asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have decided to support the recommendation of Geneva as the head quarters of the League of Nations; and, if so, will he consider the more urgent necessity of establishing the headquarters of the League in Belgium or some country which has actually suffered by the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmatime, and this decision was taken after weighing the considerations mentioned in. the last part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Home Office is informing conscientious objectors who are Post Office servants that they cannot be released from its control until the Postmaster-General is willing to take them back into his service; whether the Postmaster General is stating that he cannot take these men back while they are under Home Office control; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to an improved co-ordination?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. There has been no lack of co-ordination between the two Departments. The hon. Member may, however, be glad to know that the men in question are, by the recent decision of the Government, released from the control of the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors, and are now free to seek re-employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to withdraw the Excise Duty of 38s. 6d. per cwt. on chicory grown and dried in the United Kingdom, in view of the fact that this duty precludes the growing of chicory in this country on terms which enable it to compete with imported produce?

The information in my possession does not bear out the suggestion that chicory cannot be grown in this country on terms which enable it to compete with imported produce. I do not see my way to abolish the Excise Duty, but, should my proposals for granting Imperial Preference be accepted; that duty will, in correspondence with the duty on chicory imported from British Possessions, be substantially reduced. Details will be given in the the Finance Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any and what Regulations have been made by the Treasury under Section 40, Sub-section (3), of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, which was expressly passed to enable the Board of Inland Revenue to deal with cases of hardship on an equitable basis which were not specifically provided for; and will he give directions which will ensure this provision of the Act being administered?

"The Commissioners of Inland Revenue shall, in addition to the powers conferred upon them by Section 40 (3) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, have power in any case to allow modification of the provisions of the 4th Schedule to the above-named Act owing to depreciation through effluxion of time of any capital which is employed in the trade or business and which is expended upon and consists of patent rights, be far as such depreciation is not offset by goodwill arising from the user of, or interest in, such rights. This Regulation shall have effect as from the commencement of the above-named Act."

Applications for a Regulation are carefully considered on their merits; and I would remind my hon. and learned Friend that a Regulation has been promised in connection both with the loss on realisation of stocks and in certain conditions with the loss of goodwill in the case of controlled establishments. With the exceptions referred to above, the circumstances put forward in connection with the applications which have hitherto been made have not been such as to justify the making of a Regulation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the provisions of the Currency Banknotes Act, 1914, notes have been issued to the extent of£340,109,000; whether the gold cover for these notes, having fallen to 8 per cent., the Government still do not contemplate taking any steps to provide additional cover in gold until demobilisation has been completed or to check or regulate in any way the issue of these notes in accordance with recognised principles in such cases?

I do not think it is practicable to increase the gold reserve held against currency notes at the present moment. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said in my Budget Speech on Wednesday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what heading in the published weekly accounts of income and expenditure is to be found the result of sales of realisable assets by the Government; if the item does not appear in the published accounts, is the public to understand that the results of these sales are simply deducted from the week's expenditure; and in which case will he say whether the public obtains a true idea of expenditure, and does this system make it impossible to tell whether there is a real saving in expenditure or not?

As indicated in my Budget Statement, the proceeds of sales of realisable assets, in so far as they are not appropriated by Parliament in aid of Departmental Votes as shown in the published Estimates, will be brought to account under the head of Miscellaneous in the weekly accounts of Revenue and Expenditure. Balance on trading accounts will be paid over as such accounts are closed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Preference outlined in the Budget gives home-grown sugar from sugar beet£7 2s. 3d. per ton over foreign and£1 18s. 11d. over Empire sugar; and whether 93 per cent. of the sugar used was foreign sugar?

As regards the percentage of foreign sugar, my information agrees with that of my hon. and gallant Friend, but I am afraid I cannot follow his calculation as to rates of duty. I would ask him to wait for the Finance Bill, which will show exactly how my various proposals affect the various rates of Sugar Duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that silk manufactured and embroidered goods are at present being imported into this country from Japan and elsewhere, he will consider the proposal to include these goods in the list of goods taxed on importa- tion, particularly having regard to the fact that silk is very largely the luxury of rich people?

This is a question of trade policy which must be considered in connection with other similar questions and with the trade policy of the Government as a whole, but I would remind the hon. Member that under our Treaty with Japan certain Japanese silks are entitled to be imported free of duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the present rise of 6s. per week in the wages of agricultural labourers, the fall in prices of farm produce, and the increase in cost of agricultural implements, transport, and rates, together constituting a serious outlook for the farmer, he can now see his way to reduce the present basis of farmer's Income Tax to the pre-war basis?

I regret I am unable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion. It is, of course, open to a farmer to elect to be assessed under Schedule D instead of Schedule B, in which case his actual profits are assessed on the ordinary three years average, or to appeal at the end of the year for a reduction of the Schedule B assessment to the amount of his actual profits for that year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a recommendation was submitted by the Army Council to the Treasury that ex-soldier clerks employed by the War Office should be placed on a permanent (pensionable) basis; and what action the Treasury propose to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Treasury have asked the War Office to defer the matter for another twelve months, by which time it is hoped that a number of questions of a general character, affecting the Civil Service as a whole and having an important bearing on the present recommendation, will have been settled.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove the embargo placed upon the Local Government Board not to sanction loans for the carrying out of private street works, in view of the shortage of works of public utility, to relieve the necessities of unemployed workmen?

The control exercised by the Treasury over the capital expenditure of local authorities has been wholly removed, and the Local Government Board issued a Circular to this effect to local authorities on the 17th ultimo.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the ordinary pay of messengers in the Government service is 27s. per week of forty-eight hours and a war bonus of 23s.; whether certain messengers are receiving 21s. per week of forty-eight hours; and what steps the Government propose to take with the object of ensuring all messengers a fair living wage independent of the war bonus?

The ordinary weekly remuneration of unestablished male audit messengers in Government Departments in London for a forty-eight hour week is 24s., plus 3s. temporary increase, plus full bonus (29s. 5d.), making in all 56s. 5d. I am not aware of any such messengers receiving 21s. a week, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with the names of the Departments which are alleged to pay this rate, I will make further inquiries into the matter.

asked the Food Controller whether he will inform the House why he charges brewers 35s. per standard barrel for special licences to brew extra munition beer for munition workers, and the total amount which such charge brings in; and for what purpose the money is used?

The charge to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was at the rate of 25s. not 35s. per standard barrel. In view of the fact that licences to brew additional beer for munition workers must necessarily be confined to brewers in munition areas, it was decided that these licences should be granted to brewers who were willing to pay to the Food Controller for the credit of the Exchequer a fee of 25s. per standard barrel in excess of the duty. The total sum so collected during March, 1919, amounted to just over£100,000. I should add that this charge has been abolished as from 1st May.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that fish curers and buyers on the coast are prevented from buying supplies of expensive packages, opening their branch stations, and employing extra labour to deal with the catches of the demobilised fishing fleet as long as the fish trade is not entirely decontrolled or a date fixed for the same; whether he is aware that this will likely involve the destruction of much food and hardship to fishermen; and whether he proposes to take any action to deal with this situation?

The Food Controller has no information to show that the position is as stated by the hon. and gallant Member in the first part of the question. I may say that maximum prices have already been suspended in the case of many varieties of fish, and I anticipate that further action in this direction will be taken shortly.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that the Divisional Commissioner at Cardiff has fixed the price of milk for the Pontypool district at 2s. 4d. per gallon from 1st May; and that this amounts to 3d. per gallon more than the consumers paid during the winter months; can he state what becomes of the 1s. 0½d. profit which is the margin left between the 1s. 3d. per gallon paid the producer and the 2s. 4d. per gallon paid the retailer; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter and invite representatives of the various food committees in South Wales to discuss it with him?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not the case that this price amounts to 3d. per gallon more than the consumer paid during the winter months. The maximum retail price during the winter months was 2s, 8d. per gallon in October, 1918, and 3s. per gallon from November, 1918, to April, 1919, inclusive. Although the price of 2s. 4d. per gallon for May gives a margin of 1s. over the producer's maximum price of 1s. 4d., the average margin over the whole summer period will depend on the retail prices to be fixed for the subsequent four summer months. The difference between the two prices is made up of the wholesalers' margin, with railway charges, and the margin for retail distribution. It is not considered necessary to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question. The Divisional Food Commissioner will make recommendations to the Ministry of, Food as to the maximum retail prices for the remainder of the summer, after consultation with the Food Control Committees concerned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, with reference to the inquiry ordered by the Admiralty into the grievances of the sick-berth staff of the Royal Navy, he will state whether Surgeon - Commander Falconer Hall, R.N., who conducted such inquiry, duly made his Report to, and was it approved and passed by, their Lordships; did the Report reach the Treasury; will he state what was the decision arrived at; and when will it be published?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 10th April to the effect that the Report referred to had been received by the Board, and that the question of what improvements could be effected in the conditions of the sick-berth staff was being considered. I pointed out that some improvement had already been effected in the prospects of advancement of the sick-berth branch by an increase in the number of chief petty officer ratings.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the crews of dockyard tugs did not receive extra remuneration for salvage services on Government-owned or chartered vessels prior to 2nd June, 1916; that the war advances were not included in the percentages until 23rd October, 1918; and that, while tugs' crews were paid 50 per cent. on wages only during the time the vessel was in the danger zone, the dockyard salvage party received 100 per cent. for weekdays and 200 per cent. for Sundays, plus 3s. 4d. per day subsistence allowance, for the whole time the operations were in progress, and if he will, under the circumstances detailed, favourably entertain the advisability of considering the claims of the crews for bonuses?

The facts are as stated in the question. Under their conditions of employment, yard craftmen serve with their vessels as the exigencies of the Service may require; and they are required as a matter of course to work their craft in rendering any assistance which may be necessary for the safety of His Majesty's ships and vessels. In the case of dockyard workmen, work in connection with salvage operations which involves their entire removal from their ordinary place of work becomes of a character which these workmen are not expected to undertake in the ordinary course of their employment, and special rates of remuneration have therefore been provided for volunteers for the salvage service. The matter referred to in the last part of the question is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the officers and crews of yard craft whose duty took them into danger during the War will be recognised in the same manner as men of the Mercantile Marine?

The claims to recognition of officers and crews of yard craft whose duty took them into danger during the War will not be overlooked.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many executive commanders and lieutenant-commanders of the Royal Navy holding acting rank were included in the promotions made between the period from 4th August, 1914, and 11th November, 1918; and how many of such classes of officers were outside the promotion zone, setting out each class separately?

The number of commanders holding the acting rank of captain promoted to captain between the 4th August, 1914, and the 11th November, 1918, was thirty-six, of whom nine were outside the zone of promotion. The number of lieutenant-commanders holding the acting rank of commander in the same period was forty-two, of whom eight were outside the zone of promotion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) what are the intentions of the Admiralty regarding the recognition of the services of those officers of the Royal Navy on the active list who held acting rank, in view of the fact that a considerable number of senior officers who have held acting rank during the War for two or more years are now being obliged to revert to their former rank;

(2) Whether it is proposed to recognise the services of the officers of the Royal Navy who have worthily held acting rank by granting them either confirmation in the higher rank, or addition to pensions, or a step on retirement, or in any way whatsoever, either now or in the future?

Officers on the Active List who have held acting rank are eligible for consideration for promotion to the confirmed rank, for honours and distinctions, and for a step in rank on retirement, in exactly the same way as other officers, although many of them, owing to their age and seniority, are unlikely to be selected for promotion. Acting rank is in itself a recogntion of their services, and, on the whole, it is not thought there is sufficient reason for treating them exceptionally to other officers in the above respects. The question whether some increase of retired pay can be granted to them in view of their having held acting rank has been considered, but as this comes within the purview of the Committee which is now investigating officers' pay generally, it has been decided to leave the matter over until the Committee has reported.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty when he intends replying to the application of George Tudor, master, of the steamship "Clumberhall," West Hartlepool, Steam Navigation Company, West Hartlepool, in reference to the claim for prize money due to him for sinking a German submarine on 4th July, 1918, and also on 5th July, 1918; and whether he will see that the prize money is paid without delay?

Mr. Tudor's application for an award was made through the West Hartlepool Steam Navigation Company on the 7th January last, and a reply was sent to that firm on the 28th February.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, on account of the food supplied to patients; and, if not, will he cause inquiries to be made?

The quality of the potatoes and of the porridge supplied was not satisfactory, and this has been remedied.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty upon what approximate date it will be possible to demobilise a sailor (A.B.) who is forty-one years of age, served in the Royal Naval Division in France, where he was wounded, classified as B 2, was transferred to the Navy for shore service only, and for the past six months has served on His Majesty's ship "Titania"?

As the man in question cannot be identified from the information given, and as priority of dis- persal depends upon other factors not mentioned, it is not possible to give any date. If particulars sufficient to indentify the man are furnished, inquiry will be made. In any case, the man will be demobilised immediately he can be spared or a relief is available for him. Reliefs, however, are at present being allocated to relieve men on foreign stations in preference to men in home waters.

asked the Secretary of State for. War whether he is aware that Private W. R. Wallis, No. S/ 294995, Royal Army Service Corps, headquarters, No. 1 area, a solicitor's managing clerk in the employment of Mr. Wortten, of Cambridge, was sent back to France early in April simply for the purpose of demobilisation ; that the consent to his demobilisation arrived at Valenciennes before 20th April; that he is still being detained there by the officer in command on the sole ground that his release might cause dissatisfaction among those clerks whom it was not found possible to spare; and whether he will take immediate steps to insist on the demobilisation of this man who is doing no useful work abroad and is urgently needed for his business at home?

Private Wallis is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. I think my hon. Friend's statement that the consent to his demobilisation arrived at Valenciennes probably refers to a contract offer of employment or an offer to obtain his registration as a "slip" man. This does not entitle him to immediate demobilisation, but gives him a certain priority only. If this man is eligible for demobilisation under current Instructions, he will be released as soon as he can be replaced. I would also refer to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side, regarding the appointment of senior officers to inspect registers of units with a view to ensuring that no officer or man is retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieutenant Stanley H. Cannon, C/172 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, 7th Division, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, has been compulsorily posted in the Army of Occupation; and whether, seeing that he was mobilised on the outbreak of war, with the Territorial Force, has been on continuous service since, and is a married man whose civil career has been seriously prejudiced through his long absence, he will give instructions for him to be released as soon as possible?

Lieutenant Cannon is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If this officer's services are not required, he will be demobilised as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the application for demobilisation on compassionate grounds of Private Samuel Henderson, No. 438162, Mechanical Transport Corps, British Expeditionary Force, France, should be granted in respect that, having twice volunteered, he was, alter one rejection, sent to France in category B 2, his two elder brothers, John Henderson, No. 6709, 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, volunteered on 8th August, 1914, and was killed in action on l5th July, 1915, and Neil Henderson volunteered on 5th March, 1915, was wounded in July, 1916, and killed in action in January, 1917, and, being only youths, the allowances their parents receive are very small, and Mrs. Henderson, 9, Turner Street, Glasgow, their mother, is in delicate health and has a young family for whom the father, who has also broken down in health, is unable to provide, and Private Samuel Henderson desires to return to civil life to help to support the family?

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 men who are entitled to demobilisation, under Army Order XIV., of 1919, are being detained in order to carry out repairs to harness previous to its sale to the Belgian Government; whether Private S. J. Venn, No. 014872, R Company, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Army Ordnance Department workshop, A.P.O. 4, British Expeditionary Force, France, is engaged in this work; and whether he is entitled to discharge, seeing that he is not required for the machinery of demobilisation, and enlisted in December, 1915?

I would refer to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side regarding the appointment of senior officers to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officer or man is retained without good and sufficient cause. If Private Venn joined the Colours for continuous service in 1915 he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed his term of Colour service. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner S. J. Murray, No. 950,466, Headquarters Staff, 235th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, 47th Division, British Expeditionary Force, France, joined up on the 4th September, 1914, and went to France in March, 1915, where he has been and still is; that he was employed by the London County Council, who applied for his release on Form Z 16 on the 27th December, 1918, which was accepted by the Ministry of Labour, 14, Grosvenor Road, S.W. 1; that he and five others are acting as cooks to four officers; and whether he will make inquiries as to why Murray has not been demobilised?

Gunner Murray is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. The application made on Form Z.16 was such as to obtain his registration as a "slip" man, which does not entitle him to immediate demobilisation, but gives him a certain priority. If his length of service is as stated by my hon. Friend, he is eligible for demobilisation unless serving under pre-war conditions, and his term of Colour service is not completed. If lie is eligible he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

I would refer to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side, regarding the appointment of senior officers to inspect the registers of units with a view to ensuring that no officers or soldiers are retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Staff-sergeant R. Burr, 335th Company, Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, Sutherland Camp, Liverpool and 751, Springburn Road, Glasgow, should be released on compassionate grounds in respect that he has served since August, 1914, has a wife in delicate health, and ten young children, and has a job to go to?

Staff-sergeant Burr is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, nor is there any trace of an application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. If my hon. Friend will obtain a statement giving the full facts of the case, vouched for by himself, a clergyman, justice of peace, or a doctor, it will be considered. The statement should give the ages of the children and include a doctor's certificate regarding the health of Sergeant Burr's wife.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has made the promised inquiries with regard to Rifleman A. W. Mason, No. 345129, 6th London Regiment; whether he is in a position to say what the result of those inquiries are; and whether Mason can now be demobilised?

Rifleman Mason is not eligible for demobilisation as he did not join the Army until the 14th February, 1918, and his age is only nineteen years and six months. Inquiries as to the allegations made by Mason are not yet complete, but I hope to be in a position to write to my hon. Friend on the matter shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of any reason why Corporal J. H. Hall, M. 2/221801, Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport, attached 284th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, France, should be held to serve, seeing that he joined the Army in 1914 and has been four years in France?

Corporal Hall 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. 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. If he is eligible, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. Personnel of the Royal Army Service Corps, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for 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, as a medical certificate has been given in favour of the need of Private Allan W. B. Wilkie, No. 20505, A.S.H., attached to the 5th Army Roads Workshop, Lille, being released in order to look after his father, he will, on compassionate grounds, approve his demobilisation or leave?

There is no trace of any application on behalf of Private Wilkie having been received by the War Office, but if 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 receive consideration. If the case is not vouched by a doctor, a medical certificate should be submitted in addition.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private Eldridge, No. 2154, No., 3 Southern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, attached to Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Tidworth; whether he is aware that this man has claimed to be demobilised on the ground that he is over thirty-seven years of age, and that a copy of his birth certificate showing that he was thirty-seven years of age on the 6th of February last has been supplied; that the officer commanding has stated in reply that according to the man's attestation paper he was only thirty-four years of age on the 19th July, 1916, and no other evidence of age can be accepted; and whether the officer commanding is justified in debarring a man from demobilisation because of the are shown on the attestation paper as distinct from the man's actual age according to his birth certificate?

Inquiries will be made in this ease, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether repeated requests have been received by the War Office from the authorities of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital for the release of a certain officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps to take up the duties of house surgeon at the hospital where the services of a surgeon are urgently needed; and whether the request has yet been complied with?

Application was made by the Secretary of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital for the release of an officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps who was twenty-four years of age and who had served for thirteen months. The Secretary was informed that, in view of his age and short service, no special orders for this officer's release could be issued. Appliction was then made, on 18th April, for the release of an officer of greater age and longer service. This officer was immediately recalled from France, and is at present on leave pending demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sergeant O. A. Bettles, No. 240653, Mechanical Transport, Royal Army Service Corps, as to whom a communication from the War Office, dated the 10th of March, 1919, with reference O1,671/1919, A.G. 4f, stated that his name had been passed to the military authorities overseas for consideration as a special case, has yet left India for home; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that Sergeant Bettles' father is in a critical condition of health, he will take steps to expedite the return of this soldier, who has served since the beginning of the War?

A cable has been sent to India, asking for an urgent report in this case. I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason S/Condr. E. S. Gilham, No. 06063, Army Ordance Corps, c/o D.A.D.O.S., Eastern Division, Army of the Rhine, a married man of thirty-nine, who was notified two months ago as eligible for demobilisation, and who has been for three years attached to the Guards Division, was not returned with that division to England as preliminary to demobilisation, but has been posted for duty with a division of the Army of Occupation, and how soon this soldier will obtain his discharge?

Sub-Conductor Gilham is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his age is as stated by my hon. 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. If he is eligible, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. I would refer to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side on the 1st inst. regarding the appointment of senior officers to inspect unit registers, with a view to ensuring that no officer or man who is eligible for demobilisation is retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the particulars in the case of William Sabiston Tait, of No. 3 Depot, Jubbalpore, India, in view of his continued ill-health and the urgent necessity for his services at home, and whether he will grant this man's release?

If this man is eligible for demobilisation he will be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit. The question of his health is a matter for the medical authorities on the spot, and my hon. Friend may be assured that it will not be neglected.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Private H. W. Leask, No. 64392, G Company, 3rd Yorkshire Regiment, Town Hall, West Hartlepool; and if he will inquire whether this is a case where demobilisation may be granted on the grounds that his father's health has completely broken down through endeavouring to carry on the business in the absence of his son, Private H. W. Leask?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War when the release of Sapper James Arthur Tyrrell, No. 520134, 8 R. T. O., L Signal Battery, Royal Engineers, A. P. O. S. 39, France, may be expected, seeing that he joined the Colours in 1914?

If Sapper Tyrrell's service is as stated he will no doubt be demobilised in due course unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed his term of Colour service.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the release of Lance-Corporal F. Collis, P. 13234, M.F.P. c/o D.A.P.M. Mesopotamia, may be expected, seeing he joined up on 1st September, 1914?

If this non-commissioned officer's service is as stated he will be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and has not completed his term of Colour service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions for the early release of Private A. J. Digby, No. 263,078, 1st Mons Reserve Regiment, who was before the 1st February, 1919, recommended by the local advisory committee for release, but owing to his being detained in hospital since that time has not yet been released?

Private Digby is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. The recommendation referred to would appear to be either a contract offer of employment or such as to obtain his registration as a "slip" man. This would not entitle him to immediate demobilisation, but would give him a certain priority if he is otherwise eligible for demobilisation. If he is eligible for demobilisation he will no doubt be released in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will grant the release, on compassionate grounds, of Private T. Irving, No. 25,912, Coldstream Guards, in view of the fact that this soldier is the only one of a batch of young miners from Haltwhistle who has not been returned to work at the mines, and that consequently his parents feel a sense of injustice?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been directed to the fact that the services of Sergeant Harry A. Sinclair, Royal Garrison Artillery, are very urgently required by his employer, W. J. Heddle, Esq., town clerk, Kirkwall; and if he will take all the circumstances of the case into consideration in considering the question of his demobilisation?

If Sergeant Sinclair is eligible for demobilisation he will no doubt be demobilised as soon as circumstances permit. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with tins non-commissioner officers' regimental number, age, particulars of his service and where he is serving, inquiries will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps staff at Vendroux only twenty-five men per week are being demobilised, although the great majority are eligible; whether he is aware that the staff at this depot is much in excess of requirements; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to men who are eligible for demobilisation being released as quickly as the exigencies of the Service permit?

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.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to mitigate the hardships involved in the present system of demobilisation, he is now prepared to announce that more lenient consideration shall be given to claims for demobilisation on business and also on domestic grounds?

Business grounds are taken into account in arriving at a decision upon applications for the release of soldiers, since in the case of men who are eligible for demobilisation, the fact that they have definite employment awaiting them or business of their own to which to return entitles them to priority over those who have no such employment or business. This, of course, only applies to soldiers who are eligible for demobilisation. I regret that it is not possible to extend demobilisation to men purely on business grounds, who are not eligible under current instructions. New Regulations with regard to the release of soldiers on compassionate grounds have now been issued, and I am sending my Noble and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the officers of the regiments now or shortly to be under orders for Russia, will be given an allowance in money for the purchase of suitable kits; if officers and men are to undergo a special medical survey; if all the men are volunteers for service in Russia, or merely volunteers for foreign service; are the battalions being sent entire units, or are the officers and men being drafted from definite units into composite battalions; and are the composite battalions to take their titles from the units their officers belong to or from the men of a particular battalion forming a majority in the composite battalion or from those men who represent the senior regiment in the Army in that composite battalion?

The only special kit necessary is warm clothing for winter. This will be issued in kind, if, and when, the need arises.

The troops for Russia are in two distinct forces, No. 1 and No. 2 Relief Forces, and have been formed under somewhat difficult conditions as regards the Infantry, as follows:

No. 1 Relief Force.—When this force was decided upon, two Infantry battalions were required at very short notice. The quickest and most economical plan was to take the two Regular battalions at the top of the roster for foreign service after the War. This fell upon the2nd Hampshire Regiment and the 1st Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. They were due to go abroad and complete their foreign tour in two years.

It was impracticable to complete the establishment entirely from men of the two battalions in question, owing to the fact that a considerable portion of them have not completed the furlough to which they are entitled. It was therefore arranged as a temporary measure to draw upon other regiments in the district concerned; the battalions still to have head quarters and one company of Hampshire Regiment and Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, respectively, the remaining companies to be from other regiments, and to be relieved as soon as the requisite number of Hampshire Regiment and Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry were forthcoming, and sent to Russia as drafts.

Thus the first force (Hampshire and Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) consists entirely of Regular serving soldiers supplemented to some extent by personnel serving for the Army of Occupation period only, who have definitely volunteered for this service. As the numbers come forward from the Hampshire Regiment and Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry the personnel from other regiments will gradually be relieved until these battalions are complete with their own men, all Regular serving soldiers.

The second Russian Relief Force consists entirely of volunteers, with the ex- ception of a few Regular soldiers whom it has been necessary to include. All these men have been medically examined and passd fit for general service (Category "A (1)") in Russia.

The titles of the battalions of Infantry of the two forces are

1st Relief Force—2nd Hampshire Regiment, 1st Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.

2nd Relief Force—45th Royal Fusiliers, 46th Royal Fusiliers.

The reason for the titles of the two battalions for the second Relief Force being as stated is that, for Record Office purposes, it is necessary that these battalions should form part of an existing regiment, and the regiment chosen is the most suitable from an administrative point of view.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the majority of the officers and other ranks of the Army Postal Service, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, have had no home leave for over three years and in many cases for over four years; whether, although every officer and all other ranks are eligible for demobilisation, an Order has been issued that every member of the unit in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force is being compulsorily retained as part of the machinery of demobilisation; whether, as the appeal for volunteers for the Army of Occupation has been almost a complete failure, home leave is still being refused, except on strong compassionate grounds, to those who will not volunteer; whether the unit order issued on the 27th March that four other ranks have been granted home leave because they had volunteered for the Army of Occupation is a measure which has his sanction; and whether he will at once arrange with the Postmaster-General to replace all officers and other ranks of the unit in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force who have served over twelve months without home leave by volunteers from the home service or by transfers from other areas?

I cannot answer the first four parts of the hon. Member's question without reference to the military authorities in Egypt. As regards the last part of the question, the relief of these men is already in hand and drafts are being prepared for early dispatch for Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many signal-section men who have had no home leave are still serving in Egypt; whether large numbers of officers and men are surplus to requirements; and whether he will permit officers and other ranks of administrative service and departments in Homeward Camp, Kantara, to go home?

I am unable to furnish the number of men who have had no home leave and are still serving in Egypt, and it would entail considerable research to ascertain these figures. It is possible that a number of men surplus to requirements are being temporarily retained, but the existing situation in Egypt has to a certain extent delayed demobilisation. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side regarding the appointment of officers to inspect the registers of units with a view to ensuring that officers and soldiers are not retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether large bodies of 1914 enlistments are still being retained in Egypt; whether many of these men have had no home leave; and whether he will arrange for their immediate relief by sending fresh and fit troops from Europe?

I propose to make a statement on Tuesday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the work of armament artificers covers a wide field and requires a good knowledge of guns, carriages, telescopes, binoculars, bicycles, gun sights, telephones, petrol and steam engines, and electric motors, he can state why these men receive less pay than staff-sergeants of the Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, and staff-sergeants of the Tank Corps; and whether, in view of the pay received by these men, he can state why, if one wishes to purchase his discharge, he is charged more than any other rank in the Army?

An Army Order is about to be issued, authorising the advancement of these armament artificers to the higher rate of pay of 5s. 6d. on the completion of three years' approved service. This concession will substantially alter the comparisons made in the question. The larger sum for purchase of discharge required from these soldiers is due to the fact that they are given a costly training at the public expense.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of armament artificers of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps who have held and been paid for the rank of sergeant-major for three years and have taught the temporary inspectors of ordnance machinery their work have been reverted to staff-sergeant, while the temporary inspectors of ordnance machinery have in some cases reached the rank of major and will leave the Army with over£300 bonus; whether he is also aware that a number of the temporary inspectors of ordnance machinery served their apprenticeship in the same workshops and attended the same schools as a number of the armament articers; whether, in view of this, he can state the reason for about 250 commissions being given to the temporary inspectors and only fourteen to Regular armament artificers; and how many of these temporary inspectors are being retained in the Army?

I am informed that my right hon. Friend's statement of the position is not altogether correct, and I would refer him to the answer to questions 29 and 31 on the same subject. The temporary inspectors of ordnance machinery were drawn from the ranks of qualified mechanical engineers, many of them holding administrative appointments in civil life. Before being posted for duty they underwent a special course in war material at the Ordnance College. Their commissions were for the period of the War only, and for this class of commission, armament artificers, serving on a permanent engagement, were not eligible. Some, however, who were enlisted for the War only, were awarded temporary commissions as inspectors of ordnance machinery. In addition fourteen permanent commissions in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps have been given to Regular armament artificers. The peace establishment of inspectors of ordnance machinery will be considered in conjunction with that of the Army generally, and pending a decision it is impossible to specify the individuals of which it will be composed.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that eleven years' ago an armament artificer with three and a-half years' service received 11s. 1d. a week more than armament artificers with the same service received immediately before the War; whether he has received any complaints from these men regarding the lack of promotion and low pay; and whether he can hold out any prospect of improvement in these respects; (2) if he can state the reason why sergeant-majors (armament artificers) who had to teach the temporary inspectors of ordnance machinery their work, were only given the rank of second-lieutenant, whilst the temporary inspectors were given the rank of full lieutenant; can he state why it is that eleven years' ago armament artificers with three years' service were made first-class staff-sergeants, whilst at the present time men with eleven years' service have not reached that position; and can he state the reason why these armament artificers are the only class of men in the Service who have to pass an examination before they are eligible to become first-class warrant officers?

The following answer refers to the first question, but the second part also answers the second question.

I am afraid I cannot accept my right hon. Friend's suggestion that these armament artificers have had to teach the temporary inspectors their work.

I am informed that all permanent commissions in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps which have been granted to Warrant Officers of the Armanent Artificer Section have been in the rank of lieutenant.

As regards the second part of the question, advancement of Armanent Staff Sergeants to the higher rate of pay as such has hitherto been governed by a fixed numerical establishment. This condition has, however, recently been modified, and an announcement as to the improved conditions will be made shortly.

As regards the third part of the question, I am informed that no such distinction, as my right hon. Friend suggests, between these armanent artificers and other classes in the service is recognised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that three unidentified soldiers are still in hospital in France suffering from shell-shock and loss of memory, he will give orders that they be photographed so that relatives of missing soldiers may see the photographs?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. I am informed that there is only one such soldier whose identity has not been definitely fixed. If the others to whom my hon. and gallant Friend alludes are the two British prisoners of war still in Germany mentioned in my reply to his question of the 15th April, the identity of these has always been known. As regards the latter part of the question, experience has shown that identification by photographs, especially when reproduced in the Press, is most unreliable, and the suggestion made is not considered either practicable or desirable. Every effort is being made to clear up the case of the man in question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst soldiers recently demobilised as to the state of their I accounts; and if he will arrange for any accounts which are in dispute to be investigated in an adequate and proper manner?

I am not aware that any general dissatisfaction exists on this sub-subject, though in a certain number of cases—a very small proportion of the total number—mistakes are found in the accounts. Special machinery has been set up in the War Office for the investigation of any disputed items, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish particulars of any cases they will be investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in the payment of the war gratuity, a distinction is drawn between men in receipt of full civil pay in and out of the Post Office service; whether he is aware that many of the Signallers served during the South African War, and were paid a gratuity similar in amount to the war gratuity on their discharge; and whether, seeing that every endeavour has been made to penalise these men on the questions of the gratuities and also of the increased separation allowances, he will endeavour to allay the discontent by treating all serving soldiers on an equal footing?

I regret that I can add nothing to my reply to similar questions on 10th April.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Private C. Wilson, No. 9775, 6th Worcester Regiment, now residing at 7, Grey Friars, Stafford, who enlisted in 1889 for nine years, rejoined in 1904 for four years, and served again during the present War from 17th November, 1914, till he was discharged as totally unfit in May, 1916, after fourteen months in France, is only in receipt of a pension of 4s. 8d. per week; and whether, seeing that this man is forty-nine years of age and has a wife and seven children, and is unable to obtain full civilian employment owing to attacks of rheumatism contracted in the Army during the present War, he can do anything to increase this pension?

Private Wilson was invalided on account of rheumatism and was originally awarded a conditional pension of 18s. 9d. a week for ten months, with children's allowances in addition. On his next examination the Medical Board were of opinion that he had practically recovered and that no disablement existed. He was, therefore, not entitled to any further award under the Warrants of 1915 and 1917, but as he had over fourteen years' service and had been invalided, it was possible to award him a life pension of 4s. 8d. a week under the 1914 Warrant. If he now claims to be incapacitated by the rheumatism on account of which he was discharged, he should apply to his local war pensions committee, who will arrange for him to be examined by their medical referee.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can arrange to have posted in all public libraries, urban and rural district council offices, and other suitable public places information as to money and other property found on dead soldiers so that those entitled may be informed and may put in their claims?

My hon. Friend is, perhaps, not aware that particulars of the next-of-kin of every officer and soldier are recorded to facilitate the disposal of his estate in the event of death. If the details are insufficient to enable the next-of-kin to be traced, estates not disposed of within nine months are advertised in the "London Gazette," the "Army List," and in local newspapers, but I will consider the question of further publicity.

(Clitheroe) asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can state the scale of gratuity paid to men who have served in the Colonial forces as compared with the scale paid to men who have been in the Home forces?

As the conditions vary for the different forces and do not lend themselves to inclusion in a brief statement, I am taking steps to have the hon. Member supplied with copies of the several Regulations. I would point out that the war gratuity is only one of the benefits drawn by the British soldier on discharge.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether a Report of the Proceedings of the Commission on International Aerial Navigation has been published; and, if so, where can it be obtained?

The sessions of the Commission in question are still proceeding, and no report has been as yet published.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware how many firms are waiting payment of money due to them for work done for his Department or as a result of payment made by them in accord with decisions governing wages awards; whether any of these firms have made repeated applications for payment by sending in their claims and amended claims, but no payment has been made; that this is creating financial embarrassment to some firms which are having great difficulty in carrying on, and that as a result fewer men instead of more men are likely to be employed by them; and whether steps will be taken by those responsible to see that all legitimate claims are met without further delay?

Every effort is made by the Accounts Department of the Ministry to discharge contractors' claims as rapidly as possible. It must be understood that, as the accounts are now in process of final liquidation, great care has to be exercised to ensure that any sums due by contractors are taken into account before settlements are effected. Payments on account, however, are made, wherever the circumstances warrant it. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any specific cases of hardship which have come to his knowledge I will have immediate inquiries made into them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether his attention has been called to the delay in the repatriation of officers to the Crown Colonies; and whether, having regard to the fact that these officers have been absent from their businesses for some years, he will give them a preference in passenger traffic to the Crown Colonies and the Protectorates; (2) what is the number of civilians and demobilised officers and men, respectively, who have been repatriated to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates during the last three months, respectively?

I will answer both the hon. and gallant Member's questions together. I am aware that there has been some unavoidable delay in the repatriation of demobilised officers and men to the Colonies and Protectorates owing to the shortage of shipping. I have no figures with regard to the number of civilians repatriated during the last three months, though I understand that many have as yet been unable to obtain passages. I am informed that, apart from a special transport to the British West Indies, accommodation has been found for 150 officers and men only during the period in question, but that a large proportion of the available space is reserved by the Ministry of Shipping for returning officers and men, and that, in view of the improvement in the shipping situation, it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in dealing with the matter in future.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Sergeant-major W. R. Davies, No. M2/153391, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), will be repatriated to Canada, seeing that he promised repatriation on 27th March and renewed his promise on 10th April, but that the soldier is still in England and has lost his situation in Canada owing to the long delay?

I regret I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on the 10th of April last.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is to be a development of the Special Service Branch of Scotland Yard on the lines of the Continental secret services under Mr. Basil Thomson; if so, what is the estimated cost of the new service; and under what Vote in the Estimates is it to be found?

No, Sir; Mr. Basil Thomson will remain in charge of the Special Branch at Scotland Yard, and will carry on the work of that branch on the same lines as hitherto. There will be no development of the Special Branch conducted on what the hon. Member describes as the lines of the Continental secret services, which is quite foreign to the traditions of the English police. The expense of any additional work that may be found necessary will be defrayed from the Vote for Secret Service. No estimate can yet be made of this, but it will be small.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is possible for him to reconsider the Regulation by which subjects of Allied Powers are compelled to personally notify the police stations of their whereabouts when in this country?

It is necessary to maintain the requirement that all foreigners shall register with the police; but in October last an Amendment was made in Article 19 of the Aliens Restriction Order which enabled relief to be given to alien friends in proper cases from the requirement as to notifying temporary changes of residence to the police. Under the Regulations as they now stand, I think all reasonable relaxation can be obtained by subjects of the Allied Powers.

asked the Home Secretary whether the confirmation of a Metropolitan Police officer's appointment to a superior post is contingent on the officer proving himself a good disciplinarian by producing defaulters from among members of the force?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the interest felt in all parts of the House as to the scope of the Order in Council to be made under the Aliens Restriction Bill when passed, he will lay a draft of this Order upon the Table of the House at the earliest opportunity?

My hon. and learned Friend will appreciate the difficulty of laying upon the Table an Order in Council under powers given by an Act which has not yet been passed, but I think the object which we both have in view will be met by circulating a draft of the Order to all members of the Committee. I will also see that extra copies are made available for other Members who wish to see the draft.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that the hours for selling intoxicating liquors in clubs and elsewhere which, until recently, were from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., have been altered, and the hours are now from 6 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., whether he is aware that this alteration does not meet the wishes or convenience of those concerned; and whether, in view of the fact that many men of the working classes, especially those who have allotments, are now, and will be during the summer months, in the open air tall nearly 9 p.m., or later, he can arrange that the hours for selling intoxicating drinks at clubs and similar places shall be from 6.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. or 10.30 p.m.?

This is not a matter in which I have any authority; and I would refer the hon. and learned Baronet to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon on the 10th April, to the effect that the relaxations recently made by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in the hours fixed by them for the sale of intoxicating liquor go as far as is thought desirable at present. I understand, however, that the questions raised are continuing to receive the consideration of the Board.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now see his way to remove the obligation on cyclists to carry a red rear light, inasmuch as this was purely an emergency regulation created by war conditions?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the working classes who are entitled to special facilities under the housing proposals may include clerks or shop assistants who are frequently paid lower wages than those engaged in manual labour, and, if not, whether Section 18 of the Settled Land Act of 1890 could not be used as the definition of the Housing of the Working Classes Act of 1903?

There is at present no general statutory definition in the Housing Acts of the expression "working classes" which would restrict the occupation of houses provided under these Acts to persons engaged in manual labour. The question whether a definition of the term, should be inserted in the Bill of this Session will come up for discussion in Committee.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed, in connection with the housing scheme, that the grates, tiles, and other ironmongery are to be provided from the Government stores direct or by purchase from local firms; and which of the two methods is to be followed in Scotland?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the method to be adopted of providing cast-iron work generally and ironmongery for the housing scheme is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to hold an inquiry into the subject of industrial life assurance; whether such inquiry will be public; whether the terms of reference will be wide enough to include the remuneration and conditions of service of agents and collectors; and whether the agents and collectors will be directly represented on the Committee of Inquiry by persons selected by their own provisional executive council?

"To inquire into the business carried on by industrial assurance companies and collecting. societies exclusive of the issue of life assurance policies involving the payment of sums exceeding.£50 on the death of the assured and of insurance business under the National Health Insurance Act, and to report whether any amendment of the law is desirable."

Whether the inquiry will be open to the public is a matter for the Committee to decide. I will circulate a list of the members of the Committee with the reply to the question addressed to the Prime Minister to-day by the Noble and gallant Lord the Member for Horsham and Worthing.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make an announcement as to the composition and terms of reference of the proposed Committee on industrial insurance?

I have been asked to reply to this question.

The composition of the Committee will be as follows:

The Right Hon. Lord Parmoor, K.C.V.O., K.C. (Chairman),

W. T. Carr, Esq., M.P.,

H. S Cautley, Esq., M.P.,

Major Evan Hayward, M.P.,

The Right Hon. John Hodge, M.P., together with

H. A. Payne, Esq., C.B. (Comptroller of Companies Department, Board of Trade),

G. Stuart Robertson, Esq. (Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies), and

Sir Alfred W. Watson (Chief Actuary to the National Health Insurance Joint Committee).

The terms of reference will be:

"To inquire into the business carried on by industrial assurance companies and collecting societies exclusive of the issue of life assurance policies involving the payment of sums exceeding£50 on the death of the assured and of insurance business under the National Health Insurance Act, and to report whether any amendment of the law is desirable."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that men employed in lumber camps under the Timber Supply Department have had their wages reduced from£2 5s. per week to£2; that allowance formerly made for lodging and travelling has also been discontinued, although the men are away from home all the week whether he is aware that these men have never received any war bonus, and that dissatisfaction regarding the reduction in wages, after the men have been through the bad winter weather, exists; and whether, in view of the policy of the Government regarding the stabilisation of wages as enacted by the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act, he will have inquiries made into this matter and have these men's old conditions restored, if not improved?

If the hon. Member will communicate to the Timber Controller particulars of any cases he has in mind, inquiries will be made, but without more precise information it is not possible to give a definite reply; speaking generally, the wages paid by the Timber Supply Department are the ordinary, rates in different localities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused by the shortage of medical vials and dispensing bottles, and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get small sizes, such as ¼oz., ½oz., and 1 oz.; and whether he will consider the expediency of removing the present restrictions on these imports from the United States, Japan, France, and Belgium?

This matter is being brought before the Imports Consultative Council and a decision will be announced shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons or firms are in possession of licences for the importation of glass goods; and why a discharged soldier resident in Cardiff has been refused a licence and is thus deprived of the opportunity of returning to business?

Licences have been issued since 1st March to 111 importers of glass goods of various descriptions. If the hon. Member will furnish me with the name of the soldier and particulars of the circumstances of his case the matter will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is at present in the country an abnormally large stock of petrol; whether it is anticipated that difficulty will be soon experienced in providing tank storage accommodation for the Government stocks of petrol that are still on order for delivery in this country from the United States; and whether it is contemplated at an early date to remove the various restrictions imposed on the petroleum distributing trade in this country, with a view to reducing the cost of petrol to consumers?

So far as the Board of Trade is aware there is not at present in the country an abnormally large stock of petrol imported for civil consumption. The Government still hold large stocks of petrol imported for military purposes, but these are being gradually reduced. All motor spirit purchased by the Government for civil consumption has already arrived and has been handed over to the distributing companies. It is my desire to remove the restrictions at the earliest possible moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the present terms of Mr. Montague Meyer's appointment as timber buyer; whether he has now ceased to buy any timber in view of the end of timber control; whether Sir James Ball and Mr. Meyer are at present in the United States of America, and what is the object of their visit; when will Mr. Meyer's appointment terminate; and is he debarred from any private trade?

The effect of the agreement with Mr. Meyer's firm, which was entered into by the Office of Works in July, 1916, is that they give up all private trading in timber and devote the whole of their time to dealing with timber for the Government. All the expenses of the firm and remuneration at the rate of£11,000 per annum are paid by the Government. Purchasing by the Government timber buyers has ceased, and the visit of Sir James Ball and Mr. Meyer to the United States and Canada is primarily in connection with arrangements for bringing forward purchases already made. In regard to the termination of the appointment it is as yet impossible for any definite date to be fixed as the disposal of large quantities of Government stocks of timber has yet to be arranged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ascertain if a Regulation has recently been issued to distillers, wholesale bonders, and vintners by the controller of whisky, or other competent authority, that the clearances of whisky for this month are to be limited to a daily average calculated to be one twenty-eighth of one-sixth of 50 per cent. of the half-yearly quantity delivered in 1916 with the addition of 25 per cent.; and is he aware that in Ireland the working out of the figure to be arrived at is causing difficulties?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the same subject on the 9th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham. The regulation in question was temporary in its operation, and has ceased to have effect as from the 30th April.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that it requires twenty days for a letter to get to Holland and a reply to be received in this country, and that this state of affairs is seriously handicapping British industry in competition with the Germans, and if he will state that it shall at once be dealt with?

There are at present four dispatches of mails weekly in each direction between the United Kingdom and Holland, and additional dispatches will be made as soon as further steamers can be placed on the service. The correspondence is subject to censorship and some delay is consequently inevitable. Even with these restrictions, however, a letter and reply should normally occupy much less than the time suggested by the hon. Member; and if he will furnish me with concrete instances of delay I will have inquiry made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the number of off farms, i.e. , farms where there is no resident tenant, now rented in the Northern counties; and if he will issue instructions that where possible such farms should be taken under the Land Settlement Bill instead of taking farms where there is a tenant in residence?

The Board will be glad to bring the suggestion of my hon. Friend to the notice of the county councils.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that Mrs. Burton, 45, Meads Road, Edgware, widow of Sergeant Detective Burton, who died a few months ago, is still under notice to quit the allotment held by her late husband at Edgware station; whether he is aware that the reason first advanced by the Great Northern Railway Company for the notice to quit was that Mrs. Burton was not going to cultivate the allotment herself, whereas she has given an undertaking that she intends to work the allotment personally; whether the Great Northern Railway Company now state that the allotments are held by their employés, whereas Sergeant-Detective Burton, who held this allotment for twelve years, was not an employé of the railway company, and that more than half of the allotments at this place are held by people who are not employés of the company; whether the employé to whom this particular allotment has been allocated could have obtained an allotment as conveniently situated, and the disturbance of Mrs. Burton, who has dug the plot, made all preparations, and incurred considerable expense for this season, could have been obviated; whether he is aware that the railway company have ordered another widow, Mrs. Hawkins, 6, Meads Road, Edgware, to quit her allotment immediately; whether he will communicate with the Great Northern Railway Company in order to prevent such discrimination against and hardship upon widows in reduced circumstances; and whether, failing a satisfactory reply, he will immediately exercise the compulsory powers under the Cultivation of Lands Order, schedule these particular allotments, and thus secure these two widows in the tenure of their plots?

I informed my hon. Friend on the 14th April last that the Board have no jurisdiction as regards allotments provided by Railway Companies, and have no power to interfere as regards their letting. Any tenants who have been given notice to quit will, I understand, be compensated for any work done. If these tenants desire other allotments they should apply to the local allotment authority whose duty it is to provide land for this purpose, but the Board are not prepared to utilise their powers under the Cultivation of Lands Order for the purpose of entry of land already cultivated as allotments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to satisfy the demand for small holdings and allotments at Bulford and Carrington; whether he is aware that the Wilts small holdings committee has approved eleven applicants for 210 acres, and seven applicants for two-and-a-half acre allotments at Bulford of whom five are ex-Service men, and of ten ex-Service men for 290 acres, and one civilian for twenty acres at Carrington; and why the letter of 1st April from the Wilts small holdings committee to the Board of Agriculture has remained unanswered?

It is primarily the duty of the Wiltshire County Council to satisfy the demand for small holdings, and allotments exceeding I acre, at Bulford and Carrington. The Board have purchased 2,377 acres at Amesbury, under the Small Holdings Colonies Acts, for the purpose of establishing a settlement for ex-Service men, and the Wiltshire County Council have been informed in reply to their letter of the 1st April that if any applications from ex-Service men for land in the locality are forwarded to the Board they will endeavour to deal with the applicants direct. The delay in answering the letter referred to in the latter part of the question was caused by the great pressure of work in the Department and by the very inconvenient manner in which the Department is at present accommodated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether thirty allotment holders on the Vi-Cocoa estate, Watford, have been removed from their holdings by the local urban district council; whether seventy-seven holders at King George's Avenue, Watford, have received notice to quit; whether he will urge on the local council the necessity of providing dispossessed holders with other land; whether fifty allotment holders at Oxley Grange, Watford, have received notice to quit in March, 1920; and for what purpose the land at Oxley Grange is required?

Inquiries will be made into the matter, and the result will be communicated to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture why rents of land acquired by the War Executive Committee of Anglesey under the Cultivation Order in the year 1917 are still unpaid, although repeated applications have been made by the owners of the land to this Committee for payment?

The Agricultural Executive Committee have no power to agree to pay rent for land of which they have taken possession under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The proper course is for the owner of the land to claim compensation for loss of rent. The Board are informed that four such claims have been received by the Anglesey Committee for loss of rent in 1917, and of these two have been settled. Steps will be taken at once to expedite the settlement of the other two. If particular instances of delay can be given, the Board will be glad to look further into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the establishment and actual cost of the staff of the Rome Embassy, as shown by the last pre-war estimates?

The establishment was: one Ambassador, one Counsellor, two Second Secretaries, and two third Secretaries.

The actual cost was:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the pre-war establishment of the Embassies of Washington, Petrograd, Rome, Tokio, and Berlin, and of the legations of Brussels, Bucharest, Stockholm, and the South American Republics?

Washington—Ambassador, one Counsellor, one First Secretary, three Third Secretaries, one Clerk.

Petrograd—Ambassador, one Counsellor, two Second Secretaries, one Third Secretary, one Translator.

Rome—Ambassador, one Counsellor, two Second Secretaries, two Third Secretaries.

Tokio—Ambassador, one Counsellor, one Japanese Secretary, one Commercial Attaché, one First Secretary, one Third Secretary.

Berlin—Ambassador, one Counsellor, two Second Secretaries, one Third Secretary, one Commercial Attaché, one Archivist.

Buenos Aires—Minister, one First Secretary, one Translator, one Clerk.

La Paz—Minister.

Rio de Janeiro—Minister, one First Secretary, one Third Secretary, one Translator.

Santiago de Chile—Minister, one Clerk.

Bogota—Minister, Vice-Consul and one Archivist.

Lima—Minister, one Clerk.

Monte Video—Minister, one Clerk.

Caracas—Minister, one Clerk.

Brussels—Minister, one First Secretary, one Second Secretary.

Bucharest-Minister, one First Secretary, one Clerk.

Stockholm—Minister, one Second Secretary, one Archivist.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say what are the present salaries and allowances of the Consul-Generals at Washington, Paris, Milan, and Genoa?

There is no post of Consul-General at Washington.

His Majesty's Consul-General at New York receives: Salary£1,200, with a local allowance of£l,200, and war bonus£600.

His Majesty's Consul-General at Paris receives: Salary£1,200 a year, and war bonus£400.

His Majesty's Consul-Generals at Milan and Genoa each receive: Salary£l,000 a year, and war bonus£250.

They all receive also allowances to meet their office expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the present salaries and allowances of councillors and secretaries in the Diplomatic Services; what, if any, is the war bonus which is given to them; and how much are they allowed for travelling expenses?

No war bonus is payable in addition.

Traveling expenses are payable in accordance with the Regulations of 1st October, 1916.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give a list of the Ambassadors, councillors, and secretaries who were not previously members of the Diplomatic Service who have during the last five years been appointed from outside the Service?

Earl of Derby, Ambassador, Paris; Earl of Reading, Ambassador, Washington; Sir P. Cox, Acting Minister, Tehran.

asked the Lord Privy Seal upon whose authority steps have been taken to prevent the publication of Lenin's speeches in this country; whether the Government proposes to take steps against anyone publishing the speeches; and for how long is it intended to prevent their publication?

The Defence of the Realm Regulations relating to the publication of false or prejudicial statements is still in operation, but unless the speeches in question contain statements contravening this Regulation, there is nothing to prevent their publication.