asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Income Tax at 5s. in the £on the War Loan 1928-47 when issued in the form of bearer bonds was deducted for the year ending 5th April, 1918; whether tax at 6s. in the £ on the same loan when issued as inscribed stock has been demanded for the same year; and why this discrimination has been made?

This matter was explained fully in a statement which was circulated by my predecessor in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under the Budget proposals Colonial wines under 30 degrees are apparently to be admitted into this country at a duty of 9d. per gallon whilst British wine makers, who have a very extensive trade, are charged much more by reason of the duties imposed upon the ingredients used in their manufacture, e.g., upon ginger, wine containing 24.8 degrees, which is a less strength than that of most Colonial wines, the duty amounts to Is. 8 3–10d. per gallon, showing a difference of nearly 1s. a gallon against British wines as compared with Colonial; and whether he would be prepared to take this matter into consideration for examination and any necessary alteration in order that there should be no preference given as against the home producer?'

I am aware that some of the materials, e.g., sugar and dried fruit, often used in the manufacture of British wines, are subject to taxation, but the use of taxed materials to any large extent is optional. I have no means of checking the amount of taxation in the case of the ginger wine referred to as I do not know its ingredients, but I cannot admit that the question of Preference conies in at all. The articles known as British wines are quite distinct in their nature from imported wines, and for this reason are not taxed as wines.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when Sir George Gibb was appointed chairman of the Road Board, it was on the understanding that it was whole-time work at a salary of £3,000 a year; and whether a Government servant drawing that salary is allowed to hold another salaried post?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to give the following reply:Sir George Gibb consented to continue temporarily in the chairmanship of the Road Board at the request of His Majesty's Government, made in the interest of the public service. He did not seek an extension of his period of office, and would have been glad to be relieved of it. The discharge of his duties as chairman of the Road Board was only a part of the public work which he performed in recent years, and, in acceding to the request which I made to him, he made it clear that he must now devote a part of his time to other work. I accepted this condition. I am satisfied that he can do this and still render to the Government all the assistance which they require from him. I take full responsibility for the arrangement, which is a temporary one made to suit transitional conditions, and I can only express my gratitude to Sir George Gibb for having so readily responded to the wishes of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what are the powers and functions of the Royal Commission of Awards to Inventors?

This Commission has been constituted with two main objects:

(1) Primarily it will act in the place of the Treasury under Section 29 of the Patents Act, 1907, and decide what awards are to be made to patentees for the use by Government Departments of their patents. In these cases, the patentee has a statutory right to have his remuneration settled by the Treasury, and the Commission has been substituted for the Treasury (subject to the assent in each case of the patentee) for administrative convenience. The functions of the Commission extend to advising the Treasury whether the Treasury should give their approval under the Section to agreements which have been arrived at between patentees and Government Departments.

(2)Beyond this strict statutory right, the Treasury have been in the habit of authorising the Government Departments to make awards as an act of grace to persons whose inventions, designs. drawings or processes have been used by the Departments, although in strict law there is no monopoly enforceable against the Crown and there is no legal right to any payment. Naturally, such awards are made only in cases of exceptional merit, and they are in general much smaller than the payments which would be made in cases where there is a statutory right under the Patents Act.

it is under this heading that there will probably be much the most numerous— though not the most important—class of claims. I may add that it includes the cases of all officers and persons employed by Government Departments who are subject by the rules of their service or otherwise to terms which debar them from taking out patents on their own account or entitle the Government to the benefit of any inventions they may make.It should be generally known, and will save much misconception and disappointment, if I state that there appear to be at least three conditions necessary to qualify a claimant for remuneration under this heading. In the first place, a mere general suggestion is not enough; there must have been a reduction of the suggestion to a definite workable form which was put into practice substantially, though not necessarily, in every detail. A mere suggestion that nets might be used against submarines, or aerial nets against aeroplanes, would obviously not of itself be enough. In the next place the user of the invention by the Government Department must be due to the inventor. If inventor A communicated his invention to a Department and caused it to be used first, a subsequent inventor B of substantially the same invention could have no claim to remuneration. And thirdly, the invention must be one of exceptional utility before a grant of public money can be sanctioned apart from any legal obligation. This has always been the practice of the Treasury.I have mentioned merely the three main conditions which claimants of this class should fulfil. But it will, of course, be recognised that it is hardly possible to lay down any hard and fast rules in awarding what is in every case mere

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a large portion of the rates due by the Government to the parish council of Dornoch, in respect of subjects owned and occupied by them in the Gretna factory area and adjoining district, for the years 1916–17, 1917–18, and 1918–19, are still unpaid; and whether, seeing that the sums claimed amount to over £1,500, and that such delay dislocates the financial arrangements of a country parish, besides adding largely to the ratepayers' burden, he will now cause the sums due to be paid with such interest as has accrued?

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension as to the position. No liability for payment of rates attaches to Crown property, so no rates can, properly speaking, be "due" from the Government to a local rating authority. Although this exemption exists, it has nevertheless been the practice of the Treasury to make ex gratia contributions in lieu of rates to local authorities in respect of Crown property, and it is to such contributions that the hon. and gallant Member is referring. In the particular case he quotes a large portion of the claim put forward by the local authority is not admitted and the Treasury is still in correspondence with the authority on the subject. As regards the accepted portion of the claim, which is payable partly by the Treasury and partly by the Ministry of Munitions, the Treasury has already paid its share up to Whit Sunday, 1917, and is about to make payment in respect of the period subsequent to that date. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will communicate with the Ministry of Munitions with regard to that Department's share of the contribution.

asked the Food Controller whether Mr. Infeld, a person of alien parentage, was originally employed in the registration clearing house of the Ministry; whether he is aware that early in 1918 the Committee on the Staffing of Government Departments inquired into the working of the registration clearing house of the Ministry, and adversely criticised its administration; whether, consequent upon this, Mr. Infeld was relieved of his work, but kept at the Ministry until another post could be made for him under the Ministry; and what have been the services which have caused this official of alien parentage to be retained in the public service when disabled demobilised officers of British birth have been discharged on the ground of insufficient work?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second and third parts do not, therefore, arise. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answers given to the hon. Member on 8th May.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that distillers refuse to sell whisky in bulk, duty free, and insist on selling it either duty paid or in bottle, whereof they obtain an extra profit of 9s. 3d. per proof gallon, which is all lost to the retailer who has, up till now, been by the custom of the trade entitled to buy in bond in bulk, duty free; and whether he will take steps to put an end to the wholesale firms encroaching upon the established privileges and province of the retail firms?

There are no regulations by which distillers are compelled to sell whisky on in-bond terms. If a purchaser is unwilling to obtain the quantity permitted to him on the terms proposed by the seller, it is open to him to obtain a certificate showing the amount to which he is entitled, and under this certificate to approach another seller and purchase on agreed terms.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the new duty of 20s. per proof gallon upon spirits falls inequitably upon the retailer, in respect that it is borne to the extent of 14s. 3d. by the retailer while the distiller only pays 5s. 9d. thereof, notwithstanding that the whole of the increased price of Is. 6d. per bottle has been permitted to be added to the price by the distiller, although the retailer is made to collect it from the public, and that the result of the incidence of the tax is that the distiller is receiving an increase of 12s. or thereby per proof gallon of increased price, subject to the deduction of the aforesaid levy of 5s. 9d., while the retailer is charged with 14s. 3d. without relief, although his on cost charges and other business outlay are greatly increased?

I have been asked to reply. I have no exact information to the effect stated by the hon. Member. The Spirits (Prices and Description) Order was framed with a view to apportioning the available margin of profit equitably between all classes of the trade concerned; but I may say that I have invited the Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives of every branch of the trade, which is attached to the Department, to suggest, if possible, an improved scale of prices. If and as soon as this is forthcoming, I will consider the advisability of immediately substituting it for the existing scale.

asked the Food Controller if he will state the reason of the margarine scarcity and the accompanying rise in price; and if he will state the total amount of copra, ground nuts, palm kernels, refined cocoa-nut oil, refined cotton-seed oil, oleo oil, and premier jus imported during the first four months of last year and the first four months of this year, respectively, and the c.i.f. values of same?

I have no reason to think that there is any general shortage of margarine, although a temporary shortage in individual shops has recently been caused by trade preference. Difficulties of this nature are inseparable from the removal of organised distribution, but steps have been taken to deal with the cases of shortage, and I do not anticipate that any more complaints will be received. I may add that in point of fact more margarine is being manufactured and consumed in this country than in any former period.On the question of price, when control of margarine was removed at the beginning of March, manufacturers initiated a policy of price cutting as a result of which margarine was for some time supplied to the public below the cost of the raw materials. The position could not continue indefinitely, and the price has now risen to a figure more in relation to the cost of production.It is difficult within the limits of a Parliamentary answer to set out the figures for which the hon. and gallant Member asks in the last part of the question, and I am accordingly causing a full statement on the subject to be sent to him.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval assistance will be given and organised beforehand if, and when, a British citizen again attempts to fly the Atlantic?

I am glad this question has been put. It enables me—and this is most desirable in the interests of all concerned—to make perfectly clear the fact that it is quite out of the question to organise naval assistance beforehand if, and when, a British citizen again attempts to fly the Atlantic. It would not have been possible, if sought, in connection with the recent flight. It will not be possible in any future flights.The views of the Government were expressed in a communiqué issued on Tuesday night, and it is unnecessary for me to repeat them, except to call attention again to the many and heavy obligations of the British Navy in many waters.I wish, however, to make it plain that the Government did not, and could not, accept responsibility of any kind for private enterprises which were not under their control.The efforts made, therefore, by the Admiralty were not in any sense a belated attempt to give protection which should have been arranged for earlier, but were the spontaneous efforts to do what was possible to save the lives of the two very gallant gentlemen who had made this attempt.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has made any representations to the Prime Minister respecting the appointment of the right hon. Member for Blackburn as vice-chairman of the Imperial Communications Committee; and, if so, with what result?

I can add nothing to the answer given by the Leader of the House to my hon. Friend on 14th May.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if the representatives of the engine-room artificer and electrical artificer classes who gave evidence before the Jerram Committee asked for greatly improved pensions—namely, two-thirds of pay at time of retiring and, in the event of death before retiring, the widow to receive two-thirds of the pay at time of death, and if pensioned at time of death the widow to receive two-thirds of her late husband's pension; and whether the pensions asked were considered unreasonable or were they refused on the grounds of public economy in expenditure?

Yes, Sir. Requests were made for increased pensions by the engine-room and electrical artificers, as stated in my hon. Friend's question. As regards the basic rate of pensions, the Committee's recommendation is shown on page 7 of Command Paper 149, Recommendation 41. It was approved by the Board. As regards widows' pensions and children's compassionate allowances, the Committee's recommendations are shown on pages 8 and 9 of the Command Paper, Recommendations 54 and 55. They were, as shown in the Paper, not approved.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is that men of the 2nd Cavalry Division who are waiting to be demobilised can be sent home on leave and brought back again to Belgium, but cannot be sent home to be demobilised?

The Cavalry Division to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has been reduced to a cadre. I would refer to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lancashire (Waterloo Division) on Tuesday hast, to the effect that cadres are being brought home as rapidly as possible in order that the demobilisable personnel may be released.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst Irish soldiers who volunteered for the duration of the War at the action of the authorities in retaining them for further service under the Military Service Act; and whether he will take action now to expedite the release of the men who volunteered for service during the War?

The men referred to by the hon. Member enlisted for the duration of the War, but as the War has not yet terminated, I regret I can take no special action to release them unless they are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private George Cooper, No. S/4/064865, 10th L. of C, Royal Army Service Corps, No. 4 Supply Depot, France, joined the Army in February, 1915; whether he is forty-five years of age; whether his services were applied for in January, 1019; and, if so, whether he will expedite his demobilisation?

Private Cooper 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 application referred to by my hon. Friend, was probably a contract offer of employment or such as to obtain his registration as a "slip" man, which does not entitle him to immediate release, but gives him a certain priority only. If his age and length of service are as stated, 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 is aware that instructions for the release of Lieutenant Colin Campbell, No. 1 Reserve Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, Ban-galore, were cabled by the War Office to India on 6th January; that this officer has not yet been released; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to expedite the matter so as to ensure this officer's release before the commencement of the hot weather?

Special inquiries are being made in this case, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Pioneer R. D. Steele, No. 406044, Royal Engineers (Signals), 1st Southern Brigade Headquarters, Rhine Army, an apprentice engineer, who was mobilised on the 4th August, 1914, and whose period of service (five years) expired last March, is still retained; and whether he will give orders for his immediate release?

Pioneer Steele is not registered by the War Office cither as pivotal or for special release. If his term of Colour service has expired he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit. I would remind my hon. Friend that personnel of the Royal Engineers, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation until they can be replaced, or their services dispensed with. Men so retained are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of state for War whether he is aware that S. Hyams, No. 4713, 6th Eastern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, is the sole support of his widowed mother, who is a chronic invalid and unable to work, and of his sister, who is obliged to remain at home and nurse her mother; and whether, in view of the fact that this man's former employer is willing to re-employ him and has repeatedly applied for his discharge, he will give orders for his release on compassionate grounds?

Private Hyams is not registered as pivotal or for special release, nor is there trace of any application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. If this case falls within any of the categories prescribed in the Instructions recently issued governing releases on compassionate grounds, and my hon. Friend will obtain a statement giving full facts and particulars as set out in the said Instructions, it will receive consideration. I am sending my hon. Friend an extract of the Instructions referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the additional hardships of the campaign in Mesopotamia, the Government will consider special claims to demobilisation of officers and men who have served there?

The withdrawal of troops from Mesopotamia who are eligible for demobilisation is a matter which has been receiving earnest attention. Certain difficulties exist which are not present in the case of other over sea forces, but every endeavour is being made to bring these men home as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit. I regret, therefore, that no special action in this matter can be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the military hospital, Hemel Hemp-stead, Herts, attached to No. 9 Company, Royal Army Medical Corps, with headquarters at Colchester, there are twenty-nine non-commissioned officers and men whose ages range from thirty-seven to fifty-one years, the majority of whom are over forty-five years of age; that repeated applications for demobilisation of these men have been made by employers, relatives, and others; that in numerous instances their businesses have been ruined by the delay and situations have been lost; and that it has been found impossible to get any information from the commanding officer at Colchester, although their demobilisation was ordered six months ago and they are all engaged in work of an unskilled nature; and whether, in view of the foregoing facts, he will institute an inquiry into the administration of this hospital and order the demobilisation of these men?

Inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, from the point of view of national health, he will consider the early demobilisation, as in the case of doctors, of those young men who have been training to become chemists?

In order to be released, men must be eligible for demobilisation under current instructions. I regret no-special action in the case of the men referred to by my hon. Friend can betaken.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers who are-entitled to be demobilised on the regulations are still serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force; and whether preference in demobilisation will be given to those who have been three years abroad without leave?

The last available figures of demobilised men temporarily retained in Egypt are of February's date, since when transfers from Salonika and Italy have taken place and also a certain number have been sent home for demobilisation, and the figures are, therefore, inaccurate. Steps have recently been taken to accelerate the return of demobilised men from this theatre, and all those who have served long periods overseas without leave will be included if they are qualified for demobilisation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can arrange for the early demobilisation of fifty-three members of the Staffordshire County Police Force, for whom application has been made by the Chief Constable of Staffordshire without result?

I understand the fifty-three men in question are those still remaining in the Navy, Army, and the Air Force out of 1914 for whom application was made in November last. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars of their names and full military addresses, I wll look into the matter; I cannot, however, give any undertaking that the War Office will be able to grant their early release, since so much depends on where the men are serving, and whether or not thy are temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the total strength of the Cavalry machine-gun companies now consists of two majors, one captain, and thirteen other ranks; and why is such a useless force being retained in Belgium?

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to a cadre of a unit, consisting of demobilisable personnel, which with many others is awaiting passage to England for dispersal. Shipping facilities do not admit of all such men being brought home at once, but their shipment to England is proceeding as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private George Meads, No. 107014, Machine Gun Corps, A Lines, 5 Hut, 1st Reserve Battalion, Belton Park, Grantham; and whether he will stop this man from being sent abroad with a draft, in view of the fact that Private Meads was taken prisoner by the Germans at St. Quentin on the 21st March, 1918, and was released and returned through France in December, 3918?

For the reasons which I gave in answer to questions on this subject on the 25th February, I regret that no special action can be taken in the case referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the case of Lance-Corporal J. M. Brown, No. 77417, Lines of Communication Signal Company, Royal Engineers, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, can have special attention in view of the fact that he has been in Egypt since February, 1916, and has had no leave since that date?

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on the 6th May regarding the arrangements for the relief of and leave for troops serving in the East. I regret no special action can be taken in the case mentioned

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an application for the loan or hire of Army huts has been received from the Bucks County Education Committee for the purpose of housing training classes for disabled sailors and soldiers at High Wycombe; and whether, as these classes must cease on 30th June owing to lack of accommodation unless these huts can be acquired, he will take steps to grant the committee's request?

I am informed that no application from the Buckinghamshire County Education Committee can be traced in the War Office. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would furnish further particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the band of the 60th Labour Company (late 20th Cheshire Regiment), which is composed mostly of wounded men and men who have been in the trenches, is compelled to work all day and is refused the privilege to practice and play to the troops whilst other regimental bands enjoy such privilege and whether he will take steps to have this grievance remedied and thus remove the dissatisfaction which at present exists among the men?

Bands are not authorised for Labour Companies. The personnel of these companies are required for their normal duties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the announcement that a home-coming march of the Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) would take place in the districts of Tottenham and Wood Green on the 16th instant, being the anniversary of the date on which the regiment earned the sobriquet "Die Hards"; whether this announcement was made with the authority of the War Office; whether the local authorities concerned were notified of the proposed march; and if he will take action to ensure that if and when this march does take place the local authorities are notified in good time?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to the announcement in question. The announcement was made on information supplied by the Officer Commanding Depot, Middlesex Regiment, at whose request permission was given to hold the march. As the arrangements were in the hands of the officer commanding depot, it did not rest with the War Office to notify the local authorities. As to the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the Tottenham Urban District Council have been informed of the arrangements, already published in the Press, regarding the steps to betaken by local authorities who wish to extend civic receptions to returning cadres.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of men have been placed on draft orders for Egypt who are unwilling to remain in the Army longer than they are compelled to do; that this will mean an absence from eighteen months to two years at least; and whether ho will consider the advisability of sending to Egypt only such men as are willing to re-engage or, failing this, men who were called up in 1917 and 1918 only?

With the exception of soldiers serving on normal engagements, only such men as by their age and service are eligible for compulsory retention in the Army are being sent to Egypt, and these will in due course be relieved by units of the Regular Army as these are reformed. The period of service of the men referred to should, as a general rule, therefore be considerably less than eighteen months.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Territorial officers have been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the actual fighting line; how many of those commanded Infantry brigades and Artillery brigades, respectively; and, of them all, how many retained their command actually at the front for a period of not loss than six consecutive months?

An Artillery brigade is commanded by a lieutenant-colonel, and I assume, therefore, that my hon. Friend refers to commanders, Royal Artillery, and not commanders of brigades, so far as the Artillery is concerned.On this assumption, the figures are:

	Territorial force officers promoted to Brig.-General in fighting line		Retained command at front for six consecutive months.
Infantry Brigades.	22	…	18
Mounted Brigades	7	…	6
Canadian Cavalry Brigades	1	…	1
Commanders Royal Artillery	7	…	7
	37	…	32

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, notwithstanding his promise that the calling-up notices to soldiers working on farms should be temporarily cancelled, thirty-one have been called to their units from the county of Derby, and have been refused permission to return to their employment pending the decision of the war agricultural committee as to who shall remain in civil employment; and whether, if the names of the soldiers are supplied to him, he will order then return till the decision of the war agricultural committee is given, or, in the alternative, if these recalled men are selected by the said committee, he will at once order their return?

Inquiry is being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps he is taking to ensure that the local committees consider, in the selection of the 20 per cent. of the men of the Agricultural Companies who are to be left on the land, the claims of the whole number of them and not merely those who, happening to hear of the Regulation, may take the opportunity to apply?

The Board have not considered it necessary to issue detailed instructions to the county agricultural executive committees as to the method to be adopted in selecting the 20 per cent. of the men of the Agricultural Companies who are to be retained. The committees have had considerable experience in connection with recruiting in weighing the merits of individual cases and they are in personal communication with the commandant of the companies who has particulars of every soldier working on the Land in the county, so that the hon. Member may rest assured that the case of every man will receive due consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the possibility of staffing the Army pay offices with civilian labour; and whether he will offer all such positions to discharged and disabled soldiers?

:It is not possible to staff Army pay offices exclusively with civilian labour in view of the requirements of foreign and active service, but at the present time these offices are staffed with civilian labour, male and female, to the extent of 75 per cent. Owing to the reduction of staff which is proceeding, fresh appointments are not numerous, but in filling them priority is always given to discharged and disabled soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether letters from soldiers serving with the Army of Occupation and the late theatres of war are still subject to censorship; and, if so, whether he has considered the advisability of withdrawing this Regulation?

Regimental censorship has been abolished except in areas where active operations are still in progress. A small percentage of letters are examined at the bases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether those troops who participated in the Expeditionary Force to Russia last October will be sent home at an early date now that the relief force has been sent out?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on this subject last Tuesday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to remove the Stirling Army Ordnance Stores from that town to Georgetown, near Glasgow; and, if so, will he state the reasons for the removal?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of yards of khaki material held on behalf of the Government, and for how many months the stock is estimated to suffice for Army requirements; and whether, in view of the present prices of clothing material for civilian wear, he will release any portion of the material so that it may be redyed for civilian requirements?

The stock of material considered suitable for dyeing for civilian wear is approximately 6,500,000 yards. The amount of this material that can be handed over to the Ministry of Munitions is now under consideration, having regard to the settlement of reserves to be maintained and the upkeep of the existing and future forces in the field.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the serious losses of property owners on the East Coast during the War owing to their property being commandeered at nominal rents for billeting the troops, and, in most cases, seriously damaged by them; whether he will take such steps as will ensure that the officials concerned will take immediate action to settle damage claims forthwith on a liberal basis, with an allowance for rent for the period during which property is unlettable owing to the damage done by the troops; and whether prompt survey and payment can be made necessary to enable owners to immediately carry out the repairs which are inevitable to ensure possibility of occupation in the next few weeks?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk North on the 5th May. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy, as it is rather lengthy. I I may add to the information there given that arrangements have now been made toy which dilapidation claims in cases of military occupation under Defence of the Realm powers in certain East Coast areas can be expeditiously settled, and it is hoped that those arrangements will very shortly be extended to other areas.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the 1914–15star has been refused to the 4th Battalion, Border Regiment, which, at the outbreak of war, volunteered for service and was sent to India, where it took part in the operations connected with the Mohmand blockade line?

I am not aware that the 1914–15 Star has been refused to this Battalion, but if so it must be because the Battalion did not serve in a theatre of war as defined in Army Order 20 of 1919 (Appendix A, paragraph 5). If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know on what information his question is based, and give me any particulars he has as to the exact situation of the Battalion during 1914–15, I will have inquiry made if there is any doubt on the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether members of the Mercantile Marine who assisted in the landing of troops at Gallipoli in 1915 are entitled to wear the 1914–15 ribbon?

The 1914–15 Star was instituted to recognise the services of the Armed Forces of the Crown, and the Mercantile Marine are not eligible for this award. Those members of the Mercantile Marine, however, who served under naval discipline on a special form of Admiralty agreement are regarded as forming part of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Another method of recognising the services of the Mercantile Marine at Gallipoli not so serving is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a paper, headed "Proceedings of a Committee appointed to investigate the conditions of service and emoluments of War Department civilian subordinates," has been forwarded to the War Office from the Northern Command and on what date did it reach the War Office; what steps have been taken to consider the questions raised in this paper; and when a decision may be expected?

A letter containing the proceedings of a local committee reached the War Office from York on 6th March last. The many points raised in it are under investigation. My hon. and learned Friend is aware that questions of wages can no longer be treated as of only local interest, but raise very wide issues. I am at present unable to name any date for a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many local authorities have applied to the Trophies Committee, through the Lord-Lieutenants of counties, asking for trophies as souvenirs of the War; will he say how far it will be possible to meet these applications; whether be is aware that there are many guns of all sizes in Belgium and France still in the position in which they were captured by the British forces; and if he will cause these to be brought over so that all the applicants may be supplied with these souvenirs?

A certain number of captured guns and other trophies unclaimed by units have already been placed at the disposal of Lord-Lieutenants and will shortly be distributed. Further allocations will be made as guns become available. France and Belgium are being cleared of captured war material as quickly as possible, but I understand that in any case the number of applicants for guns will far exceed the number available for distribution.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office at what date the unit called the Egyptian Labour Corps was formed, and what is its present strength; whether this Corps is composed of British troops, and of what class or category; if not, of what nationalities is it composed, what is the Army rate of pay and general conditions of service, and what are the duties to which it is ordinarily assigned; whether when engaged on civilian work it is paid the rate of pay current in the district in which it is employed; whether the circular of the War Office asking for information as to the willingness of troops to assist in strikebreaking and their attitude towards trade unionism was sent out to the officer commanding the Egyptian Labour Corps; whether it was due to the favourable nature of the reply that action was taken in the recent strike of the coolies employed in coaling ships at the Suez Canal; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the whole orrespondcence which has occurred between himself and the Commanding Officer of the Egyptian Labour Corps on this subject?

As regards the earlier part of the question, I have not the information available at present, but I will take steps to obtain it. As regards the last part of the question, the circular referred to was issued only to commands in this country.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any committee has been set up to inquire into the conditions and scale of pensions for officers on retirement from the Regular Army; if so, who are the members of that committee; for how long has this question been under consideration; and when may a Report be expected?

A committee composed as under has been formed to inquire into and make proposals for the permanent future pay and pensions of the Regular Army, apart from the Armies of Occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that by Army Order 43/1918 it is laid down that the pay for captains, lieutenants, and second-lieutenants shall not be less than 13s. 6d., 11s. 6d., and 10s. 6d. a day, respectively, such minimum rates to take into account any guards, armament, engineer, or corps pay to which the officer may be entitled, but that when the payment of gratuity is calculated at so many days' pay the Army Council will not permit in the case of officers in the receipt of guards, armament, engineer, or corps pay to count such pay for that purpose, with the result that an Infantry officer of the same service as one in receipt of such pay and of the same rank may receive £40 larger gratuity; and will he say if this was the intention of the Order named, or whether the Order was issued with a view of increasing the rates of pay but at the same time to level them throughout the Army?

I think my hon. Friend will find that his fears are groundless. The officers in question receive the gratuity at Infantry rate when more advantageous than the rate of regimental pay of their own arm.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Driver Greenfield, late Royal Engineers, 27, Railway Street, Horwich, was demobilised on 25th January, 1919; that his accounts were settled on 14th February, 1919; that he has not yet received his gratuity bank book; and whether he will cause steps to be taken to have his book forwarded without delay in order to alleviate unnecessary hardship?

Arrangements have been made for the payment of this gratuity without production of the book. I understand that Driver Greenfield lives at Norwich and not at Horwich.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Mrs. M. C. Smyth, 21, Louis Street, Liverpool, the mother of two soldiers killed in action, is receiving a pension of only 10s. a week, including a supplementary allowance; whether both her sons contributed to her support before joining the Army; whether he is aware that she has to clothe and educate a son twelve years of age, besides maintaining herself, and that the house-rent alone absorbs 6s. 7d. a week; and whether he will take steps to increase the pension?

Mrs. Smyth is drawing pension at the rate of 15s. a week, plus 3s. a week (the 20 per cent. bonus). I am investigating the case to ascertain whether any further pension or allowance can be awarded on the ground that the younger son was dependent on his deceased brothers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that orders are placed by his Department in foreign countries for ribbons and other decorative distinctions worn by British soldiers, and whether he will give instructions that the same rule will be followed as is in existence with Admiralty contracts, and that one of the conditions shall be that the articles required shall be entirely manufactured in the British Isles?

I have been asked to reply. No orders have yet been placed in foreign countries for ribbons or other decorative distinctions worn by British soldiers, and any orders that may be placed will only be for such quantities as British manufacturers are unable to supply. It will be realised that it is essential that there should be no undue delay in the issue of War Medal ribbons, and it is particularly desirable, in the case of the Allied Victory ribbon, that our troops should receive their decorations simultaneously with the issues by our Allies.

asked the Pensions Minister whether ex-officers in receipt of disability pensions, and who are at present employed by the Ministry of Pensions, have their salaries reduced by the amount of the military pension they receive?

The answer is in the negative. But where the civil salary and disability pension together exceeds £400 a year, the salary is reduced by 10 per cent., with a minimum of £400 for the total emoluments. This reduction, which is general throughout the Civil Service, applies to service as well as disability pensions, and is in accordance with paragraph 4 of the Statutory Rules made by the Treasury under Section 6 of the Superannuation Act, 1887.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the opinion has been conveyed to him that the scheme proposed to the Ailsa Craig Motor Company, Limited, will not enable the company to resume operations in their old factory and re-employ their old workpeople; and whether he will state the intentions of the Department in the event of the company refusing to accept the scheme in question?

No such opinion has been conveyed to me. I understand that the Ailsa Craig Motor Company have agreed to the terms proposed to the creditors of the company.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether an official from the Air Ministry made up an emergency ration of 3,000 calories to last for forty-eight hours for Mr. Hawker; whether he is aware that this is inadequate even for one day; and whether he will ensure that more accurate information is supplied to any others consulting his Ministry?

No official at the Air Ministry made up any emergency ration for Mr. Hawker, but detailed suggestions were made as to the amount of suitable food necessary for the flight. The suggested rations per man were equivalent to a heat value of 12,557 calories. The second and third parts of the question therefore do not arise.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether, at the outbreak of war, the Admiralty purchased a flying boat of new and successful design by Mr. Norman Thompson, built by Messrs. White and Thompson (subsequently renamed the Norman Thompson Flight Company in 1915), a pioneer firm established in 1909; whether this design, developed in structural details and ultimately known as Type N.T. 2 B., was ordered in repetition from other firms as well as the Norman Thompson Flight Company, and in April, 1918, was officially adopted by the Air Ministry as their standard naval instruction machine; whether, in 1915, the Admiralty placed an order with the Norman Thompson Flight Company for ten flying boats of such size that the firm were compelled to lay out considerable money in additional buildings to their existing works; whether, for twelve months after these extensions were completed in May, 1916, the Government were aware that the firm were only able to work at about one-third full output owing to constant changes in design ordered by the Admiralty and shortage of orders, and whether in the autumn of 1916 the Admiralty refused to allow the War Office to place orders with the firm; whether, in June, 1917, the Air Board required the firm to again increase their works for the production of one of their designs of flying boats (Type N.T. 4 A.), and subsequently agreed to advance £20.000 for new 'buildings; whether, after placing considerable orders in the autumn of 1917 for N.T. 4 A. flying boats, the Air Board cancelled those orders in January, 1918, and gave no new orders until May, 1918. after the appointment of a receiver for the debenture holders; whether an urgent letter from Mr. Norman Thompson, dated 20th July, 1918, addressed to the Air Minister, asking him to redress the situation created by the above actions of the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, though formally acknowledged, has never been answered; and whether the Aircraft Finance Department of the Ministry of Munitions in October, 1918, refused the recommendation of the Lubbock Committee of the Treasury to pay off the debentures issued to Messrs. Cox and Company as security for advances and re-vest the control of the company in the directors?

The answer to the third part of the question is that boats of the type referred to were used, not exclusively, but in conjunction with other types for seaplane instruction. I am making inquiries in regard to the letter mentioned in the penultimate portion of the hon. Member's question, and will communicate with him. Of the remaining parts of the question, the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth would appear to be for the Admiralty; the seventh, eighth, and tenth for the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry why flight cadets who were demobilised between the date of the Armistice and 15th February, and were given no option in the matter, should not be granted honorary commissions, while those who have been demobilised since 15th February have been granted honorary commissions?

Honorary commissions will be granted to cadets who were demobilised before 15th February.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many entrants to the teaching profession connected with elementary education have been refused permission to go on with their training owing to inability to teach during the past two years while pupil teachers, while bursars, while student teachers, and while in training colleges, respectively?

During the two years from August, 1916, to August, 1918, twelve students in training colleges were dismissed or withdrew owing to incapacity for the teaching profession. The corresponding figures as to the other classes of candidates referred to in the question are made up at the end of a period of years dating from their first recognitions. Of the candidates first recognised in the two years from 1913 to 1915, thirty-five were dismissed or withdrew owing to incapacity before proceeding to a training college. Of these twenty-three had been pupil teachers and twelve had been bursars and student teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the inquest held recently on a schoolgirl in Old Kent Road when returning from school across a main-traffic road; and whether he will cause representations to be made to all local authorities in London to provide sufficient and adequate street refuges in all main-traffic roads that children have to use in going to and from school?

My attention has not been called to this case. I understand that arrangements are made in certain cases by the London County Council with the police authorities for affording special protection at the hours when children are arriving at or leaving school, but I will communicate with the London County Council and the borough council as to the circumstances in this case.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether he will make inquiries as to the sanitary condition of the elementary school at Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, and as to whether the school is overcrowded so as to be prejudicial to the health of the children;(2) Whether he is aware that at Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, a number of children are unable to attend school through being outside the three-mile limit and the absence of any conveyance to take them to school; and, if so, will he take steps whereby these children can receive the education necessary for their future well-being?

I will have inquiries made into the condition of the three elementary schools at Terrington St. Clement, and also into the question of the sufficiency of the school accommodation for this large parish. The information in my possession does not suggest that any of the three schools are likely to be overcrowded.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state why no frontier medal has been given for the operations connected with the blockade of the Mohmand frontier?

Operations on or beyond the Indian frontier, which, if they had occurred before 1914, would have been held eligible for the Indian General Service Medal, will be eligible for any medals that may be awarded for active service during the War. The detailed application of this decision has still to be settled.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that officers of the Indian Army who had retired on pension prior to the War and were re-employed receive, in addition to their pension, the full pay of the appointment they held when last employed, whereas officers who had not retired on pension prior to the War were ordered to continue serving after the time when they were entitled to retire on pension and receive no pension, and often receive less pay than in their last employment; and whether he will see that this anomaly is rectified?

There is no such anomaly as is suggested. A re-employed retired officer of the Indian Army receives the pay of the appointment he holds, not of the appointment he held before retirement.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether subsequent information shows that the statement on the subject of the Karachi troop train incident read to the House of Commons on the 1st August, 1916, by the late Secretary of State for India was inaccurate in certain particulars; whether one of the three officers then removed has since been appinted to another position of responsibility in spite of the opinion expressed by the late Secretary of State for India that none of these officers would Again be employed; and whether he is, therefore, now in a position to withdraw the censure then passed?

In the light of subsequent information I should be inclined to modify in certain particulars the statement respecting the Karachi troop train incident which was read to this House on 1st August, 1916, by my predecessor from a telegram from the Government of India. But I regret I cannot withdraw the censure conveyed on the three senior officers concerned, for I am satisfied that they did not realise or act up to their responsibilities in connection with the incident. Two of these officers were offered a new inquiry, as the procedure of the Committee which inquired into the matter was not in strict accordance with military Regulations. The offer was not accepted. The appiontment since held by the third officer, a Royal Engineer, was a technical one, and, as my predecessor himself explained to the House on 2nd November, 1916, did not entail administrative responsibilities.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that in March, 1919, there was already stored in Mesopotamia sufficient fuel-wood to last the Army of Occupation at its reduced strength for ten years; that, notwithstanding this, 5,000 extra tons of fuel-wood were shipped from India in March; whether any further shipments have been made since March; and what steps have been taken to deal with the officials responsible for this waste?

I have been asked to answer this question. A report on this matter has been called for by cable. Per- haps my hon. and gallant Friend will repeat his question in two or three weeks' time, when the necessary information for a reply should be available.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade when the next Census of Production will be taken; and whether, in the meantime, he will consider the possibility of publishing a Return which will bring any portion of the last census up to date?

The date of the next Census of Production has not yet been fixed. Owing to the occupation of the staff with urgent war and reconstruction work it has not yet been possible to resume the tabulation of the Returns received in connection with the Second Census of Production (1912), but it is intended to examine as soon as possible the material which has been collected in order to ascertain the most useful form in which it can be made public.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) if he is aware that unrest exists amongst the Post Office engineering draughtsmen owing to the pay they receive; and whether he proposes to take steps to increase their pay to a rate in accordance with the importance of the work they perform; (2) if he is aware that cases of Post Office draughtsmen employed temporarily in other Government Departments whose qualifications have induced the Departments concerned to recommend scales of pay commensurate with their abilities, but which scales could not be approved by the Post Office; and on what grounds these recommendations were vetoed by the Post Office authorities; (3) why the draughtsmen in the Post Office engineering department, most of whom have been at their maximum for many years, are excluded from what is known as the Treasury pool; if he is aware that the draughtsmen in the Post Office are in a blind alley occupation, largely owing to the fact that although they are a part of the engineering department they are subject to clerical supervision; and if any steps are being taken to give openings to the men concerned?

The present rates of pay of engineering draughtsmen are based on a recommendation by the Select Parliamentary Committee, which reported in 1913. In addition the staff receive war bonus at the rates payable to permanent Civil servants generally. An application for improved scales of pay has been received, and is under consideration. I am not aware of any case of the kind referred to in Question 98, but if the hon. Member will supply particulars I will make inquiry. The question of including some of these men in the Treasury pool has been considered, but I understand that the pool is not intended to include technical officers of this class. Men who enter the Post Office service as unestablished draughtsmen have a prospect of being placed on the establishment, and of rising to posts as draughtsmen, first class. I regret that I am unable to offer any other direct outlet of advancement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Holt Committee recommended that the authorised number of the established class of male telephone operators should be fixed on the 1st of January of each year at 75 per cent. of the total full-time staff; whether 75 per cent. of the full-time staff were so established on the 1st January last; whether he will state the present figures for the established and unestablished man, respectively; and whether he will consider the possibility of re-arranging the telephone work in such a way as to permit of these men securing a share of day duty?

The Holt Committee's recommendation was as stated, with the addition that the class of male night telephonists should be amalgamated with that of call office attendants. The recommendation as regards the 75 per cent. of established posts was duly accepted; but the proportion of unestablished to established officers has been disturbed by war conditions. I will obtain the particulars desired by the hon. Member and communicate them to him. Representations respecting the hours of duty of Post Office servants generally have been made by the National Joint Committee of Post Office Associations, and are under consideration. Night telephonists are engaged specifically for night work, the day work being assigned to women; and I am not prepared to take any steps in the direction suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, although it is some months since attention was drawn to the difference between the Education Committee of the Lancashire County Council and their school caretakers regarding conditions of labour, there is still no alteration in the position; that the trade union early last month asked a representative of the Department in Manchester to arrange for a meeting with the education committee, but so far nothing has resulted; and whether he can take any action to expedite a settlement of this case?

This matter has received the attention of the Department, whose representative in Manchester has been in frequent communication with both parties. It is understood that the Secretary of the Lancashire Branch of the National Federation of Caretakers has written to the Education Department of the Lancashire County Council accepting a 50 per cent. increase on pre-war wages as an increased wage and not as a bonus, that instructions have been issued by the Education Department to the local managers to pay this increase, and that other items of the caretakers' claims are to be considered at a conference of the parties in June.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many employers refuse to engage workpeople who; are not in possession of an employment ticket from a Labour Exchange; if he is aware that many trade unionists do not use the Labour Exchanges but have other methods of finding employment; and if he will issue an instruction abolishing the ticket system?

I am aware that some employers make a point of engaging all their workpeople through the Employment Exchanges, but that on the other hand certain trade unionists do not use the Exchanges for the purpose of finding work. I appreciate the difficulties that may arise in consequence, but I cannot on that account see my way to abolishing so essential a part of the machinery of the Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is now in a position to say whether out-of-work donations will now be paid to the temporary postmen in Belfast who have been discharged since the cessation of hostilities; (2) what has been the result of the inquiry into the position of the girls out of work at the Belfast ropeworks; and whether the out-of-work donation will not be granted to these workers?

Decisions in both cases will be made within the next few days, and I will not fail to let the hon. Member know what the decisions are.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of men of the Mercantile Marine service now out of employment in Belfast have been refused out-of-work grants because of their inability to produce unemployment cards; whether these cards are not used in the merchant service, the men's books being sufficient evidence of unemployment; whether according to the regulations issued by the Unemployment Bureau, if any man can prove he has done any actual service for the country, he is then entitled to draw the money; and whether, in view of the splendid services rendered by the men of the Mercantile Marine service all through the War, he will take immediate steps to have them paid the unemployment grant?

I am aware that members of the Mercantile Marine are not in Ireland eligible for out-of-work donation under the modified scheme which now obtains in that country. I am also aware that unemployment insurance cards are not used in the Mercantile Marine; indeed, the fact that the Mercantile Marine are not compulsorily insured against unemployment is the reason why its members are not at present included in the Irish donation scheme. The question of making a special Order to include them in the scheme is already under consideration in consultation with the Treasury and the Ministry of Shipping.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with the unemployment prevailing in Newhaven as a result of the withdrawal of Government traffic, he is aware that, upon the trades council requesting the local employment committee to receive a deputation, the latter body have suggested the 5th June as the date of meeting; and whether, in view of the loss of time this will involve, he will approach the local employment committee with a view to fixing an earlier date?

I understand that the local employment committee suggested 5th June as the date for the meeting in question, because their next ordinary meeting was fixed for this day. I am in communication with the committee as to the possibility of making an earlier appointment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that no provision is made for the representation of the Press or public at the meetings of the Scottish divisional council for employment and resettlement or at the meetings of labour advisory committees, including courts of referees dealing with the payment of the unemployment donation; whether, having regard to the public interest in these matters, he will give directions that meetings should be held in public, subject to such regulations as may be necessary in individual cases; and what are the reasons governing the present procedure regarding the publicity of these meetings?

The practice adopted, on the suggestion of the Ministry of Labour, by the Scottish Employment Council and, I understand, by most other employment councils and committees, is to hold their meetings ordinarily in private, but, at the discretion of the person presiding at the meeting, representatives of the Press may be admitted to meetings when matters of public importance are being discussed. On the other hand, all confidential matters, including all matters affecting individual employers and workpeople, are discussed in private. The Courts of Referees have to deal with the private affairs of employers and workpeople, and consequently representatives of the Press are not admitted to their meetings. I see no grounds for varying the present procedure as regards the Press and the same considerations apply as regards members of the public in general.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advantage of setting up a separate trade board for the distribution trades of Scotland without delay?

The question of setting up a separate trade board or boards for the distributive trade in Scotland will receive my favourable consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Epping Forest Commissioners have refused to extend the tenancy of the Wanstead Flats allotment-holders; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

The Board have been in communication with the city corporation on the subject, who have pointed out that in view of the urgent need of restoring to the public generally the use of the land in question for the purpose of recreation, they are unable to extend beyond the 31st December next the tenancy of the allotment-holders. The Board concur in this opinion and do not propose to take any action in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received any representations in favour of the time for examining voters' lists being extended by one week; and whether, in view of the fact that the lists are published at a time when many people are taking their annual holidays, he will favourably consider the possibility of extending the time as requested, in order that full opportunity may be given for appeals?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, under the Order in Council, as applying to Scotland, the date for publication of the electors' lists is 2nd August, and the last day for claims is 22nd August. This gives a period of twenty days during which the lists may be examined and claims lodged. I think this period, which is substantially the same as the corresponding period in England, is sufficient.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total number of Egyptian and English officials employed by the Egyptian Government for the years 1900–14 and 1918?

I regret that I am unable to furnish the information which the hon. and gallant Member desires. The only comparative figures available are for the years 1896 and 1906, which were published in Lord Cromer's Report for the latter year. General Allenby telegraphs that the Egyptian Government have kept no regular statistics of their officials by nationality, but complete statistics of the numbers of the various foreigners and Egyptians now in the service are being prepared and will be submitted to the Special Mission on its arrival in Egypt.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what basis prices were fixed for supplies commandeered in Egypt during the War?

The Egyptian Government fixed the maximum tariff prices for commodities bought and sold in Egypt. All supplies commandeered for military authorities were paid for at current maximum prices