asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that in No. 11 Sussex Area the officials of the live stock and frozen meat department consist of a live stock commissioner at a salary of £800 a year and expenses, the chairman of auctioneers at a salary of £500 a year and expenses, a deputy chairman of auctioneers who is paid by commission, a supervisor of grading at a salary of £400 a year and expenses, a deputy meat agent at a salary of £250 a year and expenses subordinate to an area meat agent at a salary of £600 a year, in addition to a grading committee; and whether he will make inquiry to ascertain whether the staff can be materially reduced without detriment to the public service?

The salaries are as stated by the hon. Member, with the exception of that of the area meat agent, who receives £500 a year. I would, however, point out that Area No. 11, to which the hon. Member refers, includes not only Sussex but Kent and Surrey and the whole of the Metropolitan police district; and that the live stock commissioner for this area is supervising commissioner for Area No. 10, which covers the counties of Middlesex, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex; and is also chairman of the London and Home Counties Meat Distribution Committee, responsible for the distribution of meat in Areas 9, 10, 11 and 12, which cover sixteen counties. Further, the area meat agent for Area 11 also holds the same position in Area 10, and is supervisor of the Government slaughterhouses in both areas. I may add that the staff of the Ministry of Food, both at headquarters and in the provinces, has already been substantially reduced, arid that the possibility of further reductions is continually under review.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if, when the Board of Agriculture compelled farmers to cultivate more land than they were accustomed doing or could profitably do, it was understood that the Government guaranteed £17 10s. per ton for oats; and, in view of the depreciation that has taken place, if he will state whether such a guarantee was given or not?

No price for oats other than that stated in Part I. of the Corn Production Act, 1917, was guaranteed by the Government for the 1918 crop. In issuing compulsory Orders for extended cultivation, of which relatively very few were required in Scotland, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland had in view not any price at which the oats might be sold, but the national importance of producing the greatest possible quantity of food.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a number of gentlemen in no way connected with secondary teaching in Ireland are regarded by the Irish Intermediate Commissioners as permanently appointed to the position of superintendent, although the appointment is nominally an annual one; and whether, during the coming year, the Commissioners again intend to appoint such superintendents, although numerous applications have been made by bonâ fide secondary teachers for appointment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his previous question on this subject on the 17th February last.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) how much stock and agricultural machinery is at present on the North-West Agricultural School, Strabane; and whether he can announce any changes in the method in which the school has been conducted?

The land attached to the school referred to was let by the Department in conacre last year for the 1919 season. The Department have no livestock or agricultural machinery on the lands. There have been no changes in the method of carrying on the school, and the general situation in regard to it remains as was intimated in the reply given to the hon. Member on the 29th November, 1917, and previous replies.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to announce any improvements in the Dublin morning mail deliveries.

My right hon. Friend is afraid that if night mail letters from Ireland are to be delivered earlier, night mail letters brought by the Kingstown route must be regularly excluded from the delivery, and he is doubtful whether this course will meet with general acceptance. He will communicate with the hon. Member when a decision is arrived at.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the respective pay of a gunner, Royal Navy and a Royal Marine gunner; and, if both should be promoted for distinguished service, how their pay compares on receiving the promotion?

A gunner, Royal Navy, and a Royal Marine gunner receive the same rate of pay, namely, on promotion 8s. 6d. a day; after three years, 9s. a day; after six years, 9s. 6d. a day; after eight years, 10s. a day; plus the recent ad interim increase of 3s. 6d. a day in each case. A gunner, Royal Navy, promoted to the rank of lieutenant for gallantry in action, receives 14s. 6d. a day on promotion, plus 4s. 6d. a day ad interim increase. A Royal Marine gunner, promoted to lieutenant, Royal Marines, for gallantry in action, receives 11s. 6d. a day on promotion, plus ad interim increase of 4s. a day, this rate of pay being applicable to officers of the Royal Marines. I should add that the whole question of officers' pay is now under consideration of the Jerram Committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the number of men who, during the War, avoided punishment by volunteering for the Navy; whether they are in the Service permanently or only for hostilities; and whether any of them have shown that the loyal and patriotic spirit of the Navy has failed to reform them?

I have no information on the subject raised in the first part of the question. I understand my hon. Friend should inquire of the Home Office. It is therefore not possible for me to deal at present with the other parts of the question.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the amount contributed by the established men in His Majesty's dockyards towards their pensions and gratuities, or bonuses, during the last three available years, setting out each year separately?

As regards pensions, established men ( i.e. , the men ultimately entitled to pension) usually receive Is. a week less in their base rates of pay than hired men, in cases where the rate of wages for the hired men do not exceed 25s. a week.

Where the wages exceed 25s. and do not exceed 30s., the wage of the established man is 1s. 3d. a week lower than that of the hired man.

Where the base rates exceed 30s. but do not exceed 36s., the amount of the difference is 1s. 6d. a week.

For each additional 6s. a week in base rates of wages, 6d. is added to the amount of the difference between hired and established rates.

As regards gratuities, if my hon. Friend refers to those which are payable under certain circumstances to hired men on their discharge from the Service, there is no deduction or other form of contribution towards the cost of these gratuities.

As regards bonuses which are paid to established men on retirement at the rate of one-thirtieth of the annual amount of their base wages in respect of each year of established service, these bonuses form part of the retiring allowances of established men.

If my hon. Friend refers to war bonuses or war increases in wages, there is, of course, no contribution on their account.

The difference between the base rates of wages of established and hired men referred to above, on the numbers borne at the time, are roughly estimated to amount to: In 1916 … … … £46,000 In 1917 … … … 61,000 In 1918 … … … 63,000

If there is further information which my hon. Friend desires on the subject, I shall be pleased to furnish it as far as it is available.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will cause inquiry to be made as to whether many crofters, fishermen, and other priority men are being retained in the auxiliary services of the Navy around Malta through failure of the department concerned to provide reliefs where necessary?

Many men who will ultimately be demobilised are being retained for the present because the vessels which they man and which do not form part of the post-War Fleet cannot yet be dispensed with. Beliefs cannot be provided in all cases, but every permanent Service man is being used the moment he becomes available. We are fully alive to the claim of the fishermen especially to every consideration at our hands, and are doing all we can to meet them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any definite time has been fixed by which it is anticipated that all men entitled to be demobilised will have received their discharges?

It is not possible to give any definite date. Men who have been demobilised and passed to Class Z of the Army Reserve cannot be finally discharged before the termination of the War. This also applies to members of the Territorial Force who have been disembodied.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an officer who has served for three years as lieutenant-colonel commanding a battalion and subsequently has been employed as an area commander with the rank of lieutenant on the staff is entitled on demobilisation to have his service as lieutenant-colonel taken into consideration in computing his gratuity or is it assessed for the whole period on the lower rank?

If the officer in question held acting rank for a period exceeding six months, his gratuity is assessed on such rank. Perhaps my hon. Friend will communicate to me particulars of the case he has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the area at present occupied by the 5th Army is being taken over by the French Army on the 25th March; whether demobilisation has been stopped for Royal Engineer signallers; and whether, in view of the fact that hundreds of signallers who volunteered in 1914 are being compulsorily retained, he will take this opportunity to release the older men?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Men employed in the Signal Service are being demobilised as rapidly as circumstances permit, and every effort is being made to replace as early as possible those who are eligible for demobilisation, and whose services are temporarily required. I do not think there is any reason to believe that the current instructions regarding demobilisation are not being carried into effect as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether four men in the Royal Engineers (Signals) who are over forty-one years of age were sent to Murmansk, North Russia, against their will; whether he is aware that these men state that they were not asked to volunteer and that they did not volunteer; whether these men attested under the Derby scheme and were over forty-one when they were called up; whether the military authorities have informed them that the demobilisation proposals do not refer to attested men but only to men called up under the Military Service (No. 2) Act; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure the release of these men at the earliest possible moment?

I am not aware of the cases referred to by the hon. Member, but if particulars of the rank, name, and regimental number of the men concerned are furnished, together with the date of their embarkation for North Russia, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the whole or any part of paragraph 1,320 of the King s Regulations has been cancelled or amended; and whether an officer, noncommissioned officer, or man who has just completed fifteen months' continuous service on the West Coast of Africa, and who is eligible for dispersal, may be discharged without furlough or payment in lieu?

Neither the whole nor any part of paragraph 1,320 of the King's Regulations has been cancelled or amended. All ranks who, by reason of service on the West Coast of Africa, become eligible for leave under this paragraph are being granted leave before they are actually demobilised. Should any cases, where an individual was demobilised before he received this leave, be brought to the notice of the War Office, steps will be taken to rectify the omission.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the resentment due to the retention in the Army of youths who, prior to joining, were apprentices or studying for the professions, and whether he will infuse into the regulations governing demobilisation some elasticity or provide opportunities for the continuation of their studies while in the Army?

I regret that I can add nothing to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the member for Torquay, on the 11th inst. to the effect that students and apprentices are being treated on the same footing as regards demobilisation as other soldiers. As has already been stated, the Army Education Scheme is being continued, and as far as possible extended, in the Armies of Occupation, and under this every facility possible will be provided for the continuation of the studies of youths and men retained. It is a matter the importance of which is fully realised.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has inquired into the circumstances of Private D. M'Innes, No. 313766, A Company, S.C.L.C., attached R Company, Royal Army Service Corps (F.D.); if he is aware that this man was admitted to Merryflats War Hospital on 15th July, 1918, suffering from heart trouble, for six weeks, and twelve days after discharge had to be readmitted to hospital and spent another six months there, and on 5th February was sent to dispersal camp for demobilisation, but was sent back to his company without further examination; and if he will give instructions for the demobilisation of a man so obviously unfit for military service?

I have no information regarding this case, but am having inquiry made and will communicate with the hon. Member as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper J. W. Gee, No. 96483, of L Signals Battalion, Royal Engineers, British Expeditionary Force, who is forty-six years of age and medical category B 3, is being retained with the forces; that demobilisation order form Z39, No. R8/Z2/4,669, issued by officer commanding records, Chatham, was delivered at this man's home address on 10th February, and that the officer commanding L Company stated that there was an embargo against the release of such men; and whether he will see that men of his age and category are immediately released?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are 350 men with L Signal Battalion who have been in France since 1914; that 130 of them have been there since August, 1914, and that seventeen of these men are employed on work other than telegraphy; and whether he proposes to take immediate steps to remedy this state of affairs?

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 if he will say what is the number of signallers who are being retained with the L Signal Battalion in France; whether among the number two are forty-four years of age, four are forty- three years of age, five are forty-two years of age, three are forty-one years of age, and twenty-five are between thirty-five and forty; whether he is aware that some of these men have been with the forces since 1914; and whether he will take immediate steps to place the incidence of military service on a more fair basis?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible. I think the present demobilisation scheme is based on the fairest lines possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private T. F. Aldred, No. 39514, Worcester Regiment, has been transferred from Gosport to Newcastle-on-Tyne in readiness to proceed to Russia; and whether, in view of the state of this man's health, due to treatment whilst a prisoner in the hands of the Germans, he will give orders for his retention in England to await early demobilisation?

I am having inquiry made, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Corporal James Borman, now in the office of the Assistant Controller of Clothing Contracts, South Parade Road, Bangalore, India; whether this man joined the Army in August, 1914, and is now fifty-four years of age, and whether he will have the case investigated and the man demobilised without further delay?

If Corporal Borman' s service and age are as stated, he will, no doubt, foe sent home for demobilisation in due course. Men in India who are eligible for demobilisation and who can be spared are being brought home as fast as shipping accommodation will permit, consideration being given to those whose health will not allow of their having to spend another hot weather in India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the system of demobilisation entails the dispersal of the entire personnel of complete units or a reduction in the size of each with, the retention for the smaller units of all headquarter staff organisation; and which, if any, of the separate Armies in the field on 11th November, 1918, have now ceased to exist?

Units whose identity is not to be preserved will in due course be broken up and absorbed under orders of the General Headquarters concerned. In order to facilitate the work of demobilisation certain types of small units will be amalgamated into composite units, or affiliated to larger units, for the purpose of the dispersal of their personnel and the disposal of their equipment and stores. All the separate Armies in the field on 11th November, 1918, still exist, though on a much reduced scale, except in the case of France. In the latter case one Army remains as the Army of the Rhine; the staffs of the other four armies are being converted into staffs of administrative areas for supervising, clearing up, and salvage work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that British officers at Tiflis are being paid in roubles at 80 roubles to the sovereign when the actual value is about 120 roubles; and whether, in view of the extreme hardship inflicted on officers and men in consequence, he will make an immediate inquiry with a view to improving the pay of British troops in this area?

The rate of exchange for official transactions in the Caucasus as in other countries is fixed by the Treasury from time to time and is at present eighty roubles to the pound sterling. The statement by my hon. and gallant Friend that the actual value of the pound sterling at Tiflis is 120 roubles does not agree with the reports received from the local military authorities. Perhaps he will communicate to me the information on which it is founded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements have been made for the removal of stabling and other buildings erected for war purposes now standing on public recreation grounds; and whether any steps are being taken to restore public lands as near as possible to pre-war state?

Every endeavour consistent with military requirements is being made to secure the early vacation and removal of buildings erected for war purposes on public recreation grounds. Where military labour is not available for the purpose of restoring such grounds to their pre-war state, payment of the reasonable cost of reinstatement will be duly considered on receipt of an application from the local authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what recognition the War Office proposes to give to those officers and men who, night and day, have given admirable service in the Anti-Aircraft Corps in England during the War?

It is at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Great Britain, to bring to notice such services as he considers are deserving of recognition. The most favourable consideration has in the past been accorded by the Army Council to all recommendations proposed for Anti-Aircraft Corps in England, and any further services brought to notice will receive due consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the present duties of the Anti-Aircraft Force in this country; and whether he will take steps to demobilise the officers and men attached to it, especially those whose duties are to protect towns and munition areas inland?

The present duties of the Anti-Aircraft Force in this country are to maintain the anti-aircraft defences so that they can be made efficient in a short time in case of necessity. Both officers and men of the anti-aircraft defences have been demobilised as far as possible, and only the number required to keep in order the guns, aeroplanes, and searchlights and general organisation are now being retained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the terms arranged verbally between the War Office and the Victoria Street Hall, Kirkwall, on the 16th August, 1916, and if those terms will be fully implemented before possession is given over of the hall?

I am informed that there is no record of any terms having been arranged verbally between the War Office and the Victoria Street Hall, Kirkwall, on the 16th August, 1916. I understand that the Officer Commanding the unit concerned asked the managers of the hall to make proposals, which he subsequently submitted to headquarters, but they were not sanctioned, and cannot in any sense be described as terms arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state or agree to a Return showing the number of officers of and above the rank of brigadier-general who have, since 11th November, 1918, been demobilised, retired, placed on half-pay, or reverted to their permanent grade?

The number is forty-eight, of whom nineteen are now employed regimentally ( i.e. , not as general officers).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in fulfilment of the promise he made to the House, he has consulted the Prime Minister with regard to the publication of the Report of the hon. Member for Luton on the inquiry made by him, at the Prime Minister's request, into the circumstances surrounding the summary dismissal of Miss Violet Douglas-Pennant from the commandantship of the Women's Royal Air Force?

I have consulted the Prime Minister and also the hon. Member for Luton. The Report was written as a confidential Paper for the personal information of the Prime Minister. In the interest of the public service, there is the strongest objection to the publication of such a document.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can see his way to secure the adoption of an arrangement whereby members of any of the Colonial armed forces, born in this country, could secure leave to visit their relatives and friends in this country before being returned overseas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 17th February to a similar question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ludlow, to the effect that sanction had been given for a limited number of soldiers serving with the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt to be granted leave to the United Kingdom, priority being given to men who have relatives in this country. The concession has now been extended to New Zealanders and South Africans serving in Egypt. Shipping conditions do not admit of the privilege being further extended at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that those Regular soldiers who during the War joined on for a further period of service have been ruled ineligible for the £50 bounty payable to those soldiers who signed on after the Armistice; and whether he will state the cause for this distinction?

These bounties have been offered, not from the date of the Armistice but from the 10th December onwards, to soldiers whose terms of engagement were about to expire and who undertook to serve beyond the period covered by the Military Service Acts. The soldiers, to whom my Noble Friend refers were already liable for such service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a gratuity at the conclusion of the War has been given to all ranks employed in Army pay offices except the acting-paymasters; whether, during the War, these officers have been required to work overtime, including Sundays, for months at a stretch without extra remuneration; and why they are penalised by being refused the gratuity?

The gratuities provided on termination of the War are only for commissioned officers and enlisted men. They do not apply to any of the very large numbers of civilians (including acting-paymasters) employed in pay offices. The pay of acting-paymasters is inclusive of overtime, and I gladly recognise the willingness with which they have often worked long hours. I am considering the possibility of giving them some form of gratuity.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all officers and men retained in the Army of Occupation, whether overseas or in the United Kingdom, are granted a weekly addition to their pay; whether, under Army Order 6D, dated 15th February, 1919, the whole personnel of the Army Pay Department are eligible for full bonus from the 1st February, 1919; and whether that applies to civilian acting-paymasters?

All commissioned officers and enlisted men definitely retained in the Armies of Occupation receive a special weekly bonus, and all such officers and men in the Army Pay Department and Corps are eligibie from 1st February last; but the bonus is not applicable to acting paymasters who are not commissioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the grave unrest in the ranks of civilian acting-paymasters at what they consider to be financial injustice meted out to them; whether their demands have been officially sent in through the usual channels; and whether anything is being done to redress their grievances?

Representations have been received and have been fully considered. I have nothing to add to the written reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. and learned Friend the Member for the Ealing Division, Middlesex, on the 24th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as a result of the war bonus, warrant officers, Classes 1 and 2, in the Army Pay Department, including separation allowance with two children, now receive more pay than the acting-paymaster from whom they take their orders; and whether this position is now subversive of all discipline?

If the term "pay" is used to include all emoluments of the family, the position is as stated, in the case of acting-paymasters on the lowest rate of pay. The discipline of the Army Pay Corps is in the hands of the commissioned officers of the Army Pay Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total expenditure to date in connection with the East African campaign; whether he will state the number of Staff officers, officers, and men, both European and Native, at present on service in the country, and the daily cost of the same; and whether, in view of the alleged extravagant manner in which this campaign has been conducted, he is prepared to institute an inquiry into the details of and responsibility for the expenditure on the whole campaign?

In the time available it has not been possible to obtain the details asked for, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will repeat his question in two weeks time I will give him such information as is available on the points raised. It is not proposed to institute an inquiry as suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Regular officers surplus to establishment are now allowed to resign their commissions?

Applications from Regular officers to resign their commissions are now being sanctioned whether the officers are surplus to establishment or not, provided they join the Reserve of Officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any indication of what is being done in the case of British officers who have died in German camps under circumstances which suggest manslaughter or worse; and if, in particular, he can give information as to the case of Lieutenant Victor Edward Osborne, 3rd Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, reported shot dead whilst prisoner of war at Rastatt, Baden, on the 7th April, 1918?

All such cases are being investigated by the Committee appointed to inquire into Breaches of the Laws of War. I am informed that further particulars have now been received of the death of Lieutenant Victor Edward Osborne, from which it appears that this officer was observed to be interfering with the barbed wire enclosing the camp, and was shot by a sentry after he had been three times called upon to halt. He was hit in the neck and died almost immediately. This case is among those under investigation by the Committee referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that three men in the 3rd Scottish Company of the Non-Combatant Corps were engaged for a period of three months, from December, 1918, to February, 1919, with the occasional help of two other men, in reconstructing a motor car which was the private property of the commanding officer, and that at the end of that period the motor car was sold by public auction in Edinburgh; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am not clear whether my hon. Friend means that these men were struck off duty for the purpose, and were employed on the work during working hours. If this is so, and he will give me further particulars, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can make any statement as to the system under which the promotion of officers on the Reserve of Officers is carried out under the system of linked recommendations; and whether the claims of the unsuccessful candidates are subsequently considered, and, if so, when?

The promotion of officers on the Reserve of Officers is car- ried out in accordance with the provisions of Army Council Instruction No. 1,252, of which I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy. Provided that the officer is recommended, promotion is automatic. An officer is promoted when the Regular officer with whom he is linked is promoted, and not in consequence of the submission of any claim for promotion.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to vacate the Crouch Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, which has been occupied on behalf of the War Office for military purposes; and whether he is aware that upwards of 70 per cent. of the members who have served are now returning to civil life?

The Crouch Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch, is at present occupied as headquarters, offices, and stores of one of the batteries belonging to the 2nd Anti-Aircraft (Mobile) Brigade. This brigade is being disbanded, and the War Department will have vacated the premises in about a fortnight's time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether sergeant tailors in the Regular Army and Special Reserve, on appointment as such, are debarred from further promotion; and whether, seeing that their pensions are thereby affected, he will consider the desirability of placing them, as far as promotion and pensions go, on a footing of equality with orderly-room sergeants in these respects?

Vacancies for sergeant (master tailor) are frequently filled by promoting a private who has qualified at the Royal Army Clothing Department, Pimlico. From this it will be seen that compared with other noncommissioned officers a considerable advantage is given to a sergeant (master tailor) as regards promotion up to the rank of sergeant. Moreover, he receives in addition to his pay as sergeant, working pay at 1s. 4d. per diem. There is nothing to prevent him from receiving promotion in his unit if qualified for it, provided he relinquishes his appointment of master tailor. In view of his emoluments it is not considered that a sergeant (master tailor) should receive time promotion to a higher rank in the same way as an orderly-room sergeant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the exact composition of the body which is to expend the profits arising from the operations of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, the precise objects to which these funds are to be applied, and what steps are being taken to secure the views on the latter point of the representatives of ex-Service men's organizations?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to use the Army canteen funds for the erection and maintenance of clubs for serving and discharged soldiers; and, if so, what steps will be taken to secure the co-operation of the soldiers concerned?

The whole question of the administration and application of these funds is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why definite answers to questions addressed to him on behalf of farmers whose hay has been bought by the War Office and not removed cannot be given; whether he is aware that in many cases farmers must starve or kill their cattle if these contracts are not rescinded and they allowed to feed their cattle on such hay; and will he give immediate permission to Mr. Holpin, of Falfield, and Mr. Croome, of Rudgeway, Gloucester, to use the hay now on their farms, which they are at present not allowed to use, and so prevent the loss of their cattle?

The practice is to refer all extreme cases brought to notice to the County Farm Produce Committee for their recommendations, and I understand that that committee invariably delegates the member living nearest to investigate. As regards the two specific cases mentioned, I am informed that the 4 tons which Mr. Holpin asked for have now been released to him. Mr. Croome's application was considered some time ago, and was refused, but I understand that he has recently, without permission, and after being paid 50 per cent. of the value, consumed 2 tons which he had sold to the War Department. His case has now been referred to the county committee for their recommendation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if disabled Regular officers' pensions, issued under Article 564 of the Royal Warrant in lieu of the disability pension granted to a disabled temporary officer, will be exempted from Income Tax?

The exemption from Income Tax for which the sanction of Parliament is to be asked will apply to wound and disability pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that officers who apply for home Civil Service clerkships, in making their application, have to pay 10s., and that applications unaccompanied by this fee are ignored; and whether he will take steps to remove this obstruction to the claims of officers being considered for such appointments?

No, Sir. I see no reason to abolish this fee, which is a reasonable test of the bona fides of applicants. I may remind the hon. Member that the normal fee which was charged before the War to candidates for Class I. clerkships was £6, and the reduced fee of 10s. will not be sufficient to cover the expenses of the examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that officers accepting Government employment are at a disadvantage in that they are liable to a tax of 10 per cent. on their pay and that previous Army service does not count towards pension in their new appointment?

My hon. and gallant friend presumably refers to the statutory deduction, under the Rules made under Sub-section (6) of the Superannuation Act, 1887, from the civil salary of ex-officers in receipt of retired pay on account of their naval or military service. As I have stated on previous occasions, a Bill is being prepared to empower the Treasury to amend those Rules.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the arrangements that have been made for the disposal of surplus Army huts; and whether, with a view to avoiding profiteering in connection with these huts, he will make arrangements whereby private persons, to whom such huts would be valuable in view of the great shortage of houses, may be enabled to purchase these huts direct from the War Office?

Very few Army huts have as yet been handed to the Ministry for disposal. When huts are available they will be advertised, and private individuals will have opportunities of purchasing them direct from the Disposal Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, in the event of any huts, stores, etc., being put up to auction in Kent or elsewhere, whether he will see that some are, when suitable, put up in such lots as to enable parties interested in agriculture to bid?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether, in the event of the huts, stores, etc., of the aerodrome near Edzell being disposed of by auction, he can see his way to arrange that they should be put up in lots suitable for the requirements of purchasers such as farmers in the district, who would thus be afforded an opportunity of buying stores that would be useful to them?

I have been asked to take this question. The suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend shall have careful consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction which exists amongst discharged and disabled officers and men with the authority which exists at the Ministry of Pensions to review the awards of medical boards, seeing that this authority has to rely on reports only and does not medically survey the disability of these soldiers; whether he will state how many awards by medical boards have been increased by this reviewing authority and how many awards recommended by medical boards have been decreased; and whether, in order to remove the suspicion which exists amongst our disabled soldiers that this authority invariably decreases the awards of medical boards, he will take steps to ensure that no award of a medical board in future is decreased without the officer or man concerned being seen and medically surveyed by this reviewing authority?

I explained to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 20th instant the reasons underlying the present system of reviewing the reports of medical board, and I do not think that any alteration of the system is practicable at the present time. I cannot state how many awards have been increased or how many decreased, but from recent tests which have been made it appears that in the majority of men's cases the amendment is in favour of the man, and in officers' cases over two-thirds of the awards were either confirmed or increased.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the pension at present granted to the widow of a petty officer, first class, Royal Navy, drowned on service in 1894, and the pension given to the widow of a petty officer, first class, Royal Navy, drowned on service in 1918?

The pension granted to the widow of a petty officer, 1st class, Royal Navy, drowned on service in 1894 is 7s. 6d. a week, with an allowance of 2s. a week for each child dependent on the mother. The latter part of the question is for the Ministry of Pensions. But I may say that the pension granted to the widow of a petty officer, 1st class, drowned on service in 1918 is 16s. 3d. a week, with allowances for her children as follow: For the first child, 6s. 8d. a week. For the second child, 5s. a week. For each child after the second, 4s. 2d. a week. Furthermore, under Ministry of Pensions Regulations, the widow may in certain circumstances receive an alternative pension in excess of the above-mentioned rate. At present the rates of pension and allowances awarded by the Ministry of Pensions in such a case are increased by a war bonus of 20 per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that teachers in university colleges who may take service in schools are not allowed to reckon their service in a university college as recognised or pensionable under the Teachers' Superannuation Act for a State pension; and whether he is prepared to obtain statutory powers for the removal of this grievance in order to promote the interchange of teachers between colleges and schools and vice versa , which is so desirable for both branches of education and which is definitely discouraged by the Act as it stands?

The Teachers' Superannuation Act does not grant pensions to teachers in universities or university colleges. As regards interchange of teachers between the schools and those institutions, the Treasury are empowered, on the recommendation of the Board, to declare service in the latter to be "qualifying service" for the purposes of the Act. As at present advised, I do not see my way to propose an extension of the scope of the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give a statement showing the annual salaries of teachers in public elementary schools as on the 1st of April, 1918, under the following authorities in Glamorganshire: Glamorgan County Council; Cardiff, Merthyr Tydvil, and Swansea County Borough Councils; Aberdare, Barry, Mountain Ash, Pontypridd, and Rhondda Urban District Councils; and the municipal borough of Neath; setting forth the particulars in accordance with the tables set out in Command Paper 22?

I will inquire whether I can furnish the hon. Member with the figures he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will supply a table showing the education rate, the amount raised by a 1d. rate, and the number of scholars educated in London, the boroughs in all the home counties contiguous to the county of London, and the towns of Brighton, Bournemouth, Torquay, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Exeter, and Bath?

I will send the hon. Member a table giving the figures for the year 1916–17, the latest for which tabulated information is available. These figures give the rate equivalent to the net expenditure of the authorities which falls on the rates, as distinguished from the actual rate levied.

asked the Home Secretary if he will instruct the superintending inspector of factories in Manchester to call together at an early date the Committee which was discussing the abolition of shuttle-kissing with him when the War broke out?

The superintending inspector has been instructed to call the Committee together again and resume the investigation.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the event of the Ministry of Ways and Communications Bill becoming law, it is the intention of the Government to leave the wharfingers free to carry on their business in the same manner as they have in the past; but if, on the other hand, they are to be taken over under the powers given to the Minister, will it be on the same terms as were laid down in the Port of London Authority Bill?

Until the Minister-designate has had an opportunity of acquainting himself with the position and methods of business of the wharfingers, he is not in a position to say to what extent, if any, he will find it desirable to exercise such control as the Bill would enable him to exercise. The Minister-designate will take an opportunity of consulting with 'the Port of London Authority and the wharfingers as soon after the proposed Bill becomes law AS is possible.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the bonus recently granted to medical panel practitioners for their work on national health insurance, to meet the extra cost of Jiving and the decreased value of their remuneration, it is proposed to grant a similar bonus to approved society officials?

Representations have been made to the Insurance Commissioners with a view to an increase of the amount allowed to approved societies to meet the cost of administration. An examination of the accounts of approved societies, however, shows that the great majority of societies have a surplus on their administration account, and in all such cases it is open to the societies, if they think fit, to grant an extra allowance to their officials to meet the special conditions referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether ha is aware that the Manchester Corporation are in negotiation for the purchase for housing purposes of the Anson estate, comprising 106 acres, at a price of £49,410; and whether he will state what is the annual value which is attributed or is attributable to that land for the purposes of rating?

I am making inquiry of the Manchester Corporation and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Birkenhead Town Council proposes to acquire 56,000 square yards of land at the north end of the borough, adjacent to the Gilbrook estate, for housing purposes at a total cost of £10,000; and whether he will state what is the annual value attributed to or attributable to that land for the purpose of rating?

I am making inquiry of the Birkenhead Town Council and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that an officer, who was married during the War, purchased a house in the provinces which was let to a civilian occupier at a quarterly tenancy at a rental of £50 per annum, and on the strength of the contract this officer bought furniture in order to house his family, but he is now informed that he cannot get possession owing to the renewal of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, as the tenant does not expect to leave the house for eighteen months; and whether there is any remedy to meet a case of injustice such as this, where no profiteering is attempted and where the new owners of the house are forced to remain in rooms?

My attention has not hitherto been directed to the case which is referred to in the question, but if a full statement of the facts is sent to me I will gladly look into them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state how many houses were built in Great Britain by private enterprise in the following years, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914?

My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not practicable for him to give the information asked for. It may be assumed, however, that the houses erected in the years referred to were provided by some form of private enterprise to the extent of at least 95 per cent. The best information available as to the

Premises charged to, and dwellings exempt from, Inhabited House Duty in the years 1909–10 to 1914–15 as given in the Annual Reports of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, with increases from year to year shown in italics— Year. England and Wales. Scotland. Great Britain. Premises charged to Inhabited House Duty. Dwellings exempt from Inhabited House Duty, Total. Premises charged to Inhabited House Duty. Dwellings exempt from Inhabited House Duty. Total. Premises charged to Inhabited House Duty. Dwellings exempt from Inhabited House Duty. Total. 1909–10 1,825,038 5,522,295 7,347,333 139,416 846,146 985,562 1,964,454 6,368,441 8,332,895 12.753 81,957 94.710 1,036 5,224 6,260 13,789 87,181 100,970 1910–11 1,856,707 5,528,108 7,348,815 141,187 850,984 992,171 1,997.894 6,379,092 8,376,986 31,669 5,813 * 37,482 1,771 4,838 6,609 33,440 10,651 * 44,091 1911–12 1,865,772 5,607,275 7,473,047 142,797 851,982 994,779 2,008,569 6,459,257 8,467,826 9,065 79,167 88.232 1,610 998 2,608 10,675 80,165 90,840 1912–13 1,873,925 5,652,096 7,526,021 144,221 853,411 997,632 2,018,146 6,505,507 8,523,653 8,153 44,831 52,974 1,424 1,429 2,853 9,577 46,250 55,827 1913–14 1,885,683 5,697 726 7,583,411 145,947 850,920 996,867 2,031,630 6,548,648 8,580,278 11,758 45,632 57.390 1,726 2,491 765 13,484 43,141 56,625 decrease decrease 1914–15 1,897,592 5,750,732 7,648,324 149,196 850,141 999,337 2,046,788 6,600,873 8,647,661 11,909 53,004 64,913 3,249 779 2,470 15,158 52,225 67,383 decrease

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the following railway companies, Midland Railway Company, London and North-Western Railway Company, and Great Northern Railway Company, who have a monopoly of railway traffic in and through the city of St. Albans, have recently closed a receiving office for parcels, goods, and inquiries in the centre of that city, to the inconvenience of the trading and other members of the community; whether he is aware that the railway stations serving St. Albans are at a considerable distance from the centre of the town; and whether he will give in-

increase in the number of houses from year to year is that afforded by the Inland Revenue Returns as to houses charged with or exempt from Inhabited House Duty, but, of course, these Returns give no information as to houses demolished from time to time, and therefore the increase in the total number of houses from year to year is less than the total number built from year to year. I will send the hon. Member, and circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a statement compiled from the Inland Revenue Returns which may be of service.

The following is the statement referred to:

structions for the receiving office, which has been maintained for the last thirty years, to be re-opened or other suitable provision to be made forthwith?

I am aware that the Midland Railway Company have closed their town receiving office at St. Albans on the ground, as I understand, that they no longer require it. Representations on the subject have already been made to the Board of Trade, who are in communication with the railway company on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the trains running in and out of Merthyr which have been taken, off during the War can now be restored; and whether any special train facilities can be arranged for the Easter holidays?

I am making inquiries, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, owing to the removal of the control of paper without notice, distributing agencies in this country have very large stocks on hand which are unsaleable, and can only be disposed of at a loss; and whether, under these conditions, the Government will not insist on the payment of standard rates for waste paper collected throughout January, February, and March?

I have been informed that there are stocks of paper in the hands of certain distributors which at current prices show a loss. The Waste Paper Order, which is now withdrawn, provided not standard prices, but maximum prices. The Government have not insisted on the payment of the maximum prices in the past. Collectors have been left to make what bargains they pleased, subject to the maximum prices. The Government, therefore, does not propose to interfere with prices agreed to be paid for waste paper during the months of January, February, and March, which, provided they are within the maximum prices fixed by the Order, are matters of contract between buyer and seller.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, by the sudden removal of restrictions on the importation of manufactured paper and paper-making materials, certain distributing agencies have had to shut down, and that paper mills in this country are in a similar position; whether, as a consequence, a large number of men and women will be forced on the list for unemployment benefit; and whether it would be to the advantage of this country to give such slight trade advantages to British paper industries as would enable them to continue to give employment?

My right hon. Friend has been kept informed of the conditions prevailing in the paper industry, and received a representative deputation of that industry on Tuesday, when the representations of paper-makers, distributors, and the trade unions concerned were placed before him. It is obviously to the advantage of the country that unemployment in the paper industry should be prevented, and he is giving the matter attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether on the outbreak of War it was discovered that this country was largely dependent on Germany and Sweden for oil lamps and stoves; whether certain British firms were encouraged to undertake the manufacture of these goods; whether the Board of Trade has now given a free permit to Sweden to import all the goods of this description that they can; and whether his attention has been called to the fact that the British market is now being flooded by these cheap foreign products with disastrous results to British industry, and what action he proposes to take?

The temporary general licence for the import of stoves expired on the 1st March, and no licences are now being granted. The matter will be considered by the Advisory Council on Import Restrictions, and it is open to the interests concerned to make to the Council such representations as to the position of their industry as they may think proper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the new Departmental arrangements for dealing expeditiously with imports and export licences will be completed; and whether he will issue a statement setting forth the arrangements when completed?

A statement of the Departmental arrangements referred to will be made at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will open a central bureau where members of the public will be able to obtain copies of all orders and forms relating to imports and exports or other trading matters?

My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to set up an inquiry office at the entrance to the Board of Trade in Whitehall Gardens where personal inquiries can be dealt with. Meanwhile copies of all Orders and modifications of Orders and all information relating to trading matters are published in the "Board of Trade Journal," which appears weekly on Thursdays, and may be obtained from the Sale Offices for Government Publications at Kingsway and Abingdon Street, in London, and in Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Dublin. Copies of the Orders may also be obtained separately from the sale agents.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade what commodities have been released from control since the Armistice; and how does the present retail price of each commodity compare with its controlled price?

No complete list is available of commodities from which control has been removed. The following are included among those from which control has been or is about to be entirely removed: Bricks, cement, timber (other than pitwood), paper, tobacco, matches, cotton (other than Egyptian), hemp, copper, lead, zinc, tin. In addition, the control of many other commodities has been or is about to be greatly relaxed. To answer the latter part of the question fully an inquiry would be necessary. If the hon. and gallant Member presses for the information, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any restrictions in force preventing the import of Canadian whisky into the United Kingdom; and, if so, can such restrictions be removed so as to allow supplies to be imported, in order to augment the present short supplies of Scotch and Irish whisky?

Spirits other than brandy and rum are at present excepted from the rule that all goods produced in the British Empire should be admitted without restrictions. This exception is being maintained pending the examination of the somewhat difficult points involved in this connection.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office have opened the Stonehaven and North Foreland wireless stations for point-to-point working with Holland; whether he has applied to the Admiralty for the release of the civilian wireless operators lent to the Admiralty during the period of the War; whether the Admiralty refused to release these men; whether it is proposed to transfer the commercial wireless system to the control of the Admiralty; and whether he will have regard to the future careers of his wireless operators in the consideration of any such proposal?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. Application has been made to the Admiralty for the release of the civilian wireless operators lent to that Department, but owing to difficulty in replacing them it has only been possible to release a few. The release of the others will be arranged as soon as the circumstances permit. It is not proposed to transfer the commercial wireless service, such as that established with Holland, to the control of the Admiralty; but if, when normal conditions are restored, any modification of the arrangements for wireless communication should prove to be necessary due regard will be given to the interests of the Post Office wireless operators.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the amount spent by the Governments of the United States, Japan, and Canada, respectively, on the development of sea fisheries?

I am informed by the Fishery Board for Scotland that the appropriation for the United States of America Bureau of Fisheries for the year ending 30th June, 1918, amounted to 1,263,560 dollars; and that the latest reports available as regards Canada shows that in the year 1917 the total expenditure on the Canadian fisheries was 951,384 dollars. Of these respective amounts about one-third appears to be attributable to items which include development, but I am unable to say what amount represents development in the strict sense. I am not in possession of information upon this point in relation to the Japanese fisheries.