asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, following his Budget proposals to raise the Beer Duty from 50s. to 70s. a barrel, the Government have decided to cease brewing 4d. beer for sale in their licensed premises in the Carlisle district, and to substitute for it a beer, stated to be of heavier specific gravity, which will cost the public 5d. per pint; and whether the example set by the Government is one they wish to see adopted by other brewers throughout the country?

The recent increase in the gravity of the bulk of the beer supplied at Carlisle has been made possible, not by the increase in the rate of duty, but by the increases in the permitted output and in the permitted average gravity which have recently been allowed by the Government. The change has been made in response to a strong local demand, but to what extent the same demand exists in other parts of the country I am not in a position to say.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that there is unrest caused in the Aberdare valleys, South Wales, by the shortage, quality, and prices of meat; and will he take steps to bring about an improvement in these matters?

I have not been informed of the existence of the unrest to which the hon. Member refers. On the contrary, the reports received by the Ministry of the conditions in regard to meat supplies in South Wales have been completely satisfactory. If the hon. Member will supply me with further information on the matter, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received any protests from the Dominion Governments objecting to the price at which their meat is sold here, namely, 1s. 1d. per lb., for the reason that the meat is sold to the Imperial Government at about 6d. per lb., the total cost not exceeding 10d. per lb., the extra 3d. being added by the Ministry of Food when selling to the wholesalers; whether the Ministry has added this extra 3d. to the price in order to average the price paid by the Government for American meat; if so, was this done because the American meat was badly bought and cost more than twice as much f.o.b. as the Australian and New Zealand meat; has the Ministry of Food sold Argentine meat to Belgium at a profit of 3d. or 4d. per lb., while forcing on the British consumer inferior meat from China and elsewhere; and is it the policy of the Food Controller to export meat from the United Kingdom for the supply of the Belgium public, even if such business can be carried on at a profit?

In the latter part of 1918 inquiries were received from the Dominion Governments on the point in question.

As has already been explained on various occasions, it was necessary under the rationing system for meat to be sold at a flat price, and the cost of all meat purchased by the Ministry of Food was therefore averaged. Not more than 10 per cent. of the imported meat consumed in this country in 1918 consisted of meat from. Australasia, and it was necessary, owing to the serious shortage of tonnage prevailing at that time, for the great part of the balance to be imported from North America, where the average level of price was considerably higher than that ruling in the Dominions. I may say, however, that the greater part of the meat imported from Australasia consists of mutton and lamb, which is disposed of for civilian consumption at 11½d. and not at 1s. 1d. per lb.

As regards the latter part of the question, a certain quantity of meat has been sold to the Belgian Government, not at a profit but at the figure which the Ministry of Food was paying for supplies. These shipments, which were not entirely made up of Argentine meat, were exported solely to meet the exigencies of the food situation in Belgium.

asked the Food Controller whether the Government holds large stocks of rice on which, at the present price charged to the British consumer, the Government is making a profit of from £5 to £10 per ton; whether, just prior to the end of the period during which Mr. Hoover had guaranteed a minimum price for bacon, the Food Controller had a stock worth, approximately, £30,000,000 either in this country or on the way, and that in order to get rid of it he had to sell a considerable quantity of it to Holland and Germany; does he propose to take any action to remedy the complaints of the Australian and New Zealand importers that under existing arrangements they are not allotted a fair share in the distribution of the meat which is at the disposal of the Ministry; and, if so, whether the Ministry will consent to allow the Australian and New Zealand importers, to handle their own meat and thus keep their business connections alive instead of, as at present, having it handled by American and other companies, thus jeopardising the Australian and New Zealand trade connections, while the American interests are in no such danger?

The Royal Commission on the Wheat Supplies hold about six months' stock of Burma rice, the purchase price of which has not yet been fixed pending examination by the Government auditors of the rice millers' manufacturing costs. On the basis of the present selling price of the Royal Commission, namely, £25 per ton c.i.f., the profit would be very considerably less than that stated by the hon. and gallant Member, and would be at the rate of rather over £2 per ton. It should be stated, however, that the export of Burma rice of the present crop is prohibited by the Government of India and the current purchase price for rice from other countries is approximately £40 per ton c.i.f.

As regards the second part of the question, the value of the stocks of bacon owned by the Department at the time in question was £15,000,000. It is not the case that sales were made to Holland or Germany to get rid of those stocks. The sale to Holland was made early in January, and that to Germany was replaced by further purchases of bacon in America. As regards the last part of the question, it is not a fact that under the existing arrangements Australian and New Zealand importers do not receive for distribution a fair share of the meat which is at the Ministry's disposal. These importers handle all their own meat which is not required for Army purposes, and, so far as I am aware, no Australian or New Zealand meat is being handled by American or other companies. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me any instance of Australian or New Zealand meat which is being placed with American companies for distribution, I will have immediate inquiries made.

asked the Food Controller whether instructions have been issued to local food committees to ter- minate the arrangement with their inspectors in June next; whether it is proposed that after that date the Orders relating to weights, measures, and prices shall be enforced by the police; whether the enforcement of these Orders is at present being carried out largely by sanitary inspectors in conjunction with their duties as food inspectors and inspectors under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, which arrangement was made at the suggestion of the Local Government Board; and whether, in the interests of the consumer and with a view to the prevention of profiteering, some arrangement could be arrived at by which these inspectors shall continue their duties so long as the Food Orders remain in operation?

Instructions have been issued to food control committees to the effect that a special inspecting staff should not, save in exceptional cases, be required after 30th June, and should not in any case be retained after that date, except with the sanction of the Food Commissioner. The enforcement of the Orders of this Ministry is at present carried out by local inspectors, acting under the food control committees, by divisional inspectors under the Orders of the Food Commissioner, by the police, and by inspectors of weights and measures in certain cases. There is also a staff of inspectors acting directly under the Ministry. The local inspectors are not necessarily sanitary inspectors, but these officers have frequently been employed for the purpose, as suggested in the question. The police have independent powers of prosecution, and have always assisted in the enforcement of the Orders of the Ministry of Food. It is hoped that after the end of June the work of enforcement will be effectively carried out by the divisional inspectors with the assistance of the police, save in the exceptional cases already referred to, in which I will be prepared to sanction the retention of a local staff.

asked the Food Controller whether it is proposed to abolish coupons for meat; if so, whether he is satisfied that the abolition of the coupon will not result in the revival of queues; and whether, in view of the undesirability of reviving such a system, he will give this matter serious consideration?

Coupons for meat were abolished on 3rd May; although a retailer may still require the customer's ration book to be produced when purchases are made in order to ensure, by marking spaces in the book, that an excess amount is not supplied. I will take all steps in my power to prevent the revival of queues if the need should arise.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the statement by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food that there is an actual loss to the State at present of at least 4d. on every quartern loaf sold at 9d., he will state, by adducing prices, how the cost of 13d. per quartern loaf to the State is arrived at; what is the aggregate of this loss per year to the State; and whether there is any immediate prospect of a reduction in this amount?

It is difficult within the limits of a Parliamentary answer to give the figures for which the hon. Member asks, and I am accordingly causing a statement on the subject to be sent to him. It is estimated that the loss to the State—that is to say, the aggregate of the bread subsidy—is at a rate not exceeding £50,000,000 per annum. I am afraid that there appears no prospect of a material reduction in this amount, at any rate during the next few months.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the reason for the delay in paying naval gratuities and prize money; whether he is aware that thousands of sailors are still awaiting payment; and whether he will take steps to expedite settlement of these claims?

As regards war gratuities, no delay is taking place in the payments to men already discharged during the War or demobilised, except in a very limited number of cases in which, owing to the absence of certain particulars, difficulty is arising in establishing the proper amount payable, etc. Of the very many thousands of men discharged and demobilised who are entitled to this gratuity, comparatively few cases are remaining unpaid, and the investment of the gratuities in the bulk of these instances will be authorised in sufficient time to permit of the savings bank book being delivered to the man at the end of his dispersal leave. The war gratuities to men of the permanent Naval Service are not due until the prescribed terminating date of the qualifying war period has been reached. Meanwhile, of course, increments of war gratuity are being earned.

As regards prize money, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 5th March last, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is still proposed to sell any condemned or obsolete British war vessels to salvage companies to be broken up; and whether he will consider the advisability of making use of these vessels in satisfying the needs of the people by placing them in convenient positions in the estuaries of rivers round our coasts in charge of naval pensioners, to be used for workers of all classes, convalescent hospitals, children's holiday and training homes, headquarters of sailing, swimming, boating, and scouts clubs, all of which would be in relief of the housing problem?

Obsolete war vessels that may be for disposal will be advertised from time to time. Some of them will be sold without conditions as to breaking up, and, therefore, purchasers will be able to put these to any use for which they may be suitable. The Admiralty do not contemplate the organisation of any such scheme as that referred to in the second part of the question. It would seem to be rather a matter for the Local Government Board than for the Admiralty. But it should be added that old Navy vessels do not necessarily lend themselves to such purposes; and fitting-up, upkeep, provision of moorings, etc., would be costly items.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any decision has been arrived at in regard to the disposal of the surrendered enemy warships by sinking the same in mid-ocean?

No decision has yet been come to. The question is under consideration by the Peace Conference.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to publish the Report of the Committee, presided over by Admiral Sir Robert Lowry, on the Manning of the Mercantile Marine?

This Report has been referred for the consideration of the National Maritime Board, and it is proposed to await the expression of their views before considering the question of publishing the Report.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, with regard to the case of men over thirty-seven, why these men are still being retained in the Army, and especially men in the plumbing and building trades, whose work at home is so much needed?

The demobilisation of all men over thirty-seven, except those who are serving under pre-war conditions, and whose term of Colour service is not completed, is proceeding as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit. As I have already stated in the House, 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 with regard to the case of Private Harvey Schofield, No. 25060, 15th Lancashire Fusiliers (1st Salfords), attached 96th Infantry Brigade, at Bonn, of 2, Shepherd Street, Salford, whether he is aware that this man joined up in 1915 and saw service abroad, that he is one of eight children and the support of his mother who is a widow, that frequent applications have been made to the War Office for his demobilisation in accordance with the regulations, and that no answer can be obtained from the War Office?

An application for Private Schofield's release on compassionate grounds was received, but after careful consideration it was decided that the facts put forward were not of such an extreme nature as to warrant his demobilisation on these grounds. If he joined for continuous service prior to 1st January, 1916, 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.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Private Thomas Conway, No. 364230, 12th Lancashires, headquarters in France, formerly in the 15th Lancashire Fusiliers (1st Salfords), and of 35, Frederick Street, Salford, whether he is aware that this man joined up in 1914 and saw service abroad, and is eligible for demobilisation under the Regulations; and that frequent applications have been made to the War Office for his demobilisation, and no answer can be obtained?

An application was received for Private Conway's release on compassionate grounds, but as the facts put forward were not of such an extreme nature as to warrant his release on these grounds it was refused. If his age and length of service are as stated by my hon. Friend he is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Corporal F. Fabrom, No. 12032, 16th Lancashire Fusiliers (2nd Salfords), now at No. 1 Dispersal Unit, Prees Heath, Whit-church, of 12, Artisans' Dwellings, South Salford, whether he is aware that this man joined up in 1915 and saw service abroad, that he also has a widowed mother dependent on him, and is entitled to demobilisation under the Regulations; and that frequent application has been made to the War Office, but no answer can be obtained?

Corporal Fabbron 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. If he joined for continuous service prior to the 1st January, 1916, 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. As this man is serving with a dispersal unit he is liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation until his services can be spared or he can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the demobilisation of Driver F. Gardiner, No. T 4/249,346, Royal Army Service. Corps, attached to the 123rd Field Ambulance, 75th Division, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, in view of the fact that this man prior to the War served for two years voluntarily with the 2nd South Midlands Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, was mobilised on the 5th August, 1914, proceeded to Egypt April, 1915, since when he has had no leave, and since when he has served in Egypt, Gallipoli, and Palestine?

Driver Gardiner 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.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private E. Biddle, No. 66098, Royal Army Medical Corps, B Section, 79th Field Ambulance, British Salonika Force, Macedonia, who joined the Army in August, 1915, and has had no leave for years, has not been demobilised and allowed to return home; and when will he be?

Private Biddle 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. 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.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the reason that has led to the delay in demobilising Sergeant N. Travers, No. 5027, Army Service Corps, Expeditionary Force Canteen, a B1 man who would have been demobilised prior to 1st February, but was asked to remain on during a critical period on the understanding that he was demobilised during the first week of that month: whether Sergeant Travers has a doctor's certificate as to his wife's ill-health and that his employers, Messrs. Johnston, of 36, Botolph Lane, have informed him that they can no longer hold open for him his position in their firm; what immediate steps he proposes to take; and if a soldier can be forced to serve against his will in the Army and Navy Canteen Board?

Sergeant Travers 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. The Expeditionary Force Canteens form part of the Royal Army Service Corps, and men serving in that branch of the Service have to be eligible for demobilisation under current instructions to be released. If this non-commissioned officer is eligible under such instructions he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Mackenzie, No. 5523, 1st Battalion, British Expeditionary Force, Mesopotamia, is admitted by the War Office to be eligible for demobilisation on account of his war service; whether his relatives have been told that he must make application to his commanding officer to be put in an early draft for dispersal; and whether it is the policy of the War Office to place upon the men themselves the responsibility for applying for demobilisation?

Private Mackenzie is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If he is eligible for demobilisation under current instructions, he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit. With regard to the last part of the question, I have already stated in this House that in my opinion commanding officers are the best fitted to judge what men they are able to release, and I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate the fact that the War Office is not in possession of full particulars of every man serving. Except in cases where special circumstances warrant a man's immediate demobilisation, the War Office does not give instruc- tions for the release of individual soldiers. I may add that senior officers have been appointed to inspect the registers of units 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 Sergeant F. A. Greenham, No. 022529, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who enlisted under the Derby scheme, and was ordered to Russia in August, 1918, is forty-three years of age, married, and the proprietor of a one-man business; whether he will order Sergeant Greenham's immediate demobilisation, and the substitution of a younger man, in view of the fact that Sergeant Greenham is now on leave in this country and that consequently no derangement of transport is involved in his release; whether he is aware that analogous cases exist in the Russian Expeditionary Force; and whether he will order the demobilisation of all men in these categories who are retained in Russia by compulsion when transport facilities permit?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the conduct of demobilisation, consideration is given in the case of men who, having volunteered either before or under the Derby scheme, were rejected, but were subsequently passed for military service?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley on the 8th instant, of which I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who have spent three summers in Mesopotamia have been medically examined to see whether they are fit to stand another summer in that country; whether these men are eligible and have been promised demobilisation; and whether he will see that this promise is carried out?

I am not aware that any men in Mesopotamia have been medically examined for the purpose stated by my hon. Friend, but if they have spent three summers there they are probably eligible for demobilisation, unless they are serving under pre-war conditions of service and their term of Colour service has not been completed. Those who are eligible for demobilisation will be demobilised as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the reasons for the delay in the matter of the demobilisation of men of the Royal Army Medical Corps who enlisted in 1914 and 1915; and what steps are being taken to surmount any peculiar difficulties?

Personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps, 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, and they are being replaced by men who are not eligible for demobilisation as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that as the troops serving in France and Belgium between 4th August and 21st November, 1914, are to be awarded a special distinction by being given the 1914 star, any special distinction can also be conferred on the troops who were serving in other theatres of war during the same period, some of whom had been in action while serving in Mesopotamia?

The troops referred to by my hon. Friend are eligible to receive the 1914–15 star.

asked the Secretary of State for War what recognition will be given to officers and men who were detained in England on home service during the whole of the War on account of their medical category and other reasons not under their control; and whether it is the intention of the War Office to issue to these men some recognition other than the official stereotyped letter which many of them have already received?

Yes, Sir, due recognition will be given to all officers and men who have served with the Colours during the War. An Army Order on this subject will be published shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is intended that the great provincial centres shall have a victory march of the various branches of His Majesty's Army and Navy connected with the respective districts, on similar lines to the marches recently performed and those arranged for in London?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question put by the right hon. Member for South Molton on the 15th April, to the effect that General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in the various Commands have been instructed to communicate with lords lieutenant, lord mayors, and other authorities with a view to ascertaining their wishes as regards the holding of triumphal processions in the big towns later on in the year, and seeing how the proposed arrangements can be co-ordinated. The General Officers Commanding will report the proposals to the War Office, indicating in what way the War Office can best co-operate.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made since his last statement in the completion of memorial scrolls and plaques; and how many have now been issued to relatives of those who fell in the War?

Some 20,000 scrolls have been actually inscribed and their dispatch will be commenced shortly. The factory for manufacturing the plaques is not yet finished, and will probably not be ready for two months. It has not, therefore, been possible to issue any plaque to relatives, though preparations are now in an advanced stage.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of British troops at present stationed in Ireland?

The number is 58,362 officers and other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that of the men in the 60th Labour Company, Antwerp, 50 per cent. have been relegated to the unit on account of wounds and other disabilities received in the fighting line, and that the other 50 per cent. are men who, owing to physical disabilities, were enlisted in the Labour Corps; that, in spite of the physical condition of these men, they have to rise at 6.30 in the morning, parade for work at 7.30, commence at 8 o'clock loading, examining, and stacking all calibres of ammunition at an average of 2 tons a man per day; that three officers and three clerks are all the staff to pay out 500 men, and there are no means of recreation provided; that whilst the men are not paid as workmen, they are not treated as regards pay, recreation, etc., as soldiers; and whether he will have inquiries made into these complaints with a view of these men being apportioned work more in keeping with their physical strength?

I am not aware of this, but a report is being called for, and I will write to my right hon. Friend on the matter later.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers in the Caucasus are being told that they will only be entitled to the increased pay of 10s. per week from 1st February, 1919, if they volunteered for a further twelve months' service; and whether the War Office will instruct commanding officers to inform their men that the increased rate of pay was granted in consideration of the increased cost of living and will be payable whether men volunteer for further service or not?

Soldiers serving in the Caucasus are treated, as regards bonus, in the same way as soldiers serving elsewhere. The bonus is not given in respect of increased cost of living. It is payable from 1st February to men who are definitely retained for the Armies of Occupation or the military machinery of demobilisation. Soldiers who are not so retained, but have volunteered for one year's service with the Armies of Occupation, receive the bonus from the date of volunteering. Those who have not been definitely retained and have not volunteered receive the bonus from 1st May.

asked the Secretary of State for War what he proposes to do with the huts and wooden buildings at Etaples and other camps in France; if the same can be taken down and transported to England; and if he has made inquiry of contractors as to how they can deal with them to the best advantage, whether by light sawmills on the spot or in some other way?

The Commissioner of the Disposal Board in France is in constant communication with the Controller of the Huts and Building Materials Disposal Section in this country, as to whether huts, etc., can be sold to better advantage in France or in the United Kingdom. It is probable that in view of transport charges, etc., it will in many cases be more advantageous to sell huts in France, particularly if they can be sold in situ. I should again point out that the Disposal Board cannot deal with any such property until it has been notified as surplus by the War Office, and I do not know whether any notification to this effect has yet been received with regard to the particular huts at Etaples.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to remove the rails and sleepers from the temporary railways built by us in France and get them transported by the Rich-borough ferry to England; and why so little is being done during the fine weather season?

The Minister of Munitions has recently appointed a Railway Liquidation Commission, under the chairmanship of Sir Ernest Moir, which has already proceeded to France and has under consideration the disposal of railway plant and materials in that country. This Commission is working in conjunction with the Disposals Boards, who will decide whether these stores and plant can be disposed of to better advantage overseas or whether they should be brought back to this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to remove a certain amount of anxiety entertained by the friends of some of the troops stationed in Germany, a statement can be published respecting the rations provided for the Forces of the Crown serving in that country?

I am circulating in the Official Report a full statement of the information desired by my Noble and gallant Friend.

The following is the information referred to :

Scale of Rations for British and Dominion Troops in Army and Cavalry Corps Areas, General Headquarters.

Normal Ration.

Two issues weekly may be made to men employed in dope shops, Royal Air Force.

Issue of rum at the rate of 400 gallons per week for Infantry Divisions, and 150 gallons per week for Cavalry Divisions, irrespective of situation of Divisions, approved from 20th November, 1918, coversall issues, including Army troops, corps troops, liberated prisoners of war, etc., and distribution left to discretion of Army commanders, etc. No additional issues will be considered.

Men in trenches and men of R.H.A., R.F.A., or R.G.A., when in action, may draw daily scale of increase (i).

Army commanders may draw scale of increase (ii) daily as under:

( a ) During summer months for 3 per cent. of total Army feeding strengths:

( b ) during winter months for 15 per cent. of total Army feeding strengths.

This pool is intended to cover extra issues previously sanctioned during severe weather and active operations, and will include all issues to Labour units working in Army areas. No demands for further extras will be considered, and the distribution of the pool is left to the discretion of Army commanders.

The following increase to normal daily ration has been granted for all young soldier battalions of British Army on the Rhine:

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will have special inquiries made as to the quality and quantity of the food rations issued to the men serving in Mesopotamia, so that those who are detained there owing to delays in demobilisation shall not have cause to complain of the insufficiency and inferiority of their food, as appears to be the case at present?

The scale and quality of the rations supplied to the troops in Mesopotamia are the same as provided in other theatres of war. The scale is considered ample, and is approved by the medical authorities as specially suitable for the climate. In these circumstances, I do not think any special inquiry is called for.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that there is criticism among the troops in India as to the quality of the rations served out to them, with the result that they have to exhaust all their pay in buying essential supplementary food; and whether he will investigate the matter at once?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question on his behalf. The Secretary of State for India has received no information on this subject, but will inquire. A Committee was recently appointed to examine certain matters relating to the rations of British and Indian troops and its recommendations are now under the consideration of the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether E. Townley, No. 36361, Gloucestershire Regiment, was court-martial led as a conscientious objector for the third time on 23rd April and sentenced to two years' hard Labour, commuted to one year, which he is now serving in Horfield Gaol; and whether this is in contravention of his pledge on 3rd April that all soldiers who had served imprisonment would be discharged from the Army?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Tuesday last to questions on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme. I am informed that Townley had not completed twenty months imprisonment in the aggregate. There has, therefore, been no contravention of the pledge given on the 3rd April.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the continued military occupation of the city of Leeds Training College at Beckett Park, Leeds, which has accommodation for 480 students, is having a serious effect upon education in the North of England; whether immediate steps can be taken to evacuate the college buildings in order that they may be placed in repair for the reception of students in September next; and whether the city of Leeds has been pressing for this course to be taken since December last without receiving a reply from the military authorities?

An appeal for the release of the Leeds City Training College was received in the War Office on the 8th instant, and the local military authorities were asked to report as to the possibility of releasing the premises in order that educational work at the college may be resumed in the autumn. A reply has not yet been received, but there will be no avoidable delay in dealing with the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in repatriating any of the European troops in India after the hot season, he will take care that the fullest provision be made to safeguard their health in their transmission to a cold European climate; and whether he will instruct the Indian authorities on the subject, more especially since some men will by then have been in India for five years without leave?

The attention of the authorities in India has recently been drawn to the necessity of safeguarding the health of the British troops returning from India, and the matter is also being given special consideration by the Army Council in conjunction with the Ministry of Shipping.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether many regimental paymasters, in the statement of accounts issued to men on demobilisation, are deducting £1 in respect of Army greatcoats; whether this is in keeping with existing Regulations; whether it is the case that the greatcoat belongs to the man; and, whether, in view of widespread misunderstanding on the point, the man who decides to return the greatcoat on demobilisation is entitled to £1 in place of it?

Although the soldier is allowed on demobilisation to take away his military greatcoat for wear during the period of his furlough, the coat remains the property of the State and not of the man, and £1 is held back from the balance due to him against its return. He can receive the £1on handing in the greatcoat at any railway station, or if heprefers it he can retain the coat, in which case the £1 is not refunded to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who re-enlist under Army Orders 4 and 124, of 1919, are ineligible for separation allowance for their wives and dependants unless separation allowance was issuable on 10th December, 1918; and whether such men who are married after that date are to be permanently refused separation allowance?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, separation allowance is not issuable in respect of a re-enlisted soldier married after 10th December, 1918, unless and until he is admitted to the married establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lance-Sergeant Harold Beech, No. 243033, D Company, 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was promoted to that rank on the field for gallantry in action on 3rd May, 1917; whether he is aware that, despite the fact that he has been drawing lance-sergeant's pay to the date of his discharge in January, 1918, he has been discharged as a lance-corporal, which deprives him of several advantages both as to pension pay and Service gratuity; and whether he will undertake to have this matter adjusted?

I am having inquiry made in this case, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the system of paying the special war gratuity in a certain proportion to the widow of a deceased soldier and investing the balance for the benefit of the children in the Orphan Savings Bank of the War Office is occasioning much hardship; whether he is prepared to consider proposals to pay either the whole of the gratuity now, especially if the sum involved is small; and whether, if this course cannot be adopted, arrangements will be made to provide advances from the invested funds from time to time as the widow requires them for the proper maintenance and upbringing of the children?

I am not aware that the course followed, which is in accordance with the law of intestacy, is productive of avoidable hardship. The whole sum is, under present practice, paid to the widow unless the children's share is large enough to be worth investing, and advances are made from invested funds if the circumstances justify such a course on the recommendation of a minister, magistrate, or other responsible person.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the gratuities given to Regular officers of each rank from lieutenant to major-general after the South African War; and what are the gratuities to be given to each rank in respect of the present War?

I will have the figures printed in the Official Report.

The following is the statement referred to :

South African War

For service in the United Kingdom, nil.

For service in South Africa:—

Second Lieutenant, £30.

Lieutenant, £37 10s.

Captain, £60.

Major, £80.

Lieutenant-Colonel, £160.

Colonel, £160.

Brigadier-General, £285.

Major-General, £380.

Present War

The minimum is:

Second Lieutenant, £35.

Lieutenant, £40.

Captain, £45.

Major, £60.

Lieutenant-Colonel, £75.

With £1 per month for each month after first twelve months if service has been abroad; 10s. if at home.

Colonel, £100.

Brigadier-General, £140.

With £2 per month for each month after first twelve months if service has been abroad; £1 if at home.

Major-General, £200.

With £3 per month for each month after first twelve months if service has been abroad; £1 10s. if at home.

The maximum for five years is:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether service gratuities are granted to officers who have received their commissions while serving in a civilian capacity in Government Departments and have never carried out any military duties, peaceful or otherwise, on the same scale as in the case of officers who have been on active service and who, in a large proportion of cases, have been subjected to risk and hardship over a long period; and, if so, whether he will consider the possibility of drawing some distinction between these two classes of soldiers?

This question has already been very fully and carefully considered. While the existence of a broad contrast of the kind indicated in the question is recognised, it is found impossible without intolerable complication to make a monetary distinction applicable to all the intermediate classes and cases.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, seeing that when the increased Army allowance was given to the Expeditionary Forces of the Army and Navy, also increased pensions to the police forces of Great Britain, it was understood at the same time that provision would also be made for the old Army and Navy Service men who had done duty prior to 1914, the Government will consider the advisability of making an increase to such old-Service men, who are in many cases only in receipt of pensions of 6d. per day and suffering great hardship due to increased cost of living?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The War Office has no knowledge of any understanding to the effect stated. I can add nothing to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South-port on 20th February last.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that no grant has yet been issued to Lieutenant Ezekiel Agnew, Army dental surgeon; and, as this officer has been compelled to go into debt to the extent of nearly £100 since he was called up, whether steps can be taken to afford him some assistance to enable him to keep his family?

The case referred to by the Noble and gallant Member has been reconsidered, and it has been decided that a grant at the rate of £50 per annum should be made to Lieutenant Agnew, to date from the 23rd October last. The pay- ment of the amount due from the 23rd October to the 31st March last has been made.

asked the Pensions Minister whether a claim for a pension has been made by Mrs. D. G. Brewer, of 48, Colvin Road, Bournemouth, widow of Douglas George Brewer, No. 25284, Hants Regiment; whether Brewer suffered from gunshot wounds in the back and right elbow and compound fracture of the skull; whether medical opinion is to the effect that these serious injuries lowered his vitality and contributed to his early decease; whether the application has been supported by the Bournemouth local pensions committee; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that this case shall receive thorough investigation, so that Mrs. Brewer's right to a pension may be established?

Private Brewer died of septic pneumonia following influenza. The case is being thoroughly investigated, and if medical opinion establishes a connection between the cause of death and the previous disability, pension will be awarded.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps are being taken with regard to increasing the pensions of officers and men who were totally incapacitated while serving in the Royal Navy before the present War, in view of the fact that the increased cost of living renders the present amounts insufficient to provide the recipients with the necessaries of life?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Men of the Royal Navy who were totally incapacitated as the result of service in a former war have their disability pensions raised to the level of the present War, and to the pensions so increased the 20 per cent. bonus is added. The question of similarly increasing officers' pensions is under consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the houses for limbless soldiers in Queen's Gate are for several reasons unsuitable for their purpose; whether it is proposed at an early date to obtain more suitable premises; whether he is aware that the Shakespeare hut in Keppel Street, Bloomsbury Square, is shortly to be vacated by the New Zealand Young Men's Christian Association; and will he make inquiries with a view to taking over the hut as a hostel for limbless soldiers?

I am not aware of the fact stated. I have had no complaints from the men, and many expressions of approval. The hostel is situated within easy reach of Kensington Gardens, and the garden of the Natural History Museum is within 200 yards. The Natural History and the Victoria and Albert Museums prove great attractions to the men, and the facilities by 'bus and rail are all that can be desired. I will make inquiries with regard to the possibility of using the Shakespeare hut in Keppel Street.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry 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 premises can be released by his Department and handed over to the officer who has purchased them?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. When the offer to sell by tender was made it was expressly stated that the premises were at the time in occupation by the War Office under the Defence of the Realm Acts. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, tenure under these Acts may last up to a maximum period of five years after the duration of the War. At the time of the sale the premises were in occupation by the Central Prisoners of War organisation, and, when vacated by them, were taken over by the Royal Air Force by arrangement with His Majesty's Office of Works in order to release hotel property in accordance with the general policy of His Majesty's Government. Unless and until suitable accommodation at a less cost to the public can be made available, I am not prepared to take any action, and I see no ground on which the officer referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend can claim to have a grievance.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many machines, manufactured and partly manufactured, had to be discarded owing to cypress being, found an unsuitable wood for use on aeroplanes?

No machines had to be discarded for this reason, but the substitution of other woods involved the supply of about 900 main planes, 100 main spars and fifty-five tail planes for machines on charges of the Royal Air Force. Substitutions were also required for machines in the hands of contractors, and particulars of these are being sought for in accordance with the undertaking given to my hon. Friend in answer to his previous question on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the names of his present advisers as to the most suitable woods necessary for use on aeroplanes; what were their pre-war occupations; and what practical experience of sawing and manufacturing timber they possess?

The Timber Committee of the Conjoint Board of Scientific Societies, in connection with the Royal Society, advises on the suitability of timber for aeroplanes. I will send my hon. Friend a list of their names.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether his attention has been called to the verdict of death by misadventure returned by the coroner's jury at the inquest on Mr. Legh, who was recently killed in an aeroplane accident at Finchley; whether, in view of the fact that his life might have been spared had his machine been equipped with a parachute, he will so amend the Civil Air Regulations as to compel the provision of parachutes on aeroplanes used for civilian flying purposes; and whether there is any Regula- tion in force at the present time imposing a similar obligation in regard to service aeroplanes as a safeguard for our airmen?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, the provision of parachutes is, as I have previously stated, receiving the closest attention of the Air Ministry, but their development has not at present reached a stage in which compulsory universal provision would be either practicable or advantageous for military or civil aviation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, as representing the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), when equality of treatment of clubs is to obtain, the extra time for the serving of members resident in certain clubs being not equitable as compared to the serving hours allowed for the majority of other types of clubs?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 14th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Moss Side. It has been more than once explained in detail that there is no foundation for the suggestion that there is any unfairness or inequity in the existing rules.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the Board's architect published a book in 1902 entitled "Modern School Buildings," and that in 1906 a second edition of this book was placed upon the market which architects purchase in order to be able to prepare their plans in the form necessary to meet the author's recommendations, in whose power it lies to reject plans for school buildings unless they comply with his requirements; whether the Building Regulations [Cd. 7,516] laid upon the Table of the House at the commencement of hostilities in 1914 state, under the head Need for new Regulations (page 3), that the principal modifications in the present issue relate to designas affected by ventilation, etc., the details affecting ventilation and heating being set out in chapter 6, page 16; that the recommendations contained in Mr. Clay's book have now been embodied in the new building Regulations, thereby going further than in- fluencing architects, by overriding and preventing local authorities from exercising their jurisdiction in applying devices they consider prove more beneficial than those advocated in the architect to the Board's book or building regulations; and whether, in view of the fact that the scheme of ventilation for schools laid down in Mr. Clay's book is thought by many experts to be out of date, he will arrange that a further inquiry be made into the principles of school ventilation before compelling local authorities to adopt an old system which in many cases they disapprove of?

Mr. Clay became an officer of the Board in 1904, and the Board have no reason whatever to believe that the publication of the second edition of his book has in any way caused embarrassment to architects or local education authorities who consult it. It is stated in the preface to the Board's Building Regulations of 1914 that they are not a code of precise and definite rules with which compliance is required; that their main object is to facilitate co-operation between the Board of Education and the Local Government Board on the one hand and local education authorities and school architects on the other; and that favourable consideration will be given to experiments which school authorities may desire to adopt. Those regulations were the outcome of numerous discussions; they were submitted in draft to a number of bodies and individuals specially qualified to advise the Board; they represent, so far as the Board could ascertain, the latest views and embody the best recent experience. The Board are not aware that there is any substantial disagreement among architects as to the principles of the Board's recommendations respecting ventilation, or that there is any such dissatisfaction among local education authorities as would point to the necessity of an inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Ceylon has yet made his Report on the requests for constitutional reform and representative government made by the Ceylonese memorialists, public meetings, and associations; if not, whether, in view of the fact that the question has been before the Government for two years, he will call for the Report immediately; and whether, following the precedent of the India Office with regard to the Indian demand for reforms, he will publish the Report and proposals so that they can be fully discussed in this country and in Ceylon?

The Secretary of State has not yet received the Report, but he is aware that the matter is now engaging the Governor's attention. Pending the receipt of the Report, he is not prepared to make any statement as to its publication.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the net excise revenue of India for the years 1915–16, 1916–17, and 1917–18, respectively; and what was the recorded consumption of country spirits in each of those years in Bengal, Madras, Bombay (including Sind), Bihar and Orissa, the United Provinces, the Punjab, and the Central Provinces and Berar, respectively?

The following statement gives the information desired:—

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the quantity and value of spirits imported into India during the year 1917–18, and the amount of revenue derived there from; and what were the countries from which the spirits imported into India were exported?

The following statement gives the information sought.

(1) Imports into India in 1917–18 of potable spirits, distinguishing countries of origin.

(2) Revenue from spirits, including duty on methylated and other non-potable spirits.

asked the President of the Local Govern- ment Board whether it is his intention, when abolishing boards of guardians and transferring their powers to other bodies, to also transfer their duties of supplying the necessitous sick poor with a doctor, medicine, medical comforts, and all other necessaries to which they are entitled under 43 Elizabeth, chapter 2, and whether he will take care that there shall be officers of the bodies to which the powers are transferred, who shall be personally responsible for administering such necessary assistance?

The points mentioned by the hon. Member will not be lost sight of in any proposals which may be made for legislation transferring the functions of boards of guardians to other authorities.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that large numbers of non-manual workers, after paying insurance for years, are, as a result of the depreciation in money values, now excluded from insurance benefits, and whether he will take steps to alter this by introducing a Bill to raise the income limit fixed by the Act of 1911 at £160 a year for non-manual workers to a figure which will represent at to-day's money values the value in 1911 of £160?

The matter referred to is under the immediate consideration of the Government. I cannot to-day add anything to the reply I gave recently to the hon. Member for Wood Green on the same subject.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether, in view of the increased cost of living and the consequent reduction in the value of the sovereign, any consideration has been given to the advisability of raising the limit of income below which recipients shall come under the National Insurance scheme: whether he is aware that employers are ceasing to contribute in respect to men whose incomes are now over the statutory limit, although those incomes are probably less in value than pre-war earnings, and whether he can hold out any hope of an amendment of the law to meet existing circumstances?

The matter referred to is under the immediate consideration of the Government. I cannot to-day add anything to the reply I gave recently to the hon. Member for Wood Green on the same subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether any scheme dealing with the compensation to be paid in respect of accidents to disabled soldiers and sailors has been agreed upon; whether arrangements have been made with insurance companies for the issue of policies under such a scheme; whether legislation will have to be introduced to carry a scheme into effect; and, if so, whether he can give the date upon which the Bill will be introduced?

It is proposed to adopt a scheme on the lines recommended in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Compensation for Disabled Sailors and Soldiers under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906. The necessary arrangements with insurance companies and others to give effect to the scheme have been or are being provisionally settled, and a Bill—The Disabled Men (Facilities for Employment) Bill—to authorise the Home Office to ratify the arrangements, was introduced in this House on the 5th instant, and has been read a second time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a place on the Committee of Inquiry on Life Assurance to agents and collectors?

The Committee to inquire into Industrial Life Assurance has now been appointed, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 5th May by my right hon. Friend to the question addressed to the Prime Minister by the Noble and gallant Lord the Member for Horsham and Worthing, in which the composition of the Committee and the terms of reference were stated. It has been decided not to include a representative of the insurance agents and collectors on the Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the necessity for effecting economy on the railways and for the adoption of any measures calculated to minimise danger to life and limb, he will favourably consider the appointment of a committee of practical railwaymen to consider and examine the various automatic coupling devices on the market and impose tests on a selected number in order to ascertain the most effective means for the operation of coupling to be performed automatically, with a view to adoption on the railways?

The Railway Employment (Safety Appliances) Committee, which has been in existence since 1906, and of which the right hon. Member for Derby is now a member, examined a very large number of automatic coupling devices some years ago, but came to the conclusion that such couplers were not suitable for wagons of the type commonly in use on British railways. They have therefore been making investigations with a view to finding a type of hand coupler that would eliminate the use of the coupling pole, and many devices for this purpose have been and are still being examined by the Committee and tried under actual working conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that no arrangement has yet been arrived at in respect of station masters, inspectors, etc., to secure for such grades improvements in wages and conditions corresponding to those recently granted to other grades; and whether he will take steps to have this matter dealt with forthwith?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on this subject on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Montgomery, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of amending the provisions of Section 18 of the Patents and Designs Act, 1907, so as to secure to patentees an extension of the term of their patents where, owing to war conditions, they have been unable to develop and obtain from such patents similar results which, under normal conditions, they might reasonably have expected; and when may such a measure be expected to be introduced?

Proposals of the Government upon this question will be included in the Bill to amend the Patents Act which my right hon. Friend hopes to introduce at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the long delays which occur in obtaining answers to cases under the out-of-work donation scheme submitted from Scotland to the referee; and whether, in order to expedite decisions in such cases, he will consider the appointment of a referee, stationed in Scotland, to deal with all Scottish appeals?

I am aware there has been a certain amount of delay in referring cases to the umpire to whom, I presume, the hon. Member refers when he speaks of the referee; and steps have already been taken to expedite the procedure in this connection. I am not satisfied that it is necessary or desirable to appoint a separate umpire for Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received an application from Mr. F. G. Benton, 26, Percy Circus, W.C. 1, for a licence to trade as a general draper at 90, King's Cross Road, W.C. 1, as this man is a discharged soldier with small capital?

I have been asked to reply to this question. An application for a licence to enable Mr. Benton to open a retail business was received on 29th April and a licence was granted on 10th May.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that negotiations are in process to erect a new post office in Duns, and that several families have received notice to leave their houses which are to be converted into the new post office; and whether, in view of the present serious shortage of houses, he will give an assurance either that the post office will be continued in its present position or that some vacant site will be chosen?

The present post office at Duns is inadequate, and is held on a very precarious tenancy. Provision has accordingly been made in the draft Estimates for the current financial year for proceeding with the erection of a new post office on a site specially acquired for that purpose in 1915. Pending commencement of the building operations (which have been deferred as long as possible), the three houses on the site have been let. One of the tenants has already secured another house. I always endeavour to exercise as much consideration towards tenants in such cases as is consistent with the needs of the public service, and possession of the houses will not be taken till the circumstances render it necessary. The suggestion that some other site be selected could not be entertained.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that cablegrams of urgent commercial importance for Australasia and the East, paid for and accepted at full rates, have been subjected to extraordinary delays, and that in many instances, without advice to the sender, the cable companies have dispatched such cables by post to the Mediterranean, thence to be transmitted; and what action has the Government taken to remedy this state of affairs and prevent a repetition of these delays, so disastrous to business in a critical period?

:I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 13th instant to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for North Salford. Owing to the interruption of certain important cables starting from this country it was necessary some weeks ago to send some of the telegrams for Australasia and the East by post to the Mediterranean for onward transmission by telegraph, but the cables have now been repaired, and the posting of messages has ceased.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that William E. Hunter, who worked in the Govan branch post office as temporary postman for nineteen months, was told if he had three years' service with the forces he would be eligible for appointment as an established postman; whether, after serving in the Navy from April, 1916, he made application to the appointments branch, Glasgow, but was told by the overseer he could not get an appointment nor even temporary work; and whether he will give instructions that men who joined up will have their places back when they are demobilised?

I am inquiring into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the demand for the extension of the telephone system in urban and rural areas, he can state if any action is being taken to meet this demand; whether he has considered the advisability of utilising wire, instruments, and insulators available from war or munition factory sources; whether there is any supply of such articles available; and, if so, whether, in view of the present volume of unemployment, he will take steps to put this work in hand without delay?

A large sum of money is being spent in order to overtake the arrears of telephone construction and maintenance work which have accumulated during the War. Stores provided for war purposes and now available for other purposes will be utilised in all cases in which they are found to be suitable for ordinary telephone work. Such work is being proceeded with as quickly as the skilled labour at present procurable will allow.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can give, for the information of beekeepers, the names of the two drugs mentioned on page 7, Leaflet No. 253, published by the Board of Agriculture, on the Isle of Wight bee disease; and where these drugs can be obtained and how they should be applied?

The two drugs referred to by the hon. Member are not mentioned specifically in the leaflet because their use has not gone beyond the experimental stage. The Board is therefore not yet in a position to recommend these drugs for general use.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many acres of land have been secured by the Board of Agriculture for the purpose of settling ex-soldiers; how many acres have been secured in particular at Patrington, Yorkshire, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, Heath Hill, Shropshire, Pembury, Carmarthen; are the soldiers in these colonies working under a director; what are the wages paid and are the proceeds pooled; what happens to the men at the end of the probation of three years; has the Government advanced money to these men to enable them to purchase their own houses; if not, is there any intention so to do; are the colonies already formed to be multiplied; and are these colonies being worked direct from the Board of Agriculture or is the machinery of the county councils being utilised?

The total acreage secured by the Board is 12,773 Acres. The extent of the Patrington Settlement is 2,866 acres, of the Holbeach Settlement 1,002acres, of the Heath Hill Settlement 1,150 acres, and of the Pembury Settlement 1,345 acres. In the case of the first three the ex-Service men work under a Director. A Director of Pembury will be appointed shortly. That settlement is at present in charge of a temporary manager. The wages paid are the current wages of the district. There are two distinct systems under which the settlements are worked. Patrington is a profit-sharing settlement and will be worked as a whole, whilst the others are being developed on small holding lines and, except for a certain area, retained as a central farm, the land will be equipped and let in small holdings. In the case of a "profit-sharing" settlement the farm profits are divided between capital, management, and labour in proportion to the amount paid out to them in the weekly accounts, but only those settlers who have previously served one year's probation are entitled to share in the profits. The present scheme provides for a probationary period of one year, but on a small holding settlement, if the applicant proves himself thoroughly capable and satisfactory, he is sometimes granted a holding after a month's probation. The board do not contemplate settlers purchasing their homes or holdings and have no power to advance money to them for that purpose.

The Board hope to acquire additional land for farm settlements, and two other properties have recently been acquired, namely, 2,769 acres at Rolleston, in Notts, and 2,377 acres at Amesbury, in Wilts. As a rule, the Board intend that the farm settlements shall be controlled by the board through the Directors in residence at each settlement. In some instances, county councils may be asked to undertake the management. In the case of one small property of 506 acres the small holdings committee of the county council are acting as the Board's agents.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether Mr. Herod-Hempsall is being allowed to import Dutch bees into this country as a private trader; whether similar facilities will be given to other bee experts anxious to import bees from Holland and America, or whether Mr. Herod-Hempsall has been given a monopoly; and whether Mr. Herod-Hempsall is the chief adviser to the Board of Agriculture in apiary?

Mr. Herod-Hempsall is the Board's chief technical export in beekeeping. In this connection he was responsible for carrying out the Board's scheme for restocking apiaries in this country with stocks of Dutch bees and Italian queens, and his work on behalf of the Board involved a visit to Holland to superintend the dispatch of the bee stocks, and he was also responsible for their distribution to the various county horticultural committees. There is no monopoly for the import of bees from Holland and America, and the Board have already given such encouragement as lies in their power to private traders to import bee stocks from abroad. Mr. Herod-Hempsall has acted throughout as the Board's representative, and not as a private trader.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether there is now in existence any order or power to prevent an occupier of land from sowing down to permanent grass arable land which has always been arable, or recently been ploughed up under a cultivation order of a war agricultural committee; if so, will he specify such order or power; and will he at once take steps to have the same abrogated, so that un-remunerative and uneconomic arable land can go back to permanent grass?

There is no general order in existence prohibiting occupiers from sowing down arable land to permanent grass. The agricultural executive committees have been instructed that farmers should be allowed complete freedom of cultivation subject to compliance with the rules of good husbandry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Corporation of the City of London has given the allotment-holders on Wanstead Flats, which it controls, notice to quit on 31st December, 1919; whether, in that case, he will inform the House of the reasons for the step; and whether, in view of the patriotic work done by these cultivators during the War and the continued value of their efforts to the nation, he will endeavour to secure for them at least another two years' tenure of their holdings?

The Board are aware of these circumstances, and I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the answer I gave on Monday last to the question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Silver town.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the notices given, by committees of golf clubs near London, and especially by the Tooting Bec Golf Club, of the termination of the arrangements under which parts of the courses have been used for allotments; and if he will use his influence and authority to ensure that this means of food production and occupation for the leisure hours of the workers is not compulsorily brought to an end in the interests of a game without at least some equally suitable land being provided in the vicinity?

The Board have no recent information as to allotments on the Tooting Bec golf course, but inquiry will be made in order to ascertain whether the allotments cannot be continued at least for the present season. It is the policy of the Board wherever possible to secure that alternative land is provided for any allotment-holders who have to be dispossessed, but this is not always practicable in the immediate neighbourhood.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the janitor in the schools in the Glasgow school board area, which were used as polling-stations at the General Election, have yet been paid; whether Sheriff M'Kenzie, the returning officer, has stated to the janitors that he has not yet received an allocation from the Treasury for this purpose; whether all others who took an official part in that election in Glasgow have had their claims settled; and when he proposes to settle with the school janitors?

The expenses of the returning officer has been paid, including those of the school janitors, who should be referred to the returning officer if their claims have not been satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number, respectively, of secretaries and clerks of all grades, showing each grade separately, of the Department of Oversea Trade; whether the staff has been recruited from the existing Civil Service and, if so, to what extent; how many secretaries and clerks have been appointed from outside the Civil Service; whether any temporary appointments have been made; and if it is intended to make any of the temporary appointments permanent?

I append a statement showing the number of officers, both permanent and temporary, employed in

the Department of Oversea Trade, distinguishing the appointments which have been made from the existing Civil Service and those which have been made from outside sources. Most of the commercial work of the Department is carried out by the cadres of Market and Trade Officers, and for these posts qualifications are necessary which are not usually acquired in the public service. A number of posts in these grades have in consequence been filled by persons with special commercial qualifications; all such appointments are made on a temporary basis in the first place in order that the suitability of candidates for permanent positions may be adequately tested.

The following is the statement referred to: