asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Roumanian Army has crossed to the north of the River Maros or whether recent developments in Hungary have led to a revision of the plan to occupy the whole of Transylvania?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have no information of any revision of the line of demarcation between the Hungarians and Roumanians, but the situation which has arisen is at present being discussed in Paris.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government on the 3rd of May, 1918, recognised the Esthonian National Council as a de facto independent body; and whether the Government of Admiral Kolchak has been, or will now be, likewise recognised?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, although Admiral Kolchak's Government enjoys the support and sympathy of His Majesty's Government, I am unable to make any statement at present, seeing that the question of the policy to be pursued in regard to Russia is one which concerns the Allied Powers as a whole, and that they are considering the matter in Paris.

Is it not the fact that certain countries have recognised Finland and other countries have not, and it is entirely a matter for each country to decide for itself?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Admiral Kolchak's Government is a Royalist Government for the re-establishment of Czardom in Russia?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I will raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state what are the component elements of the Syrian Central Committee, and what claim this committee possesses to represent Syrian opinion?

The committee in question is under the chairmanship of M. Chekri Ganem, and its council is composed of an Orthodox Greek, a Moslem, a Greek Melchite, a Maronite and a Hebrew. I understand that the committee claims to represent a number of other Syrian and Syrian Lebanese committees and associations in the United States, Europe, Australia and Africa.

The committee's claim to represent Syrian opinion is contested by various Syrian bodies, both in Syria itself and in other parts of the world.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is now able to announce any relaxation of the rule which compels retired officers to repair and renew their artificial limbs at their own expense?

I have considered the Question of the supply of artificial limbs to retired officers, and I have decided that it is not possible to maintain the present system which discriminates unfairly between officers and men. Accordingly the Regulations at present in force as to the supply, repair and renewal of artificial limbs for discharged sailors and soldiers will be extended to retired officers with the result that every retired officer will be supplied with the artificial limb which he requires, and also with an additional limb as soon as the stump is ready to receive it, and the supply is available, without charge. The Ministry will also undertake all repairs and renewals of limbs.

Is the repair depot at Brighton still being maintained?

The depot at Brighton is not dealing with repairs of artificial limbs.

Does the arrangements announced refer to all officers?

It applies to all retired officers.

asked the Pensions Minister if, when granting a disablement pension to a soldier accustomed to clerical work who contracted tuberculosis on active service, the pension is sufficiently high to ensure his not having to continue earning his livelihood by clerical work?

A disablement pension is granted with reference only to the degree of physical disablement, and without regard to occupation. But if the nature of the disablement is such that it would be dangerous to the man's health if he were to resume his prewar occupation he may be trained for a new one During training he receives allowances equivalent to the highest rate of pension or, if more favourable to him, allowances based on his pre-war earnings. If, when trained, he finds his earning capacity lessened to such an extent that his disablement pension does not provide adequate compensation, he may be eligible for an alternative pension.

May I ask if men suffering from tuberculosis are allowed to sit side by side with men who are not suffering from it.

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether there is any way by which soldiers and sailors who have started learning a trade whilst in hospital under the direction, of the education officer and who have been demobilised before their training has been completed, and whose disablement is not sufficient to bring them under the Ministry of Pensions, can get a grant to enable them to finish their course of training; if so, to whom should application be made; (2) if he could arrange for education officers attached to military hospitals in such cases where they have arranged for the training of men in certain trades to have power to recommend to the local pensions committee, or some other authority, that on demobilisation a grant should be made to enable a man to finish his course of training?

I am in close touch with the War Office and the Ministry of Pensions with regard to the continuance of the training of sailors and soldiers after they are released from hospital. The question of what provision is to be made for the training of men who are not covered by the terms of the Royal Warrant is under consideration, and the suggestion made by the hon. Member in this connection will not be overlooked. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

In view of the fact that men who have been undergoing training are now being discharged from hospital, will the right hon. Gentleman press forward the inquiries as soon as possible?

The inquiries are being pressed forward as rapidly as we can. The hon. Member will realise that a certain amount of communication has to take place between the Minister of Labour, the Minister of Pensions, and the War Office in this connection.

Is it not a fact that the "Comrades of the Great War" was established for this specific purpose, or for one of these purposes, and why is it that an institution which is backed by the Government, and which has such an excellent object in view, has been allowed to drop into obscurity?

I am afraid the Government cannot be regarded as responsible for the operations of the "Comrades of the Great War."

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now see his way to paying the 20 per cent. bonus on pensions and allowances payable under the Injuries in War Compensation Act in the same way as the bonuses payable under the Royal Warrant for pensions to petty officers and men of the Navy?

The suggestion of my hon. Friend has not been considered. I think, on the whole, he should put his question down again and address it to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that in a Return published by the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association in January, 1919, Ireland is said to have 13, Scotland 1,182, and England 2,605 steamers, Ireland none, Scotland 523, England 153 motor vessels, engaged in the fishing industry, the English and Scottish steam and motor vessels being valued, approximately, at £12,000,000 sterling; can he say upon whom responsibility rests for Ireland's shortage of quick-transit vessels so essential in handling a perish able article of food; and what steps he proposes to take to enable Ireland to help the nation's food supply by a more thorough harvesting of her own seas?

In 1913, the last complete normal year before the War, and the year to which it is understood that the figures quoted by my hon. Friend relate, the Irish vessels engaged in fishing numbered 5,093, made up of 21 steamers, 147 motor boats, and 4,925 others. The figures for 1918 are not yet complete, but in 1917 the number of motor boats had increased to 384, although owing to causes connected with the War the number of steamers actually engaged in fishing had been reduced to four. The return of steam fishing vessels at present on Charter by the Admiralty will increase this number in 1919. The number of other boats fitted out for fishing had decreased during the War to 4,154. The vessels enumerated in the question are engaged in fishing, and are not concerned in transit except in so far as they carry their own catches from the fishing grounds to the port of landing.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a boy named Connors, aged eleven, and a boy named Morgan, aged fourteen, of Greenane, Tipperary, are under arrest; will he state on what date they were arrested, and on what charge or for what reason; in what prison or place of detention they have been confined; whether any communication as to their whereabouts has been made to their parents or relations; if so, on what date it was first made; whether relations or friends have been permitted to visit the boys; what are the conditions of confinement for this child of eleven and lad of fourteen; and under what statutory or other authority is their imprisonment continued?

The boys referred to are not tinder arrest. They are detained in the interests of justice, and are receiving all proper care and attention.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Irish officers who sold their own horses to the Government at the beginning of the War and are now enabled to repurchase them, and Irish officers who have been permitted to purchase their favourite charger under War Office authority, are not permitted to bring those horses back to Ireland owing to the restrictions of the Department of Agriculture; and whether, owing to the hardship upon Irish officers through this Regulation, he will have exceptions made in the case of horses belonging to them?

The Department of Agriculture in Ireland, after full consideration of the general question, deemed it necessary as a precaution against the introduction into Ireland of disease to veto the importation for private use in Ireland of any horses coming from the theatres of war, and the War Office authorities have accepted this decision. The Regulation in question is, of course, a source of disappointment in such cases as those referred to by the hon. Member, but the Department would not feel justified, in view of their responsibility in relation to the health of the livestock of the country, in allowing any exceptions to the Regulation.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, having regard to the very small number of horses involved, it would not be possible in some way to put them into quarantine and have them brought to Ireland, having regard to the great interest and dissatisfaction there is amongst officers about this rule?

I shall take care to have that suggestion of my right hon. Friend conveyed to the Vice-President of the Department.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is considering the Report of the Viceregal Commission on Primary Education, with a view to introducing legislation on the subject; and, if so, whether he will also consider, and if necessary call for further Reports, upon matters relating to education in Ireland, including the managerial system, which were not within the scope, of the terms of reference to the Commission?

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary is considering the Report and the reservations thereto.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question as to whether he is considering it with a view to legislation?

There is a further answer down to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, and young persons, respectively, in receipt of out-of-work donations in Ireland for the week ending 6th March, and for each of the subsequent weeks, and the classes of persons now eligible for such donations, specifying, so far as possible, the nature of their employment?

The number of persons drawing out-of-work donation in Ireland were as follows:— Week ending 7th March, 63,039 men, 25,445 women, 3,553 juveniles. Total, 92,037. Week ending 14th March, 41,003 men, 15,187 women, 1,792 juveniles. Total, 57,982. Figures for the week ending 21st March have not yet been collated.

The scope of the Out-of-Work Donation Scheme for Civilians has been modified as regards Ireland, the new arrangements having come into force on 6th March. From that date the classes of persons eligible for the receipt of the out-of-work donation in Ireland are:— (1) Ex-members of His Majesty's Forces, irrespective of their pre-war trades. (2) Workpeople in the trades insured against unemployment under the National Insurance Act, 1911 to 1918. (3) Workpeople in trades certified by the Lord Lieutenant as trades in which there is a substantial amount of unemployment caused by the cessation of hostilities. So far the only trade so certified is the linen and cotton trade. As regards the nature of the pre-war employment of ex-members of His Majesty's Forces in receipt of out-of-work donation, it is not practicable to give this information within the limits of a reply to a question in the House, but if the hon. and learned Member desires further particulars on the point I shall be happy to supply them.

asked the Prime Minister whether a Housing Bill for Ireland will be introduced; and, if so, at what date?

It is proposed to introduce a separate Bill for Ireland, and it is hoped to introduce it at an early date.

May I take it that the efforts of the Government will be directed to securing that the Irish Bill shall become law on or about the same time as the English Bill?

Yes, Sir.

Will the Bill include facilities for the various factions in Ireland who at present do not know where to lay their weary heads?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for time to be given to discuss the question of primary education in Ireland and the Report of the Vice-Regal Commission?

An opportunity for the discussion of Irish affairs will arise on Thursday next week.

asked the Food Controller if he will state why the Food Ministry consider it still necessary to prohibit export of hides from Ireland to Great Britain except through selected markets and firms; and whether this handicap on outside firms can now be removed?

It is necessary for the present arrangement, by which hides exported from Ireland pass through a clearing house controlled by the Army Contracts Department of the War Office, to be retained until termination of the present control of meat supplies under which farmers are guaranteed prices for live beasts. As, however, any Irish firm desiring to do so may export its hides through the clearing house at the controlled price, I cannot agree that the Regulations amount to a handicap on outside firms.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether the recommendations of the Vice-Regal Commission on the Pay and Status of Teachers in Elementary Schools in Ireland can be carried out without legislation, and, if not, whether it is intended to introduce forthwith such legislation as is necessary?

. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland in relation to this matter, and I shall ask my right hon. and learned Friend to kindly repeat the question again next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board propose to increase the charges on Irish cattle landed at Birkenhead from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per head and on sheep from 2d. to 3d. per head; whether these increased charges are viewed with strong apprehension by the Irish cattle traders and will impose a heavy tax on Irish stockowners, already severely hit by the post-war slump in prices; and whether he proposes to take action to prevent this further increase in the port charges?

The Board are aware that certain increases in the charges on Irish cattle landed at Birkenhead have recently been made. These increases were made with the Board's authority, and they are necessitated by the increases of wages made to the employés at the Mersey Cattle Wharf.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture on what date the control prices of cattle will cease; whether unrestricted trading in cattle with Great Britain will be permitted from the date control ceases; and whether, from the date on which con- trol ceases, Irish traders will be allowed to ship live stock direct to the Continent to meet the shortage of food there?

It is at present anticipated that the control of the price of cattle will cease on 30th September next, after which date such restrictions of movement will remain as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894 and 1896. With regard to the last part of the question it should be addressed to the Vice-President of the Irish Department of Agriculture, etc.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes at an early date to introduce a Bill for the improvement of the scale of pensions for prison officials, thus giving effect to the promise given to the prison officers by the Prison Commissioners in the name of his immediate predecessor in office, Lord Cave?

A Committee is now investigating the subject, and action must be deferred till they report.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state when he will introduce the Bill dealing with the restriction of aliens?

I cannot yet give a date, but the Bill will be taken as soon as business may permit.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Atkin Committee on the Naturalisation of Aliens has completed its work; if so, how many cases have been investigated and with what results?

The Certificates of Naturalisation (Revocation) Committee is a Standing Committee, and I cannot say when its work will be completed. Up to the present time it has reached a decision in 187 cases, and fifteen certificates have been revoked as a result of its investigations. A considerable number of cases are still under consideration by the Committee.

Is any report to be made to this House of the cases investigated, and the cases in which revocation has taken place?

I think they are published in the "Gazette," but I will look into the matter.

asked the Prime Minister if the Bankes Committee on Aliens in Government Offices has reported; if so, how many cases it has investigated and with what results?

The Report has been received, but the Government have not yet had time to consider it. I shall, therefore, be obliged if my hon. Friend will postpone his question for a fortnight.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importation of both Bolsheviks and their propaganda into this country, he will say what attention has been given by the authorities to the landing of alien seamen, enemy and otherwise, at the various British ports trading direct with the Continent, and of the fact that no restrictions are placed upon their going ashore and communicating with undesirables already in this country; and whether, especially in view of the present Continental unrest, he will take such steps as are necessary to stop this alien peril?

I have been asked to reply. This question appears to be based on a misapprehension. It is not the fact that no restrictions are placed upon the landing of alien seamen in this country. On the contrary, the closest possible control is kept over this matter, with the view of guarding against various dangers, including those suggested in the question. All alien seamen are closely scrutinised by experienced officers, and if any seaman gives cause for suspicion he is refused leave to land and a military guard placed on the ship. If any alien of enemy nationality were discovered among the members of a crew he would be at once arrested and handed over to the proper authorities for internment.

Is it not a fact that these men are allowed to go to and from their ships as they please at the present time?

No, Sir. According to my information they are only allowed to go to and from their ships subject to certain restrictions.

In regard to the restrictions made during the War, has there been any relaxation of them sanctioned since the Armistice?

I understand there has not.

Is it not a fact that a vessel has arrived from Russia with 200 Letts on board?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the proposed Minister of Ways and Communications received a deputation of municipal engineers on the 11th instant, and promised to add a Clause to the Bill enabling him to pay half the salaries of the engineer or surveyor to a local authority, provided that the appointment and dismissal of such engineer or surveyor is subject to his approval?

An Amendment to the Bill broadly on the lines suggested in the question will be put forward by the Government in Committee. The meeting with the surveyors on the 11th instant was so informed.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the county councils and other road authorities before giving this pledge about their servants' security of tenure?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the South Staffordshire coalfield, which extends over an area of 65 square miles, the mines are becoming waterlogged for want of adequate pumping services; that there is the gravest danger of 40,000,000 tons of coal and ironstone being utterly lost; and what steps it is proposed to take to deal with the difficulty?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Treasury have granted an amount, £2,000, for the purpose of keeping the pumping operations in the Old Hill district going for one year from the 1st April next, pending some agreement among the owners for the proper financing of the operations. A Grant of £3,000 for the installation of an additional pump in the Tipton area was authorised in December last, and it is expected that this pump will come into operation shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that E. Rudman, who is serving his fifth sentence as a conscientious objector in Wormwood Scrubs Prison, and who was recently forcibly fed twenty-eight times in Ipswich Prison, is now in a very bad state of health, having had influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis; and whether he will authorise this man's release on health grounds?

This prisoner has recovered from his attack of influenza and pneumonia, but his general health is poor and the medical officer who has charge of him is at present considering his case. If his report justifies that course, Rudman will be released.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will give instructions to all school inspectors under his control to report fully on the moral and tone of schools inspected by them, and in no case to confine themselves to information alone?

The Board's inspectors fully understand that it is their duty to report upon standard of conduct and discipline and general tone of the schools, and I do not think it is necessary to issue any further instructions to them.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he proposes to take any steps in the near future to ensure that more modern methods of teaching are introduced into the great public schools of this country?

The improvement of methods of teaching throughout our educational system is a matter which has been engaging my earnest attention. Much improvement may be expected to follow from the wide public attention aroused by the Reports of the Prime Minister's Committees on science and modern languages, and I am taking steps to make similar investigations in respect of other subjects. Effective reform in the matter rests in the last resort with the teaching profession itself, and direct State interference has obviously its dangers and its limits of usefulness. I am convinced that the great public schools are fully alive to the responsibilities which will rest upon them if they are to play their part in a national system of education.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will take steps to ensure that inspectors of national schools are in future appointed, as far as possible, from the ranks of trained teachers?

The Board of Education have always attached great importance to the experience gained from a recognised course of training for the teaching profession; but I cannot undertake to restrict the appointments in the Board's inspectorate to persons who have received such training.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will consider the advisability of appointing a director of physical training to supervise the whole system of physical training of children, more particularly of children attending national schools, throughout the country?

The Board for many years past have had on their staff expert inspectors of physical training who work under the chief medical officer. Their inspections are made in all types of schools which receive grants from the Board. I do not think the establishment of such a post as is suggested is required.

Is it not the case that there are only five inspectors, of whom five are women, and that there are no proper inspectors for boys in physical training?

I will not charge my memory with the actual number of inspectors, but we have a number of organisers of physical training whose duty it is to give instruction to the teachers in the methods of physical training.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the fact that officers who have proved their administrative and educational powers during the War are debarred from qualifying examinations and competitions for clerks in the Civil Service under the Board of Education unless they have taken a full university course, have had two years at a university, or entered the forces direct from school; whether this prohibits many desirable candidates from competing; and whether he will take immediate steps to remove this embargo on officers and others who have served in His Majesty's Forces from obtaining such appointments as Civil servants?

I have been requested to reply to this question. I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the reconstruction scheme for recruiting Class 1 of the Home Civil Service after the War. That scheme provides exceptional facilities for entry into the Civil Service of candidates who have served in His Majesty's Forces, but I am not prepared to relax the educational conditions of the scheme in the case of ex-Service candidates for Class 1 appointments in the Board of Education or any other Department.

Will this embargo not debar an officer who was precluded from going to a university owing to the War?

I think my hon. Friend would be assuming too much to consider that. I do not think there would be the slightest difficulty in getting an ample number of candidates who are both ex-Service men and have the desired qualifications for the First Division. I am only referring to the First Division.

asked the Food Controller if he will state when the low-gravity beer known as Government ale will be abolished?

I am not quite clear to what the hon. Member refers. So far as I am aware, there is no beer properly defined as "Government ale."

asked the Food Controller if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by invalids and old people in obtaining brandy or whisky even on the production of a medical certificate; and whether he will take steps to enable such people to obtain spirits in small quantities at a reasonable price?

I am given to understand that, as a result of the recent increase in the releases from bond, it should be possible for all reasonable requirements to be met in the near future. I would, however, remind the hon. and gallant Member that the responsibility in this matter is not that of the Ministry of Food.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at Victoria Station the other day an old gentleman was taken suddenly ill and was told he must get a medical certificate before he could get a glass of brandy?

May I ask when the restriction on whisky and brandy will be entirely removed, and is not the longevity of the restriction causing great hardship?

May I ask if there is any truth in the report that some of the spirits that have recently been released were not originally intended for potable purposes, but for the manufacture of munitions?

I can only repeat what I have said, that the removal or the retention of the restriction complained of is not within the decision of the Ministry of Food.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Allied countries and on the Continent there is no difficulty in securing an unlimited supply of whisky exported from this country?

That does not come within the hon. Gentleman's Department.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to recent inquests held in London on deaths caused by heavy motor lorries; whether he is aware that these lorries are not fitted with proper side guards, and that the coroners' juries recommended that these lorries should be so protected; and will he consider as to issuing an Order compellin all heavy Army or commercial motor lorries to be provided with similar side guards to motor omnibuses?

My right hon. Friend is aware that there have been recommendations of coroners' juries to the effect stated by the hon. Member. The question of requiring heavy motor lorries to be provided with life guards was considered by the Departmental Committee on Road Locomotives and Heavy Motor Cars which reported last October, but the Committee were unable to come to any definite conclusion, and recommended that further investigations should be made with a view to overcoming the difficulties in the way of the provision of life guards for the great variety of heavy motor lorries. As the hon. Member is aware, it is proposed that the powers of the Local Government Board in relation to vehicles on roads should be transferred to the Ministry of Ways and Com- munications. I think this matter must be left to be dealt with by the new Department.

May I ask whether, on account of the number of inquests which have recently been held, the Department cannot take action without waiting for the further recommendations of the Committee?

No action is recommended. The Committee said that further investigation was required before action could be recommended.

Is it not required that such action should be taken if the Committee cannot make up its mind on the question?

Is the Committee still investigating?

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board if he will state what steps the Government proposes to take to help public utility societies to build houses?

These terms have been explained in a memorandum issued on Monday last, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury has sanctioned the appointment of 30,000 extra Civil servants over and above the pre-war period mentioned by the First Commissioner of Works in his published statement of 25th March as requiring to be housed, and, if so, what are to be the duties and emoluments of these new officials?

The number of additional staff appointed to carry out the work undertaken by the new Departments and the expansion of work in the old Departments—particularly in connection with demobilisation—equals, and indeed exceeds, the figure referred to. The appointment of this staff has been sanctioned by the Treasury to meet public exigencies, but their engagement is in the main on a purely temporary basis, and I trust that only a comparatively small proportion of these posts will be permanently required. I am not satisfied with the pace at which reduction of war staff is proceeding, and the Government are considering what further steps can be taken to expedite it.

May we take it that it is not the policy of the Government to have 30,000 additional Civil servants aver and above the pre-war period?

The policy of the Government is to reduce the number of Civil servants, or people serving the State, to the numbers required to do the State's business—and to reduce them as rapidly as possible.

Will they number 30,000 extra after the War?

I most certainly hope not, but I cannot say what the number will be.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when he will be able to introduce the Scottish Housing Bill?

I hope to be in a position to introduce this Bill at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what date? Will it be before Easter?

I certainly hope to introduce it before Easter.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state whether in engaging ex-Service men for service in his Department they must be under thirty years, of age and in receipt of a pension?

Thirty is the nominal maximum age limit for appointment as postman, but various extensions are permitted in favour of reservists, pensioners, and others. A pension is not a condition of appointment, but preference is being given as far as possible to disabled men, who naturally are in receipt of a pension.

asked the Postmaster-General how many temporary and other employés have been discharged from the postal, telegraph and telephone service since 11th November, 1918?

About 3,500 males and 30,000 females

Are not these employés drawing out-of-work donation and giving no work in return, and would it not be better to retain them until all pre-war postal facilities are restored and all permanent postal servants are demobilised?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question down.

asked the Postmaster-General when he will be able to open the small sub-post offices which were closed for the period of the War?

Each case where an office has been closed will be considered on its merits, having regard to the needs of the locality.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a telegraphist at Birmingham was recently promoted over sixty-seven of his seniors; whether he is aware that many of the men passed over are on active service, and that a number of them, by reason of their great general ability and technical knowledge, have obtained commissions and have been awarded high military honours; whether several of the men senior to the officer promoted are fully qualified, and have performed the duties of the higher class with every satisfaction to their Department, whilst the successful candidate for promotion has not performed the superior work; and whether, in view of the injustice to the men overseas, he will cause a searching inquiry to be made?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances of the case. Tie officer selected for promotion was himself serving with the forces. He was selected because, prior to enlistment, he had shown exceptional ability, and was considered to possess better qualifications for promotion than any other member of his class.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the recent presentation of a Report on the future development of the tin-mining industry in Cornwall, and of the recent permanent closing of one tin mine and the threatened closing of a further mine in the course of a few days, he can have arrangements made whereby the threatened mine will be kept working until a decision upon the Report has been arrived at, so as to prevent the permanent flooding of the mine and to avoid throwing several hundreds of men out of employment?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Report to which the right hon. Member refers is now under consideration, and in view of the urgency of the matter, I hope that a decision as to any Government action will be reached in the course of a very few days.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of following the example of the United States, France, Italy, and Japan, by establishing a Ministry of Commerce, a policy which has been urged for several years by the leading chambers of commerce in this country?

This subject is now being considered by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister if it has been decided to raise the blockade on Hungary the day after Hungary has accepted a Bolshevik government in order to encourage Bolshevism, or because it is believed now that the past policy of starving Hungary has produced Bolshevism and is a mistake?

It has not been decided to raise the blockade of Hungary.

asked the Prune Minister whether the Allied Mission has been withdrawn from Hungary; and, if so, whether anyone now represents British or American interests in that country or whether we are at war with that country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and, as regards the last part, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Armistice with Austria-Hungary still continues.

Are we to understand that the Armistice has not been abrogated by the action of Austria-Hungary?

I do not think it has been altered.

asked the Prime Minister whether any and, if so, what estimate has been made of the value of German's timber supply; and whether such timber is to be requisitioned for the purpose of restoring the devastated towns and villages in the countries of the Allies?

The extent to which timber can be used in meeting the claims of the Allies is being carefully examined by the Commission in Paris.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Royal Commission on the Income Tax has yet been appointed; and, if not, if he can state when it will be appointed?

The consent of His Majesty has been obtained to the appointment of a Royal Commission with the following terms of reference:— To inquire into the Income Tax (including Super-tax) of the United Kingdom in all its aspects, including the scope, rates, and incidence of the tax, allowances and reliefs, administration, assessment, appeal and collection, and prevention of evasion, and to report what alterations of law and practice are in their opinion necessary or desirable and what effect they would have on rates of tax if it were necessary to maintain the total yield. I think hon. Members will desire to know the constitution of the Commission.

Hear hear.

It will be as follows:— Lord Colwyn (Chairman). The Right Hon. Sir T. Whittaker, M.P. The Right Hon. Charles William Bowerman, M.P. The Right Hon. William Brace, M.P. The Right Hon. Ernest Pretyman, M.P. Sir Edmund Nott-Bower, K.C.B. Sir J. Harmood-Banner, M.P. Sir Walter Trower. Mr. Holland Martin, C.B. Mr. N. F. Warren Fisher, C.B. Mr. S. Armitage Smith, C.B. Mr. Philip Birley. Mr. William Graham, M.P. Mr. Arthur Hill. Mr. D. M. Kerley, K.C. Mrs. Lilian Knowles. Mr. H. J. Mackinder, M.P. Mr. W. McLintock. Mr. Edward Manville, M.P. Mr. Geoffrey Marks. Mr. Henry J. May. Professor A. C. Pigou. Mr. Nicholas J. Synnott. The Secretary of the Commission will be Mr. Ernest Clark, of the Inland Revenue Department.

Hon. Members will no doubt remember that it was recently stated by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary that I was in communication with the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the representation of the Dominions on the Commission. I have since had the opportunity of discussing the question with my right hon. Friend, and we have decided that, as the work of the Commission will for the most part necessarily relate to points of purely United Kingdom interest, and often of a very highly technical character, it would not be desirable to invite representatives of the Dominions to sit on the Commission. It has, however, been arranged that the Commission shall confer with financial representatives of the Dominion Governments in regard to the question of double Income Tax before any final conclusions are reached on that subject.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that it is very easy to separate the question of the way Income Tax should be imposed upon marriage from any of the other questions included in the reference, in view of the decreasing birthrate and the destruction of the manhood of the nation in the recent War, is it not merely an unjust and atrocious anomaly, but a breach of duty to the nation to continue the tax upon marriage?

The hon. Member's question is more in the nature of a speech.

It is a question, though.

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House to-day whether this Commission is to be a bar to any alteration, in the meantime, to the Income Tax law?

I refuse to give any pledge in regard to the matter. The House cannot be debarred from taking any steps it likes by the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the subject, but I do very seriously submit to the House that there are grave inconveniences in dealing, or attempting to deal, with portions of the Income Tax law in advance of, and in anticipation of, any inquiry which will look into all these matters.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do this: ask the Commission whether they could not consider making an interim report upon this question at an early date?

Has the House to understand, from the reply just given, that a Committee is to be set up to consider the double Income Tax and is to include representatives of the Dominions?

No, Sir. Answering the second question first, I would say that a Sub-committee of the Commission will confer with financial representatives of the Dominions Governments before taking any final decision on the subject. As regards the other question, I cannot say any more. Once the Commission is set up it must rest with the Commissioners to determine the procedure. But I will represent to the Chairman of the Commission the interest taken in the matter, and ask him to consider the suggestion made by my hon. Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether evidence will be taken from the Dominions in regard to the double Income Tax?

That must be a matter for the Commission itself.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an opportunity of discussing the Income Tax penalty on marriage before the Budget is introduced?

The Government could not adopt the proposal of my hon. Friend.

I beg to say that I will raise this question on the Adjournment on Monday night.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a universal consensus of opinion in favour of altering the law?

But that does not arise on the question to me. I know, from a very vivid experience, that the Finance Bill gives plenty of opportunity for discussing such subjects.

asked whether the relief from Income Tax on a married woman's dividends is payable to the husband and not to the wife if the marriage takes place after the 7th May in any Income Tax year?

I am advised that there is no such provision for the year of marriage, but I am looking further into the question, and will communicate with my hon. Friend when my inquiries are completed.

Supposing my right hon. Friend finds that some improvement is necessary will he take steps without waiting for the Report of the Royal Commission?

If I correctly understand the point of my hon. Friend it is as to whether the arrangement whereby a married woman can claim before a certain date is open to her if she happens to get married after that date? I think I should like to make the inquiry I have undertaken to make before coming to a decision. It seems to me to be an oversight in the law which ought to be remedied. It is not a new relief, it is merely adjusting the machinery to give the relief intended.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has taken note of the decline in the birth-rate in comparison with the death-rate in the United Kingdom, and of the enormous destruction of the manhood of the nation during the recent War; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take immediate steps to put an end to the tax upon marriage, and thus remove what is admittedly an intolerable anomaly and a premium on immorality?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington.

With regard to the answer to which I have been referred, I would ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider the propriety of seeing that more than one woman is put on that Commission in view of the fact that they are deeply interested in it.

I have given very great care to the composition of the Commission. It was a matter of great difficulty and I cannot recommend any alteration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can arrange for a deputation of women to be received by some permanent official of the Treasury on the question of the joint assessment of Income Tax on husbands and wives?

For the reasons stated in previous replies on this subject, I am unable to accept my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal. I hope that those interested in this question will place their case before the Royal Commission.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to make no alteration or improvements in the present Income Tax laws until the Royal Commission on Income Tax has reported?

I can add nothing to the reply that I gave on the 20th instant, in answer to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Canterbury. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the House may expect to receive the Report of the Royal Commission?

It is not usual to fix a date for the Report of a Royal Commission. That is a subject for the Commission itself. It is the hope of the Chairman of the Commission, a hope which I share, that the Commission will finish their inquiry in the course of the next financial year, and in full time for consideration in respect of the Budget of 1920.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce a decision as to the publication of the proceedings of the Troubridge court-martial, and the dispatches in regard to the escape of the "Goeben" and the bombardments of the forts in the Dardanelles?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is hoped that it will be possible to announce the decision next week.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is prepared to allocate an early date for general discussion upon the question of war indemnities?

I hope that an opportunity will arise on Thursday next.

Will that be a whole afternoon?

No. If it is found that the Irish discussion takes the bulk of the day, I shall try to give another opportunity.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the day allocated to this discussion will be prior to the decision of the Peace Conference?

I cannot give such an assurance, but I am afraid it must be.

Will it be next week?

There is no possibility of the discussion next week, except on Thursday. I hope there may be an opportunity then.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am sending him a list to-night of another 100 Members desiring discussion at an early date, making more than 200 in all?

I do not think it would make any difference if there were 707.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider, in the interests of national economy, the cutting down by 50 per cent. of the pensions of all retired judges, ex-Ministers of State, and others receiving at present more than £1,000 per annum in pensions; and will he lay upon the Table of the House of Commons a statement of the names and amounts paid to all persons receiving pensions of £2,000 to £5,000 per annum so that the House may consider and discuss the same?

I am unable to accept the proposal contained in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the Finance Accounts, which contain full particulars of the pensions to which he refers.

Is there no hope that the House may have an opportunity of considering these pensions—the whole country considers it unfair?

That was not the question that my hon. Friend put to me. He asked whether I would cut down by 50 per cent. the pensions of all retired judges, ex-Ministers of State, and others receiving at present more than £1,000 per annum in pensions. All these are taxed in accordance with the general taxation rule, and I, at any rate, can give no countenance to the idea that what they have earned by past services to the State is now to be taken, away from them.