asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the fact that superannuation allowances to superannuated railway staffs are still based on the pre-war scale, and that these are inadequate to meet the present cost of living; and whether it is proposed to take any action to increase these allowances?

I am afraid I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer to the question on this subject asked by the Noble Lord the Member for Nottingham South on the 17th March, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make representations to the Railway Executive Committee regarding the desirability of reopening the Old Kent Road, Deptford, and South Bermondsey stations, thereby meeting the convenience of large numbers of working people who in travelling to and from the City have now to rely upon over crowded tramway and omnibus services?

South Bermondsey Station was reopened on the 1st May, but I understand that the other stations mentioned cannot be reopened at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of railway stations which were closed by the Railway Executive Committee in London and the suburbs during the War; if he can state how many of these stations have been reopened up to date; how many more it is intended to reopen; and how many it is proposed to close permanently?

I am asking the Railway Executive Committee for information on the points raised in this question, and I will communicate with the hon. Gentleman on receipt of their reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many gas undertakings are supplied with gas-scrubbing apparatus; and whether, in view of the great value to industry of producing a larger supply of benzol in this country, lie will take steps to ensure that all gas undertakings are fitted up with such plant at an early date?

I understand that of the 1,577 gas undertakings in the United Kingdom 186 installed oil-washing plants and 600 tar-washing plants for the production of benzol. The Board of Trade have no power to compel gas undertakings to provide themselves with such plant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could now state the result of the investigations of the Fuel Research Committee with regard to the production of benzol; and, if not, when will the Committee's Report be issued?

The Report dealing with this and cognate subjects has been published as a Parliamentary Paper (Command No. 108).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a Commission is proceeding to Japan to study the question of Japanese competition in the cotton industry; whether the composition of the Commission comprises two merchants to one manufacturer; why this proportion was decided upon; and whether he will institute a similar Commission in connection with the silk industry, or, alternatively, appoint representatives of the silk industry to make a joint inquiry?

The question of the dispatch of a mission to investigate the Far Eastern markets for cotton piece goods is at present under consideration. Foreign competition generally in these markets, including Japanese, is no doubt one of the problems with which any mission would deal when investigating the general question. No definite decision has been taken either as to the dispatch of a mission or as to its composition, but the matter is to be discussed at a meeting to be held in Mancheter on the 8th May.

If those interested in the silk industry desire to make any proposals to me for an investigation abroad, I shall be very glad to give them careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under the Temporary Increases of Charges Act, 1918, the town council of the borough of Hornsey applied some months ago for an order to permit them to increase the maximum charge per electric light unit from 8d. to 10d.; that the Board of Trade are withholding their consent, and are pressing the claims of a private electric light company to supply the corporation in bulk, despite the fact that the corporation is adequately equipped with ample reserves of plant, and that proposals for a national scheme of bulk supply are now under the consideration of the Government; and will he explain why the Board, in connection with matters relating to electrical undertakings, puts forward, at the suggestion of men who are directors or employés of some of the large electricity companies, the desirability of corporations obtaining bulk supplies from private companies pending the production of the Government scheme?

The town council applied for an order at the end of January last. After consideration of the circumstances of the case, the Board decided to defer giving a decision until the results were known of the operation of the undertaking for the quarter ending, the 31st March. This information has not yet been supplied. The Board also inquired of the council whether they had considered the question of taking a supply of electricity in bulk from the North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Company, or from any other source. There is no ground whatever for the suggestion contained in the latter part of the hon. Member's question. The inquiry in the Hornsey case was made solely on account of the council's high working costs. Subsequently the North Metropolitan Company addressed a letter to the Board of Trade indicating their readiness to discuss terms with the council for a supply of electricity in bulk. A copy of that letter has been sent to the council for their observations in connection with the inquiry previously addressed to them.

Is it not a fact that on the Electricity Power Supply Committee there are representatives of vested interests, and does my right hon. Friend think it a desirable arrangement that these representatives of vested interests should have any control of the policy of the central authority in regard to representations which are made to local corporations?

The hon. Member is surely under a misunderstanding in the matter. This is the policy of the Board of Trade, and the policy of the Board of Trade in this matter is inspired by the high working costs.

But does not the Board of Trade consider it inadvisable to suggest bulk supplies pending the production of the Government scheme?

No. At present it is desirable that electricity should be supplied as cheaply as possible. It is not desirable that money should be wasted on high working costs.

Is it desirable that the Board of Trade should suggest that corporations already having a plentiful supply of material and machinery should be advised to have bulk supplies in order that in the event of the Government scheme materialising private companies should thereby be fortified in their demands for compensation?

My hon. Friend is suggesting motives which I can assure him did not operate at all. In the special circumstances of this case it is desirable that there should be less charges required for electricity. If that could be adopted anywhere surely it is an advantage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any decision has yet been come to by his Department as regards the rationing of gas and electric light in London and the South of England; and can he state if the present rationing will be abolished and from what date?

The matter is under consideration, and it is hoped to give a definite reply by the 31st May.

asked (1) the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the quantities of Australian and New Zealand meat purchased by the Government and awaiting shipment to this country; the proportion of Australian meat allowed to be exported to this country, and whether intended for the British Army only or for general consumption; whether any (and if so, how much) Australian meat has been sold in the United States of America; (2) the Food Controller if he can state the quantities of Australian and New Zealand meat purchased by the Government and available for shipment to this country; whether only a proportion of the Australian meat is allowed to be brought over and, if so, to what extent; whether the incoming supplies of such meat are reserved for the British Army or are available for the general community; and whether any Australian meat has been sold in the United States of America?

His Majesty's Government have purchased from Australia and New Zealand their whole exportable surplus of frozen meat. According to latest advices, the quantities awaiting shipment were on 31st March:—

Shipment is proceeding as fast as steamers can be made available. As a general rule, beef and wether mutton have been reserved for the use of the Allied Forces in the United Kingdom, the Continent, and Egypt, and all the ewe mutton and lamb have been sold to the civilian population of the United Kingdom, with some small exceptions. A very little Australian meat has been sold to the United States Government for Manila and Honolulu, and small quantities of New Zealand meat have been exported to the West Coast of Canada and the United States.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average price of wheat per quarter for shipment f.o.b. at New York during January, February, March, and April, respectively, of the present year, and what was the average charge for freight and insurance of wheat per quarter from New York to United Kingdom ports during each of these months?

I have been asked to reply. The average cost price of wheat to the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies during the months in question, which is the fixed cost price at terminal elevator to the United States Food Administration with the addition of estimated transit and carrying charges, was as follows:

January, 83s. 7d. per 480 lbs.

February and March, 83s. 11d. per 480 lbs.

April, 84s. 3d. per 480 lbs.

The average charge for freight and insurance during each of the four months to all ports in the United Kingdom was 9s. 1d. per 480 lbs.

Is that the price to other customers besides the British Government, or is it only the price at which the British Government purchases the wheat?

All the Allied Governments are treated on the same basis.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the proposal announced on 2nd April for the 1919 cereal crops fails to give effect to the pledge already given by him, especially in respect of barley and oats, in regard to which the proposed guarantee only applies to a portion of the production, whereas there was no such limitation in the pledge given; and if this differentiation would inflict a serious injustice on Scottish producers, especially since the guaranteed prices for cereals have already been used as a reason for the advance in agricultural wages?

The pledge of the Government, given in the House of Commons on the 19th November last, expressly referred to "the prices paid to farmers for controlled cereals," and therefore did not include such part of the crops as would not be normally sold.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that the Agricultural Organisation Society has appointed agents to visit different areas in the country and induce farmers to sign petitions to the Government to open milk factories in such areas, the inducement offered to the farmers being that by sending their milk to the towns through the agency of the factory they will be able to obtain an extra 2d. per gallon; that having obtained these petitions the Agricultural Organisation Society then asks for Government Grants towards the cost of building the factories in question, and that the Government has been giving them amounts equal to four times the sum put up by the Agricultural Organisation Society; whether he is aware that the effect of this action of the Government upon the milk supply to large towns is increasing the price of milk to the consumer by 2d. per gallon, and the milk having to be handled in the factory does not immediately reach its ultimate destination so promptly as it did under the former system when it was consigned directly by the farmer to the towns in which it was to be sold; whether he is aware that the dairy trade feels much aggrieved that this result should be brought about by the provision of money from the public purse; and if he will say when a return to the ordinary course of trade will be permitted and an end be put to the intervention of the Government which has raised the price of milk to the consumer?

The Board have no knowledge of the petitions referred to by my hon. Friend in the first part of his question. The Board of Agriculture's scheme for the establishment of milk depots originated on the recommendation of the Committee on the production and distribution of milk over which, my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board presided, and the result has been a considerable increase in the supply of milk available for the markets. The prices which the producer, the wholesale mer- chant, and the retailer can obtain for milk are fixed in each ease by the Food Controller, and the existence of these depots can in no way affect the price to the consumer. The work of organising these depots was entrusted by the Board to the Agricultural Organisation Society, and in the case of four societies formed under the scheme the Board have made loans (in accordance with the recommendation of the above Committee)at 6 per cent. interest, but in no case has the loan exceeded the amount of share capital raised by the members of a society.

Does the hon. Gentleman acknowledge responsibility for what is being done by the Agricultural Organisation Society, either in full or in part?

We acknowledge responsibility for their establishing these milk depots, but as I have said, this has had no effect whatever on the price, and cannot have.

asked the Food Controller whether he will state why the summer price of milk produced in the four south-western counties has been fixed at 2d. a gallon less than for that produced in the rest of the country; and whether, if it is assumed that these counties can produce milk more cheaply than competing counties, he will see fit correspondingly to raise the price of other agricultural produce of these counties which they are unable to produce so cheaply as the rest of the country?

The prices to be paid to the producer for milk in the period of 1st May to 30th September, 1918, were fixed on the recommendation of a Travelling Commission appointed by the Ministry of Food, which included practical agriculturists nominated by the Central Agricultural Advisory Council. This Commission considered that, owing to climatic conditions, milk could be produced more cheaply in the south-western counties than in the rest of England and Wales, and unanimously recommended the adoption of a differential rate. I cannot agree that the fact that it is possible to produce milk cheaply in the south-western counties necessarily implies that other branches of agriculture are less remunerative in this than other districts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the consumer is to get the advantage, if the milk is exported from the four south-western counties into other counties, or will it go into the hands of the middlemen?

The intention is that the consumer shall get the benefit as far as practicable. We are establishing machinery in order to provide for that purpose.

How will milk produced in the four south-western counties be marked supposing it is brought to London?

I am advised it is possible, and we are endeavouring to establish machinery in accordance with the recommendations made. The Ministry of Food Vote is to be taken to-morrow, and perhaps this will be one of the questions discussed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that statement is quite flatly contradicted by all the authorities from one at least of the four counties?

I am aware any statement one could make could be flatly con tradicted—

By all the authorities.

The fact is that the Commissioners have unanimously recommended it.

Because they have no knowledge of the local conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the tube and underground railways in London are charging the maximum passenger rates allowed under their powers, and if they can exceed their maximum rates without the consent of his Department?

The Railway (Passenger Fares) Order, 1916, allowed all railway companies in Great Britain to increase their ordinary fares by 50 per cent. I understand, however, that the tube railways have not increased their fares beyond the maximum rates allowed under their previous statutory powers, though the other underground railways may have done so but without exceeding the limits laid down by the Order. Apart from the Order, no consent of the Board of Trade is necessary to an increase of the fares within these limits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the present prices of clothes and boots; whether such prices are justified by the cost of the labour and material required; and, if not, whether steps will be taken to prevent profiteering in these articles of prime human necessity?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to the hon. Member for Morpeth on 1st May.

asked whether, by virtue of the financial assistance by way of advances made to the British-America Nickel Corporation, His Majesty's Government has stipulated any conditions as to control in the conduct of the business of the Corporation; what is the nature and scope of such control; whether it includes the right to His Majesty's Government to appoint representatives on the directorate of the Corporation: if so, whether such representatives have been appointed; what are the names of such representatives; and what were their previous experience and qualifications for the appointment?

His Majesty's Government are in a position, should occasion arise, to exercise complete control over the business of the British-America Nickel Corporation, but otherwise no conditions are imposed on the actual conduct of that business. His Majesty's Government are entitled to appoint, and have appointed, representatives to the directorate. The Government's representatives are Mr. W. A. Carlyle, an engineer of high standing, who has rendered valuable service to His Majesty's Government during the War, and Mr. G. T. Milne, who is His Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the sum of $3,000,000, stated to be advanced by His Majesty's Government to the British-America Nickel Corporation, represents the total amount advanced by His Majesty's Government to the corporation; whether the amount so advanced is secured by the issue of 6 per cent. first mortgage fifteen-year gold bonds under a deed of mortgage and trust made between, the British-Amerca Nickel Corporation and the National Trust Company, Limited, as trustee; whether the mortgage deed provides for the payment of $250,000 for the redemption of the bonds during the year ended the 1st February, 1919, and for the payment of $500,000annually for their redemption during subsequent years whether the British-America Nickel Corporation has failed to repay the first-named sum of $250,000, and has obtained the consent of the holders to postpone such repayments; whether His Majesty's Government, as principal holders of these bonds, has agreed to a suspension of the provision for redemption; and, if so, what compensation, if any, has His Majesty's Government received for such accommodation?

The statements contained in the first five parts of my hon. Friend's question are correct. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government have so far neither received nor asked for any compensation from the British-America Nickel Corporation for the accommodation referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the ss. "Royal," a British steamer interned at Hamburg during the War, was advertised for sale by auction on the 15th April to a person, or persons, entitled to own a British ship; that the sale was postponed to the 6th May next for the purpose of allowing allied and neutral subjects to bid at the auction; and whether he will issue instructions that this steamer shall only be sold to a person entitled to own a British ship?

In view of the extensive repairs required and the length of the time they were estimated to take, permission was given for allied and neutral subjects to bid at the auction, and it is not proposed to withdraw that permission.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scandinavian owners have been able to build up huge reserves during the War, thereby enabling them to bid at those acutions on more advantageous terms than British owners, and will he issue instructions for this auction only British and allied owners may compete.

I am afraid my hon. Friend has not heard the special and peculiar reasons operating in this case—the extensive repairs and length of time it will take to carry out the repairs.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this steamer is bought by Scandinavian owners these repairs will go to a foreign company and deprive British labour of work?

I do not think the hon. Member need fear about work in the British shipbuilding at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to curtailing holiday traffic in August without loss to the revenue, he will take steps to reduce by one-half during the current month, as also in June and July, the addition of 50 per cent. now charged upon passenger fares?

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply given on this subject on Thursday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Scarborough and Whitby and the hon. Member for West Woolwich, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Is there any chance of a decision being arrived at at an early date, as people are wanting to make arrangements for their holidays?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman there will be no unnecessary delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government that the territory of Southern Albania should be handed over to Greece, as was promised by the ex-Emperor of Germany to the ex-King of Greece?

The future frontiers of Albania are in process of delimitation by the Peace Conference, and I am not in a position to anticipate the conclusions of the delegates.

Will the hon. Gentleman say that, under whatever circumstances the rights of small nations should be considered in this as in other matters?

I am sure the hon. Member will not fail to observe that this is a matter for the Conference, and not a principle strictly for the Foreign Office or His Majesty's Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what are the terms of the undertaking with regard to building given, by the owner of the land at Strathbrook Road, Streatham, now held as allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order, which twenty holders have received notice to vacate at once; whether the Board's circular in regard to tenure, November, 1918, provides that land should be given up only for immediate building; whether he is aware that no active preparations have been made for building, and there can be no immediate building on this land; and whether, seeing that all preparations have been made by the holders for the coming season, and many have incurred expense in anticipation of longer tenure, he will taken action with a view to having these holders made secure in their tenure until at least the end of the season?

It is for the Wandsworth Borough Council to satisfy themselves, before giving up possession of the land, that it will be used at once for building purposes. The Board are making inquiries of the borough council, but they have been assured that in every such case, before giving notice to the plot-holders, the council require an undertaking from the owner that he will use the land for building, or other purposes incidental thereto, as soon as he obtains possession.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that 160 allotment-holders cultivating land at Acton Vale have been evicted from their allotments by the Office of Works; that intimation to quit was served on 17th April; that the land was taken, over under the Cultivation of Lands Order; that all preparations have been made for the coming season's crops; and that no notice to take this land was given to the urban district council until after intimation had been given to the allotment-holders; whether this was contrary to the Defence of the Realm Act; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Board have made inquiries into this case with the result that the Office of Works are endeavouring to secure an alternative site to avoid disturbing the allotment-holders. As soon as I have definite information on the subject I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Will the allotment-holders be allowed to remain in possession of the land pending the inquiries of my hon. Friend?

I think that must be left to the Office of Works.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department has evicted 160 allotment-holders who were cultivating land at Acton Vale; whether notices to vacate were served on them on 17th April; whether, before such notices to quit were so served, notice of intention to take this land was given to the urban district council, pursuant to the Defence of the Realm Act; whether the owners of the land received any notice before the 17th April; whether the land so taken is estimated at£2,000 an acre for building; and whether there is other suitable and cheaper land available?

Owing to the representations of the hon. Member, I have been able to arrange for an alternative site to be chosen, and although it is not so ideal, it will avoid the necessity of displacing the allotment-holders.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any scheme of re-afforestation is contemplated by the Government; and whether he is aware of the serious position which will be involved by the shortage of timber and pit props if in any future war we should suffer from a blockade of our coasts?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to the question addressed to him on the 18th March last by the hon. and gallant Member for Rye. The schemes now under consideration by the Government are designed to safeguard the position contemplated in the latter part of the question.

Will this be given very urgent consideration in view of the urgency of the question?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Machine Tool Department of the Ministry of Munitions is still in existence; whether a Machine Tool Department of the new Ministry of Supply has been established; whether the two Departments are to be housed in the same building; what technical qualifications are possessed by the new Controller of Machine Tools; and whether the staff of the old Department are being taken on by the new Department?

The Machine Tool Department of the Ministry of Munitions, which has been greatly reduced owing to post Armistice conditions, has been amalgamated with the remnant of the Department which deals with gauges. It is intended that the combined section shall be housed in one building. The administrative head of the section is an. engineer with large commercial experience. Certain members of the staffs of both of the old Departments are being retained, in cases where their services can be utilised to advantage.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long it is intended to maintain this Department?

This is a combined Department for machine tools and gauges, and I imagine it will always be necessary under the Ministry of Supplies to maintain it.

Do I understand that the Ministry of Supply is to be a permanent Department? Is that the intention of the Government?

A Bill will shortly be introduced for that object.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether any financial assistance has been given to any electricity undertaking, municipal or company-owned, in respect of supply cables and service apparatus, either for the purpose of giving a supply of electric power or of linking up two or more undertakings, since the outbreak of war; and, if so, will he give the names of the undertakings and the respective figures, showing the amount of such financial assistance?

A statement is being prepared, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when it is complete.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any financial assistance has been given to any electricity undertakings, municipal or company-owned, in respect of supply cables and service apparatus in connection with electric power supplies under the scheme of Admiralty extensions in shipbuilding yards since the outbreak of war; and, if so, will he give the names of the undertakings and the respective figures, showing the amount of such financial assistance?

I have been asked to reply. Financial assistance, namely, a lump sum contribution of£2,700, was granted to the Electricity Supply Department of the Dublin Corporation for the supply of additional electric power to the North Wall Shipyards, under the scheme of Admiralty extensions in shipbuilding yards.

May I ask why similar financial assistance has not been given to the West Hartlepool Corporation with regard to their extension to Irvine's dockyards?

I have not heard of any application being made from West Hartlepool. If it had been made, it would have received consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that application has been repeatedly made, first to the Ministry of Munitions and then to the Admiralty, and the West Hartlepool Corporation has been tossed back from one to the other, which I understand is the favourite pastime in the case of officials or Government Departments who do not wish or are unable to give satisfactory answers?

The hon. Member must ask a question, and not make observations.

asked whether steps can be taken to remove munitions of war from the brickyards which they now monopolise, in order that brick making can be resumed, in view of the shortage now existing in some localities and the urgent need of providing a supply for the carrying out of housing schemes?

The total number of brickyards used by the Ministry for storage, etc., of munitions of war was 64. Of these 36 have been released, 19 are in course of being cleared. I am having inquiries made as to the earliest date at which the remainder can be returned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the number of the State manufactories started since the War now occupied or retained by his Department; whether he will indicate in each case the nature of the work now being carried on; and if be will further inform the House how many factories have been disposed of since the Armistice to private interests?

I am having the information collected for which my hon. Friend asks, and will communicate with, him as soon as the return is complete.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will consider the advisability of allocating Army huts to such local authorities as may apply for them for the temporary housing of the working classes, and particularly of those who have served in His Majesty's Forces?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the various answers already given to questions on this subject, the last being to the hon. Member for Wednesbury on 1st May.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Southampton Corporation are about to purchase fifty-four acres of land at Burgess Street for£225 per acre for housing purposes; that only a few years ago the present owner of the land bought it for about£80 per acre; and whether he can take any action to prevent the purchase of this land at such an increase in the price?

The Local Government Board have received an application from the corporation for sanction for a loan for the purchase of the land to which the hon. Member refers and have directed a local inquiry to be held into the application. The Board have not at the present time any information with regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, but the inspector has been asked to make inquiries on this point, and in accordance with the usual practice a valuation of the land will be obtained before the application for sanction is dealt with.

Is there anything in the Housing Bill or in the Acquisition of Land Bill to prevent such excessive prices as that being charged?

I am only responsible for the Housing Bill. Of course the Local Government Board inspector before giving sanction to any proposal would inquire into the question of the acquisition of the land.

asked whether a decision has been reached as regards the recommendations made by the Advisory Committee for the assistance of the blind, and the provision of funds for carrying such schemes as they recommend into effect?

The Advisory Committee are conferring to-day with the Department with a view to working out a practicable scheme for submission to the Treasury to assist the blind in various ways.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. H. Lewsley, of 1, Conway Street, Nottingham, was approached by the Advisory Committee for the tuition of discharged soldiers and sailors as cinematograph operatives, for which he was to receive 2s. 6d. per hour along with others; that he was engaged to take on the work for six months; that all the invoices, etc., have been sent to Mr. Thatcher, manager. Labour Exchange, Nottingham, who was the secretary of the Advisory Committee; that the amount due to all concerned is upwards of£200; and that up to the present time the money is still owing to the man in question; and if he will take action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am making enquiries, and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister if his attention has been called to recent staff appointments by war pensions committees in which it would appear that sufficient effort has not been made to secure soldiers, particularly those with active service records and who have been incapacitated as a result; if such appointments are subject to confirmation by his Department; and, if not, whether he will consider as to taking suitable action to secure effective control in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Regulations made under the Administrative Provisions Act of 1918 provide that the appointment of all principal officers shall be subject to my right hon. Friend's approval. In cases such as those to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, approval is withheld and the Committee are asked to make a further selection. Where they are unable to do so the Ministry offers to supply them with the names of ex-service candidates having proper qualifications.

May I ask if, under the circumstances, he will be kind enough to ask the Department to get in touch with the Peterborough War Pensions Committee in order that the assistance of the War Pensions Department may be utilised?

We offer to all the local war pensions committees assistance in every possible way to obtain ex-Service men, and if possible disabled and discharged officers and men, for the purpose of filling these positions. We have established at the Ministry a small training school for the purpose of keeping at hand a certain number of discharged and disabled officers and men who will be able to take offers of the kind in an emergency.

It is in consequence of that I ventured to ask the question.

Probably, the publicity given, to this question will be sufficient.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the findings of the Holt Committee, he can now state that services in the K Company, Royal Engineers, will count for civil pensions?

No, Sir. As explained in answer to previous questions the Treasury are not prepared to accept this recommendation

Is the right ton. Gentleman aware of the fact that these men were specially urged to undertake service by the Post Office, and under these circumstances will he reconsider the case?

I am familiar with the case to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and I have had it frequently under review, and it might be of interest to him, if he would not mind the trouble, to look at the Debate on the 12th June last year, the last occasion on which this subject was raised in this House, and see what passed between me and Mr. Holt, who was the Chairman of the Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is yet in a position to state whether a decision has yet been arrived at as to the position of officers serving under Agreement T. 124 in respect to war gratuity; and, if not, whether he can promise to make an early announcement on the subject, having in view that considerable dissatisfaction on account of the delay exists amongst officers serving under this agreement?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on Thursday last, that 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 great discrepancy between the gratuities awarded to Regular officers as compared with those given to temporary, Special Reserve, or Territorial officers, the figures being: For captains, Regulars£93, others£253; brigade majors, Regulars£93, others£500; brigadier-generals, Regulars£236, others£1,000; and whether he will reconsider the matter?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 24th March last to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Wirrall.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the widows of Royal Engineer officers who had elected for permanent Indian service and who were in all respects, while alive, treated in the same way as officers of the Indian Army, are not eligible for alternative pensions, based on actual pay received in India, in the same way as the widows of Indian Army officers?

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions regarding the matter raised in this question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the total number of unemployed persons registered on the books of the Tottenham Unemployment Exchange during the three months ending March of the present year, the total percentage of unemployed persons placed in employment by the Exchange within the period referred to, the total cost to the Ministry for this period of all charges and administrative expenses relating to this Exchange; and the figures as to registered unemployed persons in Tottenham at the present time?

During the three months to 11th April, 1919, 19,657 applications for work were registered at the Tottenham Exchange. In the figures given, however, second and subsequent applications of the same individual are counted separately, and therefore it would be erroneous to take these figures as representing that number of people; 7,865 of these applications were withdrawn or lapsed, 1,786 applicants were placed in employment. The total cost of the Exchange during the three months in question, including all charges and administrative expenses, was approximately£3,600. The total number of persons registered at the Tottenham Exchange on 25th April was 11,674.

What steps are being taken by the Ministry of Labour to mitigate the very serious position with regard to unemployment at Tottenham?

:I do not think that any special steps are being taken at Tottenham which are not being taken in every part of the country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large number of persons drawing out-of-work pay, he will discuss with the Road Board the practicability of finding employment for some of them in concert with the highway authorities upon road work of a character on which a large percentage of unskilled labour can be employed, such as patching, sweeping, and tarring the roads through villages on secondary and minor roads suffering from the dust nuisance, opening up the view at dangerous corners, cleaning out ditches, widening narrow carriage-ways, making footpaths by the side of existing roads, cutting, pruning, removing, or grubbing up hedges, overhanging trees, which obscure the view or prevent light and air from reaching the road, and other urgent and desirable road work which requires to be done in all parts of the country, in addition to the road programme for 1919–20 which has already been approved by the Government?

I have already been in communication with the Road Board with a view to the provision of employment on the roads of the country. The Grants now in process of distribution by the Road Board, and the expenditure by highway authorities out of local rates, will provide a considerable amount of employment throughout the country on work of the character mentioned in the question. The Grants for these purposes and for repair of the main roads amount to over£16,300,000. The Board have communicated with the authorities responsible for schemes already approved, pointing out that they are particularly anxious that these works; may be put in hand at the earliest possible moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that none of these works are yet in hand, that, the roads are in a very bad condition, and that it is now six months since the Armistice was signed?

I cannot add anything: to what I have said. I have been pressing on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman press it on again?

How many local authorities have been given sums of money by the Local Government Board for the purpose of carrying on this work?

I should be required to answer for every Department of the Government if I could answer that question.

Is there no power to get the money spent as soon as possible?

The power is in the hands of the Road Board.

Cannot the Road Board be got to act?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Circular has been issued by the Local Government Board, informing local authorities that they cannot get money from the Public Works Commissioners, but that they have got to float local loans, and that the difficulty of raising money locally at present is absolutely stopping public works?

I am not aware of that, I shall be very glad to inquire.

What other Department than that of the right hon. Gentleman represents the Road Board in this House?

In no sense do I represent the Road Board.

Who does?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Miss Nellie Featherbridge, aged under seventeen years, made a claim for donation benefit at the Warrington Labour Exchange on or about the 1st March; that she was asked by the Employment Exchange officer to undertake night work at the British Aluminium Company, Limited, which was refused; if he is aware that the Court of Referees refused her claim on the ground that the Factory Acts in respect to the employment of young persons on night work were suspended during the War period, and if he will take action with a view to restoring donation benefit to Miss Featherbridge?

The claim to out-of-work donation in this case was disallowed by the Court of Referees on the ground that the applicant had refused an offer of suitable employment. On the facts stated in the question I am of opinion that the case requires further consideration, and it is being referred to the Umpire for this purpose.

asked what becomes of the unemployment contributions paid by hired men in the Royal dockyards when these men are established; and are the contributions they have paid returned to them?

The contributions remain credited to his personal account and are available for payment of unemployment benefit should he at any time, through change of occupation, or for any other reason, become eligible for same.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he would never become eligible?

He would not become eligible so long as he is on the establishment, but if he comes off the establishment and require it he then does get it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an established man never comes off the establishment, but receives a pension?

No; I am not aware of that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, now that it has been decided that men in the Royal dockyards are to receive the 12½per cent. on the hired rate of pay, he can say if this Regulation will be retrospective?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say if pensioners from the Royal dockyards are pensioned on established or hired pay?

The pensions of dockyard workmen are assessed upon established rates of pay.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why?

I think it is not inequitable to base their pensions on established rather than on hired pay.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that those Army non-commissioned officers who joined as instructors to the New Armies, and who trained men during the War, have been promised that their claims to the award of a medal for service would not be overlooked; and if he can promise the same as regards the Royal Navy?

Yes, Sir. Their claims will not be overlooked.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the War gratuities due to naval officers are paid at once; if such gratuity has been earned and should be paid instead of being doled out in circumstances of proved necessity; and if the War gratuity will carry interest at the new rate from the date it is due?

The War gratuities to officers of the permanent Naval Service still serving are not due until the prescribed terminating date of the qualifying war period has been reached. Mean while, of course, increments of war gratuity are being earned. In order, however, to meet special cases, the Board have approved of advances being made. On the prescribed terminating date being reached, the gratuities to officers serving will at once be paid, and the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the engine-room personnel, which form about 35 per cent. of the total personnel of the Navy, have any representatives on the Jerram Committee dealing with the pay of the lower deck, or on the Halsey Committee dealing with the pay of officers; if so, can the ranks of these representatives be given, and, if the engine-room personnel is not directly represented on these committees, can any information be given as to the methods by which considerate treatment for them can be assured?

No engineer officer was included in either of these Committees. It was realised when the Committees were set up that the inclusion of officers directly representing the different branches was impracticable.

In the case of the Jerram Committee, however, the men's advisory representatives associated with the Committee included a representative of the engine room, artificers and a representative of the mechanicians; in addition to which the views of the engine room personnel, in common with those of all other classes, were represented very fully by witnesses interviewed at the ports.

In the case of the Halsey Committee, representative officers of all branches have given evidence before the Committee, and, in addition, a general invitation was issued to officers in home waters wishing to express individual views to forward them to the Committee for consideration, and many such communications have been received.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any information as to the Jerram Committee?

We have already said we have every expectation that the decision will be taken this week. That was said last week.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the event of his not being able to publish the Report of the Jerram Committee, together with the evidence taken, he will consider the advisability of publishing the Committee's recommendations at the same time that he publishes the decisions of the War Cabinet?

No doubt my hon. Friend will have noted the reply given on Thursday last that it has been decided by the Board to lay a Parliamentary Paper, which will give the information desired.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what day this week the Jerram Committee will report and the decisions will be circulated?

That is a matter in the hands of the War Cabinet, and I cannot say what day.

Will it be before the week end, while the House is sitting?

I very much hope so.

That is to say, we shall get it before next Thursday?

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction at the shortage of whisky and the poor quality and high prices for beer charged to the public; whether he is aware that the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) is being held responsible in this matter by the public; and is he able to say that shortage of barley, malt, and hops is responsible for the shortage and high prices and not a desire on the part of the Liquor Control Board to enforce sobriety by Order in Council?

I am aware of the existence of dissatisfaction in regard to the conditions necessarily governing the supplies of beer and spirits. It is hoped, however, that the recent decisions of the Cabinet to increase the quantities available for consumption will go a considerable way towards removing this feeling. I have no information to the effect stated in the second part of the question. As regards the last part of the question, the shortage of materials was naturally the determining factor in deciding the quantity which could be produced and the price was affected by the reduced output permitted and by the increase in duty.

Given a normal supply of barley and hops, cannot we have a normal supply of whisky and beer to drink?

When will the Central Liquor Control Board be abolished altogether?

Is it not a fact that despite the shortage we are at present exporting whisky in large quantities?

I am not aware of that. I have no responsibility for nor do I exercise any control over the Liquor Control Board.

Which Government Department has any control over the Central Liquor Control Board?

I think that it is the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that Messrs. Bullock, Lad, and Company still refuse to supply the wine and spirit merchants with bulk whisky; if he is aware that the firm in question is supplying the whisky in bottle in bond because of the extra profit derived from selling the whisky in the bottle; if he can state whether he will issue a compulsory sales, order for the purpose of making the distillers supply their merchants with the proper supply, and if he intends' taking, any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 14th April, I am advised that the firm in question have complied with their obligations, either by delivering supplies or giving certificates which may be presented to another trader, for the quantity which they fail to supply. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member will supply me with specific cases, I shall be very glad to have them investigated.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that Mr. F. A. Lindsay, of 3, St. John's Place, Perth, wholesale whisky merchant, has a large quantity of American whisky which has been paid for some considerable time ago, but on account of the present prohibition of import restrictions he is unable to import the whisky; and if he will allow the importation of Canadian and American whiskies in consequence of the shortage in this country?

On the advice of the Imports Consultative Council I have decided that the importation of Canadian whisky shall be freely permitted and the importation of American whisky shall be permitted if it has been paid for previous to 1st January, 1919. It has been explained to Mr. Lindsay, in a personal interview, that he has to prove that he paid for the whisky before 1st January, 1919. It is understood that he is taking steps to comply with this requirement, and if he can do so he will be allowed to import the whisky.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended during the present Session to introduce legislation dealing with the hours of opening of licensed premises and kindred matters, and will he give the approximate date on which the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) will be dissolved?

:I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the course of his Budget speech on Wednesday last. In the meantime I am not in a position to make any further statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of my question?

I can make no further statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Agricultural Wages Board, a body appointed during wartime and for purely war purposes, does not adequately represent the farmers' interests, he will consider the advisability of having it abolished forth with and appointing a new Board in its place consisting of farmers, smallholders, and labourers, for the purpose of regulating wages and hours?

The Agricultural Wages Board was established by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, after consultation with the Minister of Labour, in accordance with the provisions of the Corn Production Act. In the constitution of the Board the representation of farmers' and labourers' interests is equally, and adequately, provided for.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to lay upon the Table of the House any records of the factories, works, mines, concessions, businesses, and contracts obtained since the Armistice by American contractors and concessionaires, outside their own country, but more particularly in Europe; and, if not, whether he will at once appoint a committee to examine the whole subject?

The Department of Overseas Trade (Development and Intelligence) watches with great interest all developments of American and other foreign business in countries abroad, but no complete records of the nature indi- cated in the hon. and gallant Member's question can be laid upon the Table. I am, however, calling for detailed reports on the subject.

Will the Government consider the advisability of establishing a Works Committee to consider the best ways and means for securing to British enterprise and British labour a fair share of the mammoth reconstruction works necessitated by the War.

I will gladly submit that suggestion to the proper authority.

Will the hon. Gentleman at the same time submit the suggestion that in order to secure a proper share of that trade we ought immediately to appoint some one besides the President of the Board of Trade in order to see that we get it?

I think that question ought to be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Will the hon. Gentleman really look into the matter at once as it is one of great importance?

asked the Prime Minister whether, since the abolition of the Ministry of Information, propaganda work in foreign countries is still being carried on, and, if so, by what Department; whether he is aware that In North and South America German propaganda work is now being carried on with, if possible, more energy than during the War; and whether he can state what steps are being taken by England to counteract this attempt by Germany to capture post-war trade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Propaganda in foreign countries is undertaken by the Foreign Office.

As to the rest of the question, I am aware of the activities referred to, though I am not sure that I should agree with the hon. Member's description of them as conducted with even more energy than during the period of hostilities. They have not escaped the notice of the Government, and I would refer my hon. Friend to my replies to the hon. Member for Islington (S.) on 27th February, and the hon. Member for Acton on 6th March.

Are we to understand that the Ministry of Information no longer exists?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the Government promise to introduce a Bill for the prevention of dumping, he will furnish a statement giving the principal provisions of the laws or regulations in force in our Dominions and Colonies and in foreign countries for the prevention of dumping?