asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications are at present before the Treasury for the issue of new capital; in how many cases decisions are given per week; and if Treasury control is still desirable in such matters?

Applications are received at the rate of 60 to 100 a day. I am informed that 70 per cent. of all the cases are dealt with within one week, a further 20 per cent. within two weeks, while only the remaining 10 per cent. take more than two weeks. As regards the last part of the question, I propose to make a statement at the close of Questions to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state, on the latest available date, the amounts issued of Five per Cent. War Loan, National War Bonds of the various denominations, Exchequer Bonds of the various denominations, Treasury Bills, and War Savings Certificates, and also the amount of loans owing to the United States by the British Government?

The approximate amounts outstanding on the 28th February were: 4%and 5% War Loan £2,074,700,000 National War Bonds 1,617,000,000 Exchequer Bonds 385,450,000 Treasury Bills 967,000,000 War Savings Certificates (at cash proceeds) 221,400,000 Loans advanced by the U.S. Government $4,032,000,000

In addition there is the Anglo-French American Loan, and certain other Loans advanced in America by lenders other than the U.S.A. Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the feeling of dissatisfaction existing among the temporary Civil assistants of the Ordnance Survey on account of the Treasury Regulations which, by deducting the first seven and a half years of their service, prevent them earning their full pension, although deductions are made from their pay to provide a fund for the purpose; and if he will amend the Regulations in order that the men may be able to gain the full pension for which they pay?

The arrangements with regard to the calculation of the pensions of the Civil assistants in the Ordnance Survey have recently been very carefully considered, but I am not prepared to agree to any modification of the existing system, which was set up in 1906 and was accepted by the men and their representatives at the time as a satisfactory settlement.

asked the Food Controller whether the quantity of wheat imported into Hull during February, 1919, was only 38,299 quarters, and thousands of tons of wheat and flour are being brought across from Liverpool and Manchester to Hull by rail to keep local mills running; whether he is aware that the pre-war requirements of wheat in the Hull area were 80,000 quarters per week and the probable present requirements are 60,000 quarters per week; and whether, in view of the unique facilities of the port of Hull for easy and quick transport of wheat by water from import steamer direct to the local mills and to mills in Lincolnshire and other places, he proposes to take immediate steps to increase the imports to Hull of wheat and other essential food stuffs?

It is the case that grain is at present being moved by rail and coasting steamer to Hull and other ports on the North-East Coast. It is hoped that it will soon be possible to secure sufficient ocean tonnage to prevent this costly form of transport. The Government is fully alive to the desirability of using existing port facilities to their full capacity.

asked the Food Controller if American meat firms were paid 1s. 3d. per lb. for frozen beef ex New York and 10½d. per lb. for frozen beef ex Argentina; and whether, in order to secure the higher price, beef was shipped from Buenos Ayres to New York and then transferred to his Department at 1s. 3d. per lb.?

The Ministry of Food has never paid to the North American packers any price for meat as high as 1s. 3d. a pound. The price paid for beef acquired in this country from the Argentine importers is that mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member. The Food Controller has no knowledge of such an operation as that described in the last part of the question, and has no reason to believe that it has occurred.

asked the Food Controller whether the expression "normal wastage" in connection with the Government's guarantee as to potatoes covers any wastage other than that consequent on evaporation during the time between the pitting of potatoes and their being taken out of the pits and marketed?

The answer is in the affirmative. As I have already stated, prices were fixed by the Potatoes (Growers' Prices) Commission on the cost of production of the whole crop (including rent, rates, cultivation, etc.) and the amount of sound potatoes which would ultimately be harvested, having regard to the incidence of disease and other causes of normal wastage.

asked the Food Controller if he can account for the difference between the purchase price of bacon, as stated by his Department, in America and the United States Trade Returns as published by the Board of Trade, which indicate that the bacon exports of that country are valued at 1s. 1¾d. per pound f.o.b.; and what were the various percentages of charge between the cost of bacon imported during November last as purchased in America, and its arrival value in Britain as shown in the Board of Trade Returns?

As I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 20th March, I am in communication with the President of the Board of Trade as to the explanation of the difference between the figures quoted by that Department and by the Ministry of Food. I will take care that the hon. and gallant Member is informed of the result. I will, at the same time, supply the hon. and gallant Member with the exact statement of the percentages for which he asks.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the prices being charged for haddock and other varieties of fish by the wholesale merchants, in many cases above his own selling price, he will reinforce the control upon fish?

The prices being charged for fish by wholesale merchants at the chief fishing ports are no higher than the recent control prices, and in many instances the wholesale prices for the more popular varieties of fish are below these prices. It was anticipated that when certain varieties of fish, such as haddock, were in short supply, the prices would temporarily increase, but such increases are balanced by the lower prices of other varieties. In the opinion of the Food Controller the situation does not, at present, justify the reimposition of control.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he will state the freight in 1913 for provisions from New York to Liverpool; what was the charge, inclusive of all war and marine risk insurance, for 1918; what was the pre-war freight for meat from New Zealand and Buenos Aires to London, and what was the charge, inclusive of all insurances, made by his Department during 1918; and what was the pre-war freight for tea from Ceylon to London and the charge made by his Department during 1918?

The figures required by the hon. and gallant Member are as follows: 1913. 1913. Provisions— New York to Liverpool 20/- plus 5% per ton weight 82/6 to 30th November. 42/6 from 1st December per ton weight or measurement. Pre-War. 1918. Meat— NewZealand 9/16d. to 13/16d. per lb. 2.21974d. per lb. to 30th November. 1.96077d. per lb. from 1st December. Buenos Aires 7/16d. to ½d. per lb. 1.66481d. per lb. to 30th November. 1.26786d. per lb. from 1st December. Tea— Ceylon 30s.per scale ton. 156/3 per scale ton to 30th November. 93/9 per scale ton from 1st December.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether during 1915, 1916, and 1917 a line of Messrs. Lamport and Holt's refrigerator boats traded between Buenos Aires and New York mainly carrying frozen meat; how long during 1918 were these lines employed on these voyages; and what were the principal goods carried from New York to Buenos Aires and also from Argentina to America on the return journey?

Up to an early date in 1916 Messrs. Lamport and Holt ran a regular service of refrigerator vessels between Buenos Aires and New York. These vessels on the south-bound voyage carried passengers and general cargo (manufactured goods, oil, etc., and fruit in season) and on the north-bound voyage chilled meat, passengers and mails. Owing to the demand for meat imports in this country arrangements were made in the spring of 1916 to bring these vessels to the United Kingdom viâ New York, with refrigerated cargo, the vessels returning to the River Plate by the same route and loading general cargo from New York to the River Plate. This triangular service was maintained until the beginning of 1918 when the pressure on refrigerated tonnage and trooping requirements rendered it necessary to bring two of the vessels into the direct service between New York and the United Kingdom, and the third into the direct service between the River Plate and the United Kingdom. Since the beginning of the present year, arrangements have been made to resume the triangular service under which these steamers proceed viâ New York on the service between the United Kingdom and the River Plate, their refrigerated spaces still being reserved for meat imports for this country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board is prepared to take steps to ensure security of tenure for allotment cultivators by taking full advantage of the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916, or alternately to introduce legislation enabling local authorities themselves to acquire land for allotment purposes on reasonable terms, and authorising the Board of Agriculture to make Grants-in-Aid to such authorities in necessitous cases?

The Board, as I have stated on previous occasions, propose to avail themselves of the powers of the Act mentioned in the question to secure to allotment holders continued occupation of the land. With regard to the latter part of the question I must ask my hon. Friend to await the introduction of the Land Settlement Bill.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that wine and spirit merchants are called upon to supply all their trade customers with 50 per cent. of their purchases during the year 1916, this being the year upon which the averages are based by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); if he is aware that the regulations do not force the distillers and blenders to supply the merchants with the same ratio for bonding purposes; and if he is aware that for a considerable time the merchants' stocks have been running lower and lower and, unless the distillers and blenders are forced by regulations to supply the merchants with a proper quantity of spirits, it means closing down a big percentage of bonding warehouses in the country?

Under the Treasury regulations giving effect to the Intoxicating Liquor (Output and Delivery) Order of the 28th February last, merchants are now required to distribute 75 per cent. of the quantity of spirit supplied by them in 1916. The Food Controller is aware that distillers and blenders are not compelled to supply merchants for bonding purposes, and that, owing to the fact that until recently there has been no distillation for two years, the stocks of distillers and blenders are still low. He is confident, however, that any existing difficulties will be met by the resumption of distillation which has now been permitted.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that distillers' and blenders' bonded stocks have been accumulating for some time past and that therefore they should be in a position to offer the merchants their proper quantity of spirits of two or three years ago; if he is aware that large quantities of spirits are leaving this country for abroad which are being sold at uncontrolled prices; and if he is aware that spirit merchants need this stock badly at present, but cannot buy at controlled prices because the distillers and blenders politely but firmly refuse to supply?

As until recently there has been no distillation for two years, distillers and blenders have been unable to replenish their stocks, and, therefore, so far from there being an accumulation, there has been a serious depletion of stock during this period. The export of spirits is controlled by the War Trade Department who grant licences on the basis of 50 per cent. of pre-war shipments; but owing to shortage of tonnage exports have recently only amounted to about 35 per cent. of this figure. As regards the last part of the question, so far as the Food Controller is aware, merchants at home are receiving the full quantity due to them under the regulations.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade what reasons determined his decision conveyed to the secretary, Byker and St. Peter's Working Men's Social Club, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on 20th February, 1919, not to allow the importation of whisky from America into this country; and if they still obtain?

The importation of whisky from abroad has been strictly prohibited since March, 1916, and there seemed no reason for making an exception by granting a licence to this club.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if the naval men in the base ship "Imperieuse," at Scapa Flow, are to receive full prize money and war gratuity?

Service in His Majesty's Ship "Imperieuse" does not qualify for prize money as she is a non-seagoing ship. Service, however, in a seagoing ship qualifies for prize money, provided the total time amounts to one month. As regards war gratuity, men who have served only on His Majesty's Ship "Imperieuse" are entitled to receive war gratuity based on the home service rate. If, however, they have served at sea in any other vessel, this gratuity will be assessed for the whole of their qualifying war service at the full rate.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been directed to the fact that in August, 1914, the Admiralty annexed four and a half acres of the farm of Nether Scapa, of about eleven acres, St. Ola, rendering the farm practically valueless; that the Government valuer from Inverness reported that £17 was a fair compensation which was paid and £24 in 1916 and 1917, and the same valuer expressed the opinion that Mr. Anderson should get the same Bum for 1918; that by request Mr. Anderson was asked to state a case for the Losses Commission; this was done last January and repeated letters are ignored; and if, in consideration of the fact that Mrs. Anderson has been practically ruined by the action of the Admiralty and deprived of the ordinary necessities of life, he will order immediate inquiry?

The Admiralty requisitioned 4½ acres out of the farm of 11 acres in 1914, and paid the sums stated up to August, 1917. The chief valuer, in dealing with the subsequent year— i.e., to August, 1918—was unable to recommend payment for that year on the basis of the preceding years owing to subsequent decisions by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission in other cases heard by them. In view of this, the question was referred to the Losses Commission, together with a formal claim from Mrs. Anderson. The Commission have approved an immediate payment of £10 on account, and payment thereof has been made. The formal claim lodged by Mrs. Anderson in respect of the year now in question is indefinite in amount, and the Commission have intimated that they require to know the exact sum Mrs. Anderson claims, when they will adjudicate in the case. Steps are being taken at once to obtain the information required by the Commission. I very much regret if any letters have been overlooked, but my hon. Friend will recognise that we are working under very great pressure.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that officers of the Royal Navy serving ashore are frequently kept waiting for three months and more for pay due to them owing to mistakes made in the Accountant-General's Department, and that this is a serious hardship, and whether steps can be taken to remedy the matter as soon as possible?

It is, I regret to say, true that a certain number of naval officers have been kept waiting for a settlement of their pay, and the matter has already been engaging the attention of the Accountant-General. This state of affairs is due to a variety of causes, mainly the great increase in the work devolving on the Department owing to demobilisation, the lack of experienced staff to deal with it, and the abnormal sickness in the Department since the Armistice was signed. Steps have already been taken to remedy the matter, and it is hoped that a considerable improvement will shortly manifest tiself.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that several officers in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps attached to dispersal units in the Southern Command have not yet received the captaincies due to them three months ago in accordance with Army Demobilisation Regulations, Part II., paragraphs 2,301 (k. i.) and 2,256 (x. i.); and is he aware that these officers have been loyally obeying Army Order XIV., dated 29th January, 1919, but that the Government has not kept faith in accordance with Army Demobilisation Regulations, Part II., handed to each officer in dispersal units?

I am making inquiries into this question and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the two following men, Private J. Robinson, No. M.346669, 977th Motor Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps, Nor- wich, and Private M. Astin, No. 581723, No. 2 Labour Group, Headquarters, A. P. O.4, British Expeditionary Force, who were applied for as pivotal men on the 20th December, 1918, by their employers, Messrs. Jesse Robinson and Sons, worsted yarn spinners, Halifax, were registered by the War Office as pivotal men before the 1st February; why their demobilisation is still delayed; and whether, in view of the fact that their retention in the Army prevents their employers from starting a spinning plant which would employ 120 people, he will now grant their release?

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps have been taken to release Private W. W. Still, No. 031837, R.A.O. Co., care of O.O. Docks, A.P.O. 4, France; and whether any attempt has been made to investigate his complaint that he has on three occasions fulfilled all necessary conditions for demobilisation without success?

Instructions have been issued concerning Private Still's demobilisation. 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 Private James M'Farlane, No. 630894, 78th Labour Company, Second Army, British Expeditionary Force, Germany, who was applied for by his former employer, the Plean Co-operative Society, and who was severely wounded on 16th October, 1917, and is now in B2, can now be demobilised?

Private M'Farlane is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. It would appear that the application made by the employer was either the usual "contract" offer of employment, or such as to obtain his registration as a "slip" man. Neither "contract" nor "slip" men are entitled to be demobilised unless they are eligible under current instructions, and this man's demobilisation is therefore dependent on whether or not he is eligible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private John Duncan, No. 40880 1/7th Black Watch, now stationed at Perth, who has been urgently applied for by Mr. Thomas Main, farmer, Bannockburn, Stirlingshire, for farm work, can now be demobilised, especially as the Board of Agriculture for Scotland has applied for his release?

Instructions concerning Private Duncan's demobilisation were issued some time ago. Inquiries will be made into the cause of the delay, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to secure the immediate demobilisation of Sapper G. Fowler, No. 42435, Royal Engineers (Signals), 61st Division, British Expeditionary Force, who enlisted in 1914 and has been in France nearly four years; and if he will take into account the health of the man's wife?

If the facts as to Sapper Fowler's enlistment are as stated, he will be eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed Colour service. If he is eligible he will, no doubt, be released as soon as circumstances permit. If an application on compassionate grounds, giving full particulars, is submitted to the Secretary, War Office (Mobilisation), the case will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to accede to the application for demobilisation on compassionate grounds of Pioneer Gregory, No. 321765, Royal Engineers (Signals), 42nd Division?

Inquiries will be made into the case, and my hon. Friend informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to accede to the request for demobilisation on compassionate grounds of Private W. A. Phillips, No. 5592, Command Pay Office, Salonika?

Inquiries will be made into this case, and my hon. Friend informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who joined the forces in 1914 and early in 1915 and men over forty-one years of age are being retained with the Third Army Signals; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that these men are not specially penalised?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that Aldwyn Emmott, No. 72295, Royal Garrison Artillery, of Beechcliffe, Keighley, along with other soldiers, travelled in a truck for seven days without comfort or convenience, and died from influenza on the 18th February, 1919, within a week of arriving home; and that this man's sister also contracted the disease and died; whether any inquiries have been made into this case; and, if so, with what result?

(2) Whether he is aware that Corporal Harry Atkinson, No. 110411, Tank Corps, of 10, Hartington Street, Keighley, who left France on the 13th January, 1919, and arrived at Clipstone Camp on the 20th January, was sent home for demobilisation on the following day; that on arriving home he was suffering from a cold, and complained that he and other soldiers had been packed in horse boxes, and, owing to the number in each box, had been obliged to leave open the door; that during the eight days' journey he had no opportunity to remove his clothes; that when he arrived home everything possible was done for him, but he died shortly afterwards; and whether steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incident?

(3) Whether he is aware that Private Hartley Hogarth, No. 025831, Royal Army Medical Corps, of Riddlesden, Keighley, who arrived home on the 21st February, 1919, travelled from Egypt to Italy, where the weather was very cold and snowy; that he was given two damp blankets and, along with other soldiers, made the journey to Le Havre, which occupied seven days and seven nights, in cattle trucks; that these men were then placed in tents in the pitch dark during heavy rain; that next morning they were marched six or seven miles, fully equipped, into Havre, where they were stripped and bathed, afterwards embarking for England; that the boat was very crowded, and there was no opportunity for rest or comfort; that on arrival in England Hogarth was sent to Clipstone Camp, where he was again stripped and examined; that at 4 a.m. on the 21st February he was turned out to entrain for Keighley, where, owing to his having become very ill, a cab had to be procured to convey him to his home, and, in spite of every attention, he died shortly afterwards; whether he is aware that he had not had his clothes, off for twenty-one days; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case?

(4) Whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the following case of Second-Lieutenant Samuel Whitaker, 10th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, of 25, High-field Lane, Keighley, who left Italy on the 7th February, arrived at Clipstone Camp, England, about 11 p.m., 16th February, and had to wait outside the camp until 2.30 a.m. before he received his protection certificate and other papers; whether he is aware that he had breakfast at 6 a.m. and left Clipstone at 9.30 a.m., and was looking very ill when he arrived home and shivering with cold; that he made a statement to his father that he was afraid the previous night at Clipstone had done for him; that he was given hot tea and a hot bath and the doctor was called in; that he died on the 26th February, suffering from acute influenza; and whether, in view of this and similar cases, he will cause proper arrangements to be made for the care and comfort of returning soldiers, both during the journey and on arrival in this country?

In reply to these questions I would refer my hon. Friend to the several replies which have already been given on the subject, and in particular to the answers to the hon. Member for Morpeth on the 24th February, to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bradford (East) on the 12th March, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne on 13th March. In these replies the difficulties of transport are fully explained, and, as already stated, every effort is being made to improve the conditions, but owing to the enormous movements of troops which are taking place I fear it is not possible to avoid hardships in isolated cases. As regards the overland route from Taranto, this question has been very carefully taken up and a medical officer travels on every train, and special precautions are taken throughout the journey. I would remind my hon. Friend that every section of the community has suffered acutely from the influenza epidemic, and I do not think that the proportion of casualties from this cause among soldiers is higher than among the civil population. I would also point out that persons travelling from one climate to another are, under any circumstances, more susceptible to illness. I very much regret the death of the four soldiers mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can state the rate of demobilisation in the Indian Army; whether there is any insistent demand for a policy of demobilisation; and whether he proposes to retain with the Colours for the time being a number of troops sufficient for all possible purposes both in India and in countries adjacent to it?

The Indian Army is being demobilised as rapidly as circumstances permit. About 250,000 combatant ranks have already been discharged. It is proposed to retain with the Colours in India a force sufficient to provide for the normal requirements of India and for keeping up the strength of Indian troops employed in occupied territories and Colonial stations. Demobilisation within practicable limits is favoured by the Government of India and by public opinion in India.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can inform the House how many voluntary recruits he has obtained in each of the months which have elasped since 11th November; whether he regards the rate of enlistment as satisfactory; and whether he proposes to set on foot a really effective propaganda to create a sufficiently large voluntary Army by April, 1920?

The following figures show the number of recruits enlisted on normal engagements for the period in question: 11th November to 30th November, 1918 223 1st to 31st December 421 2nd January to 1st February, 1919 1,774 2nd February to 1st March 4,290 2nd to 15th March (last available figure) 2,922 Total 9,630

Re-enlistments of men already serving are: Up to 31st January … … 17,270 1st to 28th February … … 25,149 1st to 20th March … … 15,180 Total … … 57,599

A very considerable sum of money has been spent in advertising, and more will still be undertaken. I do not regard the progress made as unsatisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the Army Boot Repairing Depot, Old Kent Road, is now proving itself to be a success in respect to cut Army soles; does the cost oi production of such soles compare favourably with the prices for similar soles quoted by private undertakings, and, if not, is it proposed to close down this depot rather than allow it to continue as an unnecessary expenditure?

The answer to the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. It is the intention to continue the depot so long as the requirements of the Army justify its existence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps will be taken to secure the granting of leave on a more adequate scale in future to the British officers of the Army of Occupation in Egypt?

The question of the grant of leave to British officers of the Army of Occupation in Egypt is at present receiving sympathetic consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take to abate the nuisance to which a considerable proportion of the borough of Guildford has been subjected during the past twelve months owing to the constant emission of immense volumes of black smoke from the chimney at the War Hospital, Warren Road, Guildford?

I have called for a report on this matter, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the grounds upon which Mdlle. Matheis, a Belgian citizen, has been detained at the place of internment, Aylesbury, shortly subsequent to the outbreak of war without any charge being formulated against her; whether he is aware that the continued detention of this lady is resented among the Belgian colony in England as a miscarriage of justice; and whether he will consent to the appointment of a small committee to examine the dossier of Mdlle. Matheis's case, and to report to this House whether any circumstances exist which should preclude her release and immediate repatriation to Belgium?

The internment of this woman under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14B dates from the autumn of 1916 (more than two years after the outbreak of war), when she came into the hands of the British authorities. She was furnished with a statement of the reasons for her internment, namely, that she was of hostile associations by reason of her close connection with known German agents on the Continent, and that in these circumstances she was a danger to the public safety and the defence of the realm. Her case was heard by the Committee appointed for the purposes of Regulation 14 B and presided over by Mr. Justice Sankey, and on the report of that Committee the Home Secretary decided that she must continue in internment. I have no information that her internment is resented as suggested in the second part of the question. I am unable to agree to the suggestion in the last part of the question; but I may say that in this case, as in others under Regulation 14 B, I am anxious to bring the internment to an end as soon as I consider it safe in the national interests to do so. This case has recently been under consideration, but I regret that I am not prepared to release the woman at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War if firms who scheduled their motor vehicles and horses previous to mobilisation with the War Office may now be permitted to purchase similar motors or horses at prices at which they sold to the War Office in August, 1914?

As regards horses, I think my hon. and gallant Friend will see that it would be impracticable to sell them on such a plan. As regards motor vehicles, any question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Sceretary of State for War whether civilian acting paymasters are entitled to a gratuity equivalent to that given to a temporary commissioned officer under paragraphs 496 and 497 of the Royal Pay Warrant; are they also entitled to a war bonus equivalent to that granted to a temporary commissioned officer serving in the Army of Occupation under Army Orders 54, 1919, and 55, 1919, as amplified by Army Order VI., dated 15th February, 1919, having regard to the fact that they do the same work and in substance occupy the same position as a temporary commissioned acting paymaster; if they are not so entitled, what is the reason for the discrimination of pay if the work is equal; and whether he will, in the interest of discipline, take steps to have the grievance remedied, seeing that the salaries of these men are less than the pay and allowances of a staff-sergeant in the Army Pay Corps with two children?

These civilians are doing accounting work which is in no sense military, although those performing similar work in theatres of war are commissioned for reasons of discipline. They are voluntarily serving under a civil contract in which their emoluments are clearly defined, and are not entitled to the gratuities of officers under the Pay Warrant, or to the bonus given to officers and men compulsorily retained in the Armies of Occupation. As I stated on the 4th March in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Woolwich West, I am considering the possibility of giving them some form of gratuity outside the terms of their contracts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction exists amongst Irish soldiers at the delays on the part of Irish regimental paymasters to pay gratuities on the termination of demobilisation furloughs; whether he is aware that the men regard this as a method to force men dependent on their gratuities back into the Service; and whether he will take prompt action to remedy the grievance complained of?

The gratuity due to a demobilised soldier is deposited for him in the Post Office Savings Bank, and the Savings Bank book should be ready for issue at the local post office on the due date, namely, the last day of the man's dispersal furlough, on which day he ceases to be a soldier. Cases of delay at the present time are, I understand, quite exceptional, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any such cases I shall be glad to have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a man who was discharged from the Army in 1913 with a pension and thereupon, at the instance of his county Territorial Force association became a member of Class 1 of he National Reserve, and who, being instructed on 31st August, 1914, to present himself for re-enlistment, was re-enlisted two days later and was discharged disabled in 1914, is entitled to an augmentation of pension calculated on the basis of his further period of service, in view of the fact that the conditions on which he was invited to join the National Reserve contained a clause stating that periods of service rendered by members who are pensioners, if recalled and re-enlistsd on account of imminent national danger, will count towards an increase of pension?

I will consider this point and communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Driver John Lowe, No. 97417, 79th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, now discharged and in Shakespeare Hospital, Glasgow, is entitled to receive a pension for his mother's maintenance, who was previously depending on him?

Driver Lowe's discharge documents have not yet been received from the Record Office. On receipt his claim to pension will be dealt with as soon as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the existing state of affairs at the Belfast War Pensions Committee; whether women dependants often with children in their arms, are kept waiting for long periods in the cold and rain, ill-clad and hungry, in the company of men suffering from all kinds of disease, infectious and otherwise; and whether he will take action to remedy this condition of affairs?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has recently been called to this matter, which is under inquiry.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that when a man has completed his period of medical treatment he is entitled to receive his ring paper to enable him to draw his pension at the post office; whether as a matter of fact this is never done, and men are kept waiting for weeks to receive their ring papers, which means that they have to go weekly to the war pensions committee to receive their pensions; whether this has led to great congestion and long delays in connection with the war pensions committee in Belfast; and whether he will take action to remedy this state of affairs?

The fact stated in the first part of the question is correct. The completion of the period of treatment is notified by the local committee to the Pension Issue Office in order that the ring-paper may be returned, but to avoid any break in payment the local committee is empowered to pay the pension direct until the man can draw it from the Post Office. On my right hon. Friend's attention being called to delays in some committees, a Circular was issued reminding the committees of the necessity for prompt notification. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Circular, dated the 19th ultimo. I have had no notice of undue delays in connection with payment by the local committee at Belfast, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what has been the total capital expenditure of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic)?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement laid before Parliament last Autumn (Cd. 9187) setting out the capital liabilities of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in respect of the acquisition and direct control of licensed premises as at the 31st March, 1918. The greater portion of the sum shown therein as set aside to meet outstanding compensation claims has been paid during the current financial year. A similar statement for the period ending on the 31st March, 1919, setting out the total capital expenditure will be prepared and published as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the total annual expenditure of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) on account of salaries, staff, offices, and expenses?

Details of the expenditure of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) are included annually in the Appropriation Account of the Vote of Credit. An estimate of the total expenditure for the current financial year was included in a statement presented to Parliament last year (Cd. 9031), and full details of the sum required to meet the salaries and expenses of the Board for the forthcoming year have been presented to the Treasury and will be published in due course in the ordinary Civil Service Estimates (H.C.P. 14 of 1919).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the iron and steel workers in the Middlesbrough and Stockton district will cease work on the first Sunday in April because the tramway company will not provide cars on Sunday for the purpose of taking the workmen to their various works; whether he is also aware that it will only require a small quantity of coal to enable the tramway company to run their cars; if the Works came to a standstill on Sunday it will mean a serious loss to the firm and workmen, because the repairs cannot be carried out until Monday and the works cannot be restarted until Tuesday morning; and whether he will take action at once to avoid a serious dislocation of work?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am not at present in a position to add to the answer given on Thursday last to the question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, West.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether in the proposed housing scheme it is contemplated that any financial assistance will be available for private firms undertaking building; and whether there is, or will be, building material available at controlled prices?

The Housing Bill does not contain provisions which would enable financial assistance from public funds to be given to private firms undertaking building apart from their promoting the formation of public utility societies. The control of building materials has been suspended, and the market is free. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of an official statement which recently appeared in the Press with reference to the availability of material for the general purposes of the building industry.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can give a comparative statement showing the approximate number of skilled artisans in the building and allied trades from January, 1909, to January, 1919; and if he can announce the considered opinion of the Director-General of Housing as to whether sufficient skilled labour and materials will be available during the next five years to carry out the Government programme for making good the present shortage of housing accommodation and meeting the demands due to the growth of population?

I have obtained from the Ministry of Labour estimates of the number of skilled artisans in the Building and Allied Trades in the United Kingdom in January of each year from 1913; onwards. I have no figures for the years from 1909 to 1913. The figures are as follows: 1913 … … … … 525,864 1914 … … … … 496,900 1915 … … … … 494,759 1916 … … … … 388,522 1917 … … … … 283,266 1918 … … … … 292,421 1919 … … … … 302,802

The shortage of workmen's houses was estimated in 1918 by the Committee presided over by the hon. Member for Bright-side to be 500,000. According to the report of the same Committee the greatest annual production of workmen's houses was about 112,000 in 1905. The resources of production of building works are at the present time probably not equal to those in 1905. They will, however, be utilised and increased to the fullest possible extent within the period presently contemplated under the terms as set forth in the Board's Circular of the 6th February. It is anticipated that it will be possible thereafter to continue to increase the rate of production in the following years so that the accumulated shortage will be met.

asked the Prime Minister if the Director-General of Housing has been given all the facilities for which he has asked in the shape of a specially qualified staff and otherwise which he has recommended to enable him to carry on expeditiously the work entrusted to him; and, if not, whether the Government will consider the desirability of establishing temporarily an independent Department to deal with housing, so that the delay which has taken place in the past in attempting to deal with this problem through the existing staff machinery of the Local Government Board may be overcome and tangible steps taken to redeem the pledges given by the Government in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As the hon. and gallant Member will have seen from to-day's Press, a considerable advance has been made towards the completion of the organisation of the Housing Department. It is the intention of the Government that all the necessary steps will be taken, whether by the provision of specially qualified staff or otherwise, to give effect to the pledges that it has given with regard to housing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in considering the granting of awards for service during the War, he will taken into account the work of firemen Who have been called out to fires caused by enemy aircraft and have frequently had to perform their duty under conditions of great danger?

The claims of firemen who have served under conditions of special danger will not be overlooked.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that R. M. Fox, a conscientious objector who has been in prison or detention ever since October, 1916, has been forcibly fed in Wandsworth civil prison and is in a very weak state of health; whether he is aware that this man is by no means strong and has suffered from tuberculosis, and whether he will order his release on health grounds?

This man is at present in good health. He refused food for a few days, but has been taking it voluntarily since the 3rd instant. There are no grounds for releasing him.

asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are now in Winchester Prison; how many of them are on hunger-strike; how many have been forcibly fed since the beginning of February; and how many are in hospital or in the doctor's hands?

Fifty-five in prison, none on hunger strike; none artificially fed since beginning of February, three are in hospital, and five are under treatment in the prison for minor ailments.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that W. H. Light was released from Winchester Prison on 6th February under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, 1913, and that he was re-arrested and taken to Plymouth Prison on 6th March; whether this man is being forcibly fed; and, if so, what is his present state of health?

I am informed that since the 13th instant the prisoner has taken his food in the ordinary way.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state how many of the conscientious objectors in Newcastle Prison have been on hunger-strike during any part of the period since 16th February; how many of these have been forcibly fed; how many of those who were forcibly fed have since been temporarily released on health grounds; and how many are now being forcibly fed?

Twelve have been on hunger-strike since 16th February. Eleven have been forcibly fed, of whom ten have been released temporarily on health grounds. None are being forcibly fed at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why no conclusion has yet been arrived at on the question of no returns when all the other important restrictions in the paper industry have been dealt with; and why, if there is enough paper to go round, the embargo on newsagents continues?

It has been decided to withdraw the Paper Restriction Order, 1918, known as the Prohibition of Returns Order, on and from the 31st instant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present action of the Department governing import restrictions in refusing to grant licences for the import of a leather known as stout American wax splits has resulted in a scarcity of workmen's boots suitable for miners, quarrymen, and agricultural labourers; whether he is aware that our importers from America have considerable quantities of this leather bought and in many cases already paid for, and that they are now able to obtain shipping space; and whether, in view of the fact that this class of leather is not produced to any extent in this country, he will, subject to terms and conditions as to profits being fixed by the Government, take steps to sanction its importation?

A general licence has now been issued permitting the free importation of wax splits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, having regard to the importance of home-produced fuel as a means of rendering motor transport independent of imported petrol, he will give every encouragement to gas companies to continue and expand the practice of oil-scrubbing for benzol by all gas undertakings;

(2) whether he is aware that the quality of gas supplied in London during the War is due to the presence of incombustibles in the gas and not to the extraction of benzol, as suggested by certain authorities, and that many provincial gas undertakings who have fully extracted benzol during the War have nevertheless kept above the statutory standard of 500 B.T.U.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Some time ago my right hon. Friend asked the Fuel Research Board to advise upon the question of what is the most suitable quality and composition of gas and the minimum pressure at which it should generally be supplied, having regard to the desirability of economy in the use of coal, the adequate recovery of by-products, and the purposes for which gas is now used. Their Report has been received within the last day or two, but until the Board of Trade and other Departments concerned have had an opportunity of considering it, I am not prepared to express an opinion upon the matters referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why no return appears in last year's Assurance Companies Return relating to the business of the Midland Farmers' Mutual Insurance Society, Limited?

The annual statement from the Midland Farmers' Mutual Insurance Society, Limited, for the year 1916 was duly lodged, but it required supplementing, and the completed statement was not received in time for insertion in the Assurance Companies Return for 1917. It will, however, appear in the Return for 1918, which is now in course of preparation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will at once abolish the datum period of 1917 and, as an alternative, issue supplies as far as coal is concerned on the number of persons registered with merchants?

The present scheme of distribution of coal could not be altered throughout the country in less time than three months. The reason for this is the volume of clerical work involved in checking the necessary statistics and making the proper allocations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is necessary for men claiming out-of-work benefit to sign daily at the nearest Labour Exchange whatever the distance from their homes; whether there is any difference in the rules as between married and single men; and whether, in view of the serious loss of time involved in tramping a long distance to and from the Exchange, he can make some arrangement whereby the men can sign at the nearest post office?

Under the normal rules daily signature is not required unless the applicant resides within two miles of the nearest Employment Exchange or Branch Employment Office. Signature on alternate days is required if the applicant lives between two and four miles away, and once a week if he lives between four and six miles away. Personal attendance is dispensed with altogether (except on the original application for donation) if the applicant lives more than six miles away. These rules may be relaxed in special circumstances—as for example, in the case of disabled members of His Majesty's Forces. There is no difference in the rules as between married and single men. I am afraid that the suggestion at the end of the question is impracticable.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that 948,620 men and women were receiving on 28th February out-of-work donation; whether he is aware that 166,257 were demobilised members of the forces; whether the Gov- ernment contemplates any action with the view of providing remunerative employment; and, if so, in what direction?

The facts are as stated in the question. I hope that private employers will do everything in their power to re-establish and extend their work upon a peace basis, and that public authorities will put in hand necessary works with the least possible delay. I believe that by these means the volume of remunerative employment available will be increased. As at present advised, the Government do not propose to put work in hand solely with a view to providing employment for unemployed people.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the 47-hour week as agreed to by the employers and employés in the engineering trades applies to firms that are not members of the Engineering Trades Employers' Federation; and, if so, whether he can take any steps in cases where a firm refuses to put the 47-hour week in operation?

The reply to this question is in the negative. Before the agreement can be made binding under the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act, 1918, on employers who were parties to it, it must first be translated into an agreement relating to prescribed rates of wages, and such an agreement must be approved under Section 1 (1) of the Act; and before firms who were not parties to it are affected by it an order must be made under Section 2 (3) of the Act making the new conditions binding on all workmen to whom the prescribed rate is applicable, and the employers of those workmen.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the Rose Street Foundry and Engineering Company, Limited, contractors to the Admiralty, has refused to adopt the 47-hour week as agreed to by the engineering trades; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

the 47-hour week was adopted as the result of an agreement between the Employers' Federation and the trade unions. I understand that the Rose Street Foundry and Engineering Company, Limited, of Inverness, is not in the Employers' Federation, and is therefore not bound by that agreement. The case must therefore be judged under the Fair-Wages Clauses, and I will cause investigations to be made and communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can take steps to improve the postal communications between London and Leith, as the London letters do not reach Leith by the morning mail, but are delayed until about 12.30 p.m.; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the business interest of the port, he can see his way to have the communications accelerated?

I am making inquiry, and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the condition of the telegraph and telephone services in the borough of Bacup, Haslingden, and Rawtenstall, and that no serious attempts seem to be made to repair the broken-down lines; and, in view of the serious loss and inconvenience to traders, if he will give the matter his immediate attention?

The interruption of these services was due to a severe snowstorm. Every effort is being made to restore the lines at the earliest possible date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will ascertain if within the last month the Isle of Ely County Council paid £80 an acre for a 250-acre farm for small holdings although more than half the land is strong clay unsuitable for small holdings, and none of the land is first-class fen soil; and whether the outside market value to-day is under £50 an acre?

The Board are aware that the Isle of Ely County Council have agreed to purchase a farm of 200 acres at the price of £80 an acre. The Board are advised by their Commissioner for the district that the whole of the farm is ideal land for the purpose of small holdings, and that the soil consists of black fen. The farm is in a high state of cultivation, and the Board are advised that the purchase price is not in excess of the present market value. Another farm of 255 acres, to which the hon. and learned Member probably refers, was considered by the county council, but they decided not to purchase the property.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists in Scottish agricultural circles with the suggestion to limit nomination to the proposed Council of Agriculture to certain agricultural societies and the county councils; and whether he can see his way to adopt a system of selection of membership of the council based upon democratic principles which would permit of direct representation of the various branches of agriculture?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The suggestion that nomination to the proposed council is to be limited as indicated does not accurately represent the position. I can assure the hon. Baronet that I have endeavoured to secure that the interests of all branches of agriculture should be adequately represented upon the council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether exporters who find themselves at a disadvantage owing to the formalities and delays in connection with the obtaining of export licences have been invited to enrol their names in a special register; whether firms who accept this invitation are to be informed by wire or telephone whether licences will or will not be granted; whether a fee of two guineas per annum is to be charged, to include the supply of the "Board of Trade Journal"; and, if so, what extension of the circulation of that journal is expected to be obtained by this measure?

More than ten years ago a special register was established at the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade—now merged in the Department of Overseas Trade—of firms desirous of receiving automatically notices affecting export trade which the Department issues as supplementary to or in advance of published notifications in the "Board of Trade Journal" or does not wish to publish at all in view of their confidential nature. I have recently arranged that in addition to the report hitherto furnished to such firms they shall receive prompt information as to changes affecting the control over exports at the same time as such changes are notified to the Press, chambers of commerce, and trade associations. The Department also undertakes to reply by telegram or telephone to firms, whether on this register or not, who inquire whether export licences will or will not be granted in respect of orders they have received from abroad. On 1st January, 1918, the annual fee payable by firms on the special register was raised from one to two guineas, and this fee includes the supply of the "Board of Trade Journal." The "Board of Trade Journal" is not now issued by, or under control of, the Department of Overseas Trade, and the question of any possible increase in the circulation was not considered when arrangements were made for the notification to firms on the special register as to the removal of export restrictions. The sale of the "Board of Trade Journal" in connection with the subscription to the special register is a small part of its total circulation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the economic blockade is being applied to Russia; and whether, now that it has been partially raised from the Central Powers, the same provisions for feeding the population will be applied to Russia?

Resumption of trade with the South Russian Black Sea ports has already been authorised and resumption of trade with Poland, Esthonia, Lithuania and Latvia will be authorised at an early date. The feeding of the population of Russia is a matter which is doubtless receiving the attention of the Food Section of the Supreme Economic Council at Paris, who are dealing with all measures of relief. No objection from a blockade point of view would be raised to any operations in that direction which the Supreme Economic Council may deem desirable.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when Balfour House, Finsbury Pavement, will be available for its original tenants; whether he is aware that there are several tenants with offices with long leases in this building who are suffering great inconvenience owing to the commandeering of their offices; and that this particular office is occupied by the staff of the casualty branch whose work is now very largely diminished?

As regards the last part of the question, these promises, although originally required for the Casualties Branch of the War Office, are now utilised for other War Office staffs, and are fully occupied. I am unable to state when the premises will be available for the original tenants. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that as soon as I am in a position to do so, I will release the premises from Government occupation.

asked the First Commissieoner of Works whether it is possible to increase the supply of electric light in the Central Hall and thus obviate the strain on the eyesight of Members, officials, and the public?

Economy in electric current is still necessary, and I regret that I shall not be able to authorise any increase in the lighting of the Central Hall until such time as the general lighting regulations shall have been relaxed.