asked the Food Controller whether, having regard to the hardship to individuals and the waste of fruit caused by the shortage of sugar for domestic jam-making purposes during the last few years, he will, if possible, in allocating sugar for these purposes this season, arrange that domestic growers shall in any event obtain this year a larger quantity of sugar than last year?

The Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply will provide as large supplies of sugar for domestic jam-making as the available and prospective stocks at the time render possible; but no estimate of the amount which is to be allocated for this purpose can be given at present. In the meantime private persons proposing to make jam will be well advised to set aside a part of their weekly ration in order to accumulate a reserve in the event of the available supplies falling short of the demand.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Douglas Henderson, who was employed at Rosyth as a temporary writer prior to entering the Army in May, 1917; whether he is aware that Henderson was discharged from the Army in February, 1918; that he applied for reinstatement in his former position, but this was refused on the ground that a woman clerk was employed in his place; that subsequently he was engaged as an assistant storehouseman, signing a wages contract form for a rate of 30s. per week, plus 20s. war bonus, plus 12½ per cent.; that he was taken on a month's trial, but several months afterwards he was informed by the foreman of the works department that he would either have to take his discharge or accept transfer to a labourer's position; that subsequently as a result of representations made by the local war pensions committee, he was transferred to the naval stores officer department as a telephone operator, the rate of pay for which is similar to that of assistant storehouseman; that on inquiries being made he ascertained he had been entered as a telephone messenger at a rate of 6s. below his former rate, although he had never signed any new wages contract form; and whether he will make inquiries into this case with a view to this discharged soldier receiving proper treatment?

I am advised that the facts concerning this case are as follows:—

Henderson had congenital dislocation of hip. He was operated on about 1910, and stated that his leg had become progressively worse since then, and that he suffers much pain after standing about any length of time. On release from military service Henderson was not refused reinstatement in the cashier's office, but obtained a position as storehouseman in the works department. He was transferred to the store department as an ordinary labourer on telephone duties owing to his infirmity, and received the usual remuneration for work on which he was employed. No contract or other form is signed by men on transfer, and Henderson received due notice. Henderson was eventually removed to clerical work in storehouses owing to his bad timekeeping and frequent absence. Henderson was only seven months in the Army, where he was employed on clerical work, and never went abroad; the infirmity for which he was discharged from the Army is congenital.

The utmost sympathy is naturally extended to all disabled ex-Service men.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether instructions have been issued to suspend work upon a number of destroyers at present in course of construction in shipyards on the Clyde; and whether this suspension is only temporary, and when orders will be issued to complete those vessels?

The work on certain destroyers building on the Clyde has been suspended, and it is hoped that it will be found possible to cancel these vessels without undue dislocation of work in hand by the shipbuilders concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a large number of soldiers were sent to Kantara Camp for demobilisation but are still retained; that a number of them who have seen overseas service for a period of three years and eight months were booked as having only three years' overseas, service; that whilst these men have been retained others with less overseas service have been demobilised; and whether he will give instructions to those responsible: at this camp that men must be demobilised in their proper turn?

The present state of unrest in Egypt has to a certain extent delayed demobilisation. Demobilisation is being carried out strictly in accordance with the Regulations and Orders of priority in force, due consideration being given to men of long service. Drafts are being sent home for dispersal as rapidly as circumstances and transport facilities permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement in regard to the number of men of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps who are still being retained with the Colours overseas; whether he will consider the position of men who are entitled under the Regulations for release but who have been retained in the Service for demobilisation purposes; and if the time has now arrived "when such men can be themselves demobilised?

The number of men in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps retained with the Colours overseas is approximately 14,000. These figures do not include Egypt, as the return from Egypt is not yet to hand. It includes, however, men who are eligible for demobilisation but who have been temporarily retained until they can be replaced or their services dispensed with. Every effort is being made to replace men so retained as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that sixty-six of the signallers attached to the General Headquarters, France, are entitled to demobilisation under the terms of the Army Council Instruction, and that thirty of them have been with the Colours since 1914, and fourteen of them are over forty-one years of age; and whether he will take immediate steps to secure the demobilisation of these men?

Inquiries will be made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 85 telegraphists, telephonists, and linesmen are being retained as signallers in the Paris area; that 64 of these men enlisted prior to 1916; that 2 are forty-seven years of age, I forty-six years of age, 2 forty-three years of age, 2 forty-two years of age, and I forty years of age; and whether he will cause immediate inquiries to be made?

Inquiries will be made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked he Secretary of State for War whether fifty-five signallers are being retained at the 3rd Army Headquarters; whether one is fifty years of age, and five others over forty-two; and whether he will make immediate inquiries as to the necessity for the retention of these men?

Inquiries are already being made with reference to the 3rd Army Signals, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are several 1914 men attached to the 14th Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, Boulogne, who up to the present have heard nothing of their demobilisation; and whether there is any special reason why these men should be detained?

I would refer to the answer given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Canterbury. There is no reason to believe that the hospital referred to is being treated on a different footing to others.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ascertain the reasons that have led to the delay of the demobilisation of Sapper W. G. Wright, No. 91722, 230th Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers, who is over forty years of age and has served over three years in France?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that W. H. Thompson, No. 28938, North Stafford Regiment, who is now awaiting court-martial at Whittington. Barracks, has served two sentences of six months' hard labour and has just completed a third sentence of two years' hard labour; and whether he will now authorise this man's discharge from the Army in order that he may resume his work of legal adviser to the Navvies' Union?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a question which he asked on the 26th February, to the effect that it is not possible to reconsider the general issues; involved in these cases until demobilisation has made further progress.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Sydney S. Smith, No. 037238, 136 S Company, Royal Army-Ordnance Corps, the Arsenal, Ferozepore, Punjab, India, is a grocer and wine merchant, carrying on business in Stonehaven, and that, on joining the Army in 1917, he was under the necessity of leaving his business and his staff under the control of his wife; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the month of February, the War Office intimated to Private Smith's solicitors that the latter should approach Private Smith's commanding officer in order to secure his demobilisation, and that, subsequent to this intimation, his civil appointments form was signed by his commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Lethbridge, to the effect that he could be released from the Arsenal immediately on receipt of a wire from the War Office; whether he is aware that a medical certificate has been signed by a doctor in Stonehaven certifying that Mrs. Sydney Smith is at present debilitated and on the verge of a breakdown in her health on account of hard work and mental strain through attending to her husband's licensed grocery business during the absence of her husband in India; and whether, in view of all these circumstances, he can see his way to arrange for the immediate release of Private Smith from the Army on one-man business and compassionate grounds?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can see his way to recommend the release of Private H. I. Simpson, No. 154609, Royal Army Medical Corps, now stationed at the Military Hospital, Shorncliffe, seeing that this man is over forty-five years of age and has employment waiting for him in Elgin?

I am having inquiry made into this case, and my right hon. Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider giving at the earliest moment special consideration to men who volunteered under the Derby scheme and were rejected prior to 1916, but subsequently were called up for the Army in 1916 notwithstanding their low medical grade?

I regret my hon. Friend's proposal cannot be entertained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that clerks in the Army Pay Offices are not being demobilised; that many of these men who were specially enlisted in 1914 are still being retained, although men who enlisted long after have been released, and whether he will give instructions that all these men who are eligible for demobilisation shall be released as quickly as possible?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 18th ult to my hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that annoyance and vexation is caused to officers and men serving overseas as the result of an apparent lack of co-operation between the War Office and the Board of Agriculture in enabling dogs, the property of officers and men, being taken charge of at the ports of embarkation and disembarkation under military arrangements; whether he will consider the immediate possibility of converting suitable accommodation at the base ports in France and elsewhere in order that dogs may be placed in quarantine under arrangements satisfactory to the requirements of the Board of Agriculture; and whether he will consult with the Board of Agriculture, and such organisations as the Blue Cross Fund and the Dumb Friends' League, without delay in order to arrive at a definite scheme, the details of which may be published in Army Orders and in the Press?

Owing to the importation of rabies into this country through dogs brought from France it became necessary to forbid officers and men to bring back their dogs with them. To allow dogs to be brought home, the Army Council accepted the generous offer of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to defray the cost of maintenance, for the six months' quarantine required by the Importation of Dogs Order, 1914, of 500 dogs at a time at the quarantine station at Hackbridge, which has been approved by the Board of Agriculture. Under the arrangements which have been made, the dogs are collected in batches in France and, when passed free from symptoms of contagious disease by an officer of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, are sent by special arrangements to Hackbridge. During March over 100 dogs have arrived at the kennels at Hack-bridge. Dogs may also be brought over direct by private arrangements between the owner and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, but this, of course, entails expense to the owner.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to improve the pay and conditions of the Armament Artificer section of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps; and whether he can arrange for promotions to be accelerated and for further commissions to be granted?

The pay and conditions of service of this section are coming under review in common with those of the Army generally. The special points mentioned will not be overlooked.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can give a statement of Members of Parliament serving in His Majesty's Forces, showing their appointments and rates of pay?

Members of the present Parliament do not draw Army emoluments unless they are still serving abroad. I hope my hon. Friend, will be satisfied with this information, and will not press for a detailed statement, which would entail considerable investigation.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private F. Devlin's, 3rd Seaforth Highlanders (deceased), mother, who has been unable to get her pension or the separation allowances due, as the claim is in the hands of the Pensions Ministry for pension purposes, and, being a widow with no fixed income, is suffering much hardship?

I regret that by an oversight a provisional award of pension pending determination of the amount of pre-war dependence was not made in this case. There has consequently been a break between the payment of separation allowance and the first issue of pension. Mrs. Devlin has now been granted a prewar dependence pension of 12s. 6d. a week, with effect from 25th February last, the day following that to which separation allowance was paid, and she was informed of this on the 24th ultimo.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been, drawn to the case of the wife of Private Henry Macdonald, No. 64136, Highland Light Infantry, who was demobilised on 3rd March, 1919; whether he is aware that Mrs. Macdonald has two children and, though they were living separately before he enlisted on 25th July, 1918, they are now living together again and require the money now in order to keep the home together; and whether he proposes to take any action in this case?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Mrs. Macdonald was not entitled to a wife's separation allowance because she was separated from and not supported by her husband prior to his enlistment, but, in accordance with Regulations, allowance was issued for the children at the higher rates applicable to motherless children. The fact that a reconciliation has taken place since the man was demobilised does not entitle the wife to separation allowance for the period of her husband's service in the Army.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Tanks (Awards) Committee has yet reported; and whether such Report will be made public?

If my hon Friend has in mind the Report of the Committee presided over by Lord Moulton, I would refer him to the answer given on the 24th February last to my right hon. Friend the Member for Worcester. The whole question has now been referred to the Royal Commission on Awards, of which Mr. Justice Sargent is President, and this Committee is not expected to report for some time to come.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of aliens now in this country, the number of aliens who are or have been interned at any time during the War, and number of aliens who have been naturalised during the past ten years?

The number of alien enemies at present in this country is about 26,000, of whom about 5,000 are interned. The number of the interned was at one time 32,000. During the last ten years 2,900 persons who were subjects of the countries now at war with this country have been naturalised.

asked the Home Secretary whether prison doctors are not allowed to recommend conscientious objectors for discharge unless they believe them to be on the verge of total collapse; and, if this is not the fact, will he take steps to remove this impression which exists in the minds of some prison doctors?

The answer to the first question is in the negative; to the second that the instructions already issued leave no room for any such misconception, and that in fact no such misconception exists.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the appointment of the new medical officer of the Local Government Board as an assistant secretary to the Board has been confirmed; and, if not, in view of the fact that he will probably be transferred to the Ministry of Health when it is constituted, the confirmation of such appoint- ment will be withheld until the House has had an opportunity of considering the advisability of varying the rule by which the position of the professional and administrative advisers of the Departments of State have invariably been separately held?

I presume that the hon. Member's question refers to the appointment of Sir George Newman as chief medical officer of the Board; that officer has not been appointed assistant secretary to the Board as the question seems to imply, nor is that intended. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps, if any, he proposes to take to secure that the provincial areas delineated for the purposes of administering the provisions of Bills passed in this Parliament shall, as far as possible, be coterminous?

As the hon. and gallant Member will realise, the point he raises does not concern any single Minister alone. I have no doubt, however, that the desirability of co-ordination will be generally recognised.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the provincial areas into which the country is divided for the purpose of administering the Housing Bill are coterminous with provincial areas adopted for the administration of the valuation provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and, if not, what principle, if any, has governed the delimitation of those areas?

The ten provincial areas, excluding London, assigned to Housing Commissioners are made up of groupings of counties arranged with regard to housing requirements. There are 100 valuation districts, and these generally have been formed with regard to county boundaries.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the men who were serving in K company of the Royal Engineers in August, 1914, were allowed to count their service with the Post Office for the purposes of pay and increment; whether, on mobilisation, K company ceased to exist and L company was created; whether the men concerned, having spent four or five years with the forces, are not being credited with this service; whether, as a result, their starting pay will be reduced by as much as 8s. per week; and whether, having regard to the services rendered by these men, their skill as telegraphists, and their dissatisfaction with the treatment that they have received which may lead them to throw up their Post Office appointments, he will endeavour to secure that the service with the forces shall be credited towards their yearly increments?

Service in K Company of the Royal Engineers is spent upon Post Office work, and is on this ground allowed to count for purposes of pay and increment should the men be subsequently appointed to the Post Office as telegraphists. On mobilisation the men in question were drafted into L Company, and were no longer employed on Post Office work. As a result their Army service after the date of mobilisation is not proper to be taken into account for the purpose of fixing their starting pay on appointment to the Post Office.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is now able to make a statement regarding the future of the flower-beds on the east front of Hampton Court Palace and the Dutch, or pond, garden?

There is no intention at present of making any alterations in the number of flower-beds on the east front of Hampton Court Palace, nor is it proposed to alter the form of the Tudor garden, but only to make certain clearances, which will tend to restore it more nearly to its original design.