asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether delegates from the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus) have been to Paris to attend the Peace Conference; whether a duma or constituent assembly has been elected in Georgia; and whether this new State has been recognised or is going to be recognised by His Majesty's Government?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Georgian Republic has not been recognised by His Majesty's Government, whose future attitude in the matter will be determined in concert with their Allies.

Will the Constituent Assembly of Georgia be allowed to have a voice in the decision as to the country to exercise mandatory powers.

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank in China has yet been liquidated; if not, whether the liquidation will take place before peace is signed; and whether there is any guarantee that China will proceed with the liquidation of the bank?

His Majesty's Government have no recent information in regard to the progress made with the liquidation of the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank in China. His Majesty's Minister has now been asked by telegram to report on the present position.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to say if it is proposed to cede to Belgium the late German East African territories of Ruanda and Urundi; and whether he is aware that a feeling exists, both in the House and in the country, that these territories should come under British administration?

also asked the Under-Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the proposal that Ruanda, Urundi, and Bakota should be ceded to Belgium; and whether he has taken into consideration that this cession, if made, would sever our line of communication between Egypt and the Cape, and have a serious effect upon British interests in Africa?

:I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement on this matter, for the reason given in my answer to the hon. Member on 29th April.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent the strong feeling in all parts of the House that no part of German East Africa should come under Belgian rule?

Will the hon. Gentleman lay Papers so that a discussion may take place?

A discussion on this question cannot be conveniently taken until the delegates at the Paris Conference have come to a decision.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in fixing the period over which Germany's payments are to be spread, the Peace Conference is bearing in mind the fact that she should be in a much more prosperous position after the expiration of thirty years than at any time during that period; (2) whether he can state the approximate amounts to be demanded from Germany under the respective heads of reparation for damage done and reimbursement of the cost of the War; (3) whether the International Commission on Germany's capacity to pay has so far arrived at any figure?

I cannot say anything in answer to the three questions of my hon. Friend beyond what I said to him on Monday last.

Has the right hon. Gentleman, ever been asked before whether this International Commission on Germany's capacity to pay has so far arrived at any figure?

That was put to me in a supplementary question on my hon. Friend's question, and I said then that different nationalities had made provisional estimates, but no statement could be made.

In view of the fact that this is the third Commission at least which has been charged with this inquiry, will the right hon. Gentleman report to the Prime Minister that it would be better at once to sign judgment against Germany for the cost of the War, and to inquire afterwards into her capacity to pay?

That is raising a question quite different from what has been decided. The terms I announced to my hon. Friend which were, I think, contained in the summary, are the terms which have been submitted to the German Government.

Is it not a fact that Germany's vast resources before the War enabled her to compete for the world's supremacy, and is there any reason to suppose that the careful handling of those resources will not enable her to be in a position to pay interest on the whole of the Allies war debt, and according to the magnitude of the Sinking Fund to discharge it in forty, fifty, or sixty years?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman does not raise any new point. There is not a point that was not fully considered by the delegates of His Majesty's Government.

Have the delegates formulated the total bill of the British Empire?

I really can add nothing to what I have said.

You did not answer me.

If the hon. Member has read the summary he will see precisely what the British and other delegates have done in this matter.

asked the Leader of the House whether the Government is aware of the fact that the summary of the Austrian and Turkish peace terms were known in London yesterday, that the details of the draft treaty have been freely discussed by members of the general public; and, further, is it a fact that a large part of Asia Minor will be divided between Greece and Italy; and whether Greece has insisted that a strip of Turkish territory shall separate her from Italy's share of Asia Minor; and whether this and other details of the treaty which may materially affect the peace of Europe within a few years should be discussed in London before this House has had an opportunity of seeing them?

It is quite impossible for me to say anything at present about the proposed terms of peace with Austria and Turkey. No summary of these terms can possibly have reached London, for they have not yet been settled by the Allies.

Whether the summary that was circulated in London was authentic or not, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Members of this House shall see the summary when it is here on the same evening as that on which it is issued to the Press?

That is a very reasonable request, and I shall see that it is done, if possible. I believe there is sometimes a little difficulty, because when we wish it to appear in the Press in the morning of a particular day it might not be possible to give it to the House of Commons on the evening preceding.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the names and official positions of the members of the selection boards for candidates for the Foreign Office Diplomatic and Consular Services?

The Committee of Selection for the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service, which interviewed candidates for the February, 1919, examination, was composed of the following gentlemen: Mr. Stanley Leathes, First Civil Service Commissioner (Chairman); Mr. W. Brace, M.P., formerly Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Colonel Earle, C.M.G., D.S.O., nominated by the War Office; Mr. J. R. Maguire, C.B.E.; Mr. J. F. P. Rawlinson, K.C., M.P.; the Hon. Theo. Russell, C.B., C.V.O., Counsellor in the Diplomatic Service and Diplomatic Secretary to the Secretary of State; and Mr. J. A. C. Tilley, C.B., Acting Assistant Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

The Selection Committee for the Consular Service consisted of: Mr. Stanley Leathes (Chairman); Sir William Clark, K.C.S.I., C.M.G., Department of Oversea Trade; Mr. Victor Wellesley, C.B., Controller of Commercial and Consular Affairs, Foreign Office; Mr. Thos. Worthington, O.B.E., Board of Trade; Mr. Manville, representing the Associated Chambers of Commerce; and Mr. Perry, representing the Federation of British Industries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say what contribution has been made to the cost of the War by the Egyptian Exchequer; and what further contributions are expected?

On 9th March, 1918, the Egyptian Council of Ministers offered to contribute £3,000,000 Egpytian towards the expenses of the War and they described this gift "as an evidence of gratitude towards Great Britain in that Egypt has been spared the evils of an invasion." Their offer was gratefully accepted. They further decided to open a credit in the Budget of 1918–19 of £500,000 Egyptian in order to meet other military expenditure directly connected with Egypt and provisionally estimated at that figure.

I am not able to state at the moment what is the exact sum contributed by the Egyptian Exchequer during the year 1918–19; nor am I aware that any further contributions are expected.

Were any steps taken to consult the members of the Legislative Assembly in reference to this grant?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will raise this question in the course of the Debate.

Is it not the fact that this offer of £3,000,000 was made entirely on the initiative of the Native Ministers and that British officials did not ask for it in any way?

I believe that is the case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether full facilities and support are to be afforded to a proposed commercial mission of the cotton export trade, comprising all sections of both em- ployers and employês, as also of chambers of commerce, bankers, and trade unions, not only to deal with markets, exchange rates, and shipping, but to negotiate agreements bearing on foreign concessions, labour rates in the countries visited, and British ownership of cotton plantations in such Eastern countries, and whether such negotiations being successful, his Department will, on behalf of the Foreign Office, recommend the ratification of such agreements in treaty form to the Governments of such Eastern nations concerned, and also in agreement with the Secretary of State for India, where the latter country is directly or indirectly concerned?

I hope that it will be possible, with the co-operation of the cotton industry, to arrange for the dispatch of a commercial mission, including representatives of the interests concerned, for the purpose of investigating the Eastern markets for cotton piece goods. Any such mission would take into account all questions appertaining to their inquiry, but it would not be practicable to give the mission authority to negotiate agreements on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

May I ask what practical results will be obtained unless the agreement be ratified by treaty?

All the representatives, both of the employers and of the unions, connected with the cotton industry in Lancashire, are of opinion that the collecting of this information will be of immense value to the Lancashire cotton industry.

But what practical results will be obtained unless treaty obligations result?

It is quite possible negotiations may come about afterwards, but it does not follow there will be treaty obligations entered into.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lancashire people, both employers and employed, do not ask for any privileges so far as treaties are concerned?

Certainly! That question has never been raised.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Sergeant S. Cooper, No. 18134, North Staffords, of 79, Foley Street, Wednesbury, has had his life pension stopped and called upon to refund £14 15s at 1s per week; whether Cooper has over thirty years' service to his credit; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to Sergeant Cooper receiving redress?

I am informed that Sergeant Cooper is still drawing his life pension. When he was awarded a "service" pension in addition to a disablement grant, it was found that an adjustment had to be made in the amount of the disablement gratuity previously awarded, and the overpayment is being recovered at the rate of 1s. a week.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Air-mechanic Samuel Taylor, 65, Windmill Street, Wednesbury, late No. 407698, armourer, C squadron, Royal Flying Corps, A.M. School, Uxbridge, was discharged from the Army in February, 1919; whether he recently applied for training as an aircraft or motor mechanic; whether this training is delayed because his pension papers are held up by the Ministry; and, if so, will he take the necessary action?

I am having inquiries made. but at present there is no trace of the discharge documents having been received in the Ministry in connection with a claim to pension.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Lance-Corporal E. Butler, No. 9991, D Company, Worcester Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division, was recalled to the Colours on 4th August, 1914; whether he was killed 21st August, 1914; whether, owing to the rapidity of these events, Butler was unable to make the usual allotment to his mother; whether application has been made for a pension; and, if so, will he expedite the settlement of the claim, and, if granted, consider the desirability of making the payment retrospective?

An application from the mother of Lance-Corporal Butler has now been received, and steps are being taken to expedite the settlement of the claim.

asked the Pensions Minister whether an ex-Service man's pension is a legal right or is in the nature of a charitable gift from the Royal bounty; and, if the latter, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to remove pensions from the realm of charity and give them a legal basis?

A pension is paid out of moneys for the administration of which a Minister of the Crown is responsible to Parliament, and is neither a legal right nor a charitable gift from the Royal bounty. It is, in fact, upon precisely the same footing as the pay of the serving soldier, which is also granted under Royal Warrants. The Select Committee will no doubt consider this matter.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation which will allow recipients of old age pensions to be assisted by Poor Law relief without prejudice until such time as old age pensions have been amended to meet the increased cost of living?

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has considered the necessity of reducing the pension age to sixty-five years, and in cases of incapacity or chronic illness to sixty years of age?

A Committee has been appointed to consider and report what alterations, if any, as regards rates of pension or qualifications should be made in the existing statutory scheme of old age pensions. In the meantime, His Majesty's Government cannot undertake to introduce legislation on this subject.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the bonus of 20 per cent. granted in respect of the increased cost of living is payable on flat rate pensions of 5s. per week; and, if not, what are the reasons for withhholding the bonus in such cases, in view of the fact that the increase in the cost of living affects all classes of dependants of men who have lost their lives on service?

The bonus is not paid in respect of the parents' special 5s. pension. Where a pension is granted to a parent on the ground of previous dependence, the bonus is added in order that the purchasing power of the pension may approximate to that of the contribution made under pre-war conditions by the son. The 5s. flat rate pension (which was granted at a time when the cost of living was at least as high as it is at present) is not based on pre-war dependence, and does not require to be adjusted to meet present conditions.

Was it not the case that the 5s. flat rate pension was given on the basis of the potential value of that sum, and not on account of the cost of living at all?

That may be so, but still I think the answer applies.

If it were given, as my right hon. Friend admits, on the potential value—he said, "It may he so," and he ought to know whether it is so—should it not carry the bonus like every other pension?

That is a matter for argument, and one which it is hardly possible to deal with in question and answer.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement that the Grant of £50,000 for Irish intermediate education was to be an equivalent Grant, and one which will vary from time to time according to the amount that may be paid for English education on the basis that for every £80 England gets Ireland is to get£9; whether on this basis this Grant should have risen by £19,400 for the past year; whether it should rise by a further £24,980 for 1919–20; and whether it is intended to make good the deficiency of £19,400, which Ireland has incurred during the past year, and to pay out the complete amount of £94,380 for the current year?

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has been in communication with the Treasury on the subject of the equivalent Grant for education in Ireland. The education Grants have been given in England and Scotland on certain conditions embodied in the recent English and Scottish Education Acts. The question of Grants for intermediate education cannot be considered apart from the general claims of education in Ireland, and any "equivalent Grant" for education must have regard to Irish educational policy as a whole. The whole subject is being carefully considered by the Government.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether public or private instructions have been issued that untried prisoners or prisoners to be tried by court-martial are not to receive visitors?

Visits to prisoners awaiting trial by courts-martial or trial by Crimes Act Courts have been suspended and withdrawn for the present. Visits to other untried prisoners have not been suspended.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman why permission to visit prisoners has been abolished in Ireland?

Because it was made use of for the purpose of affecting prison discipline there.

asked the Chief Sectary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the accommodation formerly provided for lunatics in Ballymena by the board of guardians is no longer required; and can he say whether the Government propose to take advantage of it for some useful purpose, in view of the great difficulty in obtaining suitable buildings at the present time?

This matter is being inquired into by the Local Government Board, after consultation with the board of guardians.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what opportunities are given to the relatives of condemned persons to see them before execution; and, if such opportunities are given, what rules apply to the visits?

Such visits are allowed. Prison Rule No. 95 provides that a prisoner under sentence of death may be visited by such relations, friends, and legal advisers as he desires to see and are authorised to visit him by a member of the Prison Visiting Committee.

asked the Home Secretary what length of time is allowed to elapse between the decision to carry out a sentence of death and the execution; and whether this lapse of time is governed by any Home Office order or by custom?

The Criminal Appeal Act, 1907, provides that a sentence of death shall not be executed until the expiration of the time (ten days) within which notice of appeal may be given. Subject to this, it is the duty of the sheriff to fix the date of execution. The Home Office has advised that it should be fixed for a day in the week following the 3rd Sunday after the passing of the sentence, or, if there is an appeal, from fourteen to eighteen days after the dismissal of an appeal.

May I ask the hon. Baronet on what principle this lapse of time is allowed to take place. Is it so that the condemned man may repent, or so that the High Sheriff shall make sufficient arrangements for the execution?

The delay is considered a decent delay in the interests of the prisoner and his friends, and it is also designed to give the sheriff an opportunity of preparing for the gruesome event.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the appointment of a tribunal to which enemy aliens may appeal for exemption from repatriation, he will consider the advisability of appointing a tribunal to which aliens of friendly or neutral nations who have been recommended for deportation may appeal?

I fear my right hon. Friend cannot accept the suggestion made in the question. The problems are not analogous. The general policy of repatriation adopted by the Government affects the whole body of interned alien enemies and in order to avoid injustice and undue hardship to individuals, a tribunal has been appointed to settle the individual cases which may properly be made exceptions to the rule. Deportation, on the other hand, is directed only against individuals and is founded on facts showing that they are persons whom it is undesirable to retain in this country.

May I ask whether the hon. Baronet will consider the fact that there have been cases of injustice, and set up a tribunal for appeals by persons under sentence of deportation?

:I am not aware that there have been any cases of unjustifiable deportation. The second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question is dealt with in my answer to the main question.

asked the Home Secretary how many lives have been lost by the use of portable breathing apparatus while being worn by men in rescue or other work in noxious gases in underground workings, and at rescue stations while men were being trained; how many men have had their health permanently injured by training; and if any lives have been, or could possibly be, saved by members of rescue brigades wearing the apparatus?

About twelve persons have lost their lives when using portable breathing apparatus since it was first introduced at mines. No cases of injury to health by training have been reported. It is impossible in the nature of things to estimate the loss of life which has been prevented by the use of breathing apparatus for rescue and exploring work, and for dealing with underground fires; but it is undoubtedly the case that lives have been saved and that the risks attached to such work are greatly diminished by the use of breathing apparatus. I am informed that breathing apparatus of the types used in coal mines was used on a very extensive scale for rescue work by the tunnelling companies on the Western Front, and that many lives were saved by its use.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that some lives have been lost, and also that in the training several men have been injured, by the use of this apparatus?

These supplementary questions were covered by my answer to the main question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will remove the ban placed by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police on subscriptions being made by members of the National Union of Police and Prison Officers for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to officers retiring on pension, seeing that Section 5 ( f ) of the Police Superannuation Act, 1906, was created for the purpose of cheeking presentations from the members of the public only and not from police officers?

Testimonials to retiring members of the force have hitherto been bonâ fide tributes of goodwill, shared in by practically every one of the retiring man's colleagues. Recently the National Union of Police and Prison Officers have sought to limit these testimonials to members of their body, presumably for the purpose of compelling all members of the police to join the union. This seems an abuse of a kind which is properly dealt with under Section 5 ( f ) of the Police Superannuation Act, 1906. The Commissioner informs me that it has been clearly proved that this move on the part of the union has prejudicially affected non-members of the union who have retired.

Can the hon. Baronet state in what manner it has prejudicially affected the non-union men, and whether the principle which the policemen seek to apply to members of their union does not obtain in all other unions in the United Kingdom?

I have nothing to add in answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. In answer to the second part, it has been laid down as a matter of policy that the Police Union is not comparable to any other union in the Kingdom.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Defence of the Realm Act Regulation No. 1,655, as regards the size of head-lights on cars, can now be modified, in view of the fact that a five-inch light is insufficient for driving in the country on dark roads at twenty miles an hour; whether a new Regulation may be framed by which the glare of head-lights may be modified by shading the top of the light; and whether he is aware that the great majority of Government cars have head-lights far exceeding in diameter the five-inch Regulation, and that a very large number are unshaded, in contravention of the Defence of the Realm Act Order No. 1655?

I would point out that headlights exceeding 5 inches in diameter may be used (in addition to sidelights), provided they are shaded as required by the Order and do not exceed the prescribed limits of power. For reasons which my right hon. Friend has already explained, he does not see his way to withdraw the restrictions at present. If unshaded headlights exceeding 5 inches in diameter are used by persons driving in Government cars, it is for the police to take the necessary action.

Does not the hon. Baronet think it is absolutely dangerous to drive on dark country roads with lights covered with tissue paper, as the Order, which is only a recent one, permits?

I cannot speak as an expert on that, because the Home Office is one of the Departments not provided with a car.

May I suggest that the hon. Baronet should get one of the many motor cars hanging round the War Office? Will he look further into the matter, with a view to obtaining the advice of an expert to see whether or not it is dangerous to drive a heavy car with headlights covered with tissue paper on country roads?

The whole matter is being considered so that the Regulations may be put on a permanent basis, and no doubt the questions raised will be considered.

Will the hon. Baronet also try to make Regulations to see that lights on carts are according to regulation, and that cases are properly brought before the authorities?

If lights on carts are not according to the Regulations it is a matter for the police.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what premises formerly in the occupation of the Government have been surrendered since the date of the Armistice?

One hundred and eight sets of premises have actually been surrendered since the Armistice, including the Hotel Victoria, Carter's Hotel, Adelphi Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel, the Constitutional Club, Covent Garden Theatre, sufficient of the London Museum to enable it to be re-opened to the public, part of the London County Hall, and a number of offices in municipal and other public buildings used during the War for recruiting and other purposes. Seven other sets of premises are about to be surrendered, including the Hotel Cecil and the Royal United Services Institution, Whitehall.

How many of these hotels are ready for occupation and how long will it take to make the rest of them ready?

I am not aware that any of them are ready yet.

To what extent have schools which have been in the occupation of Government Departments, and in which the children have become half-timers or attendance has been restricted, been restored?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are old railway employés who have served over forty years and are qualified to retire but are unable to do so owing to the small pension, in some instances only 12s. a week, to which they are entitled; whether the railway companies are unable to grant any increase owing to Government control; and, if so, whether, in consideration of the increase of living, steps will be taken to grant an additional sum to these old employés, which, while enabling them to retire in decent comfort, would by this retirement throw open posts that might be filled by younger men?

I am afraid that I cannot add to the reply given on this subject to the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham, on the 17th March, of which I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether those men employed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights who have reached the age of sixty years, and who have been awaiting discharge on pension during the past three years, will now be discharged?

I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that they do not propose to take any steps in this matter until the conclusion of Peace.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any increase has been made in the pre-war rate of 1s. 9d. per day victualling allowance made to men living on rock stations in the employment of the Commissioners of Irish Lights; and if, in view of the increased cost of living, he will recommend such an increase in the victualling allowance as will enable these men to cope with the increased cost of provisions?

No increase has been made in the victualling allowance in question, but these men participate with other employés of the Irish Lights Board in the war bonus sanctioned by the Board of Trade to meet the increased cost of living. The amount of the bonus is that which has been approved from time to time by the Treasury for men in His Majesty's Civil Service.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the recent results of chemical research demonstrating that nitrogen compounds can be procured from the atmosphere; whether at present our supply of nitrate is entirely imported from foreign countries; and whether it is his intention to encourage the home manufacture of nitrate by the new methods discovered, thereby freeing us from dependence on foreign countries and developing what it is hoped may become a great new industry in this country?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is yes. As regards the last part of the question, the whole matter has been considered by a strong Committee appointed by the Minister of Munitions, which has just reported. I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to any further Government action in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Sunday school treats have been abandoned during the War, but that school superintendents have been promising the children the renewal of their annual treat when Peace comes, that disappointment to numbers of children will be caused if the treats are not given, and that the present scale of railway fares is prohibitive; and whether it is possible for him to afford facilities for cheap transit of Sunday school scholars for their annual treat during June and July and thus allow numbers of town-bred children to have a day in the country?

The question whether anything can be done in the direc- tion suggested is now under consideration, and I will inform the hon. Gentleman when a decision has been reached.

Will the hon. Gentleman also bring within the ambit of the survey questions such as girls' clubs in great towns and young boys' clubs, whose annual visits to the country two or three days at a time have been given up during the War?

Yes, all these questions are being considered, and I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that it is the desire of the Board of Trade and the Railway Executive Committee if possible to meet his wishes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the present railway fares are acting adversely in the interests of the thousands of demobilised soldiers who are desirous of playing cricket, football, and other outdoor pastimes; is he aware that the former rates of a single fare and a quarter for the return journey to athletic grounds are no longer available and that therefore a fare which, prior to August, 1914, was 1s. 3d. return now costs 3s.; and if, considering the importance of encouraging outdoor sport in the interests of the physical welfare of players, he will arrange for a reduction of the rates at present charged?

I regret that, in view of the present position of the railways, the concession suggested by the hon. Gentleman could not be given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to amend the rates at present charged by the railway companies so that they may more closely correspond to present running costs; and, if so, at what date?

I think that an advance in railway goods rates may have to be made, but I cannot say on what date. The question will fall to be considered by the Ministry of Ways and Commuications when it is established.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will request the Taff Vale Railway Company to erect some suitable shelters at the Pontycynon, Abercwmboi, and Matthewstown halts upon their Aberdare branch, so that men, women, and children may find some shelter from the rain and bad weather; is he aware that illness and even deaths have been caused by the company's neglect of such convenience to the travelling public; and if his Department will at once take steps to protect the public health in this matter?

I understand that shelters are already provided at the first two halts named in the question. As regards Matthewstown, I am making inquiries respecting the erection of some simple type of shelter, and I will let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept it from me, knowing the district, that there are no shelters at all there proportionate to what I am asking for and that the workers, their wives and families have to suffer in consequence. The company is doing well and can afford to place shelters there for the safety and health of the people. Will the hon. Gentleman see that they make some attempt to serve the public interest as well as their own?

I understand the hon. Member to say the shelters there are not suitable?

No.

I will certainly inquire further of the company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the practice of the London and South Western Railway diverting coal trucks belonging to coal merchants which are being sent back to collieries for coal and other traffic; whether he is aware that the shortage of coal at Alton, Hants, is chiefly due to this practice; whether the Coal Controller had arranged with the railway company that no truck belonging to coal merchants owning less than twenty trucks should be taken by the railway company for their own traffic and that, in spite of this arrangement, Messrs. Sayers and Cox received a notice, on Saturday, 10th May, stating that their truck No. 20 had been taken for convey- ance of traffic from Nine Elms to Southampton; and whether he will take the necessary steps to see that the railway company keep the arrangement made by the Coal Controller?

I understand that Messrs. Sayers and Cox have already been in communication with the Controller of Coal Mines with regard to the wagon to which the hon. Member refers, and that as a result of inquiries addressed to the railway company it has been ascertained that the wagon in question was loaded back to Southampton under a misapprehension. There is no arrangement exempting wagons belonging to merchants owning less than twenty trucks from the operation of the Private Owners' Wagons (Use when Empty) Order, 1917, nor would it be practicable to make such an arrangement, but the railway company state that they have taken steps to prevent a recurrence of cases such as that of which complaint is made. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on Monday last, inquiries are being made into the supply of coal to Alton; in the meantime, an emergency supply of 50 tons has been dispatched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet succeeded in making arrangements with the Ministry of Shipping and the War Office so as to increase the accommodation available for civilian passengers between Ireland and England, especially between Kingstown and Holyhead?

I am informed by the Ministry of Shipping that a considerable number of steamers have now been released from Government service, or are now being released to the Irish cross-Channel services, so that it is hoped that adequate accommodation will be available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large amount of time spent by manufacturers in filling up Government forms, Form Z 8, issued by the Industrial War Inquiries branch, can now be discontinued, and the necessary staff employed upon more useful work?

During the period of industrial reconstruction, it is of great importance that the Government Departments concerned should be supplied with information as to the progress of reconstruction in the different industries and in the different districts. I hope, therefore, that the employers who have assisted the Board of Trade in its task of collecting such useful information will be so kind as to continue to furnish the particulars asked for in the Form Z 8 to which my hon. Friend refers. I do not feel that it is possible to dispense with this Return at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that unrestricted importation of manufactured wood goods of all kinds is prejudicing the position of manufacturers who, to meet the emergency, started manufacturing in this country on a large scale during the War and who now find themselves hard pressed by the decontrol of importation before they are able to readjust home conditions; and whether he will investigate the position of these British manufacturers?

My hon. Friend is misinformed. There is no unrestricted importation of manufactured wood goods. The importation of manufactured wood goods is at present closely restricted. The case for relaxing these restrictions will shortly come before the Imports Consultative Council, to whom the representations contained in the hon. Member's question will be submitted.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give favourable consideration to the question of permitting individuals, and more especially men who have served in the Royal Navy and Army, to count towards pension their aggregate terms of service in all branches of His Majesty's Service?

I understand the proposal to be that those who have served in the Navy and Army and are subsequently appointed to established positions in the Civil Service should have rights of pension in respect of their naval and military service not possessed by their less fortunate comrades who do not succeed in obtaining such employment in the Civil Service. There is no power to adopt this course under the existing law and I do not see my way to introduce legislation for the purpose.

Does not the present system put men who enter the Army and Navy and later transfer to the Post Office and other branches of the Civil Service at a great disadvantage compared with men who enter the Post Office direct and therefore act as a deterrent to recruiting?

No, I cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's description of the case. His proposal would quite clearly place men who joined the established Civil Service from the Army and Navy in a much more fortunate position than those who did not obtain Civil Service posts after their military or naval service.

In what way would that happen? A man of eighteen enters the Service at the same age as a man of eighteen who enters the Post Office direct.

I have failed to make it clear. If of two men entering the Army and serving for the same time one goes to the established Civil Service and one is unable to obtain an established appointment and goes to outside employment the proposal in the question is that the one who obtains Civil Service employment should count his previous military service towards a Civil pension. That would put him in a more favourable position in regard to his Army service than the soldier who is not fortunate enough to obtain Civil Service employment.

In view of the statement of the Secretary of State for War as to the number of recruits that are required, will he not take into consideration the suggestion now made, with a view to enlisting the sympathies of men who are desirous of entering the Army and Navy and then going into Civil Service employment?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

Is it not all State service, and should it not all count for the pension to which they are entitled?

No, Sir. The State employs certain people on the terms that after their service, on a certain date, they are entitled to pension. It also employs other people on terms which do not include pension. That is true, both of the fighting Service and the Civil Service.

asked the Prime Minister whether, especially in view of the possible introduction of general tariffs into this country, he will consider the making of the port of Kingston-upon-Hull into a free port for the re-export of goods to Northern Europe?

This question being hypothetical, I regret that I cannot reply to it.

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government proposes to take in the event of the omnibus and tramcar fares in London being found to be excessive?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. There is no power, except by passing new legislation, to compel a reduction of omnibus fares. The question of tramcar fares does not come within the Home Secretary's jurisdiction, but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer on this subject given by the Acting President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Wednesbury on the 12th May.

Will the hon. Gentleman introduce legislation to reduce these fares if they are found excessive?

Any question about legislation must be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that companies are ad- vertising that their fares have not been raised, and cannot he take some steps to prevent this fraud being perpetrated?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that employers who had guaranteed to allow the difference between military pay and the wages when the men enlisted are now reducing their allowances by the amount of the increase in military pay dating from 1st February last, thus absorbing the payments from the Crown which were intended for the men and their families to meet the increased cost of living; and whether steps will be taken to prevent employers from taking this course?

I have been asked to answer this question. No cases of the kind mentioned have been brought to the notice of the Department. The allowances given by employers to men who enlisted were voluntary payments, and the question of the continuance or alteration of these allowances is not a matter in regard to which I have authority to interfere.

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange that the Vote of the Ministry of Shipping will be, at an early date, placed down for discussion by a Committee of the Whole House, so that an opportunity may be given to raise the question as regards the policy in offering the national shipyards at Chepstow to the Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades of the United Kingdom?

If there be a general desire for the discussion of this Vote, it could no doubt be arranged through the usual channels.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that this is a matter of considerable importance and a policy which ought to be discussed by the House?

I am sure my hon. Friend understands the system on which Supply Votes are always arranged. The Government never fixes the day. They are always ready to consider the wishes of the House.

This question was put down on Tuesday. It was answered by a Special Notice question yesterday. Is it usual to have a Special Notice about questions which are already on the Paper of the House?

The right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Labour party submitted the question to me as an urgent question, and I called upon him. I was not aware until this morning, on looking through the questions, that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had given notice of a precisely similar question. If I had known that at the time I would not have called upon the Leader of the Labour party.

asked whether a document has been sent to commanding officers from the War Office asking for information regarding the troops under their command, and asking whether they will assist in strike-breaking and parade for draft overseas, especially to Russia; and whether the document and the instructions contained in it will be immediately withdrawn?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the answers given yesterday to questions on this subject asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Fife (West).

Are these Reports, which were being sent in weekly, still being sent in to the War Office, or has the practice been discontinued?

I have ascertained that the Reports are still coming in. No order has been issued to discontinue the same. I propose to-morrow morning, on the return of the Secretary of State for War, to bring this matter to his notice.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the discussion in this House on 21st May of the Consular Service, he will take steps to ensure the immediate publication of the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee which had this subject under review?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend yesterday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the date of publication?

I did not definitely promise publication. I said the matter must be considered.

Is it the intention of the Government in future to appoint any foreigners to the Consular Service?

Then that does not arise out of the question, but I certainly see no reason to believe that the Government will make such appointments.

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that the Debate will be next Wednesday?

asked the Prime Minister whether the mandate charters to be given to the Commonwealth of Australia for the administration of the South Pacific Islands will be issued immediately Peace is signed; and, if not, how long a period will elapse before the Commonwealth Government receives these charters?

I regret that it is not possible at this stage to make any statement on this subject, but my hon. Friend may be sure that there will be no unnecessary delay.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the serious character of the Report of the Auditor-General on the transactions of the Ministry of Munitions, any measures are decided upon or in contemplation for punishing and exposing dishonest contractors and for removing from the public service the officials who can be shown to have been responsible for these defalcations?

In accordance with the procedure laid down by Parliament, the Comptroller and Auditor-General's Report is under consideration by the Public Accounts Committee. When that Committee has reported to the House any necessary action will be taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that conscientious objectors have been released from the control of the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors; whether he is aware that the Postmaster-General persists in his refusal to re-employ any of the Post Office servants, who come under this heading; and whether, now that these men are free to seek re-employment, he will issue instructions that no barrier must be placed between them and useful work?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware that the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors have discharged all the men employed under their control. I am consulting with the Treasury as regards the restoration of conscientious objectors to their normal positions in the Post Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Canada no conscientious objectors are allowed to be employed in the Civil Service, and will he take care that none are employed in this country?

I was not aware of that. I am consulting with the Treasury on this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disastrous financial effects on friendly societies generally due to war liabilities; and whether he has considered the possibility of contributing in any way financially to enable them to meet their obligations without undue strain upon their membership?

I am afraid that it is quite out of the question for the State to contribute towards the benefits granted by friendly societies outside the scope of the National Insurance Acts. There is no information in my possession to cause me to think that the friendly societies have suffered disastrous financial effects.

asked what steps are now being taken to ascertain the fate and trace the graves of British prisoners of war who died in Turkish hands; and whether any inquiry will be instituted as to the circumstances under which many of them met their end?

In the case of the great majority of British prisoners of war who died in Turkish hands, definite reports of death have been received either from the Turkish Government or from reliable unofficial sources. A list of all officers and men who are known to have been captured but who have neither been repatriated nor reported to have died has been sent to the British military authorities in the East for them to make such investigations as may be possible and also to the Turkish Government with a demand that each prisoner of war on the list shall be accounted for. The Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries is taking steps to obtain all possible information as to the places of burial of British prisoners of war who died in Turkish hands, and officers of the Directorate are now in Asia Minor prosecuting inquiries. The Turkish Government have been asked to furnish full details of the place of burial in all these cases. Some particulars have been received from two chaplains who were with the prisoners and from the Turkish Red Crescent and other sources. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the evidence accumulated by the Government Committee appointed to inquire as to the treatment by the enemy of British prisoners of war has brought to light a number of cases in which the death of prisoners is attributable to the brutality and callousness of their Turkish captors. This evidence has been examined by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General's Committee, and the action to be taken regarding individuals against whom a good case can be established is now a matter for the Peace Conference to decide and provide for in framing the terms of the Peace Treaty with Turkey.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the difficulty which demobilised soldiers are finding to obtain houses for themselves and families, and the many cases where the wife and children have gone into smaller accommodation while the man was in the Army, the landlords now refuse, to let them have houses; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the great difficulties occasioned by the shortage of houses, and we are using every endeavour to secure the provision of new accommodation. I believe local authorities will give special consideration to the needs of demobilised soldiers in the letting of houses as they are provided under their schemes.

What steps do the Government intend to take to get houses for these men? They are refused because they have children, while the nation is talking about child-life?

We believe that the houses provided by the local authorities under our proposals will enable all parties to get houses whether they have children or not.

What steps does the hon. Gentleman propose to take now?

We are trying to get the local authorities to build houses now.

What is being done to meet the immediate emergency which must be dealt with before the houses are in existence?

We are doing all we can to get the houses put up as rapidly as possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider legislation giving priority to people with children in the allocation of small houses?

We are considering the possibility of doing this by regulation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the following facts in regard to Mr.' John Bendall, of High Street, Berkeley, Gloucestershire: That an ejectment order has been made against him, at the instance of the Earl of Berkeley, by the Berkeley magistrates; that Mr. Bendall has been foreman carpenter to the Earl and his predecessors for twenty years, is now fifty, and was given notice to quit because he accepted work of national importance when men of his age were brought under the Military Service Acts; that he bought, at great sacrifice, a house in the endeavour to comply with the notice served upon him, but cannot get possession of it under the Rent Restriction Acts or without turning the family in occupation into the road; and that the ejectment order was applied for after he had refused an offer by the Earl's surveyor to return to his old job at inadequate wages on which to keep himself, wife, and seven dependent children; and will he take steps to protect this man's interests?

My right hon. Friend has no information as to the case referred to by the hon. Member, nor has he any administrative powers under the Increase of Rent, etc., Acts.

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by saying that his right hon. Friend has no administrative powers? If the rural district council might take some action in the matter, can he not ensure that the rural district council will take action?

I will look into that, but the powers of my right hon. Friend are as stated in my reply.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the State subsidising the housing schemes of local authorities and public utility societies, he will consider the advisability of appointing supervisors so as to prevent the carrying out of unauthorised deviations of housing schemes approved by the Director-General of Housing, and to ensure that the Grants from the National Exchequer are expended according to the directions and regulations of the Board?

The Director-General of Housing has given attention to the question. If necessary, the local commissioners' staffs will be strengthened.

asked whether Roman Catholic priests in Ireland are called on to make, and do make, a return of their income from all sources and are assessed accordingly; whether the dues paid to these priests and the voluntary offerings made to them are taxed in the same way as the Easter offerings and other voluntary offerings made to the clergy of the Church of England and of Ireland are taxed; whether Income Tax is deducted from the salaries paid to Roman Catholic priests in Ireland for their services in Government Departments as prison chaplains or otherwise; and whether there has been any recent change in the practice with regard to these matters and, if so, when the change was made and what was its nature?

The law in relation to returns and assessments for Income Tax purposes is of general application and governs the case of the Roman Catholic clergy in Ireland equally with that of other taxpayers. The dues and offerings are taxed under the same principles as apply in the case of other clergymen. As regards the method of charging Income Tax in the cases referred to in the latter part of the question, tax is deducted from the salaries of Roman Catholic priests holding official positions as prison chaplains or otherwise. There has been no recent change of practice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the actual estimated expenditure for 1919–20 is £1,689,000,000 and the estimated revenue £1,001,000,000, showing a deficit of£688,000,000; if the £254,000,000 already received from the sale of assets created by the previous year's expenditure and the further £200,000,000 estimated to be received from the same source in the current year are excluded; and whether these £454,000,000 would be more properly applied if hypothecated for the redemption of short indebtedness?

No. If I may be permitted to differ from my hon. Friend, I think that the correct figures are given in my Budget Speech.

I would ask my right hon. Friend whether, in the form in which the balance-sheet has been presented in this House, the real financial situation for 1919–20 is not concealed, and that it might be regarded as a faked balance-sheet?

No. I agree with the first part of my hon. Friend's question. The correct position is not concealed. It is shown.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, considering that the livre sterling is four times its normal value, he will take steps to adjust this exchange by giving official guarantee of the actual value of our money, that exports from this country may be encouraged to Eastern Europe and to those Allied and neutral countries where this currency obtains?

I am sorry to say that I have been unable to understand the question, and I do not therefore answer it. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will communicate more fully what he means.