asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce a Bill giving effect to the expressed intention of the Government reorganising the Board of Agriculture?

I have been asked to answer this question. A Bill to give effect to the proposal that the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries should have the status of a first-class Department is in preparation, and I hope that it will be possible to introduce it at an early date; I am, however, unable to give the precise date when the Bill will be introduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that Incomer Tax is levied upon the income from investments of the English Sewing Cotton Company, Limited, Pension Fund (Manchester); and if he will consider the justice of waiving the claim to tax such income, having regard to the trust deed and rules of the pension fund in question, dated the 30th April, 1912?

I am causing inquiry to be made into the facts of the case mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend, and I will communicate further with him.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether arrangements can be made whereby candidates for Civil Service appointments, who have passed the limits of age for the desired appointments, may deduct from their age for the purpose of the examination all time spent in the Navy or Army during the War?

Arrangements are being made whereby candidates will be allowed to make deductions from their ages as suggested.

asked the Food Controller if he will give the c.i.f. cost to the Ministry of Food per tin of No. 1and No. 2 grade of 1 lb. tall salmon; whether the gross profit made between that price and the fixed retail price is equal to the total previous selling retail price of 6½d. and 4½d. per tin, respectively; whether he is aware that the fixing of supplies according to a datum period has the effect of preventing any discharged soldier from starting in business dealing in supplies of goods so fixed, and the continuance of registration of customers for the supply of sugar, meat, jam, and butter has the same effect; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The estimated c.i.f. cost of tinned salmon to the Ministry of Food is £2 17s. 10d. per case for Grade 1 tall salmon, and £2 0s. 8d. for Grade 2 tall salmon. To these prices must be added 3s. 3d. per case to cover insurance, interest on capital and landing charges. The gross profit on Grade 1 is 19s. per case, or 4¾d. per tin; and on Grade 2, 13s. 5¼d. per case, or 3¼d. per tin. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The regulations issued to food control committees provide for the difficulties mentioned by the hon. Member. As soon as a discharged soldier has received from the Ministry of National Service a licence to open a business, his old customers may be transferred to him; he may also canvass for customers without restriction and may in addition sell goods to unregistered customers for a month after the date of opening a business. Buying permits are issued in such cases, not on the basis of a datum period, but on the number of registered customers, together with a margin of 50 per cent. to meet additional demands. This procedure has been designed to enable discharged soldiers to open and carry on businesses as going concerns.

asked the Food Controller what system is employed for the purpose of allocating home-killed and frozen meats, respectively, to retail butchers; and what consideration, if any, is given to the class of trade carried on by these butchers before the War?

Permits are issued to retail butchers by which they may obtain supplies based on the rationed requirements of the customers registered with them. They are allocated supplies of home-killed meat according to the proportion in which home-killed meat is available for their respective areas. The remainder of the supply is made up of frozen meat. All possible steps are taken to ensure the equitable distribution of home-killed meat. Under the rationing system it is not possible to give consideration to the class of trade carried on by individual retailers before the War; as such consideration would involve unequal distribution of the various qualities of meat available.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that in the district of Rookhope, near Eastgate, county Durham, influenza is very prevalent, in some cases whole families being prostrated, and it is impossible to obtain supplies of brandy for medicinal purposes; and whether he can take any action in the matter?

I can add nothing to the previos answers which have been given on this subject. It is considered that the quantity of spirits now permitted to be released from bond is sufficient to meet the reasonable requirements of the public. The responsibility in the matter rests with the War Cabinet, not with my Department.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what grounds it was decided to refuse naval officers, who have reached the age of compulsory retirement and been continued on the active service list, the 25 per cent. addition to their active service pay granted to officers retired and continued to service; and if he will confer with the necessary authorities with a view to placing these officers on the same footing with regard to the 25 per cent. addition as other retired officers who have been employed during the War?

The grounds are that the Order in Council authorising the 25 per cent. bonus only applies to retired officers, and the Admiralty have no power to extend it to officers on the active list, even although these officers would have been retired but for the War. The question whether special provision should be made to meet these cases has been and is being carefully considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction existing among the patients at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, with regard to the food supplied; and whether he is aware that there is discontent among the junior sick-berth ratings at Haslar Hospital over the question of leave?

It has not been practicable in the time at our disposal to obtain the necessary details for reply. Perhaps, therefore, my hon. and gallant Friend will put his question down again next Wednesday.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that no mention or recognition of services rendered has been made to the survivors of His Majesty's ship "Glatton," and if he can have this matter inquired into?

The Vice-Admiral Commanding Dover Patrol brought to the notice of the Admiralty the names of officers and men considered deserving of special mention for their services on this occasion. In consequence of his recommendation, the Albert Medal was awarded to two officers, a petty officer, and an able seaman from other ships in harbour at the time, who went on board His Majesty's ship "Glatton" to assist in saving life, and an expression of the appreciation of the Board of Admiralty was conveyed to one officer of His Majesty's ship "Glatton" and two ratings from another ship. These were all the names brought to the notice of the Admiralty at the time. One other recommendation has since been received and is being considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can undertake that in the announcement of the decisions of the Government arising out of the Jerram Report the recommendations of that Committee will be published in parallel columns with the decisions taken thereon by the Government?

Yes, Sir. It has already been decided by the Board to lay a Parliamentary Paper which will give the information my hon. and gallant Friend desires.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is proposed to in any way mark the devotion and gallantry of the officer and men of His Majesty's ship "Dundee," who perished with the German raider "Leopard"?

The devotion and gallantry of the officer and boat's crew of His Majesty's ship "Dundee," who perished with the German raider "Leopard," were recognised in the "Gazette" published on the 18th April, 1919, which contains the comments of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, upon their gallant conduct; a report of the officer in command of His Majesty's ship "Dundee" upon the incident wherein he states that Lieutenant Lawson, R.N.R., and the boarding boat's crew were volunteers; and the covering letter of the captain of His Majesty's ship "Achilles," the senior naval officer present at the action, who expresses his great regret at the loss of the boarding party, and appends a list of the crew.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve were asked to volunteer for the Army of Occupation under General Routine Order No. 330, why they were then told they could not withdraw their names under Order No. 362 and yet in Order No, 364 they are told they cannot volunteer for service in the Army of Occupation; and, in view of this fact, will he explain why officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve are not allowed to volunteer for the Army of Occupation?

The matter is being investigated. I will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty what men, if any, are being demobilised from the Royal Marines, and under what system or regulations?

With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate the answer to this question in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following categories of Royal Marines are being demobilised:

Officers:

( a ) Officers of the Reserve of Officers, who have been recalled to service during the War;

( b ) Officers with temporary commissions.

( c ) Pensioners and ( d ) Reservists who were recalled to service during the War, including those who have become due for pension during hostilities;

( e ) Those who have completed period of limited engagement and who have not re-engaged;

( f ) All those serving on "Hostilities only" engagement.

Demobilisation is carried out under the Regulations laid down by the Board in Admiralty Monthly Order No. 921 of 10th March, 1919 (of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy), except in the case of the following Royal Marine units, the personnel of which is being demobilised under Army Regulations by the Army authorities:

Royal Marine Artillery Howitzer Brigade, including workshops and siege batteries;

Royal Marines doing duty with the 63rd (R.N.) Division.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can release at once Driver A. O. Hughes, No. 370155, Army Service Corps, British Expeditionary Force, France; and, seeing that all steps necessary to secure his release have been taken, and that he is thirty-eight years of age, and that his firm of employers, of which he was the dairy foreman, with a wide experience, deals with nearly 1,000 gallons of milk a day, and in a few weeks will be increased, will he guarantee to at once release him, on public service grounds, as his employers cannot secure a suitable substitute?

Inquiries are already being made in this case. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Gunner E. Halsey, No. 33453, Royal Field Artillery, A Battery, C Section, 79th Brigade, 17th Division, British Expeditionary Force, France, is not demobilised; and is there ground for believing that his promise that men entitled to discharge would be discharged by the end of April will be kept?

I am informed that Gunner Halsey is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, if he is eligible for demobilisation under current instructions he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. With regard to the latter part of the question the major portion of men who are eligible have already been demobilised, as will be seen by the folowing figures showing the numbers demobilised between November 11th, 1918, and April 30th, 1919:—

Officers, 86,763.

Other ranks, 2,497,460.

The remainder are being released as fast as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private E. R. Bearup, No. 241762, 4th Guard, 4th Company, 3rd Scottish Rifles, Georgetown, Paisley, aged thirty-five, and of low category, is eligible for release from the Army on extreme compassionate grounds, seeing that his wife died recently leaving a motherless child?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal G. Andrews, No. 43216, Royal Engineer Detachment, 133rd Company, Chinese Labour Corps, 3rd Army, Rifle Training School, Ault, British Expeditionary Force, France, is retained in the Army; whether, seeing that the man joined up in August, 1914, he will state why he is being retained and when he may expect his release; and whether it is the desire to keep these men away from employment in civil life, which now awaits many, so as to become a national burden?

Corporal Andrews is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If this non-commissioned officer's length of service is as stated he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions, and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as his services can be spared or he can be replaced. With regard to the last part of the question, men are being demobilised as speedily as possible, as will be seen by the figures which have already been published. A certain priority is given to men with employment waiting for them, if they are eligible under current instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Bombardier K. Grieve, No. 284034, 22nd Anti-Aircraft Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, Billingham Gun Station, Stockton-on-Tees, aged fifty, an old Regular soldier of twenty-one years' service with a pension, who re-enlisted on 21st September, 1914, is not, after frequent applications demobilised?

I am informed that orders have already been issued for the demobilisation of this bombardier.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of G. M. Gander, No. M/2, 136589, 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Ammunition Column, 4th Division, M.T.R., Army Service Corps, British Expeditionary Force, France, who is being retained in the Army although he joined up in 1915; if he is aware that three communications have been addressed to his commanding officer on the subject, to which no reply has been received; and whether he will inquire into the reason of this and give instructions for the man's immediate release?

Inquiries are already being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that M/2 192226, Private S. J. Baker, Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, c/o Maps, General Headquarters, British Expeditionary Force, France, is still being retained in the Army although he was recommended for demobilisation by the local advisory committee of the Ministry of Labour at Basingstoke before 1st February, 1919; and why Private Baker has not yet been released?

Instructions were issued some time ago for Private Baker's release. Inquiries are being made into the cause of the delay, and I will inform my Noble and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Gunner John Pryde, No. 227153, 336th Brigade, C Battery, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, who as a one-man business man is urgently required at home; and if his release can now be granted?

:I am informed that Gunner Pryde is not registered at the War Office as pivotal or for special release. If he is eligible for demobilisation under current instructions he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private John Hill, No. 57,276, No. 3 Company, transport, 12th battalion, North Staffordshire, at present in hospital, who attested under the Derby scheme in November, 1915, and is urgently required to manage and work the farm carried on by his mother in Stirlingshire; and whether, as he would be doing urgent national work in that way, and would get a chance of recovering his broken health, he will now order him his release from military labour work?

Inquiries are already being made in this case. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider the case of Private Stephen Walker, No. 38,286, 3rd Lincoln Regiment, whose application was put forward on the fact that both his parents, of whom he was the support, have broken down in health, that the mother, whose medical certificates have been adduced to show, suffers from valvular disease of the heart, while the father has been compelled to become an invalid for many months?

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 whether Sergent J. R. M'Farlane, M.M., No. 41768, 9th Battalion, Scottish Rifles, 561, Springburn Road, Glasgow, should be demobilised on compassionate grounds in respect that he attested under the Derby scheme in 1915, was exempted on the ground of hardship till 10th June, 1916, that he is the owner of a one-man business wherein he employs several persons, and that the said business is on the point of being destroyed owing to his prolonged absence?

Sergeant M'Farlane is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, nor is there any trace of any application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. I would point out that business grounds solely do not warrant compassionate demobilisation. If, however, my hon. Friend will obtain a statement giving full particulars of the case, vouched for by himself, a clergyman, a justice of the peace, or a doctor, it will be considered. The statement should include particulars of dependants.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Walter Halley, No. 58183, B Company, T. W. B., 17th East Yorks Regiment, Whitburn, Sunderland, and 57, Laverockall Street, Springburn, Glasgow, can be demobilised on compassionate grounds in respect that his wife is in delicate health, and has four young children aged from three years to seven years, and has recently lost a fifth child, and that through physical weakness she is unable to look after her children; that his employers desire his release, otherwise they will have to fill up his situation; and that he was wounded in France two years ago so severely that he could not be sent back and is not now of any real service in the Army?

Inquiries are already being 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 whether the application for demobilisation of Corporal R. Y. Gilmour, No. M/2, 120511, M.A.C., Army Service Corps, should be granted on compassionate grounds in respect that, although he joined up on 3rd September, 1915, and is eligible for demobilisation, he is retained as machinery of demobilisation; he is sole proprietor of the Springburn Steam Laundry Company, Keppochhill Road, Glasgow, wherein all his capital is sunk, and upon which he is entirely dependent for his livelihood; when he joined the Army he got an elder brother to supervise the said laundry business, but the latter has now broken down in health and is unable to manage the business, which will have to be shut down, involving ruinous loss to Corporal Gilmour, and throwing out of employment about forty men; and, in addition to his laundry business, Corporal Gilmour managed his father's properties in Motherwell, and on his joining up his father essayed to resume the management thereof, but being seventy-five years of age is unable to overtake the same, and his affairs are falling into confusion?

Corporal Gilmour is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If he joined for continuous service prior to 1st January, 1916, he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service, and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. I regret that business grounds solely do not warrant a man being demobilised on compassionate grounds. If, however, my hon. Friend will obtain a statement giving the full facts of the case, vouched for by himself, a doctor, a justice of the peace, or a clergyman, it will be reconsidered. The statement should include particulars of dependants.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to secure the early demobilisation of Corporal H. Crosby, No. P. 5215, M.M.P., who is at present serving under the Assistant Provost-Marshal, Havre, in view of the fact that this man enlisted on the 7th September, 1914, in the 3rd King's Own Hussars, was compulsorily transferred to the M.M.P. on 31st May, 1915, is being retained by the military authorities, and is now urgently required by his family?

Corporal Crosby is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If this non-commissioned officer's length of service is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and his term of Colour service is not completed. I would refer to the answer I gave on the 8th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Fylde to the effect that personnel of the Corps of Military Police are liable to retention as part of the military machinery of demobilisation. Such men, however, are being released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will sanction the release from the Army of Corporal Tappenden, No. 21225, 306th Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers, British Expeditionary Force, France, and Lance-Corporal R. V. Herriott, No. 21747, 309th Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers, British Expeditionary Force, France, both brick makers, required for re-employment by Mr. T. Gurr, brickmaker, of Polegate, Sussex, in view of the urgent necessity of having all the skilled labour possible to remedy the present shortage of houses?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private A. W. Grimes, No. 034539, of No. 23 Ordnance Department, Army Ordnance Corps, is not demobilised, seeing he is forty-three years of age?

If Private Grime's ago is as stated by my hon. Friend he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation. If so, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private Thomas Palmer, No. 8762, 18th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, is not discharged from the Army, seeing he enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps on 29th August, 1914, was discharged on 13th March, 1915, again enlisted on 28th December, 1915, starting work at Grantham on that date?

Private Palmer is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his length of service is as stated by my hon. Friend, he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation. If so, he will no doubt be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Corporal W. F. Eltome, No. 04730, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, A.P.O. S. 24, is not discharged from the Army, seeing that he is aged forty-one and enlisted on the 12th February, 1915?

If Corporal Eltome's age and length of service are as stated by my hon. Friend, he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation. If so, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with the decision to release conscientious objectors who have suffered imprisonment, he will give the precise meaning of the phrase two years' imprisonment in the aggregate; and whether a conscientious objector who had been sentenced to two years' imprisonment, but whose sentence was reduced on account of good conduct, would not be entitled to release?

In reply to a question of the hon. and gallant Member for Plaistow on the 3rd April, I stated that all soldiers who had been sentenced to imprisonment would be discharged from the Army for misconduct, and that if and when they had completed a total of two years' imprisonment in the aggregate in this country they would be released from prison. In view, however, of the fact that a soldier serving a continuous sentence of two years' imprisonment can by good conduct earn a remission of four months, this principle has been extended to soldiers in prison who have undergone previous sentences, and the aggregate of two years has therefore been reduced to twenty months.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the serious discontent among the Royal Engineer signallers; whether he is aware that men who have been in Egypt for four years are being retained; whether, although the telegraph work at Ismailia has fallen off 60 per cent., no signallers can be spared; and whether he will take steps to secure the release of all signallers who enlisted in 1914?

Inquiries are being made with regard to Ismailia, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible. As regards the remainder of the question, such men as are temporarily retained will be released as soon as their services can be dispensed with or they can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether compassionate leave has been refused to Royal Engineer signallers at Poona on the ground that quicker release would be secured through the ordinary channels, seeing that men who appealed for compassionate leave three months ago are still at Poona; whether he will cause an inquiry to be made;

(2) whether he is aware that all the Royal Engineers signallers at the signal depot, Poona, have been informed that they will be regarded as garrison troops; whether he is aware that these men volunteered for service with the forces and have had over three years' service abroad; whether he will endeavour to release the older men and the men with three years' service before the present trooping season closes;

(3) whether sixteen skilled telegraphists serving with the Royal Engineers at Poona are receiving instruction in telegraphy, despite the fact that telegraphy is their normal civilian occupation; whether these men are being retained as indispensable; and whether, seeing that they are wasting their time, he will order immediate inquiries with a view to demobilisation?

These three questions have been referred by cable to India, and a telegraphic report called for. I will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps it is desirable and necessary for a soldier to take to bring to the notice of the War Office that his services are required for civil employment?

If demobilisable under Army Order 55 he will be demobilised as rapidly as circumstances permit, and he need not make any application. If not demobilisable he can only be released on extreme compassionate grounds. An Army Council Instruction giving full instructions and procedure in compassionate cases is now being printed, and will be published broadcast.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men over forty years of age are being retained in the British Expeditionary Force and Army of the Rhine as indispensable; and whether the services of these older men can now be dispensed with?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to-day to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side to the effect that senior officers have been appointed to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officers or men who are eligible for demobilisation are retained without good and sufficient cause. It must also be remembered that men, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to retention if temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation. Such men are, however, being released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers who joined for service after the 1st of January, 1916, and who were recommended for demobilisation in accordance with the prescribed Regulations before the 1st February, 1919, but who were retained for the time being with the forces as demobilisers, will be entitled to be themselves demobilised as soon as their services cease to be required for demobilisation within the Army?

Men who were registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, prior to 1st February, 1919, are eligible for release, irrespective of age or length of service. Such men as were temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation will be released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced. This does not apply, however, to men who were merely registered as "slip" or "contract" men unless they are otherwise eligible under current instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, on the recent dispersal to England of the 42nd Division, twenty-one Royal Army Medical Corps details, almost wholly East Lancashire Territorials who enlisted in 1914–15, were left behind at Charleroi; why these soldiers were selected for retention when Royal Army Medical Corps men of shorter service and of the same units were sent home for demobilisation; and whether he will inquire into the practicability of releasing the details in question to civil life?

Senior officers have been appointed to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officers or men, including those of administrative services and departments, who are eligible for demobilisation are being retained without good and sufficient cause. I do not think it necessary, therefore, to institute special inquiries into this case at the present stage.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a great many men have been demobilised without being medically examined, and that immediately on demobilisation they have had to enter military hospitals for treatment when their disabilities, in many cases, have been assessed at over 20 per cent.; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction felt, he will arrange that all men should be medically examined prior to demobilisation so that they can claim, if necessary, a pension forthwith?

All men in hospitals are medically examined before being demobilised. All men from units are given an opportunity of making a claim for a disability, and if they do so they are medically examined. If they do not claim at the time, they are not examined but arrangements are made by which, if they afterwards claim, the local war pensions committee investigate the case, and secure that their claims, if correct, are established. A few cases have occurred in the last category where men have gone into military hospitals, but I understand that the number is not considerable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, according to the latest order, no soldier who is attached to a Non-Combatant Corps is to be demobilised except on compassionate grounds, although on grounds of age or length of service he is demobilisable under the order of the 29th January last; and, if so, will be state the reasons for this differentiation?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to soldiers belonging to administrative services such as the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Army Pay Department. The rules governing demobilisation apply to all corps alike.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that no small kit has been issued to the members of the Russian Relief Force at the depot at Park Royal; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I am informed that the members of this force are in possession of the bulk of their small kit, and that the balance is on the rail.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that when the district barrack officer, Aldershot Command, was communicated with in reference to the reinstatement of H. Mildrew as barrack labourer at Longmoor, he stated that in the absence of definite instructions from the War Office as to the policy to be followed with regard to the disposal of temporary employés, he was not prepared in the circumstances stated to discharge one man to make room for another; and whether he will issue the necessary instructions so that all men who have lost their positions in the barrack department through re-enlisting during the War may be reinstated on demobilisation;(2) whether he is aware that Henry W. Mildrew, late W.R. 255463, pioneer, 280th Railway Company, Royal Engineers, who at the outbreak of war was employed at Longmoor Campas barrack labourer sweep, voluntarily re-enlisted for the War and, previous to demobilisation, applied to be reinstated in his former position at Longmoor; whether he was informed by the officer commanding barracks, Borden, that he had no power to reinstate him; whether he is aware that H. Mildrew has served fifteen years with the Colours, been through two wars, and employed in Government service for twelve years, and that when he re-enlisted his post was filled and is now hold by a labourer who has never served in the Army and is now carrying on, in addition to his employment at the camp, a newspaper-selling business; and whether, seeing that Mildrew is a married man and has made his home at Borden for some years past, he can see his way to reinstate him in his former position?

The matter referred to in these questions has been referred to the Aldershot Command for a report as appointments of barrack labourers are made locally. I will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any instances have been brought to his notice of derelict buildings having been commandeered by the military authorities, put in repair at the public expense, and the rents paid for them to the owners?

I am not aware that any cases of this kind have occurred, but if specific details of any such cases can be furnished, I shall be glad to have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the placing of suitable motor vehicles at the disposal of the military hospital authorities for the instruction of wounded men in hospitals; and if he will expedite the issue of tools and equipment referred to in Army Education Circular, No. 5, as the progress of the Army education scheme in hospitals is being held up for want of suitable facilities?

So far as my information goes, all possible facilities for the training in motor driving have been made by means of the mechanical transport schools set up in the commands, and there has been no delay in the issue of tools and material required by the Army education authorities. If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind any specific case to the contrary and will let me have the particulars, I shall be pleased to have the matter inquired into.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Medway Street council school, Leicester, which was handed over to the board of guardians owing to the Poor Law infirmary being taken by the military authorities, will be vacated, as its continued retention is causing inconvenience to the education authority and the parents of children formerly attending the school?

I am making inquiries, 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 what steps are being taken to deport Chinese, Asiatic, and coloured labour being employed for war purposes; and what restrictions are proposed to prevent such cheap labour being employed in home industries of the United Kingdom?

The whole of the coloured labour employed with the Army are serving overseas, and they will be repatriated direct from the countries in which they are serving to the countries from which they were recruited.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the soldiers of the 100th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, 22nd Division, Salonika Force, enlisted in 1914–15, who were asked on or about 15th March to volunteer for service in Russia, and declined to do so, have been since sent to Russian?

The Brigade referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is serving in the Caucasus as part of their normal duty with the Army of Occupation. The men in question have not been sent to do the duty which, on being asked to volunteer, they refused to undertake, nor are they now serving in the area to which they would have been sent had they volunteered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the fact that the official distribution of literature to the troops abroad has been dropped, when the soldiers, especially in Germany, are only too thankful to get literature to read, and when there is a marked falling off in the supply of reading matter for both them and the wounded, and in view of the fact that the Press, which were so frequently pressed to give prominence to the scheme of distribution in the past, were not acquainted with the discontinuance, he can see his way to continue the distribution for a fixed period until other arrangements can be conveniently advertised in the monthly, etc., Press?

A continuous and regular supply of novels and light literature is forwarded to the troops on active service abroad by the Camps Library under War Office instructions, and a Grant has been made for this purpose from the funds of the Navy and Army Canteen Board. In addition, a supply of daily newspapers or of weekly or monthly periodicals is still sent to the troops in all theatres of war. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any information to the contrary, I shall be pleased to receive particulars and will make further inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to advertisements of German firms appearing in the "Cologne Gazette." which is described as a daily paper published by the Army of the Rhine; whether the Army authorities have any control over such paper; and, if so, whether directions will be given for the exclusion of such advertisements in future?

The "Cologne Post" is under the control of the General Officer Commanding the Army of the Rhine. A Report on the matter has been called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in recruiting men on a voluntary basis for the Army and Air Force, up to date, and in particular during the last month?

The total number of recruits for the Army since November, 1918, and up to 26th April, is 18,206, and of reenlistments since 1st January last is 66,679. During the past month6,625 new recruits have joined, and 4,200 men have re-enlisted. As regards men for the Royal Air Force, recruiting only commenced last Monday, and no figures therefore are yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a good number of soldiers of the Bedfordshire Transport Battalion are employed by the Great Western Railway Company in Weymouth; if he is aware that hundreds of workpeople are out of employment in the locality that could be engaged upon the work that is being done by the soldiers; and if he will take action in the matter?

I understand that transport workers' battalions are allotted to work by the Port and Transit Executive Committee of the Ministry of Shipping. There are less than 5,000 men in all in these battalions now, and it is proposed at the end of this month to recall to military duty all who are ineligible for demobilisation. The organisation will then be broken up.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the approximate number of white troops in the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force who are being retained in Mesopotamia through the hot weather of this year?

The number is approximately 29,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will order special inquiries to be made into the condition of Private Ralph Rawlings, No. 101673, Cavalry Machine Gun Corps, Mesopotamia, who was passed hospital ship, England, by two doctors, but which decision was overruled by a third doctor, and who was recently in hospital two months, and after three days as convalescent was readmitted for a renewed attack of dysentery, yellow jaundice, and catarrh?

I have telegraphed for particulars in this case, and will communicate again with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will cause an inquiry to be made in the case of Private A. P. Tisdall, No. 18079, 6th Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, who was seriously ill with influenza and pneumonia at Chepstow Camp for three and a half weeks, being unconscious for three days; why his next-of-kin were not communicated with; and why no reply was sent by his commanding officer to a reply-paid telegram on 8th April and an express letter dispatched in April from Private Tisdall's father, who had not heard from his son for a month?

I am making inquiries, and will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the weekly sum, including separation and all other allowances, paid to the military guard employed on protection duty at the explosives stores, Dinas Mawddwy?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend when the information is obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men discharged from the Army for breach of discipline thereby forfeit their right to a pension to which they would otherwise be entitled?

All part service for pension is lost when a soldier is discharged with ignominy or expressly on account of misconduct, or on conviction by the civil power, or on being sentenced to penal servitude, or for giving a false answer on attestation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the civilian clerks now employed at the officers' dispersal unit, Sloane Street, were, prior to transfer to this place, employed under the War Office at a rate of £3 10s. 6d. per week and that they are now receiving only £2 16s. 6d.;and whether, in view of the important work being done by these men, he can state the reason for this reduction in salary and will favourably consider restoring to these men their previous rate of pay?

I understand that some of these men were formerly temporarily employed in the War Office at War Office rates of pay. When they were given notice of the termination of their employment the new terms offered to them, which are those approved generally for the London district, were fully explained to them. I regret that it is not possible to consider any increase.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether facilities have been provided for the purchase of Army huts by people who are unable to obtain more suitable housing accommodation; and, if so, to whom application should be made for the supply of a hut in the Leeds area?

All sales of surplus Army huts are made after due publicity in the Press, and all prospective purchasers have equal opportunities. Applications for the supply of huts in any areas should be made to the Controller of the Huts and Building Materials Section of the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board, Artillery Mansions, Victoria Street, London, S. W.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that on or about 18th March some eighteen ex-soldiers were discharged from No. 4 Aircraft Salvage Depot, Aintree, while about forty men who had served neither in the Army nor the Navy were retained; that many of these men were of military age, and that practically all of them held positions which could have been filled by ex-soldiers, and if, in view of the undertaking given to employ ex-soldiers whenever possible, he will have a thorough inquiry made into the whole circumstances?

I have been asked to answer this question. Inquiries are being made, and I hope to be able to communiate with my hon. and gallant Friend on the subject very shortly.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the serious hardship throughout the country which is being caused to applicants for alternative pensions by reason of the delay in the decisions by the Ministry, and that this delay, which in some cases amounts to six months, is preventing the settlement of our discharged soldiers and sailors in their future careers?

Owing to difficulties of staff and accommodation delays have occurred in the past in dealing with claims to alternative pension submitted to the Ministry. Cases are now, however, being dealt with promptly at Headquarters, and delays where existing, may be assumed to be due to local causes, or to the difficulty which is frequently experienced in obtaining verification of pre-war earnings. The question of local delays is being dealt with, and generally every effort is being made by the Ministry to expedite the settlement of alternative pension claims.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that the West Riding War Pensions Committee have 150 men suffer- ing from rheumatism undergoing treatment at the Royal Baths, Harrogate; that the men are billeted in houses in the town and that there is discontent amongst them owing to the fact that they are not treated as in-patients of an institution; and, in view of the fact that the Ministry have neglected to provide an institution or hostel at Harrogate and the approach of the season, which will make it difficult to provide accommodation and training for this class of case, he will arrange that these men in the matter of allowances shall be treated as though in an institution?

Difficulty has been experienced in obtaining suitable accommodation, but negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of certain premises for the housing of the men. With regard to the last part of the question, if the men have been recommended for in-patient treatment but have to be boarded out for lack of accommodation, they are treated on precisely the same terms as in-patients. Otherwise they are given full treatment allowances but pay 17s. 6d. a week instead of 7s. for their maintenance.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Private H. Crossley, late ⅗th West Riding Regiment, of Elland Lane, Elland, lodgéd an appeal for a pension on 29th November, 1917;that his papers were not returned to the West Riding War Pensions Committee until 21st March, 1918;that such Committee recommended Crossley for a pension and, though such recommendation was sent to the Ministry early in May, 1918, it was not until 25th March, 1919, after repeated reminders, that the decision was sent from the Ministry that his disability was not due to service; and whether he will reconsider such decision, in view of the fact that on the same day that it was given the man died and left a wife and four children totally unprovided for, and also that the opinion of the medical referee was very definite that Crossley's disability was due to his Army service?

I regret the delay which took place in hearing this appeal. It was due to causes which I hope have now been removed. I cannot reverse the decision of the Appeals Tribunal, who, with all the evidence before them, were unanimously of the opinion that Private Crossley's disability was neither caused nor aggravated by his military service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it has been decided to withhold the war gratuities from naval officers serving under Agreement T. 124; if so, what is the reason for differentiating between these and other officers; and whether he will reconsider the decision?

No, Sir. As already stated on the 9th April, naval officers serving under the Agreement referred to 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.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the delays in paying soldiers' gratuities, and that William M'Laren, of 585, Springburn Road, Springburn, Glasgow, was demobilised on 24th January, 1918, and should have received his gratuity in the form of a Post Office Savings Bank account by the end of February, and notwithstanding that he has thrice written to the Controller and Accountant-General, General Post Office, London, and twice written to his paymaster, his gratuity is still unpaid; that many others are in the like position; and whether he will take steps to accelerate these payments either by employing some of the numerous unemployed discharged soldiers in the pay offices or otherwise facilitating the speedy making of payments, the want of which is causing hardship to and resentment on the part of those to whom they are overdue?

No, Sir; I am not aware of any general delay in the payment of these gratuities. The case of William McLaren is being investigated, and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the 5s. per month gratuity for home service is payable to soldiers who have been in receipt of civil pay for longer than three months during the War; and whether he will consider the justice of making this gratuity payable in cases where a soldier has been in receipt of civil pay because wounds or sickness have incapacitated him from further active service?

The question whether service during which the soldier was employed on civilian work and in receipt of civil wages should reckon for War gratuity was carefully considered by the Government before the conditions were promulgated, and it is not proposed to make any alteration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is able to announce what gratuities will be given to acting-paymasters on the completion of their service?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present scale of pension for a major on compulsory retirement after twenty-seven years' service?

After twenty-seven years' qualifying service, £275 per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether many of the men in L Company of the Royal Engineers served in the Royal Engineers (Signals) during the South African War; whether they received full civil and military pay together with gratuities on discharge; whether they had a right to expect a continuance of these terms when they left for France in 1914; whether the Army Council Instruction issued in May, 1917, was made retrospective and cancelled the gratuity so far as these men are concerned; and whether, having regard to the terms of enlistment, he will cancel the Army Council Instruction?

The reference is no doubt to Army Council Instruction No. 808 of 1917. This Instruction was cancelled by Instruction No. 244 of the 8th April last.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Post Office servants serving with the Forces are paid on discharge a gratuity of £1 for each year of service, with a minimum of £2; whether all other soldiers are paid the War gratuity of £5 for the first year and 10s. per month for each subsequent month, whether he is aware that the Post Office men who enlisted voluntarily in August, 1914, did so in expectation of this war gratuity, which had been paid to them on the expiration of the South African War; whether he is aware that his statement that the men would in future receive the service gratuity led the men to suppose that their claim had been met; whether he is aware that the dissatisfaction and unrest have been intensified by the admission that these men are entitled to the same treatment as all other soldiers in the matter of service gratuity whilst the war gratuity is being withheld; and whether he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question, and regret that I can add nothing to my reply to other questions on the same subject on 10th April.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that telegraphists have been almost entirely debarred from promotion in the Army because it was held by the authorities that a highly skilled telegraphist was too valuable to lose; whether he will inquire if the loss of promotion and increased pay was taken into account when it was decided not to pay these men the war gratuities on discharge; and whether he will personally review the whole question?

:I am not aware that the telegraphists have been debarred from promotion as stated by the hon. Member. As regards the war gratuity, I presume that he is referring to those who, as postal servants, received their full civil pay whilst serving in the Army, and can only refer him to the reply given on 10th April to the Member for Burnley.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the terms "gratuity" and "permanent pension" are interchangeable; if not, whether he will cause investigation to be made into the case of Acting-sergeant E. J. Wills, No. 3/7,649, Somerset Light Infantry, who, on the strength of the paymaster's statement that he had been awarded a permanent pension, expended money to equip himself for business; and whether, now that the paymaster's state- ment appears to have been incorrect, he will consider what compensation is due to the non-commissioned officer in question?

I am inquiring into this case, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Mr. E. Grace, of 4, Herrett Street, Ash Road, Aldershot, late Private E. Grace, No.371551, 217th Division, Labour Corps, who was called up from the Reserve on 8th August, 1914, and served throughout the War until he was discharged on 12th February, 1919, has not yet received his War gratuity, discharge papers, and service badge; and whether he will give instructions that these shall be sent to him without any further delay?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform my Noble and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that medical men serving on dispersal boards in Aldershot and elsewhere have received no pay for January, February, or March of this year; and, in view of the inconvenience caused to these doctors, he will give instructions that payment for the services they have rendered be issued to them without any further delay?

I am informed that all claims of medical men who served on dispersal boards during January, February, and March of this year have now been satisfied.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that the West Ham War Pensions Committee have for some time past been labouring under difficulties with regard to hospital treatment for disabled men; if he is aware that the difficulties have now been increased, in consequence of the closing of the Mile End Mili- tary Hospital and the Whipps' Cross Hospital, which were the only military hospitals available for the treatment of disabled men within easy reach of the borough of West Ham; if he is aware that the disabled men have now no priority to treatment at the general hospitals within reasonable distance; if he can see his way clear to set up a local hospital, to be run entirely by the Ministry of Pensions for the benefit of all disabled men applying to the West Ham War Pensions Committee; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am aware that the West Ham Committee have been in some difficulty with regard to the provision of hospital treatment for disabled men. Within the last few days arrangements have been completed for the treatment of men at Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, and it is anticipated that this provision will be adequate. If it should not be found so, other steps will be taken, but I do not consider that there is any necessity for setting up a special local institution.

asked the Pensions Minister whether discharged and disabled officers and men who are obliged to use surgical boots, crutches, and other special appliances are entitled to have them replaced when worn out at the public expense?

The surgical appliances of disabled men are renewed at the expense of the Ministry of Pensions, and those of disabled Naval officers at the expense of the Admiralty. Disabled officers at present obtain their appliances in duplicate at the outset, but subsequently bear their own expenses for renewals. I hope soon to have completed arrangements for taking over the supply of surgical appliances for disabled officers, and for treating them on the same lines as disabled men.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Private Jennings, late No. C\778 48th battalion, King's Royal Rifles, East Castle Street, Skipton, who upon enlistment in 1915 was an apprentice as a textile designer, and was discharged in April, 1918, suffering from D. A. H. and gunshot wounds, can now be allowed to continue his training as a textile designer as desired by the man and recommended by the local war pensions committee?

As this man was not prevented by his disability from resuming his pre-enlistment occupation he was not eligible for training under the Royal Warrant. The Ministry of Labour are, however, dealing with cases of interrupted apprenticeships and I understand that inquiries are being made by them to see whether the man can be trained under their scheme.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the disability of Flying Cadet F. Wilkinson, late No. 92014, Royal Air Force, of Charles Street, Brighouse, was first accepted by the Ministry as being attributable to service and was afterwards reversed, although the man's claim was strongly supported by the medical referee of the West Riding; and whether he will agree to Wilkinson restarting his training in chemical work at Barnsley, where he was making satisfactory progress, and that the allowances paid to him shall be continued until he has completed the necessary course of training?

The difficulty from which Cadet Wilkinson is suffering was in no way connected with his service but originated, according to his own statement, in an accident which occurred to him while at home on leave. By an error, which they have since admitted and corrected, the special medical board endorsed the papers with a recommendation for pension. As a result, Mr. Wilkinson was allowed to begin a course of training, which has now had to be discontinued as training can only be given under the Warrant to men whose disabilities are due to service. I am, however, calling the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to this case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Air Ministry whether large numbers of motor cars are still being purchased each week by the Royal Air Force; whether it is necessary for the Royal Rir Force to have so many additional motor cars; and, if so, whether he can arrange that motor cars for which the Army have no longer any use can be transferred to the Royal Air Force, and thus save the expense of purchasing new cars?

All contracts for M.T. were cancelled after the Armistice, and no new vehicles have been delivered to the Royal Air Force since the middle of January last. The remaining parts of the question, therefore, do not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether German prisoners have been, or are now, employed in dismantling and scrapping aeroplanes at Cove Camp, Farnborough; whether many of these planes are new planes; if so, why they are being dismantled; and whether some of the planes so dealt with are still in their factory wrappings, and some which have been used could easily be repaired?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A certain number of new machines have been reduced to produce at Farnborough. They are all of types which are obsolete for present purposes and for which there was no prospect of profitable disposal. No standard machines which it would have been economical to repair have been thus dealt with. I have satisfied myself, after careful inquiry, that the cost to the State of dealing with these machines in this way is less than that of housing and maintaining them with a view to sale.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has had inquiries made into the circumstances how cypress came to be sanctioned for use on areoplanes contrary to all the expert advice given by timber opinion; how many pilots' lives were lost through this unsuitable timber being used; what was the cost to the nation of this colossal blunder, and whether, in order to avoid such occurrences in future, he will appoint a trade committee to fully investigate and advise on the proper woods to be used in aeroplane construction, having regard to the bearing this matter has on the future safety in civilian and military flying?

Owing to the shortage of the best tried types of wood, the use of cypress for areoplanes was for a time sanctioned by the responsible Technical Department on expert advice to meet war necessities. One fatal accident was held to be partly, but not wholly, attributable to the use of this wood, which has now been discontinued. The best independent expert opinion is already at the disposal of the Air Ministry on the subject of woods for aeroplane construction, and I do not think that there is any occasion for the appointment of a committee such as is suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether permission to private owners to fly aircraft shall be accorded only subject to their insuring themselves against liability for damage, so that innocent sufferers may be certain of recovering loss for proved damage to the commission of which they have not contributed?

Every possible safeguard has been provided in the regulations for civil flying to prevent loss and damage to the public. The working of the Regulations will be carefully watched, but at present I do not think it would be advisable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked whether Government-owned and privately-owned aircraft are liable in times of peace for damage accidentally done by them to life and property?

There is now no special law applying to damage done by aircraft, and therefore responsibility for damage of the nature referred to in my hon. Friend's question must be determined by the ordinary law unless and until fresh legislation is made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry why Portsmouth, the first Naval port and dockyard of the country, has been left out of the scheme of the Air Ministry; and if he is aware that Portsmouth is one of the largest towns on the South Coast and has some magnificent alighting ground for aeroplanes?

There is no fully-equipped aerodrome in the immediate vicinity of Portsmouth. The air routes recently published are based on existing aerodromes where facilities in the shape of accommodation and personnel may be made available. Should the Portsmouth borough authorities have in view a suitable site, an officer of the Air Ministry will be sent to view it and discuss the possibility of its inclusion in the list of approved aerodromes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the plant which the Government was in process of erecting at Farnborough last autumn for the recovery of dope from scrap aeroplane wings has been completed; if so, has it been decided to work the plant; if not, are the Government going to sell it; what sum has been expended on the plant; what quantity of scrap fabric has been treated; has the recovered dope been found satisfactory; why are the Government selling off the scrap to the public when they have a plant for recovery of the dope; and what is the name of the official in charge of the plant?

The plant in question has not yet been completed; when completed it will be worked by the Government. Up to the present a sum of about £1,500 has been expended on the plant. Only a small quantity of scrap fabric has so far been treated experimentally. The treatment has proved successful. The officer at present in charge of the plant is Dr. J. E. Ramsbotham.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what was the strength of Woolwich Arsenal on Armistice day and what is now the strength of the Arsenal; and whether any decision has been arrived at as to the permanent strength of the Arsenal?

The figures for the Ordnance Factory, the portion of Woolwich Arsenal which is under the control of the Ministry of Munitions, are as follows:

No decision can at present be given as to the permanent strength of the Arsenal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that after repeated applications and many promises to restore the commandeered premises of Messrs. Upchurch and Company in Burleys Lane, Leicester, the Ministry is still in possession, and thereby preventing the employment of Messrs. Upchurch's workpeople; and whether he is aware that practically no use is being made of these premises by the Ministry, and that delay in restoring them to the firm is occasioned by dilatory and inefficient administration?

The premises in question were handed over to Messrs. Upchurch and Company on 28th April. The premises have been used for general storage, and there has been no avoidable delay in their surrender.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to permit candidates at the forthcoming local elections to send one packet of election literature free of postage; and, if not, whether he can consider the question with a view to such a course being adopted?

I may refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question put on the 7th April by the hon. and gallant Member for Plaistow with reference to the same subject, a copy of which I will send him.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men are at present drawing unemployment pay throughout Great Britain; and whether he will say how many prisoners of war are engaged in occupations which could be performed by British workmen and/or labourers?

The total number of men in Great Britain on unemployment donation during the week ended the 18th April was as follows:

With reference to the second part of the hon. Member's question, so far as my information goes, no prisoners of war are engaged at places where British workmen or labourers are at present available.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to a Report by the medical department of the Fiji Government, in which it is stated that one indentured Indian woman serves three indentured Indian men as well as various outsiders, and that the result in regard to syphilis and gonorrhœa cannot be in question; whether the promise of the Government of India last September to negotiate with the Government of Fiji for the release of these Indian women still under indenture has been carried out; if so, with what result; and whether the can give an assurance that the conditions admitted by the Fiji Government to exist shall not be allowed to continue until the closing of all indentures in November, 1921?

The Report referred to is not by the medical department of the Fiji Government but by the officer of one district. I am glad to say that his account is not confirmed by other medical officers of the Deartment or by the immigration officers, who report that it is incorrect. In the opinion of the chief medical officer the assertion is entirely unsupported by evidence and a libel on many Indian women in Fiji. I have been and am in communication with the Colonial Office as to the urgent need of improving the married quarters of indentured Indians on the estates and otherwise ameliorating their surroundings. I have also communicated to the Colonial Office for consideration the Resolution of the Indian Legislative Council on the 11th September last recommending the early release of Indian labourers in Fiji whose indentures had not expired. But cancellation of indentures would not of itself remedy the evils com- plained of and the dearth of shipping would for the present be an obstacle to the return of released immigrants to India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding such riots as may have taken place in India during the Recess?

I have been communicating daily to the Press all the information in my possession, and I cannot add anything to the accounts which have already appeared and which the hon. Baronet has no doubt seen.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the increase in pensions to retired officers recommended by the Public Service Commission on India and approved by the Montagu-Chelmsford reform scheme, will apply to officers already retired; and, if not, whether he will make it applicable to them since they are now undergoing hardship owing to the inadequacy of their pensions?

The recommendation had a prospective effect only, and did not apply to the pensions of officers already retired. As regards the second question, I can give no undertaking. I am awaiting the proposals of the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he still maintains that the rupee note is exchangeable on demand, the Government of India's undertaking being to cash notes in rupees; whether his attetion has been called to the speech of Sir James Meston, the Finance Member, as reported in the Pioneer of Allahabad on 6th March last, when he stated that the story of our silver crisis last year was as good as any romance, and that it seemed from week to week an utter impossibility that the Government of India could possibly escape from the suspension of specie payments; and will he state what steps he is taking to avoid such a contingency this year?

India currency notes are excusable on demand at the office of issue in the town from which they are issued. Notes of Rest. 100 and under are also excusable at any office of issue. I have seen the report of Sir James Meson's speech mentioned. In reply to the last part of the question, I have been in consultation with the Government of India and propose to appoint a strong Committee to consider and to advise me on the difficult currency and exchange problems which are the legacy of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many persons have been interned in India otherwise than under the ordinary law during the past four years, and how many remained in internment at the date of the latest Return?

I am awaiting a Return from the Government of India, and will let the hon. Member have the information as soon as I have the figures.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies at what period, if at all, His Majesty's Government became aware of the fact that Sir Starr Jameson, without the knowledge of the High Commissioner of South Africa, had secretly signed an agreement to give to all the men who followed him into Matabeleland in 1893 a total of over 4,000,000 acres of native land and other rewards, including "half the loot" of a total potential value exceeding £6,000,000; and what, if any, action was taken by His Majesty's Government of the day when this fact came to their knowledge?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to his question on this subject on the 2nd April.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the guardians of the Thrapston Union have refused to pay to their relieving officer a war bonus according to the Civil Service scale, and that the constant refusal of guardians to grant to their officers the bonus is causing unrest amongst the Poor Law officers and other workers throughout the country, which, unless remedied, may result in action being taken, and whether the Board will now exercise the power conferredupon them by Section 46, cap. 76, of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834, to regulate the amount of salary of an officer to be paid by boards of guardians by whom he or she is employed?

I have communicated with the guardians of the Thrapston Union, suggesting that they should refer the case of their relieving officer to arbitration. In cases of dispute, guardians have usually, when representations have been made to them, agreed to arbitration. As I have already stated, the power of the Local Government Board, under Section 46 of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834, even if they could properly be exercised in the manner which the hon. Member presumably has in view, would not meet the case, as they do not extend to the salaries of more than a limited portion of the guardians' staff.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has had any reply to the suggestion made by him to the War Office some time ago that the American Red Cross hospital at Mossley Hill might be taken over for military purposes so as to release the largest Liverpool fever hospital at Fazakerley for its proper use as an isolation hospital?

:I have heard from the War Office that they are arranging to take over the Mossley Hill Hospital and to release the Fazakerley Hospital.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is now in a position to indicate what practical assistance he can offer to the port sanitary authorities of the country towards providing hospital accommodation for infectious cases as urged by the Army Medical Council and the Local Government Board, and as discussed at a recent conference convened by the Local Government Board?

The whole question of port sanitary administration is at present under consideration, and the Local Government Board are in communication with the Treasury on the subject. I hope at an early date to be able to announce what action is feasible.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in the case of a teacher who volunteered for the South African War and returned to his duties as a teacher afterwards, the time thus served in the Army will count for the purposes of the Teachers' Superannuation Act?

I have not been able to investigate the practice of the Board in this mater during the South African War, but primâ facie the military service of such a teacher could not be counted as recognised teaching service under the Act of 1918. I should be obliged, however, if the hon. Member would send me particulars of the case which he has in mind, and I will go into the matter further.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the London Road between Kew Bridge and Brentford has been up in at least one place, and sometimes in several places, on every day during the last four months; whether he is aware of the immense inconvenience and delay to traffic caused by this continued obstruction; and whether he will communicate with the London United Tramways Company, or whoever is responsible, and insist on the repairs to the tram lines being done on a much larger scale, and at night, as soon as possible, so as to clear this approach to London for traffic in the day time?

I am not aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question, but I am bringing to the notice of the tramways company my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, made in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Government proposes to abolish the present 6d. per gallon war tax on petrol, and why petrol has not been placed on the non-restriction list of the Board of Trade?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made yesterday by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and to the reply given by him to my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the discomfort experienced by passengers owing to the continued closing by the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway of the only general waiting-room on the down platform at Hayward's Heath station, especially in view of the fact that a considerable number of passengers by express trains from London have to wait daily at such station for the local connections; and if he will make the necessary representations to the railway company to remedy this state of affairs?

I understand that the room referred to has been used by the military authorities as a guardroom, and that it is now closed pending an opportunity to carry out repairs. The company are, however, considering whether they can do anything to meet the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.