asked the Prime Minister under what authority the War Graves Commission makes its Regulations; and whether these Regulations are legally enforceable?

The Imperial War Graves Commission derive their authority from Royal Charter of 21st May, 1917, under which they were constituted a Corporation. Their Regulations, if not ultra vires the powers conferred by the Charter, are valid Regulations for the purposes of the Charter.

asked the Prime Minister whether any agreement or treaty had been made with the French Government in regard to the graves of British soldiers buried in France, and, if so, whether he will lay a copy of the treaty upon the Table of the House?

An agreement with the French Government was published simultaneously in London and Paris on 24th March, and copies were distributed to Members on the same day.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation in the present Session to amend the law of naturalisation and status of aliens?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Home Secretary gave to a question by the hon. Member for Hampstead on the 20th February. The urgent questions with regard to naturalisation were dealt with in the Bill which was passed last Session The points which remained over are not urgent, and must be fully discussed with the Governments of the Dominions and of India before further legislation is proposed.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is definitely decided to move certain temporary offices created during the War to Neasden to accommodate many thousands of Government employés; has the Government considered the question of accommodation in the neighbourhood for such employés and their families; if he is aware that it would be impossible for employés living in all parts of London and suburbs to reach Neasden in time for office hours; if he has considered the increase for travelling which would be imposed on employés; if any arrangements are being made to compensate for the extra cost; will he consider an alternative proposal to erect buildings in London itself in a district where land is not as valuable as at Whitehall, but which is accessible from all parts of London and the suburbs; and if he will appoint a Committee of the House of Commons to study the question so as to save the taxpayer?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The whole subject, however, is under the consideration of the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, who will be glad to receive any information on the subject which the hon. Member hag to offer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether information has been given to the Treasury that certain freeholds and other property in Middlesex escheated to the Crown on the death of one Henry Page without heirs in 1829; whether the facts of the case have been, or will be, investigated; and whether it is intended to take any action to enforce the rights of the Crown or otherwise?

The Crown has been advised that it has no title to the property which is alleged to have been left by Henry Page.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a company which at the time of issue of its securities did not propose to apply any of the proceeds for capital purposes outside the United Kingdom, but which subsequently finds, in the course of its business, that it is necessary to utilise a part of its capital outside this country, will have to make application to the new Capital Issues Committee of the Treasury before doing so?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can define the meaning attached by the Government to the words "capital purposes," which are now required to be included in every prospectus or other document offering securities for subscription, under the new regulations relating to capital issues?

The expression "capital purposes outside the United Kingdom" includes the purchase of land and other fixed assets situated abroad and the acquisition either in the United Kingdom or elsewhere of instruments of production or other income-producing assets for use abroad. In this connection, my Noble Friend will no doubt remember that the Committee has been instructed, in considering the applications made to them, to take into account the extent to which the proceeds of the issue will be expended within the United Kingdom and the assistance which the issue may be expected to give to British trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can undertake to introduce a Clause into the next Finance Bill by which pensions earned by ex-soldiers and ex-sailors will not count as income for the purpose of assessment of old age pensions?

The adoption of this suggestion would involve the Amendment of the Old Age Pensions Acts. A Committee has been appointed to consider what alterations should be made in those Acts as regards rates of pension or qualifications.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any reason why officers in the Royal Scottish Museum should not be paid on the same scale as officers performing the same duties and with similar scientific qualifications in the London museums?

It is generally the case that salaries in Edinburgh rule lower than those in London in all kinds of employments. The scales of the officers in the Royal Scottish Museum have recently been substantially improved to bring them nearer to the London rates, and I see no sufficient reason for any further increases at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the Government policy of paying expenses of freight insurance, lairage, and feeding on Irish fat stock, the price of Irish stores is now so high that English graziers cannot now obtain at an economic figure their necessary raw material; and what action the Board proposes to take?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture (1) whether the Government now pay the freightage, lairage, and feeding charges on Irish fat stock coming to Great Britain from Ireland; and what is the value of this per head;

(2) whether the Government are going to pay or are paying the insurance of cattle shipped from Ireland to Great Britain, and, if so, would this be an unfair preference to Irish feeders?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. Since the importation of fat stock from Ireland was controlled by the Ministry of Food, in June, 1918, freight and feeding charges on such stock have been paid by the Department. The question of lairage charges does not arise since the responsibility of the Ministry does not begin until the stock has been accepted by the steamship company. During the earlier period of control insurance premiums were refunded at the British port to the Irish vendor, but this liability is now undertaken by the Ministry of Food, The total value per head of the various charges varies according to the port at which the stock is received, but the average figures are 17s. 3d. per head for cattle and 3s. 11d. per head for sheep. I cannot agree that the payment of these items by the Ministry of Food gives an unfair preference to Irish feeders, since the effect of the arrangement is merely to place the farmers of Great Britain and Ireland on an equal footing as regards the sale of fat stock for slaughter in Great Britain; nor do I consider that the present price of stores in Ireland, which is considerably lower than the price at the corresponding period of 1918, has the effect stated in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange to issue an Order in Council making the Saturday before Easter a bank holiday in Ireland so that the officials may have the clear four days' holiday?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on this subject on the 3rd instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether steps can be taken to give a bonus to pensioned national teachers in Ireland, in view of the increased cost of living and the inadequate pensions paid to them?

I do not see my way to adopt this suggestion.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it would be possible for Members to have facilities to see the proposed scheme of electoral areas under the contemplated scheme of proportional representation?

The Local Government Board are working at these schemes, and a great many of them are nearing completion. It will not be possible to send them to Members, but if any Member would call at the office of the Local Government Board, in Dublin, Sir Henry Robinson will be most happy to show them what is being done.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether compensation will be paid to the fishermen whose boats were torpedoed last June between Kilkeel and Ardglass, county Down, in time to enable them to acquire new boats before the opening of the coming fishing season?

Two of the boats referred to were insured under the scheme administered by the Irish Fishing Vessels War Risks Insurance Committee and claims in respect of these boats were paid in June and July last. A third insured vessel of the same fleet escaped with the sacrifice of part of her train of nets and a claim in respect of this loss was paid in July. The Department have no knowledge of any provision for payment of compensation to owners who decided not to take advantage of the scheme of insurance provided.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the dispersal of the Grand Fleet, steps will be at once taken to restore the "St. Ninian" to the Shetland mail service, especially seeing that the service is about at the breaking point, and the present mail steamer "St. Sunmura" must be taken off for extensive repairs?

Steps are being taken to release the "St. Ninian."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will recommend the remuneration of the owners of trawlers whose vessels were sunk by enemy action, whose insurance at pre-war value falls considerably short of the cost of building a new boat at present-day prices?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to trawlers which were lost while fishing. If so, any question of the inadequacy of the Government scheme of insurance should be addressed to the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has now been arrived at in regard to the payment of gratuity to Royal Naval Reserve engineer officers who signed on under T 124 Z Articles?

Yes, Sir. They will receive a discharge gratuity under the same conditions and at the same rates as General Service Executive Royal Naval Reserve officers of relative rank. Thus an engineer lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, will receive £74 for his first year's service and £37 for each subsequent year or part of a year. The gratuity will be paid on application as soon as possible after an officer is signed off his agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the widows of Regular officers who were serving in India before the War are placed at a disadvantage compared with those of temporary officers as regards alternative pensions, in respect that for the latter alternative pensions are calculated on actual pre-war receipts, while for the former they are calculated on pay which they would have received if they had been elsewhere?

I have been asked to reply to this question. In the assessment of pre-war earnings for alternative pensions British regimental officers who were serving in India have their pay reckoned at the rates appropriate to officers of their rank serving at home. The assessment is made on this basis so that the officers concerned shall not derive a special advantage over other officers by reason of the more or less accidental fact that they were serving in India before the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been decided that all soldiers shall be paid on discharge the service gratuity in addition to the war gratuity; and, if so, from what date the concession will be made?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the rate of service pension for men of the Regular Forces who have completed the necessary service has remained stationary for the past thirty years; whether the rates of pension for men of warrant office, Class 2, and Class 16 non-commissioned officers are equal; and whether steps will be taken to revise the rates of pension in these classes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given by my right hon. Friend on the 17th March last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Durham, to the effect that all these points will be fully considered in the general review of pensions which is being taken in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the hardship caused to Territorials by the bounty granted for five years' service being rigidly adhered to, whereby a man who has served four years and eight months receives no part of the £15 bounty he would receive if his service had continued four months' longer; and whether, in these circumstances, he will make the bounty proportionate to the months of service in the fifth year?

The bounty to which the hon. Members refer is in no sense a payment in respect of past services. It is a grant to those soldiers who were already serving on Army engagements when the War commenced, and who, on the expiration of those engagements, were compelled to serve or voluntarily undertook further service for the duration of the War. It is consequently only payable when a man serves beyond the end of his engagement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in September, 1918, Private A. E. Williams, No. 160584, 12th Platoon, 51st (G) Battalion, Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, made an allotment of 3s. 6d. weekly to his mother, Mrs. H. J. Williams, 19 J, Dufferin Street, St. Lukes, E.C.1; that on 10th October she received two weeks' money from the Army Pay Office, Hounslow, No. 11, but that she has received no subsequent payments, although her son is still having the allotment stopped from his pay, and that repeated applications to Hounslow and London Command paymasters have produced no tangible results; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Bollard, of 61, Franklin Street, Salford, filled up form P.A. 5 in respect of her son, Signaller William Bollard, No. 38132, 1/8th Scottish Rifles, and sent it on to the paymaster at Hamilton and, in spite of repeated inquiries, has received no payment; and whether he will have the case inquired into?

Inquiries will be made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Mrs. M. A. Davies, of 176, Oldfield Road. Salford, whether he is aware that she has had two ring papers called on 10th September, 1918, in respect of two sons. one, Private W. Davies, No. 70016, Royal Defence Corps, still serving at Knockmoyle, Ireland, and another son discharged on 18th October, 1918, and that since 10th September, 1918, she has received no payment at all in respect of either son; and whether he will at once have the case inquired into?

Inquiries will be made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private James Goodwin, No. 206804, 3rd Battalion, Lincoln Regiment, G Camp, No. 69 Block, Royal Field Artillery Barracks, Clonmel, county Tipperary, is entitled to a wound stripe for being blown up by a mine and buried on 1st January, 1917, resulting in a serious operation; and whether, as he has already been wounded twice in 1918, he is thereby eligible for demobilisation?

I am informed that Private Goodwin has only been reported wounded twice by the Base, namely: (1) Report on 9th July, 1918, for a wound received in May, 1918. (2) Reported on 30th October, 1918, for a wound received on 8th October, 1918. He is therefore ineligible for demobilisation on the ground of wounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the demobilisation papers of private D. Brown, No. 91920, dispenser, 20th Stationary Hospital, Salonika, as a pivotal man, went through the headquarters last December, but that no action is being taken for his release, and whether he will have inquiries made into the case before Private Brown is sent to Russia?

Private Brown is not registered by the War office either as pivotal or for special release, and I am informed by my right. hon. Friend the Minister for Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. If, however, this man is eligible under current instructions, he will, no doubt, be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Staff-Sergeant W. Thomson, No. S 4/086985, 365th Company, Royal Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport, British Expeditionary Force, enlisted at Glasgow in April, 1915, having travelled from Vancouver, British Columbia, especially for this purpose, and being rejected for the Infantry owing to defective eyesight; That his father, Mr. W. Thomson, piano manufacturer, 7, Govan Road, Glasgow, has to proceed to Vancouver enurgent business on 24th May; and that, in the interests of his business, it is urgently necessary that his son should replace him in Glasgow while he is away and thereby enable additional labour to be employed; and whether, in view of these circumstances, into which inquiry has been made, he can undertake to release Staff-Sergeant Thomson before the 24th May, more particularly as it is understood his unit is to be disbanded?

If the facts are as stated Sergeant Thomson would appear to be eligible for demobilisation and repatriation overseas at the public expense. If he makes a claim for repatriation overseas, and his claim is approved, he can elect to take a deferred passage which must be claimed within six months of demobilisation. He should apply to his commanding officer for the necessary Army forms.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver A. E. Devonshire, No. 770091, A Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, 16th Brigade, British Expeditionary Force, Germany, is forty-three years of age, is married, and has eight children, and has not had leave for over twelve months; that his demobilisation papers arrived in January but that up to the present nothing has been done to secure his demobilisation, although younger men have been discharged in the meantime; and whether he will make inquiries into this case?

If Driver Devonshire's age is as stated by my right hon. Friend he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation. If so, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. It is not understood what the papers are which my right hon. Friend refers to as "demobilisation papers" but this man 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.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give orders for the release, on compassionate grounds, of Pioneer A. C. McDonald, No. W.R.-26185, 3rd Platoon, 341st Road Company, British Expeditionary Force, in view of the fact that he is greatly needed by his father to help in his work, and that of the father's four other sons two have been killed in the War, and the other two so severely wounded as to be discharged as unfit for further service through wounds; and whether, in view of the fact that application for Pioneer McDonald's release has been in the hands of the authorities for a month, steps can be taken to hasten instructions for his release?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private William Stewart, No. D.M. 2/228823, Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), care of A.P.O.S., 106, Brussels, a pivotal man, is still retained with the Colours; and if he will give instructions for his immediate demobilisation?

Private Stewart is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. I am also informed by my hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. If, however, this soldier is eligible for demobilisation under current instructions he will no doubt be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private C. B. Liddell, No. 56198, Royal Army Medical Corps, 15th C.C.S., British Expeditionary Force, is entitled to demobilisation; and, if so, whether he is likely to be demobilised?

As my hon. and gallant Friend has not informed me of Private Liddell's age or date of enlistment, I am unable to state whether he is eligible for demobilisation. Should he, however, be eligible, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit, but it must be remembered that the services of men in the Royal Army Medical Corps and certain other corps are essential for the purpose of demobilisation, and men who are eligible for demobilisation are liable to be retained until they can be replaced or their services dispensed with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give orders for the immediate release, on compassionate grounds, of Private Albert Cushnie, No. 29683, 51st Gordon Highlanders, Weybourne, Norfolk, seeing that he is the only child and sole support of his mother, who is ill and receiving treatment for a nervous breakdown, and of his step-father, who is a discharged soldier, having served in the present War and been discharged on grounds of total disablement, and being now in hospital suffering from tuberculosis as a result of injuries received in the Dardanelles; and whether, as his father's health is in a very precarious state, he will take steps to hasten the arrangements for Private Cushnie's release?

Inquiries are being made in this case, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Driver J. Greenan, No. 392860, Royal Army Service Corps, forty-four years of age, is entitled to demobilisation; and, if so, whether he is likely to be demobilised?

If Driver Greenan's age is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the cause of the delay in arranging for the demobilisation of Corporal Albert E. Hines, No. 20726, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, Prisoner of War Staff, Lark Hill, Salisbury Plain; whether he is aware that this man is fifty years of age and re-enlisted on 9th September, 1914, was invalided from overseas in 1917 after two years in India, had previously gained the Burmah medal and clasp, 1889–92, the Chitral medal and clasp, 1895, also the two South African medals and seven clasps, and if he will arrange for the early demobilisation of this man?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private J. Grey, No. M/377129, Canadian Corps Troops, Mechanical Transport Company, France, joined the Tyneside 18th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, in 1914; and, if so, will he state the reason why this man has not been demobilized?

If Private Grey's service is as stated by my hon. Friend he is eligible for demobilisation unless serving under pre-war conditions and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will no doubt be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private W. J. Jennings, No. 11205, 1st Honourable Artillery Company, attested voluntarily in 1915, but on his employer's appeal to the tribunal was not allowed to join until July, 1917; that this man is thirty-four years of age, has a delicate wife, and a family of five boys under twelve years of age; that from the beginning of the War he acted as a special constable; and whether, considering that this man is a pivotal man and has been applied for by his employer on that ground, be will take into consideration his home conditions and release him on compassionate grounds?

Inquiries are being; made as to whether or not this is a case for compassionate release, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Signallers attached to the First Army have been informed that they cannot be demobilised; whether men of forty-one years and ten months of age have been told that they must remain and that all men who were not forty-one in April, 1918, will be regarded as being forty-one years of age for the purposes of demobilisation; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made?

I am not aware of Signallers attached to the First Army having been informed that they cannot be demobilised, but 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. This more particularly applies to Post Office servants, who are released in priority in accordance with lists furnished by the Post Office and not according to age or length of service. These men draw civil pay in addition to military pay, separation allowance and bonus, and their appointment in the Post Office is kept open for them. As formations of the Army and the administrative services are reduced, the Signal Service is correspondingly reduced and men released. I am afraid I do not understand the second part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a general regimental Order No. 328, of 3rd February, 1919, laid it down that allotment for releases from the services will be made and controlled by the head of the service concerned, and that this will place all men of the same technical qualification on the same footing for purposes of demobilisation; whether a circular memorandum has been issued authorising the release of men over forty-one years of age; and whether, if these instructions are still in force, he will inquire why a special embargo is in force against the demobilisation of any man attached to the L Signal Battalion?

My hon. Friend appears to be referring to Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's "General Routine Order" No. 328, of the 3rd February last. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, it is provided that men over forty-one years of age have a certain prioriy of demobilisation. Inquiries are already being made regarding the L Signal Battalion, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if temporary officers, Royal Army Medical Corps, who signed a contract with the War Office last May for twelve months' service (in Russia or elsewhere) will be allowed to return to this country at the expiration of the year contracted for and resume their civil practice?

Yes, Sir, provided transport facilities are available. It would not be possible at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War what prices are being obtained for chargers, troop or gun horses, and transport mules, when sold in Greece or the Balkan States?

Returns to 29th March, inclusive, show that 2,907 horses have been sold at an average price of just under £42, and 7,907 mules at an average of over £41. Six hundred heavy horses unsuitable for sale locally were shipped to Marseilles and sold at approximately £75 each.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a great many men in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force missed their chance of demobilisation owing to the fact that their contract certificates from the local advisory committees did not reach them till after 1st February; and whether a longer period of grace should have been allowed for these men?

My Noble and gallant Friend appears to be under a misapprehension as to the effect of a contract offer of employment. The fact of such an offer having been received by a soldier before the 1st February does not entitle him to be demobilised. His demobilisation is dependent on his eligibility under Army Order 55 of 1919. If he is eligible thereunder and is in possession of a "contract" offer of employment he is entitled to a certain priority, irrespective of the date the "contract" offer was received. I am sending my Noble Friend a copy of a Memorandum which was circulated in reply to a question on the 20th March, in which contract and other forms of certificate were fully explained.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the result of his promise to look into the case of the repatriation of Sergeant-Major William Rees Davies, late M2/153,391, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), made a fortnight ago, seeing that this man has heard nothing for some months in spite of repeated applications to be sent to London, Ontario?

Sergeant-Major Davies's claim to repatriation has now been approved. The delay in this case arose owing to insufficient evidence having been given in the first instance as to his domicile in Canada. He elected for a deferred passage, and men who are elected for an immediate passage are therefore entitled to prior passages. His name has been passed to the Passage Section, and if his present address is communicated to the Officer in Charge, Repatriation Records, Winchester, every effort will be made to expedite his return to Canada.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the camps at Oswestry, Rugeley, Brockton, Grantham, Catrick, Clipstone, Whitley, and Bramshott will be maintained or closed in the near future?

All the camps mentioned, except a portion of Grantham, are required for the present to accommodate Regular units reforming in this country, for the repatriation of Dominion forces, and for demobilisation purposes. Belton Park, Grantham, will be given up in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been called to a letter from Colonel Dean, medical officer in charge of the military hospitals at Croydon, dated 11th January last, to the effect that he thought some of the schools could be vacated by about the end of January; also whether he is aware that Lord Grimthorpe on the 25th March wrote the local authorities that the command concerned was being instructed to arrange for the immediate reinstatement of the schools; why these promises have not been fulfilled; and, having regard to the extreme urgency that these schools should be returned to the local authorities in consequence of many children being refused admission, would he see that such instructions as may be necessary may be given forthwith, and in order to secure the evacuation of the four elementary schools and the two secondary schools which have been in the occupation of the military since 1915?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Further inquiries are being made into this matter and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Army horses which are no longer required for military purposes are sold indiscriminately, or whether any steps are taken to ascertain the uses to which they are likely to be put?

Horses no longer required for military purposes are sold by public auction. I assume that my hon. Friend is anxious to be assured that precautions are taken to ensure that the horses are humanely treated by their new owners. If this is the meaning of his question, I would refer him to replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for Rye on the 25th February, the hon. and gallant Member for North Hackney on the 5th March, and the hon. Member for Eastbourne on the 18th March, where the steps taken to secure humane treatment for the horses are fully explained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Antonio Rogacki, No. 557792, 9th Labour Battalion, Penmawr Barracks, Pembroke Docks, South Wales, who is a Russian Pole, has recently been court-martialled for the second time for refusing to admit the right of the British Government to conscript him; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case with a view to the release of this man as he is not a British subject?

I am having inquiry made in this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Isydor Misarko, a Pole, who was living in England at the outbreak of war, and who refused to serve in the British Army on the ground that he was not a Russian, was called up for service, No. 556125, B Company, 9th Labour Battalion, and was sentenced to detention in Hereford detention barracks, was so badly knocked about by the sergeants in this barrack that he has been in hospital for over five months and is still unable to walk without assistance; and whether he will have investigations made into this matter with a view to granting Misarko compensation for his injuries and to the prevention of such treatment of Poles in the future?

I am making inquiries and will inform the hon. Member of the Jesuit as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has concluded his inquiries into the case of Cuthbert Morson, ¼th Northampton Regiment, No. 205603; and whether this man and others who originally volunteered for the Royal Army Medical Corps will now be re-transferred?

I regret that my inquiries in this case are not yet complete, but I hope to be in a position to write to my hon. Friend regarding the matter very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of search parties in Austria and Turkey, respectively, looking for missing men; the number of men found; whether any evidence of men deceased has been ascertained; if so, how many; and have the relatives been notified?

I would point out to my hon. Friend that a distinction must be drawn between missing men, and men reported prisoners of war who are unaccounted for. Two parties were sent into Austria, and were the means of repatriating about 624 soldiers and civilians who were known to be in Austrian hands, but none of these can be described as "Missing." As regards Turkey, a residue list of prisoners in Turkish hands unaccounted for by the Turkish authorities, has been sent to the High Commissioners at Constantinople, but no information as to the names on this list has yet been received. "One man was found in hospital in Vienna, as a result of information given by a re- leased prisoner. There were only two of our men in Italy who were prisoners unaccounted for, and both cases have been specially referred to General Headquarters, Italy. A considerable amount of evidence of death of prisoners of war has come to light both before and since the Armistice. The number of deaths so accepted is six in Austria and over 2,200 in Turkey. These figures relate to the period of the War as well as the period subsequent to the Armistice. The evidence comes mainly from the Ottoman Red Crescent, and from fellow prisoners, before and after release. Relatives are notified of evidence of death which appears reliable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a circular printed for distribution amongst the troops abroad, pointing out the advantages of joining the Metropolitan Police service, and bearing the imprint of W. Eisfeller, Cologne; and, if so, whether he can explain this further instance of trading with the enemy?

The leaflet to which the hon. Member refers was printed in circumstances similar to those mentioned in my previous answer, and before the issue of the orders on the subject. The supply of circulars sent out from this country ran short, and, as an emergency measure, recourse was had to a local press to avoid the delay of reprinting at home. One of the Army printing presses has now been established at Cologne, and arrangements made for the printing of any matters required to be distributed to the troops. If any printing has been done by a German firm it has been done by military requisition in the same way as any other supplies that may be required locally. The hon. Member may rest assured that in future this procedure will only be resorted to in cases of necessity.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether sixteen members of the Royal Engineers signal service are being employed in Paris as Baudot dirigeurs in a civilian capacity, despite their military status; whether the work which these men are performing is essentially of a civilian character and revenue-producing traffic; whether it has been decided that soldiers employed on civilian work in this country shall be paid the trade union rate for such work; and whether he will take steps to have this work performed by French trade unionists or, alternatively, pay the signallers the trade union rate?

I am having inquiries made into this matter and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many private soldiers in the Rhine Army, particularly drivers in the Royal Field Artillery, who are eligible for demobilisation but whose services are being retained, are not receiving the 10s. 6d. per week bonus, although they are working side by side with those who are in receipt of this extra pay; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in their case?

Such men are not eligible for the bonus at present, but if they are not demobilised by the 1st May, they will become eligible as from that date. Men at present in receipt of the bonus have either been definitely retained for the Army of Occupation or have volunteered and been accepted for that Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility, in the case of honours graduates who have gained their linguistic qualifications by long and expensive study, and who are retained in the Army of Occupation as interpreters, to the detriment of their future careers, of providing that they should be given the rank and pay of sergeant instead of being graded as privates?

No provision has been made for the retention of interpreters as such in the Armies of Occupation. These men are, therefore, retained under the conditions applying to other soldiers, and receive bonus in virtue of their retention as soldiers as well as the additional pay of 1s. applicable to their employment. I regret that I see no reason to modify the rules at present obtaining.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier who enlisted in 1914–15 and has not been demobilised, but is at present serving in Germany, is entitled to receive the bonus awarded to the Armies of Occupation; and, if not, why not?

Soldiers who are definitely retained for the Armies of Occupation or as part of the military machinery of demobilisation are eligible for the bonus from 1st February. Soldiers who are not so retained will also receive the bonus if they volunteer and are accepted for the Armies of Occupation. Those who are not retained and do not volunteer are being demobilised as rapidly as possible, and, if not actually demobilised by 1st May next, will receive the bonus from that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that nurses frequently arrive in England on demobilisation penniless, and if steps will be taken to prevent this happening in future?

Steps have been taken to prevent this happening.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the granting of war gratuities to sisters of the nursing services and voluntary helpers is under consideration?

Yes, Sir. I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of the rank and pay of interpreters at the prisoners-of-war camps in England; and whether, in view of the arduous nature of their duties, he will afford facilities for their promotion beyond the rank of lieutenant and will also grant them a gratuity on demobilisation?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which I gave on Wednesday of last week to the hon. and gallant Member for Durham, to the effect that I am inquiring into the circumstances in the case of these interpreters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain hotel companies are withholding dividends to their shareholders on the ground that they cannot obtain payment from the War Office in respect of the use of buildings commandeered by it; and will he take steps to remedy the hardship towards a large number of small investors dependent upon such dividends?

Hitherto, as these buildings were commandeered by the War Office under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, the Department was held to have no power to make payment for the use of the buildings except under an award of the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission or except in cases where, subject to certain conditions approved by the Commission, advances on account could be made to applicants who so desired. In view of the recent decision in the Court of Appeal the question will be considered by the Law Officers of the Crown.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to afford any facilities in the way of cheap railway tickets and accommodation in London to officers and men desirous of attending the memorial service at St. Paul's on 2nd May for men of the Cavalry and Yeomanry who shave fallen in the War?

It is not proposed to make any special arrangements on this occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Porter, of 1, Duncan Street, Salford, mother of Private J. Porter, No. 1981, Manchester Regiment and Private Allan Porter, No. 14926, ⅞th Royal Irish Regiment, both of whom lost their lives in the War, is unable to obtain the estate and effects belonging to her two sons; whether one died in July, 1918, and the other was missing in November, 1917, and whether, in view of the long time that has elapsed, he will at once have the matter looked into?

In the case of Private A. Porter, the soldier's death was not presumed for official purposes until October last. His accounts show that the amounts paid to him, or on his behalf, exceeded the amounts due to him on account of pay, etc. The war gratuity authorised by Royal Warrant of 17th Dececber last, is being assessed in his case among others, and his mother (and legatee) will be informed when any amount is available for issue. In the case of Private J. Porter, who died at Kantara, the settlement of the estate has been delayed by belated charges on account of payments in the field and by a question of the validity of an informal will which it has not yet been found possible to settle, but the War Office is in communication with the relatives on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will extend to nursing sisters retained on service overseas similar increases of pay and other advantages to be granted to the Royal Army Medical Corps, with whom the nursing sisters are working?

The question is receiving consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the industrial unrest which exists throughout Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire resulting from the continued employment of the German prisoners at Beachley; and can he give some assurance that steps will be taken to remove them at an early date, and by this means find employment for a large number of our workmen now unemployed in and around the district?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Plaistow on the 6th ultimo, arrangements had on that date already been made for the withdrawal as early as possible of the German prisoners at Beachley. The matter is in the hands of the War Office and the Ministry of Labour who have been asked to expedite the removal of the prisoners, and I understand that instructions have already been given to this effect. I may add that none of these prisoners have been employed on house construction work for some considerable time.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether retired officers of the Royal Engineers, with more than twenty years' service under the Indian Government, are entitled to an additional or supplementary pension under paragraph 556 of the Royal Warrant; how many of such supplementary pensions have been granted during the past five years; and what are the circumstances which influence the Secretary of State in granting or withholding such Additional pensions?

The pensions of officers of the Royal Engineers, who have completed more than twenty years' Indian service and are under the 1904 conditions of service consist of the retired pay admissible under the Royal Warrant plus an additional pension varying according to the length of Indian service, and calculated according to the rules laid down on the subject in the Indian Army Regulations. As retirements of officers (except in very special cases) were discontinued on the outbreak of the War, there have been very few of these pensions granted within the last five years. Retirements are now permitted and any Royal Engineer officer, whose retirement is approved and who is qualified for Indian pension under the Regulations, would have the additional pension referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the retirement of the inspector-general of police of the Bombay Presidency is due to take place during the present month; whether the appointment is about to be bestowed upon a member of the Indian Civil Service; and whether there are several police officers of twenty years' service and upwards in that force?

The answers to the first and second questions are in the affirmative. As regards the last question, it is well understood that the Local Government may select for the post of inspector- general of police the officer in its judgment best fitted for the appointment whether within the Police Department or outside it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a cable from the Moderate party of Indian politicians praying the Crown to disallow the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Bill; and whether, in view of India's manifested loyalty during the War and of the opposition to this Bill, which will create an atmosphere absolutely prejudicial to the successful working of reforms, he will give consideration to this request?

The Secretary of State has received numerous telegrams from individual persons and associations to the effect mentioned, but no telegram purporting to be sent by the Moderate party as such. As regards the second question, the Secretary of State would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Barnard Castle Division on the 4th April.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the grievance of the retired officers of the Indian Police, Imperial branch, as regards their pensions; whether the maximum pension is actually £62 10s. per annum less than the amount promised in the year 1855, when the pension was fixed at Rs. 5,000, or £500 per annum; whether he is aware that, in paragraph 68 of the Summary of Recommendations in their Reform Scheme for India, the Secretary of State for India and Lord Chelmsford have confirmed the recommendation of the Public Services Commission in India that the ordinary maximum pension of retired officers of the Indian Police, Imperial branch, be raised to Rs.6,000; whether he is aware of the promise of His Majesty's Viceroy at Delhi, on 17th February, 1917, that the Government had decided, with the approval of the Secretary of State, to deal with the Report of the Commission on the Public Service in India expeditiously, so that the redress of the pressing grievances should not be postponed for less urgent reforms; if he will state what is the difficulty in the matter which is still engaging the attention of the Government of India; whether the Report which the Secretary of State is shortly expecting has been received; and when the final decision on the subject of improving the pensions may be looked for?

The grievances of the Indian Police service with regard to the existing limit of Rs. 5,000 a year pensions awardable to officers on retirement is not peculiar to that service, but it is common to all Indian services the pensions of which are on a non-contributable basis. The recommendation of the Public Services Commission that the limit should be raised to Rs. 6,000 is one of a number of recommendations applying to the pension scale of all these services, and these recommendations, which cover a large field, and are not free from intricacy, are being dealt with as a whole by the Government of India in consultation with Local Governments. The Government of India have assured the Secretary of State that no unavoidable delay will occur in submitting their proposals. Inquiry has been made as to when these may be expected.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a Report of a Committee of the Glasgow Corporation, in which the increase in juvenile crime is ascribed to slackening of parental control, lack of moral and religious training, the want of innocent outlets for youthful energy, and the mode and surroundings of life in poor and overcrowded houses, causes all due to social neglect; is he aware that, although it is urged that birching of youthful offenders should be more resorted to by magistrates in East London, where sentences of birching have constantly decreased and are now exceedingly rare, an organised scheme of voluntary workers, acting under official probation officers, is steadily diminishing juvenile crime; and whether he will issue a circular to magistrates recommending the adoption of systems similar to that in force in East London?

I have only seen a newspaper summary of the report of the Glasgow committee, and from this it appears that certain legal authorities are of opinion that harm is sometimes done by not dealing more severely with offenders in the early stages of their careers. The question when to adopt severe measures and when to make use of the Probation Act obviously depends on the circumstances of the individual case and is a matter for the discretion of the Courts. The scheme adopted last year at a Metropolitan Police Court in East London for making an extensive and systematic use of volunteer probation workers will no doubt be most beneficial, but no figures are yet available as to the effect on juvenile delinquency. A circular letter to justices recommending that use should be made of volunteer helpers in probation work was issued by the Hornet Office in August, 1917.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what financial assistance the Government are prepared to grant to county councils towards loss incurred by them in consequence of building houses for their employés; is he aware that the proposed Grant to housing authorities of assistance towards the deficiency on their housing schemes above the equivalent of a penny rate will not be suitable in the case of county councils; and that in Gloucester-shire no relief would be obtained by the county council until the deficiency exceeded £7,000, the produce of a penny rate?

The matter is under consideration in connection with the Regulations to be made under Clause 6 of the Housing and Town Planning Bill.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the unemployment prevailing in the joinery trade, he can see his way to order at once doors, window frames, and other woodwork which will be required under the Government housing scheme?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Tenders have been issued for the supply of doors. These tenders are due to be returned by 12th April. During the course of the next few weeks orders for a total quantity of from 40,000 to 45,000 doors will be placed. Tenders are also about to be issued for window frames.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many housing schemes have been submitted in their final form to the Local Government Board; now many of these have been approved; and in how many cases building has actually been started?

Housing schemes are submitted in three stages—site, lay-out, and house plans. The number of site schemes submitted to the Local Government Board up to 5th April is 693, of which 224 have ben approved. The number of lay-out schemes submitted is 182, of which fifty-three have been approved, and the number of schemes including house plans submitted is 146, of which forty-nine have been approved. A more detailed statement will be issued shortly. I am unable at present to give particulars of the actual building operations commenced

asked the Attorney-General whether, where a block of flats are acquired by a new landlord, the sitting tenants of such flats can enjoy the protection afforded tenants who come within the scope of the various Rent Increases Act?

The answer to this question is in the affirmative. The assumption is that the rent, or rateable value, is such as to bring the flats within the scope of the Acts.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that registrars of births, and deaths, and marriages, throughout England and Wales, are the only class of public officials who, as a body, have not received a war bonus, gratuity, or increase in their salaries, in consideration of the existing increased cost of living, and that, although a circular letter on the question was sent to boards of guardians by the Local Government Board, a very small proportion of the named officers have received any benefit in consequence; and whether, seeing that the remuneration for the services of these officers was fixed by the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1874, Section 31, and has not since that dace been increased or revised, he is prepared to take the necessary steps to bring about the payment of a fee more commensurate with the average salaries paid at this date?

Registrars of births and deaths are paid by fees and are not salaried officers, and there is therefore no legal authority for the granting of a War bonus to them or for increasing the rate of their remuneration. With a view to meeting cases of hardship among these officers, owing to the increase in the cost of living, and in some cases diminution in their fees, the Local Government Board issued a circular letter in May, 1918, suggesting that gratuities might be granted by boards of guardians in suitable cases, and the Board offered to sanction the payment of such gratuities under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act, 1887. They have given sanction in a large number of cases. The Board have no power to compel guardians to give gratuities, and they have made it clear that it is for the guardians to decide whether a gratuity should be given in any particular case. Legislation would be necessary to vary the rate of remuneration paid to these officers, but I could not at present promise to introduce legislation for this purpose. Registrars in many cases hold other offices and are not wholly dependent on their fees.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received a resolution passed by the Burnley Borough Council to the effect that the council support the following resolution passed at a special meeting of the Lancashire Asylums Board on 30th January, 1919, advocating an alteration of the existing method of dealing with cases of incipient insanity, that neither the word "lunatic" nor the words "pauper lunatic" should any longer be used, that the Poor Law connection with pauper lunatics should be discontinued, that local authorities should be empowered to set up and maintain psychiatric hospitals wherein patients could be treated for mental disease without being certified, and suggesting that the introduction of the Ministry of Health Bill affords an opportunity of carrying out those suggestions, and whether he will favourably consider taking action in the direction recommended?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to, and as I stated in reply to a question on the same subject on the 27th February last, the whole matter will be reviewed with cognate questions in connection with the establishment of the Ministry of Health.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in any scheme for the control or provision of matters pertaining to public health, the district nursing associations in Lancashire and Cheshire can be utilised by some method of co-ordination with the State of municipal authorities, so that the valuable work done by district nurses may not be overlooked?

I am well aware of the valuable work done by district nurses throughout the country, and that several district nursing associations in Lancashire and Cheshire are already co-operating with the local authorities in providing midwifery and nursing services. The Local Government Board wll continue to encourage such co-operation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has now been arrived at in regard to the cancellation of the No Returns Order for newspapers and periodicals?

The Paper Restriction (Prohibition of Returns) Order, 1918, was withdrawn on 31st March. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ealing on March 20th and to the announcements which appeared in the Press on the following day.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications have been received by the Appointments Department of the Ministry since the date of the Armistice from officers and men and ex-officers and men, respectively, for financial assistance to enable them to pursue courses of higher education at universities and like institutions, courses of agricultural training, and courses of draining in offices and works?

The total number of applications received by the Appointments Department for training with financial assistance from serving and discharged officers to the 28th March, 1919, are: Higher education 12,086 Agriculture 2,912 Training in offices and works 7,046

I regret that it has not been possible to separate the figures for serving and discharged officers and men. Many of these who are now discharged or demobilised made their application when still serving with His Majesty's Forces.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the Grand Fleet has not left Scapa Flow, he will take into immediate consideration the urgency of restoring the Orkney mail to its former route?

Arrangements are being made for the Orkney mail steamer to resume its former route on the 21st of April.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is a shortage of skilled telegraphists in the home service at the moment; whether he is endeavouring to secure the return of telegraphists with the forces in the hope of securing something like pre-war efficiency; whether there are a number of highly skilled telegraphists who because they are conscientious objectors have been prevented from working at their trade; and whether, in the interests of the commercial needs and the public service of the country, he will permit these Post Office servants to resume their normal occupation?

It is the case that there is a shortage of skilled telegraphists in the home service at present, and that the military authorities have been asked to expedite the return of a number of telegraphists from the forces. As regards the last part of the question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer to the questions by the hon. Members for Houghton-le-Spring and Pontypool.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the total area of land acquired for allotments by the London County Council under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908; how many allotments have been so acquired; and what are the total receipts and expenditure entailed by the council in connection with allotments taken under that Act?

More than 130 acres of land are let by the London County Council as "permanent" allotments to approximately 1,300 tenants. The accounts of the London County Council are printed and published, but in the short time available the Board have not been able to obtain the most recent figures.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the total number of allotments acquired under the Cultivation of Lands Order; and how many of these allotments have, since their acquisition under the Order, been obtained by local authorities on lease under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, in accordance with the Board's recommendation in the Circular of November, 1918?

The total number of allotments acquired under the Cultivation of Lands Order is estimated at about 400,000, but the Board have no recent complete returns on the subject, neither have they obtained as yet the information which would enable them to answer the second part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board has ceased to acquire land for allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order?

No, Sir. But the local authorities have been advised wherever practicable to exercise their power under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, for the purpose of acquiring land permanently for allotments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Acquisition of Land Act, 1916, confers upon the Board the right to retain possession of land taken for allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order until the expiry of two years from the end of the War; whether the Board will avail themselves of the provision enabling possession to be retained for a longer period than two years; whether the Act referred to gives to the Board power to purchase compulsorily any land so held; and whether the Board will avail themselves of this provision in appropriate cases?

The reply to all parts of the question is in the affirmative except that the Board will only retain possession where the land is not required for building or other special purpose, or where the compensation payable, including rent, would exceed the value to the nation of the food produced. The allotment holders, now that the War is over, must be prepared to pay reasonable rents. They cannot expect to continue to hold their allotments at the nominal rents which were charged in many cases during the War. It will be necessary to take into account this question of rent in deciding whether the Board will retain possession.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his Department have yet decided upon the six-days' week for the constables and museum porters on duty at Kew Gardens; and, if not, whether he can hold out any prospect of this matter being settled at an early date?

The matter to which the hon. Member refers has just been brought to the notice of the Board, and will receive careful consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many applications have, since the date of the Armistice, been received by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries from officers and men and ex-officers and men for financial assistance to enable them to pursue courses of agricultural training; what number of such applicants have been placed for training; and what is the average amount of financial assistance awarded in each case?

Five hundred and thirty-three applications for scholar- ships and 804 for residential farm training had been received up to the 5th instant. The number of scholarships available is at present limited to fifty, which number it is hoped to increase to 100. The special Departmental Committee of Selection have interviewed 365 of the 533 applicants. Nine have been awarded scholarships, 276 refused, and the remaining eighty are under consideration. The precise value of these scholarships cannot yet be ascertained. The number of Grants available for residential farm training is at present 1,000, and they are fixed at £125 per annum for two years. Of the 804 applications the county education authorities report that sixty-seven have started training and 153 others have been approved. Grants have been refused in twenty-two cases and twenty-two others have withdrawn. Less than 50 per cent. of the applicants both for scholarships and for residential farm training were already demobilised. In addition to the amount of scholarship and the residential training Grant, an additional allowance at a rate up to £24 a year is made in respect of each child under sixteen years subject to certain conditions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take the necessary steps to prevent any German from returning to China for a period of years, as their repatriation now with the privilege of returning to China in the near future will be construed by the Chinese as an act of cruelty which will act adversely against British interests?

The question of preventing Germans from returning to China is one for the decision of the Chinese Government who will doubtless be largely guided in this matter by any decisions as to a general policy of trade relations with the enemy countries which may be arrived at by the Allied and Associated Powers at the Paris Peace Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House of the whereabouts of Prince Kropotkin, if alive, or authenticate his death and manner of same in Russia or elsewhere?

We have no information either as to the whereabouts or fate of Prince Kropotkin.

asked the Attorney-General whether the Personal Application Department of the Principal Probate Registry, Somerset House, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Saturday; whether he is aware that the widows and relatives of deceased soldiers applying at 3.30 p.m. are told that they are too late and must attend on another day; whether, owing to an absence of system, applicants are kept waiting an unnecessary length of time and attended to out of turn; and whether he will give instructions that every facility must be given and every courtesy shown to all personal applicants and no application refused before the official time for the close of business?

The Department mentioned is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the clerks work much longer and frequently take work home. The number of applications has increased from 6,653 in 1914 to 10,421 in 1918, and this year the number is still higher owing to the influenza epidemics. It has not been possible to increase the technical experienced staff owing to the number of clerks released for military service and the great increase of work throughout the registry. If the officials have a large number of cases waiting to be dealt with it is possible that further applicants coming after 3.30 p.m. may occasionally have been told that their cases are not likely to be reached that day and advised to attend earlier on another day, being given forms to fill up meantime. Many of the applicants are uneducated and illiterate, and their cases take a long time to deal with. Cases of deceased soldiers' wills require special affidavits to be drawn. Cases are not attended to out of turn. Every facility is given and every courtesy shown to all personal applicants, and I am satisfied that the staff, working under great pressure and in circumstances of very exceptional difficulty, are doing everything possible for the public.