asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the number of persons that are assessable to Income Tax that are assessed upon their incomes ranging from £130 to £200 per annum; and what amount of money they paid for Income Tax for the financial year ending 1917–18?

As I indicated in my reply on the 7th instant in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Wandsworth, precise information of the kind asked for is not available. The Board of Inland Revenue are, however, engaged in the preparation of a statistical estimate of the classification of taxpayers and their incomes for the year 1918–19. This estimate will embrace substantially the particulars desired by the hon. and gallant Member, and as soon as it is prepared I will issue it as a Parliamentary Paper.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any of the Departments of Inland Revenue in Edinburgh are being put under the direct control of London instead of being, as formerly, under the jurisdiction of the Controller in Edinburgh; and whether it is the policy of the Board of Inland Revenue in London to detract from the status of the Controller in Edinburgh and to centralise authority in London?

The responsibility for the control and management of the Inland Revenue throughout the United Kingdom is vested by Statute in the Board of Inland Revenue, and the Inland Revenue Office at Edinburgh, in common with all Inland Revenue Offices outside London, is subject to their jurisdiction. The general supervisory functions allotted by the Board to their principal officer at Edinburgh have not been altered.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will undertake that no permanent ex-soldier clerk employed under the War Office who has attained the age of sixty, but been retained for war purposes, or who may attain the age of sixty in the future, will be retired under the age clause until the Treasury has given a decision in regard to the recommendation of the Army Council that these men should be placed on a permanent pensionable basis?

The question of the retention of ex-soldier clerks beyond the age of sixty is considered in each instance on the merits of the individual and the necessities of the work, and retention in such cases is from year to year. I am afraid that no general undertaking can be given.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that practically no orders for the delivery of potatoes are being given to farmers in Scotland; and if he can state a definite date on or before which delivery of all potatoes in Scotland will be taken?

The hon. and gallant Member is misinformed. Large orders for the delivery of potatoes have been given to farmers in Scotland. I may add that only recently increased orders have been given by the Ministry of Food for the delivery of potatoes from Scotland for Lancashire. I anticipate that delivery of the whole of the Scottish potato crop will have been taken by about the middle of July.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, having regard to the outbreak of rabies in England any and, if so, what steps have been taken to prevent the importation of dogs into Ireland?

Immediately on the outbreak of rabies in England the Department of Agriculture in Ireland, on the 11th September last, brought into operation an Order which has since been strictly enforced prohibiting the importation of dogs from any portion of Great Britain into Ireland. This Order will not be modified or removed until, in the Department's opinion, it is safe to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether commanding officers of units are empowered to delay or prevent the demobilisation of a soldier serving in their units; and can he give an assurance that a uniform system of sanctioning applications for demobilisation is adhered to, and that the usefulness of a soldier to his unit in no way mitigates his chances of demobilisation?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Westhoughton on 13th February, 1919, regarding the temporary retention of men eligible for demobilisation. With reference to the last part of the question, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all applications for demobilisation are dealt with under a uniform system in accordance with the Regulations governing demobilisation, but where men are performing duties of a special nature they cannot be released until 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 officers or men who are eligible for demobilisation are being retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on a communication received from the War Office, dated 2nd January, it was stated that Private Richard Evans, No. 91892, 3rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 3rd room, M block, New Barracks, Limerick, was to be immediately demobilised on compassionate grounds; whether he is aware that this soldier is still retained in the Army notwithstanding the fact that he has a grandmother of seventy-three years of age who is suffering from heart disease, and two young brothers and a sister absolutely dependent upon him; and whether he will cause this soldier to be demobilised forthwith, and institute inquiries with a view to discovering who is responsible for this error?

Instructions were issued some time ago for Private Evan's release, but as this soldier re-enlisted for the after-war Army for a further four years, they were not carried out.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Corporal John Norman Curry, No. 25967, C Squadron, Composite Hussars, Mesopotamia; whether he is aware that this man enlisted in September, 1914, and was sent with a draft to Mesopotamia in September, 1916; that he is now at Baghdad awaiting his discharge in a concentration camp; that Corporal Curry has been once wounded, and had malaria in October last; that he is the main support of his widowed mother, who lost one son in the War; and that Mr. Lamb, of the Brewery, Hetton, county Durham, has applied for him as he wishes to employ him as an apprentice; and can his release be expedited?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Corporal Curry is not registered either as pivotal or for special release nor is there trace of any application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. If his length of service is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend he is eligible for demobilisation unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service, and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Allen T. S. Boyd, Royal Army Medical Corps, 102nd Field Ambulance, 34th Division, British Expeditionary Force, France, who has been in the Army since February, 1914, being a Territorial at that time, is eligible for demobilisation; and, if so, why cannot he be demobilised?

Private Boyd is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his length of service is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit. I would refer to the statement, already made in this House regarding the personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation. Men so retained are being released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men serving in the 19th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, who enlisted in 1914 and are eligible for release, have been informed that they cannot be demobilised before 1st June at the earliest; and if he will state why demobilisation in this unit is proceeding so slowly?

I am not aware that the men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend have been informed that they could not be demobilised until 1st June at the earliest. Demobilisation is proceeding in this unit, and all men who are eligible for demobilisation are being released as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the cadres of the 3rd Divisional Artillery are likely to be sent to England; and whether he is aware that in the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column there are over 130 1914–15 men who have not yet been demobilised?

The order of priority of dispatch of cadres from theatres of war, is based on the necessity of sending home first those which have to be reformed for service overseas in the after-war Army. None of the units of the 3rd Divisional Artillery come within this category, and it is not yet possible, therefore, to give even an approximate date for their arrival in England. The personnel of all cadres that return from France and Germany should be composed of demobilisable personnel. The cadre establishment of a divisional ammunition column amounts to considerably more than the number of 1914–15 men mentioned in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Peter Wright, No. 14236, 17th Mobile Veterinary Section, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to general headquarters, Constantinople, who joined the forces 12th January, 1916, was sent to Egypt 6th March, 1916, and to Salonika 24th June, 1916, has had no leave since enlistment; and whether he will issue instructions that this man shall be granted leave at an early date?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the statement which I made on Tuesday of last week, regarding the arrangements for the relief, and the provision of leave, for all troops in the East. I regret it is not possible to take any special action in the case referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many officers or other ranks have been tried by courts-martial for contravention of paragraphs 453 and 454, King's Regulations (Communication to the Press), during the years 1914–18; and whether it is the intention of the Army Council to withdraw paragraphs 453 and 454, King's Regulations, in view of its contravention by senior officers on the active list?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which I made yesterday in answer to questions on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the question of the grant of a medal to those members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments who have given their services as nurses, ambulance drivers, stretcher bearers, cooks, etc., as a suitable recognition of their services during the War has now been considered, and, if so, what decision has been come to?

The services rendered by members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments have not been overlooked. An Army Order containing full particulars will shortly be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Finnish troops have captured and lost Olonetz; whether Finnish troops are acting in co-operation with, or under the orders of, British military authorities; and whether Finland is recognised as an ally in the War in Russia?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is that, from the information at our disposal, the case is believed to be as stated. The answer to the second and third parts is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions that the elementary schools in Nottingham at present occupied by the military authorities shall be vacated at the earliest possible moment, in order that there may be time to refit them for teaching work after midsummer?

I am informed that four of the schools have already been vacated and that another is being vacated. Arrangements are being made which will enable two further schools to be given up at an early date. There will then remain the Carlton Road School, which is occupied by the Labour Corps Pay Office, and I regret that it is not possible at present to relinquish these premises.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions for the evacuation by the military authorities of St. Peter's Schools, Nottingham, the continued occupation of which is causing suffering to the work of the parish?

I am informed that it is hoped to surrender these premises by the middle of July next.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men of the Non-Combatant Corps stationed at Ormskirk, Lancashire, are being penalised both in demobilisation and leave, and whether he will see that these men get what is due to them?

I am not aware that men of the Non-Combatant Corps stationed at Ormskirk are penalised in the matter of demobilisation and leave. All men who are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions are being released as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit. The existing instructions with regard to the granting of leave apply equally to this corps as to any other regiment or corps in the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state the findings of the Court of Inquiry into the deaths from pneumonia, consequent on exposure and lack of suitable accommodation, of a number of soldiers at Belton Park, Grantham, and whether it is proposed to court-martial such person or persons as may be held responsible?

This case is still being investigated, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether surplus Army supplies at present deposited at such places as Aden, Basra, Suez, etc., will be sold locally; and what steps intending purchasers should take to apply for detailed information on the subject?

As and when stores and property are notified by the War Office as surplus to military requirements, the Commissioners of the Disposal Board in the various theatres of war advise the Board whether, in each case, they should be sold locally or otherwise. All sales, whether made locally or not, are advertised widely, so that all persons interested may have an opportunity of purchasing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the men who are re-enlisting voluntarily in the Army under the short service scheme for twenty-seven, thirty-nine, or fifty-one months are or will become eligible for supplementary separation allowances and Grants under Part II. of the Ministry of Pensions Regulations?

It has been decided that men re-enlisting voluntarily after demobilisation or discharge will not be eligible for the supplementary separation allowances authorised under Part II. of the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private James Templeton, No. 16842, Royal Scottish Fusiliers; whether he is aware that this man has been recommended for treatment at Glasgow; that the Coatbridge local pensions committee gave him a letter to obtain a season ticket to and from Glasgow; that he was informed he would have to deposit 5s. with the railway company; that Templeton was not in a position to deposit this amount, and consequently is not receiving the treatment ordered for him; and whether, especially in view of the fact that this is not an isolated case, he will have inquiries made into the matter without delay?

The actual cost of the season ticket is, in circumstances similar to those stated, borne by the Ministry, but, as I am informed, the local committee concerned have deemed it necessary to instruct men whom they send for treatment to pay their own deposits as it will be to the man himself, and not to the committee, that the railway company will return the deposit when the ticket expires. Private Templeton's case has been dealt with in accordance with this rule. I am informed that considerable sums have been lost owing to men forgetting to return deposits paid for them by the local committees, but I am inquiring of the committee whether it would not be possible to pay the deposit and make arrangements for recovery, and so obviate the risk of hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the gratuity sanctioned under Army Order 17, 1919, is payable to the widows or other dependants of men who were killed or died from disease due to service in 1914–15?

The War gratuity granted for service since 4th August, 1914, forms part of the estates of deceased men and is payable to their legal representatives, legatees, or next-of-kin, as the case may be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether warrant officers, late Royal Naval Air Service, who received the rank of second lieutenant at the amalgamation of the two services, the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps, on 1st April, 1918, are entitled to the same gratuities for time served as warrant officers, Royal Naval Air Service, as those laid down for temporary officers in the Royal Navy?

Temporary warrant officers of the Royal Naval Air Service who have been granted temporary commissions in the Royal Air Force are entitled to the same gratuities in respect of their warrant service as temporary officers in the Royal Navy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Samuel Taylor, late 407698, Armourer, C Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, A.M. School, Uxbridge, was discharged on 6th February; whether he has received neither back pay or gratuity; and if so, will he cause inquiry to be made and a settlement expedited?

This man accepted the deferred settlement scheme whereby he received at the time of his dispersal twenty-eight days' pay and ration allowances, £2 12s. 6d. plain clothes allowance, and an advance of £2 on account of his gratuity, pending the final settlement of his account within a period of four months from the date of his leaving his unit. The balance due on the final settlement of his account is now being paid.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether immediate steps can be taken to release the Station Hotel, Stirling, from the control of the Air Service on account of the shortage of hotel accommodation, and the near approach of the summer season; and whether since last November the office staff of the Royal Air Force in Stirling has been reduced to such an extent that rooms formerly used in the hotel are now standing empty?

Orders have been given for the early relinquishment of these premises, and I expect that they will be vacated in the course of the next two or three weeks. At the moment all the available rooms in the hotel are occupied.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many women officers and members applied for enrolment in the Women's Royal Air Force during the time that Miss Douglas-Pennant was commandant of the Women's Royal Air Force?

The number of enrolments (including transfers from the Women's Royal Naval Service and the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps) during the period referred to were: Officers, 262 and other ranks, 15,128.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Muni- tions (1) if he is aware that the demobilisation of the Aeronautical Inspection Department (Coventry District) is not being carried out in accordance with his statement in Parliament, i.e., that the residue to be retained would consist of discharged soldiers providing they possessed the necessary qualifications; (2) why Mr. Frank Holder, Coventry District (Engines), registered No. 5203, examiner-in-charge, grade 1, a discharged soldier with disabilities contracted during military service, has been discharged from his appointment notwithstanding that civilians are being retained in the Department?

The policy pursued by the Aeronautical Inspection Department is that indicated in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Fylde on 25th February. I am making inquiries into the position in the Coventry district generally, and particularly respecting the case referred to in Question No. 98. I will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether in the distribution of grants for the training and education of discharged and demobilised officers and men under the scheme recently announced, Ruskin College, Oxford, will be included as an approved centre of higher education?

Properly qualified ex-Service students desiring to take full-time courses of higher education at Ruskin College will be eligible for grant under the scheme.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is the intention of the Government to adopt the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Welfare of the Blind (1917), in regard to grants-in-aid for the training, employment, and relief of the blind?

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle Central on the 5th instant, the Advisory Committee is engaged in working out schemes, in co-operation with the Board, for the disbursement of such grants-in-aid as may be sanctioned by the Treasury in respect of various forms of assistance to the blind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make independent inquiries into the allegations that the delays on the Highland Railway are due to the late arrival at Perth of trains from the South; and, should his inquiries result in these statements being found to be inaccurate, if he will take immediate steps to cause the Highland Railway to regard its own scheduled times, arrival and departure, trains?

Inquiries are being made into this matter, the result of which I hope to be in a position to communicate to the hon. Baronet in a few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what compensation is being paid to British merchant seamen who were captured in German ports at the outbreak of war and imprisoned in Germany until the Armistice?

If these men have been incapacitated as a result of their internment they are entitled to disablement allowances under the War Risks Compensation Scheme.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that of the population of Durness, Sutherland, of 600 souls, no less than 113 men served in the War; that, as there is no local industry of any kind, the only livelihood for these men, who are nearly all now demobilised, must be afforded by the land; and whether, in view of the fact that there are three farms in the neighbourhood of Durness of a total acre- age of 79,000 acres, he will take steps to secure holdings for these men from this acreage?

I am aware that the parish in question responded loyally in the recent national emergency and that the resources of this remote district are limited. The farms to which my hon. Friend refers are probably, Balnakiel, Keoldale, and Erriboll. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland have inspected two of these farms, and are at the moment considering the possibility of framing a scheme to meet the needs of the applicants.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he can state the amount of the receipts, expenditure, and net revenue relating to the working of the Post Office telegraphs in the years 1916–17 and 1917–18 respectively; (2) whether he can say if a statement setting forth the receipts, expenditure, and nett revenue of the telephone services under his control for the years 1916–17 and 1917–18, respectively, can now be submitted to the House?

The figures required by the hon. Member are given in House of Commons Paper No. 11, published in March last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to resume diplomatic relations with the Republic of Mexico; and, if so, whether urgent representations will be made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of Mexico with regard to the treatment that has been suffered by British owners of railway and other undertakings in the Republic for the past two years?

His Majesty's Government are not disposed, in view of the attitude of the Mexican Government, to accord the recognition implied by the resumption of diplomatic relations, but they have never ceased to make informal representations with regard to the treatment of British interests.