local butcher at the London Islington Market arrived at Epsom and were slaughtered the following day, when four of such sheep proved to be in lamb, and as to what steps local live stock commissioners take of preventing the allocation of animals for slaughter in such a condition; and whether he will take action as will prevent a repetition of a similar occurrence?

The attention of the Food Controller had not previously been called to the case to which the hon. and gallant Member refers and he is having inquiries made into it. Grading committees have been instructed to reject all pregnant animals, and it is an offence under the Live Stock (Sales) Order to send such animals to market for sale for slaughter, to sell or buy them, or cause them to be slaughtered. It will be understood, however, that the condition of the animals may sometimes be very difficult to detect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British saccharine is controlled at 1s. 7½d. per 100 tablets, while American is sold uncontrolled at 2s. 6d. and 2s. 9d., and naturally is pushed by chemists, though inferior to British, and is consequently more readily sold; and whether he will free British saccharine or control American, and so assist the Chancellor of the Exchequer in keeping money in the country?

I have been asked to reply. The control over the price of saccharine tablets was entirely removed on 1st January last and has not been re-imposed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are large numbers of carcases of mutton in cold storage for which butchers are asking, being without mutton; that the said mutton if much longer in store will go blue mouldy; and whether he will instruct the Food Controller either to re release the same now and meet the public demand or, if it is kept much longer, to send it to Germany?

I have been asked to reply. On 1st March the total stocks of frozen mutton and lamb in store were 20,126 tons, of which only 7,200 tons were available for civilian consumption, the re- mainder being reserved to meet Army requirements. Mutton and beef are issued by the Ministry in a fixed ratio, in order to ensure that retailers are equally treated. There are no grounds for suggesting that the mutton now in store will go mouldy or that mutton is being withheld from the public.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, on the termination of the War, the Board of Agriculture's rights of occupation of lands under the Cultivation of Lands Orders will cease, and thereafter the Board's occupation will be under The Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916; and whether the Board have intimated that they are prepared to relinquish possession of such lands at short notice where they are satisfied that the land is reasonably required for building or industrial purposes?

Yes, Sir, the answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many principals of Irish national schools are provided at the expense of the State with free residences or Grants in lieu of residences; how many are provided with residences that are free by reason of the building loans having been paid off bythe Commissioners of National Education and the teachers; how many are provided with free residences whose local moieties were not borne by the teachers; how many are residing in residences whose local moieties are being paid by themselves; how many are occupying residences whose local moieties are not being paid by themselves; and how many principal teachers arestill unprovided with residences?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that except in the case of the model schools,residences for the teachers of Irish national schools are not provided entirely from State sources, nor are Grants from the State made to teachers in lieu of the provision of residences. In connection with about 1,340 national schools residences for the principal teachers have been provided, with the assistance of the State, either in the form of Grants in Aid (about 80 in number) or as loans to build (numbering about 1,260). In case of the latter one-half of the rent-charge in repayment of the loan is provided from the Imperial Exchequer, and the other half is defrayed from local sources. Though the Commissioners are aware that in many cases the local moiety of the rent-charge is defrayed by the teacher in occupation of the residence, they have no precise statistics available as to the total number of such cases. The loans have been paid off in connection with about 160 residences. Including houses which were entirely provided from local sources, there are residences available for the principal teachers of about 2,300 ordinary national schools, and about one-half of such residences are free of rent to the teachers. There are some 5,200 ordinary national schools not yet provided with teachers' residences.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is yet able to state what arrangement has been made with the Treasury with regard to an equivalent Grant for Irish roads?

I regret to say that this matter has not yet been settled. I am again in communication with the authorities concerned, and I hope that a final settlement will be reached soon.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to officially acknowledge the suggestions and inventions for improving the efficiency of naval equipment, especially in relation to anti-submarine and defence against enemy mines, which have been submitted to them by officers and men of the Royal Navy during the War; if so, whethera Fleet Order could be issued inviting officers and men to make their claims in respect of such; and whether, in considering these claims, the Admiralty will take into consideration the date of submitting such suggestions in relation to the existing necessity for the device?

Suggestions and inventions which have been submitted to the Admiralty by officers and men of the Royal Navy during the War have been considered and acknowledged. I am advised that further general action of the the nature suggested is not considered necessary.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many patrol boats are now lying in Kingstown Harbour, and when they will be available for return to their pre-war uses?

There are no patrol boats in Kingstown Harbour, but there are at the moment fourteen hired trawlers and drifters under the orders of the Commodore, Kingstown. Of these, one drifter is under orders to proceed to her reconditioning port. The remaining vessels should be free for release on 31st March, but owing to congestion at the reconditioning ports cannot be accommodated.

asked the Secretary of State for War when a war medal is to be issued to officers and men who fought in the last two years of the War?

I regret it is not yet possible, to state the date on which war medals will begin to be issued, but arrangements are being expedited as much as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is the intention of the Admiralty to grant any posthumous honour to the late Lieutenant Commander G. S. White for his gallantry in forcing the Dardanelles in Submarine E14 with a view to torpedoing the "Goeben," in January, 1918, or to grant any reward to the survivors?

The question of awards to officers and men of E14 is under consideration with other cases in which the evidence of survivors, who took part in the enterprise, has only become available on their release from captivity, under the terms of the Armistice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the reasons which are preventing the demobilisation of George Mackay, His Majesty's Drifter "Willowbank"?

His Majesty's Drifter "Willowbank"has been employed on special service in the directing of traffic at Larne. The vessel has completed this service and is now at Fraser burgh, preparatory to reconditioning. The crew will be dispersed as soon as possible under the existing procedure. I am advised that George Mackay enrolled on the 12th January, 1917.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private D. Kennedy, No. 47495, No. 2 Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, who enlisted on 10th December, 1915, and was passed C1, and was subsequently passed B2, may now be demobilised as a one-man business man, a plumber; and whether Corporal William Horseburgh, No. 72974, Royal Engineers (Signals), 32nd Infantry Brigade, Headquarters, British Expeditionary Force, France, who joined in August, 1915, and is urgently required at his work as a joiner, can now be demobilised?

From the information given, Corporal Horseburgh would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, will no doubt be demobilised in due course. Instructions concerning Private Kennedy's demobilisation were issued some time ago. Inquiries are being made into the cause of the delay, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when the establishment of the Armies of Occupation are complete and it has been found possible to release the men aged thirty-six and thirty-five, the men with two wound stripes, and the men aged thirty-four, he will give the first preference for release to the men who, having volunteered for direct enlistment in 1914 and been medically rejected because the recruiting standards were at that time high, were subsequently called up under the Military Service Acts, when the recruiting standards were low, and passed into the Service, and the second preference to men with one wound stripe, before any further men are released solely on the score of age?

There are no records of men who were rejected medically unfit in 1914, except possibly in a very small number of cases, and I regret, therefore, it is impossible to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make inquiries as to whether Private Widdowson,. No. 350569, ⅛rd East Lancashire Field Ambulance, and Private C. A. Wilson, No. 352165, ½nd East Lancashire Field Ambulance, both Territorials serving since August, 1914, are still detained as orderlies, at the First Western General Hospital, Fazakerley, Liverpool; whether their demobilisation has been delayed on the ground of military exigencies; and, if so what are the military exigencies which prevent their release to the civil work awaiting them in Manchester?

If the dates of these men's attestations are as stated they are eligible for demobilisation, but my hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt appreciate that there has not yet been sufficient time to demobilise everybody who is, eligible under current instructions, and also that Royal Army Medical Corps personnel whose services are required are liable to retention until they can be replaced, even though they may be eligible for demobilisation. There does not appear to be any novel point of principle; about these two cases which would necessitate inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give orders for the immediate release of S. Gaved, No. M2/113010, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), Mobile Workshop, 615th Company, Victoria Barracks, Athlone, a one-man business man, who enlisted on 11th May, 1915?

From the information given, Private Gaved appears to be eligible for demobilisation and will, no doubt, be demobilised in due course. I regret I cannot entertain my Noble and gallant Friend's suggestion: this man must await the course of events in the same way as other soldiers.

asked the Secretary for War whether he will give orders for the release of Private William Craven No. 377401, 1144 Company, 23rd Headquarters Reserve, M.T. Company, British Expeditionary Force, a one-man business man, whose shop has been closed for a considerable time, his wife being nearly blind and unable to carry on his business?

Private Craven's demobilisation is dependent on whether or not he is eligible under current instructions. If he is so eligible, he will no doubt be demobilised in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give orders for the release of Gunner R. H. Hogg, No. 161809, 445th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, Salonika, a one-man business man and a skilled bootmaker, who has beenacting as an officer's servant throughout his service, whose shop has been closed for two years?

Gunner Hogg's demobilisation is dependent on whether or not he is eligible under current instructions. If he is so eligible, he will no doubt be demobilised in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can arrange some means, either through local pension committees or in any other way, whereby men who are demobilised may receive their four weeks' pay more quickly and satisfactorily than at present; is he aware that in Derby many men so demobilised are reduced to the necessity of begging or borrowing money in order to keep going, due to the excessive delay in getting their allowances paid, as at present, through the Post Office?

I am not aware of any general delay in the payment of furlough pay to demobilised soldiers nor have any complaints reached the War Office from Derby in particular. I should be glad if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any such cases that may have come to his notice. Meanwhile an officer has been sent to Derby to look into the matter, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is felt amongst soldiers who, having been prisoners of war in Germany, and owing to statements made in Parliament last year, expected their release from the Army on their return to this country, now find they have to rejoin their units after two months' furlough; and whether he is prepared to give these men preferential treatment?

I regret I can add nothing to the answer given to the hon. Members for Kettering and Bishop Auckland on the 25th of February and to the hon. Member for Cardiff (Central) on the 13th inst. It would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line. If men are fit in bodily health, they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories prescribed, irrespective of whether they are repatriated, prisoners or not. Repatriated prisoners who are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions may be demobilised during or at the end of their two months' furlough if they so desire. As regards statements made in last Parliament, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by the War Office on the 7th November last and the 15th November and 31st October, 1917, to the effect that repatriated soldiers would be considered for purposes of discharge in the same manner as any other soldier.

asked the Secretary off State for War whether men who attested under the Derby scheme before 1st February, 1916, but werenot called up until, after that date, are treated for demobilisation purposes on the same footing as conscripts under the Military Service Act; and, if so, whether a distinction can be made in favour of these voluntary Service men, at any rate in cases in which a guarantee of employment has been given?

Men who attested, under the Derby scheme before 1st January, 1916, but did not join the Colours for continuous service until after that date are not eligible for demobilisation under current instructions, unless they fall within certain specified exceptions. I regretI cannot entertain my hon. Friend's suggestion in the second part of his question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain the following technical terms frequently used in connection with demobilisation, such as demobiliser, pivotal men, special release, slip men, and contract men; and if he will state what the position is as regards demobilisation of men registered as belonging to these various categories?

Owing to the fact that demobilisation has been carried out largely with a view to the industrial requirements, a number of terms have arisen which it would be well to explain, amongst others are "Demobilisers,"Pivotal Men," "Special Release," "Slip Men" and "Contract Men."1. (

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware, that the demobilisation of Lieutenant H. S. Cotterill, 1/lst Notts (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry, who left his farm in Canada and came to England to join the Army in August, 1914, was approved some weeks ago, but that the necessary release documents have not been issued to him; and whether, in view of the necessity for this officer to reach Canada in time for this year's seeding, he can arrange for his immediate release?

Lieutenant Cotterill, 1/lst Notts (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry, was ordered to proceed to the Repatriation Camp, Winchester, on the 7th March, 1919. There are at present 231 officers on the strength of the camp awaiting passage to Canada, nearly all of whom are in the same position as Lieutenant Cotterill. Every endeavour is being made to expedite the return to Canada and other countries of officers and men awaiting repatriation overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Territorials who prior to the outbreak of war re-enlisted for any period of service up to three years and subsequently re-enlisted for the duration of the War have received on re-enlistment, under Army Order 209, 1916, a gratuity of £15 and a month's furlough, whereas Territorials who previous to the outbreak of war re-enlisted for a definite periodof four years and who have served for the same length of time have not been given the option of further re-enlistment and have been denied both the gratuity and the furlough given to the men under the Army Order cited; whether he is aware that this distinction has created and is still causing dissatisfaction on the ground of inequality of treatment and injustice; and whether he can see his way to Amend the Order or to issue a new Order and to secure to the four years'men the same treatment as has been given to the others?

This gratuity was. given to men who had finished their engagements, in consideration of their compulsory retention for a further period. There was no option. If my hon. Friend's suggestion is that the gratuity should be extended to cases in which there is no compulsory retention, I am afraid I cannot adopt it.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that about 3,000 Chinese are working at the Calais Docks; that thousands of pounds worth of cargo has been lost in consequence of these Chinese being engaged;, that the Harbour Controller from headquarters suggested that a battalion of. 1,000 men should guard them; that if the 3,000 Chinese were dispensed with the work could be more efficiently done by the 1,000 men if a trade union rate ofwages was paid; and that not only would large cargoes be saved against theft, but also, if 1,000 men were employed at trade union rate of wages, there would be 1,000 less to be paid the unemployment grant?

There are now only about 1,300 Chinese working at Calais Docks. Pilfering in Calais Docks is known to have been occurring, but there are other offenders beside the Chinese. I have no knowledge of the suggestions contained in the latter part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, and at the present stage the proposed changes do not appear to be called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that former naval service in the case of an ex-sailor re-enlisting in the Army is not allowed to count towards proficiency pay under Article 1,066 of the Pay Warrant, whereas former service in the Royal Marines is allowed to count, and that. Sergeant-Major G. Cattermole, M.C., No. G61397, 32nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, who left the Royal Navy before the War as a petty officer, Class II., has been compelled to refund proficiency pay, amounting to a sum of £18 5s. 6d., on the ground that he was not eligible for it under the above-quoted article of the Royal Warrant; and whether he will take steps to make naval service count equally with Royal Marine service towards Army proficiency pay, and to have the stoppage above-mentioned repaid in lull to Sergeant-Major Cattermole?

This rule that service in the Royal Navy does not count as military service for the purpose of proficiency pay was made by the Army Council after very full consideration, and it is not proposed to modify it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men who are being discharged on the termination of their engagement and who are entitled to two months' furlough under paragraph 1,322 of the King's Regulations, are only receiving the ordinary twenty-eight days'demobilisation furlough; and whether he will consider the grant of the full two months, at least, to Regular soldiers who have served twelve years or more?

The resumption of the provisions of paragraph 1,322 of the King's Regulations is now under consideration, and it is hoped that a decision will shortly be reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the owners of houses along the East Coast which have been commandeered by the military have been paid the rent due under the agreement for the use of the same; whether such agreements are monthly for the purpose of payment; and, if such have not been paid, can he state when payments will be made?

I have no reason to Suppose that any rents due under the terms of an agreement are not being paid promptly and regularly (normally each month), but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case in which this is not being done I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that troops and reinforcements at Havre, Rouen, and other base depots in France dwelt in tents intheir passage through these depots during the whole period of the War and without regard to the period of the year, and that since the signing of the Armistice orders have been given for the erection of hutments to take the place of these tents; whether such hutments are now being erected; and what is going to be the cost?

Prior to the Armistice there was no labour or material available to provide hutments for more than a proportion of the troops and reinforcements at the base depots in France, such labour and material being urgently required at the front. Since the signing of the Armistice additional hutments have been provided at the base depots to accommodate the large numbers passing through for demobilisation and leave during the inclement season. The policy of providing these hutments has resulted in increased comfort and content, and has been fully justified. In view of the approach of spring, orders were issued that only huts which would be completed by 1st March were to be proceeded with. It is not possible to give at short notice an exact estimate of the cost of huts erected. Arrangements have already been made to dispose of the huts locally, and on most favourable terms, when no longer required by us.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now announce the composition and terms of reference of the Committee on courts-martial?

The constitution of the Committee is not yet quite complete, but I hope to make an announcement early next week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a letter sent to W. G. Corke at Hounslow Barracks, on 11th March, was opened and sent to the governor of Wandsworth Prison;whether it is the custom for the military authorities to intercept private letters and send them to persons who are mentioned in them; and, if not, whether he can explain this occurrence?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish the name of the regiment to which Corke belongs and his regimental number, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers serving in the Regular Army are not being allowed to sign on for an extra two years; and, if so, will he state the reason?

Soldiers serving in the Regular Army, who have completed or are due to complete their term of Colour service on regular engagements before 1st September, 1919, are allowed to re-enlist for short periods under the same conditions and privileges as other soldiers now serving.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the circumstances of the return of the Armoured Car Brigade to Belton Park camp from Mesopotamia on 28th February; if lie is aware that after a midnight march the men were kept standing in the cold for two hours, as no preparations had been made for their reception; if they had to sleep on the floor in un-warmed huts without blankets; if he will state how many men were afterwards sent to hospital; and if any died as the result of these conditions?

Inquiries are being made which are not yet complete, but I regret to say according to the information I have so far received, that owing to the delay in delivery of a telegram which might have rectified matters, these men appear to have arrived at their depot at Grantham about 11 p.m. without preparations having been made for their reception. Upon their arrival the staff at once turned out, and arrangements were made to house them in empty huts, and to get a substantial hot meal ready. I am informed that fires were lighted in the huts, and the meal was served about 1 a.m.I understand that it was found impossible to issue blankets for the men that night, but I am not clear at present why this was so, and I am having further inquiry made as to this point.The strength of the unit marching in. was thirty-one officers, 496 other ranks. It is reported that seventy-two have since been admitted into hospital suffering from influenza, of whom six have died of pneumonia following influenza.I will give directions for a special inquiry to be instituted with the intention of fixing responsibility for a lamentable miscarriage, and preventing, as far as possible, all risk of its recurrence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice of the Army Council to sanction a soldier's official age being corrected to agree with his birth certificate for the purpose of determining his eligibility for re-enlistment into the post-bellum Army; whether the Army Council are cognisant of the fact that such decision gives to such men the possibility of evading the age clause laid down in Article 33 of the Pay Warrant, in the event of their names coming forward for promotion to commissioned rank in the capacity of quartermaster at some future date; and whether the Army Council are prepared to apply this decision to soldiers already serving on normal attestations whoso ages as recorded thereon differentiate from those shown in their birth certificates?

The answer to the first two parts of my Noble Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question it is not intended, as a general practice, to apply the decision to soldiers already serving on normal attestations. The age as shown on a man's attestation is that to which he is liable to be held, and it is not proposed todepart from that rule, but if my Noble Friend will give me particulars of any specific cases he has in mind I shall be happy to have them considered.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why warrant officers in the Army are not allowed to commute a part of their pensions under the provisions of the second Section of the Pensions Commutation Act of 1871, on the same terms and under the same conditions as commissioned officers; and whether, seeing that warrant officers are legally included in that Act, he will extend the privilege to the various classes of warrant officers mentioned in Articles 744 to 750 of the Royal Warrant for Pay, 1914?

Commissioned officers cannot commute their pensions below a figure which leaves them with £100 a year permanent income, so that the application to warrant officers of the conditions for commissioned officers would practically exclude warrant officers from commutation altogether. They are now allowed to commute down to 2s. a day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether one battalion has been retained as representing the 36th (Ulster) Division in the Army of the Rhine; if so, in which division; and whether the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, shown in the officially published lists, has been mistaken for another battalion?

The 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles appears in the Official List as one of the Irish battalions selected for the Army of the Rhine in the Light Division. In one of the newspapers which published this list on the 8th March I find that this battalion was incorrectly shown as the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire if in May, 1917, Lieutenant and Quartermaster E. Baston, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was called on to resign his commission and refused a gratuity without an opportunity to state his case to the Army Council; whether he is aware that Lieutenant Baston has made repeated appeals for such an opportunity or, alternatively, for a Court of inquiry, and whether, having regard to his twenty-three years' continuous good service in the Regular Army and the circumstances under which he was made to resign, he may now, as an act of grace, be granted the privilege of an interview with a member of the Army Council, in accordance with the more recent practice of the Army?

The introduction by Army Order of the 18th May, 1918, of the concession as to an interview with a member of the Army Council was long subsequent to the date when this officer was called on to resign his commission, and the Army Order had no retrospective effect. As regards this particular case, I find that it was carefully considered at the time and the officer's written representations have since been before the Army Council, with the result that the previous decision has been confirmed. In the circumstances I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt the course suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the periods during which soldiers are engaged onagricultural work count towards gratuities on discharge; if not, whether the soldiers so employed were notified that such periods would not count; and, if they were not so notified, can he see his way to give the necessary instructions that these periods shall be taken into consideration when assessing the amounts of gratuities?

Any period beyond three months during which a soldier is employed on agricultural work does not reckon towards war gratuity to which, I understand, my hon. and gallant Friend to refer. This condition was made known at the time that the gratuity was authorised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a. gratuity equivalent to that granted to temporary commissioned officers, under paragraphs 496/7 of the Royal Pay Warrant, and a war bonus equivalent to that granted to officers of the Army of Occupation, under Army Orders 54/19 and 55/19 as. amplified by Army Order VI., dated l5th February, 1919, are to be granted to acting paymasters; and, if such gratuities and/or war bonuses are not being granted, if he will state the reasons?

Those acting paymasters who are commissioned officers and are retained in the Army of Occupation receive the bonus under the Army Orders of 1919. As regards gratuities under paragraph 497 of the Pay Warrant, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the written reply which I gave on the 4th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich (West), to the effect that the question whether it may be possible to give them some form of gratuity on completion of their service is being considered.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the wife of a Regular soldier who was servingin India at the outbreak of war, on being sent back to her home in London, is by Regulations not entitled to the London area allowance; and will he take steps to alter this Regulation?

I regret that I am unable to alter the Regulation in question, which is not confined to Indian cases. It was adopted after full consideration, and has been in force throughout the War.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the fact that local war pensions committees have no power to assist demobilised disabled men with allowances or training until their disability is proved and pension awarded, which work is taking several weeks to carry out, and in view of the fact that hospitals are not so busy as during active operations, he will make the necessary arrangements for men about to be released from hospital and who are in an unfit state of health to work to be retained in hospital until they can be discharged as physically unfit, with pension, so that they may then be at once put on the treatment allowance if the medical referee advises, and also have training if not fit to follow their previous occupation, instead of having to draw unemployment pay on demobilisation, as they have to do at present, a system costly to the State and unfair to the soldier?

My hon. and gallant Friend is apparently not aware of the whole of the arrangements made. If a disabled man is demobilised he receives Army pay for twenty-eight days, and during that time, if he is in need of medical treatment, he is entitled to treatment in a military hospital, and the local war pension committees assist him to obtain it. After the expiration of the twenty-eight days the local war pension committees, on application, will cause the man to be examined by a medical referee, and upon the medical referee's report treatment is given, if necessary, and advances are made pending the settlement of the pension.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether air mechanics entered into the Royal Naval Air Service as carpenter ratings, and who brought their own tools with them into the Service, were entitled to 3d. per day as tool money; and, if so, when will this money be paid?

In the Royal Naval Air Service the carpenters bought their own tools and received 3d. a day for upkeep. In the Royal Air Force the tools, are issued to the men on loan and no such upkeep allowance is made. Tools belonging to ex-Royal Naval Air Service men on joining the Royal Air Force were either bought by the Royal Air Force at a valuation or sent to their tomes at public expense.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether any and, if so, what sum has been paid to any officer of the Royal Air Force as a special reward for the invention or development of anti-aircraft entanglements?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state whether, in engaging men for service in his Ministry, he is reserving at least 75 per cent. of these appointments for ex- soldiers and ex-sailors; and whether he can state what percentage of the total number of men engaged by his Department since the Armistice are ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of an Instruction I have issued to the Department in which the principles to be followed in the recruitment of staff are explained. An announcement in similar terms will be found in the "Times" and other newspapers of this morning. Approximately 95 per cent. of the male staff engaged since the Armistice have served in the Navy or Army.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in engaging men for service in his Department, he is reserving at least 75 per cent.of these appointments for ex-soldiers and ex-sailors and whether he can state what percentage of the total number engaged by his Department since the Armistice are ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

There have been twenty-six men appointed to posts under the Home Office since 11th November, 1918. All of these men have had service in the Navy or Army.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the inadequacy of the medical service provided for the treatment of discharged sailors and soldiers in Belfast; whether he is aware that in consequence of this a number of men discharged in 1914 have not yet been able to receive treatment; and whether he will take immediate steps to have a change effected?

From the inquiries I have made there does not appear to be any foundation for the suggestion that men discharged in 1914 have been waiting for treatment since that date. At the end of last month there were 783 discharged men under treatment and 116 awaiting treatment either as in-patients or out-patients. Arrangements have been made for the immediate treatment in military hospitals of such of these men as are still on the waiting list.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that in a recentaction in the Glamorgan Assize Court, brought by Mr. J. Finlay against the governors of Howells School for Girls, Llandaff, the evidence revealed the fact that the dietary and hours of the school are worse than those in reformatory schools, and that no one seems to be liable or responsible for this state of affairs; that although the Court decided against the plaintiff, the jury and judge expressed the opinion that Mr. Finlay had done a public service in bringing forward the case, and that an official ought to be immediately responsible to the governors for drawing up a dietary scale and time table, to be approved by the medical officer, and for keeping the same observed and revised; and whether he is prepared to take any steps to enforce the immediate appointment of someone who will be held responsible for the proper nourishment of children at this and all other public schools?

I have only seen the Press reports of this case, and am making inquiries. I have no reason to doubt that the governing body of the school are giving the matter their immediate attention.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that five boys were sent to Wandsworth Gaol for ten years for some boyish escapade in France; and if he will order their release?

I understand that the prisoners referred to were detained for three or four weeks in Wandsworth Prison, but that they have now been transferred to military detention barracks, the sentences having been in each case commuted to two years'detention. As, however, the prisoners were convicted by court-martial on charges arising in France, the cases do not come in any way within my jurisdiction, but fall within that of the military authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that J. W. Edwards, of 33, Cranmer Avenue, Ealing, the owner of a taxi-cab, passed all the tests imposed by the Commissioner of Police some nine years ago, and was granted a driver's licence, which was renewed annually down to August last, when renewal was refused on the ground that Edwards had no sight in one eye; whether he is aware that at the time of passing the test and being granted his licence Edwards' eyesight was the same as when the renewal was refused, and that while holding the licence Edwards had never had the slightest mishap of any kind or any trouble with his fares, and in that period he has covered over 105,000 miles with his cabs, besides being a successful instructor of drivers;and whether, having regard to these facts and also to the fact that by means of his savings Edwards has become the owner of his cab, as well as in view of the shortage of taxi-cabs available on the streets, he will make an exception in this case of provedexpert skill and direct that Edwards should have a renewal of his licence granted to him so that he may continue to earn a livelihood?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that Edwards was licensed as a motor-cab driver from 1910 (at which time new entrants were not required to submit a medical certificate) to August, 1918, and that his licence was then withdrawn, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on the Licensing of Partly Disabled Men as Drivers, because it was then found for the first time that he had lost one eye. The Commissioner has no information as to when the loss occurred. Edwards had one conviction far exceeding the speed limit, but his record generally was good. The Committee on the Licensing of Partly Disabled Men as Drivers has been reappointed, and his case, with that of others, will come before it for review. I regret that I am unable to take any action in the matter in anticipation of the recommendation of the Committee. Edwards is still licensed as a cab proprietor, and, like other proprietors, can engage a licensed man to drive his cab.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps the Government pro- pose to take to see that the railway companies and other employers of labour provide housing accommodation for their workpeople?

There is no provision in law under which railway companies and other employers of labour can be required to provide houses for their employés, and my right hon. Friend does not think it would be practicable to impose such an obligation, but public utility societies, representative of both employers and workpeople, will be encouraged by the offer of financial assistance to provide housing accommodation for workpeople.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether Treasury sanction has been obtained to meet the necessary cost in connection with the schemes formulated by the advisory committee for the assistance of the blind; and whether these schemes are to be carried into effect without delay?

My right hon. Friend has conferred with the Advisory Conference on this subject. I hope it may be possible to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion of the present difficulties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state how much beer is to be browed during the year 1919; and what was the consumption of beer for the years 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918, respectively?

The quantities of beer brewed in previous years to the present were as follows:—

	Standard Barrels.
Year ended 31 March, 1912	34,975,378
Year ended 31 March, 1913	34,751,904
Year ended 31 March, 1914	36,057,913
Year ended 31 March, 1915	33,099,411
Year ended 31 March, 1916	30,292,977
Year ended 31 March, 1917	26,626,039
Year ended 31 March, 1918	13,800,000

The quantity permitted to be brewed in the year ending 31st March, 1919, is 13,260,000 standard barrels. It is not possible to state at present what quantity will be brewed during the year 1919; but the present permitted barrelage is at the rate of 15,270,000 standard barrels per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the period of protection afforded to paper manufacturers by the restriction of imports is to be extended to 1st September, as in the case of other manufacturer?

The date fixed for the termination of the control of paper is 30th April. The increase in the ration to 75 per cent. of pre-war figures has, in effect, deprived paper makers of any protection they may have received hitherto, by reason of restriction of imports. The question of extending the date to 1st September has not been considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will exercise any powers he possesses to induce the Middlesbrough and Stockton Tramways Company to resume a Sunday service of cars at such times as will enable workmen to get to their work instead of having to walk four or five miles there and back as at present; and can he arrange for a coal ration to be supplied similar to that in neighbouring towns where Sunday train services are maintained?

The Board of Trade are in communication with the tramways company and have suggested to them that a Sunday service of cars might now be resumed. I understand that there is no difficulty as to the supply of coal to the tramway company.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state under the authority of what Statute or Regulation he has refused a licence to a French nursery governess to come to take up her employment in Cambridge; whether he will publish a list of the trades, professions, and callings which he prevents French subjects from coming to England to practise; and whether there are any and what rules in France to prevent English men and women from entering France for the purpose of earning their living?

The hon. Member give no particulars which would enable me to identify the particular case he has in mind, but, speaking generally, applications for permits to obtain the services of aliens from abroad for work in the United Kingdom are granted or refused under Article 22 b of the Aliens Restriction Order. The Interdepartmental Committee which considers these applications decides each case on its merits, and I am not aware that there are any trades, professions, or callings in respect of which permits are automatically refused. In regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question, I am not aware what rules, if any, the French Government have adopted in similar cases.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the early return from the Army to Post Office duty of several members of the Limerick postal and telegraph staff, some of whose places have been filled in their absence with the Colours, and as a means of removing to some extent the marked stagnation in promotion existing at Limerick, he will consider the advisability of restoring the lapsed superior appointments and enforce the retirement of all officers who have attained the age of sixty at that office?

Only one supervising appointment has been allowed to lapse during the War on the Post Office establishment at Limerick, and the question of restoring that appointment is under consideration. Two assistant superintendents and an inspector of postmen are being retained beyond the age of sixty. They are fully efficient, and it is not proposed to enforce their retirement at present, but the matter will be kept under review.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the Post Office authorities decided that a man when applying for employment there should be informed that owing to the limited number of vacancies that will occur in the future in theGeneral Post Office they desire that the professional soldier of long service be recommended, he will state what is to become of the soldiers who joined in 1914 and subsequently?

Preference for Post Office employment is being given to disabled soldiers and sailors irrespective of the length of their Army or Navy service. The number of vacancies available for able-bodied soldiers, after the claims of disabled men and of Post Office servants returning from the Army have been met, will necessarily be small. The method of selection from among the large number of able-bodied applicants is at present under the consideration of the War Office, under whose control the registration and primary selection of ex-soldiers desirous of Post Office employment are carried out.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the National Farmers' Union of Wales are greatly concerned regarding the future agricultural policy of the Government; that the price of oats in Wales has fallen from 52s. per quarter, which was obtainable in December, 1918, to 40s.; and that the farmers are unable to pay the 50s. per week wages to labourers which is now being demanded; and whether the President of the Board of Agriculture will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject?

It is not considered that the appointment of a Royal Commission is necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in his forthcoming announcement as to guaranteed prices for cereals of the 1919 crop and as to the general future policy of the Government in respect of agriculture, he will also deal with the question of minimum prices for hay, potatoes, beef, butter, and pork, and the provision of markets for such produce?

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the promised statement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agri- culture whether there are any restrictions now in force as to the acreage of hops that farmers may grow; and, if so, how long it is proposed to continue these restrictions, and why they are now necessary?

The Regulations now in force permit hop growers this year to extend their last year's acreages up to 75 per cent. of their acreages in 1914, provided they obtain a licence from the Hop Controller. Any hop grower who is in a position to plant a still greater acreage can obtain a further licence from the Hop Controller. In practice the extent of replanting is limited by the lack of hop sets in the country. The limit of 75 per cent. was imposed at a time when it was still necessary to allocate as much land as possible to food production. With the diminution in the urgency of the situation all restrictions on cropping are being withdrawn.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what the supply of hops in the country was at the end of last harvest, and how much beer this would be sufficient to brew?

The total production of hops in this country from the 1918 harvest was 130,272 cwts., but the Board possess no information as to the stocks of hops then held by brewers. It is estimated that this quantity would be sufficient for the brewing of about 8,000,000 barrels of beer at pre-war strength.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a decision of the Court of Session that in fixing a fair rent the landlord must take into consideration the summer letting value of the premises concerned; and whether he will introduce legislation providing that where the landlord has not contributed to the erection of buildings, or to additions made to buildings for this especial purpose, the smallholder may let as one of the normal methods of livelihood provided by the holding without any increase of rent being incurred thereby?

I beg to refer the hon. Baronet to my reply of 10th instant on this subject to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire. Before considering the expediency of legislating in the direction suggested, I should prefer to await the result of the series of cases in Arran now being heard by the Scottish Land Court.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether applications for licences to export seeds that have been approved by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have further to be sent to the War Trade Department in London, and thereafter to the Food Production Committee of the English Board of Agriculture; whether the approval of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland is sufficient; and what steps he will take to obviate the delay which puts Scottish merchants at a disadvantage?

The procedure, I understand, is substantially as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. As the War Trade Department issues all such licences, they must of course deal with all the applications. I am consulting with the War Trade Department with a view to ascertaining whether it would not be possible to modify the procedure and so to remove the grievance referred to.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what progress has been made with the proposal to inauguratea land bank or banks whereby money at cheap rates would be available to soldiers, sailors, and others desirous of stocking and equipping small holdings?

With a view to facilitating the efforts of the Land Bank which is maintained in connection with the Scottish smallholders'organisation to obtain funds for such purposes as those specified in the question, an application has been made to the Development Commissioners by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland and is now, I understand, under consideration. Further provision of credit facilities to enable suitable smallholders to stock and equip their holdings will, I hope, be made in a Bill which I propose shortly to introduce.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the average size of the crofts in the Tongue district, Sutherland, is roughly 4 acres; and, in view of the fact that there is suitable land for the purpose in the neighbourhood, will he state what steps he proposes to take to secure enlargements to those crofts?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There are only two farms in the parish which could be used for the purpose of enlarging the holdings referred to. Both are under lease until Whit Sunday, 1926, and one is inconveniently situated for the township of Tongue. I am considering what action, if any, can in these circumstances be taken.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he is taking to give effect to the Report of the Third Fiars Inquiry of 1917; whether, in any legislation, retrospective effect will be given to the recommendations of that inquiry in reference to crops, 1917 and 1918, and, failing that, will he say upon whom the responsibility rests for the recommendations of the Committee being made void; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that legislative provision has already been made dealing with the same question in England; and whether any satisfactory reason exists for the delay in dealing with the matter in Scotland?

As the Report did not provide a basis on which any general agreement could be obtained with a view to legislation during the War, I took steps to bring representatives of the interests concerned into consultation with one another. I understand that negotiations have taken place and that views have been exchanged. I am not aware of the precise position at present, but I am taking steps to ascertain it. The Scottish problem is in essential particulars different from that which has been dealt with in England. When I receive the necessary information I shall consider the expediency of legislation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether E. Hanbloch occupies any and, if so, what position under his Department in Brazil; whether he is the son of a naturalised German; and why a pure-blooded Englishman cannot be obtained for the post?

Mr. Ernest Hambloch has been a member of His Majesty's Salaried Consular Service since 1909. He was appointed Vice-Consul at Rio de Janeiro in November of the same year and acted as Consul-General there from March, 1910, till January, 1914. He was appointed Commercial Attachéat Rio de Janeiro in January, 1916, and was confirmed in this appointment with the rank of Commercial Secretary (Grade 1) asfrom 1st April, 1918. I understand that his father was a denaturalised German of French origin who became a naturalised British subject before Mr. Hambloch's birth. His mother is of entirely British origin. I have received repeated testimony to the excellence of Mr. Hambloch's work at Rio de Janeiro from the British commercial community in Brazil and from others in a good position to judge of his qualifications, and I have every reason to believe that he is admirably fitted for the post to which he has been appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in the oral examination of officers and ex-officers who have applied as candidates for the Foreign Consular Service under the recently issued regulations, many instances have occurred where the candidates have been examined for only a very few minutes, and in such interpolations as have been made to them no reference has been made to their knowledge of languages, nor have they been requested to state their experiences in travel in the countries to which possibly they might with value to the Empire have been accredited?

The Civil Service Commission have kindly undertaken, at my request, to review the claims of candidates for the Consular Service. I understand that the average length of interview in the case of these candidates is fifteen minutes. All candidates are questioned as to their knowledge of languages and residence abroad, and those who profess a knowledge of French, I German or Spanish, are put through an oral test in these languages. I should add that the interviews conducted by the Civil Service Commission are of a preliminary character, and that all candidates who appear to have qualifications which may render thorn suitable for appointment are submitted to a selection committee for further interview.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the age limit for appointments under the new Regulations to the Consular Service is twenty-eight; whether this has been publicly announced; and whether he is aware that, although the ageof applicants is stated quite clearly upon the form of application, many of these officers have been called up for oral examination, and, after having their time wasted, and in some cases being made to travel considerable distances, have been informed that they are above the age limit?

It has not been thought advisable publicly to announce an age limit for entrance into the Consular Service, as exceptional cases must always arise. As a general rule the age limithas been fixed at thirty in the case of Vice-Consuls and forty-two in a few exceptional cases of candidates with considerable business experience suitable for appointment as substantive Consuls. I understand that no case has occurred where a candidate hasbeen interviewed and afterwards rejected solely on the ground of age, though in some cases age has been a factor in the decision arrived at.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state when the Report of the Committee considering the matters appertaining to the contracts made with the British Cellulose Company will be issued?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave yesterday.