asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the statement that fifteen leading brewing companies in this country are alleged to have made gross profits in 1917 of more than £7,000,000; and if he can say whether, approximately, £5,500,000 of those profits were absorbed by the Exchequer in the shape of Income Tax and Excess Profits Duty?

I have no special information on this subject. Any excess profits included in the profits of a business for the period in question would be chargeable with Excess Profits Duty at the rate of 80 per cent., and in addition any trading company would be liable to Income Tax in the ordinary way.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any provision in the Income Tax Acts under which a woman who marries after the 7th May can obtain repayment of Income Tax?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question asked by him on Thursday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if orders have yet been issued for the refund of Income Tax deducted from the gratuities of officers?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which was given on the 19th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the injustice of the present levy of 6s. in the £ Income Tax on all dividends deducted at the source; and whether, in view of the income from interest on these amounts received by the State, some consideration will be given by allowing interest on sums recoverable, which usually take twelve months to recover?

I cannot admit that the position is as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests. Relief in respect of Income Tax deducted from dividends is, where possible, granted by set-off against direct assessments on the taxpayer, and, where circumstances do not admit of this, interim claims are allowed when half the income of the year has been received. Moreover, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that interest is not charged on arrears of Income Tax due from the taxpayer to the State. In general, the machinery of collection and repayment is a subject into which the Royal Commission on the Income Tax will inquire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say on what principle does the Treasury act in determining the weekly addition to the Treasury notes put into circulation; and what limit, if any, is it intended to place on the issue of such notes?

The amount of currency notes issued is determined not by the Treasury but by the demand of the public for currency as expressed in the amount drawn by the banks in the form of currency notes from their balances at the Bank of England. This demand in its turn depends largely on the rate of expenditure, both public and private. It is these factors and not any arbitrary act of Government which primarily fix the limits of the issues.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of simplifying the existing method of transferring War Savings Certificates and War Loan stock upon the death of the holder; and why the Bank of England insists on letters of administration being taken out for production before transfer of War Loan when in other Departments transferring public funds such production is deemed unnecessary?

The practice both of the Bank of England and the Post Office is not to require Probate on Letters of Administration in the case of holdings of a small amount. If the hon. Member has any specific case of difficulty in mind, perhaps he would communicate with me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that for many months in the county borough of Warrington retailers licensed for the sale of tobacco only open their shops for a very limited period each day, with the result that every evening workers desiring to purchase tobacco are compelled, after their day's work, to stand in queues for long periods awaiting the opening of the shops; and whether, having regard to the fact that retailers are licensed by the Treasury, he will intimate to such licensees that they must study the convenience of the public and give them more reasonable opportunities of purchase?

I am afraid this is not a matter in which I can intervene. Under the existing law there is no power to impose any conditions as to hours of opening in connection with the grant of a licence. I have, however, made inquiries and am informed that the conditions described in the question do not now exist generally, though a few tobacconists still close at certain hours of the day. I gather that there is not now any particular shortage of tobacco, but certain brands of cigarettes are very scarce, and queues form outside certain shops at hours when it is known that these brands will be on sale to the general public.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has noted the protests made at the meeting of the London County Council on Tuesday last against the continuance of Treasury restrictions in cases of urgent expenditure on schemes of public utility; and whether he proposes to take any action?

In accordance with the recent decision in regard to issues of capital for domestic purposes generally, these restrictions have now been removed, and the London County Council has been so informed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the year 1913 a London resident purchased a leasehold house for his own occupation for the sum of £450, such lease having an unexpired term of about ninety-seven years at a ground rent of £7 per annum; that the lessee this year (1919) purchased from the freeholder the ground rent for £150, thus converting the house from leasehold to freehold; that as a result a claim has been made for particulars to be furnished with a view to the imposition of a 10 per cent, reversion duty which, it is stated by the Inland Revenue, is payable under the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910; whether the demand of reversion duty made under such circumstances is wholly opposed to the declared intentions of the Government at the time the legislation referred to was passed; whether no such reversion duty would have been claimed or payable had the ground rent been sold to a person other than the lessee; whether he is satisfied that the wording of the said Act justifies, this demand of reversion duty, and, if so, whether he will instruct the Inland Revenue authorities not to enforce it, or1 whether he will introduce a Bill to amend the said Act?

On the facts stated in the question a primâ facie claim for reversion duty would appear to arise. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with the address of the leasehold house to which he refers, I will have inquiry made into the case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Nottingham manufacturers are breaking the German monopoly in glove fabrics; and whether he will consider the necessity for aiding their enterprise and energy by prohibiting, or restricting, the importation of the German-made article, when he is preparing his forthcoming Budget?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am aware that efforts are being made, with considerable prospect of success, to develop the manufacture in this country of the material to which my right hon. Friend refers. The question of the conditions under which, if at all, the importation of this material should be admitted will be carefully considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Entertainment Tax can be removed from subscribers and gate money to such cricket clubs as are not run for profit, and where members do-not participate in any surplus earned over expenses?

I see no reason for granting a special exemption from Entertainments Tax to these clubs.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the established staff of His Majesty's Stationery Office have forwarded to the Treasury a protest in regard to the appointment to the Deputy-Controller-ship of that Department of a gentleman who has not previously been a Civil servant, who has had less than six weeks' temporary service in the Department, and who is stated to have no special knowledge, either technical or administrative, of the office; whether the staff of the Department have called for the cancellation of the appointment and the immediate establishment of an office committee representing all grades, so that the interests of the staff and of the public service may be safeguarded; and whether any and, if so, what reply has been given in answer to their representations?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. A reply is about to be sent to the representations of the staff.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there are a number of women who are not dependent on their salaries for their maintenance still retained on the clerical staff of many of the Government offices, notwithstanding the dismissal of women clerks who are entirely dependent upon their salaries for their subsistence?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Treasury Circular of 22nd November last, under paragraph 3 of which Departments are asked to arrange for priority of discharge of employés not dependent on their earnings, when reducing their staffs. I have no reason to suppose that this request is being disregarded.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the intention of the Treasury to grant the promoted Civil Service writers the privilege of counting the whole of their unestablished service for pension purposes?

There is no intention of departing from the existing practice under which a portion not exceeding one-half of such service normally counts for pension.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the mills at our ports are congested with millers' offals; why he still maintains the exorbitant controlled prices for such offals; and whether it is possible to reduce the price to £10 10s. per ton and thereby relieve the congestion at the ports and at the same time encourage the production of homegrown meat and milk, instead of allowing such offals to be exported to Foreign, countries?

The Food Controller is aware there is some congestion of offals at the port mills, but as a result of the reduction in price of £2 per ton, which took effect on 24th March last, this congestion is now disappearing. In view of the present prices for live stock a further reduction is not considered to be necessary, particularly as such a reduction would involve an increase in the cost of the bread subsidy.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the London flour mills are so congested with millers' offals that it is proposed to allow offals to be exported to the Continent; whether every effort is being made to have the offals absorbed by home demand; and whether the London prices of £14 per ton for fine offals and £13 per ton for coarse offals are considerably higher than pre-war prices?

As regards the first part of the question, it is possible that a small quantity of offals, amounting to about one-quarter of one week's output will be exported from this country. All possible steps are being taken with a view to the whole output of offals being absorbed by home demand, and, to this end, the prices have been reduced as from 24th March last to £12 per ton for fine offals, and £11 per ton for coarse offal. These prices are materially higher than pre-war prices, but are lower in proportion to the price of wheat than was the case before the War.

asked the Food Controller whether he can State the tonnage and value of the imports of sugar from Java during each year from 1913 to 1919; what tonnage is expected in this year; and why the imports were so low last year?

The particulars in question are as follows:

— Quantity. Value. Refined. Unrefined. Total. Refined. Unrefined. Total. Tons. Tons. Tons. £ £ £ 1913 … — 99 99 — 1,377 1,377 1914 … 113,833 291,383 405,216 2,748,544 6,064,101 8,812,655 1915 … 105,117 293,596 398,713 2,622,674 5,801,411 8,424,085 1916 … 94,615 281,676 376,291 3,079,703 6,880,540 9,960,243 1917 … 71,841 270,702 342,543 2,629,813 6,757,295 9,387,108 1918 … 518 185,111 185,629 21,999 4,795,420 4,817,419 1919 … 3,526 6,907 10,433 135,754 168,015 303,769 (Jan. and Feb.)

It is not possible to state the tonnage of sugar exported from Java during the present year. The small importations during 1918 were due to shortage of tonnage.

asked the Food Controller whether 40,000,000 forms have recently been scrapped in the Food Ministry because a blank was not provided for the insertion of the date and place of birth; and whether the cost entailed by the printing of another 40,000,000 forms is unnecessary expenditure?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Food Controller from what ports in Scotland potatoes are to be shipped to Germany; and whether, in view of the

large surplus of potatoes available for shipment in the North-Eastern counties of Scotland, he can see his way to arrange with the Ministry of Shipping that an adequate number of ships should be provided at Aberdeen and Dundee?

Shipments of potatoes to Germany are being made from Dundee and Leith. Montrose and Aberdeen are not very suitable ports for shipment, the former having silted up and the capacity of the latter being required almost entirely for Admiralty purposes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received resolutions in favour of providing prizes to pupils in Irish national schools and of bursaries to enable such pupils who show aptitude and promise to avail themselves of the advantages of education in a secondary school; if so, from whom such resolutions have been received; whether similar recommendations were made in the Report by Messrs. Dale and Stephens; and whether he proposes to take any action in the direction indicated?

No resolutions of the subject referred to in the question have been received by the Commissioners of National Education. Recommendations were made by Messrs. Dale and Stephens in 1905 in their Report on Intermediate Education, Ireland, for the provision of scholarships or bursaries for the transference of poor children of ability from the national to the intermediate schools. The Viceregal Committee on Intermediate Education, Ireland, in their Report recently presented to Parliament (paragraphs 116, 117, 118, page 29), make recommendations for the establishment of bursaries for pupils of primary schools. This Report is at present under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the composition of the Committee for the Blind in Ireland; and whether this committee has applied to Parliament for a grant of money to improve the condition of the blind that they may be able to live in decency and self-respect?

The following is the list of members of the Advisory Committee for the Blind in Ireland: The Right Honourable Sir Thomas Stafford, Bart., C.B., Member of the Departmental Committee on the Welfare of the Blind (Chairman). E. Coey Bigger, Esq., M.D., Medical Commissioner, Local Government Board, Ireland. *John Mulhall, Esq., C.B. *W. Rochfort Wade, Esq., M.A., Secretary for Ireland to the National Institute for the Blind. J. H. Hewitt, Esq., Workshops for Industrious Blind, Belfast. *Wallace Gillespie, Esq., National League of the Blind, Belfast. Reverend Brother B. J. Byrne, Prior, St. Joseph's Asylum for the Blind, Dublin. *E. Winston, Esq., National League of the Blind, Dublin. Sister J. C. Vavaseur, Superioress, Blind Asylum, Merrion, county Dublin. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee are at present under consideration by the Irish Government and the Treasury. *Denotes these members are blind,

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received communications from the Ulster Drug Trade Association pressing for the setting up of a Whitley Council; and whether he proposes to accede to their request?

No communication has been received from the Ulster Drug Trade Association as such, but a letter has been received from Mr. J. C. Calbert, of Belfast, raising various points in connection with a proposal to form a Whitley Industrial Council for the drug trade in Ireland. It is the policy of the Government to encourage the formation of joint industrial councils in industries which are highly organised on the side both of the employers and of the employed. In the case of other industries-the Government's policy is to establish trade boards, and I am at present considering the position of the drug trade in Great Britain and Ireland in connection with proposals to apply the Trade Boards Acts to the wholesale and retail distributive trades.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that private detectives are called upon to arrest deserters from the Navy; if he is aware that the detectives are called upon to pay their own train fares and the train fare of the deserter out of their own pockets in, consequence of no money being advanced to them before starting on the journey; if he is aware that, if the prisoner is taken from any town in the Midlands up to Scotland, not more than 4s. per day is allowed for their expenses; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am not aware that private detectives are ever called upon to arrest deserters from the Navy. If the reference is to members of the Metropolitan or County police forces I may observe that there is no occasion for expense to be incurred out of their own pockets for railway fares, as arrangements-have been made with the Home Office for the issue of railway warrants for the conveyance of both the escort and the deserter. The rates of subsistence allowance payable to police officers are fixed by the Home Office.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to make any definite grant of leave to either the officers or men of the-Regular Navy as a special reward on the conclusion of hostilities?

As regards officers, I would remind my Noble Friend that under new rules issued in December last, the amount of foreign service leave granted has been doubled, and officers on home service, who previously were granted forty-two days' leave per annum, provided this amount could be taken before the appointment lapsed, are now allowed to take any balance due to them for the current leave year after the expiration of the appointment. Certain additional leave was also granted at the end of 1918 where this could conveniently be arranged. As regards men, a grant of four weeks' leave has been or is being made to all men of the Regular Navy according as the exigencies of the Service permit, and in any case before they proceed on foreign service. In addition to this twenty-eight days, I should add that men going foreign get normally seven days' drafting leave.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider whether it is possible that George Bray, aged twenty-one, can be released from service on compassionate grounds, as his father writes that he is an old man and quite unable to carry on the work of his croft and that the has two sons already serving His Majesty?

I am advised that the circumstances, so far as known, would not justify this man being released out of his turn. It must be borne in mind that to release any man out of his turn means putting back the demobilisation of some other man.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the possibility of demobilising L. F. Thomason, No. 4262 B, on compassionate grounds, as his wife's health has broken down through hard work and his croft has not been properly attended to since he was called up in 1914?

I am advised that the circumstances of this case would not justify the release of this man out of his turn.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Trooper K. S. Hitchings, No. 235639, 1st Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Yeomanry, No. 1 Yeomanry Base, Kantara, Egypt, is not demobilised, seeing that he joined the Colours in the spring of 1915, when only seventeen years of age; and whether he is aware that both his commanding officer and the Labour Exchange have been written to on the subject, but no reply has been received?

If Trooper Hitchings joined the Colours on the date stated, he will, no doubt, be demobilised in due course. I am not aware of the applications referred to having been made on his behalf, but he is not registered by the War Office either as "pivotal" or for "special release." It would appear that the application that was made to the Labour Exchange was either the usual "contract" offer of employment or such as to obtain his registration as a "slip" man.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an application for the release of Private A. Reid, No. 1446684, D Company, Machine Gun Corps, XIth Corps Concentration Camp, British Expeditionary Force, France, on compassionate grounds, has been refused; that this man's father, Mr. Reid, 114, Blackburn Street, Plantation, Glasgow, S.S., joined the Army in 1915, when over fifty, and was finally discharged in February, and that, owing to strain brought on through training, he is now only able to undertake light work; that the mother is very delicate; and that, of the other two children, one is a girl younger than Private Reid, and the other an elder married son who joined up in August, 1914, and who was discharged three months later as unfit owing to a weak heart, which has prevented him from returning to his original employment in the Post Office; and whether, in view of all the above circumstances and the fact that this case has been personally investigated, he will issue instructions for Private Reid to be released forthwith on compassionate grounds as he has employment awaiting him?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private I. McGovern, No. M/320583, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), 12th Pontoon Park, British Expeditionary Force, France, at present at home on leave at 152, Watt Street, Glasgow, S.S., has been granted extension of leave until the 28th instant on account of the serious illness of his wife and children; and whether, in view of the fact that this man is over 37 years of age and the serious illness of his family, he will issue instructions for him to be demobilised at home or, if this is not possible, will he expedite his demobilisation on his return to France?

Men on leave from France cannot be demobilised whilst on leave, but must return to their units in France on the expiration of their leave. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have a statement giving full particulars vouched for by himself, or by a clergyman, a Justice of the Peace, or a doctor, the application will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Signaller Sydney Youngson, No. 218065, Headquarters, 20th Field Artillery Brigade, 27th Division, Salonika Force, a pivotal man, is still retained with the Colours; and whether he will issue instructions for his immediate release?

Private Youngson is not registered by the War Office as pivotal, and I am informed that there is no trace at the Ministry of Labour of his having been so certified by that Department. His demobilisation is dependent on whether or not he is eligible under current instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Corporal D. H. Macdonald, No. 36390, Royal Engineers, dispatch rider, 1st Army Signals, British Expeditionary Force, who was passed by the Ministry of Labour as a pivotal man, is still being retained with the Colours, seeing that instructions as to Corporal Macdonald's release were issued on the 4th February; and if he will issue instructions that these be immediately carried into effect?

Inquiries are being made as to the cause of the delay in releasing Corporal Macdonald, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of releasing Private J. W. Walduck, No. 255903, 437th Agricultural Company, category B 2, who in civil employment is a shop manager for food distribution, supervising a staff; and whether it would be better, seeing the low category of the man and employed on work he does not understand, to allow him in the nation's interest as well as economy to return to his previous employers, who have asked for his release?

If Private Walduck is eligible for demobilisation he will no doubt be released in due course. Men in agricultural companies who are not eligible for demobilisation are shortly being withdrawn to military duty and those in the category referred to will then be retained provided they are capable of doing the work for which they are required.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Lance-Corporal A. F. Hearsey, No. 017244, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Ammunition Section, British Expeditionary Force, France, who joined the Army in March, 1916, attested 8th December, 1915, can now be released on compassionate grounds, in view of the difficulty experienced by his father, with whom he is in partnership, in carrying on his business?

There is no trace of any application on compassionate grounds having been received from Lance-Corporal Hearsey, neither is he registered at the War Office as pivotal or for special release. If my hon. and gallant Friend will obtain a statement giving the full compassionate grounds on which this claim is made, vouched for by himself, a clergyman, a justice of the peace, or a doctor, the case will be considered. I would point out, however, that a claim on business grounds solely cannot be dealt with as a compassionate case.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval ratings at present serving on the West Coast of Africa, and who joined for the duration of the War, are to be released as soon as peace is proclaimed; and whether those who have volunteered for a further twelve months from 1st February, and who have nearly completed two years' service in the Cameroons, will be removed to a healthier station upon the completion of such period of service?

Every effort is being made to relieve all men eligible for demobilisation now serving abroad, as soon as possible. My right hon. Friend will realise, however, that it is impossible to give a date by which this will be accomplished.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men from the Egyptian Expeditionary Force had been demobilised in the United Kingdom up to 1st March, 1919, and bow many men are still awaiting demobilisation in the United Kingdom; if the percentage of troops demobilised in the United Kingdom from the Egyptian Expeditionary Force is equal to the proportion of that demobilised from the British Expeditionary Force; and, if not, what is the percentage of the difference?

The total number demobilised from the British Expeditionary Force, France, up to the 26th of March is 718,565, being approximately 45 per cent. of the field strength at the end of September, 1918. The total demobilised from Egypt up to the same date is 38,559, being approximately 23 per cent. of the field strength at the end of September, 1918. It is not possible to state the number of men from the Egyptian Expeditionary Force at present awaiting demobilisation to the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the number of men of the Royal Army Medical Corps who are eligible for demobilisation under Army Order 55, and who have been with the Salonika force for upwards of two years without leave and are still retained; and whether he will consider the possibility of relieving them?

It is not possible to give the figures at present, but the hon. Member may rest assured that every effort is being made to demobilise all men who are eligible, and to replace at the earliest possible moment men who are eligible for demobilisation but have been temporarily retained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether only about one-tenth of the officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps have yet been de-mobilised, and whether, in the interests of stock owners, he will take steps to accelerate the release of those officers, numbering about 1,000, who were engaged in civil veterinary practice before they joined the Army?

I am informed that over 60 per cent. of the officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps who were in civil practice before the War have been demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the arrangements already announced in the House for the release of Territorial troops from Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Egypt apply also to men not belonging to Territorial units; what differences, if any, exist, and whether, in the case of men serving in these countries who are over thirty-seven years of age, or who joined before 1916, he can state the approximate dates when these men will be released?

The arrangements made with regard to demobilisation apply generally to the whole of the forces in the theatres referred to. It is not possible to state the dates when all who are eligible for demobilisation will have been released, but demobilisation is proceeding as rapidly as the exigencies of the service and transport facilities permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men in No. 5 General Hospital, Rouen, who have served since 1914 or 1915 and have employment awaiting them at home are not considered eligible for demobilisation?

It is necessary in some cases temporarily to retain men whose services are required even though they may be eligible for demobilisation. Men so required are liable to be retained until they can be replaced or their services can be dispensed with, but every effort is being made to replace men so retained as early as possible. This applies particularly in the case of certain departmentaal servics, amongst which is included the Royal Army Medical Corps, whose services are essential to demobilisation. I do not think there is any reason to believe that the hospital referred to is being treated on a different footing to others.

asked the Secretary of State for War why telegraphists in L Signal Battalion who have served continuously overseas since August, 1914, are being retained in the Army; and why numbers of the men in the battalion are being employed on work which is not connected with their trade and which could be performed by civilian or other labour; and whether he will take immediate steps to release these men in accordance with the general plan of demobilisation?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible. I have, however, no reason to believe that men who are eligible for demobilisation are not being demobilised as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that farm work in Wales is very backward, and that farmers are experiencing difficulty in carrying out ploughing and cultivation Orders imposed on them owing to an insufficient supply of efficient labour; and whether he will bring pressure to bear on the War Office to waive the Army Order XIV., of 1919, in so far as it affects agricultural labourers, so that the necessary men may be obtained with the least possible delay?

I am aware that farm work in Wales and elsewhere is very backward owing to the in sufficiency of the labour supply. Application has been made by the Board of Agriculture to the Department of Demobilisation and Resettlement, through whom such demands must be made, for the release of agriculturists who are retained in the Army of Occupation under Army Order XIV. The Department replied that it could not see its way to recommend to the War Office that an exception to the general rule should be made in the case of any one industry.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether considerable dissatisfaction exists in the 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade owing to the shortage of food; whether he is aware that parcels fail to reach the unit; and whether it is proposed to relieve the battalion in the near future from operations in Transcaucasia?

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction owing to the shortage of food, nor am I aware of any general delay in the delivery of parcels, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with further particulars I will have inquiries made. The 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade is due for relief, and will come home when operations permit and when transport can be made available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council are appointing officers over the age of fifty to the command of Regular battalions, in contravention of the Royal Warrant as to age; and what is the reason for this action?

In accordance with Article 522 of the Royal Warrant, majors have during the War been retained on the active list beyond the age of fifty. Majors who have been so retained are, if a vacancy occurs, considered in their turn for promotion to lieutenant-colonel. A lieutenant-colonel is not compulsorily retired under the Royal Warrant until he reaches the age of fifty-five. If my hon. and learned Friend has any specific case to the contrary in mind, and will let me have the particulars, I should be happy to have the matter inquired into.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant such facilities to members of Territorial Force associations as will enable them to visit the battle areas on the Western Front?

General Headquarters is now being disbanded and the machinery which existed for providing facilities for visits have been cancelled, no that it is no longer possible to grant permission for specially conducted parties of members of the Territorial Force Associations to visit battle areas on the Western Front. I am informed that it is shortly hoped to remove entirely the restrictions which prevent the visit of persons to the old zone of battle. Anyone will then be able to proceed on a visit if he can provide his own transport.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish a Report showing the work done by the occupied enemy territory administration under the Egyptian Expeditionary Force and Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, respectively, in regard to the increase of local food production and agricultural reconstruction?

The Army Agricultural Committee is preparing a Report showing the work done in all theatres of war, including Egypt and Mesopotamia, in regard to the increase of local food production and agricultural reconstruction. This Report will be published in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the rapid demobilisation of overseas troops, he has considered the advisability of affording an opportunity to the citizens of London of expressing their affection and gratitude to those who have had no small share in saving the Empire?

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is intended to provide an opportunity for the citizens of London to publicly welcome the Colonial and American troops before they return overseas?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been decided to set apart a day for the march through London of those Dominion and Colonial troops still remaining in this country and on the Continent?

The question of the reception of the Dominion troops in London is being discussed by the Military and other authorities concerned. A scheme is being prepared, and I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether 250,000 British Army horses were recently handed over to France for agricultural use to make good war losses; whether a condition was attached to the transfer that the horses should be well fed and humanely treated; and what steps have been taken to make the condition effective in practice?

The actual number of surplus Army horses sold in France up to the week ending 22nd of March was 56,000. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave on the 18th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne, explaining the steps taken to secure humane treatment for these horses.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the time spent in military service by Royal Engineer telegraphists, and which is followed by established Post Office service, will be included in the time counted for Civil pension?

I have nothing to add to my answers of the 26th February and 25th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Southampton.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will recommend the Army Council to cancel the Order recently issued, stating that soldiers of the New Army will not be permitted to allot money to their dependants through the regimental paymaster while they remain in the United Kingdom, because this Order ignores the regimental machinery which the soldier has been trained to use for the purpose, whereby his proper financial family responsibilities may be undertaken?

I am not aware of any authority having been given for the issue of such an Order, but I will inquire into the matter and let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the delay in the payment of gratuities to demobilised men in Ireland and to the indignation felt by these ex-soldiers towards the authorities at this treatment; whether a great number of these men are absolutely dependent for a livelihood on these payments; and whether he will take immediate action to expedite the matter?

A written reply was given to a similar question by my hon. Friend on the 24th instant, inviting him to let us have details of any cases of delay that might have come under his notice. I do not trace receipt of any such details, and can at present add nothing to the former reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has been able to consider the claim of the Mersey defence, examination service, naval officers to the benefits of the children's allowance scheme, which was laid before him in full in letters of the 15th January and 21st February last; and if he has not yet been able to consider it, will he be good enough to have the investigation of the case pressed forward as a matter of urgency?

I have fully considered the correspondence and was about to reply to my hon. and learned Friend. These officers, though having naval commissions, are serving under agreement with the War Office on civilian terms, and are not eligible for the allowances of naval officers. As civilians they are entitled to be considered for a war bonus on their salaries, and I am taking steps to have this done. Any grant made will have retrospective effect.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can take steps to return immediately the threshing machine and tractor belonging to Mr. A. Frogley, Sparshott, Berks, in view of the fact that it is urgently required in the district, where much damage has already been caused by rats and other vermin?

I am informed that the Department contracted with Mr. Frogley to hire an engine for the duration of the War. Every effort has been made to release the engine, but I regret that it is not possible to do so at present. I have no knowledge of the threshing machine referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private M. Gardner, N. 64443, Suffolk Regiment, Isle of Grain, attested at Las Palmas early in 1916 on condition that, if called on, he would travel at Imperial expense, and that, hearing nothing further, he came across at his own expense; and whether, considering that no announcement was made in the Las Palmas Press that persons proceeding from abroad after 30th September, 1916, would not be entitled to a refund of their expenses, he can be allowed to claim his travelling expenses under Army Order 275, of September, 1918?

I will look into the case and communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the terms under which the War Office took over the Victoria Street Hall, Kirkwall, on the 16th August, 1916; what rent they have paid so far for the occupation of the hall and, if none has been paid, what rent it is proposed to pay; and if the proprietors are to have any voice in the matter?

The terms under which the premises were taken over were on the basis of making good any loss directly arising out of the military occupation of the property. No rent has, therefore, been paid so far, but it is now proposed to pay a rent of £4 15s. 6d., calculated on the "loss" basis, and to restore the building as necessary at the termination of occupation. The proprietors were asked in September, 1916, to furnish a statement of receipts and expenditure for each of the two years prior to military occupation, and it is always open to them to lay their case before the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will devote a portion of the King's Fund under his control to assist discharged soldiers to refurnish homes which they have had to break up owing to their service in the Army during the War?

My right hon. Friend will submit the hon. Member's suggestion to the trustees of the fund.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to provide facilities for homeward passages from India for the civil population and particularly for Civil servants whose leave is long overdue or who are obliged for reasons of health or urgent private affairs to get home before the monsoon breaks; whether he can state approximately how many first-class and second-class berths will be available in April and May; and whether anything can be done to lessen the burden to Civil servants of the present high passenger rates?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 12th March and 26th March in reply to questions on the same subject of the hon. and gallant Member for Melton, where it will be seen that the fares have already been substantially reduced, and that every endeavour has been made to provide as much accommodation as possible. The total number of berths that will be available in April and May will be at least 4,000. I regret I cannot inform the hon. Member how many of these will be first or second class.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, considering that two steamers have been withdrawn from the Straits Settlements passenger traffic in order to repatriate Germans from China to Europe, he will state what steps have been taken to provide other accommodation for the British women and children and sick persons in the Straits Settlements whose return home is so urgent for health and other reasons?

I am glad to say that it has been found possible to divert for this purpose the ambulance transport "Marama," which is due to arrive at Singapore immediately.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the conduct of conscientious objectors in the neighbourhood of Princetown Prison, now called the Settlement, is creating very high feeling on Dartmoor because of the way in which these men sneer at wounded soldiers and generally comport themselves in the district; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am informed by the manager of the Work Centre at Princetown that no complaints on this subject have been received by him for more than, twelve months. If the hon. Member will give me details of any more recent incident of the kind to which he refers, I will look into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mordecai Goldberg, who has been in prison or detention ever since February, 1917, and is now in Wandsworth Prison, at the beginning of a further sentence of two years' hard labour, was certified recently by his medical advisers as suffering from neurasthenia, defective eyesight, insomnia, and tyechardia, and to be in a thoroughly weak physical and nervous condition with a too rapid pulse and feeble heart-beat; and whether he will inquire into the desirability of this man's release on health grounds?

Except for a slightly accelerated action of the heart, the medical officer of Wandsworth Prison can find no evidence of any of the infirmities alleged. During a former term of imprisonment Goldberg made numerous complaints to the medical officer of another prison which were found to be groundless.

asked the Home Secretary (1) if he can give the names and nationality of the partners of the firm of Goldstuck, Hainze, and Company, on the 1st August, 1914; the names and nationality of the members of the firm as reconstituted after the outbreak of war, and any subsequent changes which have taken place in the firm; and the present position?

(2) Whether, with regard to the Order, dated 18th January, 1919, revoking Orders under the Defence of the Realm Regulations by which partners and employés of the firm of Goldstuck, Hainze, and Company were excluded from the docks and wharves of London and other ports in the United Kingdom, he will give the names of any members of the firm of enemy nationality who were listed in the Orders now revoked; whether the Orders are revoked in respect of such enemy subjects; if he can say on whose application the revoking Order was issued; and if it is proposed to issue similar individual Orders in respect of each firm which was prohibited from trading under the Defence of the Realm Regulations?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. Upon the 1st August, 1914, the names and nationalities of the partners of the firm of Goldstuck, Hainze, and Company were as follows: D. Rechner, Hungarian. J. Panzer, Austrian. J. Hainze, Bohemian. H. Siepmann, German. Henri Goldstuck, French. John Kahn, Russian. Francois Van Bree, Belgian. After the reconstitution of the firm by deed of partnership upon the 4th August, 1914, the names and nationalities of the partners were as follows:

Henri Goldstuck, John Kahn, Francois Van Bree, and Sidney Gutman (British born).

The business carried on by the new firm was conducted under official supervision, so far as it continued at all, and this firm was dissolved as from 1st January, 1918, since when Mr. S. Gutman has been carrying on a similar business under the inspection of the Board of Trade. This is the present position, and the authorities are satisfied that S. Gutman's business is carried on upon his own behalf alone, and that there are no grounds for the appointment of a Supervisor. The names of members of the original firm who were of enemy nationality, and were listed in the orders now revoked, were Messrs. Rechner, Panzer, Hainze and Siepmann, and I understand that none of these persons are now resident within the United Kingdom. The revocation was not the result of any application, but was effected in consequence of directions recently issued by the Army Council that Orders made under Defence of the Realm Regulation No. 14 should now be cancelled unless reasons based upon present grounds of national safety could be put forward for their retention. All cases of proposed revocation are dealt with upon this footing.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that numerous Russians are buying up houses in the East End of London and in West-cliff, and that British subjects are being evicted in order to make room for them; and whether he will consider taking steps to prevent British tenants from being evicted from houses or rooms in order to make room for aliens?

I have made inquiry and find that there has been no buying up of houses by Russians in Westcliff, and, though in certain districts of East London Russian Jews have for many years been buying house property, there has been no special activity in this direction recently. In neither case have British subjects been turned out of their houses by alien purchasers. The second part of the question does not arise; but attention may be drawn to the provisions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, and the enactments which are extended and amended thereby.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that many landlords have already served notices on their tenants to raise their rents under the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, the landlords being under the erroneous impression that they will have the power to raise rents as soon as the Bill becomes law; whether the principal Act remains in force until a period for six months after the War; and what action does he propose to take to allay the present anxiety which is being caused?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that many landlords have served notices of the kind mentioned in the question. The Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, does not admit of any increase of rent except for certain specific purposes until the expiration of six months after the end of the War. The Bill to which the hon. Member refers makes no alteration in this respect in the case of houses within the Act of 1915, and the increase of rent permitted by the Bill in such cases could not take effect until the date when the Act of 1915 would have expired in the ordinary course. In the case of houses to which the Act of 1915 is extended by the Bill immediate increase of rent can be made within the limits allowed by the Bill subject to any existing agreement.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether the London Insurance Committee have reported that they estimate the deficiency in their funds for sanatorium benefit will for the year 1919 amount to £38,480; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I am informed that certain revised Estimates of sanatorium benefit expenditure for the year 1919, considered by the London Insurance Committee at their meeting last week, show a prospective deficiency of the amount stated. The Committee's sanatorium benefit arrangements are, however, subject to the Commissioners' approval, which has not yet been given. I hope to discuss the matter with representatives of the Committee at an early date. I may add that in most of the county and county borough areas outside London expenditure on the treatment of tuberculosis amongst the population generally, in excess of the funds available under the Insurance Act, is met as to one-half out of the rates and one-half from the Exchequer.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will give a list of local authorities where the rate of unemployment is high; whether applications for loans for public works of a useful character have been made to the Board by these authorities; whether these have been authorised, and what steps are being taken by the Department to get these works begun immediately?

My right hon. Friend has received from the Ministry of Labour a list of forty Employment Exchange districts in England and Wales in which unemployment is particularly high. On receipt of this information directions was given for special visits to be paid by the Board's inspectors with a view to the starting of necessary public works which local authorities had in hand, and I will furnish the right hon. Member with information of the works which are contemplated as soon as all the reports are received from the inspectors. I may state that there is a large amount of public work which has already been sanctioned, but which has not yet been started for various reasons, particularly the restrictions on capital expenditure by local authorities which have been imposed during the War. I hope that, now that the financial restrictions have been released, local authorities will undertake a large amount of the public works which are required for their districts. I may add that a direction has been given that loans are for the present to be sanctioned by the Local Government Board only on condition that the work is started immediately.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Board have drawn the attention of the Burton-on-Trent Corporation to the dissatisfaction amongst the professional, administrative, and clerical staffs of the Corporation with their present war bonus awards; whether the Board have, in a further communication, suggested to the Corporation that they should allow the case to go to arbitration if the parties are not able to arrive at an agreement; whether the Corporation have intimated that they are not prepared to adopt the Board's suggestion; and what further steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The facts are as stated. I have no power to compel the Corporation to adopt the suggestion that they should submit the question to arbitration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Mr. Meiklejohn, wine merchant, of 22, Jamaica Street, and Spring-burn Road, Glasgow, has had two parcels of wine, ten pipes, shipped per "Maria Augusta," motor vessel from Lisbon to London, and twenty hogsheads per sailing vessel "Jorge," lying at the London Docks for eight months in the one case and for several months in the other, and that the Customs refuse or delay to clear the said parcels, thereby causing serious inconvenience to Mr. Meiklejohn and his customers; and whether he will direct the? Customs to immediately clear the said parcels?

In order that these consignments may be more quickly traced I would suggest to the hon. Member that lie should let me know the dates of arrival of the vessels, the names of the London agents, the marks on the packages, and, if possible, the name of the dock or wharf at which the consignments are lying. I would add that the importation of Portuguese, wine has been freely permitted under general licence for over a year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, as a condition of granting subsidies to German shipping in the past, the German Government required that the ships should not import into Germany, Holland, on Belgium any foreign manufactures which would compete with those produced in Germany?

I understand that, as a condition of granting subsidies to certain shipping companies, the German Government took power to prohibit the importation into German, Dutch, or Belgian ports of agricultural products competing with similar products of German agriculture, but I cannot ascertain that a similar condition was imposed with regard to foreign manufactures.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to establish separate training institutions for able-bodied war pensioners and for war pensioners who are either disabled or undergoing treatment, or will both classes of men be trained together?

In many cases it will be possible and administratively desirable that the same training institutions should be used for both classes of men, but in a certain proportion of cases, some separate institution will, it seems clear, be necessary.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, before the outbreak of war, the local medical officer condemned the Euston Square branch office as unsuitable and insanitary; whether the Post Office proposed at that date to make extensive alterations, but were subsequently stopped by war conditions; whether he is aware that the office is seriously overcrowded, the staircase dangerous, the lighting bad, and the heating poor; whether the Controller of the London postal service had admitted that the accommodation in the public office is cramped and that nothing effective in the way of improvement could be done in the space available; whether the railway company have refused to co-operate with him by providing a more commodious and suitable site; and whether, in view of the unsatisfactory conditions which have existed in this office for many years, he will instruct his officials to either improve or close the office?

I am not aware that before the outbreak of war the local medical officer condemned the Euston Square branch office as unsuitable and insanitary, but in view of representations from him certain remedial measures—the only measures which were then possible—were taken in 1916 and 1918, The public office is cramped, and nothing effective in the way of improvement can be done in the space available in the present structure, and undoubtedly severe pressure has been experienced, due in great measure to the use of the office by large numbers of troops and to the payment of Army and Navy allowances. The pressure has, however, already abated, and will, I hope, continue to do so. The staircase is somewhat dark, but a gas-jet is usually kept burning. The means for heating the office seem to be reasonably sufficient. The question of providing a larger office, which was necessarily held over by reason of the War, has recently been raised with the railway company, but as they are unable to assist in the matter, inquiry is being made with a view to securing premises elsewhere. In the meantime I do not see sufficient reason for closing the office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Euston Square branch post office was condemned some years ago as dangerous to health and unsuitable for post office premises; whether he has taken any action to remedy this complaint; whether the railway company is the obstacle; and whether, if the company refuses to provide a suitable site, he will remove the office to more suitable premises?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question on the same subject put down for the same date by the right hon. Member for Deptford.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the inadequate accommodation for the public at the Maidstone Post Office; and whether any action is to be taken to meet the growing needs of the population?

There has been great pressure in the public office at the Maidstone Post Office owing to the presence in the town and neighbourhood of considerable bodies of troops, and owing also to the payment of numerous allowances. It is hoped that with the withdrawal of the troops the pressure will be relaxed, but the matter will be kept under close attention. The question of providing a new office will be taken up when circumtances allow.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to lessen the period of transmission of messages between China, Japan, and this country, which frequently now requires, from ten to fourteen days; and if he can supply from the records what progress in this Department has been made since 1913, because of vital war necessities and lessons, and to state his intentions for early remedy of the present delay obtaining?

As previously explained, the delay is due to interruption of some of the principal lines of communication, coupled with the great increase of traffic. Certain important cables have been repaired within the last few days, and cable ships are now working on the other interrupted cables, but are being hindered by bad weather. The increase of traffic is largely due to the number and length of Government massages, and measures have been taken to curtail these messages as, far as possible. I do not quite understand the second part of the question, but if it relates to the laying of new cables for the purposes of the general telegraph service, the answer is that it has not been possible to do much in this direction during the War; but that steps are now being taken to provide additional lines as quickly as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can now state the result of the inquiry into the complaints regarding the conditions under which certain girls in the Women's Forestry Corps were employed at Trenholme, near Hutton Rudby; whether he is aware that a supervisor visited the place, expressed the opinion that the girls had been badly neglected, and induced some of them to accept transfer to Harbottle camp, Rothbury, pointing out that at this camp the girls would have hot baths, and that there were reading rooms, gymnasium, dramatic entertainments, etc.; whether he is aware that the girls who were transferred have found that, although the conditions are not so bad as at Hutton Rudby, the food is poor and insufficient in quantity, there is insufficient protection from the cold weather at night, that the canteen is unsatisfactory, the piano out of order, and the baths very small; and whether a thorough inquiry will be instituted into the conditions under which these girls work and live and their rate of remuneration?

I have been asked to answer this question. The inquiry into the conditions at Trenholme resulted in the discovery that one of the billets was unsatisfactory, and this has been accordingly remedied. With one exception all the girls expressed themselves as perfectly contented with the food provided, describing it as excellent in quality and quite sufficient. The camp has been recently inspected by Miss Franklin, of the Food Production Department, Miss Meikle, an assistant organising officer of the Timber Supply Department, and by another representative of the Board of Agriculture. None of these officials have expressed the opinion that the girls have been badly neglected. When the camp at Trenholme was closed three of the girls were transferred to another camp at Harbottle. No complaints have been received from that camp regarding the quality of the food or insufficiency of protection from cold weather at night. It is not known whether, when the transfer of the three girls to Harbottle was ordered, the girls had any prospect held out to them of hot baths, reading room, gymnasium, or dramatic entertainments, but it is unlikely that this should have been done, as the Department does not profess to provide these luxuries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to demand that the swords of British officers taken by the Germans at the beginning of the War should be restored; and whether steps are being taken to recover them?

The reply is in the negative, but if the proposal receives the support of the military authorities, who alone can judge of the wishes of officers on this matter, I will bring it to the notice of the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affiairs whether he is in possession of the reasons which have led the Egyptian Government to consider that the decision to establish a. Ministry of Public Health in Egypt requires further consideration in view of the fact that the Report of the Commission, of Inquiry, strongly advocating the establishment of such a Ministry, has been in its hands since last July; and whether the reasons which have rendered necessary the establishment of a Ministry of Health in England apply with more force to a country like Egypt which is so backward in health organisation?

The Egyptian, authorities have not yet been able to come to a decision as regards accepting all the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. But, as my right hon. Friend was informed on the 18th instant, important administrative changes on the lines recommended are already taking place, and I shall be happy to communicate to my right hon. Friend, if he so desires, a report from Cairo showing what these changes are and how the question now stands.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the surplus motor transport vehicles, Staff cars, and transport animals of the Egyptian; Expeditionary Force, when no longer required for military purposes, will be disposed of; whether they will be sold locally or shipped home; and, if the former alternative is adopted, whether any conditions will be attached to the sale so as to ensure that such surplus will be used for the agricultural development of Palestine and Syria?

I have been asked to reply to this question as regards surplus motor transport vehicles and Staff cars. As and when these become surplus to military requirements, the representative of the Disposal Board with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force will advise the Board as to how many should be sold locally and how many shipped home for sale. All sales will be fully advertised so that all persons interested may have an opportunity of purchasing.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, having regard to the similarity of definition of the words "indemnity" and "reparation" in the New English Dictionary, he will state if there is any difference between the two words in the language of diplomacy?

There is, so far as I know, no definable difference between the language of diplomacy and the ordinary use of language.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of certain recent proceedings before the Commission arranged to inquire into coal disputes, members of Commissions and Select Committees of this House will in future be chosen in such a way as to avoid the presence thereon of persons or groups of persons who are rival partisans on the questions in issue, and to secure the services of persons who are in a position to act impartially and judicially in the interest of the public?

I do not think the course suggested by my hon. Friend would be desirable in such a case as the Commission to which he refers.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, seeing that banking staffs are now practically the only class of clerical empoyés who are required to work on the Saturday intervening between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, he will consider the advisability of extending the Public Holidays Act or other legislation so as to authorise the closing of banks on that day, at any rate this year, having regard to the heavy and continuous strain of the work during the period of war?

I would refer any hon. and learned Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question to-day.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if his Department is making provision for the erection of semi-permanent buildings estimated to last for fifty years and to accommodate about 12,000 clerks on a site in the proximity of London; for what Departments the accommodation is being provided and the numbers in each; and if the plans for so large an undertaking may be seen by Members interested in so doing?

As regards the first part of the question, the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation have, Subject to Treasury authority, approved of the acquisition of two sites in the suburbs of London for the erection of buildings of the type mentioned, in which approximately 11,000 staff can be accommodated. As regards the second part, one of the buildings is intended for Ministry of Pensions staff of 6,000, and the other for staffs of various Departments to the number of 5,000, all of whom are now housed in public institutions and business premises which it is necessary to vacate as soon as possible. As regards the last part, so soon as negotiations for the acquisition of the sites are completed, I can, if it is desired, arrange for Members to see the plans of the buildings.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, having regard to the convenience of the 4,500 members of the Constitutional Club, any definite date has yet been fixed when the club house in Northumberland Avenue will be vacated by the Ministry of Munitions?

Arrangements for rehousing the staff of the Ministry of Munitions now in the Constitutional Club premises are practically completed, and the necessary removal arrangements are to be put in hand forthwith. No definite date has yet been fixed by which the space will be vacated, but it is anticipated that the whole will be cleared in about three weeks' time.