asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is considerable need for improvement in the economical administration of the railways in India and in East Africa; whether a transport board will be set up in India on the lines now proposed in the United Kingdom; and whether he will secure close co-ordination with the new Ministry of Transport, if set up, with a view to avoiding departmental competition and badly standardised material?

The Committee of inquiry into the future management of Indian Railways which the Government of India propose to institute will no doubt take account of any legislation dealing with transportation that Parliament may enact, and consider whether similar arrangements would be applicable to Indian conditions. The Secretary of State is in entire agreement with the hon. and gallant Member as to the necessity for avoiding departmental competition. The part of the question relating to railways in East Africa should be addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked whether there is reason to believe that the low standard of efficiency of Indian railway administration has an important bearing on the famine problem which, on a small scale, is again confronting certain parts of India; and whether he will have the problem of setting up an efficient transport board gone into immediately with the view of assisting private enterprise to the greatest possible extent?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether he accepts the statement that a low standard of efficiency characterises Indian railway administration which is postulated in the question?

I am about to answer that point in the reply. The Secretary of State is not aware that the standard of efficiency of Indian railway administration is relatively low, or that relief measures in districts which are suffering from crop failure are impeded by the inability of the railways to carry supplies. But with a view to ascertaining what improvements are possible, he has already arranged with the Government of India that a comprehensive inquiry by a Committee or Commission into the whole question of management should be made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Secretary of State for India that he should inquire by a few test cases, such as the relative weight of the wagons and the goods carried on these railways as compared with the English and American railways?

I shall be glad to bring that to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

May I suggest another test, and it is whether or not the Indian railways have not practically abolished famine in India?

asked whether steps are being taken to consider the question of an increase in the rates of pension of British officers of the Indian Army in conjunction with the consideration that is now being given to an increase in the rates of pension of Regular officers of the British Army?

The answer is in the negative. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the Indian Army pension scale is considerably higher than the present scale for British Army officers.

asked whether a Government Commission, representative of the interests of India and of Lancashire, inquired last year into the production and manufacture of cotton; in that case, who were the members of such Commission; when their Report may be expected, and whether it will, as soon as received be made available for Members of Parliament?

The Committee was appointed by the Government of India to consider the possibility of increasing the production of long-stapled cotton. It was presided over by Mr. MacKenna, the agricultural adviser to the Government of India. The members were Messrs. Hodgkinson, Wadia, Henderson, Roberts, and Aston. The Secretary of State hopes to receive the Report shortly from India. He will then decide whether it should be laid.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the Admiralty proposals for the improved scale of pay, pension, and allowances for the ranks and ratings of the Royal Navy will be made public?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is now in a position to state when the Reports of Admiral Jerram's Committee will be circulated; (2) whether the Reports of the Jerram Committee have yet been sent to the Treasury; and can he say when they will be considered by the War Cabinet?

As I said on Monday, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North, the Board got the Jerram Report on Thursday, 27th March. The Committee it at once appointed is now completing its labours, and the Report of that Committee will, I hope, be before the Board within the next few days. The Board's recommendations will immediately be presented to the War Cabinet. Directly that body has taken its decisions, they will be promulgated forthwith. I regret it is manifestly not possible to promise this before the House rises for the Easter Recess. As I have already said, we expect the Report relating to officers from the Jerram Committee shortly.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if men of the lower deck who may have been wounded and have lost a limb or an eye are eligible for wound or disability pensions, but that such are not paid to the men if they are continued in the Service even if such service is by request of the Admiralty; if these pensions are payable to officers who continue serving; if he can explain this difference; and if he will have it remedied?

The statements contained in the question are correct. The matter is one which engaged the attention of Admiral Jerram's Committee, and will be considered by the Board in connection with the Report of that Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some hundreds of subalterns, married men, who have been serving for practically the whole period of the War, have now been accepted for the Army of Occupation; that large numbers of these officers have no other means beyond their pay, and that in most cases an entirely new outfit, costing at the least £30, will be necessary; and whether he will, in order to meet this expenditure, advise the immediate payment of 50 per cent. of the gratuity so far earned but which would not otherwise be payable until the final termination of the officer's service?

Every subaltern accepted for the Army of Occupation draws 3s. 6d. or 4s. per day extra pay from the 1st February by reason of being accepted. It is not considered desirable to anticipate the payment of the gratuity as suggested.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that ex-soldiers now in receipt of pensions in respect of injuries received on service other than active service and prior to the present War are in no way benefited by the provisions of the Royal Warrants increasing the rates of pension awarded for injury received in former wars; and whether he can see his way to extending the benefits of the Royal Warrants so as to include ex-soldiers disabled by injuries received on service other than active service at dates prior to 4th August, 1914?

I am aware of the fact stated. The question is under consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has received a communication from Scotland intimating the proposal to form a Scottish association of local war pensions committees and inviting the views of the Ministry of Pensions thereon, and whether he is now in a position to give a reply?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I may, however, remind the hon. Member that Section 16 of the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1918, only contemplates the formation of one association of local war pensions committees for the United Kingdom. That association has now been formed. Before considering the question of a separate association for Scotland, I propose to await the result of the Conference of Scottish Local Committee representatives on the 15th of this month.

asked when the war gratuities will be paid to the officers and men of the Royal Navy; and whether demobilised officers and men are now entitled to draw their war gratuities?

I have prepared a detailed answer, and as it is lengthy, will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply referred to:

The war gratuities to officers and men of the permanent Naval Service are not due until the prescribed terminating date of the qualifying war period has been reached. Meanwhile, of course, increments of war gratuity are being earned.

As regards the second part of the question, demobilised officers and men are entitled to their war gratuities on being demobilised, and these gratuities are now being paid.

It may be useful if I say that permanent and retired officers who are discharged from active service prior to the prescribed terminating date of the qualifying war period, and who desire early payment, are required to apply to the Accountant-General, Admiralty. Temporary officers are also required to apply for payment. The necessary forms can be obtained on demobilisation either from the accountant officer of the ship concerned or from the Admiralty. Where application is not made within a reasonable time, the form is issued automatically.

Men demobilised after the Armistice who received a protection and identity certificate on discharge need not apply, as action is taken automatically. Men demobilised or discharged during the War, and any men demobilised after the Armistice who did not receive a protection and identity certificate should apply on the special naval form (A.G. No. 305), to be obtained at all naval and marine recruiting offices, at the offices of all superintendents of Mercantile Marine, at the Admiralty, and other places; or the Army Form W. 5063, to be got at any Post Office.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state what steps have been taken to accelerate the demobilisation of naval writers?

Yes, Sir. On the 1st April, authority was given for the three home ports to employ members of the Women's Royal Naval Service, released from bases where they can be spared, and also civilians, to facilitate the demobilisation of writers. My hon. and learned Friend will realise that we cannot yet say how far this will speed up releases, as, of course, the writers will have to instruct their substitutes as a first step.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether special effort can be made to give immediate discharge to Private J. Davis, No. 240695, T Section, 1/5th Gloucestershire Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, France, a blacksmith, who joined up in 1914; whether the Gloucestershire Labour Committee have made every effort to get him back as his work is badly needed for agricultural purposes; whether his father has since died, and a boy of twenty is left to deal with a large shoeing business, over 100 horses being in need of attention as well as agricultural implements; and can he expedite this man's release?

If Private Davis's service is as stated he is eligible for release, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions, and his term of Colour service is not completed. He is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, nor is there any trace of any application regarding him having been received by the War Office. I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that this man is not registered by his Department as pivotal or for special release. If my hon. Friend will obtain a statement giving full facts vouched for by himself, a clergyman, justice of the peace, or a doctor, the case will be considered. The statement should include full particulars as to Private Davis's dependants.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is that Private A. Still, No. 142,556, of the 133rd Labour Company, is not demobilised, although he is forty-three years of age; and is he aware that 80 men out of 150 in this company are over thirty-seven years old and that many younger men have been released from this company?

If Private Still's age is as stated by my hon. Friend he is eligible for demobilisation, and will be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit. With regard to the second part of the question, in making up dispersal drafts a certain order of priority is followed, and each draft includes as far as possible a proportion of men of all classes as laid down in the order of priority. It is unavoidable that some men who are younger or may have had shorter service should also have been demobilised, but it would be unfair, and also inadvisable from the point of view of industrial requirements, to demobilise the whole of the men in one class, to the exclusion of men in other classes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the judge in cases of this sort as to when circumstances permit?

I should like to define that with proper accuracy. I should not like to say off-hand that this or that authority are the judges. The military officers are, as a rule, the judges, But if my hon. Friend will give me notice I will supply an exact answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 1/7th Hampshire Regiment have been stationed at Crater, Aden, since 5th January, 1918, and have been told that they are likely to be there till October; and when the many men at this station entitled to demobilisation may expect to return home for discharge?

The 1/7th Hampshire Regiment have been stationed at Aden since 5th January, 1918. I would refer to the statement I made on the 25th of February regarding troops in India and Eastern stations. The battalions detailed for foreign service are being organised for service abroad as quickly as possible, and if all goes well it should be possible to carry out these reliefs during the course of next autumn. As many men who are eligible for demobilisation will be sent home before the beginning of the hot weather as shipping facilities permit, subject also to the requirements for the minimum garrison.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a notice has been posted at Calais stating that all 1915 men in the Signal Service will be retained; and whether he will take steps to secure equality for all men enlisted in 1914 and 1915?

I am not aware of this, but will have inquiries made and inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible. The Signal Service being part of the machinery of demobilisation must, of necessity, be kept working until the end. To carry on the service certain essential trades are required, and to a large extent these trades include numbers of older men and men of long service overseas. Although every effort has been made to equalise demobilisation in the Signal Service, it is unavoidable that in some cases men of forty-one or of long service overseas have to be retained because they are of these essential trades.

I understand that my hon. and gallant Friend has been asked to postpone these two questions.

I have been asking this question for four years, and I beg to give notice that I will call attention to it on the Motion for the Adjournment for the Easter holidays.

asked whether the rifles and ammunition issued to North Sea trawlers for sinking floating mines have been recalled by the Admiralty; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that floating mines are still frequently seen in the North Sea, he will give instructions for the re-issue of these rifles?

In consequence of the large number of drifting mines present in home waters, instructions were issued some weeks ago to local naval authorities authorising them to supply rifles to suitable applicants for the purpose of destroying these mines.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under the re-constitution of the Coastguard as a pensioner force, some injustice has been done to those petty officers who abstained from taking the retrospective pension, in the expectation held out to them that accelerated promotion would result from their remaining on the active list; and, seeing that those petty officers and men have made their decision prompted by a legitimate hope of rising in the Service, whether steps could be taken to see that they do not suffer by such decision?

I am advised that in promulgating the details of the reconstituted Coastguard force, particular emphasis was laid on the fact that promotion for men electing to remain under the old conditions of service ( i.e., without pension), would be on a "pro rata" basis as compared with the numbers remaining in the old force. In the reconstituted Coastguard force all men, whether serving under the old conditions or as pensioners, will have an equal chance of rising in the Service. Furthermore, all those men who abstained from taking their pensions have quite recently been given an opportunity of reconsidering their decision and taking their pension with retrospective effect.

Can my right hon. Friend say when it was that a further opportunity was given to these men?

No, but it was quite recently.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to continue the series of courses for junior naval officers at Cambridge?

Yes, Sir; it is intended to continue the courses for the present, provided that satisfactory arrangements can be made with the university and college authorities.

asked whether it is proposed that any portion of the Fleet should pay an official visit to the United States in the near future?

No such official visit is in contemplation at the present time.

asked if any decision has been arrived at with regard to Keyham College; and if it is proposed to continue the entry of public school cadets into the Royal Navy?

Yes, Sir. It has been decided that Keyham shall revert to its original use as an engineering college in October next. A further examination for the entry of special entry cadets will be held in June next, when fifteen places will be offered. The question of continuing this scheme of entry subsequently is still under consideration, but if it is decided to do so, other arrangements for the cadet accommodation will have to be made.

asked whether the historical designation the "Grand Fleet" for His Majesty's ships of war will still be retained, and, if not, why not; whether the associations connected with the name of the Grand Fleet are too precious to have it set aside at this time; whether the distribution of the Grand Fleet in sub-divisions under such designations as, for example, the "Atlantic Squadron," the "Channel Squadron," the "Mediterranean Squadron," the "Chinese or Pacific Squadron," are incompatible with the retention of the designation the "Grand Fleet" for His Majesty's Navy as a whole, and whether the designation the "Home Fleet" rather suggests a Fleet in harbour than a Fleet in a state of war preparedness on the high seas?

The Grand Fleet has never been used, as my hon. Friend suggests, as a designation for His Majesty's ships of war as a whole. It has been used to designate our main Naval Force when it was concentrated under a single command and in a particular sphere of operations as one organisation; but a large part of the Navy throughout the War has not been included in the Grand Fleet.

It is not considered that respect for the associations connected with the name would be shown by using it with an entirely different signification, and one which, from a naval point of view, would be meaningless.

In the opinion of the Admiralty, the proper designation for the Navy as a whole is His Majesty's Navy, or, in contradistinction to foreign navies, the British Navy, both of which designations have associations that cannot be equalled. The Admiralty see no reason why the designation "Home Fleet" should be considered to suggest a Fleet in harbour, which is a signification which has never been attached to it. It suggests a Fleet whose normal cruising area is home waters.

asked whether men at distant stations who have not been home for two years can be given leave?

I am advised that it is regretted that my hon. Friend's suggestion is not practicable, but I can assure him that every effort is being made to relieve men from foreign service who have been abroad for long periods.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of neutral ships, together with their nationalities, arrested or seized during the War for carrying contraband of war, laying mines, or supplying hostile submarines or raiders with munitions of war and/or stores?

The information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available and could only be produced, if at all, in the detail indicated, after some weeks of research work involving both labour and expense. I hope, in the circumstances, my hon. Friend will not press his question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the pending negotiations for a Peace Treaty, it might be desirable to let the country know who our real friends have been in the War?

I will put that point before the proper authorities.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has received any resolutions regarding the action of the Admiralty in suspending work on vessels in course of construction on the Clyde; and whether, in view of the advisability of stabilising employment as far as possible during the present transition period, the Admiralty will reconsider their policy in this matter?

Resolutions such as those referred to by my hon. Friend have been received. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by me on Monday last to the Member for the Silvertown Division, in which I explained that after very careful consideration of all the circumstances it had been decided to cancel certain ships under construction, and that the shipbuilders concerned had been notified and requested to stop all work on these ships at the earliest possible date, avoiding, as. far as possible, any sudden dislocation of labour.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the possibility of establishing those dockyard men who volunteered for Zanzibar, the Mediterranean, or other foreign stations, during the period covered by the War, as was done in the case of dockyard men volunteering for Rosyth?

In the case of the men who volunteered for permanent transfer to Rosyth, eventual establishment was laid down as one of the conditions under which men were invited to volunteer. In the case of men volunteering for service at Zanzibar, the Mediterranean and other foreign stations there was no permanent transfer and establishment was not one of the conditions offered to men volunteering. I am afraid we cannot undertake to meet my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not even consider the matter?

The point is that we did begin to provide men to go to Rosyth on the firm understanding that they got establishment. Now my hon. Friend asks us to extend that to these cases, and I am afraid we cannot do it.

May I point out that the men who go to Rosyth go for one year, whereas those who went to Zanzibar went for four years?

The men invited to go to Rosyth were given an assurance of establishment after a certain period when they are permanent.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the submarine base on the Tees is to be abandoned; if so, on what grounds and under whose advice; will he state the total expenditure on the same up to date; and how much of it has been on works of a permanent character?

the question of the retention or otherwise of this submarine base is still under consideration. The decision must await the result of the Peace Conference. The expenditure to date has been £180,000 upon quarters intended for officers and crews, dredging, and temporary landing places. As regards the quarters, which have been completed, they are of a semi-permanent nature adaptable for storehouses or other purposes if not used for the original purpose intended.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Matthew Hardy, George Knight, George Wheeldon, and Mark Williamson, each having six children, and Frederick Barkly, having three children, and Samuel Arche, single, have had their out-of-work donation stopped for refusing to accept work, offered by the Hucknall Urban District Council, Notts, at rates less than the recognised trade union rates; whether Mr. Parker Woodward, chairman of the Court of Referees, is also clerk to the said council; whether he will take steps to secure that a person shall not adjudicate upon cases he is interested in; if he will say whether it is a condition of the out-of-work donation that persons should accept work irrespective of the standard rate of wages offered; and whether he will institute inquiries and, if satisfactory, advise the payment of the donation?

The workmen in question were general labourers, who were offered labouring work under the Hucknall Urban District Council. I am informed that the rate of wages for the work was the recognised standard rate for the Hucknall district, and that this was confirmed by the workmen's representative on the Court of Referees which dealt with the cases, who is the secretary of the Nottingham and District Builders Labourers' Union. I am, however, having further inquiry made into this point. Owing to the illness of the regular chairman of the local Court of Referees his place was taken on this occasion by one of his deputies, Mr. Parker Woodward, who is clerk to the district council. I am satisfied that the impartial hearing of the cases was in no way prejudiced by this fact, and I may add that in each of the cases the three members of the Court were unanimous in their decision.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number for the latest available week of men, women, boys, and girls drawing unemployment donation; and what is the amount they are receiving?

The number of men, boys, women, and girls who drew unemployment donation during the week ended 28th March, 1919, are: Civilians. H.M. Forces. Total. Men … 209,486 305,251 514,737 Boys … 26,461 — 26,461 Women … 488,655 1,012 489,667 Girls … 29,380 — 29,380 Grand total 1,060,245 During the week the amount of donation paid was approximately £1,250,000.

Would it not be better to expedite public works and find work for these people rather than pay this enormous sum in unemployment donation?

I entirely agree with the suggestion of my hon. Friend that it would be better to expedite work, and this is being done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a large number of laundries in this country which are unable to get women workers to-day?

I am aware that there are a number of laundries which have not workwomen to-day, but difficulties arise in connection with the wages that are asked.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many instances these unemployment donations have become incentives to idleness and to preying upon the public purse?

I am afraid it is true that there is a certain amount of abuse of the unemployment donation, and I should be glad if hon. Members would furnish me with particulars of any cases that come to their notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons who have since 21st November drawn the out-of-work donation, the total amount paid cut in donations, the number of applications received up to date for an extension or renewal of policies, and the number of applications granted; if in a large number of cases the unemployment donation has been improperly applied for and carelessly granted; and if he can form any estimate of the number of cases in which it has been so granted?

The number of individuals who have at any time drawn donation cannot be precisely stated. The number of persons actually in receipt of unemployment donation on the 21st March was 738,000 civilians and 265,000 ex-members of His Majesty's Forces. The amount paid out in donation up to the 21st March was about £10,000,000 for civilians and £2,000,000 for ex-members of His Majesty's Forces. On the 26th March 45,319 applications for renewal of policies had been received. Of this number 24,360 had been granted and 7,906 rejected; 13,053 were still under consideration. As to the last part of the question, I am aware that there are many complaints that unemployment donation is improperly obtained. I have no statistics on the subject, but I shall welcome the opportunity of making inquiries into any specific cases which may come to the notice of hon. Members, if they will give me the facts.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that I did give him a specific case about a fortnight ago, and is he aware that I have had no answer?

The case given me by the right hon. Baronet is being gone into.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Lancashire men are refusing to work after Wednesday night in order that they may receive the three days' out-of-work donation, and that with the out-of-work donation their total wages come to 57s. 6d. per week with 3s. for the first child and 1s. 6d. for other children?

I am not aware of the facts as stated by the hon. Member. There is, I know, very great depression in the cotton trade in Lancashire, which is caused directly by the policy of the country, and, if the hon. Member will give me the facts to which he refers, I will inquire into them.

I will send them to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the practice of the Courts of Referees to disallow donation benefit to young women who decline to undertake night work, although the Factory Acts specially provide that young persons should not be called upon to undertake night work; and if he will take action in the matter?

So far as I am aware, it is not the practice of Courts of Referees to disallow donation benefit in the circumstances mentioned in the hon. and gallant Member's question. If he will give me particulars of any such cases of refusal as have come to his knowledge, I will make inquiries and let him know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if the Labour Exchange officer at Warrington disallowed donation benefit to a young lady who was a Sunday-school teacher because she refused to undertake employment as a barmaid at the Lion Hotel, Warrington; if members of the Warrington Advisory Board and Court of Referees have entered an emphatic protest at donation benefit being refused to workpeople for trivial and insufficient reasons; and if he will make inquiries into the matter; and (2) if a discharged soldier suffering from gunshot wound in the leg, deafness, and other physical disabilities was asked by the official at the Warrington Labour Exchange on the 18th February to take on the sale of picture postcards at the local cinema for 3s. a night and 1s. in the £ commission on sales; that he refused this employment in consequence of having other temporary work and because the remuneration offered would not provide a living for his wife and three children; that subsequently his donation benefit was stopped by the Court of Referees; and if he will make inquiries into the matter with a view to restoration of the benefit?

I will cause inquiries to be made into these cases. The result will be communicated to the hon. and gallant Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of applications registered at the Employment Exchanges in Brighton for domestic servants; (2) the number of women on the books at Brighton who have been in service as domestic servants and who are now in receipt of unemployment pay?

I will answer the questions together. The number of women, registered for domestic services at Brighton who drew unemployment pay for the week ending 4th April was 480, and the number of applications for domestic servants at the same date was 380. I am making inquiry as to the facts underlying these figures, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member. Meanwhile I may say that the category of domestic service includes hotel and institution servants, day girls, caretakers, charwomen, cleaners, etc., as well as domestic indoor servants. The numbers of registrations and applications in the last-mentioned class were 54 and 23, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour how many officers have been placed by his officials in appointments with firms in which they were not engaged before the War; and how many officers are still registered with the Appointments Department and have not been found any work?

Two thousand three hundred and twenty-four discharged and demobilised officers and men of similar qualifications are known to have been placed by the Appointments Department with firms with whom they were not engaged prior to joining His Majesty's Forces. A number of officers, however, fail to notify the Department when placed. There are now 9,128 officers and men of similar qualifications registered with the Appointments Department who are immediately available for engagement by employers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reasons for the delays in issuing passports for Scandinavia to British trade representatives; and if he will say whether foreign trade rivals are subject to the same restrictions and delays?

Applications for passports received from trade representatives, especially when supported by the Department of Overseas Trade or Chambers of Commerce, are given special priority, and the passports are issued without delay.

It is necessary for all travellers to obtain the visas of the foreign consuls concerned, and this may occasion some delay. This requirement, however, applies to travellers of all nationalities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has recently been a revolution or coup d'état in Abyssinia, and if he can make a statement as to the condition of affairs in that country?

I have received no confirmation of the reports regarding a revolution in Northern Abyssinia which appeared recently in the Press and to which the hon. and gallant Member doubtless refers. I have, however, telegraphed an inquiry on the subject to His Majesty's representative.

The general situation in Abyssinia has not materially changed since the present regime came into force in 1916. A certain amount of unrest in the more distant provinces is always present and the political condition of the country contains elements of instability owing to the limited control exercised by the Central Government in outlying parts of the country.

Is the dethroned ruler alive or not?

I have no reason to question that he is. But perhaps the hon. Member will give notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the position in Egypt; and whether, in view of public anxiety, he can arrange for a daily Report to be issued?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday in the House.

A telegram from General Allenby received at the Foreign Office confirms the report which has appeared in the Press that a riot took place on the 3rd April in Abdin Square, Cairo. In the course of this disturbance one British civilian official, whose name was not given by General Allenby, was killed. There were some casualties among the demonstrators and the rioters were dispersed by troops.

Subsequent telegrams from Cairo report that no further disturbances have occurred there or in the provinces, and on three successive days the information has been received that the situation is quiet.

Arrangements are being made for issuing periodically to the Press official statements as to the situation.

Will my hon. Friend publish the names of the civilians and military who have been killed in these disturbances?

Yes, Sir. I have been very reluctant to make any official statement with regard to that, because our information has not always been clear or accurate enough. But when we know the facts definitely I shall publish them. But it is inadvisable to do that until we are quite certain of the names of the officers.

Will it be done without waiting for questions to be put on the floor of the House?

I am making arrangements for regular or periodical statements to be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state what are the enactments or other legislative or administrative measures passed by the governments of Allied countries since the War commenced, prohibiting and/or regulating the immigration of subjects of enemy countries; and when he expects to be in a position to give such information to the House?

I have assumed that the hon. Member desires to obtain information as to the legislation, if any, passed in Allied countries to regulate the immigration of subjects of enemy countries after the War, and I have sent out a circular asking for such information. There will necessarily be some delay before the answers come in from the different parts of the world concerned and I cannot name any date on which I shall be able to convey it to the hon. Member, but there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that certain British manufacturers have large numbers of orders in hand for the supply of British goods to French customers; whether he is aware that great difficulty is now experienced in obtaining permits in France for the import of British manufactured goods into that country; whether certain British manufacturers have expended large sums in the extension of their industry with a view to meeting the requirements of the French market, and if appropriate measures will be taken by His Majesty's Government to facilitate the export of British manufactured goods to France?

Negotiations are now proceeding with the French Government with regard to the application of the French import restrictions to British goods.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether sympathetic consideration is being given to the case of members of the West African Civil Service who, after enduring a pestilential climate, manage to reach a pensionable age and now find their pensions inadequate to cover the greatly increased cost of living and other charges; and whether he will follow the practice affecting other workers in healthy as well as unhealthy vocations, and secure for them a bonus or other augmentation of pension?

West African pensions are calculated on a specially liberal basis, and there is therefore no special reason for treating pensioners from the West African Colonies more favourably than those from other Colonies. But the Secretary of State is well aware of the difficulties in which pensioners, in common with all other possessors of fixed incomes of moderate amounts, have been involved owing to the recent rise in prices. He has been in consultation with the Governments of the Colonies generally on all the various questions arising out of these circumstances.

What has been the result of these inquiries so far?

There have been considerable increases of war bonuses.

Does that apply to the West African Colonies?

Yes; considerable war bonuses have been given there.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the approximate value of property to be released by the Government Surplus Property Disposal Board; the constitution of that Board; the commercial status and experience of its various members; whether they are in receipt of salaries; if so, will he give details thereof; and whether, in view of the immense sum at stake, he will consider the desirability of inviting the voluntary co-operation of additional independent commercial men in order that the Government may be assured of realising the greatest possible amount in disposing of its property?

The answer to this is of such length that I ask permission to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to:

The Disposal Board only disposes of Government property when it has been declared by other Government Departments to be surplus to their requirements. Whilst a considerable amount of material has already been passed to the Board for disposal, this represents only a proportion of what will ultimately become surplus. It is, therefore, impossible at present to give even an approximate estimate of the property which the Board will have for disposal. The members of the Board, with their commercial status and experience, are:

Chairman —Mr. F. G. Kellaway, M.P., Deputy-Minister of Munitions.

Deputy-Chairman —Sir Howard Frank, K.C.B., head of the firm of Messrs. Knight, Frank and Rutley, auctioneers and estate agents, and director of Levitt, Frank and Son, and of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Fellow of Surveyors' Institution.

Mr. David Currie, partner in the firm of Lake and Currie, Limited, mining engineers; director and consulting engineer to Briseis Tin and General Mining Company.

Sir Robert Connell, K.B.E., senior partner in Lowden, Connell and Company, shipowners, Liverpool.

Major - General Sir A. R. Crofton Atkins, K.C.B., C.M.G., late Director of Supplies and Transport at the War Office.

Mr. Alexander Walker, head of the firm of John Walker and Sons, distillers, Kilmarnock.

Sir Sydney H. Henn, K.B.E., director of Messrs. Forster and Sons, Limited, and of the Horseley Bridge and Engineering Company, Limited.

Mr. D. Neylan, C.B.E., late Director of Finance at the War Office.

At present the only members of the Board receiving a salary from the Ministry of Munitions are the chairman, who receives his salary as Deputy-Minister and Parliamentary Secretary; General Crofton Atkins and Mr. D. Neylan. In the case of the last two members, the salaries at present being paid are £1,500 and £1,200 respectively, the salaries they were receiving from the War Office, from which Department they have been transferred.

A decision has not yet been taken as to whether any other members of the Board shall be paid. As soon as a decision is taken I will communicate the information to my hon. Friend. As to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, the work of the selling departments is dealt with by eighteen controllers, each of whom has the assistance of an advisory committee of independent commercial men experienced in dealing with the class of material coming under their direction.

Details of the organisation were given in the Press on the 10th February last. But, in view of changes and additions which have since been made, I shall be glad to circulate with the Daily Report the latest information, if my hon. Friend desires.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, instead of the licensed trade being allowed to pay duty on 75 per cent. of their 1916 clearances of spirits, i.e., at the rate of 37½ per cent. for the six months ending 30th September, 1919, the clearances are only issued for a month at a time at the rate of 6¼ per cent. per month on the 1916 figure; and, further, whether he is aware that, the percentage being so small, many of the smaller retailers are not able to clear any spirits at all, thus causing great dissatisfaction amongst their customers who were promised larger supplies from 1st April onwards?

Clearances of spirits from bond on payment of duty are allowed to any person at a rate not exceeding 75 per cent. of his clearances in 1916, but under the provisions of Section 15 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have been authorised to refuse for the present to allow deliveries in advance, except as regards the month of April, the proportion for which ( i.e., one-sixth of the six months' supply) may be cleared at any time during the month as may be desired. As regards the second part of the question I am advised that the smaller retailers usually obtain their supplies of spirits not direct from bond but from dealers, who should be in a position to deliver to them (provided advance deliveries are not demanded beyond the month of April) the proportion of 75 per cent. of the quantities supplied in 1916. If any small retailers who hold authorities for drawing supplies from their own stocks in bond experience difficulty in clearing the proportion due to them, the Commissioners will endeavour to facilitate deliveries as far as possible on application being made to them.

Is the reason for that answer that the right hon. Gentleman anticipates putting a little more on whisky?

I make no anticipation. It is not a usual step at this time of year.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the urban district council of Newton-in-Makerfield has passed the following resolution, calling attention to the increasing amount of sickness in the district and the country generally, and urging the Government to release a greater quantity of spirituous liquors, especially whisky, with centres established in every town, apart from public-houses, where all classes of the community, especially poor people, can purchase the same in small quantities at a cheaper rate, at a maximum price not exceeding 2s. per imperial half-pint, and allowing a purchase only to be made on the production of a medical certificate, but at any tune between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on week-days; and whether he will take steps to give effect to all or any part of the resolution?

The Food Controller has no knowledge of the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. The War Cabinet have recently sanctioned an increase in the release of spirits from bond and it is considered that the present supplies should be sufficient to meet the reasonable requirements of the public. It is not possible for the Food Controller to undertake the establishment of centres for the sale of spirits in the manner suggested, and he regrets that any reduction in the price of spirits is impossible for the present.

Did the hon. Gentleman hear the answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer this afternoon?

asked the Prime Minister whether the islands of Spitzbergen now form a part of the British Empire; if so, to whom they previously owed allegiance; and under what system of government they are now being administered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Spizbergen is a No Man's Land, and therefore has no regular system of government.

Is it a fact there are valuable coal deposits there? Is any effort being made to develop them?

Yes; I understand there are coal deposits on the island, and various companies are making efforts to develop them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state a date on which he will make his promised statement concerning the Government's organisation of discharged soldiers which is to be created, and which is to amalgamate most of the existing organisations of discharged soldiers?

The constitution of an organisation on which would devolve the disposal of canteen funds under the directions of the Army Council is receiving urgent consideration, and a statement will be made at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the interest of discharged disabled sailors and soldiers, he will consider the desirability of decentralising some portions of the work of the Ministry of Pensions with a view to avoiding the delays which are now occurring?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have decided with the sanction of the War Cabinet to decentralise a large portion of the administrative work of the Ministry of Pensions. Thirteen Regional Headquarters will be set up in the United Kingdom, to which will be entrusted the administration of awards, medical services and curative training. Appeal Tribunals will be attached to those regions. This will facilitate the work of the local war pensions committees who will thus be enabled to consult with the Regional Headquarters, and to refer to the Regional Director any administrative matters requiring decision. The Regional Director will be advised by a Regional Council upon which the local war pensions committees in his region will be represented. I hope that the administration of pensions will thus be improved and expedited.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the proposal to apply a portion of the large sum in the hands of the Treasury in respect of premiums upon aircraft insurance policies which were unexpired at the date of the Armistice to the relief of cases of special hardship amongst sufferers from enemy air raids?

I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt the proposal suggested in the question.

Is it not a fact that the Government have in hand upwards of £10,000,000 accumulated profits on this? Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to keep them?

Yes, Sir; it is proposed to keep whatever balance there is.

Hard-hearted Chancellor!

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when the full Report of the evidence taken before the Coal Commission will be printed and published?

The evidence taken prior to the interim Reports, together with the Appendices, is being prepared for publication and will be issued as soon as possible.

Will it be issued by Easter?

I am sorry I cannot answer that question. It will be as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if a number of soldiers are being refused leave to which they are entitled to, especially those who are entitled to demobilisation, because they will not sign a form handed to them by their respective commanding officers with a view of extending their services for an extra three months; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I am not aware of this, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any specific case in mind and will furnish particulars I shall be happy to cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of his speech to Territorial Force representatives on 4th April, will he state how many Territorial officers have commanded divisions with the rank of major-general during the War?

Two Territorial officers commanded divisions at home with the rank of major-general. No Territorial officer has commanded a division in the field.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men of the Royal Engineers were sent to Jamaica in 1912 and have ever since been retained there without leave; that some of these men are time-expired men; and will he at once arrange for their relief?

I am informed that a draft to relieve all the Royal Engineer personnel at Jamaica is already awaiting embarkation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if there is now any reason why the dispatches relating to the defence of Kut-el-Amara should not be published; how many of the military rewards or mentions published in the "London Gazette" were awarded for services in the defence of Kut, and why all mention of that defence has been omitted from any lists of military awards?

The dispatches relating to the defence of Kut-el-Amara have been published, as was stated in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 2nd April.

If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind wireless reports received from General Townshend during the siege, describing a portion of the operations of the garrison, I would refer him to a reply given to the Noble and gallant Member for Nottingham (South), on the 24th July last to the effect that as these reports were from a subordinate commander, and the operations were dealt with in Sir John Nixon's dispatch, gazetted 10th May, 1916, it was decided that they should not be published. It is not intended to alter that decision.

As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that of the 148 specific awards mentioned in my answer of 2nd April, eighty-five definitely appear, according to the records, to have been conferred for services rendered during the siege. In the case of the other sixty-three awards it is not known to what extent services during the siege were included.

The "London Gazette" of the 28th March, 1916, also contained sixteen names of officers rewarded for services during the siege of Kut, and these rewards are additional to those above referred to. As regards "mentions," no figures are available. With regard to the last part of the question, it is customary when gazetting rewards and "mentions" for services in the field, to specify the theatre of operations only without indicating the actual place or action in respect of which the awards were conferred.

asked the Secretary fo State for War whether any, and, if so, what, decision has been reached with regard to the discharge or release of soldiers who, for offences under the Army Act, are serving terms of penal servitude and imprisonment for less than two years?

Unless their sentences are commuted to detention under the provisions of paragraph 583 (iv.) and (v.) of the King's Regulations such soldiers will be discharged from the Army in consequence of their conviction and released from prison on the termination of their sentences.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his decision that all soldiers who have been sentenced to imprisonment for offences under the Army Act will be discharged for misconduct applies to those who have committed civil offences as well as to those who have committed purely military offences?

The discharge of soldiers for misconduct is consequential upon their being committed to a prison in this country to undergo their sentence. In all cases, therefore, where the sentence is not commuted to detention under the provisions of paragraph 583 (iv.) and (v.) of the King's Regulations, discharge from the Army will be carried out.

Is it the intention of the Army Council to make no difference between a soldier who has been convicted for some civil offence, such as rape or stealing, and a man convicted of a purely military offence, such as using insubordinate language to his superior officer?

The peace-time practice is that for all military offences, not involving what one might call moral turpitude from a civilian point of view, soldiers are not imprisoned, but sent to detention barracks. Therefore, they go back to the Army after serving their period of detention. Anybody who in peace-time is sentenced to imprisonment does not go back to the Army. He is turned out of the Army because of the taint of the atmosphere of the gaol. In war-time it was thought that a man should not escape from duty in the firing line by merely taking refuge, as it were, in prison, so that has been suspended. But now that fighting has stopped we have reverted to the practice of peace-time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at recent sales of surplus Government stock in South Africa hundreds of motor-cycle tyres, 26 ins. by 2½ ins., by 2¼ins., were sold at far below cost, while at the same time tenders were being invited for exactly similar stores; that new B.S.A. motor cycles are being sold at £25 to £42 each, these machines having cost the Government about £75 each; that new Dunlop, Spencer, Moulton, and other tyres, 875 millimetres by 105 millimetres, are being sold at less than £3 each, about half the wholesale English price; that at a recent sale two Prince Henry type Vauxhall cars, new, and in perfect condition, were sold for £105 each, and whether he will state the names of the auctioneers and the names of the War Office officials who are responsible for these sales?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the military authorities in South Africa are selling by auction large quantities of unused pneumatic motor-car tyres, thereby flooding the local markets to the injury of British rubber tyre manufacturers who have large trade interests in the Union of South Africa; if he will explain why in these circumstances the Ministry of Munitions at home continue to requisition for military purposes large purchases of tyres of precisely similar types and sizes to those which are being sold by auction in South Africa, at a time when British manufacturers are in urgent need of replenishing their stocks to enable them to recover their foreign and colonial trade, which they were compelled to neglect during the War owing to the necessity of meeting the demands of the Mechanical Transport Department, and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I have no particulars at present of the sales of surplus stock in South Africa, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have specific details as to where and when the sales to which he refers took place, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of beds in Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospitals provided by private individuals or private subscription for officers and men during the War; and whether he can give any estimate of the amount saved the public by the provision of rent-free houses and partial upkeep of these hospitals by private effort?

Including those provided in hospitals assisted by the Red Cross and those provided by private individuals independently, the total number of beds was well over 80,000. I have no means of estimating what additional cost, beyond the grants made from Army funds to these hospitals, would have fallen upon the public if these beds had not been so provided, but the amount would have been large. The assistance rendered is very fully appreciated.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received any representations supposed to be jointly put forward by the headmasters' conference and the Incorporated Association of Headmasters in favour, amongst other things, of making grants to schools which do not provide the requisite percentage of free places; whether he is aware that these proposals have not been endorsed by the Incorporated Association of Headmasters; and whether he will very seriously consider the matter before accepting the proposal in question?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, and shall not act precipitately.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the desirability in dealing with the Bolshevist menace against our troops in Archangel and Murmansk districts of supplementing our Air Force there by, say, a dozen of the squadrons which are at present virtually unemployed in this country?

If the hon. Member wants a detailed answer I must ask him to postpone the question. In general terms the answer is that the question of aerial support for the operations going on is receiving the fullest possible consideration and advice of the General Staff both of the War Office and the Air Ministry, but it might be possible for me to expand that answer a little if the question is put down again.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of the original British force sent to the Murmansk was composed of category B men, unfit for front-line service; and if these men have had to endure the rigours of a campaign which, in many respects, has caused greater hardships than the campaigns elsewhere?

I regret this information is not available, but I may say that no man has been sent to North Russia who has not been passed medically fit for duty in North-West Europe.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the telegrams from Paris appearing in the American and the English papers, reiterating that certain American financiers have delivered to certain representatives at the Peace Conference written overtures for recognition from the leaders of the Bolshevik regime in Russia, signed by Lenin, setting forth the terms he would be disposed to accept if they were put forward by the Allies; whether these terms have been laid before President Wilson and the principal plenipotentiaries from this country; whether it is a fact that the proposals have favourably impressed some of the said representatives; whether he is aware that the statements have caused profound consternation among those in this country who believe that any recognition of the Lenin regime would give open encouragement to Bolshevism, with all its appalling consequences to the civilised countries of the world; and whether he can give an assurance that the British representatives will under no circumstances extend any recognition to the Bolshevik regime in Russia?

I regret that I can add nothing to my replies on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Members for Chelsea and Dulwich respectively on the 2nd and 3rd of April, and to the statement made by the Leader of the House in the course of Debate on the 2nd of April.

In view of the unsatisfactory character of the reply, I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.

On what grounds?

To draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance,—namely, the alleged overtures from the Bolshevik regime in Russia to the Peace Conference in Paris.

The hon. Member for East Ham South (Mr. C. Edwards) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely, the alleged overtures from the Bolshevik regime in Russia to the Peace Conference in Paris—

May I ask whether we can get an assurance from any of the Government Ministers?

Order, order!

Has the hon. Member for East Ham South the leave of the House?

It is not necessary for hon. Members to rise.

Aye!

It is not necessary, either, for hon. Members to say "Aye!" Hon. Members will rise if there are any shouts of "No!"

The pleasure of the House having been signified, the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter past Eight o'clock this evening.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the distinctions in status between the Regular officers of the executive branch of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps commissioned from the ranks, on the one hand, and of the Regular administrative officers and temporary officers of that corps, on the other hand; whether he will state the reasons for such distinctions in view of the fact that, in all emergencies and practically throughout the campaign, important administrative work has necessarily been performed by the former class; whether he is aware that while the promotion of administrative and temporary officers has been comparatively rapid that of Regular executive officers has been even slower than under normal peace conditions, while they have frequently had to train temporary officers in their duties and then relinquish administrative positions and acting or temporary rank in favour of the latter; whether he will furnish a statement of the average period of promotion in the classes referred to throughout the campaign; and whether, in view of the present expedient of granting the rank of major to an executive officer after thirteen years of commissioned service, he will state what percentage of executive officers have thus attained tills rank?

The answer to this question is somewhat lengthy, and I propose, with my right hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the Answer referred to:

As regards the general question of the status of these officers, I would refer my right hon. Friend to the very full answer given to a similar question asked by my Noble and gallant Friend the Member for Aldershot on the 18th February. It was there explained that the executive officers, who are normally commissioned from among the warrant officers of the corps, are designed to superintend or carry out the executive work of the corps, under the orders of the specially selected and technically trained combatant officers who constitute the administrative or directing staff. Officers well qualified for executive duties have not necessarily the qualifications for administrative employment of an important character. It is, however, under consideration as a tentative measure, in the future constitution of the Corps, to extend to certain carefully selected executive officers the same facilities for acquiring technical and administrative training as are enjoyed by entrants from elsewhere. In the answer referred to, it was also explained that the "temporary" officers appointed during the War were selected from men whose previous business or professional training gave promise of their being able, after preliminary training, materially to assist in the administrative work of the Corps.

I regret that the figures my right hon. Friend asks for in the latter part of his question are not readily available, but I may say that as regards substantive promotion, both administrative and executive Regular officers, though serving under quite different conditions, have through- out the War been treated alike in that such promotion has been limited to the filling of vacancies in the peace establishments of each class. All executive officers who complete the qualifying period of thirteen years commissioned service are, if recommended, granted the rank of major.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the great disparity of pay of Regular executive and of temporary officers arising out of the grant to the latter of corps pay and of a recent increase of regimental pay; whether he is aware that this has resulted in such anomalies as junior and more highly-paid officers of the latter class working under a senior officer of the former, or an executive captain of five or more years' standing receiving less pay than a temporary lieutenant of three months' service; and whether, in view of the feelings which exist on these points among a body of officers who have through a long period done important and responsible work, he will make inquiries into this matter and remove the anomalies which exist?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given on Monday last to a question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southampton, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the steamer "Ascard" arrived recently at Wilhelmshafen from Constantinople with 104 German officers, 1,918 German soldiers, and 42 officials; whether the demobilisation of British troops in the Far East is being delayed in consequence; and, if so, will he see that the limited shipping facilities are reserved for British and Allied forces?

The arrangements for the conveyance of these German subjects from the Black Sea area were made on grounds of urgent military necessity by the Allied High Commissioners at Constantinople. They involved no interference whatever with the demobilisation of British troops in the Far East.

Why is it necessary to give a preference to German soldiers over the British Tommy and the British officer?

I have already said said the movement of these ships involved no interference with the demobilisation of troops and it is necessary in view of the representations made by the Military Commissioners at Constantinople to bring these particular troops back to Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give the number of cases of tetanus among British troops in this country and abroad during the first year of war and during each succeeding year while the War lasted, and the fatalities therefrom during those periods?

I am not able to give the figures at present, but I hope to be in a position to reply next week if my hon. Friend will repeat his question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if there is any reason why the practice of permitting officers to obtain articles of equipment at cost price from ordnance stores, which was permitted in France during the War, should not be continued for the benefit of the Army at home?

Officers serving either at home or overseas are permitted to purchase from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps any available article of equipment which forms part of the officer's regulation kit.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the cost on public funds of the following elections held in London every three years, namely, the London County Council, the guardians, and the borough councils, held respectively in March, April, and November; whether a saving of public funds and the time of the electors would be effected by holding all three elections on one and the same day; and if he will take the necessary steps to institute this reform at the next series of elections?

The expenses charged on the local rates of conducting local elections in London in 1912–13, the last year for which complete particulars are available, were, I understand, as follows:— £ London County Council 11,025 Guardians 5,994 Metropolitan Borough Councils 11,956 As the elections are not held for identical areas, I am afraid there would be some difficulty in holding them together, and my right hon. Friend cannot undertake at present to propose legislation on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps he is taking, or intends to take, with regard to the fact that mental defective cases admitted from all parts of the country to the Stoke Park Colony in the Chipping Sodbury Union are, when certified as lunatics, sent to the Gloucester County Asylum and remain chargeable to the union until the union can find a settlement and get the particular union to accept chargeability; whether he is aware of the difficulty of proving such settlement and the charges thus falling on the ratepayers; and whether the Board of Control are doing anything to remove this injustice?