asked the Prime Minister if he will supply the House with the number of Common Enclosure Acts passed since 1795 enclosing land in the county of Durham, and the number of acres in same?

The number of Acts passed since 1795 for the enclosure of common or waste lands in the county of Durham is nineteen. The total area enclosed under fourteen of these Acts is 14,446 acres, but there is no available information as to the extent of the lands enclosed under the remaining five Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a representative of the co-operative societies, which do not pay Income Tax, has been appointed a member of the Income Tax Commission, while the Associated Chambers of Commerce and other large trading associations, such as the National Federation of Meat Traders, are not represented; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to enlarge the Commission, in order that the traders of the country may be more fairly represented?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to similar questions on the 8th April.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now ascertained the nature of the Italian proposals for the taxation of bachelors; and, if so, whether he can give the proposals, together with any proposed exemptions?

I have recently received a copy of the Italian proposals, which I am having analysed. For the moment no particulars are available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Treasury have refused to grant increments to all Civil servants holding acting appointments over £500 per annum; whether the remuneration for the ordinary responsibilities of these posts is not an incremental scale; on what grounds the refusal is made, seeing that the Treasury have themselves authorised them in the case of appointments under £500; what was the date of the first application for these increments; and whether he will now give an undertaking that this claim shall be conceded without delay as from the date of the first application?

The normal Civil Service practice is to grant an allowance to an officer temporarily acting in a post higher than his substantive post. Officers in receipt of such allowances continue to receive increments on their substantive scale. In certain Departments, during the War, officers acting in higher posts than their substantive posts have been allowed the minimum of the scale of the acting post, and as a special concession where that minimum does not exceed £350 per annum increments in the acting scale have been granted. Regard being had to the normal practice above referred to (which has been in operation throughout the War in many Departments), it was not considered justifiable to extend the special concession named in the last paragraph to officers acting in posts the minimum of which exceeded £350 per annum, as such treatment would have placed the officers in question in a. much more favourable position than officers in receipt of allowances under the normal arrangements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the 1d. rate levied for public libraries is inadequate to meet the growing educational demands of the public, he can see his way, pending further legislation on the subject, to extend Grants to public bodies in order to enable them to maintain these institutions in accordance with the needs of the people?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply to the question, and would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Walthamstow on the 18th ultimo, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that service in K Company, Royal Engineers, by postal servants, is counted by the Post Office for purposes of pay and increment; that that service does not count when computing civil pensions; that the Select Committee on Post Office Servants (Holt Committee) recommended that the whole period of service in K Company, where it is followed by established service in the-Post Office, should be treated as Post Office service, and not military service, for the purpose of computing civil pensions, and that the pensions of the officers already retired be corrected accordingly and the arrears made good to them; whether he is now willing to accept this recommendation; and, if not, whether he will submit the matter to arbitration?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of the 17th February last to the right hon. Member for Woolwich. I am not prepared to submit the matter to arbitration.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether service in K Company of the Royal Engineers is spent on Post Office work and is on this ground allowed to count for purposes of pay and increment should the men be subsequently appointed as Post Office telegraphists; whether on mobilisation all military service ceases to count for these purposes; and whether, as all other men employed on Post Office work are safeguarded against loss of increment, he will take steps to prevent these men being penalised?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Yes. On mobilisation the men in question cease to do Post Office work. The last part of the question does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the proposed method of carrying out the Government's pledge as regards cereal prices of the 1919 crop in Scotland is viewed by agriculturists as a breach of the official pledge given, in that it places Scottish crops in an inferior position to those of England; and whether he will receive a deputation from the responsible and representative agricultural bodies in Scotland on the subject?

The subject has been carefully considered, and, in the opinion of the Government, the method adopted is a fair one.

asked the Food Controller why the large quantity of dried plums in store in Glasgow, for which there is much demand, is not being released?

The dried plums to which the hon. Member refers have been released, and are in course of distribution.

asked the Food Controller what stocks of oatmeal, if any, the Government have on hand; and if a quantity of oatmeal has recently been sold by them, thus supplying outlets previously open to the millers of this country?

The stocks in the hands of the Royal Commission on the Wheat Supply amount approximately to 10,000 tons. During the last month about 1,000 tons have been sold in the United Kingdom, and 6,000 tons are in process of dispatch for relief purposes.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that during the War many oatmeal mills have been restarted in this country, and much new plant installed; and if it is the policy of the Government to extend some protection to this industry so that these mills may not again become derelict?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, an announcement of the policy of the Government in this matter will be made as soon as is possible.

asked the Food Controller if he will state the estimated surplus of the 1918 crop of potatoes available in Scotland for export, the percentage of such surplus already exported, the estimated surplus available for export from England and Ireland, and the percentages of such surpluses already exported from these countries?

Total Exportable Surplus. Percentage already Exported. Tons. Scotland 250,000 … 36 England and Wales 300,000 … 40 Ireland 400,000 … 49

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that many agricultural labourers in Hampshire have been in the habit of brewing their own beer; whether he is aware that at the present time it is impossible for them to obtain the necessary malt; and whether he will take immediate steps to arrange that they may purchase the malt they require?

According to the Food Controller's information private brewing by agricultural labourers in Hampshire has never been large in comparison with other counties. Labourers in Hampshire have, however, received their proportion, having regard to the applications made, of the special supplies of malt allotted for this purpose. No special allowances for 1919 are at present available. As the hon. Member will probably be aware, the Food Controller is now awaiting the decision of the Cabinet as to the future policy to be adopted in this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many claims nave been made by tenant farmers against county war agricultural committees in reference to total loss of crop as a result of ploughing-out orders and when all proper precaution had been taken and rules of good husbandry observed; and whether, in any of these cases where claims have been recommended, the Board have subsequently offered the farmer a percentage only of the claim with an intimation that, unless accepted, the claim must stand over until the end of the present harvest?

Approximately 1,500 claims have been received from farmers in respect of total or partial failure of their crops on grassland, but the Board have given no general intimation of the kind stated in the question of my hon. and gallant Friend. In certain cases they have suggested that the settlement of claims should be postponed until a more accurate ascertainment of the loss can be arrived at. The Board are advised that the loss cannot be measured by considering only the expenditure and receipts of one season and that regard must also be had to the effect of the ploughing up of the grass in subsequent years.

asked the Food Controller whether any beans or peas have been or are being supplied to Germany; and, if so, from what source?

Subject to the completion of a satisfactory contract, it is proposed to re-export to Germany from the United Kingdom 16,000 tons of peas originally imported from the East. No arrangement has been made for the supply of beans to Germany.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of a strike of farm labourers at Donaghadee; whether a police officer in charge is advising the farmers to shoot any trade union pickets who approach their farms; that two of these pickets have been shot and wounded in the face; that, although these wounded men gave information at the police station on Friday last, the police have refused to take any action in the matter; and whether be will make inquiries into this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question there is absolutely no foundation for the allegation that any such statement was made by a police officer. On the 4th instant a party of sixteen labourers entered the lands of William Matier at Ballyforherry, near Donaghadee, with the object of speaking to Matier's two workmen (non-union men). Matier challenged them and ordered them off his lands. This they did reluctantly, and Matier, who had a double-barrelled gun with him, discharged a "six-shot" cartridge at the crowd and some of the pellets struck the labourers. On learning of the incident the local police at once made inquiries, and at a special court at Donaghadee, on the 7th instant, the depositions of three of the strike labourers were taken and Matier was returned for trial.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether there is any immediate anxiety to erect extensive naval works at Lioness, Longhope, Orkney, in view of the fact that we are spending over one million of money a week in paying people for doing nothing; if he will consider whether some of that labour could be expended on works which are not of immediate necessity; and if, in view of the fact that actually the Admiralty is paralysing all farm work in Orkney, he will give the matter his further consideration?

It is necessary to complete these works as soon as possible. Efforts have already been made to import labour, but owing to the isolated position of the works and the insufficiency of housing accommodation it has been exceedingly difficult to induce men to remain. Consequently it has been, and still is, necessary to employ local labour.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board of Admiralty have yet received the Report of the Committee on Officers' Pay, Allowances, and Pensions?

No, Sir. The Committee on Officers' Pay is sitting daily, and every endeavour is being made to expedite the completion of the Report. The work, however, is most comprehensive, and embraces all questions of pay, allowances, and pensions to all ranks of every branch of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. It is very essential that every point should receive the fullest consideration, and, consequently, the Committee do not anticipate completing their Report before the end of April.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to the sinking of the steamship "Normandy" on 25th January, 1918, whether, having regard to the number of passengers and the cargo carried on that occasion, there was anything out of the ordinary routine for such a vessel to proceed unescorted; and why those who were sent unconvoyed were not sent on other vessels which were then proceeding to Havre or Boulogne which were convoyed, and on which there was plenty of room, so enabling the passengers to reach Cherbourg by land in safety?

There was nothing out of the ordinary routine in the case of this vessel. She carried, besides the crew, one civilian passenger, and twenty-one military, and the Admiralty orders were that on any unescorted vessel, not more than twenty military were allowed. The military concerned, who travelled via Cherbourg, were either leave men bound to Salonika or Egypt, or those necessary to maintain the lines of communication in the neighbourhood of Cherbourg. I understand that the railway congestion would not permit of extra military trains being run from Boulogne, etc., to Cherbourg.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will place buoys over the sunken ships between Start Point and Portland in order to protect the fishermen who are constantly losing their gear when trawling, it being impossible to avoid the wrecks unless the latter are marked?

By the Merchant Shipping Act, general lighthouse authorities are responsible for marking or dispersing wrecks which are a danger to navigation or to light boats, but they do not appear to be responsible for marking wrecks which are obstructions to fishermen though not dangers to navigation. The question, however, is under consideration with the Board of Trade and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. I should mention that all wrecks which are dangers to navigation are marked by buoys, and the Admiralty have published charts, which are on sale to the public, showing the positions of all wrecks as far as can be ascertained.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that several men of sixty-five years of age and over who have been continuously employed at Woolwich and Greenock in the Government factories have been warned for discharge; if a notice has been posted in the factory at Greenock inviting all hands to refrain from leaving, as there was sufficient work for at least twelve months; and, as these men, who loyally stood by the Government during the War, are still under notice, will he take steps to secure to them the right to work as long as they are able and willing to do so?

The Ordnance factories at Woolwich do not come under the Admiralty, and, in the time available, it has not been practicable to obtain the necessary details from Greenock. I should explain, however, that the rule at Admiralty establishments is that retirement shall take effect on reaching the age of sixty, but in exceptional cases employés may be allowed to remain on from year to year, if found fit, until they reach the age of sixty-five. Men over sixty-five years are not retained. I may add that arrangements have recently been made for men in the Naval Ordnance Store Depot at Woolwich to be retained, subject to certified fitness, up to the age of sixty-five.

asked the Secretary of State for War Whether he is aware that under date 18th February, 1919, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland informed Mr. Clark, Tillygarmond, Banchory, that the Board had made application for the early demobilisation of his son, Private A. T. Clark, No. 24872, l/4th Gordon Highlanders, attached 2/14th London Scottish, as a pivotal man; and whether, having regard to the fact that Private Clark has not yet been demobilised, he can see his way to make inquiry with a view to the early release of this soldier?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Edward Goodall, No. T/422625, Camel Transport Corps, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, is unable to get his release in spite of the fact that he joined up in November, 1914, and has been on active service in Egypt since 1915; and whether, seeing that his father urgently needs his help on their farm, he will give instructions for him to be sent back with the next demobilisation draft?

Inquiries will be 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 if he will take steps to secure the early demobilisation of Sergeant J. R. Smith, No. M2/132450, 910th Company, Royal Army Service Corps, Salonika, considering that this man volunteered in 1915, is now thirty-nine years of age, and has had no leave?

Sergeant Smith is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If this noncommissioned officer's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, he will, no doubt, be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the number of soldiers in Mesopotamia eligible for demobilisation; and whether he can give an assurance that these men and those who have been in Mesopotamia for any length of time will be brought home before the hot season commences?

The number of men surplus to Army of Occupation requirements in Mesopotamia on 1st March, 1919, was 32,034. I would refer my right hon. Friend to the statement I made in the House on the 25th February last, which dealt fully with the question of men in the East. I regret it is not possible to give any assurance that these men will all be brought home before the hot season commences. As many as possible have been brought home subject to the requirements of the minimum garrisons.

asked the (Secretary of State for War whether Lance-Corporal S. Whiteman Webb, No. 31118, Royal Army Medical Corps, who joined up on 1st September, 1914, and served throughout the War with the 56th Field Ambulance, has, so recently as 11th March last, been transferred to the 43rd Casualty Clearing Station, to take the place of men demobilised, some of whom have had shorter service?

A Report is being obtained in this case, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what are the proportions of officers to other ranks serving in the Army at present and released to date, respectively; and what steps are being taken to hasten the rate of release of officers?

The following figures show the proportion of officers to other ranks serving in the Army at various dates: July, 1914 … … 4.4 per cent. October, 1918 … … 5 per cent. April, 1919 … … 7.3 per cent. It will be seen that the proportion at present is considerably higher than in prewar days and in normal war-time.

The reasons for this are as follows (1) Release of officers has been somewhat slower than that of other ranks owing to 2915 the necessity of ensuring that due proportion between various ranks is maintained and the consequent detailed stocktaking necessary before carrying out releases. This is now correcting itself and the release of officers is now proceeding a great deal faster. (2) A proportionately larger number of officers than other ranks must be temporarily maintained for supervision and administration in the various special services connected with the demobilisation of the Army. (3) The establishment of officer cadres are practically complete, whereas the strength in other ranks is considerably below establishments. As an indication of this I may point out that recruiting from civil life is proceeding busily, whereas comparatively few commissions are being granted.

The great improvement which has recently taken place in the rate of release of officers will be seen from the following figures: Of all ranks demobilised in January the percentage of officers was 2.91 Of all ranks demobilised in February the percentage of officers was 2.87 Of all ranks demobilised in March the percentage of officers was 4.63 Of all ranks demobilised in April (calculated to noon, 9th April, 1919) 7.32

or putting it in another way:

In January the ratio of officers to other ranks demobilised was one officer to 33.25 other ranks.

In February the ratio of officers to other ranks demobilsed was one officer to 33.83 other ranks.

In March the ratio of officers to other ranks demobilised was one officer to 20.54 other ranks.

In April (calculated to noon, 9th April,1919)the ratio of officers to other ranks demobilised was one officer to 12.63 other ranks

The total of officers released is now over 3½ per cent. of the men, and the rate is steadily improving.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that non-commissioned officers and men of the 29th Royal Garrison Artillery stationed on headquarters and guns in Sheffield and district who are eligible for demobilisation are being kept in the Service, while young men with short service have been returned to civil life?

It is no doubt true that in some cases younger men and men of shorter service have been demobilised. This is owing to the fact that dispersal drafts are made up on a certain order of priority, and that as far as possible a proportion of men of all classes as laid down in the order of priority are included in the drafts sent for dispersal. No men who are not eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations are being demobilised with the exception of extreme compassionate cases, and it would be unfair to demobilise the whole of the men in one class to the exclusion of men in other classes. I may add that provision has been made for the appointment of senior officers to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officers or men (including those of administrative services and departments, such as Military Police, Army Pay Corps, etc.), who are eligible for demobilisation, are being retained without a good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many men ordinarily resident in South American countries who came home voluntarily for service with His Majesty's Forces are still being retained in the Army; whether he will now permit the demobilisation and repatriation of such men who so desire; and, if not, can he state for what further period it is intended to retain their services?

Soldiers who came from South America to join the Army are being repatriated under the same conditions as are applicable to other soldiers who claim repatriation. So far the claims to repatriation to South America made by soldiers have been very limited, and all those serving in the United Kingdom, France, or Italy whose claims to repatriation to South America were approved have been repatriated or will be repatriated this month. A large number of officers have also been repatriated to South America, and steps are being taken to expedite the return of the remainder as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among the mili- tary force police now performing town police duty at Cologne; whether these grievances respecting educational facilities, hours of duty, and quantity of food allowed were brought in accordance with the Regulations, to the notice of the commanding officer; whether the commanding officer accused the men of mutiny for so doing; whether these men receive payment of forty marks per fortnight; whether this amount is considered by the men insufficient; and whether he will institute the necessary inquiry with a view to these grievances being redressed?

I am not aware of this, but inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that for a long time quantities of valuable stores will be returned viâ Rich-borough, he will so arrange such storage as not to interfere with the public rights on the King's highway; and whether passes may now be allowed to residents desiring to use the Sandwich to Margate Road for pleasure purposes?

I regret it is undesirable that the road should be opened to the general public at present. Passes have always been, and will be, granted to a satisfactory applicant, whether for business or pleasure purposes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he will make inquiries into the case of Mr. J. Nielson, No. 628, C.I.R., E.S., Royal Dockyard, Woolwich, who was wounded whilst serving with the forces and is now refused employment, with a view to his reinstatement?

I have been asked to answer this question. I will have inquiries made, and write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will provide that active service overseas during the present War may count towards a pension in the case of men of the Territorial Force or the New Army who may join the Regular Army?

All mobilised service of soldiers (other than pensioners) during the present War counts as service and qualifying service towards pension, under Army Order 56, of 1919.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether several disabled ex-Service men employed at the Machine-Gun Corps pay offices, South Kensington, have recently been dismissed on account of the reduction of staff, whilst many girls are retained; and if he will see that wounded men who are employed in this and other pay offices, and who are competent to carry on the work, are the last to be dismissed when the staff is reduced?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Twickenham on the 2nd April. The conditions are similar in these pay offices.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver John E. Duff Spence, No. 133615, Royal Field Artillery, No. 2 Section, R.A. Details, G.B.D., Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt, was recently sentenced to twelve months' hard labour under the following circumstances: he was first charged with malingering, and, when the medical officer refused to support this charge, the complaint was changed to that of disobeying an order and being absent from stables; whether there were other irregularities in connection with Spence's trial and conviction; and whether he will order an investigation into the circumstances?

I am looking into this case, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Robert Epstein, 4, Osborne Terrace, Ibrox, Glasgow, a Russian Pole, born at Kochanov on 14th January, 1887, was called up for military service in April, 1918; whether he has protested that he is not liable for military service in terms of the treaty entered into between Great Britain and Russia on 12th January, 1859; whether the Military Service (Allied Convention) Acts of 1916 and 1917 became inoperative when Russia concluded peace with Germany, and the Ambassadors of Russia and this country were recalled; whether the said Robert Epstein was posted, with the No. 560206, to the 9th Russia Labour Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, but did not join for the reason stated; whether the said Robert Epstein gave himself up at Maryhill Barracks, Glasgow, on 30th March, 1919, and has since been in the military hospital, Pembroke Docks, South Wales; whether he has since been remanded for court-martial as a deserter; and whether, in view of the foregoing facts, instructions will now be given for his discharge from Golden Hill Camp, Pembroke, South Wales, where he is at present?

I am making inquiries into this case, and will write to my hon. Friend later.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, if his Department have made any rules, as authorised by Section 5, Sub-section (4), Part II., of the Munitions of War Act, 1915, dealing with alterations of capital by controlled firms; and, if so, will he furnish the hon. Member for Aberdeen (North) with a copy of such rules?

I would refer the hon. Member to ( a ) No. 10 of the Munitions (Limitation of Profits) Rules ordered to be printed by this House on 23rd September, 1915, and ( b ) to Statutory Rules and Orders No. 559, of 1918. The Rules, however, refer to the computation of profit as affected by alteration of capital, and do not regulate the alteration of capital itself. I am sending copies of these Rules to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the economic and the improved administrative efficiency effected by the Quartermaster-General's Services Branch, any decison has yet been arrived at as to placing it upon a permanent footing in Army administration?

The manner in which the inspection of Quartermaster-General' services shall be conducted as a post-war organisation is still under consideration. The utility of this branch in the past is thoroughly recognised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is now in a position to state what steps he proposes to take with reference to the payment of certain employés of the Woolwich Arsenal during the recent stock-taking period?

I regret that I am not yet able to make a statement on this subject, which concerns other Departments besides the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the new additional bonus of 20 per cent, payable on war pensions and allowances to dependants of sailors and soldiers will be extended to dependants of officers and men of the Merchant Service whose lives were lost in auxiliary ships, and whose dependants are receiving Government allowances through the various war risks associations; and what would be the cost, approximately, of granting Service scales of pensions, in lieu of the allowances now paid to the dependants through these associations?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As the hon. and gallant Member was informed on 10th April by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions, the bonus of 20 per cent, to which he refers is only added to the pensions and allowances paid by that Department. Substantial improvements have recently been made in the war risks compensation scheme for the Mercantile Marine which is administered through the war risks associations, and the question is now being considered whether some further modification in the scheme is or is not necessary. I am not in a position to reply to the final part of the question.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will consider a modification of the terms recently outlined under which the war bonus of 20 per cent, will be paid on the disability retired pay of officers, nurses, and naval warrant officers, and on the pensions awarded to their widows and relatives, owing to the fact that the money limits laid down result in considerable hardship when comparison is drawn between the cases of totally disabled and partially disabled officers in receipt of alternative retired pay, and particularly when consideration is given to the case of dependants where the rates laid down as to money limits are the maximum rates of pension which may be granted under the Regulations, and which often do not approximate to the proved dependency on the deceased officer; and whether the payment of the bonus authorised may be antedated to 1st November, 1918, from 1st January, 1919, to bring the case of officers and their widows and dependants into line with those of non-commissioned officers and men, having regard to the fact that the cost of living affected equally all classes of pensions during that period?

The money limits to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers were carefully considered before the terms of the bonus were decided upon, as was also the period for which the bonus should be payable, and I cannot promise any revision at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men who went on active service as life pensioners are now only receiving half-gratuity; and whether he will reconsider the position of these soldiers?

Army Order 118, published on 14th March last, authorised the payment of the full war gratuity to soldiers who were in receipt of pension whilst serving, and there is now, therefore, no difference between these and other soldiers in respect of war gratuity.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will expedite the consideration of the claim for pension by Alice Vaughan, of 60, Soudan Road, Stafford, widow of the late Sergeant E. W. Vaughan, M.M., Machine Gun Corps, who died, as a result of the effects of his military service, on 27th November, 1918; whether he is aware that Mrs. Vaughan, on applying for assistance to the local war pensions office on Saturday, 5th April, was informed that she could not have any money as they had no cash, and that there has now been a delay of many weeks in issuing final papers in this case?

I regret that there has been delay in the settlement of this case. Full pension, with children's allowances, has now been awarded and notification has been sent both to the widow herself and to the local committee.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Welsh ex-sailors and ex-soldiers, and their dependants, appearing before the appeals tribunals in support of their appeals, are greatly handicapped by being unable to express themselves in the English language and do justice to their own interests, and the fact of the appeals tribunal for the North Wales area holding its settings in Manchester enhances their difficulties; and, in view of these circumstances, will he consider the desirability of selecting a convenient centre in North Wales for the hearing of appeals, and appointing on such tribunal one or more Welsh-speaking members?

The suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member will be considered.

asked the Minister of National Service and Recon- struction if the services of demobilised soldiers of the Army gymnastic staff can be utilised for the physical training of boys and girls at national schools?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service and Reconstruction has asked me to reply to this question. The physical training of elementary school children is organised by the local education authorities, and application should be made to them by members of the Army gymnastic staff who are competent to train children, if they desire such employment.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the sacrifice of British commercial interests and to the injury to the British export trade to Italy involved in the deportation of one Dominico Boggiano, export merchant, of London, and to the fact that he has now been detained in gaol for some period, he can see his way to accede to the petition recently presented to him by British merchants on behalf of Boggiano, and cancel the order for deportation made against him by the justices at the North London Sessions?

No, Sir. I have given careful consideration to the petition, but I regret that I cannot accede to it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the police are taking vigorous action against motorists carrying headlights exceeding a size laid down under a Regulation introduced under the Defence of the Realm Act that was made in view of hostile air attack; and whether, in view of the fact that our streets are still insufficiently lighted, with consequent danger to the public, as also of the fact that the reason for these Regulations is now passed, these Regulations can be withdrawn now rather than lapse automatically, as they must, when peace is signed?

The Order with regard to screening of powerful headlights which was in force before the Armistice was revoked in December last, and superseded by the present Order under which the pre- vious requirements have been considerably relaxed. The present retrictions have no relation to air raids. While they prevent the use of excessively brilliant and dazzling headlights, I am advised that they allow the use of ample light for safe driving at any ordinary speed.

asked the Home Secretary whether the No-treating Order is still operative; and, if so, will he consider the desirability of rescinding it or state the reason for its continued enforcement?

The Order is still operative. As regards its continuance I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Henley on 20th March.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what authority supervises the felling and clearing of timber for the Government; whether it is competent to any authority to fell trees and leave them for an indefinite period lying across hedges, fences, and ornamental shrubs, and otherwise damaging and destroying the amenities of the property of the original owner of such tree or of that of his immediate neighbours?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Timber Supply Department is responsible for the home-grown timber operations of the Government, and if the hon. Member will bring to the notice of the Controller of Timber Supplies any particular case he has in mind, inquiries will be made. The agreements under which timber is acquired ordinarily provide a period within which it is to be removed, and the Timber Supply Department, I understand, always endeavours to meet the wishes of owners and the public convenience, as far as possible.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will adopt the principles of the Whitley Report in relation to the members of the medical profession and the Departments under whom they will be appointed in connection with the Ministry of Health Bill?

The main principles of the Whitley Report have been accepted in relation to the Civil Service, and the details of their application are now being considered.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in connection with the revision of the register of electors, he advised all registration officers that great care should be taken in compiling the registers, as such registers would supersede the registers compiled under the National Registration Act, 1915, and would be required for service should Conscription become a permanent feature of our national life?

I have not given any such advice as indicated in the question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that considerable doubt exists in the minds of registration officers relative to the interpretation of Ch. 64, Part I. (Franchises), Section 5, Clause 3, of the Representation of the People Act; whether some officers have decided that a man who has been demobilised to a Reserve, but not discharged, and is under twenty-one years of age, having the qualifying period, has been granted the franchise and others have not; and whether he will give a ruling so that uniformity of action on the part of registration officers may obtain?

I am aware that considerable doubt exists whether a man who attained the age of nineteen years during his service in the forces can on demobilisation acquire a qualification to be registered as an elector until he has reached the age of twenty-one years. I have, however, no power to give any ruling which would be binding on registration officers in the matter.

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

The chairman and some members of the Committee went yesterday very carefully into some of the points referred to in my reply to the hon. Member's question of Wednesday last, and desire to have a meeting immediately after Easter to work out some of these points before the Treasury is asked to sanction a particular sum of money for the purpose in question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the inhabitants of Dunston, numbering 12,000 and 15,000 in the immediate neighbourhood, who use the station, are dissatisfied with the action of the North Eastern Railway Company in refusing to re-open Dunston railway station for passenger traffic now that hostilities have ceased and the congestion on the line has been eased; whether he is aware that inconvenience is suffered by workmen numbering 5,000 who are unable to proceed to their destinations otherwise than by a restricted tramway service, and that business men are likewise inconvenienced; and whether, in view of the size and importance of Dunston. he will take steps to secure the reopening of this station for passenger traffic as in pre-war days?

I much regret the inconvenience caused by the closing of this station, but I am afraid that I cannot add to the explanation of the present position of the matter already given in letters addressed to the hon. and gallant Gentleman on the 8th and 24th March, and in my reply of the 1st April to a question by the hon. Member for the Bishop Auckland Division of Durham.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the number of invalids anxious to travel to Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, during the summer months, and to the inconvenience of there being no train from London after the 1.45 slow train, the Railway Executive Committee will make arrangements that a through carriage be attached to the 4 p. m. fast train from King's Cross, and that the train be continued from Boston and Woodhall Spa and Horncastle as it was before the War, or that at all events such carriage should be run through on at least two days a week?

I am communicating with the Great Northern Railway Company on this matter, and will let my hon. and learned Friend know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with reference to the present restrictions on the imports of hops, if it should be possible to increase the imports, be will consider the advisability of granting licences in the first instance to hops grown within the British Empire rather than to those grown in foreign countries?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether manufacturers of oil-lamp chimneys have been invited to give evidence before the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the imports of lighting ware?

It is proposed to give to manufacturers and others concerned in this trade an opportunity to give such information and evidence as they may desire to the Imports Consultative Council. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular manufacturers in mind, perhaps he will invite them to communicate with the Secretary to the Council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the return relating to the rates of Import Duties into the British self-governing Dominions, Colonies, Possessions, etc., and the Blue Book on foreign Import Duties are likely to be reprinted and brought up to date within the near future, in view of the inconvenience of exporters and traders generally caused by this information not being at present available in an up-to-date form?

I would point out to the hon. and gallant Member that during the War there have been a number of temporary adjustments of Customs Tariffs and Regulations which it may be assumed will gradually be withdrawn or modified, that the position in regard to some parts of Europe is very uncertain and that it seems likely that there will be considerable revisions of Customs Tariffs in a number of countries after the conclusion of Peace. The present time would not, therefore, seem to be opportune for the issue of revised editions of the returns in question, which would probably be out of date in many particulars almost as soon as they were published. Information as to the present rates of duty on specified commodities in any country can, so far as particulars are available, be obtained from the Department of Overseas Trade, 73, Basing-hall Street, E.C.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, although juvenile cadet corps linked up with the Territorial Forces are allowed cheap fares to camps, this concession is withheld from other juvenile organisations such as the boy scouts; and whether he can state the reason for this discrimination, in view of the fact that the only difference is that the boy scouts and other organisations are not of a militarist character?

Cadet Corps are, I believe, granted reduced fares as part of the military organisation, under special arrangements made by the War Office. As I stated on the 10th April, in reply to the hon. Member for the Ardwick Division of Manchester, it is, I fear, improbable that it will be found practicable this year to give cheap facilities to boys travelling to camps generally, owing to the present railway position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that goods consigned by rail to allotment societies are not delivered direct to the allotment grounds of these societies; and will he make provision for the delivery of goods on to the allotment grounds?

If my hon. Friend refers to allotment grounds within a railway company's delivery area, and if proper arrangements can be made at the grounds for taking delivery of goods from the railway companies, I shall be happy to look into the matter if he will give me particulars of cases in which difficulties have arisen.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the import of lawn mowers is forbidden; whether lawn mowers ordered from abroad are at present lying in the docks at Liverpool or London, permission to remove and sell not being granted; and what steps he can take in view of the seasonal character of the need for these machines?

The general licence for lawn mowers which was issued on the signature of the Armistice was revoked on 1st March in common with other general licences, and certain consignments arriving after the revocation were detained. Consideration is being given to the question of the release of these consignments. On the general question of the future importation of these articles, the recommendation of the Imports Consultative Council must be awaited.

asked the Minister of Labour whether bonuses awarded to workmen are applicable to men in receipt of reduced earnings plus workmen's compensation; if so, has his attention been drawn to any cases where the payment of the been has affected the amount of compensation payable; and, if so, in view of the fact that the bonuses were awarded to meet the increased cost of living, any steps can be taken to ensure that the payment of a bonus shall not affect a man's compensation?

The answer to the first question is that this is generally the case, though it depends on the conditions on which the war bonus is granted; to the second question the answer is in the affirmative; and to the third that, except where an employer voluntarily pays more compensation than is legally due, the-object the hon. Member has in view can only he effected by legislation. The matter is one to be considered by the Committee about to be appointed to consider the amendment of one Workmen's Compensation Acts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what tonnage he has been asked to supply to the Food Controller for the export of potatoes from Scotland to the Continent between this date and the 1st June; and what tonnage has previously been asked for for the export of potatoes from Scotland?

The Shipping Controller has not been asked to supply any definite quantity of tonnage. The Ministry of Food has chartered for its requirements in the market. The Shipping Controller has merely assisted the Ministry of Food to obtain tonnage when it was not forthcoming without his direction.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the balance of 169 steel steamers which were contracted for in the United States in 1917, and which have since been requisitioned by the American Government, will revert to the British Government after they are released by the American Government for requisition, or does the requisition release the Shipping Controller from his contracts for those ships of faulty design?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the Shipping Controller is accordingly relieved of all further liability. I must not, however, be taken as accepting the implication contained in the last part of the question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will grant permission to the inhabitants of Flotta, Orkney, some 400, to use the telephone on payment of the usual charges; and whether arrangements have now been completed with the Admiralty for utilising the telephones put up by the Admiralty in the Highlands and Islands?

It has been arranged to retain in position any telephone circuits provided by the Post Office for the Admiralty and no longer required by them until the possibility of using the circuits for the public telegraph or telephone service has been considered, and a number of suggestions on the subject are under inquiry. I will ascertain whether anything can be done in the case of Flotta.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that communication is virtually at a standstill between Fair Isle and the mainland, Shetland; and if he will have inquiry made whether it is possible to assist the residents to obtain, motor-boat for their trade and mails?

I do not think communication can be said to be at a standstill, as mails for Fair Island were dispatched from Kirkwall on the 8th and 15th March, from Sunburgh on the 16th March and 3rd April, and from Stromness on the 9th April. There are no funds at my disposal out of which I could assist the islanders to obtain a motor-boat.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the delays that are occurring in the delivery of the mails from Lairg to Tongue; that no letters were delivered in the latter place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (31st March, 1st and 2nd April); and what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of this occurrence?

The mail service between Lairg and Tongue was interrupted on the 31st of March by a heavy snow storm which made the road impassable. The mails were forwarded by rail to Thurso and conveyed thence by road to Tongue, where they arrived at midday on the 2nd April. I am satisfied that the delay which occurred was unavoidable.

asked the Postmaster-General what townships situated between Wick and Berridale, in Caithness, are at present enjoying a daily delivery of letters; what townships enjoyed this privilege previous to the outbreak of War; and when he proposes to restore pre-war postal facilities to these districts?

Before the War delivery by postman was provided each weekday at the eight villages between Wick and Berridale. As a war measure these deliveries were reduced to three a week, except at Latheron and Occumster, where there would have been no saving. On the days when there is no delivery by postman letters can be obtained at the post offices. The future arrangements are still under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General if male telephonists are the only Post Office servants who are compelled to work a 54-hour week; whether Sundays, Bank Holidays, and Christmas Day are included in this 54-hour attendance without extra pay or time in lieu thereof; and whether, in view of the strain which is imposed upon these men by the nature of their work, he will consider the necessity of bringing their conditions into line with the ordinary Post Office authorities?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a question on this subject asked to-day by the hon. Member for Central Southwark.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Union-Castle Line are in receipt of mail subsidies from the Government; and, if so, what steps are being taken to ensure more regular sailings to South Africa, in view of the fact that far more regular sailings are at present being dispatched to the Argentine?

The Union-Castle Mail Steamship Company is under contract with the Government of the Union of South Africa for the performance of a weekly service between this country and South Africa, and the payment in respect of this service—which is subject to deduction for omitted voyages—is made by the Union Government. The allocation of tonnage to the different trade routes is understood to be still under the direction of the Ministry of Shipping. Mails for South Africa are sent by all suitable opportunities; and, although not entirely regular, the dispatches of letters and parcels are now made at approximately weekly intervals.

asked the Postmaster-General whether steps will be taken to advertise more fully the dispatch of mails overseas, in view of the fact that mails are now being dispatched by steamers the sailings of which have not been notified in the Press?

Particulars of the general arrangements for the dispatch of mails abroad are given in the Post Office Guide, which can be consulted, free of charge, at any post office. Information as to the dispatch of mails for any destination can be obtained by any member of the public on inquiry at most of the principal post offices. The latest information as to the dispatch and arrival of foreign and Colonial mails is published in the Post Office Daily List, which is supplied to subscribers at a charge of 30s. per annum. Mail lists, compiled from the information contained in the Post Office Daily List, are published in several of the principal daily newspapers. I do not quite understand what further publicity the hon. and gallant Member desires.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, now that the lighting of Hyde Park Corner is better, whether he will open the middle gate; whether, if the lighting is still insufficient, his attention has been called to continuance of the restriction on head-lights introduced under the Defence of the Realm Act, and what action is it proposed to take, either to open the middle gate at Hyde Park Corner or to allow better lighting of the roads by motor head-lights?

Arrangements are being made for restoring the usual lighting at Hyde Park Corner, and the centre gate will be re-opened for traffic.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will give instructions to the Public Prosecutor to take action in the case brought to his notice by the Mayor of Wandsworth in respect of irregularities in connection with funds collected for war charities and misappropriated by the collector, the particulars of which have been handed to the Public Prosecutor and the Attorney-General; is he aware that the Public Prosecutor refuses to take action owing to lapse of time; and is this a valid reason in such a case?

I have been informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the papers in this case were first laid before him five months after the money had been collected, and that in the interval the Mayor of Wandsworth had sanctioned a postponement of the payment over of the collected money to himself on two different occasions, some three months apart, and so had probably reduced the payment of the money to a civil debt, and that it was only after considerable pressure had been placed upon the collector to make monetary restitution that any application to prosecute was made to the Director, who, in all these circumstances declined to intervene, a decision in which I concur, and of which I approve.

asked the Attorney-General whether women are legally disqualified from serving on juries; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to remove a disqualification, which is incompatible with the possession of the vote?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I shall be happy to consider the second part of the question and the argument which it contains.