asked the Under-Secretary of state for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Greek bands are carrying out massacres along the Albanian frontier; and whether any steps are being taken to restrain them?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer returned to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on 24th March, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the education of between 1,600 and 1,700 children in Watford has been, almost continuously since November, 1915, and is still being, seriously hampered, and their school hours reduced by one half owing to military occupation of schools; whether he is aware of a representation on this matter which was recently made to the War Office by the Herts County Council through the Board of Education; and whether he will at once take steps to have the Chater Schools at Watford released from military occupation?

The Chater Schools, Watford, are the only elementary schools belonging to the local education authority now in the occupation of the War Department. The question of their retention has been recently under consideration, and it has been decided that the schools can be vacated and handed back to the local education authority in two or three weeks from date. There is no record of any communication having been received in the War Office from the Herts County Council, through the Board of Education, on this matter

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among civilian acting-paymasters in the Army Pay Department owing to their not being given the gratuity and war bonus which are paid to acting-paymasters who are granted temporary commissions; and whether any reason exists for civilian acting-paymasters thus receiving considerably lower remuneration than commissioned acting-paymasters?

I have nothing to add to the written reply which I gave to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ealing on the 24th March. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the reply referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that he will permit the remains of British soldiers buried in Germany to be exhumed and brought home for reinterment, should the relatives so desire, as soon as the transport facilities permit?

This matter will receive sympathetic consideration as soon as the condition of affairs permits.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a petition from the members of the Military Massage Service; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

A form of petition has been received from members of the Military Massage Service. Full consideration has not yet been given to all the matters raised, but it has been possible already to deal favourably with some of them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many officers are still in the Army who are suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis; how many suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis have been discharged from the Army since 4th August, 1914; how many officers and ex-officers suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis have been given appropriate treatment since 4th August, 1914; and how many officers and ex-officers suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis are at present under treatment, and what kind of treatment are they receiving?

The only figures available are those relating to ex-officers which are in the records of the Ministry of Pensions. I am informed mat the number of officers discharged on account of pulmonary tuberculosis since the 4th August, 1914, of which the Ministry of Pensions have record is 615. All of these have been, offered treatment but twenty have not accepted. The remainder have been given, treatment. The number of ex-officers at present under treatment is 449, made up as follows: In sanatoria, 152. Convalescing at the coast or in the country, 41. Under treatment at home, 256. I understand that special reference to all commands at home and abroad would be necessary in order to obtain the figures as regards serving officers. As regards the last part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that all officers suffering from this disease are receiving appropriate treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken to preserve for the public the contents of the Censor's Museum at Strand House, including the collection of enemy propaganda literature?

The contents of the Censor's Museum are being handed over to the Imperial War Museum and the British Museum.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to secure to the British Museum and principal university libraries complete editions of the daily review of the foreign Press and supplements prepared by the General Staff during the War?

I am informed that the British Museum and certain universities are already on the distribution list for the review of the foreign Press. Any applications made by other universities will be favourably considered.

Will they receive complete bound editions?

asked the Secretary of State for War what reduction in the numbers of the staff and employés, male and female, in the War Office has taken place since 11th November, 1918?

On the 11th November, 1918, the total staff (military and civilian) was 21,807, and since that date the net reduction effected is 2,097. This excludes reductions of staff consequent on the transference of the Department of the Surveyor-General of Supply to the Ministry of Munitions. Further reductions will continue to be made wherever possible.

May I ask what further reductions are contemplated in the next six months?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a retired officer over fifty-five years of age in receipt of a pension of £200 per annum in addition to full pay, and with no active service experience during the recent War, has lately displaced a much younger substantive major on the active list in command of a Reserve battalion; whether there are many such cases; and whether, with a view to affording employment and promotion to younger officers who have done good work in the War, he will take steps to replace in retirement those officers who, though reemployed during the national emergency, are too old to hope for further advancement in the Army?

The policy of the War Office is to relegate to unemployment all retired officers now employed on full pay, and to replace them by officers on the active list. This policy is now being carried out. I do not know anything of the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but if he will let me have the particulars I will inquire into it. I may say, however, that where a commanding officer of a Reserve battalion becomes a casualty, the practice is for the second in command to take his place until either he is confirmed in the appointment or a better qualified officer is appointed in his stead.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is stated to be a very common case that active list officers are now being displaced and put on the retired list?

If my hon. Friend will give me a case I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men in the Non-Combatant Corps, stationed at Kilnsea, were sent to a dispersal camp for demobilisation in January last, application having been made in the proper way for their return to civil employment; that these men were not demobilised and had to return to their unit; that they are still being retained, although other men in the unit for whom application had not been made before the 1st February, have been demobilised; and whether he will give instructions that the men who were qualified for demobilisation prior to the 1st February and were not demobilised shall be released without further delay?

Men in the Non-Combatant Corps were not eligible for demobilisation in January, and I regret no action can be taken in the cases referred to. The Regulations were not made applicable till later, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough on the 11th March.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of dental mechanics at the dental mechanical centre, Colchester; if this number is in excess of the requirements of the centre; and, if so, will he arrange for the early demobilisation of those who can be spared, giving special consideration to any over thirty-seven years of age and to those who have businesses waiting their return to civil life?

Twenty-six dental mechanics are at present attached to the centre referred to. Five of these are eligible for immediate demobilisation under current Regulations, and instructions have been issued for their release. The remainder are not eligible for demobilisation at present. The establishment required for the centre is sixteen, and the remaining five mechanics who are surplus to establishment are being used to relieve dental mechanics elsewhere who are eligible for release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of soldiers with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force who have been down with dysentery and malaria being returned home before the warm weather comes, and whether he will instruct commanding officers out thereto take into consideration for early demobilisation men who have suffered in this way and are ill suited to the prevailing climatic conditions?

Men who have suffered in health and who are thereby rendered unfit for the prevailing climatic conditions will be dealt with by the medical authorities concerned and transferred to England in all cases where it is considered necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private Charles Ross, No. 427415, 39th Company, Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport, Hutment Camp, Grove Park, S.E., is manager of a building business at Forres and has been applied for by his employer on the grounds of indispensability; and whether, seeing that this man was only passed fit for garrison duty, that his wife is ill, that he has six children dependent upon him, and in view of the urgency of the housing problem, he can see his way to have this man demobilised in order that he may return to his civil employment?

I am informed that Private Ross is not registered at the War Office as pivotal or for special release, and that there is no trace of any application for his release having been received. If my hon. Friend will furnish a statement setting out fully the compassionate grounds on which release is asked, vouched for by himself or by a doctor, justice of the peace or clergyman, the case will receive consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in consequence of the suspension of the demobilisation of officers, many units of the British Expeditionary Force in France have on their strength a number of officers with nothing to do, as other ranks are cut down to cadre strength; and if he will state with what object such officers are retained at great cost to the country and to the detriment of their future careers?

The demobilisation of officers has not been suspended, but is proceeding as rapidly as circumstances permit.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware these cases are very small in number?

The question asked is whether the demobilisation of officers has been suspended, and that is not the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has yet come to any conclusion as to a Grant for the expense of peace-time uniforms for officers?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether commanding officers render a return of the exact duties on which men are employed who are now eligible for immediate demobilisation, but who are being retained as indispensables for the work of demobilisation; how often this return is rendered; and who examines this return?

Men detailed for release as pivotal men are only retained for military duties under written authority of the General Officer Commanding in Company concerned, and for most exceptional reasons. Men, if demobilisable in accordance with Army Order 55 of 1919, whose special release is ordered, or for whom release slips have been received, or who have received contract offers of employment, are not retained for military duties without the written sanction of an officer not below the status of a brigade commander. The retention of pivotal and special release men is communicated to the War Office; apart from this no return is rendered of the nature referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of the rendering of this nominal return giving the employment in which these men are employed when they are retained?

The work of the Labour Office in connection with demobilisation is almost excessive at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether of the draft of 250 men of the ¼th Somerset Regiment, now returning from Mesopotamia, only thirty Territorials of 1914 are included; whether this order of demobilisation is in accordance with the promise made by Major-General Donald in the name of the late Lord Kitchener, then Secretary of State for War, when these Somersets went to the East in October, 1914, that they should be brought home so that they might resume their employment or get fresh employment before the great rush took place from the Colours when the War was over; and what further steps he proposes to take to carry out this promise?

Demobilisation is being carried out strictly in accordance with the regulations in force and in view of the changes that take place in the personnel of a battalion owing to wounds, sickness and other causes during four and a half years of war and long service in two tropical countries, I do not think the proportion of 1914 men inconsiderable. With regard to the promise made by Major-General Donald I would refer to the statement which my right hon. Friend made on the 25th February relative to the return of troops from the East.

Is it not a fact that the promise was given by Lord Kitchener and not by Major-General Donald, and that there are 200 of these 1914–15 men still in Mesopotamia in spite of that promise?

Perhaps my hon. Friend has not had time to read the Secretary of State's full statement on this subject, pointing out that Lord Kitchener could not have foreseen the length of the War or the difficulties of demobilisation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men serving in France from Somerset also say that the promise applies to them?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the officers in charge at Shirehampton Camp, Bristol, refuse to supply soldiers upon demobilisation with fresh boots, underclothing, and cardigan jackets, although the articles worn by the men have been in use for a considerable time and are worn out, and whether he will take action in the matter?

Inquiries have been made, and I am informed that no soldier, on being demobilised at the camp mentioned, has been refused exchange of worn-out clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has made any preparations or arrangements for the nation to testify its gratitude for the splendid services rendered by the overseas troops in the War; and whether he will give the public in some of the leading centres of the Kingdom the opportunity of greeting and saluting representative units of these troops before their departure from our shores for their distant homes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to similar questions asked yesterday by the right hon. Member for Deptford, the hon. and gallant Member for Bradford East, and the hon. Member for Devonport, to the effect that the matter is being discussed, and that I hope to make a statement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the prospective return of the 2nd Battalion Devon Regiment to England, he will consider the possibility of ensuring that it shall thereupon be brought to its headquarters at Exeter, as all Devonshire is desirous of welcoming the battalion home in a manner fitting its record in the War?

I am informed that this battalion will return from France as a cadre, but General Headquarters, France, have not yet notified the date of its return. The present proposal is to reconstitute the battalion at Devonport. If there is a strong desire that it should go to Exeter first, I will certainly have the matter considered, although from the War Office point of view, it would be more convenient if the reception were at Devonport.

Will the hon. Gentleman take care that the centre is at Devonport?

If the desire expressed is sufficiently strong.

It is very strong.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give instructions for prompt and effective steps being taken to trace the many men who have so far dishonestly evaded military service, also the men who deserted on their first leave and were not then rounded up, with a view to their replacing men in the Services who have faithfully carried out their duties during the War?

The tracing of men who have evaded military service is a matter that still falls to the Ministry of National Service to deal with. As regards deserters, the provisions of the King's Regulations (paragraphs 514 and 515) have been strictly carried out. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the apprehension of deserters is primarily a matter for the civil police, once the names of the deserters have been notified by their commanding officer. It should be borne in mind that even if these men were traced and called up they would not be in a position to replace men serving with the Armies of Occupation until they have received the necessary military training.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Army officers of all ranks on full pay; how many of these are on actual military service; and how many are employed in administrative posts?

The total number of Army officers of all ranks on full pay at present is 113,305. There is no Return available showing exactly how each of these officers is employed, and the preparation of such a Return would involve a great deal of labour and research, which the Departments concerned are not in a position to undertake.

Is not this number of officers very excessive as compared with the non-commissioned officers and men still serving in the Army?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether those members of county and borough police forces who, in response to Lord Kitchener's appeal in 1914, were lent to the Army for the purpose of instructing recruits are to receive any monetary recognition of their services; and whether, in the case of men who subsequently enlisted, the period of service as Army instructors will be taken into consideration in fixing the amount of gratuity given on demobilisation?

These instructors received, in addition to their police pay, Army rations, accommodation, fuel and light, and, if separated from their families, Army separation allowances. I fear it is not possible to give them any special recognition. With regard to the last part of the question, I am afraid it is not possible to allow the service referred to to count for the gratuity.

Was not the service originally given by these people military service, and in those circumstances should it not count?

The service that counts for gratuity must be enlisted service. These men were not enlisted at the time to which my hon. Friend refers. I am afraid that if we made a departure from the basis on which the service gratuity is paid we should be landed in all sorts of difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of setting apart a day for a march through the Metropolis of the London Territorial regiments who took part in the War?

I understand that the Lord Mayor of London hopes to arrange for a Triumphal March of London Regiments through London, though I have no definite information yet in regard to this proposal. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 25th March to the hon. Member for Rochdale, to the effect that directions have been given that the question of triumphal marches of troops in their territorial areas should be studied with a view to action in all possible cases. My hon. Friend may rest assured that London will not be overlooked in this connection.

Will the hon. Gentleman put himself in communication with the Lord Mayor, so as to settle the matter at an early date?

The War Office is expressly waiting to hear suggestions from the Lord Mayor.

In communicating with the Lord Mayor, will the War Office ask him to consider the advisability of communicating with the mayors of the various Meropolitan boroughs?

Yes, Sir; when the communication arrives from the Lord Mayor.

asked the Secretary of State for War the approxi- mate number of Territorials who landed in India in 1914 who have seen active service?

The figures are not available at present, and in view of the pressure of work in the Record Office I am afraid I cannot undertake to have a Return of the numbers prepared—at any rate for the present.

May we take it for granted that the large majority of these Territorial troops have seen active service?

I think that a great many more have seen active service than is thought by public opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for War which London hotels are at present under the control of the War Office, and the purposes to which they are applied?

The number of the hotels at present under the control of the War Office is fourteen. With my right hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the detailed list showing the purposes to which each is applied.

The following is the detailed list promised: —

Hotels taken in the London District, showing the purposes to which they are applied:

Hospitals. Great Central Hotel, Marylebone. Endsleigh Palace Hotel.

Home Mechanical Transport Depot. Russell Court Hotel, Guildford Street.

New Zealand Headquarters. Tollard Royal Hotel.

Army Service Corps Supplies. Privatali Hotel (part of).

Hostels. Buckingham Palace Hotel. Premier Hotel, Southampton Row.

Royal Air Force. Hotel Cecil. Adelphi Hotel. Orchard Hotel, Portman Street. Petrograd Hotel, North Audley Street. Covent Garden Hotel.

American Expeditionary Force Headquarters. Belgrave Mansions Hotel. Goring Hotel.

Note.—This does not include any hotels taken over by His Majesty's Office of Works.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can see his way to offer conscientious objectors now in prison the opportunity of release on condition that they take their places as non-combatants in the Army of Occupation, and so release men who have borne the burdens of fighting and long service and for whom places are waiting in civilian life?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Southport on 17th March, to the effect that it has always been the practice to release any man of the class referred to who has given an undertaking to serve in any non-combatant unit, and that any conscientious objector who is prepared to give that undertaking will be given the opportunity of so serving.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the act of disloyalty that caused the naturalisation certificate of Dr. Freyberger to be rescinded; and why was he employed officially as a pathological expert to conduct post-mortem examinations when many experts of purely British blood could have filled that position?

The act of disloyalty committed by Dr. Freyberger was the aiding and abetting of his son in an attempt to disclaim British in favour of Austrian nationality, and so avoid military service. I believe that many years ago Dr. Freyberger's name was included by the London County Council in a list of competent pathologists whom London coroners were authorised to consult, but, so far as I am aware, he was never employed by the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is proposed to increase the pensions of those men who rejoined the Metropolitan Police Force in 1914 and who have served continuously until March, 1919?

No, Sir. The pensioners who were re-employed were allowed to retain their pensions, and received, in addition, a special rate of pay in consideration of the fact that they could not earn any increase of pension.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements has been made to relieve employers of any increased liability under the Workmen's Compensation Act with respect to the employment of disabled men?

The Disabled Sailors and Soldiers Compensation Committee, which reported last year, recommended that certain arrangements should be made with insurance companies and others by which employers would be indemnified against any increased liability under the Workmen's Compensation Act arising from the employment of disabled men. The nature of these arrangements is summarised on pages 7 and 8 of their Report. As stated in reply to the hon. Member for West Woolwich on the 20th February last, His Majesty's Government have approved the adoption of arrangements on these lines, and the necessary legislation will be introduced at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the prisoners in Holloway are epileptic, how many tuberculous, and how many feeble-minded?

The number classed as-epileptic is seven, as tubercular four, and as feeble-minded six.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of alien enemies at present interned in this country; have any and, if so, what number been released since 11th November, 1918; how many have been repatriated since that date; and what arrangements are being made for dealing with those still interned?

The number of alien enemies at present interned is about 5,000. The number released since the Armistice is forty-one, and upon this point I beg to refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for the Elland Division of Yorkshire on the 11th March. The number repatriated from the internment camps since the Armistice is 20,586. As regards the last part of the question, repatriation is still in progress, and will be applied to all except those whose claims to stay here are allowed for exceptional reasons by a tribunal to be appointed for the purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the nature of the tribunal and when it is to be established?

The tribunal will have at its head a learned judge of the High Court, and it will be constituted pretty much as it was before the Dissolution.

Is it to be understood that practically the whole of these enemy, aliens will be repatriated?

I cannot prejudge the findings of the Committee.

Is that the intention of the Government?

The intention of the Government will be to follow the advice which the Committee gives them.

Do they always follow it?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that Army boots have been sold as waste product at the price of 4d. per pair, and that it was estimated that half of them were capable of repair, and were subsequently sold at 14s. and 15s. per pair in shops; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have been asked to reply to this question. At present I have not sufficient information to answer my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but if he will give me particulars I shall be glad to have inquiries made.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will consider the possibility of continuing the total disability pension to all men discharged with active tuberculosis for at least twelve months after their discharge, in view of the fact that the reduction of this pension has been found to induce the men to take unsuitable work, often with very serious consequences?

My hon. and gallant Friend's object appears to be met by the present practice. Men discharged with active tuberculosis are proper subjects for treatment in sanatoria, and arrangements have been made with the National Health Insurance Commissioners for the provision of institutional treatment in all such cases as quickly as possible. While the men are under treatment they receive allowances equivalent to pension at the total disablement rate.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-Service men suffering from tuberculosis were awaiting sanatorium treatment on the 28th February last?

I have been asked, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, to answer this question. The number of discharged tuberculous men awaiting residential treatment on the date named was approximately 470.

I may add that my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, in conjunction with the Minister of Pensions, has appointed an Interdepartmental Committee with the following terms of reference: To consider and report upon the immediate practical steps which should be taken for the provision of residential treatment for discharged soldiers and sailors suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and for their re-introduction into employment, especially on the land. The Committee will consist of representatives of the several Departments concerned, and of Members of this House. I have 'been asked to act as chairman. Replies are still awaited in one or two cases, but I hope shortly to circulate with the Votes the names of the members of the Committee.

What immediate steps have been taken, because if these unfortunate men have to wait for the Report they will probably all be dead?

Would it not be more to the purpose if the Local Government Board had provided extra sanatorium accommodation at once?

The Local Government Board is taking every step to provide additional sanatorium accommodation. All I meant to convey by that answer was that there was not a long waiting list on the particular date mentioned. There are something like 200 committees concerned, and there were only a couple of cases from each committee on the waiting list at that moment.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a longer waiting list of civilian patients? What steps have been taken to deal with them?

I think the civilian tuberculous people have a far longer waiting list than discharged ex-soldiers. This question only refers to ex-soldiers. The Local Government Board is taking every step to try to encourage the provision of institutional treatment for the population at large.

Does this apply to soldiers in Ireland suffering from tuberculosis?

I think so.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that tuberculosis contracted by women during service with Queen Mary's Women's Army Auxiliary Corps cannot be certified as attributable to that service, and consequently that no compensation or gratuity is granted in such cases, whereas tuberculosis contracted during service by a man is considered attributable and as giving a claim to consideration for a pension, and whether he will introduce a measure to remove this and similar inequalities in the treatment of ex-Service men and women?

I have been asked to answer this question. I think my hon. Friend is referring to cases where members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps have contracted tuberculosis in this country. Such cases are dealt with under the regulations applicable to civilian subordinates, whether women or men.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is proposed to establish a Government demonstration dairy farm in the county of Northumberland?

The Board's scheme does not at present include a demonstration farm for arable dairying in Northumberland. Only a limited number can be started, and they will be placed in the districts in which it is considered this method of milk production is most likely to be successful, and in which the operation of ploughing orders would restrict the amount of cow-keeping unless the farmers can be shown an alternative method of keeping cows. Should the demonstrations succeed in their purpose the trials would be extended into other districts.

Might we be informed where they are to be established?

Certainly if the hon. Member will give me notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before this country is committed to supplying Germany with food, he will take steps to stop the large consignments regularly arriving at German prisoner-of-war camps in this country of bacon, butter, flour, sugar, cakes, apples, and cheese, or, in the alternative, to commandeer such parcels and treat them as part of the rations for the prisoners?

The parcels received in this country from Germany for German prisoners of war are sent in accordance with agreements made during the War. The amount of foodstuffs they contain is not sufficiently large to make an appreciable difference.

Is it not obvious that if one consignment was commandeered no more would come, and that the small amount that does come blunts the appetite of these prisoners for British provisions, and therefore there is a saving to the State?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the directions of the Road-Stone Control Committee (War Office), dated 17th July, 1918, operate unfairly in the case of quarry-owners; whether the cost of maintaining wagons has increased by 250 per cent., approximately, since 1914; whether railway companies, by reason of their contract with the Government, are able to meet this increased cost of repair; and whether similar consideration should be given to quarry-owners, whose wagons are also at the service of the nation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I understand that, under the directions to which my hon. Friend refers, the addition to the free-on-rail price of road materials to cover delivery at destination station in privately-owned wagons must not exceed the amount which would be charged by a railway company for such conveyance if the material were carried in railway-owned wagons. I am informed, however, that the increased cost of maintenance of privately-owned wagons is taken into consideration in fixing the maximum price of quarried material, and is, in fact, treated as part of the cost of production.

Are we to understand that there is really no differentiation in the matter between the quarry owners and the railway companies?

I did not say that. What I said was that the addition to the price to cover delivery must not exceed, in the case of privately-owned wagons, that which is properly chargeable in the case of railway wagons.

Does that mean that there is no differentiation in the treatment of these two classes?

If the hon. Member has reason to think that the intention of the regulation is not carried out and gives me particulars I will inquire into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has yet considered the appointment of women magistrates; and, if not, whether they will do so?

This question has not yet been considered by the Government.

Is it going to be considered by the Government and, if so, when?

I cannot say anything about when. I suppose it will have to be considered some day.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the information respecting costs, uneconomical management, and profits revealed by the Coal Industry Commission, he will advise His Majesty to establish further statutory commissions in order to elicit information of a like character concerning other staple industries with the view to effecting economies in production and management and thereby securing a decrease in the cost of living?

The Government are not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an estimate of the cost of removing the joint assessment to Income Tax of husbands and wives?

The immediate annual loss to the Exchequer would be £20,000,000. The loss would, however, be an increasing one, and might easily reach in a short time £50,000,000 per annum.

Are we to understand that this very large sum is the measure of the present injustice to married persons, and will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of meeting the cost of the reform out of a tax on bachelors?

My hon. Friend's first question is in the nature of argument. I will only say No to it. I do not agree. As to the second, I will not anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increase in the cost of repairs to houses, he will consider the advisability of granting a larger allowance for such repairs under Schedule A, Income Tax?

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked whether a married woman can, like an unmarried woman, make an interim claim for repayment of Income Tax if her husband's assessments happen not to be settled until the end of the year of assessment?

There would normally be no difficulty in making an interim repayment to the wife in the circumstances stated.

How can a married woman make an interim claim for repayment if she has to take her husband's income into account, and his income is not known?

If my hon. Friend wants a further explanation, I can give it to him. In reply to a written answer I can give him all the details. I am afraid I cannot give it to him now, but I can assure him that normally there is no difficulty in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the amount of unemployment now existing, the Government will take steps to prohibit the employment of aliens in Government and private employment until British labour has been fully absorbed?

I have been asked to reply to this question. With regard to Government employment in the sense of employment directly under the Crown, no persons of alien nationality are now being engaged and the Civil Service Commissioners propose to fill vacancies with persons of British nationality only. As far as the employment of aliens by private employers is concerned, the facts are that in respect of aliens who came to the United Kingdom during the War for employment on war services steps have been taken by the Ministry of Labour to repatriate a very considerable number, and the proportion still remaining in the United Kingdom is small. With respect to aliens who were demiciled in this country before the War, instructions have been issued to Employment Exchanges not to submit an alien for any vacancy for which a suitable British applicant is available, and in no circumstances to submit an alien for a vacancy outside the area of the Exchange at which he is registered.

Is the Government going to take steps very soon to tighten up the alien laws generally?

That is a question which should be put to the Leader of the House.

Is there any condition in Government (Contracts that the contractor shall not employ these agents?

My Department is not responsible for Government contracts.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that aliens who are employed in Government offices and who evaded military service are got rid of and sent back to their country?

May I ask the Leader of the House that question?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of unclaimed bank balances in this country and the estimated value of all unclaimed jewellery, plate, etc., similarly deposited; and whether he will take steps to apply the same in the nation's interests?

While I cannot give a figure, inquiries made by the Treasury indicate that the amount which would be likely to be forthcoming from these sources is not substantial. I do not think any action is called for in the matter.

Will the inquiries be made from the bankers themselves?

They have been made; but they were made before I was Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked a question which was not audible in the Reporters' Gallery.

I could not hear the hon. Member.

I will repeat it.

The hon. Member had better put it on the Paper.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will consider the desirability of issuing as a separate Blue Book the sections relating to Wales in the recently published Reports on wages and conditions of employment in agriculture; and whether he will place a certain number of copies at the disposal of the parish councils and agricultural labourers' unions for free distribution and send a free copy to every village institute throughout Wales?

Yes, Sir, the Board will adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion and publish as a separate Departmental Paper the sections which relate to Wales, but they have no power to distribute free copies thereof.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board propose to give consent to the purchase of a farm by the Isle of Ely County Council, in the parish of Thorney, for the purpose of small holdings for discharged soldiers at the price of £80 per acre, seeing that His Grace the Duke of Bedford sold this land about ten years ago for £35 per acre; and, if so, what will be the approximate rents charged to the new occupiers after the land has been equipped by the erection of houses and suitable buildings so as to permit of holdings of from 30 to 50 acres being created?

The Board have not received any proposal from the Isle of Ely County Council to purchase a farm at Thorney. If such a proposal is received the value of the land and its price will be carefully considered before the Board a sanction is given.

Does not this show what good landlords Dukes are?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether certain allotment-holders at Fife Road, East Sheen, have been ejected from their allotments on the ground that the land was required for immediate building; whether it has now been ascertained that no such building can immediately take place and that the owner has now stated that he will himself cultivate the land; whether he will ascertain if such owner has taken any steps to cultivate the land; and, failing which, will the Board take steps whereby the allotment-holders can be reinstated?

This land was given up in consequence of an assurance from the owner that he proposed to build at once, and that until the work actually began he would continue to cultivate the land. Inquiry will be made into the present position, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can now state the manner in which the undertaking given by the President of the Board of Agriculture, on 19th November last, with regard to prices for cereals for 1919 crops will be carried out?

The prices guaranteed by the Government for 1919 grain crops are as follows: (1) Wheat, 71s. 11d. per qr. of 480 lbs. (or 75s. 6d. per qr. of 504 lbs). (2) Barley, 61s. 6d. per qr. of 400 lbs. (or 68s. 10½d. per qr. of 448 lbs). (3) Oats, 44s. 1d. per qr. of 312 lbs. (or 47s. 6d. per qr. of 336 lbs.). The guarantee applies to the proportion of the entire produce of each cereal normally sold, and not in respect of the proportion consumed on the farm.

It has been decided to give effect to these guarantees by means of the machinery of Part I. of the Corn Production Act, 1917. This involves payment to growers of any difference between "average prices" and "guaranteed prices," on the basis of a yield per acre of 4 qrs. of wheat, 4 qrs. of barley, and 5 qrs. of oats, respectively.

It has been decided to take four-fifths in the case of barley and two-thirds in the case of oats as the proportion normally sold. The grower of wheat will therefore be paid for each acre four times the difference between 71s. 11d. and the average market price ascertained for the seven months commencing 1st September, 1919. The grower of barley will receive for each acre four times four-fifths of the difference between 61s. 6d. and the average price of barley similarly determined. The grower of oats will receive for each acre five times two-thirds of the difference between 44s. 1d. and the average price of oats similarly determined.

These guarantees are subject to the provisions of Clause 1 ( b ) of the Corn Production Act, 1917, which deal with negligent cultivation.

In view of the fact that of all cereals rye has to be sold earlier than any others, and in view of the fact that it was grown largely under the order of the Food Controller and made a standard part of war bread, will the Board include rye in the guaranteed price?

Will the hon. Gentleman give notice of that?

Are the Government going to take the crop themselves?

No; we do not propose to take over the crop. What we propose to do is to apply the machinery of the Corn Production Act and pay the difference between the average price and the guaranteed price.

Has not the machinery of the Corn Production Act broken down this year?

No; I do not think so.

In view of the statement made, what steps will be taken by the Government to make these prices effective in the way of finding markets, if the market does not exist?

No; we cannot give any guarantee to find a market, and no such statement was made. What we do is to give the difference between the guaranteed price and the average price.

If there is no sale, how can there be a market?

Of course there would be a sale. Does the hon. Gentleman think there has ever been a year when there has been no sale?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time in many cases wheat has not been able to be sold?

asked the Food Controller what are the regulations affecting the provision of extra food which have been recommended by a duly qualified medical practitioner; and whether the same is within the sole discretion of a medical officer of his Department?

Under the arrangements for the provision of extra food for invalids, food control committees are empowered in the majority of cases to grant extra rations up to certain maxima to persons presenting a certificate from a duly qualified medical practitioner. In a few cases, applications are referred by the food control committee to the Ministry of Food and are dealt with under the supervision of the medical adviser to the Ministry. I may add that these arrangements were framed in consultation with a medical advisory committee appointed by the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in conjunction with the Food Controller, and are varied from time to time with the assistance of that committee in order to correspond with modifications in the rationing regulations.

asked the Food Controller how much the publication of the "Food Control Journal" costs; and how long it is proposed to continue its issue?

The total cost of the last six issues of the "National Food Journal," including paper, was £1,735. From this has to be deducted £1,295, receipts from sales, the total net cost cost accordingly being £440, or at the rate of about £70 for each issue. In future the journal will be issued monthly instead of fortnightly, and it is expected that it will be discontinued altogether about September next. I may add that the journal has served an extremely useful purpose in keeping food control committees, traders, and others interested, informed of the work of the Ministry.

In view of the necessity for economy, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of suspending this issue altogether, and also of reducing the other establishment charges of the Food Ministry?

I am considering every charge with a view to its determination at the earliest possible moment.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of publishing recipes so as to make Government food eatable?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if industrial insurance companies have submitted claims against Germany for sums paid on policies held by the relatives of soldiers who have been killed; and whether he will see that friendly societies and trade unions who pay funeral benefits shall receive any concession granted to insurance companies?

I am not aware that any industrial insurance companies have submitted claims against the German Government for sums paid on policies held by the relatives of soldiers who have been killed. Any British friendly society, trade union, or other insurance institution can register claims under the Foreign Claims Office for losses which it has sustained in respect of policy-holders killed by illegal enemy action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when and by whom partial surveys of certain water powers in North Wales were made on behalf of the Water Power Resources Committee; whether there is any reference in the interim Report of the Board of Trade Water Power Resources Committee to any scheme for utilising North Wales water powers for the benefit of the community; and whether copies of this interim Report will be available for the public?

Provisional surveys of certain water powers in North Wales were made in August and September last on behalf of the Water Power Resources Committee by Mr. W. Vaux Graham, M.Inst.C.E. The committee deal with the general question of the development of water powers for public purposes in paragraphs 11 and 17 of their interim Report, which has now been published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any payments have been made from the National Exchequer in respect to the conveyance on the railways of troops and munitions during the War; if so, can he state the approximate amount; and, if not, will he explain the meaning of the statement regarding the present financial position of the railways that a liability is imposed upon the National Exchequer?

No direct payments have hitherto been made by the Exchequer to the controlled railway companies for the conveyance of troops and munitions, but so far as such conveyance involves an increase in railway working expenses and a reduction in ordinary traffic receipts, the Exchequer is affected in accordance with the arrangement under which the railway companies are guaranteed their pre-war net receipts.

Is it true that the Government for more than one year since the War received money from the railway companies over and above the expenditure, notwithstanding that no payment was made for all the troops conveyed?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the passenger train service between Dunston and Newcastle-on-Tyne, which was suspended during the War because of the great amount of munitions traffic, has not yet been restarted and that great inconvenience is being caused to large numbers of people in consequence; and if he will use his influence in order to have the service resumed immediately?