asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Government is issuing Four per Cent. War Bonds at 101½, whilst Bonds bearing the same rate of interest can be bought in the open market at 100¼?

These Bonds are issued because there continues to be some demand for them. I am not prepared to issue a Four per Cent. Tax Compounded Bond at a lower price.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to allow deductions from Income Tax on all premiums of insurance paid by parents or guardians of boys under the age of twenty-one years, and girls under twenty-five years?

I am not prepared to propose any extension of the present allowances for life insurance premiums.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to grant any, and what, relief to superannuation funds from the burden they at present bear under the Income Tax laws?

The question raised by my hon. Friend is part of the general question of the treatment for Income Tax purposes of undistributed income, and, as I stated on the 31st ultimo in reply to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury, I do not propose to introduce legislation on this subject in anticipation of the relevant findings of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether all employers are legally bound to make returns to tax surveyors of all employés, including manual workers, who are liable to pay Income Tax, even when the necessary forms are not sent to them for that purpose by the district tax surveyor?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Income Tax Acts impose upon employers a legal obligation to render returns of their employés in accordance with conditions prescribed by the Acts. I am not sure that I appreciate the exact point which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, but if he will communicate to me the particulars of any case arising out of this provision of the law, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in consequence of the increased prices of alcoholic drinks, hotel-keepers now find that the proportion between receipts from alcoholic drinks and the receipts from other sources is entirely changed; and whether he will arrange in the Budget to adjust the hotel licence duty accordingly?

I am afraid I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government contemplates the introduction this Session of any measure to assist statutory companies in raising capital for improvements and extensions of their undertakings, in view of the limited scope of the Statutory Companies (Redeemable Stock) Act, 1915?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Government are not at present contemplating any amendment of the Statutory Companies (Redeemable Stock) Act, 1915.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is now prepared to reconsider the decision as to prices for the 1919 potato crop; and whether he is prepared to recommend the Government to now guarantee to potato growers a minimum price based on that of 1918?

I have been asked to reply. It is not intended to depart from the announcement made in January last, in which it was stated that the Food Controller does not propose to take over the 1919 potato crop, and hopes that it will not be necessary either to fix prices or to interfere with the normal methods of its distribution.

asked the Food Controller whether there are stocks of black- berry and blackberry and apple jam with manufacturers in Ireland for which permits cannot be obtained to supply the mining districts of South Wales, and why he sends jams from Tasmania and elsewhere to South Wales which the miners do not want, and keeps back Irish jams which the miners do want?

The Order prohibiting the export of jam from Ireland was made by the Food Control Committee for Ireland with the concurrence of the Ministry of Food, as it was necessary to retain all the jam manufactured in Ireland in order to meet the requirements of that country. The Ministry have not sent Tasmanian jams to South Wales; this commodity is distributed through ordinary trade channels. I may add that wholesale dealers in South Wales have requested the Ministry to inform them where Tasmanian and other Colonial jams could be obtained.

asked the Food Controller whether the large quantity of spirits soon becoming available for clearance, which was the property of the Minister of Munitions, and which is no longer required by them, could be offered to those merchants who experience a great difficulty in obtaining stocks to enable them to keep their businesses going, and who have to pay their licences and general outgoings whether stock is available or not?

It is understood that the spirit in question has already been sold by the Minister of Munitions to the distillers by whom it was manufactured.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction among the teachers of Ireland with the prevalent system of inspection; that teachers have no confidence in appeals from inspectors of lower rank to higher rank; that the conference of the Antrim and Derry County National Teachers' Union and the Council of the Protestant Teachers' Union have formulated a demand for a Court of appeal in which teachers can have confidence; and what steps, if any, will be taken to allay the discontent that prevails in regard to this matter?

Representations have from time to time been made by the teachers to the Commissioners of National Education in which some dissatisfaction was expressed in regard to the system of inspection and a resolution of the Irish Protestant National Teachers' Union to the effect mentioned in the question was communicated to them about eighteen months ago. A statement has also been received from a conference of Antrim and Derry national teachers on the subject. The Commissioners have had the question of appeals against inspectors' reports under consideration on several occasions, and about a year ago in connection with the appointments of divisional inspectors they adopted a new procedure in this matter which they trust will prove satisfactory.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if resolutions had been received from bodies of national teachers by the Irish Government and the Commissioners of National Education asking that in inquiries held witnesses should be examined on oath, the legal practitioners retained should be at liberty to examine and cross-examine witnesses, and the parties should be at liberty to employ counsel; that when a manager makes a charge against a teacher, and fails to attend the inquiry and prosecute the charge, he should be dismissed; and what action it is proposed to take on these resolutions?

The resolutions referred to have not been received. Inspectors under the Board of National Education are not empowered to examine witnesses on oath, and although teachers may have the benefit of legal advice during the course of an inquiry the person so employed is not permitted to take any part in the inquiry beyond advising his client or suggesting questions to the inspector to be put at his discretion to the witness. The action, if any, which the Commissioners would take in the event of a manager adopting the course set forth in the latter part of the question would be governed by the circumstances of the case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that James Reilly, of Killegar, Killeshandra, county Cavan, while a constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary, enlisted in the Army and was wounded at the front, losing the big toe of his right foot; that, in consequence of this loss, the Royal Irish Constabulary authorities refused to reinstate him in the force; that, in spite of his disability, the Birmingham municipal authorities employed him as a constable in the Birmingham City Police, where he discharged his duties for several months to the satisfaction of the authorities; and whether, in view of the fact that Reilly has fully proved his ability to discharge his duties as a policeman in spite of his wounds, he will call upon the constabulary authorities in Dublin to reinstate him?

The facts are as stated. The surgeon of the force reported that James Reilly was unfit for constabulary service as the injury to his foot was likely to give trouble in marching, and he was informed that in consequence he could not be readmitted to the force. Ex-Constable Reilly has, on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Constabulary, been employed in the Birmingham. Police Reserve, into which men are taken who, on physical grounds, would not be capable of performing the ordinary duties devolving upon members of a police force such as the Royal Irish Constabulary. There are no positions in the force which could be given to men who are not fit for all the ordinary duties of a constable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that under a special scheme of the Government Army horses are offered to ex-soldiers at £7 10s.; whether ex-soldiers who have made application in Ireland are informed that the scheme does not apply to Ireland, and whether he will at once issue instructions that the benefits of this scheme will be extended to Irishmen who have served in the War?

I understand that the Irish Department of Agriculture through fear of possible infection strictly prohibit the import into Ireland of Army horses from theatres of war or horses of foreign extraction. It is for this reason, and also because no Territorial trainings take place in Ireland, that the scheme under which Army horses are boarded out with liability to be called up for annual Territorial training is not applied to Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large numbers of workers in Belfast are compelled to live in Portadown, Lisburn, Lurgan, Bangor, and other centres upwards of twenty miles from Belfast, owing to the lack of housing accommodation in that city; and whether, in view of the long distances travelled and the increased cost on the railways, he will, as Controller of Railways, order special fares to be issued to these workers?

My right hon. Friend is not in a position to take the action suggested. The grant of specially reduced fares could not well be confined to a particular locality, and in present circumstances it would not be practicable to make a general concession of the kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the workman's ticket on English and Scottish railways has not been increased as has been done by the Belfast railways; whether he is aware that between Clydebank and Glasgow, a distance of 7 miles, the fare is 1s.; between Glasgow and Alexandria, 17 miles, 2s.; and Sunderland and Newcastle-on-Tyne, 14 miles, 2s.; whether these fares are much lower than the fares on the Belfast railways over similar distances; and whether, in view of the fact that the Belfast railways are paying good dividends, he will, as Railway Controller, order similar cheap fares for workmen on these lines?

(2) Whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to the result of his communications with the Belfast railway companies on the matter of the increased workmen's fares; whether he is aware that the workmen travelling by workmen's trains from Bangor are, as a result of the new increase, compelled to pay one third-class return journey per day, an amount which is much in excess of that paid by the second-class ticket holders, who, in addition to paying less, have the privilege of travelling this journey as often as they may each day; that the workman now pays £10 8s. per annum third-class, while the second-class ticket costs only £9 18s. per annum; and whether he will, in view of these facts, take action to remedy the grievance complained of?

As I pointed out in the reply which I gave to the question on this subject which the hon. Gentleman asked on the 10th March, it is not quite correct to say that workmen's fares in the Belfast district have been increased. I will, however, look into the matter further with a view to ascertaining whether there is in any way in which the grievance complained of could be met.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the discontent that prevails amongst many of the seamen of the Naval Reserve stationed at Malta; and what steps he proposes to take to allow of the early return of these men to this country?

We are aware of the disappointment naturally felt by all men hoping for early demobilisation, and steps are being taken to bring back to England, as far as they can be spared, from all foreign stations all men eligible for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private A. J. Jones, No. 44520, D Company, 9th Battalion, Worcester Regiment, who joined His Majesty's Forces on 30th August, 1914, is entitled to immediate discharge; and, if he is not so entitled under the Regulations, whether, in view of the fact that Private A. J. Jones was wounded twice in France, and has since served in Mesopotamia for two years without leave, and afterwards in Russia, and that he is the only son and principal support of his mother, directions may now be given for his discharge?

Inquiries are being 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 the release of Private F. Newbold, No. 2643, 5th Northern Non-Combatant Corps, Avington Park, Winchester, as a pivotal man was recommended by the Ministry of Labour and ordered by the War Office on 20th January last, but has never been carried out; and whether he will take action in the matter?

At the time referred to by the hon. Member, men of the Non-Combatant Corps were not eligible for demobilisation. Orders have now been issued for this man's demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Lance-Corporal H. Fuller, No. 224251, 402nd Highland Field Company, Royal Engineers, West Runton, Yorks, has not been released, seeing that the papers for his discharge as a one-man business proprietor were endorsed by the Appointments Department, Ministry of Labour, Bristol, on the 2nd January, 1919; and whether, as he is the only wheelwright in an agricultural village, his discharge can be expedited?

Lance-Corporal Fuller is not registered by the War Office as pivotal or for special release. I am informed, however, by the Ministry of Labour that he is registered as a "slip" man. A man registered as such is not entitled to immediate demobilisation, but receives a certain priority if otherwise eligible for demobilisation. If Lance-Corporal Fuller is eligible under current instructions he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give directions for the demobilisation of Second-Corporal H. C. Stone, No. O 2134, 117th Company, Army Ordnance Corps, who is over forty years of age; and whether this man is entitled to his discharge under the Regulations?

If Corporal Stone's age is as stated he would appear to 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 be released as soon as his services can be dispensed with or he can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Bombardier R. L. Williams, No. 837086, C Battery, 307th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, now serving in France, after joining the Colours at the age of eighteen in the early part of 1915, is entitled to immediate discharge; whether he is aware that Bombardier Williams handed to his commanding officer on 16th January last the necessary papers required by the Regulations to secure his discharge; and why he has been retained while younger men of shorter military service have been discharged?

If Bombardier Williams joined the Colours for continuous service in 1915 he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed his term of Colour service. It is not known what my hon. Friend means by "necessary papers," but he is not registered by the War Office as pivotal or for special release, and it would appear that he is probably a "slip" or "contract" man.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Sergeant-Major Hibbs, No. T4/249131, Royal Army Service Corps, attached to 2/3 S.M. Field Ambulance, who has served continuously throughout the War from 4th August, 1914; whether he is aware of the fact that Sergeant-Major Hibbs' father is now mentally incapacitated and that his only other brother is serving in His Majesty's Forces; and whether Sergeant-Major Hibbs may now be granted his discharge either on compassionate grounds or under the Regulations for the purpose of supporting his mother?

I am informed that there is no trace of any application on compassionate grounds having been received by the War Office relating to Sergeant-Major Hibbs, and that he is not registered for special release. If my hon. Friend will obtain a statement giving full facts of the compassionate grounds on which the application is based, vouched for by himself, a clergyman, a justice of the peace, or a doctor, the case will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiries whether it is possible to release Signalman John Shearer, No. 376949, No. 4 Platoon, A Company 2/10th Royal Scots, North Expeditionary Force, from military service, in view of the fact that an application for his release has been made by the senatus of his university; that he has had no leave since he joined up in 1917; and that it is important that his educational career should not be further interrupted?

The release of this soldier is not possible until the port of Archangel is open, and then only if a relief is provided. Relief of such men is engaging the earnest attention of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now had further particulars sent him, as required, with reference to the demobilisation of Corporal John Croy, No. 25330, 4th Corps, Heavy Artillery, Royal Engineers, Signals, British Expeditionary Force, France, on compassionate grounds, as his mother has seriously suffered in health and his business is rapidly being ruined?

Instructions have now been issued for the demobilisation of Corporal John Croy as a compassionate case on domestic grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the cause for delay in the demobilisation of Sapper E. Barry, No. 172630, 7th Indian Division, Royal Engineers (Signal Company), who was enrolled by the Postmaster-General as an applicant for enlistment prior to 26th October, 1915, attested on 8th December, 1915, was called upon as a Reservist to rejoin the Colours on 3rd June, 1916, was released by the Postmaster-General by order of the directors of Army Signals, Home Defence, on 8th June, 1916, served two and a-half years on active service without home leave, serving through two campaigns in Mesopotamia and one in Palestine, and received on 8th February a certificate entitling him to demobilisation, duly approved by the Reading Labour Exchange and dated 18th January, which had been delayed and redirected from the base signal depot, and should have reached him, had he been in a less remote theatre of war, before 1st February, the date of the new Army Order?

Sapper Barry is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal, demobiliser, or for special release. It would appear that the certificate referred to, which was approved by the Reading Labour Exchange, was probably the usual "contract" offer of employment, which, does not entitle a man to immediate demobilisation, but entitles him to a certain priority of release if otherwise eligible. In view of the fact that he did not join the Colours for continuous service prior to 1st January, 1916, he is ineligible for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Private R. H. Fellows, No. 53547, will be demobilised, and what is the reason of the delay, in view of the promise of both himself and the Ministry of Labour to expedite his release.

A wire was sent to General Headquarters, France, some time ago, inquiring as to the cause of the delay in sending Private Fellows, 2/4th Somerset Light Infantry, for dispersal, but no reply has yet been received. A wire has again been sent asking for an early report, and as soon as this is received I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver F. Brown, E 212315, 280th Company, Army Service Corps, British Expeditionary Force, France, joined the forces early in 1915, that he was forty-five years of age last October, and that employment is waiting for him; and, seeing he has a wife and six children dependent upon him, and that his wife's health is breaking down through being compelled to go out to work in order to provide for her children through Army allowances being insufficient, will he give immediate instructions for the man's demobilisation?

If Driver Brown's age is as stated he is eligible for demobilisation, and will be released as soon as he can be replaced or his services can be dispensed with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the 145th Field Ambulance, British Expeditionary Force, Germany, a notice has been posted up to the effect that all men are definitely required and are not awaiting demobilisation; whether he is aware that a large number of the men are pivotal men, contract men, and slip men, and enlisted in 1914–15; whether he will explain the reason for these men not being demobilised like men in other- units; and whether, if reinforcements are necessary before the men can be demobilised, he will take steps to have such reinforcements sent as early as possible?

The 145th Field Ambulance was transferred from France to Egypt, and was disbanded in Egypt last year, and I am afraid the hon. Member has been misinformed as to the number of the unit. I would point out, however, that men of the Royal Army Medical Corps and other corps are liable to be retained, even though eligible for demobilisation, 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 if he can state the number of men already in and recruited to the Territorial Force from August, 1914, to the 24th June, 1916, and the total number of casualties during the period of the War?

The figures for the exact dates mentioned are not available, but the strength of the Territorial Force on 1st July, 1914, excluding officers and permanent staff, was 255,864, and the number of recruits taken between that date and 28th June, 1916, was 888,989. As regards casualties, the figures are subject to revision, and at present they probably include some attached men not belonging to the Territorial Force, but the latest figures covering the whole period of the War, and excluding officers are: Killed, 115,576; killed, wounded, and missing, 541,245.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of complaints regarding the conditions prevailing at the camp at Dunkirk; whether he is aware that in the case of one soldier, B. W. F. Starling, Clerk 1, No. 216033, Headquarters, 83rd Wing, Royal Air Force, British Expeditionary Force, France, he arrived at Dunkirk Camp in February in good health, not having had a day's illness during the sixteen months he had been overseas; that after five days in the camp, where the arrangements for the supply of food were inadequate, the camp inches deep in mud and water, and the soldier having to sleep under canvas in cold weather with only a wet blanket to cover him, he was sent across to England, the feeding arrangements still being inadequate and was demobilised at midnight on Friday, the 21st February; that on the following morning he had to be taken into Purfleet Military Hospital, where he died on Monday, the 24th February; and whether he will institute a thorough inquiry into the matter with a view to some improvement being made in the conditions of this camp?

I have no information regarding this matter at present, but inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the quarry owners, to relieve the situation for the time being, may be permitted to send out material in case of necessity without permit, while at the same time always giving preference to orders under permit?

An Army Council Order removing this control is about to be issued, so that it will no longer be necessary to obtain permits before sending out the material in question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the sense of injustice felt by the officers of the Special Reserve and Territorial regiments owing to the fact that on their volunteering or being retained for the Army of Occupation they have to relinquish all acting rank, whereas officers in the New Army are allowed to keep their temporary rank; and whether he will consider the possibility of seeing that all these officers are treated in the same way?

Officers of the Special Reserve, Territorial Force, and New Army retained, or volunteering for the Armies of Occupation all retain such temporary rank as was granted to them while serving with a unit. Officers of the Special Reserve, Territorial Force, and New Army all relinquish any acting rank that may have been granted to them. Equal treatment is therefore granted to all classes of officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that the good conduct pay granted to chaplains on active service is not equal to the gratuity received by a combatant officer on demobilisation; and whether, in view of the pay of Army chaplains, he will see his way to increase the gratuities to chaplains?

I am not clear what my hon. and gallant Friend means by "good conduct pay." As regards the gratuity on demobilisation, a chaplain receives either a gratuity under Article 497 of the Pay Warrant, like the combatant officer, or a gratuity of sixty days' pay per year under a special contract.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will empower the Committee which is about to consider the question of procedure at courts-martial to also consider and report on the procedure at Courts of inquiry, and the desirability of either abolishing such Courts altogether or of giving to a soldier summoned before one the right of substituting trial by court-martial should he prefer it?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to paragraph 666 of the King's Regulations and Rule of Procedure 124 for the conditions under which Counts of inquiry are assembled. A Court of inquiry is an assembly of officers whose duty is to assist superior authority in arriving at a correct conclusion on any questions in regard to which full information is desirable, such questions for the most part having no relation to matters which may subsequently form the subject of trial by court-martial. The proceedings of a Court of inquiry, and statements of any kind made thereat, are not admissible as evidence except where an officer or soldier is tried under Section 29 of the Army Act for wilfully giving false evidence before such a Court, and then only when the evidence at the Court of inquiry was taken on oath, a quite exceptional pro- cedure. No officer or soldier is therefore prejudiced by being summoned before a Court of inquiry, and as the Court of inquiry is necessary to enable the superior authority to arrive at a correct conclusion, the question of substituting trial by court-martial can hardly at that stage arise. No useful purpose would in these circumstances be served by referring these matters for the Committee's consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if a Regular soldier who joined the Army in September, 1898, served in the South African campaign, transferred to the Reserve in September, 1905, and reengaged in Section D in 1910, and, as the result of a communication from the Army authorities, re-engaged on the Reserve for a further four years from May, 1914, is entitled, after completing twenty and a half years' continuous service with the Colours and the Reserve and being invalided out after serving in the present war, to a pension allowance and, if so, of what amount, or to a bounty payment under the Army Act, 1916?

If by the Army Act, 1916, my hon. and gallant Friend means Army Order 209 of 1916, giving bounties to men compulsorily retained with the Colours, the soldier (who does not appear to have been so retained) would not be entitled to such bounty. The question as to a pension should be addressed to the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Mr. S. R. Cole, of Sandy Lane, Church Crookham, Hants, late Private S. R. Cole, No. 496873, 590th Home Service Labour Corps, attached to the 1st London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers, who was a Reservist in the Royal Field Artillery and served with that regiment, from 4th August, 1914, at Mons, at the Dardanelles, in Egypt, and France, until March, 1917, and who was discharged from the Army on 5th February, 1919, has not received any war gratuity; and if he will give instructions for this to be paid to him at once and any credit money due to him?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. and gallant Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that serious delays are occurring in the issue of payments to soldiers, especially prior to demobilisation; whether the system of ring-paper payments against Post Office vouchers is working indifferently; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this?

As far as my information goes the system is working well. If there is any failure in individual cases it is owing to some failure to carry out the instructions, and I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any oases that come to his notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Lieutenant H. Pemberton, King's Own Royal Lancashire Rifles, awarded the Military Cross 9th April, 1918, was wounded in face and hand at Givenchy on 8th June, 1918, has been in hospital since then save for six weeks' sick leave, and has applied for and failed to get a special medical board; that Surgeon Maunsell, Dublin Castle Red Cross Hospital, certified on 2nd December, 1918, that the injury to his left hand and wrist imposed a disability which was considerable and permanent, and as a result of an operation in January, 1919, his left hand and wrist have been rendered practically useless; has he been refused a wound gratuity; and will his case be reconsidered?

I am informed that as this officer's wounds were not classified as "very severe" he was not granted a wound gratuity. Arrangements are being made for Lieutenant Pemberton to appear befòre a special medical board.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no gratuity is payable with the meritorious service medal unless the soldier is above the rank of corporal?

I think my hon. Friend is under some slight misapprehension. The Army Order of 1916 which made men below the rank of sergeant eligible for this medal provided that no gratuity would be issued in such cases, and this was followed by a further Order in 1917 which provided that no gratuity would be issued in any future case, whatever the soldier's rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that under Army Orders 54/19 and 55/19 provision is made for the personnel of the Army pay offices overseas and in the United Kingdom to receive a weekly addition to their pay according to rank; if the application made on behalf of civilian paymasters performing similar work to receive this bonus has been refused; and, if so, whether, as the present state of things results in many cases in civilian acting-paymasters having under their direction and control warrant officers in receipt of pay exceeding that of those under whom they serve, he will consider the matter with a view to an equitable adjustment being made?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham on 3rd April, to the effect that the war bonus given to the Army of Occupation is confined to commissioned officers and enlisted men whose Army service is prolonged and that it has no application to civilians who are not compulsorily retained in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can inform the House more precisely as to the arrangements for the projected military occasion in Edinburgh to mark the return of the Scottish troops; and whether, having regard to the widespread interest aroused throughout Scotland, he will arrange with the Railway Executive to organise such railway facilities as are possible, so as to allow of this event being made a thoroughly national one?

These arrangements are being made in the first instance by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Scottish Command, and I am afraid I cannot make any statement at present. I would venture to suggest that local authorities should consult with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief with a view to considering details of the proposed march of Scottish troops through Edinburgh, which, when settled, would be submitted to the War Office. If the railway facilities required cannot be arranged locally representations will be made to the Railway Executive Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain battalions of the Tank Corps, including the 9th and 4th Battalions, have been specially thanked and honoured by the French Army; and what British units have received special war honours from our French Allies?

I am informed that no official notification has been received in the War Office in the sense of the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. With regard to the second part, no British units have received special war decorations from our French Allies, but several have been cited in French Army Orders.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the total number of tons of paper used each year in the production of the "Daily Review of the Foreign Press," and its various supplements; how many copies of these publications are circulated weekly; and what is the total annual cost involved in this matter in editorial, paper, printing, and other charges?

I am informed that the total number of tons of paper used amounted in— tons. cwts. qrs. 1916–17 to 11 5 2 1917–18 to 19 15 0 1918–19 to 28 9 2

The "Daily Review of the Foreign Press" was discontinued on November 30th, 1918. Its average daily issue was 800.

The five Weekly Supplements (Enemy Press, Allied Press, Neutral Press, Food Supply and Blockade) average 600.

The three Fortnightly Supplements (Technical, Economic and Reconstruction) average 1,500.

The Monthly Supplement (Medical) averaged 2,200. This was discontinued on April 1st, 1919.

The total cost for 1918–19 is approximately £47,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can see his way to take any action with a view to removing the existent disparity in rates of pay and emoluments as between commissaries of ordnance and temporary officers of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, in respect of which commissaries of long Army service appear to be labouring under a sense of injustice?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley on 11th March, to the effect that the comparison drawn is not one of like with like. Normally administrative and executive officers of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps serve under entirely different conditions. Where an executive officer is called upon to perform the duties of an administrative officer for the time being he is given extra duty pay of 2s. 6d. a day, in addition to the emoluments which he would draw as an executive officer. There is no present intention of changing the conditions of pay and emoluments in these cases.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, when a soldier is demobilised, and his pay-book made up and account closed, it should appear that the soldier has already received more money than he is entitled to receive, what steps are taken to recover the debt due to the State?

The steps taken to recover or write off the over-issue vary according to the circumstances of the case and the degree of responsibility resting upon the soldier, his Commanding Officer, or the paymaster concerned. The soldier's war gratuity is not attachable for such debts.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether steps are taken to ensure that the separation allowances and other allowances paid to the wives and relations of soldiers on service cease when the soldier is demobilised and returns home; and is he satisfied that such steps as are taken are in all cases effective?

This matter was carefully considered before demobilisation commenced, and I have no reason to think that the machinery devised for securing the cessation of separation allowances at the expiration of the soldier's twenty-eight days' furlough is other than effective; but if any individual case of failure has come to my hon. Friend's notice, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total number of huts which have been constructed in this country for Army use and the number of such huts at present fully utilised for Army purposes; and whether, in view of the successful experiments recently carried out by the Munitions Inventions Department in converting an Army hut for living purposes, steps have been or are proposed to be taken to transfer suitable huts not needed for the Army with a view to their being converted for housing purposes pending the completion of a permanent scheme?

I regret I am not able to give the actual number of huts which have been erected, but hutted accommodation for approximately 1,100,000 officers and men exists in this country. This is at present either occupied by troops quartered in this country or reserved for units and equipment en route from abroad. Such huts as are from time to time surplus to Army require- ments are handed over to the Disposal Board, Ministry of Munitions, and during the past three months, a small but steadily increasing number have been so handed over for disposal. The reason the number is not larger is that industrial, educational and private premises previously used as stores and billets are being vacated, and it is necessary to utilise the hutment camps instead. I understand that the Ministry of Munitions will advertise the huts available, and private individuals who desire them for housing or other purposes will have opportunities of purchasing them direct from Disposal Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what is the position of a returned prisoner of war as regards substantive rank; and does he lose all chance of the promotion to which he would have been entitled had he not been shot down?

Prisoners of war on being released are passed to areas, and special orders have been issued that they may be considered for promotion if recommended. Everything is done to make up to them, as far as it is possible to do so, the place they have lost through being taken prisoner.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the reason why Corporal W. Dunshee, No. 225173, 2/4th squadron, Royal Air Force, care of General Post Office, London, who was demobilised on 19th January last, has not received his arrears of pay nor his bounty; is he aware that repeated letters to his pay office at Woking by the pensions officer and the Employment Exchange officer at Smethwick have failed to elicit a reply; that this man met with a serious accident at his work in February and is now in hospital awaiting his fifth operation, and that his progress towards recovery is retarded by worry over the position of his wife, who is in great need; whether he will cause an immediate inquiry to be made; and, if the facts are as stated, what steps will be taken to administer punishment to the officials responsible for this neglect?

There has been a very great pressure of work recently in connection with the payment of arrears of pay and bounty, and in a few cases delay has resulted. I have given instructions which, I hope, will prevent the occurrence of further cases of delay so far as it possible. The account of Corporal Dunshee is now settled, the balance of his pay and his war gratuity having been sent on to him.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the opposition manifested by all parties, moderate and extreme, in India, to the Bills now before the Imperial Legislative Council; and whether, in view of the loyalty displayed by India during the War and in the hopes of ensuring a favourable atmosphere for the introduction of the Reform Bill, he would recommend the Government of India to drop those Bills, at least for the present?

Of the two Bills the Bill proposing certain alterations of a permanent nature in the Indian law of criminal procedure is to be referred back to local governments for consideration. The more important Bill has received the assent of the Governor-General and has become law under the title of The Anarchial and Revolutionary Crimes Act. The provisions of the Bill, as introduced, were sensibly modified during its passage in the Legal Council at the instance or with the concurrence of the Government of India, with the object of limiting the period of its operation, mitigating its penalties and giving greater opportunity to accused persons to establish their innocence. The Secretary of State regrets that the existence of an anarchial and revolutionary movement should have made it necessary to place this law on the Indian Statute Book. This action has been taken after careful consideration and on the advice of an influential and representative commission, and the Government of India are satisfied that it is essential to the peace and security of the public that the Government should be armed with these exceptional powers, to be applied only in areas in which anarchial and revolutionary crime is proved to exist, and the Secretary of State is not prepared to disregard the findings of this Commission and the views of the Government of India by advising His Majesty to disallow the Act. This legislation does not, of course, reflect on, and its necessity is not affected by, the splendid loyalty of the Indians as a whole, and will affect only that small portion of the population to which it applies.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether an officer of the Indian Army, aged twenty, who has contracted dysentery in Mesopotamia is entitled to leave to the United Kingdom; and how often home leave is granted to Indian Army officers in normal circumstances?

In the circumstances mentioned in the question the officer would be given leave to the United Kingdom if the medical board certified that his health required it. With certain restrictions, in peace time an officer can be granted leave whenever he can be spared. Roughly speaking, before the War, a regimental officer might count on about eight months' combined leave every two and a half years.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the desirability of granting a bonus of 20 per cent. to retired officers of the Indian Army in respect of their pensions?

The Secretary of State is not prepared to adopt the suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is prepared to expedite the increase in pensions to retired officers of Indian services recommended in the Montagu-Chelmsford Reform Scheme?

The Government of India have already assured the Secretary of State that they are doing all they can to expedite the settlement of the recommendations of the Indian Public Services Commission, one of which is that the normal limit of non-contributory pensions awardable to officers of the Indian Services on retirement should be raised to Rs. 6,000 a year.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the speech of Mr. George Lansbury in Hyde Park on Sunday, 30th March, when he made statements suggesting that soldiers in the British Army should join their labour comrades and act here as the soldiers in the Russian Army had done; and what action, in view of this incitement to mutiny, he proposes to take?

The matter has been considered, but it has been decided that it would not be in the public interest to prosecute Mr. Lansbury for the speech in question.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider whether the time is now opportune to abolish the special war tax of 6d. added to the registered fare marked upon the taxi-meter of motor cabs in the Metropolitan area, and to substitute, for a period of one year, a revised scale of authorised fares upon the basis of a shilling charged for each mile travelled?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies which I gave on the 25th and 26th March to the hon. Members for the Cleveland and Leominster Divisions.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the official statement with regard to conscientious objectors that there was not a man in prison who could not be out on the following day if he would undertake work, he will say why Harry Baker is still in Gloucester Prison, and why he has been kept in prison for twenty-three months?

The Central Tribunal, having considered this case, reported on 27th June last that Baker could not be said to have any real conscientious objection to military service.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that L. S. Woodruff, a conscientious objector, who has been in prison or detention nearly three years and is in Manchester Prison, having just recovered from an attack of influenza, has been under the doctor for the past six months and has been in hos- pital suffering from gastritis, and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to this man's release on health grounds?

This prisoner, who had a recent attack of influenza, was discharged on medical grounds on the 2nd April.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the American Government are charging a head-tax of £1 14s. for every British subject entering American ports; and what action he proposes to take with reference to the matter?

I am aware that a poll-tax is and has been for many years imposed on all aliens, including British subjects, entering the United States of America. The amount of the tax has been increased from time to time, and now stands, I am informed, at eight dollars. It is a matter within the competence of the United States Government, and there is no action for me to take in regard to it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make any statement as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the closing hours of shops after the War?

I regret I can at present add nothing to previous replies on this point.

asked the Home Secretary whether the rank and file of the provincial police forces will be allowed to give evidence, at the inquiry which is about to be held, through their chosen representative and not merely through the chief constables; and, in that case, who will select the witnesses to be heard?

The Committee on the Police Service will hear witnesses from the rank and file. They will be selected by the members of the force themselves, generally through their representative boards.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Isaac Hall, a native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, who has served nearly twenty-six months in prison, and has been under punishment during a great part of this time, is suffering mentally under the strain of this long imprisonment; and whether he will have inquiries made into his health, both mental and physical, with a view to his release on health grounds?

The medical officer of Pentonville Prison, having examined this man, can find no signs of imprisonment having been detrimental to either his mental or his bodily health; he is fit for military service.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is a possibility of proceeding with the construction of a light railway to Kirkby Malzeard, for which an order was granted by the Railway Commissioners in 1906, and thus avoiding the necessity for delaying a proposal that has already received official sanction until the establishment of the Ministry of Ways and Communications?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The powers granted by the Light Railway Order referred to expired some years ago, and no proposal to proceed with the construction of the line is at present before the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will consider the advisability of allowing all candidates at municipal elections to send one communication free of postage to each elector, with a view to giving the same privilege to candidates for municipal elections as is given to candidates for Parliamentary elections; and if he will take action in the matter?

As at present advised, I am not convinced of the desirability of adopting the course suggested. I do not think a case has been made out for calling on the State to make a contribution to expenses incurred in local elections.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he can state the amount of money spent from taxation on national health insurance, and employers' and employés contributions from the commencement to date?

Approximate statement, in round figures, of expenditure on national health insurance, including expenditure on all the benefits in cash and in kind and on administration (central and local) from the commencement of the Act up to 31st March, 1919: — Moneys provided by Parliament. ( a ) Moneys from Contributions. ( b ) Total. £ £ £ England 29,200,000 51,800,000 81,000,000 Wales 2,100,000 3,700,000 5,800,000 Scotland 4,200,000 7,200,000 11,400,000 Ireland 2,300,000 2,300,000 4,600,000 Joint Committee working in all parts of the United Kingdom Kingdom 2,200,000 — 2,200,000 Total 40,000,000 65,000,000 105,000,000 ( c ) ( c )

Included in ( a ) above are sums amounting to approximately £2,380,000 which have been spent from moneys provided by Parliament for the extension of sanatorium benefit to dependants of insured persons under Section 17 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and for the treatment of tuberculosis generally.

In addition to the above there are sums of £300,000 from the Exchequer and £66,000,000 from the contributions that have been placed in reserve and invested, under Section 4 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1918, and Section 56 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, respectively, to meet future liabilities.

( a ) includes (i.) all expenditure from moneys provided by Parliament under Sections 3, 4, 16 (2, b ), 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, and 81 (10) and (11) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and Section 3 (2) of the National Insurance (Part I. Amendment) Act, 1915 (Sub-head G of the Vote for the Joint Committee, Sub- heads F, G, H, J and L, of the Votes for the several Insurance Commissions); (ii.) all the supplementary Grants under Sections 1 and 31 of the National Insurance Act, 1913, and Sections 2 and 4 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1918 (Sub-heads A to F of the National Health Insurance (Special Grants) Vote for the years 1912–13 and 1913–14. Sub-heads E, F and H to N, of the Vote for the Joint Committee and Sub-head K of the Vote for the several Insurance Commissions), and (iii.) the Central Administration ( i.e., of the Joint Committee and the four Commissions' staffs, Sub-heads A to D of the Vote for the Joint Committee, Sub-heads A to E of the Votes for the several Insurance Commissions, and sundry sub-heads of the Votes for various other Government Departments, e.g., Office of Works, Stationery Office, Post Office, etc.)

( b ) and ( c ) include expenditure from the joint contributions of employers and employed persons (of which it is estimated that 55 per cent. is paid by the employed persons), and such small amount of expenditure as can properly be considered to have been met from interest on investments.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Local Government Board have drawn the attention of the Burton-on-Trent Corporation to the dissatisfaction amongst the professional, administrative, and clerical staffs of the corporation with their present war bonus awards; whether the Board have, in a further communication, suggested to the corporation that they should allow the case to go to arbitration if the parties are not able to arrive at an agreement; whether the corporation have intimated that they are not prepared to adopt the Board's suggestion; and, if so, whether he will impress on the Burton-on-Trent Corporation that their attitude towards this question is not in the best interests of local administration?

I am afraid I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for North Tottenham last Monday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the stagnation in the paper trade caused by the removal of the import restrictions, he will, in the interests of labour affected by the closing down of many mills, consider the continuation of the restrictions till September next?

As announced in the House on the 3rd instant, a representative Committee has been appointed to investigate conditions in the paper industry. Pending receipt of the Report of this Committee, I am not able to make any statement on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the position of the State and Railways Commission, presided over by Earl Loreburn, is affected by Mr. Justice Sankey's Commission?

I fear I do not understand the precise meaning of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, and should be obliged if he would specify more clearly the manner in which, in his opinion, one Commission could affect the other.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the restriction on the importation of typewriters makes it a practical impossibility to purchase them; and whether, in the interest of the trade and commerce of the country, he will remove the restriction on their importation?

This matter will fall to be considered by the Imports Consultative Council, and their recommendation on the subject must be awaited.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the committee which is to be appointed to inquire into industrial life assurance will include within its scope the investigation of the wages of industrial life assurance agents?

The terms of reference to the Committee to be appointed to inquire into Industrial Life Assurance have not yet been definitely settled, but the question whether the scope of the inquiry should include the conditions of service of industrial life assurance agents is receiving consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state a date when the Old Kent Road and South Bermondsey stations, on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway, can be reopened for passenger traffic?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to state when these stations will be reopened.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received the Report of the National Committee on Sea Training for Boys; and, if so, whether he will at once give instructions for this Report to be published?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Committee in question has not yet reported.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will follow the example of the Postmaster-General of the United States of America in issuing a postage stamp commemorative of victory, in lieu of the 1½d. denomination now current, as part of the coming peace celebrations?

The British Post Office has not up to the present contracted the habit of issuing commemorative post age stamps, and I think, on the whole, it is better not to make a beginning.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the benefit that would result if motor bicycles and sidecars were taken over from the Army and issued for use of country district post offices for the purpose of providing a more rapid and frequent postal service?

The practicability of extending the use of light motor vehicles for conveyance of mails in country districts is being considered. But I understand that any motor bicycles and sidecars of which the Army is able to dispose of are unlikely to be suitable for this purpose.

asked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes to take in reference to Post Office contracts for the sale of waste paper, in view of the sudden and unexpected removal of the control of sale prices, whereby contractors are left with large accumulations of Government waste paper, for which they are compelled to pay a high price, and which they can now realise only at considerable loss?

The prices for waste paper fixed by the Controller of Paper during the period of control were maximum, not standard prices; and, subject to these maximum prices, firms could tender at any price they pleased. Those firms with whom contracts were placed are paying the prices which they offered in open competition. The fact that certain grades of waste paper are now falling in price must be regarded as an ordinary business risk; and no action is called for to relieve the contractors from their financial obligations under the contracts.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is a good deal of discontent with some of the men employed at the flax works in Dorset-shire because some of them are working from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on week days and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays, for which they are receiving 32s. 6d. per week, whilst others working from 8 a.m. until 5 a.m. on week days and from 8 a.m. until 5 o'clock on Saturdays only get 30s., and that in some cases the men are only receiving 27s, 6d. per week; if he is aware that a man by the name of A. J. Taylor, who resides at North Allington, Bridport, received a letter from Mr. J. Shilton, acting deputy manager at the local office of the unemployment fund, in which he stated that, as trade is generally slack, it would be advisable to accept these terms offered; whether the acting deputy manager is acting in the best interests of the men in giving such advice, and if he will take action in the matter?

I am having inquiry made into the matter referred to by the hon. Member, and hope to be able to give to him, within the next day or two, a detailed reply to the questions raised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many ferroconcrete ships and barges have been purchased by the Government; whether any American-built wooden or steel steamers have been purchased; and how many of these various craft are still afloat and in use?

Apart from the concrete tugs and barges built in this country for Government account, no concrete vessels have been acquired by the Shipping Controller. As regards purchases in the United States of America, only two wooden vessels have been purchased, both of which have been lost (one after transfer to a foreign flag); 169 steel steamers were contracted for in the United States early in 1917; of these eleven were delivered, the remainder being requisitioned by the American Government. Of the vessels delivered, seven have been lost and four are still running.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that firms in neutral countries have been offering hops of enemy origin to British merchants and brewers; and whether he can give an assurance that no licence will be issued for the importation of hops of such origin although offered through the agency of firms as stated above?

The Hop Control Committee inquire very carefully into all applications for importation, and the Board are informed that no application for the importation of hops of enemy origin has been made to this Committee, and none will be entertained.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if the attention of the Board of Agriculture has been called to the scarcity of seed oats and potatoes at Skerries; if steps will be taken to ascertain what amount is actually required; and if steps will be taken to ascertain the number of children of school age in the islands and how long they have been without a teacher?

I have communicated with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, who state that they have no information as to there being any scarcity of seed oats and potatoes at Skerries, but if my hon. Friend will arrange for a statement of the requirements of the district to be submitted the matter will receive consideration. The number of children of school age in the islands is approximately thirty, and they have been without a teacher since the end of June, 1918. There appears to be a possibility that a teacher may be appointed before the close of the current month. Failing such an appointment, it will be the duty of the new education authority for Shetland to make provision for the education of these children.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to an announcement made in the Dominion House of Commons by the President of the Privy Council, to the effect that a permanent Canadian representative at Washington is shortly to be appointed; and whether he has any information to give to the House regarding the status and duties of this appointment?

I have seen a report in the Press of the nature referred to, but the Secretary of State has not yet received any communication from the Canadian Government on the subject.