asked the Secretary of State for India whether the proposals of the Government of India to carry out the recommendations of the Public Services Commission have yet been received; and what action is to be taken in the matter?

Proposals that have been received and carried into effect are increased pay for the Indian police according to a time-scale and increased pay for the Indian Medical Service. Proposals that have been received and are under consideration are the reorganisation of the Indian Forest Service and the Finance Department, and interim proposals as to certain officers in the Indian Educational Service. On other matters the proposals of the Government of India have still to be received.

Have the proposals with regard to the increase of pay and pensions of the Indian Services yet been received?

My hon. and gallant Friend will probably see what has happened with regard to the Indian police and Indian medical services. The other proposals are not wholly the same as the general proposals, but are founded upon them. I shall be happy to confer with my hon. and gallant Friend about the details.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the many articles in the Indian Press complaining of the grant of A 2 priority certificates by the Government of India to Indian members of political deputations to visit England in connection with the proposed Montagu-Chelmsford reform scheme, thereby depriving many sick men, women, and children of passages home before the monsoon breaks; and what steps have been taken to provide extra passenger accommodation for the latter?

The Government of India in now giving facilities to representatives of different political parties in India to visit this country this year in connection with the scheme of Indian constitutional reforms are discharging a definite obligation which they undertook for good reasons last year, when the War was still on. The number of persons in each delegation is kept within very close limits, and I feel sure that the Government of India, in making good their promise, are not neglectful of the claims of other classes of the community. As demobilisationhas been temporarily suspended in India some additional shipping accommodation for civilian passengers will probably be available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the last mail steamer six British ladies and children had to be put down in the hold below the water-line to make room—

The hon. and gallant Member must give notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make known or, if not, when he will be in a position to make known the decision of the Admiralty with regard to the pay and pension of the officers of the Royal Navy?

The Committee on Officers' Pay hope to render their Report not later than the close of this week, and it will be dealt with by the Admiralty as speedily as possible; but I am, naturally, not yet in a position to say when the decisions of His Majesty' Government upon it can be announced.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what is the constitution of the Interview Committee for the selection of candidates for admission to the examination of special entry cadets; what steps have been taken to include members who could counterbalance any possible social bias against admission of candidates from the lower deck; has this method of entry for lower-deck candidates been inserted in the King's Regulations or promulgated to the Fleet in monthly Orders so as to make it widely known to possible candidates; is this method of special entry to be continued after this year; and, if not, is any alternative method being arranged to permit of the entry of lower-deck candidates?

The Committee referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend consists of a Senior Flag Officer, a Captain, R.N., and a civilian, who is on the First Lord's Staff. There is no social bias against admission of candidates from the lower deck. The "special entry" examinations were not originally intended as a special avenue of promotion from the lower deck. This system of entry will be continued, and in addition, the Admiralty is considering the institution of special facilities to enable bluejacket boys and young sailors to train for commissions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting officers who were themselves promoted from the lower deck on the Inspection Committee when lower deck candidates come before them?

That shall be put to the naval authorities.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will say what is the total number of candidates who have been interviewed by the Interview Committee for admission to the examination of special entry cadets since the institution of this method of entry in 1913, and up till the entry in February, 1919; how many of these candidates came from the old public schools; how many from grammar schools; how many from elementary council schools under the direct administration of the Board of Education; and how many of these candidates were from the lower deck of the Navy?

The number of special entry candidates interviewed from 1913 to February, 1919, is 1,072, and is made up as follows: From the bigger public schools, 408; from the lesser public schools and grammar schools, 631; from council schools, 12; and from the lower deck, 21.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Albert Edward French, No. 234666, who was killed on His Majesty's torpedo-boat "The Mary Rose," was recommended for a decoration, or would have received one had he survived; if so, will it be granted to his widow; and, if not, will the Admiralty take steps to secure that awards that would have been made had the man survived should be granted to their widows or next-of-kin?

The conduct of all the officers and men of His Majesty's ship "The Mary Rose" throughout the action with German light cruisers on the 17th October, 1917, was considered to have been in accordance with the highest traditions of the Service.

As I stated in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport on the 12th March, and as I have stated on other occasions, the only award for gallantry in action which can be made posthumously is the Victoria Cross, and the action of Able Seaman French in laying and firing a torpedo as the German light cruisers passed is not considered to reach the high standard for which the Victoria Cross is awarded.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the Regulations of the Admiralty into accord in regard to this matter with those of the Army?

As far as I know, they are.

Is it not the case that there is a great deal of difference between them?

As regards posthumous honours, the only one in both Services, I thought, is the V.C. But I will inquire further on the point.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state 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 which is now being carried on in these manufactories; and if he will inform the House how many factories have been disposed of since the Armistice to private interests?

We have started three factories; one for the manufacture of cordite; one mainly engaged upon the out-turn of projectiles, and the third a gun factory. We retain these three. The last of the three—the gun factory—is not now manufacturing guns, but is being retained temporarily for storage purposes. I ought perhaps to add that in addition an experimental depot was started for work common to both naval and military services. It also is being temporarily used for storage purposes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state if the Ministry of Supply will have the disposal of these factories?

I do not think so. The two factories will still continue to do work for us. And I imagine will still remain with us.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the factories are likely to be suspended and not used for storage purposes?

My hon. Friend will realise that we have a lot of valuable stores that easily deteriorate. These buildings cannot be given up for the moment, but will be turned over to peace work as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give information as to the system of entry and training by which boys in the training ships and afloat are to be given the opportunity of passing examinations for midshipmen sufficiently early in life to enable them to reach the highest rank, and can he state when the next examination and subsequent examinations will be held, so that the lower deck throughout the Navy may be aware of the fact?

A few boys and young seamen, who appeared to have a reasonable chance of success, have been given special educational facilities and allowed to compete at the examinations for "special entry" cadets. The institution of special facilities to enable boy bluejackets to train for commissions in the Navy is now being considered. The next "special entry" examination will be held in June, 1919, and dates of further examinations will be promulgated in due course. I may add that at present the principal avenue of promotion from the lower deck to commissioned rank is through the rank of mate, and that a large number of such promotions have been made.

Can the right hon Gentleman say if the special facilities given to these boys include adequate pay for educational purposes?

The pay is not based on a system of that kind, as I think he will gather from an earlier answer which I have given. So far as I remember, they do not receive a special rate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the circulation of information about this examination in Admiralty Monthly Orders to the Fleet?

Not until the thing has been put upon a proper systematic basis; otherwise hopes might be raised which would not be realised.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put before the Admiralty that this matter has been under consideration for a very long time, and may we hope for results soon?

It was before the Board last week, and will be before the Board again to-morrow.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is now in a position to issue a detailed statement giving full particulars in each case of the loss of all ships of the Royal Navy as far as is known during the War, whether due to enemy action or to other causes?

A complete statement will be issued shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give a date when the decision of the War Cabinet and the recommendations of the Jerram Committee will be circulated?

It had been intended to hold a Cabinet to-day to settle some proposals which have a bearing on the public service generally. Unfortunately the great pressure of business in Paris has detained the Leader of the House there; he returns to-morrow. The Cabinet will meet the following day and an announcement will be made.

asked if those officers and men of the Royal Navy who were actually under fire at sea in 1914 will be entitled to wear a rosette on their 1914 ribands, as has been promised to the Army?

asked whether, in view of the fact that it has been decided to issue a special decoration to all pre-war members of the Terri- trial Army who volunteered to serve overseas during the War, it is intended to issue a similar decoration to the pre-war Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve?

I think my hon. and gallant Friends—if I am to gather from the answer given by the Secretary of State yesterday—are a little in advance of the facts when they assumed that the matter has been decided. As yesterday's answer shows, it is under consideration by the Army Council, and we shall confer with them upon the matter.

Will those medals be given to the officers and men of the Mercantile Marine?

That point will have to be considered.

asked what ships of all classes belonging to the Royal Navy have either been disposed of since the Armistice or are to be disposed of in the near future; and if the method of disposal can be stated?

With regard to the first part of the question, one vessel only (a light cruiser) has been sold, and that in India, since the Armistice, though arrangements are now proceeding for the sale at home of a further eleven vessels of different classes. In addition to these, it is hoped, in the near future, to dispose of some 150 vessels of various classes, but some little time must necessarily elapse before they can be cleared for sale by the removal of guns, etc. The methods of disposal, namely, sale by competitive tender or otherwise, will be decided as the ships become available for disposal.

Can we have a definite statement as to which ships are affected by the answer?

I will let my hon. and gallant Friend see the list.

Are any conditions laid down to prevent these vessels being employed as warships?

Yes; there are very carefully drawn provisions to guard against that. The ships are all obsolete, and those which are of any potential fighting value are sold to be broken up under bond. The provisions are very stringent and detailed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider the desirability of refunding the payments made by parents of midshipmen during the early years of the War when these junior officers were engaged on active service against the enemy?

The Admiralty had from the beginning of the War, discretionary power to waive the payment of private allowance to midshipmen in any case in which it would have been a hardship to the parent had the obligation been insisted upon. Subsequently, the entire remission of private allowances during the period of the War, as from the 1st July, 1917, was enacted. I am afraid we cannot undertake to make the refund of payments as suggested.

asked how many writers have been released within the last six weeks and how many civilians employed to discharge their duties; and will he inquire as to whether captain paymasters and other officers in this Department are putting difficulties in the way of the employment of civilians?

The number of Writers who have been released within the last six months is 361. I am unable to give the actual number of civilian substitutes, but a few have already been utilised, and the entry of such substitutes for a considerable proportion of writers awaiting demobilisation is now in progress. As regards the last part of my hon. and learned Friend's question, I am assured that every encouragement is being given for the entry of civilians when such entry will expedite demobilisation, and that no difficulties are being placed in the way of their employment

Is my right hon. Friend aware that schoolmasters, bank clerks, and others are employed, and I am informed that they are doing really nominal work? I am credibly informed that abstraction is put in their way by the paymasters.

This is the time for asking questions, and not for giving information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether it is the intention of the Government to release all writers as soon as possible?

Certainly, but these are the pivotal men of our scheme of demobilisation. We have endeavoured to relieve the situation by taking on civilians as far as possible.

asked why in the proposals for reconstruction of staffs in the professional departments of the Royal dockyards by Admiralty Order D9941/19/5102 the chargemen of trades were omitted, seeing that such chargemen are directly in touch with the administration of the dockyards; and will, the advisability of the chargemen mentioned being including in the above Order be considered?

The Admiralty Order referred to in my hon. Friend's, question was a letter of inquiry to the superintendents of the dockyards as to the post-war requirements in respect of the complements of officers, clerical staffs, and drawing office staffs, the information being required for consideration at the Admiralty. It was not considered necessary to obtain similar information concerning chargemen, whose numbers are not determined according to any fixed, complement.

asked whether, having regard to the fact that the six days' additional leave granted to Civil servants were given for war services, chargemen of trades in the dockyard with less than three years' service in this rank may receive a proportionate part of the leave as granted to temporary employés entitled to leave?

Chargemen of trades are not entitled to benefit by the grant of the additional week's leave unless they have served as such for a period of three years; the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question has, however, been taken note of, and we will consider whether it can be adopted. But I can at the moment give no undertaking.

Are not chargemen Civil servants?

I expect that the great bulk of them are on the establishment.

Why is there to be a difference made between one set of Civil servants and another?

asked when the chargemen of trades may expect a reply to the interview with him on the 30th May, 1918, with reference to their petition of November, 1917?

A letter was sent to the Secretary of the United Government Workers' Federation on 20th August dealing with matters raised at the interview of 31st May, including those relating to chargemen. If the interview of 31st May is not the one referred to by my hon. Friend I shall be pleased to hear from him and will then look further into the matter.

asked if the Government has come to any decision yet as regards a public march through London of naval forces on the same lines as those recently held of the Dominion troops; and if he can state when such a march will take place and what provision will be made for Members of this House to view the same?

As stated yesterday, it is intended that such a march shall take place as part of the Peace celebrations. Proper arrangements to enable Members to witness the various functions included in the Peace celebrations in London will presumably be made, as on former occasions of national rejoicings.

asked the Prime Minister if any preparations are being made for the celebration of Peace; if so, whether they involve any decoration of the streets and buildings of the capital; if so, to which Government Departments the task has been deputed; and if it is the intention to seek the advice and assistance of bodies such as the Royal Academy, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Society of Painters, the London Society, and the Arts Association, in carrying out such decoration?

The whole question of Peace celebrations, including decoration of streets and build- ings, is being considered by a War Cabinet Committee. No work in this connection has yet been deputed to a Government Department. It is the intention of the Committee to seek the co-operation of such bodies as the Royal Academy. I may add that the Royal Academy has already offered its advice and assistance which have been gladly accepted.

asked whether the compensation payable to widows and dependants under the provisions of the injuries, etc., in the war compensation scheme is less than the compensation payable under the pensions warrants to sailors and soldiers; and, if so, will he take steps to increase the former?

As suggested by my hon. Friend, the compensation allowable to widows and dependants under the Injuries in War Compensation Scheme, which is on a civilian basis, is less beneficial than the scale applicable to the cases of sailors and soldiers by the Ministry of Pensions. Improvements in the rates of compensation payable under the scheme have recently been approved, but there is no intention of assimilating the two scales.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of some of those who have lost their lives their widows have only received 15s., and will he take steps to rectify this?

Widows and orphans are now on the basis of the Service scale, but I could not say off-hand whether those mentioned come into that category.

I have raised the point before with my right hon. Friend, and all I can get is 15s., which is quite inadequate. Will the right hon. Gentleman look into it?

I will.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that just before the Armistice two of His Majesty's ships were on convoy duty at Sierra Leone to some thirty merchantmen and that the men of His Majesty's ships had to coal these merchantmen as no native labour was available owing to sickness; that the men of the Royal Navy so coaling were paid half the local rate and received 9d. for ten hours' work in addition to their pay; if it is the custom for His Majesty's ships to coal merchantmen on convoy, or if this is an isolated instance; and if fair remuneration can be granted to these men?

Yes, Sir; the facts are as stated in the earlier parts of the question. The occasion was an isolated instance due to the failure of local labour consequent on the severe epidemic of influenza. In accordance with King's Regulations, ordinary seamen can be paid extra pay at the rate of 9d. per diem, and able seamen 1s. per diem for this work. This was paid to the men at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, but in the special circumstances approval was given to pay the men 6d. per ton handled in addition.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Article 516 of the Pay Warrant, which enacts that an officer who, having retired with retired pay or gratuity, is re-employed, shall not be entitled to any increase of retired pay or gratuity in respect of the period of re-employment, inflicts great injustice on retired officers who, on the outbreak of war, gave up good civil positions in order to serve the country, he will cancel Article 516 and allow the services in the late War of such officers to count for increase of pension?

I regret that I am unable to adopt this suggestion. My Noble Friend is no doubt aware that officers on retired pay continued to draw it in addition to their full pay on return to the Army.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Carless, 31, Tasker Street, Was all, mother of Gunner John Henry Carless, V.C., Royal Navy, who was mortally wounded in the Bight of Heligoland; whether he is aware that, owing to the self-sacrifice of the mother in allowing her son to retain 5s. per week for six weeks prior to his death, which he had previously allotted to her, she had been deprived of a pension on the ground that, technically, she was not dependent upon him; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this?

I am glad to inform the hon. Member that the cancellation of the allotment of 5s. a week by her son does not affect Mrs. Carless' eligibility for a flat rate pension of 5s. a week for life, which has been granted with effect from the 6th November, 1918, the earliest date from which this pension is payable.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he has taken any further steps to obtain the release of dockyard apprentices from the Army; and, if not, will he assign reasons, seeing that they were retained in the dockyard to a late period on the ground that their work was of greater national importance?

I am advised that the demobilisation of men in the Army is dependent on whether or not a man is eligible under existing Regulations, and that the War Office can make no exception in favour of students or apprentices. I regret, therefore, that I can add nothing to the various answers which have been given from time to time to this effect by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why it was that advantage was not taken of the contract of the slip discharge, of which all these men could take advantage and be got rid of at once?

That question should be put to the Secretary of State and not to me.

Secretary of State for what?

The Secretary of State for War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the orders de- ferring the withdrawal of men from the agricultural companies for fourteen days covers both the Labour companies and the attached men; and, if not, considering that these attached men are key men in agriculture, will he have them so included?

The orders postponing the withdrawal of men from agricultural companies for fourteen days cover both the men in agricultural companies and men attached to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of his decision that all but 10 per cent. of soldiers attached to agricultural companies, and who are engaged on agricultural work, must be withdrawn from agriculture, he will consider the possibility of extending the period of a fortnight within which they must report at their centre, seeing that, in the case of the highly skilled agricultural labourers concerned, every additional week during which their services will be available on the land will contribute materially to efficient cultivation now so very backward owing to weather conditions?

A fortnight's notice will be given to farmers before the withdrawal of men attached to agricultural companies. The withdrawal of men belonging to agricultural companies will not commence until the 28th May.

Who will select the 10 per cent. of the men to be retained?

A subsequent question on the Paper deals with that.

asked the Secretary of State for War who will select the 10 per cent. of soldiers in or attached to agricultural companies who are to be allowed to remain on the land; and whether he has allotted a quota to be retained in each county, or in each parish, or on each farm?

This answers the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Molton. The 10 per cent. of soldiers allowed to remain on the land will be selected by war agricultural executive committees in England and Wales and by Sub-Commissioners in Scotland. The assessment is made in each agricultural area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that paragraph 3 ( c ) of Army Order 55, of 1919, presses very harshly upon men who joined the Service in 1914 and 1915; whether under these Regulations many men are retained for the machinery of demobilisation whose positions could easily be filled by other soldiers; and whether, under the circumstances, he will amend the Order in such a way as will make it incumbent upon the military authorities to release such men, replacing them by soldiers who were brought in under the Military Service Acts?

Men who are eligible for demobilisation, but who are temporarily retained as part of the military machinery of demobilisation, are being released as rapidly as their services can be spared or they can be replaced. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Moss Side on the 1st instant, to the effect that senior officers have been appointed to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officer or man who is eligible for demobilisation is being retained without good and sufficient cause.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I personally brought before the War Office by letter many cases in which men are practically doing no work at all and yet have been returned to their units and cannot be demobilised because it is stated that other men cannot be found to take their place? Will the right hon. Gentleman give the matter his personal attention?

I will. But may I point out that demobilisation is going on at the rate of nearly 10,000 a day.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in many of these cases the men can be replaced by those who joined in 1917 and 1918?

These are men who are eligible for demobilisation whom it is desired to keep till April, 1920. Will the right hon. Gentleman look into those cases if I send particulars?

By law these men can be retained until 30th April, 1920, under an Army Order, which I have explained to the House, to which we are adhering. But those men who are not retainable are being demobilised as quickly as possible.

What is being done to find substitutes for these men.

There are men in the Army in India and Egypt—

And in Ireland.

And in Ireland. But there are no two places where military forces are more needed at the present time than India and Egypt, and over two-thirds of the forces there are men who ought to be relieved. We are endeavouring with the utmost speed to form units to send out to relieve them.

Are the men in France in the retainable category?

Yes, a lot of them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman—

There are many more questions on the Paper, and we must get on with them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Driver Fred Thorns, No. 99044, 10th Division, Royal Field Artillery, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, who joined the Force in September, 1914, and has not been home since September, 1915, he will make special inquiry why this soldier has not been demobilised?

Driver Thoms is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his length of servce is as stated by my Noble 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 my Noble Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side on the 1st instant, 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 being retained without good and sufficient cause. I do not, therefore, propose to take any special action in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps it is proposed to take with reference to the demobilisation of long-service men in Egypt and Palestine, particularly in the case of signallers in the Royal Engineers?

The demobilisation of all men in Egypt and Palestine who are eligible under current instructions, is proceeding as rapidly as circumstances permit, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that personnel of the Royal Engineers, though eligible for demobilisation; are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery of demobilisation. Men thus retained are being released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced. Senior officers have been appointed 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.

With reference to the Royal Engineers, will that cover field companies whose detention is necessary for the purpose of demobilisation?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether widows and discharged and demobilised soldiers and sailors are being discharged from the dockyard at Portsmouth whilst young single girls are being retained there; and, if so, what steps will be taken to see that these girls, with practically no dependants, are not kept in employment at the dockyard to the detriment of widows with children and wounded and demobilised men?

I have been asked to reply to my hon. Friend's question. Demobilised sailors and soldiers are not being discharged from Portsmouth Dockyard, as suggested in the first part of the question. Owing to the changed conditions, it has been necessary to dispense with the services of nearly all the women who were engaged for manual work in place of men during the War; and it is the case that the women discharged include some widows and dependants of men who have lost their lives whilst serving in the forces, preference having been given to such in engaging women for employment during the War. As regards the second part of the question, it is generally the case (in accordance with Admiralty instructions) that the women with no dependants are the first to be discharged.

Does that apply to all the dockyards or to Portsmouth only?

I think I may safely say that it applies to all the dockyards. At any rate, the Regulations which I have quoted do apply generally.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is permissible to obtain from those who have the administering of the unemployment donation, a list of the names and addresses of those persons who are in receipt of this donation?

It would be quite impracticable, even if it were desirable, to supply to members of the public a list of the persons in receipt of out-of-work donation. The Exchanges are, however, at all times prepared to furnish particulars of any workpeople on their registers who appear to be suitable for any vacancy notified to them. If any member of the public has grounds for suspecting that donation is being improperly drawn in any specific case I should be glad if particulars could be furnished to the Department, whereupon investigation will at once be made.

Would my right hon. Friend consider whether it would not be desirable that anyone who considers that the unemployment donation is being wrongly distributed should be able to apply direct to the office where it is granted?

If any member of the public who has any information will supply it, we will investigate it. On the other hand, it would be quite impracticable to publish a full list in order that people might go through it fishing for people whom they thought were abusing the scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of men and women at present employed at the national machine gun factory, Burton-on-Trent; the number of unemployed persons now on the register in that town; and whether he will consider the possibility of utilising both the factory and the numbers of the unemployed for the repair of motor vehicles now lying at Kempton Park and other depots?

I have been asked to answer this question. The factory in question is one of a number held under instructions of the War Cabinet as a reserve unit for munitions production. The number at present employed in the factory is 189 men and sixty-two women. The Ministry of Labour have informed me that 581 men and 381 women are on the unemployed register at Burton. This Return, which is classified into various trades and occupations, shows that the labour is almost entirely of a class that could not be employed on the repair of motor vehicles.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any representations from the Newhaven Trades Council with regard to the conditions prevailing there, which will become worse, as a consequence of the withdrawal from the port of all traffic in Government stores; and whether, in view of the unemployment thereby involved, he will receive a deputation from the trades council to discuss the measures to be taken to deal with the situation?

The situation at Newhaven has for some time past been engaging my attention. It is obvious that the termination of war traffic must seriously affect the port, and I would suggest to my hon. Friend that if the trades councils have proposals to make it would be convenient if they would in the first instance discuss them with the local employment committee, associated with the Newhaven Exchange, who have been considering the whole question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if business men are now permitted to proceed to the parts of Russia under the Soviet Government for business purposes; and, if not, when permission will be granted?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative; as regards the latter part, it is not at present possible to give any undertaking as to when facilities can again be afforded.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that neutral business men are going, freely to Russia and gaining contracts?

No; I am not aware of that fact.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the figures of the total and daily rate of voluntary enlistment, exclusive of volunteers for Russia?

The total number of enlistments to the 3rd May, including enlistments on normal engagements and for two, three and four years from the 15th January, and re-enlistments from 3rd January, 1919, is 88,622, the daily average being approximately 864.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to suppress the social revolution in Russia, as in Hungary, by force of arms, if the supply of money and munitions to counter revolutionaries fails to achieve the object?

In so far as my hon. and gallant Friend is alluding to the Russian Soviet Government, I must refer him to the statement made by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on 16th April explaining the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards that Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Earl of Reading has vacated his appointment as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States of America; and, if so, whether he will announce the name of Lord Reading's successor?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, I am not at present able to make any announcement.

Does not the great success of Lord Reading's Ambassadorship make it important that this post should be filled as soon as possible, and having regard to the importance of the matter from the point of view of British interests and Anglo-American relations, will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that it will be dealt with at an early date?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that this question is receiving earnest attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the post of British Consul-General is also vacant?

Yes, I am aware of that fact.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have it in contemplation to create a new Department of the Foreign Office to deal exclusively with affairs in Mesopotamia; if so, how soon the new Department will be in operation, and whether it will be represented by a separate Minister in this House?

In view of the fact that the future status of Mesopotamia has not yet been decided by the Peace Conference, it would be premature to consider the formation of a new Department to deal exclusively with the affairs of that country.

If a new Department is created to deal with Mesopotamia, will it be taken out of the hands of the Foreign Office?

I hope so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the hardship accruing to Colonial Civil servants by reason of the Colonial Office Regulation which provides that any official promoted or transferred from one Colony to another to a post of £500 per annum or over must pay his own passage and expenses; and whether he will consider the desirability of abolishing this anomaly, which not infrequently compels higher paid officials to decline transfer or promotion to posts for which they are eminently fitted?

Colonial Regulation No. 121, to which my hon. Friend no doubt refers, concedes the grant of free passages for himself and his family to an officer transferred to an appointment carrying a salary not exceeding £500. I have no reason to believe that cases of the kind mentioned are frequent, but I will give the matter further consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the movement on foot in the West Indies to promote the federation of those Colonies; and whether he is prepared to take any active steps to further that project in the event of proposals being submitted to him by any unofficial conference that might be held in the West Indies to consider this subject?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Secretary of State is, of course, ready to give careful consideration to proposals accepted by any conference which may appear to express the general body of public opinion in the West Indian Colonies.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend been in communication with any of the Governors of the West Indian Colonies with regard to this matter?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he can now authorise the immediate repayment to officers recently prisoners in Turkey of necessary expenses incurred by them over and above the total of the allowance made by the Turkish Government and through the Netherlands Minister at Constantinople; and (2) with reference to War Office Letter, No. M. 10579, of 15th February last, what provision has been made for the compensation of British officer prisoners in Turkey for the unreal rate of exchange imposed by the Turkish Government on money remitted from home to them as, owing to the question being still unsettled, Indian Army officers are finding difficulty in formulating their claims for excessivs expenditure while in captivity?

I will reply to these questions together. I understand my hon. Friend to ask whether any regulation or fixed rate of exchange has been laid down in advance as a basis for the formulation of claims. This cannot be done; but officers who desire to make claims under this head for the consideration of the War Office should give particulars of dates and amounts of remittances and of the amounts of Turkish currency received by them in exchange.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the representations recently made by Sir Charles Townshend regarding the question of awards fur the defence of Kut have now been considered; and, if so, what steps it is proposed to take to give due recognition to that defence?

I understand that the India Office are in correspondence with the Government of India on this matter, and pending the receipt and consideration of the Government of India's reply it is not possible to make any statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether Admiral of the Fleet, Sir David Beatty, was offered and accepted the post of First Sea Lord last December; whether he is now in the Riviera and has gone there because he is not employed even in an indirect advisory capacity; whether Sir David Beatty has been consulted on Naval policy since the Armistice as Sir Douglas Haig has been consulted on military policy; and whether he can state when Sir David Beatty will take up the post of First Sea Lord?

The Prime Minister has requested me to reply to this question, and I am glad to have the opportunity of correcting some misapprehensions which appear to have arisen.

It is not the case that Sir David Beatty was offered the post of First Sea Lord. Sir David Beatty was told unofficially, by my predecessor, that he hoped he would come as First Sea Lord when the post became vacant. When I assumed office I confirmed this statement, and I adhere to it now. On no occasion has any date been mentioned or any definite official offer been made.

Sir David Beatty is now enjoying his well earned rest in the Mediterranean. He has been consulted on Naval policy since the Armistice, and he was also invited on relinquishing the command of the Grand Fleet, to preside over an important inquiry bearing on future Naval policy, having regard to experiences gained in the War; but for personal reasons he asked to be excused from undertaking this work.

No immediate change in the office of First Sea Lord is contemplated, and I take this opportunity of stating that Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss enjoys the complete confidence of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to publish the Report on the Consular Service submitted to the Government and to announce the decisions of the Government with regard thereto?

I cannot add anything to the reply given on the 30th April last.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have come to any definite decision with regard to reviewing all cases of British soldiers serving sentences for offences against military discipline committed during the War, with a view of granting a free pardon or a reduction of sentence when peace is ratified; and whether he will take action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The whole question is receiving careful consideration, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the incorporation of the effectuation of the Opium Convention in the covenant of the League of Nations, and the amendment of pharmacy law, which must follow the enforcement of the Convention, he is proposing to introduce legislation for that purpose this Session?

Instructions have already been given for the preparation of a Bill on the subject, but I cannot say at present whether it will be possible to pass it into law this Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government is prepared at an early date to introduce legislation making it impossible in future for persons of alien birth to become Members of the House of Lords, Members of the House of Commons, members of His Majesty's Privy Council, members of municipal, county, borough, or other local councils, and boards of guardians, or to hold appointments in His Majesty's Civil Service or other Government service?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to a similar question given by the Leader of the House on the 24th October last.

asked the Prime Minister whether any communication has yet been received from the Canadian Government with reference to the announcement made in the Dominion House of Commons by the President of the Privy Council to the effect that a permanent Canadian representative at Washington is shortly to be appointed?

No, Sir.

Is the House to understand that this proposed change is being made without any consultation between the Governments?

I do not think the House should understand that; but undoubtedly when the matter is further advanced the Government will be consulted.

Then what is the reason for the announcement in the Canadian House of Commons?

asked the Lord Privy Seal the cause of the continued absence from Parliament of the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and when he proposes to resume his Parliamentary duties?

My right hon Friend the Chief Secretary is detained in Ireland on urgent matters of administration. He hopes to be in the House next week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the crisis that has arisen in connection with the Proportional Representation Bill owing to the continued absence of the Chief Secretary?

I understand that Bill is going through very smoothly.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard it as a smooth passage that after nine sittings the Committee has only reached the first part of line 1, Clause 1?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can hold out any hopes of the Forestry Bill being introduced at an early date?

I am not in a position to make any statement.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement? Is he aware that this is one of the most important items of the Government Reconstruction programme.

I fully appreciate its importance, and the Government will act as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state how many officers were serving in the War Office at the outbreak of war, how many on 11th November, 1918, and how many now?

The figures to the nearest dates available are:

asked the Secretary for War what arrangements are being made for the accommodation of married officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of regiments which are being sent to Palestine next autumn?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at present. Perhaps my hon. Friend will repeat his question in a week or two.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that C. J. Llewellyn, a conscientious objector of forty-three years of age, who was arrested in October, 1918, was re-court-martialled on 18th April and returned to prison to serve a second sentence of one year's hard labour a fortnight after his statement that conscientious objectors who had been sentenced to imprisonment would be discharged from the Army; and whether, in view of this man's age, he will see that his discharge from the Army is immediately completed, and will remit the remainder of his sentence?

As the regimental number and unit of the soldier concerned is not mentioned, I have been unable to refer to his records, but if the facts are as stated, discharge from the Army will be carried out forthwith, in consequence of his being committed to prison, and C. J. Llewellyn will be discharged from prison as soon as he has completed twenty months in the aggregate (or on the termination of his present sentence, less remissions for good conduct, whichever be the sooner), as explained in my reply of the 1st May to a question by the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases these men are being treated with more leniency than many men who joined the service in 1914?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the opinion of the Army Council, the time has arrived for reconsidering the terms of paragraph 113 of the King's Regulations and Orders for the Army with a view to the abolition of compulsory attendance of soldiers at church parades, which are now made the object of a dress inspection; and whether he will consider the possibility of the Army Chaplains' Department issuing such instructions to Army chaplains regarding the holding of church services that every opportunity will be given to men to attend voluntarily?

It is not considered desirable to amend the King's Regulations as regards compulsory attendance at church parades. The question of shorten- ing the preliminary inspection has been raised and this matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the present housing difficulties in Scotland, he will allow married soldiers in or attached to agricultural companies, whose families are living in houses belonging to farms, to remain on the land, and so avoid putting farmers in the dilemma of either having to give notice to the families of soldiers or leaving their land short of labour at an important season for agriculture?

There is no objection provided such men are considered as indispensable by War Agricultural Executive Committees, or, in the case of Scotland, by Sub-Commissioners, and provided they come within the 10 per cent. allotted, which must not be exceeded.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider allowing the 10 per cent. to be exceeded in special cases of hardship, so as to avoid the wives of soldiers being turned out of their houses?

No, Sir, we reached an agreement with the Board of Agriculture on the basis of 10 per cent., which was understood to be satisfactory to the interests affected—[HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]—or, at any rate, as little unsatisfactory as is inevitable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a large number of officers and other ranks of the 1/1st Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons Yeomanry, who joined prior to 1916, and in some cases in 1914, are still serving with the 2nd Corps in the Army of Occupation; and whether he can state when they may expect to be demobilised?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Moss Side on the 1st instant, regarding the appointment of senior officers to inspect unit registers, with a view to ensur- ing that no officer or man who is eligible for demobilisation is retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the contract of service of members of Queen Mary's Auxiliary Army Corps who enlisted for the duration of the War terminates?

The date will be that of the termination of the War, as fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of Queen Mary's Auxiliary Army Corps will be given an opportunity of service with the Army of Occupation in Germany; and, if so, on what terms?

The matter is under consideration, and I cannot make any statement at present.