asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the railway freight charges on imported goods, including agricultural produce, are less than those charged for the transport of British manufactured goods, he will arrange for a revision of these charges?

I am not clear to what particular charges the hon. Gentleman refers. The railway companies, by Statute, are prohibited from making different charges for similar services as regards home and foreign merchandise. If he will send me details I will at once have the matter looked into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the increases in omnibus and tramway fares in the Metropolis; and whether he will consider the advisability, in the interests of the travelling public, of setting up a Committee of Inquiry to consider this matter?

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, within whose jurisdiction the matter falls, is making inquiries in regard to omnibus fares in the Metropolis. As regards tramways, it is necessary for any undertaking desiring to raise fares above the statutory maxima to apply to the Board of Trade under the Statutory Undertakings (Increase of Charges) Act, 1918. Notice has to be given of the application, and parties interested have the opportunity to object. In a recent case affecting the Metropolitan area over twenty local authorities were represented at a meeting to consider certain proposals, they had full opportunity of investigating the position of the undertaking, and they agreed that a case for an increase was made out. Where an undertaking, as in another recent instance, increases fares but without exceeding the maxima authorised by Parliament, no case for inquiry would appear to arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is by order of the Railway Executive that railway companies now insist upon payment in full of fares by season-ticket holders when, owing to inadvertence, they are unable to produce their season tickets, and decline to refund the amount on subsequent production of the season ticket; and, if so, whether he will now arrange to allow the railway companies to revert to their former practice of not exacting a second payment when satisfied of the good faith of the traveller or of refunding the second payment on subsequent production of the ticket?

Instructions were issued by the Railway Executive Committee at the end of 1916 to the effect that season-ticket holders when unable to produce their tickets should be called upon to pay the full ordinary fare. The objects of these instructions were (1) to check fraud, (2) to enable economy in the staffs of the railway companies to be effected. I can assure the hon. Member that the provision of a staff to deal with applications for the refund of fares from passengers claiming to be season-ticket holders but unable to produce their tickets on demand would be an expensive concession to meet a grievance of this nature. I would remind him that one of the con- ditions on which season tickets are issued is that they shall be produced on demand or the full ordinary fare be paid.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that this leads to very considerable irritation and that the correspondence necessary in dealing with dissatisfied season-ticket holders is probably greater than that entailed by repayment of the money?

The obvious remedy is to avoid the irritation by carrying the ticket.

Hear, hear; that comes of having so many suits of clothes!

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the provisions relating to the running of workmen's cars require alteration in many places where the one-break system of work has been instituted; whether he has received any representations from the 2,000 employés of Messrs. Peter Brotherhood, Limited, Peterborough, asking that steps shall be taken that two workmen's cars shall be run before 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., that two should be run between 12 noon and 2 p.m. in order that the workmen may be able to get home for dinner, and that at least two cars should be run after 5.30 p.m.; and whether he can take any action in this matter?

Yes, Sir. We have received representations regarding this matter from the hon. and gallant Member for the Peterborough division and from employés of Messrs. Peter Brotherhood, Limited, and the Board of Trade has already communicated with the Peterborough Electric Traction Company on the subject. The company replied that workmen's fares are issued for all cars before 8 a.m., between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. It is hoped these arrangements will prove satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in cases where near relatives of fallen soldiers travel over English railways on their way to visit graves overseas, he can make some reduction in railway fares, having regard to the high cost of such journeys both at home and abroad?

Such a concession would obviously be difficult to arrange from an administrative point of view. I am, however, in consultation with the Railway Executive Committee, with a view I to ascertaining whether it may be possible to meet my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Has the question of providing free passes for the parents been considered?

That would not fall within the functions of the Board of Trade; that would be a matter for the War Office.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make representations to the manager of the Midland Railway Company with a view to running more trains from Barking to Fenchurch Street, with a view to relieving the overcrowding which takes place on the District Railway?

I am asking the Midland Railway Company whether any steps could be taken in the direction suggested, and I will write to the hon. and gallant. Gentleman on receipt of their reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that owing to the increase in fares on the London County Council tramways the public are now paying 33 per cent. more for travelling in their own tramcars than is charged for riding the same distances over the same routes by the privately-owned, motor omnibuses; and if he will institute an inquiry into this matter?

I am not aware of any instances where the fares on the London County Council tramways are 33 per cent. more than the fares on the motor 'buses over the same routes, though no doubt there may be some cases in which the difference exists. The London County Council have not asked for authority to charge fares on their tramways in excess of the statutory maxima, and unless the fares charged exceed the legal maxima there would not seem to be sufficient grounds for an inquiry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in regard to the route, Westminster to East Hill?

Certainly; I will be very pleased to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the average profit per ton on coal for the quarter ending September, 1918, was 3s. 6.7d.; whether he will say how much of this sum was retained for the nation by way of excess profit; whether this average profit was obtained by a profit on export sales of 10s. 0.38d. per ton, and on inland sales of 1s. 6.57d. per ton; whether it is expected that the profit on export sales will remain at the present figure; and, if not, will he estimate the further cost to the taxpayer in the running of the coal industry under Government control for the current financial year?

The figures given by the hon. and gallant Member are, I believe, correct. I am afraid I cannot say how much of the profit on coal for the quarter ended September, 1918, was retained by the State as excess profit, nor can I forecast the trend of prices during the current year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the serious position of the coasting trade of this country, which is not in a position to resume business owing to the great increase in wages and costs, whilst the railways running in competition have not raised their freight charges to any appreciable extent; that, under these conditions, the steamers on the East Coast route cannot resume trade against the subsidised railway freights; and what action the Government will take?

I am aware that it is represented that the coasting trade is placed in a difficulty through no general increase having been made in the rates for carrying goods by rail and that the coasting trade cannot reduce their freight charges to the level of the railway rates. The question how this position can best be met is difficult to solve. It is part of the transportation problem which has made the establishment of a Ministry of Ways and Communications urgent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there will be no steamers running on the East Coast of England where they frequently used to run before the War. Unless something is done the present position must go on, and there will be no competition at all with the railways?

The Government are fully aware of the very great difficulties which have arisen in connection with the coasting traffic. These matters are very complex, and very much interlocked with other problems, and it is not possible to announce in any brief statement what is the best thing to do.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, before framing the amended instructions to examiners in respect of the examination of masters, mates, and engineers providing that a wireless operator's sea service may be counted as qualifying as to one quarter of the service up to twelve months towards the necessary period required by candidates for a certificate as navigating officer, the supplementary regulations had been submitted to the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee of the Board of Trade or to any of the representative organisations of shipmasters and officers; if not, on whose advice did the Marine Department act in making this provision; and if the same privilege will be granted to other members of ships' crews such as engineers, cooks, and stewards, or the clerical staff?

The Supplementary Regulations referred to were made by the Board of Trade after consultation with their professional advisers but were not submitted to the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee or to any of the organisations of shipmasters and officers. Some privileges are already accorded to other members of ships' crews, who have served as carpenters, sailmakers and cooks, and who desire to become candidates for certificates as navigating officers. It is not, however, proposed to grant them the same privilege as that accorded to wireless operators.

asked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether he will state the amount of paper money now issued by the Indian Government; if he will say how much of the issue is in notes under the denomination of Rs. 10;whether there is any considerable circulation of rupee notes outside of India owing to military operations in Africa, Mesopotamia, and elsewhere; (2) whether he will state the amount of specie held by the Indian Government against its note issue; and will he state the amount of gold and of silver imported into India from 4th August, 1914, to the present time?

I will circulate in the Official Report the figures for which my hon. Friend asks.

The figures referred to are as follow :—

No. 15.—The gross circulation of currency notes was 15,372 lakhs on 30th April last. On 31st March last the value of notes under the denomination of Rs. 10 was as follows:—

Question 16.—Gold and silver held in the Paper Currency Reserve on the 30th April last was as follows:—

2. The net amount of gold and silver imported during the period named, was:—

If the balance of trade during the coming season is in favour of India, how does the right hon. Gentleman propose to meet that balance?

That would require a dissertation on currency, which I am not prepared to give in answer to a question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether since the signature of the Armistice there has been any change in the policy or attitude of the Government of India or of His Majesty's Government in respect of constitutional reforms in India, or in respect of any other important matter arising out of or connected with the pronouncement he made on behalf of His Majesty's Government on 20th August, 1917?

None whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether A2 priority certificates for passages from India to England are only issued by the Government of India to those proceeding home on urgent Government work; whether he can state what the Government work is on which deputations of Indians to agitate in favour of the proposed Indian reform scheme have been granted these A2 priority certificates; and what is the urgency of it?

I believe it is not the case that A2 priority certificates for passages are granted only to persons proceeding to this country on urgent Government work. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by me to his question of the 7th May on the same subject.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in the mail steamer lately arrived from India, sick British ladies and children were put in the third-class quarters down below, and that first-class cabins were given to certain deputations of Indians coming to England to agitate on the sub- ject of the proposed Indian reform scheme, and that two of the children died on the voyage; and, considering the danger to life of sick Europeans in the heat of the Red Sea in the hold of a ship at this season of the year, he will instruct the Gov-season of the year, he will instruct the Gov-to provide proper passenger accommodation for sick ladies and children before granting priority certificates to men in good health?

The reference presumably is to the s.s. "Ormonde." Among the 347 first-class passengers, there were only six Indians. There were 607 second and third-class passengers. I am informed that the third-class accommodation on the vessel was exceptionally good, and special efforts were made by the company to secure the comfort of the passengers. The company undertook that they should have the same mess and the use of the same deck as the second-class passengers, and their cabins were fitted with electric fans. I regret that two children should have died on the voyage from pneumonia.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the third-class saloon was a perfect furnace and pandemonium, and that the second-class had more passengers than the first and was only a quarter or one-fifth the size of the first, and that there was great discomfort and trouble?

I regret there must have been very considerable discomfort on a very full steamer, but I do not know what my hon. Friend has in mind. Third-class passengers, I am afraid, will not pay the price for accommodation as first-class passengers.

It is not a question of paying the price, but of getting home to save their lives, and here are Indian agitators in first-class cabins while poor men and women and children are trying to get home and cannot?

There were passengers who were well in all three classes. We have been making every kind of effort to get sufficient accommodation for the people who want to travel backwards and forwards from India, and I am given to understand that the Government of India is satisfied with the amount of accommodation available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that A passages are only given for cases of urgency, B passages for less urgent cases, and C for lesser urgent cases still, and here are first-class passages given to Indian agitators when there were women and children in the third-class quarters down below?

What my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind is that he does not regard the passage of Indian constitutional reforms through this House as urgently as I do.

asked whether there have been any developments upon the Afghan frontier as to which the House should be informed?

I shall continue to issue communiqués as information is received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that before the War the British musical profession was overcrowded with Germans, Austrians, and other foreign musicians; that during the War, when British musicians were called up to serve their country, many of their places were taken by Dutchmen, foreign Jews, and latterly by Russian musicians, and now that British musicians are being demobilised they are experiencing difficulty in obtaining their old situations again, owing to the fact that a large number of Dutchmen and men and women of other nationalities are occupying those positions; and whether he can take any steps to see that all Britishers are reinstated in employment before those of other nationalities are allowed to be employed in this country?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply to this question. The attention of the Department has not been specifically drawn to the matters complained of in the first two parts of the question. So far as the last part of the question is concerned, I hope that employers whose musicians were called up for service in the War will be ready and willing to reinstate as many of them as possible on their demobilisation. I have, however, as the hon. Member will readily appreciate, no power to compel reinstatement. I should be glad to have an opportunity of discussing the matter personally with the hon. Member.

Could not some short Bill be introduced giving the power to reinstate in their positions the musicians who have been fighting for their country?

I dare say my hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that that involves very large considerations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government can see its way to approach the Government of France for the purpose of arranging that the necessary visés now required in Paris by British citizens travelling to this country may be obtained in one office instead of as at present in two buildings miles apart, and thereby save the lengthy delays and great inconvenience now inflicted upon a large section of the travelling public?

I understand that a change of procedure has now been decided upon which will remove the inconvenience complained of.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture when the names of the members of the Royal Commission on Agriculture will be announced; and whether the terms of reference will include the question of nationalising the land in the same manner that the Coal Commission in inquiring into the nationalising of mines, especially in view of the fact that a great deal of agricultural land is now being sold at very high prices to speculators?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is taking steps to secure the representation on the Royal Commission on Agriculture of farmers, agricultural labourers, smallholders, allotment-holders, landlords, and consumers; whether he will ensure that in all cases, except the last named and the chairman, the nominees shall be directly connected with the land; whether there will be at least one woman on the Commission; and whether he can now state the name of the chairman?

The constitution and terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Agriculture will be published at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Corn Production Act, landowners are raising the rent of their farms to the tenants; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter where special cases are brought to his notice, such as are now occurring in Derbyshire on the Ogston estate?

The Com Production Act does not prevent landowners from raising rents provided that they are not in excess of what could have been obtained if the Act had not been passed. The Board have no information as to the Ogston estate, but they will be glad to consider any case if particulars are supplied to them.

Is the answer just given not directly opposite to the provisions of the Corn Production Act?

The answer I gave interprets correctly the provisions of the Corn Production Act.

Would it not be more correct to say that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has interpreted correctly the intentions of the present Government?

Is it not a fact that a large number of farmers were paying uneconomic rents before the passing of the Act?

I believe that is perfectly true.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the Corporation of the City of London have given notice that the allotment holders in Epping Forest must vacate their allotments at the end of the present year; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into this matter with a view to an extension of the term of tenancy?

The Board are aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member draws attention, and they are already in communication with the Epping Forest Committee of the City Corporation on the matter, with a view to an extension of the term of tenancy.

asked what steps he has taken to deal with the outbreak of rabies in animals other than dogs; and what are his latest statistics on the subject?

Outbreaks of rabies in animals other than dogs are provided for in the Rabies Order of 1919, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend. This Order provides for the isolation on the owner's premises of horses, cattle, sheep, and swine which have been exposed to infection, whereas in the case of dogs or cats isolation, where practicable takes place on approved veterinary premises. Moreover, diseased or suspected animals other than dogs or cats are not slaughtered. Up to the 10th instant, 182 outbreaks were recorded at the Board, which included two in pigs, two in bovines, one horse, and one sheep.

Would it be possible to make a muzzling Order general, so that people might bring their dogs from one county to another?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that the representatives of agricultural labourers on the central and district wages boards are in many cases not agricultural labourers or in touch with agricultural pursuits; and whether in the case of any future appointments he will ensure that this condition is fulfilled?

Two-thirds of the representatives of workers on the agricultural wages boards are or have been agricultural labourers, and the remainder are all in touch with agricultural pursuits and represent organised agricultural workers. The Board have no knowledge as to the occupation of the labour representatives on the district committees prior to their becoming members of these committees. I will bear in mind the suggestion in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to any cases where landlords are notifying tenants that they have no right to shoot rabbits; whether this is in accordance with the Ground Game Act; and, if so, whether he will take steps to introduce legislation to alter the measure?

No case of such a notification as is referred to in my hon. Friend's question has been brought to the attention of the Board. Such a notification would not affect the rights of the occupier to kill rabbits under the Ground Game Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware that in 1916 the Ailsa Craig Motor Company was taken over by the Government, which was in full working order and employing a good number of men; if he is aware that in 1916 the major part of the machinery was taken away to supply the national shell factory for making high explosive shells; if he is aware that up to the present time the machinery has not been replaced, and that in consequence a number of the old employés cannot be found employment and are receiving the unemployment pay; and if he will take action in the matter?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary if he is aware that, owing to the action of the Ministry in taking away an amount of machinery from the Ailsa Craig Motor Company, Limited, Chiswick, it is impossible for them to find work for a large number of employés, and they have had to discharge them in consequence; and if he can make arrangements for the machinery so taken to be restored to the company in order that they may be able to re-engage their old employés?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary whether he is aware that the Ailsa Craig Motor Company, Chiswick, are unable to start their works, which were taken over by the Department, pending necessary assistance from the Department; and whether, in view of the fact that the firm are therefore unable to employ workmen and thus relieve the present volume of unemployment, steps will be taken at once to enable the firm to reopen their works?

An agreement which will allow the company to resume operations in their old factory and re-employ their old workpeople has been prepared. The completion of the agreement is held up pending the receipt of the assent of a few of the creditors of the company who have not yet signified their approval. I am doing everything in my power to expedite the completion of the agreement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, as head of the Government Department responsible for the activities of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), he is consulted and his sanction obtained before any alteration in the hours of opening and closing of licensed premises are made by the Control Board; and will he state if this and similar regulations are made by the Minister of Munitions under the Defence of the Realm Act or by Order in Council, and when can they be debated?

The Orders in question are made by the Board under the powers conferred upon them in pursuance of the Defence of the Realm Acts. As to the extent of the responsibility of the Minister of Munitions in these matters, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 8th instant to the hon. and learned Member for York.

Has the Government yet decided what Minister is responsible for the actions of the Control Board?

A question as to the future is being addressed to the Leader of the House to-day.

When can these Orders be debated?

In the past, when these questions have come up, I think the Minister of Munitions has had to answer them.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to prolong the powers given to the Ministry of Munitions, acting through the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), for the period of the War; whether, in order that the modifications and adjustments necessary to suit the conditions of peace may be effected, a new departure will have to be made and a new commission issued; if Parliament will be allowed to have any direct voice in the setting up of this new commission and control of its actions, and when does he contemplate its appointment?

As I have already stated, this whole subject is now being considered by a Cabinet Committee, and I cannot make any statement at present.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is contemplated that certain premises at present occupied by the Central Prisoners of War Fund will be commandeered for the purposes of the Royal Air Force, and whether, having regard to the fact that these buildings are urgently needed for private purposes, he will take immediate steps to prevent such action on the part of the Royal Air Force, and to find quarters of a less extravagant character and less harmful to public interests?

asked whether the block of buildings at 4, Thurloe Place, South Kensington, recently occupied by the Central Prisoners of War Committee, was offered for sale by tender in January last, and the tender of an Army officer, crippled in the War, was accepted on 15th February, 1919, under the authority of the Government; whether the building has since been commandeered by the Air Force; and if, in view of these facts, the First Commissioner of Works will consider the justice of surrendering the premises?

These premises being accommodation for the Royal Air Force, the matter is one for the Secretary of State for Air, to whom these questions should be addressed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman exercise no control over the commandeering of houses in London?

These premises are for military purposes, and not for civil accommodation. They were commandeered by the War Office, and the matter has nothing to do with my Department in any way.

Was the right hon. Gentleman consulted when the Prisoners of War Department moved into this building?

No, Sir; the War Office commandeered the premises.

asked what steps are being taken to raise a memorial in Palace Yard to the twenty Members orex-Members of Parliament who fell in the War; and, if this question is still under consideration, will he see that steps are taken to hasten decisions, in view of the fact that our Parliament gave more names to the roll of honour than any other Parliament in any other country or at any other age?

A memorial to Members and officials of both Houses of Parliament who have fallen in the War is in course of execution by Mr. Bertram McKennal, R.A., and is to be placed in Westminster Hall. This memorial was undertaken at the instance of a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament during the last Parliament, and has received my approval and that of the Lord Great Chamberlain. The secretaries of the Memorial Fund will be glad to furnish any Member with further information if desired.

Is it proposed to place a model of the proposed memorial in the tea room?

I believe that a drawing was at the time placed in the tea room.

Are we to understand that we are not to have this memorial in the Palace Yard?

A committee that went into the matter decided that the Palace Yard would not be a suitable place.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the drawing was placed in the tearoom one name was wrongly spelt and one was omitted altogether, and will he see that these mistakes are avoided?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the number of vessels that contained nickel cargoes or partial cargoes which were seized during the War; and from what destination their cargoes came and to what ports they were bound?

I regret that information is not available as regards seizures placed in British Prize Courts overseas or seizures by our Allies, but it has been ascertained from the Admiralty Marshal that nickel was seized on board twelve ships and put in the London Prize Court. Of these twelve cargoeseleven came from New York and one from New Caledonia; and, as regards destination, five of these cargoes were intended for Dutch ports, six for Swedish ports, and one for Antwerp.

Where did these nickel cargoes originate?

New York.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that they came originally from the United States?

Eleven from New York and one from New Caledonia.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men of the Royal Navy serving for pension were given the option of remaining outside the National Insurance Act, and that many who did so now realise that it would be beneficial for them to come under the Act and wish to cancel their previous decisions and be allowed to pay and serve their probationary periods while in the Service on the ground that their decisions were taken without sufficient insurance explanation and advice being given them; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

It is true, as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, that seamen and marines who have completed the period of their first engagements and re-engaged for pension are given the option of remaining outside the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 1911. This option is reserved to them under Section 46, Sub-section (1), of the Act. Every endeavour was made at the time of the Act coming into force, both by the issue of a pamphlet to all ratings and by notices posted on the lower deck, to bring to the notice of all concerned the advantages of immediate insurance as well as the disadvantages, on subsequent reversion to civil life, of refusing to contribute. I confess I do not quite see how my hon. and gallant Friend's proposals can be applied. But I will put the point to the National Health Insurance Commissioners.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if there are at present any merchant shipmasters or officers still prevented by the Admiralty from taking charge of any British ship for reasons arising out of their professional conduct at sea during the War; and, if so, whether, having regard to the magnificent conduct of British merchant seamen during the War and in view of the fact that hostilities have now ceased, the Admiralty will remove such restrictions?

I am advised that there are eight masters and one chief officer in respect of whom there are still restrictions imposed by the Admiralty against their taking charge of any British ship, for reasons arising out of their professional conduct at sea during the War. Whilst recognising fully the magnificent conduct of the British merchant seamen generally during the War, it is not considered desirable to cancel all existing restrictions so long as dangers from mines exist, necessitating implicit obedience on the part of the master to the Orders issued by the Admiralty for the avoidance of such dangers, and so long as the movements of ships of the Mercantile Marine in this respect continue to be under the control of the Admiralty by virtue of the powers conferred upon them by Defence of the Realm Regulation No. 37. Individual cases are, however, considered on their merits on representation, and since the date of the Armistice "bans" or restrictions have been removed in respect of nineteen masters.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can make any statement as to the nature of the terms for service which are to be offered to obtain recruits for the engineering department of the Navy?

The terms of service now offered to the ratings in question were published in the Press on Saturday last. My hon. Friend will have noticed how these rates of pay compare with those previously existing.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if any and what steps are being taken to improve the messing accommodation and conditions in His Majesty's ships and depots?

The messing accommodation and conditions in His Majesty's ships and naval depots receive constant attention, and have been much improved during recent years. I may add that amongst the matters in respect of which the welfare committees will be authorised to receive and discuss representations as to service conditions are accommodation and messing and canteen arrangements. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Admiralty Order of 24th February providing for the establishment of these welfare committees.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty the number and gross tonnage of passenger liners and the number and dead-weight tonnage of cargo vessels of German ownership interned abroad prior to the Armistice date, the numbers to include vessels which had been operated by our Allies?

At the time of the Armistice there were fifteen German liners interned abroad with a gross tonnage of 249,754 tons, and 649 German cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of 2,251,439. The dead-weight tonnage of the latter is not immediately available, but can be procured if desired. In addition to the above, 290 German vessels of 591,231 tons were captured at sea by us and the Allies. These figures include ships operated by us or our Allies. If my hon. Friend would wish for further information on this subject generally, I will gladly arrange an interview for him with the proper authorities at the Admiralty.

Might I ask if the large number of vessels referred to by the right hon. Gentleman as cargo ships are not semi-liners?

I cannot say without going into the matter. It may be so.

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones from commercial firms, companies, and private individuals, respectively, in the London area are outstanding, and what is the present average length of time between the making the application and the installation of the telephone?

1,506 orders were outstanding at the end of April. In many other cases applicants have been informed that contracts for telephone service could not be accepted at present for such reasons as shortage of underground wires, or exchange plant, or excessive amount of work involved. I am unable to classify applicants under the heads specified by the hon. Member. The average delay in completing a circuit after the acceptance of a contract is about seventeen days.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the alarming state of physical unfitness disclosed by the examination of recruits for the purpose of the War, he will consider the advisability of appointing a Royal Commission to examine the whole question of physical training of children throughout the schools of the country in order that full advantage may be taken of the latest experience upon this subject, and to make recommendations?

I have consulted my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education and the educational authorities of Scotland and Ireland, and I am informed that they are fully alive to the great importance of taking steps to improve the physical training which is given in schools which, to some extent, has necessarily been curtailed during the War. The Government does not consider that the appointment of a Royal Commission is necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is open to any officer of His Majesty's Army or Navy who has held high military or naval office and who subsequently holds civilian office under the Crown to write and publish his account of naval and military operations during the War; and, if so, whether he will relax the Regulations by which serving officers in either Service are forbidden to publish accounts of operations in order that they may have an opportunity of replying to the strictures of their former chiefs?

As regards the first part of the question, it is not possible, I think, to lay down any general rule in such a matter. As regards the last part, the Government are not prepared to make the changes suggested.

asked the Prime Minister, in connection with the ex- isting delays in the transmission of private telegrams, whether his attention has been called to the fact that 987,807 Government telegrams were dispatched in January of the present year, the last month when actual figures are available, as compared with 43,635 in January, 1914;what classes of Government servants are permitted to and telegrams at the public expense; and what, if any, checks are imposed to secure that Government telegrams are only sent on matters of urgency which cannot be dealt with through the post?

From the beginning of the War the growing number of Government telegrams has caused anxiety, and Government Departments have been frequently urged to use the post when telegraphing was not absolutely necessary, and to shorten the texts of all messages. Generally, the certification of free telegrams is limited to permanent Civil servants and commissioned officers, but during the War persons temporarily employed who have been nominated by the several Departments have been allowed to certify. A scrutiny is made in the Post Office of Government telegrams, and those which appear to be irregular are reported to the Departments concerned.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to arrange with the public offices that only those in responsible positions at the head of branches of Departments should sanction the sending of telegrams, as was the case until comparatively recent years in all Government Departments?

I am afraid, if that were carried out, that the heads of the Departments would be doing nothing else all day.

The right hon. Gentleman mistakes my question. I did not say that; I asked whether the heads of particular branches of Departments might not be asked to sanction the sending of these telegrams, as used to be the practice? It did not lead to any unnecessary work in previous days.

If the right hon. Gentleman wishes it, I will have it inquired into, but I think the answer will be the same.

No!

Would it not be better if each Department paid for its own telegrams? It would be a natural check.

They are debited with the cost of them now.

Is it not a fact that the Admiralty were the principal offenders?

I should want notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister in what form the Debate on the Peace terms will take place and at what period in the settlement of the terms?

I am afraid that it is not possible yet to make any definite statement on the subject. The information asked for in the question will be communicated to the House at the earliest possible moment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when he is likely to be able to make a statement on the subject?

I am afraid not. It must obviously depend upon circumstances which cannot be foreseen at the moment.

Will the draft treaty be issued in the form of a White Paper for the convenience of Members?

The question does not arise out of the answer, but the House will understand that it is obviously desirable that the same action should be taken by all the Great Powers in this matter? I have already been in communication with the Prime Minister on the subject, and he is discussing it with the heads of the other Governments to-day.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to invite Marshal Foch to visit Great Britain in connection with the forthcoming Peace celebrations; and, if so, whether that in- vitation will be extended to include representative detachments of the various sections of the French Army?

My hon. Friend's suggestion will be considered by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to proclaim a public holiday to be observed in connection with the coming Peace celebrations or whether it will be left to each locality to select a day?

asked the Prime Minister whether it will be part of the forthcoming Peace celebrations that the markets will be closed for three days; and, if so, whether he will consider, in fixing the date of such celebrations, the advisability of avoiding those periods when the fruit harvest is being gathered, in view of the fact that such harvest is perishable and a large portion thereof would be lost by the closing of the markets?

It is proposed shortly to make a statement to both Houses upon the intention of the Government with reference to the proclamation of a public holiday to be observed in connection with the coming Peace celebrations and upon the proposals of the Government on the whole question of Peace celebrations.

Will it be possible to have the Peace celebrations at Whitsuntide, so that the holidays and the celebrations may take place at the same time?

It really must depend on what happens in the course of the next few days or weeks?

Is it proposed to hold the Peace celebrations while half Europe is still fighting?

That is a very natural question, but, personally, if the Treaty were concluded with our chief enemies, I should consider it a subject for rejoicing.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the acquisition of eighty-seven vessels aggregating over 660,000 tons formerly belonging to Germany and interned in American ports after August, 1914, by the American Government; and whether the consideration given to the German Government was discharge of a debt owing to the American Government of £20,000,000?

I am not aware that the facts are as stated in the question, but am making inquiries on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is correct to assume from the official summary of the Peace Treaty that the only cash payments to be made by Germany are as follows: that she is to make reparation for damage to persons and property under the seven heads enumerated in the summary, the total obligation in respect of which is to be notified to her not later than 1st May, 1921;that she is to reimburse Belgium by means of bonds falling due in 1926 all sums borrowed by that country from the Allies; that within two years she is to pay the sum of £1,000,000,000 sterling, a further £2,000,000,000 in bonds at varying rates of interest with a sinking fund beginning in 1926, and a further £2,000,000,000 in 5 per Cent. Bonds under terms not yet fixed; and whether these prospective payments, amounting in the aggregate to £5,000,000,000 sterling, are, as to £4,000,000,000, to be spread over a period of thirty years whilst, subject to possible deductions, the first £1,000,000,000 is in respect of the cost of the Army of Occupation and other matters?

:The summary made in the first part of the question is, I think, substantially correct. I would point out, however, that the bonds referred to for 5,000 millions are to be delivered as on account of the total obligation, that further issues of bonds may be required subsequently as security, and that the total amount payable in money or other forms of reparation is not limited to the amount of the bonds, but must meet in full all the demands specified in Section VIII. of the official summary of the Treaty published in the Press on the 3rd of May. The deductions also which may be allowed in regard to the first thousand millions would postpone but not diminish the total amount of the payment.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's considered judgment is that if I were to seek an opportunity of asking leave to move the Adjournment of the House, such a discus- sion would be prejudicial to the interests of the Peace Conference; and, if so, I table a Motion dealing with the matter, will he give a day for the discussion before it is too late?

I think I may say that all the heads of the Allied Governments take the same view that any discussion of any parts of the Peace terms at present would be undesirable. I shall be, therefore, much obliged if my hon. Friend will not press it. As regards putting a Motion on the Paper, if the circumstances change so as to make it possible for us to permit a discussion without doing harm, I shall be very glad to give a day.

I will put a notice on the Paper without prejudice to my light to still ask leave to move the Adjournment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether any official detailed estimate, both in money and in kind has been made of the demands made upon Germany under the Peace terms, including German colonies and shipping; and, if so, what the estimate amounts to?

No official estimate has been made, but the subject has, of course, been discussed, and the amount is very large.

May I ask whether the sum of £5,000,000,000 is the sum total of the enemy country's obligation?

Oh, no. The answer I gave stated clearly, and it also appears in the summary of the terms, that this is an amount on account, and in no way prejudices our total claims.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give such a statement and publish it for the general information?

I really do not think it would be possible to do it at the present time. Claims are to be made by each of the Allied Powers; they will be subject to revision, and I do not think it would be possible at present to give any estimate of them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state shortly what are the powers we possess to enforce payment of these bonds in years to come?

The powers are contained, I think, in the summary of the Treaty. We shall have, for instance, all our economic weapons, and also, as the House is aware, the occupation of part of Germany for a considerable time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt at the continued delay in introducing a Bill to establish a central forests authority; and whether he will state the causes of the delay?

I regret that I cannot now add anything to the previous answers on this subject, but I hope to be able to make a definite statement very shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a whole day at an early date for the discussion of the condition of Ireland?

I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion in this question.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the report that has been published in the "Daily Herald" with regard to the conditions obtaining at Les Attaques Military Prison, near Calais; if, as there stated, men are confined in this camp for trival offences such as the overstaying of leave for a few days; if they are supplied with only one blanket each in the coldest weather and are flogged and placed in irons and handcuffs for conversing with each other; and, if there are no grounds for these charges, will he consider as to the taking of criminal proceedings for the publication of such reckless and libellous statements for the purpose of bringing the Army into disrepute?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. My attention has not previously been drawn to this matter, but I have called for a report from the General Officer Commanding the British troops in France and Flanders, and I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result in due course.

I will repeat the question in a week's time.

asked the Prime Minister (1) when the Government propose to introduce their Bill for the prevention of dumping; (2) whether he can now declare the policy of the Government for the protection of key industries; and whether legislation will be necessary to give effect to it?

I can add nothing to the previous statements on this subject at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the restriction of imports expires on the 1st September next, and therefore it is very necessary we should have an early declaration of policy?

I quite realise the importance of this, and the last time my hon. Friend put a similar question I said the Government were doing all they could to hasten definite proposals regarding it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet decided on the conditions under which demobilised soldiers and their dependants who desire to go will be assisted to emigrate to the overseas Dominions?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on the 8th April to the questions of the hon. Members for Devonport and East bourne, in which I indicated the conditions on which His Majesty's Government proposes to grant free passages to ex-Service men and their dependants. I have nothing to add to that statement at present, but a further definition of those who are entitled to the privilege will be published in the Press as soon as possible.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider the granting of free postage for letters concerning demobilisation, grievances of their constituents to Members of Parliament during the continuance of Conscription?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Kensington, South Division, on the 9th April, I do not think it would be expedient to make a grant of free postage to Members of either House of Parliament in any form.

asked the Secretary of State for War when a decision will become to in reference to an application for release from military service of Private G. H. Faucett, No. 57162, 1st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, No. 2 Nucleus Company, stationed at Belton Park, Grantham, having regard to the following letters which have been written on the subject to the Secretary to the War Office, and to which no acknowledgment has been received, though repeatedly asked for, since 27th February last, namely, letters dated 15th February, 1919, 24th March, 1919, 8th April, 1919, and 22nd April, 1919; whether this man joined the Royal West Kent Regiment in 1915, was wounded and gassed in France, and was consequently discharged from the Army medically unfit, but again rejoined the Army in the Machine Gun Corps in 1916, and was for a second time gassed in France, and has served continuously in the Army ever since; whether these facts, together with his discharge papers, have been fully disclosed to the War Office since 20th February, 1919;and what explanation he has to offer for the absence of replies to the letters sent and the delay in arriving at a decision?

I am having inquiries made into this ease and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the widow of a master of a fish-carrier, who was drowned at sea through the torpedoing of his vessel by an enemy submarine is entitled to compensation for her loss notwithstanding that the man was not in Government service?

In the specific circumstances stated the widow would not be pensionable by the Ministry of Pensions, but she would possibly be entitled to compensation under the Injuries in War (Compensation) Act, 1914. For this she should apply in the first instance to the Admiralty.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statements and correspondence in the "North Western Daily Mail" regarding two discharged soldiers, Private Harold Seaward, regimental No. 334318, 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, and Patrick O'Connor, who either are or have been quite recently inmates of the workhouse infirmary, Barrow-in-Furness; and, in view of the strong feeling created locally in regard to this matter, what steps have been taken to provide hospital accommodation other than Poor Law accommodation for men who have served in the forces?

My right hon. Friend has taken immediate action to investigate this matter, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there are under consideration any proposals for increasing the wages of Government messengers to the level paid by private employers for similar work; whether the men's representatives have asked for a conference to discuss this matter; and whether he will grant the interview desired with a view to arriving at a settlement of the question?

The present remuneration of unestablished messengers in Government Departments was fixed by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board after a full hearing of the claim made by the Workers' Union on their behalf. As the decision of the Board is binding upon both parties, I am not prepared to reopen the matter, but I cannot admit that the rates so fixed compare at all unfavourably with those paid by private employers to messengers engaged on similar duties.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state the approximate percentage of primary schools throughout the country with adequate playing-fields attached; if school inspectors are instructed to report in every instance where schools are not properly equipped in this respect; and what steps have been taken to meet any deficiency?

The Board do not require that elementary schools should have playing-fields, as distinguished from ordinary playgrounds, attached to them, and they have no statistics of the number of schools which have such fields. I am quite alive to the importance of playing-fields, and the question of their provision is discussed in paragraphs 14–20 of the Report of the Committee upon School Playgrounds (Cd. 6463 of 1912). There is an increasing tendency amongst local education authorities to provide playing fields for children attending public elementary schools, and I have no doubt that such provision will be accelerated in view of Section 17 of the Education Act, 1918.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to again convene the Local Government Board Departmental Committee upon Smoke Abatement in order that they can complete their inquiries, interrupted in 1914 by the outbreak of war, with a view to reporting whether further legislation is required to secure the abatement of smoke nuisances in the interests of public health and fuel economy?

The question is under consideration and I propose to consult my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the approaching municipal elections, he is prepared to recommend that the candidates for such elections shall be allowed to send through the post free at least one packet of election literature on similar lines to that recently allowed at the General Election so that the drain of election expenses on candidates may be minimised?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question put on the 7th April by the hon. and gallant Member for Plaistow. I will send him a copy of that reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether his attention has been drawn to the injustice which has been shown to the members of the Building Workers' Industrial Union by Messrs. Matthew and Son at Halton Camp, who have discharged all the members of this union in contradiction to the orders issued by the Air Ministry; whether the contractors have reinstated any members of this union who have left the union to join a craft union; and whether he will at once take steps to remedy this state of affairs and to see that the union affected is treated on equal terms with any other trade union?

The step referred to was taken by the contractors following on a recent intimation from the National Board of Conciliation for the Building Trades that the Building Workers' Industrial Union was not a union recognised by that body. The Air Ministry is in consultation with the Ministry of Labour in regard to the possibility of further action being taken under the Conciliation Act, 1896. I am not aware of any such cases of reinstatement of men under notice to leave as are referred to in the second part of the question. I would add that the contract is now approaching completion, and that as a consequence large numbers of men are necessarily being discharged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many German mercantile ships have been surrendered or handed over to this country; and the total tonnage of all ships and the approximate number of each class of ships?

The number of German merchant ships delivered for British management up to 9th May is as follows: Twenty-two passenger vessels of 168,800 gross tonnage, approximately; eighty-nine cargo vessels of 663,200 dead-weight, approximately.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers returning from the Army of Occupation on the Rhine complain seriously about the messing arrangements, especially in the districts outside Cologne, affirming these to be worse now than at any stage of the campaign, and declaring that whilst there is waste going on in France our men in the bridge-head regions are restricted to few kinds and small quantities of food; and will he have the matter inquired into?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Frome on Wednesday last. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply referred to. I am not aware of the serious complaints to which he alludes, but I understand that four complaints from soldiers have been received through their friends at home, and these are now being carefully investigated. Every effort is made to prevent waste whether in France or elsewhere.