asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Committee of the London Stock Exchange are now permitted to grant official dealings in any issues that have been made since the coming into existence of the Defence of the Realm Act; and whether the same were made with or without Treasury sanction?

Yes, Sir. It is open to the Stock Exchange Committee to authorise dealings in such issues where they think fit.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he intends calling a conference with the union representing the unestablished messengers and all other classes on similar scales of pay to consider the question of merging war bonuses into a new minimum rate of pay; whether he is aware that this question is causing unrest among the men concerned; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs by calling a conference as suggested?

Pending the establishment of Whitley joint bodies for the administrative Departments, I think that it would be premature to summon a conference of the nature suggested. The hon. Member will no doubt realise that the question of merging war bonus in permanent pay is a general one which cannot usefully be considered from the point of view of a particular grade of Civil servant.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the Bermondsey food and drugs inspector recently prosecuted a retailer at the Tower Bridge Police Court for selling butter containing more water than is sanctioned by law; that the secretary of the Butter and Cheese Import Committee wrote to the magistrate pointing out that this was Government butter, and therefore this was a case of one Government Department prosecuting another for not complying with the law and asking him to withdraw the case, and further stating that a large percentage of butter which the Committee were compelled to purchase from Ireland contained a high percentage of excess moisture above that which is allowed by law; and that the magistrate said that he had no power to withdraw the case, that the action of the Committee was extraordinary, and that he considered it his duty to make the letter public, and fined the defendant 20s. and 15s. 6d. costs; whether the butter ration is one ounce and the price 2s. 6d. per Ib.; whether food inspectors are appointed to protect the public; whether he has sanctioned this attempt on the part of a Gov- ernment Committee to defeat the ends of justice; and whether private traders will be similarly treated?

The facts are generally as stated in the first part of the question. At present, owing to the shortage of supplies, it is necessary for the Food Controller to obtain butter from every available source, and it is impossible for him to avoid receiving a certain amount of butter which contains more than 16 per cent. of moisture. The actual amount so received is, however, very small. In the ordinary course it is issued to bakers and manufacturers, but under present conditions of transport and storage some small quantity may be distributed inadvertently to the trade. Under the distribution scheme of the Ministry of Food butter is allotted to traders and taken up by them in good faith, and it therefore seemed to the Ministry undesirable that the trader in question should be penalised for the quality of the butter which he was bound to accept.

asked the Food Controller why the Ministry of Food have instructed local food control committees to take proceedings against tradesmen for selling marmalade to unregistered customers in view of the fact that there are large available stocks of this commodity in hand; whether, as a reduction in price is premeditated, he is aware that a large loss is likely to be caused to tradesmen owing to this action; and whether fines have been inflicted for offences committed prior to 26th February, on which date the Rationing Order, 1918, appeared in the "National Food Journal," that being the first intimation available to tradesmen that such an Order existed?

No special instructions have been issued by the Ministry to food control committees for the prosecution of tradesmen for selling marmalade to unregistered customers. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise; although I may say that a reduction in the maximum price is not contemplated at the present moment. As regards the last part of the question, I am advised that fines were inflicted in a few cases for offences committed prior to 26th February, but the Order on the subject came into force on 29th January, when a Press notice explaining the Order was issued in the ordinary way.

asked the Food Controller what is the percentage difference in the cost of living between the United Kingdom and the United States?

I regret that there are no statistics available which enable a comparison to be made of the present cost of living in the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively. If the hon. and gallant Member is interested in the question of food prices during the War, I shall be glad to arrange that he is shown all the available statistics bearing on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that two established messengers, named Sackville and Morrison, employed in the Castle, Dublin, have recently been reduced in pay by £25 per year, although no misconduct is alleged against them; whether he is aware that repeated applications have been made to get this put right, and that the Department have refused any compensation to these men for their loss, and whether he will take steps to have this matter remedied at once?

The messengers referred to have not suffered any reduction of the authorised pay of their posts. In April, 1915, however, in pursuance of a recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee of 1908, economies were effected in the car services to official residences in the Phoenix Park which involved the discontinuance of allowances then payable in respect of these extra duties to the messengers in question. As the messengers had no vested right to these allowances which did not form part of their pensionable pay, and as the extra duties to which the allowances were applicable have ceased to be discharged, the discontinuance of the payment affords no ground for compensation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that an unqualified dental practitioner is attending the children at the Synge National Schools, Roll No. 14,440, county Clare; whether it is the duty of the Commissioners of National Education to see that a person acting in the capacity of dentist in national schools is qualified or unqualified; and whether the same policy is or will be pursued by the Commissioners in the case of medical clinics?

The answer to-the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the Commissioners of National Education after due inquiry informed the patron of the school, who-made the appointment at his own expense, that they did not approve of the employment of this gentleman. The Commissioners were subsequently informed by the Local Government Board (which is responsible for the administration of the Grant for dental clinics) that they had received no application for assistance in this case, and that in dealing with such applications they were bound by the rule that "the dental officer must be duly registered or possess recognised surgical qualifications enabling him to practice dentistry." The1 Commissioners thereupon informed the-patron that while they could not approve of the employment of an unqualified person in the treatment of national school children, they did not propose to interfere with him in the present case inasmuch as no grant had been asked for from public funds to meet the cost of the-service.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Ireland a great deal of unemployment has-been caused by the cessation of the War; whether the State unemployment donation is given only to a section of the workers who are on a very limited list of trades-scheduled by the Lord Lieutenant; whether large numbers of other workers, men and women, who are genuinely out of work, are refused the donation; and whether, in view of the great privations these people are suffering, he will extend the list of occupations to which the out-of-work Grant is to apply?

The out-of-work donation scheme for civilian workers in Ireland applies under certain conditions to workpeople insured under the National Insurance (Unemployment) Acts, and to those-employed in other trades which are certified by the Lord Lieutenant as trades in which a substantial amount of unemploy- ment has been directly caused by the cessation of hostilities. The Lord Lieutenant has already certified the linen and cotton trade, and the question of certifying other trades is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's hospital ship "St. Margaret of Scotland" has been three years in commission with the Ægean and Black Sea Fleets; if so, whether it is proposed to relieve her or to allow her to proceed to England to recommission; and what steps are being taken to give leave to the officers and men?

The "St. Margaret of Scotland" is serving with the Black Sea Fleet and constitutes the only hospital accommodation there, and I am advised that she cannot therefore be spared. The crew are on Mercantile Articles and are in the employment of the owners of the vessel, the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. As the vessel was brought to the United Kingdom in February, 1918, primarily, I am told, to change crews, the company have decided that the men must be held to their articles, which they signed in February, 1918, for thirty-six months.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will favourably consider the claims for demobilisation of numbers of men in the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force who were detailed to Poona early in November to assist in clearing up the field accounts of the troops; is he aware that they were told the duration of the work would be from three to five months; that there seems no probability of it being completed for a long time; and that many of these men have served since the commencement of the War and belong to groups which have been demobilised; and that these men, having no unit in India, cannot be recalled to Mesopotamia by their unit, and so have no hope of being demobilised?

The prompt settlement of the accounts of a large number of officers and men on demobilisation depends on the trained personnel of the Military Accounts Department being kept up to full strength. The Secretary of State for India cannot press the Government of India to a course of action that would destroy the efficiency of the Department, but subject to this he will bring the case of the men in question to their notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the feeling among men eligible for release that they are being kept in the Army unnecessarily on the pretext that they are part of the military machinery of demobilisation, he will set up some impartial and non-military tribunal to which these cases can be referred for prompt inquiry and action?

I would refer to the answer given yesterday on this subject to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southport, to the effect that commanding officers are best fitted to judge as to the necessity for temporarily retaining men. I am having inquiries made concerning the three cases about which my hon. Friend has sent particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper A. Pethurst, No. 73234, 38th Motor Air Line Section, Constantinople, has been in the Near East for nearly three years and two months; whether he is aware that Sapper Pethurst has had no leave during that period; and whether he is aware that the men of this section have no prospect of demobilisation and have just been sent from Salonika to Constantinople instead of being released?

H Sapper Pethurst's service is as stated, he will be eligible for demobilisation unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed his term of Colour service. Even if this section has been transferred to Constantinople, it must not be concluded that there is no prospect of the men being demobilised. Such as are eligible for demobilisation will be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to obtain the prompt demobilisation of Gunner C. Rose, No. 177663, 545th Siege Battery, who is forty-one years of age; and if he will draw the attention of commanding officers to the fact that men over thirty-seven and those who joined in 1914 and 1915 have a right to be released if not absolutely required for the work of demobilisation, and thus save trouble to the War Office and Members of this House?

If Gunner Rose's age is as stated he will no doubt be demobilised in due course. Officers commanding units are in possession of full instructions regulating the demobilisation of personnel under their command.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Patrick Harrow, No. 243513, D Company, 9th Highland Light Infantry, British Expeditionary Force, offered himself for service soon after the outbreak of war, but was rejected at first on the grounds of ill-health; that he again offered himself in 1915 and was accepted, but was not called up until the beginnng of 1916; that since that date he has served in Egypt and in France; that, previous to joining the Army, Private Harrow was in business in Stonehaven with a partner; that, during Private Harrow's absence on service, his partner, a man beyond military age, has done his best to carry on the business, but with the result that he has overworked himself and is frequently laid aside by sickness; that, as a consequence, the business is suffering, and that Private Harrow's prospects, if not demobilised, of resuming work with a reasonable amount of support will be jeopardised; that these facts were set forth in a letter to Private Harrow's commanding officer in France, after the usual steps had been taken through the Employment Exchange to secure his demobilisation; that Private Harrow's commanding officer, according to Private Harrow, asked the latter to procure Army Form Z56; that, on application to the Employment Exchange in Aberdeen for Army Form Z56, Private Harrow's partner was informed that this form must be obtained direct from the War Office; that, on applying to the War Office, a letter was received stating that in cases where guarantees of employment, duly certified by the local advisory committee, or applications on Civil Form ED 406, approved by the Ministry of Labour, have been received, the soldier concerned will be registered as a contract or slip man and will, provided he is otherwise eligible for dispersal under the terms of Army Order 14, dated 29th January, 1919, be granted priority of release as the exigencies of the Service permit, and that officers and men should therefore be advised to inquire of their commanding officers as to their eligibility for release under the above Army Order; and whether, in view of all these circumstances and having regard to the fact that Private Harrow had already approached his commanding officer, who suggested, according to Private Harrow, that if Form Z56 were obtained and filled up the matter would be further considered, he can see his way to make inquiry with a view to the early release of this soldier on compassionate grounds?

As Private Harrow did not join the Colours before the 1st of January, 1916, he is not eligible for demobilisation, unless he falls within certain exceptions specified in Army Order 55 of 1919. Army Form Z 56, referred to in the question, is issued only by the War Office in respect of ( a ) Men who were certified by the Ministry of Labour and registered by the War Office for special release before the 1st of February, 1919. ( b ) Cases for release on extreme compassionate grounds. This man is not registered by the War Office for special release, and the grounds put forward by my hon. and gallant Friend do not appear sufficient to warrant his demobilisation on compassionate grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, under date 17th February, 1919, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland informed Mr. William Simpson that the Board had made application for the early demobilisation of his son, Private Richard Simpson, No. 24625, A Company, 4th Gordon Highlanders, as a pivotal man; and whether, having regard to the fact that this soldier has not yet been demobilised, he can see his way to make inquiry with a view to his early release?

Inquiries will be made, 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 will inquire into the delay that has occurred in the demobilisation of Second-Lieutenant K. S. Mills, of the 509th (London) Field Company; whether the demobilisation of this officer, who is of the student class, was agreed to by his commanding officer last month; whether he is now surplus to the establishment of his unit; and when can his release be expected?

I am not aware of what action has been taken by Second-Lieutenant Mills commanding officer. There is no trace of any application having been received by the War Office concerning this officer. If his services are not required he will no doubt be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Nathaniel Miller, No. 6683, A Company, 4th Platoon, 2nd Cameron Highlanders, Tiflis, Georgia, Russia, and of 179, Firhill Road, Glasgow, who joined Kitchener's Army in November, 1914, and was sent to France and a few months later was invalided home and thereafter to Salonika for two years when he was wounded and returned home, and again was sent to Salonika and transferred to his present regiment and to Tiflis, is eligible for demobilisation; and whether his demobilisation will be ordered?

If the date Private Miller joined the Colours is as stated he will be eligible for demobilisation unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed his term of Colour service. If he is eligible he will no doubt be demobilised in due course. Due consideration is given to men of long service, but this case does not appear to call for special treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the release from the Army of Private George Simpson, No. 100,894, Royal Army Medical Corps, 28th Field Ambulance, 9th Division, British Expeditionary Force, France, as this man joined the Army in August, 1915?

It is not clear from the information given by my hon. Friend whether Private Simpson merely attested or whether he joined the Colours for continuous service in August, 1915. If, in fact, he joined the Colours for continuous service in August, 1915, he will be eligible for demobilisation and will, no doubt, be demobilised in due course, but I am not aware of any reason why he should be accorded special treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact that the executive officer of the Board of Agriculture in Lerwick asked the local committee to name the three most urgent cases for demobilisation of the parish of Wall, Shetland, and that Private James Williamson was placed at the head of the three, the other two were released and, although Private Williamson's case was the most urgent, he has been transferred to No. 452; Agricultural School, Aberdeen, and is now at work there where there is no scarcity of labour, although his services are urgently demanded for the cultivation of his own croft and the support of his family?

If my hon. Friend will inform me of Private Williamson's regimental number and regiment, and will furnish full particulars of the grounds on which his demobilisation is applied for, inquiries will be made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Private Reginald Ashton, No. 136347, Royal Army Medical Corps, at present on leave from 25th Stationary Hospital, British Expeditionary Force, France; whether Private Ashton joined the Northumberland Fusiliers on 8th January, 1915, went to France the same year, was wounded on the Somme 1st July, 1916, and again wounded in 1917; whether his second wound made him unfit for general service, and he was compulsorily transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps; and whether, in view of these circumstances, Private? Ashton cannot be demobilised before 25th March, when his leave expires, in order that he may at once obtain employment, and thus help his old parents, whose only other son will be kept in the Army of Occupation?

If the facts are as stated in the question, this soldier is eligible for demobilisation, but under the provisions of Army Order 55 he is liable, if temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation, to be retained in the Army till he can be replaced or his services dispensed with. If Private Ashton's parents wish to apply for his release to be accelerated on extreme compassionate grounds they should have such application verified by a responsible person, and forward it to the Secretary, War Office, Mob. 10, Bridgewater House, Little St. James's Street, S.W., 1, for consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the l/4th Northamptonshire Regiment is in Egypt; and, if so, can he state when there is a likelihood of those men in that regiment who are eligible for demobilisation being brought home, and so allay the deep anxiety of many anxious parents and wives in the Northamptonshire district?

I do not think that there is any reason to believe that the men of this battalion are being treated on any different footing as regards demobilisation to men in other units in Egypt. Owing to the recent outbreak, the demobilisation of all troops in that country has been temporarily suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for War if medals or any similar decorations would be given to the Volunteers for the services they rendered during the War?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question on the 26th February to the effect that the grant of a badge is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant to members of the Volunteer Training Corps throughout the country some recognition, by means of a medal or other decoration, of the services they have rendered voluntarily throughout the War?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question on the 26th February last to the effect that the grant of a badge is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who have served seventeen months on the plains of the Punjaub and three years in Mesopotamia continuously can be allowed more than twenty-eight day's furlough to get acclimatised for work in this country?

The period of demobilisation furlough has been fixed at twenty-eight days in all cases. As I have already stated in the House, I am considering whether in cases where, owing to special circumstances, men have been overseas for particularly long periods without leave, there could not be some special treatment, but I must not be taken as giving any undertaking.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as promised, he has considered what special treatment can now be meted out to men of the Somersets and other regiments serving in distant theatres who, owing to special circumstances, have had no home leave?

Large drafts have been placed under orders to proceed to Egypt and Constantinople during the month of April. Further drafts will be dispatched in May, June, and July. These will relieve a corresponding number of personnel who have served long periods in these theatres without leave. As regards Mesopotamia and India, no drafts can be sent to these places until climatic conditions permit, which will not be until August next at the earliest.

asked the Secretary of State for War if leave to come to England can be granted to Sergeant T. E. Holder, No. 12298, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, attached to 2/103rd Mahrattas Light Infantry, India, who has been serving abroad continuously since the Gallipoli campaign?

Every effort is being made to grant leave to officers and other ranks who have been serving in the East for long periods, but owing to the shortage of transport facilities and the fact that by far the greatest proportion of the accommodation is reserved for men proceeding home for demobilisation, it is at the present time very difficult to grant leave to men serving in India. I regret that I cannot see my way to give special directions in the case of this sergeant.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an order has been issued to close the 1st Northern General Hospital, Territorial Force, and the Gosforth War Hospital; if so, will he see that the orders are withdrawn, as it will greatly increase the burden of the already overworked civil hospitals; is there any reason why the Gosforth War Hospital, for the demobilisation of which there has been no local demand, should not be retained for six months as a standby hospital for soldier and pensioner patients; and is he aware that at the civil hospitals there are long waiting lists, as some hundreds are waiting, owing to soldiers and sailors being treated first during the War?

The First Northern General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, situated in the Armstrong College of the Durham University, is to be closed shortly at the request of the Board of Agriculture and the Board of Education. The exact date of closure is dependent on the extention of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, being ready for occupation; the patients will be moved to this latter hospital. By the Gosforth War Hospital I presume the hon. Members refers to the Northumberland War Hospital. This hospital is to be closed by the beginning of May at the request of the Lunacy Board of Control. Arrangements are also being made to absorb the patients from this hospital in other military hospitals. The evacuation of beds occupied by military patients in civil hospitals is progressing as speedily as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if J. W. Savory, No. 17834. 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards, British Expeditionary Force, France, after being wounded seven times, was granted leave on 28th November last and due to report on 12th December last; whether he was granted an extension of leave on 11th December on the ground of illness, and ordered to send a doctor's certificate and his pass to the commanding officer, London district; if these were sent on 13th December; whether from the last date to 20th March, in spite of seven letters being written for a pass, no reply was received; if when he returned he was put under open arrest and sentenced to twenty-eight days' detention with loss of pay; and whether he will at once cancel this punishment, as Savory's absence has been solely caused by the carelessness of officials who mislaid his certificate and pass, and who sought to cover their fault by neglecting to answer Savory's letters?

I have no information as to this at present, but inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether complaints were made as to the inadequacy of the medical service for the Egyptian fellaheen who enlisted in the Labour Corps, Camel Transport, or Donkey Transport, and how many of these fellaheen died on service?

No information has been received at the War Office as to the medical services for the Egyptian fellaheen having been inadequate, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any specific information on this point, I will have the matter inquired into.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a resolution passed by the magistrates for the county borough of Burnley to the effect that, having regard to the hardship imposed upon poor women who are compelled to take proceedings against soldiers or sailors for the maintenance of themselves or children, the justices of this county borough respectfully suggest to the Secretary of State for the Home Department that the law should be amended so as to relieve women of the obligation to pay the railway fares and expenses of soldiers and sailors to enable them to attend the hearing of the cases, as provided by the Army Act, 1881, and the Naval Discipline (No. 2) Act, 1915; and whether he will favourably consider taking action in the direction recommended?

I cannot trace the receipt of a resolution from the particular magistrates referred to, but a copy of a similar resolution passed by the Cardiff justices has been sent to the War Office by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. The matter has been fully considered, and while I quite realise the hardship of the present rule in certain cases, I do not think any case has been made out for dispensing with it in the manner suggested so far as the Army is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the German islands in the Baltic have been searched for prisoners of war; and whether any have been found there?

Information has been received as to certain islands where no British prisoners of war have been found, and inquiries are being made as to others.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before it was decided to proceed with the depot at Cippenham, every effort was made to utilise existing Government factories which were completey equipped, electrically installed, heated, and provided with sidings and convenient roads; whether he is aware that the machine-gun factory at Burton-on-Trent, covering 20 acres, costing over £1,000,000 to equip, and which has never been used, is eminently suitable for a motor repair depot; and whether the possibility of utilising this factory was fully considered before commencing the Slough undertaking?

Before the works at Cippenham were started, exhaustive inquiries were made and the Ministry of Munitions was asked whether any Government factories were available and suitable for mechanical transport. Those available were examined by experts and found to be unsuitable for the purpose. The machine-gun factory at Burton-on-Trent was not amongst those offered to the Department, and I understand that the factory is being used.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Graves Commission have twice invited subscription from Miss Doris Lasky, of 198, Union Road, Leytonstone, for the purpose of defraying the cost of a photograph of a grave; whether they have re- ceived from her the sum of 2s. 6d.; whether he is aware that they have omitted to send her the photograph or to pay any attention to her communications on the subject, except to inform her six times that a further communication will be addressed to her on the matter; and whether he will have inquiry made into the circumstances of the case?

I am informed by the Director of Graves Registration and Inquiries that his Department has never invited any subscription from Miss Doris Lasky. I understand the facts are as follow: In her first letter of 8th October, 1918, asking on behalf of the parents for a photograph of the grave of Bombardier A. Joan, Royal Field Artillery, she offered to send a small subscription and asked to whom it should be sent. She was informed in reply that any donation she was kind enough to give should be forwarded to the British Red Cross Society, by whom funds for the work of photography are supplied. No subscriptions or payments for photographs are invited from the public, but frequently small donations are sent and these are paid over to the Red Cross Society. As regards the delay in supplying the photograph, the staff of photographers available will not permit of requests being met immediately. There are many thousands of requests now on hand and some time must necessarily elapse before the photographs asked for can all be supplied.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, he can give a list showing the centres in Scotland at which surplus Army horses are being sold?

The following is a list of centres in Scotland which have been selected for the sale of surplus Army horses: Glasgow Kilmarnock Edinburgh Elgin Perth Inverness Ayr Wick Aberdeen Stirling St. Boswells Dumfries Forfar Dundee Cupar Stranraer Kelso Newton Stewart Dingwall March Hawick

asked the Secretary of State for War if the censorship on letters from Belgium to this country is to be continued, and for how-long?

The censorship in question is to be continued for the present. It is impossible at present to forecast its probable duration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of soldiers stationed at Sutton, Surrey, have been informed that they will be charged 9s. 3d. for a cardigan, 8s. 6d. shirts, 2s. socks, 1s. 6d. towel, and braces 1B. 6d.; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am not clear whether my hon. and gallant Friend means that the soldiers in question have been given to understand that these charges will be made for articles in cases where they are entitled to free renewal. If so, I should be glad if he would let me have further particulars. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that at the present time all soldiers are entitled to free renewals of all articles of clothing worn out by fair wear, but when a soldier makes away with his clothing he commits an offence punishable under the Army Act, and in such circumstances he is not entitled to free replacement of deficiencies.

asked the Secretary of State for War if officers and men whose homes are in South America find shipping accommodation for themselves and pay their own fare for the return journey will be entitled to a refund of the amount which the Government would have paid had the Government provided the accommodation?

Officers and men whose claims to repatriation are approved are allowed to elect for an immediate or a deferred passage. If they elect for a deferred passage they are informed that passages may not be available for some time subsequent to the date notified by them as that on which they will be prepared to embark from the United Kingdom, and that no allowance whatever will be granted whilst awaiting passage. If an officer chooses to make his own arrangements, no refund can be given.

asked She Secretary of State for War whether the rank and duties of the various officers who have been employed as assistant directors of Army printing and stationery services with the British Expeditionary Force in France are similar one to another; what is the number of such officers; whether they have received the same pay and allowances for performing identical duties and, if not, the grounds for any distinction that has been drawn; whether any of them are Civil servants; and whether they will all be entitled to receive a gratuity for their Army service, and if this will be on the same basis for all such officers?

There are two assistant directors in France. Their duties are similar, one of these is paid on the special scale laid down for temporary officers in the stationery service. The other is a Civil servant who was detached to help start this Department at the beginning of the War. He is, paid as a Civil servant with a daily detention allowance. No gratuity is at present authorised for either officer, but the question of granting some form of gratuity is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if Mr. Croome's application for permission to use hay on his farm which the right hon. Gentleman promised to deal with on 27th March has been acceded to; and is he aware that Mr. Croome's cattle must starve if he is not permitted to use this hay?

As I informed my hon. Friend by letter yesterday, instructions have been given to the District Purchasing Officer of Supplies, Gloucester, that Mr. Croome's hay shall be released to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that from August, 1916, the foremen and foremen-writers of the Army Ordnance Department at Woolwich received time and a half pay for every hour worked on Sundays and double pay for work on Bank Holidays, whereas the foremen at Alder-shot, for doing the same class of work, only receive bare pay for Sunday and Bank Holiday work with the exception of time offered in lieu of Bank Holidays which, owing to war conditions, was generally impossible to fit in; and why these conditions prevail?

The differences in these respects, as in those referred to in the next question, are due to the close association of the Ordnance Department at Woolwich with the great engineering establishments there.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Army Ordnance Department foremen at Woolwich received a higher war bonus than the foremen at Aldershot; and why the 12 per cent. increase was granted to Woolwich foremen and not to Aldershot foremen?

The Army Ordnance Depot at Woolwich is situated within the same enclosure as the Ordnance Factories there, and, in accordance with past practice the war advances, including the 12½ per cent. given in the factories, were extended to the foremen in the Ordnance Depot. Army Ordnance Depots generally are not engineering establishments, and as such are not entitled to the 12½ per cent. advance. Claims made on behalf of such depots have been refused on arbitration by the Committee on Production.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether private soldiers in the New Army who are married and have two children receive pay equal to £3 19s. a week, and whether pay of £2 2s. a week is considered adequate for foremen and storeholders of the Army Ordnance Department who sometimes have stores to the value of £250,000 put under their charge?

Rates differ at different stations, but no foreman or storeholder of the Army Ordnance Department in the United Kingdom is receiving as little as £2 2s. a week. The cash emoluments of a married private with two children, including separation allowance and bonus for compulsory retention in the Armies of Occupation are £2 12s. a week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of issuing a gratuity to members of the Army Ordnance Department in recognition of their excellent services to the country during the last four and a half years?

The question no doubt refers to civilian subordinates in Army Ordnance depots. These men have received war bonuses and other increases of pay in many cases, in the same way as other civilians in public employ. While I gladly recognise the value of their services, I see no reason for treating them exceptionally by the grant of a special gratuity.

asked the Secretary of State for War what difference of regimental pay exists between a combatant lieutenant and a lieutenant and quartermaster, and between a combatant captain or temporary captain and a captain and quartermaster, under Army Order 43, February, 1918, in cases where these officers have less than five years' commissioned service, and the reason for the difference?

A lieutenant of Infantry draws 11s. 6d. per day, a captain of Infantry 13s. 6d. per day. A quartermaster of Infantry with less than five years' commissioned service draws the rate of 2nd lieutenant of Infantry, namely, 10s. 6d. per day, whatever his rank. The pay of combatant officers and of quartermasters has always been fixed on a different basis, but this question is one which will be considered with others affecting the pay of the officers of the Army as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for War what provision has been made for officers who were taken prisoner at the surrender of Kut and who, in order to keep themselves alive while in Turkish hands, had to incur large expenses out of their private means?

Arrangements were made with the Dutch Minister for issues from the British Relief Fund to cover the extra expense of officers in captivity in Turkey. Where officers can show that their necessary expenses exceeded the amount of such Grants, in addition to the advances made by the Turkish Government, any claim submitted showing details of the extra expense incurred will be favourably considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers who are entitled to be demobilised but are in fact retained for a considerable time in the Army of Occupation receive the same pay and allowances as the men who are not entitled to be demobilised?

Men entitled to be demobilised who are definitely retained for the machinery of demobilisation, for administrative services or with garrisons abroad, will receive the bonus as from the 1st February. Men not so retained who are merely awaiting demobilisation will receive the bonus from 1st May if not released before that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numerous complaints are being received by parents from their sons in the Army of Occupation on the Rhine as to the inadequate nature of the rations being issued; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

Two complaints from relatives were received at the War Office recently, and have been referred to the Commander-in-Chief for inquiry and report. Ample supplies have been distributed to the troops of the Army of the Rhine, and there should be no shortage.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the pay of Royal Army Medical Corps men has not been increased; and if he will have the 50 per cent. increased pay given forthwith to bring the Royal Army Medical Corps men to the same rate as the Infantry?

The question would appear to refer to the increase in 1917 of the minimum pay of the private from 1s. to 1s. 6d. a day. This was not an increase of 50 per cent. to the pay of all arms of the Service, but the grant of a minimum rate of 1s. 6d., and as such it has been applied to the Royal Army Medical Corps as to other arms.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has under consideration a petition from a number of the acting paymasters asking that a gratuity equivalent to that granted to temporary commissioned officers under paragraphs 496–7 of the Royal Pay Warrant, and a war bonus equivalent to that granted to officers of the Army of Occupation, under Army Orders 54/19 and 55/19, as amplified by Army Order VI., dated 15th February, 1919, may be granted to acting paymasters generally; and, if so, whether he can state a date by which a decision on the matter will be given?

Such a petition has been received and an official reply will shortly be sent, but I cannot name a precise date.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the war bonus given to the Army of Occupation is not to be paid to civilian acting paymasters, and is to be paid to commissioned acting-paymasters, in view of the fact that all acting-paymasters, whether civilian or commissioned, belong to the same class, are engaged under the same form of civil contract at similar rates of pay, and have hitherto participated equally in any bonuses given vide A.C.I. 110/18 and A.C.I. 149/19, and the further fact that in A.O., VI d/15th February, 1919, acting-paymasters are distinctly stated to form part of the military machinery of demobilisation and to be, therefore, eligible for full bonus from 1st February, 1919?

The war bonus given to the Army of Occupation is confined to commissioned officers and enlisted men whose Army service is prolonged. It has no application to civilians, who are not compulsorily retained in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the important and responsible duties performed by acting-paymasters, who in matters of discipline take the rank of captain and major, he will grant them the same war bonus and gratuity as are granted to temporary officers?

From the reference to discipline I understand my Noble Friend to refer to acting-paymasters who hold commissions. They are eligible for the Army of Occupation bonus, but are not eligible for the gratuity under Article 497 of the Royal Warrant. Full consideration has been given to the nature of their duties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private A. Carter, No. 190634, attached to the 105th Company, Army Service Corps, 9th Division Train, British Expeditionary Force, France, who joined the Army in 1917, has a wife and two children who have been compelled to go into the workhouse as their separation allowance was insufficient to maintain them; that the separation allowance has been stopped and the wife and family are now supported by the rates; that Private Carter's mother has become blind and his brother is dying, and that leave to visit him before his death was refused, although Dr. Aubrey, of Bilton, Gloucestershire, wrote the facts to the commanding officer; that Carter has only had one leave since joining the Army in April, 1917; and what does he propose to do in this case?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this case, but I am having inquiries made and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any and what leaving gratuity or unemployment pay is being granted to the Army nurses of the Territorial Force and Queen Alexandra's Reserve who are now being demobilised?

The gratuity admissible is that laid down in the Royal Warrant. In general terms it varies with rank from £7 10s. to £15 for each year of service. The question of increasing the gratuity is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of War whether, in the case of soldiers who voluntarily joined up in 1914 and were subsequently ordered to return for munition work, the time during which they so worked on munitions does not count in the time for calculation of gratuity; and whether, in fairness to them, it should be allowed to count for gratuity?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 13th March last to the hon. Member for West-houghton. I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mrs. M. Jones, of 13, Tomlinson's Buildings, off George Street, Salford, drew her allowance of 10s. 2d. on 3 1st December, 1918, in respect of her son, Private J. Jones, No. 451258, Labour Corps (ring paper S. 785,271), and when she went the following week the allowance book had been called up, and the same the next week; the week after that Mrs. Jones was paid only 9s. 2d., this being explained by the deduction of 1s. for 6s. 6d. Mrs. Jones had received each week from the local committee, but Mrs. Jones has never had the £l 0s. 4d. due to her for the two weeks the books was called up; and whether he can have inquiry made and the amount so due paid her?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the causes of delay in paying the allotment to the wife of Gunner F. Slater, No. 193931, Royal Field Artillery, now in Belmont Road Hospital, Liverpool, which he made on 2 1st May, 1918?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made for the disposal of surplus Army stares; whether the arrangements for sales are made locally; and, if so, who is in charge of the arrangements?

I have been asked to answer this question. The duty of disposing of surplus Government property, including surplus Army stores, has been placed upon the Ministry of Munitions by the War Cabinet. A Disposal Board, of which details were given in the Press on the 10th February last, and in my statement in the House on Wednesday, 5th March, has been set up in the Ministry to deal with disposal of these stores. In each theatre of war the Disposal Board has a representative who advises as to whether stores should be sold locally or otherwise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men returning from field service should be supplied with all deficiencies of clothing and kit; and will he inquire why so many men who have been detailed from Mesopotamia to Poona in November, 1918, to clear up the field accounts of the troops have been unable to get these supplies as, after sending in their list and waiting several weeks for a reply, they are told they cannot be supplied as they are attached to the Accounts Department and are not actually in the depot?

The general rule laid down to meet war conditions was as given in the first part of the question. As regards the second, the Secretary of State for India has no information, but will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers have been discharged from the Army on account of pulmonary tuberculosis since 4th August, 1914; how many soldiers who have been discharged from, the Army are at present receiving treatment in sanatoria; and how many are on the waiting list for such treatment?

I have been asked to reply. The number of men discharged from the Service since 4th August, 1914, on account of pulmonary tuberculosis cannot be precisely determined from the records of the Pensions Ministry, but it is estimated at 25,000. I am unable to say how many of these were considered suitable for institutional treatment or did actually undergo such treatment. The number undergoing residential treatment in sanatoria and hospitals on 1st March, 1919, was approximately 3,150, and the number on the waiting list was 470.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that several disabled and demobilised officers who have been employed in the Air Ministry have recently had their services dispensed with, while women are being retained in the Air Ministry at exactly the same work as these officers performed; and whether it is the intention of the Ministry to give preference to civilians over officers who have become disabled during the War?

I am aware that a number of disabled officers who have been employed in the Air Ministry have recently had their services dispensed with, but women are not being retained in the Air Ministry on exactly the same work as these officers performed. It is not the intention of the Ministry to give preference to civilians over officers who have become disabled through the War, though in filling up the establishment of the Ministry the principles laid down for the Civil Service as a whole must be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War if 14 annas per month are deducted from the soldiers' pay at Poona for washing clothes; if there are few or no facilities for collecting or handing in washing; that if handed in there is no certainty of getting the same articles returned; that, in consequence, the majority of the men get their washing done privately, but still have to submit to the deduction from pay; and will he state what becomes of the money so deducted?

The Secretary of State for India has no information on the matter, but will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, under the proposed Transport Bill the Minister for Transport is to have the power to authorise local navigation authorities to make new waterways without the necessity of obtaining Parliamentary powers for such a decision?

Under Clause 5 of the Bill the powers of the Development Commissioners for the construction and improvement of inland navigations are transferred to the Minister of Ways and Communications. Powers are also taken under this Clause subject to the approval of the Treasury to make advances to any authority for the construction, improvement, or maintenance of canals or inland navigations.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that R. Williams, a conscientious objector in Preston Prison, has been deprived of all privileges, even exercise, ever since August last, has been forcibly fed in a straitjacket, and is now hunger-striking again, and whether he will have investigations made into this case and see whether this man is now being forcibly fed?

I have made inquiry. The prisoner forfeited the privileges granted to conscientious objectors by his refusal to work, but this did not involve the loss of exercise. He himself deliberately refused to take exercise. He has not been placed in the straitjacket at any time. As the result of his refusal of food he was released on the 26th March under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for ID Health) Act, 1913.

asked the Home Secretary what are the present Regulations govern- ing the employment of foreigners on the crew list of British vessels; if foreigners are being allowed to sign off vessels in this country; whether any control of the movements of such foreigners is being kept by the Department; and if his Department are taking effective steps to prevent the entrance into this country of Bolshevist propagandists under the guise of seamen?

As regards the first paragraph of the question, I am advised that the employment of foreign masters on board British ships is restricted by Defence of the Realm Regulation 37 D and that the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, prohibits the engagement of foreigners in the crew whose knowledge of the English language is insufficient. As regards the rest of the question, I beg to refer to the answer which I gave last Thursday to the hon. and gallant Member for the Penrhyn and Falmouth Division as to the close control which is maintained over the landing of alien seamen in this country.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the actual number of seamen employed on steamships and sailing ships of foreign nationality who have deserted at British ports during the past five months; what steps are taken to procure the custody of foreigners who desert from ships; how many such deserters have been apprehended; whether these deserters have been able to substantiate their claims that they have been seamen either during or before the War; and whether he is satisfied that their discharge books and papers are genuine authorised documents?

This question is covered to some extent by the answer I have just given to another question by the hon. Member. But I may add that an alien seaman who lands without the permission of an aliens officer is liable to immediate arrest and prosecution. No separate record is kept of the numbers of alien seamen who land without permission and succeed in evading arrest, but the number is very small and there has certainly been no increase during the last five months. The discharge books and other papers of all alien seamen are carefully scrutinised both by the aliens officers and the police, and any forged documents would be at once detected.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give the names of the candidates at the recent General Election who failed to obtain one-eighth of the votes recorded in the constituency they contested, and also the names of these constituencies?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The names of the constituencies and candidates are as follow, but as regards the latter there may be some errors, as in all cases full particulars have not yet been received at the Treasury from returning officers. It should be noted that, owing to the operation of Sub-section (2) and Section 27 of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, a candidate for a two-membered constituency does not necessarily forfeit his deposit, though he may have failed to obtain one-eighth of the votes recorded.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether Treasury sanction has been obtained to meet the necessary cost in connection with the schemes formulated by the Advisory Committee for the Assistance of the Blind; and whether these schemes are to be carried into effect without delay?

The matter is being gone into afresh with the Committee, as various points in their scheme need careful consideration before the necessary financial provision can be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the present exclusive service between London and Edinburgh on the East Coast route is to be discontinued, and the service by the West Coast route restored?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will state the total quantity of general merchandise originating on the system of the restrictive railway companies conveyed by railway during the last period for which he is able to obtain returns since 1913; and what was the total cost, as well as the cost per ton and per mile, of conveying this general merchandise from point to point upon the railway, apart from any expenditure for signalling at junctions connecting terminal stations and private sidings with the railway; (2) if he will state the total receipts and total expenditure of the railway companies during the last period for which he is able to obtain returns since 1913; how much of that expenditure was for services and accommodation at passenger stations, at goods stations, including locomotives and signalling employed at goods stations, for road vehicles, steamboats, canals, docks, harbours, and harves, hotels, refreshment rooms, and catering for other separate businesses, and for miscellaneous and all receipts and expenditure other than for the conveyance by railway of passengers and merchandise?

Some information regarding the total receipts and expenditure of the railway companies in 1917 and the two previous years are given in the issue of the "Board of Trade Journal," dated 2nd January last, but I am not in possession of the detailed particulars desired by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will state the exact number of permits to fish applied for under the terms of the Board's Sea Fishing Order No. 1 (Motor Trawling in Cardigan Bay) for each of the following ports: Pwllheli, Portmadoc, Barmouth, Aberdovey, and Aberystwyth; whether applications for permits have been received from any other fishing ports in the bay; and whether he can give the exact number of permits to fish applied for for the whole of the Bay?

Twenty-two applications were received for permits to fish under the terms of the Sea Fishing Order No. 1 (Motor Trawling in Cardigan Bay). Nineteen permits were actually issued; one application was cancelled, and two permits were not issued because the boats were laid up. The applications came from the following ports: Pwllheli 3 Portmadoc 3 Barmouth — Aberdovey 4 Aberystwyth 5 *Other fishing ports in Cardigan Bay 3 †Fishing ports in Wales outside the Bay 4 22 *Cardigan 1, Llanbedr 1, Llanaer 1; total 3. † Beaumaris 2, Ferryside 1, Carnarvon 1; total 4.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can now state the scientific, technical, or other qualifications of the two assistant fishery inspectors who have been appointed for Wales?

I am sending to-day to my hon. Friend the statement to which I referred in answer to the question which he addressed to me on the 19th March. This will be found to contain the information which my hon. Friend desires.

Names of Officer Date of Appointment Previous Occupation J. L. Jack 1st April 1919 … District clerk Fife. D. Ronald C.E., F.R.S.E. 30th March, 1914 … Burgh engineer, Falkirk J. B. Puttcrson, B.Sc 1st August, 1917 … Assistant City engineer, Dundee. J. Wilson, F.R.I.B.A. 5th March, 1915 … Assistant City engineer, Dundee. W. Ross Young 1st July, 1918 … Resident manager and engineer at Rosyth and town planning engineer, Middle ward, Lanark. H. M. Wylie 1st August, 1918 … supervising clerk of works, Ministry of Munitions Housing Scheme, Mid-Lanark, and assistant, City Parks Department, Glasgow. Miss McMichael 1st April, 1919 …

The question of the salaries of these officers is at present under consideration of the Treasury, upon a representation made by the Board.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Local Government

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Local Government Board in Scotland have adopted any recognised system of defining the qualifications of applicants and of examining such persons when making the appointments of inspectors and other officials charged with the duty of consulting with various local authorities in respect of housing and town planning; and whether a list of all such inspectors and officials may be issued to show the date of their appointment, the previous occupation of each gentleman prior to accepting the offer of the Local Government Board, and the present salary and allowance attached to each appointment?

In making such appointments as are referred to, the Local Government Board have regard to the nature of the duties to be performed and the qualifications of applicants to carry out these duties. Before any such appointments have been made, the applicants are interviewed by the Board. The following is a list of the present officers of the Board whose duties include that of consulting with local authorities in respect of housing and town planning. Further appointments are in contemplation:

Board in Scotland are yet in a position to state when the simplified series of Regulations regarding town planning will be issued, as was promised in a letter, dated 30th January, from the Local Government Board office in Edinburgh; whether at the present time the only Regulations at present in force in Scotland are those issued under the Town Planning (Scotland) Act, 1911; and whether he will consider what steps can be at once taken to assist all local authorities bringing forward the schemes for housing and town planning under modern conditions in anticipation of forthcoming legislation, and to ensure that no needless delay takes place through antiquated procedure stifling public enterprise?

The Local Government Board are not yet in a position to state when the simplified aeries of Regulations regarding town planning will be issued, as the amended Regulations will require further revision in the light of the provisions as to town planning which will appear in the Scottish Housing Bill. It is accordingly considered desirable to await the passing of that measure before the amended Regulations are issued. The only Regulations at present in force are those issued in 1911 under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909. The Board are taking every step to assist local authorities with their housing and town-planning schemes, and have made certain proposals for the increase of their staff for this purpose.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Local Government Board in Scotland have yet decided upon the professional fees to be paid to those architects serving on the panels in Soot-land to consult with local authorities in regard to housing and town planning; and whether he is aware that the difficulty experienced by various local authorities in carrying out the procedure for submitting schemes for the approval of the Local Government Board in Scotland is greatly due to the complications connected with the appointment of architects by the local authorities before the proposed schemes have received official approval?

The amount of architects' fees that will be allowed as a charge against housing schemes is receiving consideration by the Board. The Institute of Scottish Architects has issued a scale of fees, and the Board have invited the institute to confer in the matter with a view to an authoritative pronouncement being made. This invitation has been accepted. Meantime local authorities may make their arrangements as to the terms of architects' remuneration, and the Board are prepared to indicate in individual cases whether these arrangements are acceptable. I am not aware of any complications having arisen in connection with the appointment of architects.