asked the Food Controller whether he will consider the advisability of establishing a schema providing that upon the signing of Peace and the removal of the blockade the Central Powers may appoint food controllers to-act in conjunction with those of the Allies in becoming common buyers from the bacon packers, in order to eliminate the competition which will otherwise ensue and thus keep prices down to a reasonable figure?

I understand that a system of centralised purchase of foodstuffs has already been established by or on behalf of the Central Powers, and I assume that this system will continue for a time at any rate after the signing of Peace and the removal of the blockade. I may, however, point out that a third group of interests, I mean that of the neutral Powers, has already been found to be in competition and that it would be necessary to institute an international system of buying in order to check competition eectually. The possibilities of continuing or resuming centralised buying will be carefully explored by the Supreme Economic Coun- cil, but it is already clear, as I stated last Tuesday, that the reconciliation of conflicting economic interests, which the stress of war made possible, becomes more difficult of accomplishment as the world's trade gets into ordinary peace-time channels.

asked the Food Controller whether Messrs. Spillers and Bakers, flour millers, made a profit of £93,900 in 1914; that their total profits for the period 1915–19, after paying all taxes, amounted to £900,000; whether this firm receives any portion of the bread subsidy; if so, how much; whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent the making of such profits from the sale of flour and other necessaries of life?

I understand that the company in question are not only flour millers but conduct several other businesses, and control a number of subsidiary companies. The flour mills of this company, in common with all flour mills in the country, are controlled by the Ministry of Food, the millers' remuneration for their services being fixed by the Department on the basis of pre-war earnings. To this extent all millers receive a portion of the bread subsidy.

asked the Food Controller whether the present system of rationing clubs with beer (50 per cent. of the 1916 consumption) operates to the benefit of clubs whose members hung back from military service and to the disadvantage of clubs whose members enlisted in 1914–15; and whether, on this ground, he will consider the feasibility of rationing on a percentage of the 1914 consumption?

The position is not quite as stated by the hon. and gallant Member. Each brewer had the option of being rationed on his output during the twelve months ending 30th September, 1914, or during the twelve months ending 31st March, 1916; and free licence holders and clubs are entitled to obtain either beer, or a certificate enabling them to purchase beer elsewhere, from the brewer who supplied them in the selected period. Moreover, the Ministry have distributed, and are distributing, certificates for extra brewing to meet all cases of ascertained hardship.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the occupiers and owners of houses and land commandeered in connection with the provision of the shipyards at Chepstow, Port-bury, and Beachley have been paid the sums agreed upon as compensation; if not, what is the cause of the delay; and when will payment be made?

I have been asked to reply. Where claims for compensation by owners of land and houses commandeered in connection with the national shipyards have been agreed, the amounts are already paid, or, in some few cases, are in train for payment. There are a few claims which yet remain to be dealt with, but negotations are proceeding, and it is hoped that they will be settled within the next month.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether British trawlers are being lent to the United States Government; whether the shortage of the food supply of this country has first been considered; and whether the British fishing industry could make use of all suitable boats owned by the British Government?

Yes, Sir. A number of Admiralty-owned trawlers, not complete for fishing purposes, were lent to the United States Government for work in connection with the clearance of mines in the North Sea. I am sure my right hon. Friend will realise that the clearance of the seas from mines is a very urgent matter, and though I do not doubt the British fishing industry could have made use of these trawlers, when they had been made ready for fishing, little good can be derived from pursuing that contention so long as the seas remain unswept.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal J. Roscoe, No. 32127, Royal Army Medical Corps, 27th Field Ambu- lance, Lowlands Division, Germany, is still being retained in the Army, despite the fact that he joined the Army on 4th September, 1914; and whether he will take steps to order his release at an early date?

Corporal Roscoe 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 ho is eligible for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions of service, and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit. I would refer to the answer given to-day to my hon. Friend regarding the personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private R. Lishman, No. 118841,Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport, A.P.C.), Headquarters Garage, Cairo, who joined the Army in 1915 and has been in Egypt two years and three months without any leave, is not yet discharged; and when will he be?

Private Lishman is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If he joined the Colours for continuous service in 1915 he is eligible for demobilisation, unless serving under pre-war conditions of service and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit. I would remind my hon. Friend that personnel of the administrative branches of the Service, such as the Royal Army Service Corps and Army Pay Corps, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained until their services can be spared or they can be replaced. 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 Private William Talbot, No. 67173, Royal Army Medical Corps staff, 10th General Hospital, British Expeditionary Force, France, is still being retained in the Army although applications have been made for his release by his employers months ago; and, seeing that Private Talbot joined the Army in 1915, will instructions be issued for his release at an early date?

Private Talbot is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, nor is there trace of any application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. If he joined the Colours for continuous service in 1915 he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation. If so, he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit. I would refer to the answer given to-day to my hon. Friend regarding the personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

asked the Secretary of State, for War if he is aware that Sapper E. Mason, No. 426434, c/o Royal Engineer office, Victoria Barracks, Belfast, is still retained in the Army, despite the fact that he joined the Army in 1915, is now forty years of age; and was the owner of a one-man business which he is now anxious to re-open and whether he will issue instructions for the demobilisation of this man as early as possible?

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 it was the intention of the Government that the soldiers sent to Russia were to be volunteers; whether Private James Hynd, No. 53277, Royal Scots Fusiliers, either attached or transferred to the Hampshire Regiment, and son of Harry Hynd, 33, Barcaple Street, Springburn, Glasgow, is being sent to Russia without home leave granted to him, without being told that he was to be taken there, and although he had not volunteered; and whether he will now order his release?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private L. W. Gorton, No. 521353, Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, now in Bombay, is aged more than forty-one years, married, with several children; whether he was sent abroad in October, 1915, and has never had leave since that date; whether he is broken down in. health from several attacks of malarial fever; whether he is eligible for demobilisation; whether application has been made for such; and the only reply from the War Office is that he will be released as soon as his services can be dipensed with; and whether any effort is really being made to secure demobilisation in this and similar cases?

Private Gorton is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. 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. The question of his health is obviously one for the medical authorities on the spot, and I am confident that it is not overlooked. I would remind my hon. Friend that personnel of the Royal Army Service Corps, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation until their services can be spared or they can be replaced. Men so retained are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation. My hon. Friend will also remember that, owing to local conditions, the demobilisation of the forces for India has had to be suspended. I can assure him that every effort is made to deal with these delays in demobilisation both in bulk and individual cases, but there are many considerations, more especially in connection with the Far East, which make action exceedingly difficult.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver A. T. Stevenson, No. 810968, No. 1 Section, 20th Divisional Ammunition Column, British Expeditionary Force. France, was mobilised in August, 1914, and has served for over twenty years in the Volunteers and Territorials; that this soldier has made applications for demobilisation; and whether he can state the reason for this man being retained with the force?

Driver Stevenson 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. He appears to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, he will be released as soon as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there are many men at present serv- ing in the Royal Army Medical Corps, 27th Field Ambulance, Lowlands Division, Germany, who joined the Army during 1914–15, many of whom have permanent Civil employment waiting for them; and whether he will issue instructions for these men to be demobilised at the earliest possible moment?

Personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps, though eligible for demobilisation, are liable to be temporarily retained until their services can be spared or they can be replaced. Men so retained are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation. Senior officers have been appointed to inspect 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 what is the proportionate rate of demobilisation in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Royal Army Service Corps, and the infantry, respectively?

The percentages of releasable men who had been demobilised in the corps mentioned by my hon. Friend, up to the 16th May, are respectively:

Royal Army Ordnance Corps	…	70 per cent.
Royal Army Service Corps	…	70per cent.
Infantry	…	86percent.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to replace soldiers whose demobilisation is overdue but who are being temporarily retained in the Army on the ground that they form a necessary part of the machinery of demobilisation?

All soldiers who are eligible for demobilisation but are being temporarily retained as part of the military machinery for demobilisation are being replaced as rapidly as possible by men who are not eligible for demobilisation. Where, however, they are performing duties of a special nature, the men who are to replace them have to undergo a course of instruction, and in such cases they cannot be replaced until the latter are able to perform the duties required of them satisfactorily. Senior officers have been appointed to inspect unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officers or men who are eligible for demobilisation are being retained without good and sufficient cause.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any, and, if so, what arrangements are to be made to deal with the cases of apprentices who are awaiting demobilisation and cannot complete their intermediate and final qualifying examinations; and whether some legal provision will be made for extending the period of the articles of apprentices so situated?

I am not sure that I quite understand my hon. Friend's question, but as regards assistance for persons whose apprenticeship was interrupted by service in His Majesty's Forces, I would refer to the scheme announced by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Drake on the 31st March last.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is intended to carry out the guarantee given by the War Office under the office Memorandum No. 769, of the 22nd August, 1914, to Percy Sandford Lewis when he joined the Army that his post as a Civil servant would be kept open until his return from military service, having then completed twenty years as a Civil servant, in view of the fact that Percy Sandford Lewis was placed on the Army Reserve in England on the 15th February, 1919, and that he is still awaiting a position in the architectural department of the Civil Service as promised; and whether, in view of his character during his period of service, he will say what objection there is to reinstating Percy Sandford Lewis, having regard to the Secretary of State for War's recommendation to all employers to reinstate their men as soon as possible on their return home?

As was explained to my hon. Friend in a letter sent to him on the 26th instant, it is unfortunately impossible to give a definite promise of re-instatement in the Government service to Mr. Lewis as this must depend on a suitable vacancy becoming available. His case is, however, being specially borne in mind in the event of a possible opportunity occurring for his reappointment under the War Department, and in addition he has been recommended to two other Government Departments for employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether complaints have been received with regard to the rations of the Army of Occupation; and whether the butter or margarine ration has lately been suspended for four consecutive days?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to similar questions asked on the 7th, 12th, and 15th May by the hon. Members for Frome, Belper, and Exeter respectively. I understand that about the 16th May there was a shortage of margarine and butter for two or three days, owing to short deliveries from contractors and large condemnations, but I am informed that ample stocks are now available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a general in France has issued an Order that all men who have grievances as to demobilisation should refer to their Members of Parliament; and, if so, is it with the approval of the War Office?

No Order in the terms alleged has been issued. My hon. Friend probably refers to the following words contained in a statement by the General Officer Commanding British Troops in France and Flanders, who, in a recent statement issued as an Order of the Day, when dealing with the situation of men retained by the Act recently passed, used the words,

"A soldier who feels aggrieved at the law which has affected his contract is quite justified in urging his Member of Parliament to take up the matter."

This refers to a grievance in connection with the Act and not to any demobilisation grievance apart from the Act. The War Office were not consulted before the Order of the Day was issued, nor would it be customary for previous reference to be made by a General Officer Commanding in regard to the issue of Orders. At the same time I consider that the wording of the Order is likely to throw an undue burden on Members of Parliament, and I have given directions that it should be cancelled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction among troops on the Rhine owing to the rigorous military training being carried out by some units; and whether he is aware that these units have as many as six parades daily?

The policy laid down by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Army of the Rhine, expressly forbids excessive training, and I am assured that from his personal knowledge he is quite satisfied that no general dissatisfaction prevails.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that William K. Lindsay, late 2ndKing Edward's Horse and Royal Engineers (Repatriation Reference, R. T. 1188), came to this country in the early part of the War, served for nearly four years, and has been awaiting repatriation to his home, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America, very nearly six months; and whether he can hold out hopes of his being repatriated at an early date?

I am informed that Mr. Lindsay's application for a passage was approved early in April, and that he will sail with his wife on the steamship "Corsican" about the 20th June. I would explain that the shipping accommodation available for families is much restricted owing to the large numbers of troops to be moved.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men are waiting for repatriation in the camps at Winchester and Pirbright; what duties, if any, have they to perform at these camps; whether they are in receipt of full pay and allowances; what is the average time that men are detained in these camps before being repatriated; and whether he will take stepjs to expedite their repatriation?

On 21st May the following number of officers and other ranks were on the strength of the repatriation camp:

At Pirbright	…	1,517 officers.
At Winchester	…	1,908 other ranks.

Officers whilst awaiting passage are permitted to proceed on leave if they so desire. Men are given at least ten days' leave before embarkation, and games and concerts are arranged during the remaining period in which their discharge documents are prepared. The average time that men are stationed at the repatriation camp varies from one month to six weeks. In the event of men being retained at the camp for any longer period, courses are arranged where possible. At present a number of men are undergoing a course of motor-driving. All officers and men are ready to embark one month from the date of joining the repatriation camp. They are in receipt of full pay and allowances. With regard to the last part of the question, they are being repatriated as rapidly as shipping becomes available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the discontentprevailing in the repatriation camps at Winchester and Pirbright, arising from the belief that the work of repatriation is being conducted in a negligent and dilatory manner, and from the irregularity and uncertainty as to the prospects of repatriation in each case; if he is aware that men are detained for weeks after the date when they were led to expect that they would be repatriated, without explanation of the delay being offered, and that many such men have agricultural or other interests in the Dominions which are suffering from their prolonged absence; and if he will introduce some regularity of system in the work of repatriation of men to the Dominions whereby, on fixed dates and in definite sequence of priority, they will be repatriated with all possible expedition and definite information be given when such fixed dates cannot be adhered to?

Officers and men are repatriated as soon as shipping becomes available. As a general rule, they embark about one month to six weeks after joining the camp, during which time their discharge documents are prepared, and they are sent on leave before rejoining again for embarkation. As soon as ships are allotted, the men are informed of the approximate date of sailing. Men are repatriated in accordance with a. definite scheme of priority, and in the case of the Dominions this priority is dealt with by representatives from the Dominions.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is. the estimated number of 1914–15 stars that will have to be issued under the present orders; how many of these stars have already been issued; and how many are now being issued per month?

:Approximately, 1,900,000 will have to be issued. It has not yet been possible to begin the general issue. For the reasons given in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Chorley on the 15th April, the rolls for the "1914–15 star" have not yet been completed, but every endeavour is being made to expedite matters and to issue the stars as quick as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many new general service medals he estimates will have to be issued for the Great War; whether the design has already been selected; and whether the order has yet been given for the manufacture of such medals?

So far as the British war medal is concerned, it is estimated that approximately 8,000,000 will be required. The design has been selected, and arrangements for manufacture are now being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many yards of ribbon are estimated to be required to make the first issue of general service medals; how many yards have been ordered; with what number of contractors have these orders been placed; and what is the price paid per yard for such ribbon?

Five hundred thousand yards of the medal ribbon are required for the preliminary issue and, though the orders for nearly 2,000,000 yards have been distributed on the widest possible basis amongst seventeen firms, the necessary preliminary quantity has not yet been fully delivered. As the orders have been placed at competitive rates it is not desirable that these rates should be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many prisoners taken by the Turks at Kut are still unaccounted for, and if there is still considered to be any chance of any of them being heard of?

There are in all 155 men not so far accounted for in consequence of the evacuation of Kut. Of these, definite evidence has been received, showing that eighty men were captured as prisoners of war, but have not yet been repatriated. In the cases of the remaining seventy-five no information whatever has been received other than they were presumed to have been taken prisoners of war when Kut was evacuated. It is feared that none of the prisoners still unaccounted for can have survived their captivity.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information respecting Private R. Piper, No. 1643, 1/4th Wilts Regiment, attached 2nd Dorsets, Indian Expeditionary Force, reported taken prisoner at Kut; and if he is aware that repeated applications by parents to the War Office and record office have been met by silence?

No. 1463/200265 Private R. Piper, 1/4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, attached 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, was presumed to have been taken a prisoner of war on the evacuation of Kut, but has never been definitely reported to be a prisoner of war. The list of men found to have been taken prisoner on the evacuation of Kut has been sent to the military bases in Turkey for inquiries to be made, but no information concerning Private Piper has yet been received. I regret that an interim reply was not sent to the applicants pending the determination of the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will lay upon the Table at the earliest possible moment a complete list of British soldiers, with names and regimental numbers, who are now discovered to have been prisoners of war in Germany, and whose names as prisoners have not hitherto been published?

If the House desires this, I have no objection. I understand that the only cases are those of a few men in respect of whom death reports have been found. All information received regarding prisoners of war is published in the Press and communicated to relatives.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Germans possess a list of British soldiers who were prisoners of war in Germany and whose names were not notified as prisoners to England; if the answer is in the affirmative, how many names are on the list; is the list being checked on behalf of England; and, if so, by how many persona and under whose direction?

As far as is known, the Germans have no such lists. All their records regarding prisoners of war are made on index-cards. It is understood that the number of these cards, owing to lack of system whereby one name sometimes appears on several cards, runs to several hundred thousands. These cards are being examined, but this must necessarily be a slow proceeding. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply to his next question.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men hitherto recorded as missing are now discovered to have been prisoners in Germany at the time; who is employed on behalf of England in tracing the men now discovered to have been prisoners when they were thought to be missing; and with what staff such person is provided?

The examination of German records of prisoners of war has not so far disclosed the names of any men who were recorded at the War Office as merely missing and whose fate is still uncertain, but a few reports of death have been found in the case of men not previously known to have been prisoners of war. The exact number cannot be given until after a minute search, which will take a considerable time. The number, however, will, I understand, be very small. The staff available in Berlin for search of German records consists of an assistant adjutant-general and two other Staff officers, with a clerical staff of whom the exact proportion devoted to this particular work is not known. The head of the British Military Mission in Berlin has been asked if he requires further assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, on the declaration of peace, he will review the forfeited services of soldiers convicted of desertion, except those deserting in the face of the enemy or having been warned for the trenches or attack, so that those convicted during the War of this crime may, on completion of one year's service clear of an entry in the regimental conduct book, have their services restored;(2) whether, on the declaration of peace, he will review the forfeited services of soldiers convicted of desertion during the War, so that those who, subsequent to the offence, have won the Distinguished Conduct Medal or other war distinctions may have their services restored?

Service forfeited in consequence of desertion cannot be restored to a soldier unless he makes application for such restoration. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, under Section 79 or the Army Act and the last sub-paragraph of paragraph 273 of the King's Regulations, the Army Council are empowered to restore all or any part of service forfeited under Section 79 of the Army Act. I should certainly be prepared to consider the award of a Distinguished Conduct Medal or other war distinction, or one year's service clear of entry in the-regimental conduct sheet, as being good and faithful service within the meaning of Section 79 of the Army Act. I might add that during the War many cases have been received in the War Office where forfeited service has been recommended for restoration on the ground of subsequent gallant conduct in action, or a period of satisfactory conduct, and I think I can safely say that in every case without exception the Army Council have restored the forfeited service.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many inspectors are employed by the Army Council to visit shops selling medal ribbon to see that no ribbon with a registered design belonging to the Army Council is sold at such shops; under whose orders are these inspectors working; who pays their salaries; and what is the amount of their pay?

No inspectors are specially employed by the Army Council for this purpose. I understand, however, that an official of the Contracts Department, lately transferred to the Ministry of Munitions, has from time to time, as part of his duty visited shops where it was alleged that the medal ribbon in question was being sold.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Army record offices were placed on a military basis during the War; and whether the soldiers' privileges with regard to Income Tax extended to a retired sergeant-major, employed as orderly room clerk, who, in obedience to warrant officers' orders given under Appendix 27, Territorial Force Regulations, took up duties at the record office at Hounslow shortly after mobilisation and has continued in the employment throughout the War?

Only persons actually serving as officers or as soldiers are entitled to the special rates of Income Duty. If my hon. and gallant Friend has reason to think any mistake has been made, I shall be glad if he will furnish me with full particulars.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now give a Return of the Members of Parliament serving in His Majesty's Forces, showing their appointments and rates of pay?

The information is as follows:

Name.	Appointment.	Rates of Pay (approximately).
		£
Lieut.-Colonel Right Hon. F. B. Mildmay, M.P.	Censorship and Publicity Section in France	435 a year
Major A. C. Morrison-Bell, M.P	Scots Guards	553 a year
Major T. H. Parry, D.S.O.. M.P.	5th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers	328 a year
Captain W. A. Redmond. M.P.	Irish Guards	450 a year
Lieut-Colonel J. Ward, C.M.G., M.P.	25th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (serving abroad)	780 a year

asked the Secretary of State for War if the British and French authorities are paying for goods and houses commandeered in Scutari?

The question is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of employing soldiers sentenced to imprisonment or detention for purely military offences, and who are suitable, on the land, especially in Leicestershire, in view of the shortage of agricultural labourers?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the distribution of the men in the Army who are allowed to be employed on the land is done by grouping them under the various commands; whether Leicestershire is under the York Command; and, as the agricultural population in Leicestershire is under entirely different circumstances to that of Yorkshire, will he consider a better method of distribution which will release more soldiers for work on the land in Leicestershire when it is so much needed?

Soldiers employed on the land are administered by the Headquarters of the Command in which they are

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-Private William Thomas, No. 24216, 1st Durham Light Infantry, was discharged from the Service in 1917 and has not yet received his discharge papers, and has therefore been unable to get his gratuity; whether, through having no papers, he has not re- ceived any word as to his pension; and what steps he intends taking to enable this man to secure what he is entitled to?

I have no information as to this case at present, but inquiries are being made, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, as the gratuity to officers of the New Army is based on daily pay and as the pay of lieutenants was not raised till the 1st October, 1917, a conscripted officer receiving a gratuity at a higher rate than one who joined voluntarily in the early days of the War and became non-effective before the date specified, he has now been able to arrange that the gratuity shall be issued at a higher rate to all concerned?

I have considered this suggestion in accordance with my promise of last week and regret to say that I find it impracticable to give retrospective effect in this way to the increase of pay.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that, according to Scottish Law, two-thirds of a deceased soldier's gratuity is the property of the child or children; whether the children's portion is being invested till the child or children reach the age of twenty-one years; and whether, in view of the financial struggles of the average soldier's widow with a family, he will consider the advisability of paying the gratuity in full at once?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 15th May to a question on this subject put by the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh.

asked the Pensions Minister if a man who was living abroad at the time of being called up to the Colours, after serving his country, is now debarred from the benefits under the civil liability regulations; and, if so, will he state the justification of such an action, seeing hardship so created?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I cannot, however give a definite answer without knowing the facts of the particular case which the hon. Member has in mind. If he will be good enough to send me these facts, including a statement of the purpose for which a grant is desired, I will have inquiries made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if on the 1st April a demobilised officer of the Royal Marines wrote to the Department concerned for payment of his war gratuity; that up to this date he has not received an acknowledgment of his letter; and whether, in view of the importance to officers of the sums of money involved in their gratuities, he will make such arrangements as to ensure replies to officers' letters being given in something less than seven weeks?

:It is the practice of the Admiralty to forward the necessary form to be completed directly an application for a gratuity is received, and on return of the form completed, steps are taken to pay the gratuity as soon as possible. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me the name of the officer in question, I will have his case looked into at once.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government are acquiring 127 acres of land at Chilwell, Notts, for the purpose of building stores for motor cars; whether, if the storage of motor cars is desirable and essential at the present time, there are numerous unoccupied places already in Government possession which could be utilised for this purpose; whether the land at Chilwell is some of the finest agricultural land in the county and at present in the highest state of cultivation: and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent the breaking up for so temporary an object of such valuable land?

No decision has yet been reached as regards the acquisition of additional land at Chilwell. Preliminary inquiries are, however, being made as to the cost of acquiring approximately 100 acres (adjoining the land at present in War Department occupation) for additional accommodation of technical horse-drawn vehicles (not motor cars), which will form part of future maintenance stocks, mobilisation equipments, and war reserves for the Army. Before a final decision is arrived at every consideration will be given to the various points mentioned in my Noble Friend's question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether any and, if so, what limit of distance is set upon the use of Government motor cars by officials of the Ministry for conveyance to and from their residences and their meals; and whether all meals are part of the official duties to which the use of such cars is restricted?

Ministry officials are not permitted to use cars for travelling between their residences and the Ministry except in a very few instances where the official's residence is near the garage or on the route to the Ministry. Meals are not regarded as a part of official duties, but an absolute prohibition of the occasional use of a car to take officials to lunch would cause a loss of time which would otherwise be devoted to the public service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how long at the present rate of progress will it take to dispose of all spare motor cycles, motor cars, and motor wagons?

I am unable to say how long it will take to dispose of all surplus vehicles, as this must depend on the total number which will be notified by the various Departments as being surplus to their requirements, and also upon the rate at which they will be so notified.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether supplementary teachers, even after many years' service, receive salary inferior to that of uncertificated teachers, and are ineligible for pension; whether the work of the two grades is practically identical; and whether, on the principle that equal work deserves equal pay, he will take steps to remove the grievance of supplementary teachers as regards salary and pension?

I am aware that in general the salaries of supplementary teachers are lower than those of uncertificated teachers; this is only natural in view of the facts that no specific educational qualifications are required of the former, and that their employment is subject to special restrictions. I cannot accept the suggestion that the work of the two classes is or ought to be practically identical, and I do not see my way at present to prescribe minimum salaries for supplementary teachers. As regards the question of pension, I would remind the hon. Member that when the School Teachers Superannuation Bill was under discussion last Session an Amendment to extend its benefits to supplementary teachers was rejected by the House of Commons.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will consider as to removing the disability placed upon those British civilian teachers who were interned in Germany during the War so that the period of such internment may count as recorded service under either the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, 1898 and 1912, or the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, particularly to those who rendered good service in carrying on classes during such internment?

I am advised that it is impossible to regard the period for which a civilian teacher was interned during the War as either recorded service under the Superannuation Acts, 1898.and 1912, or recognised service under the 1918 Act, and I have, therefore, no power to treat the teacher as being either in recorded or recognised service. Legislation would be necessary to give effect to the suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for India if it is possible for the India Office to give some information to parents of officers serving in the Indian Army as to their sons' whereabouts?

Any information which is available in the India Office as to an officer's whereabouts is at the disposal of his next-of-kin, but I am afraid it is impracticable for the India Office to maintain a record of the postings of all Indian Army Officers. Changes are very frequent still, and will continue to be so for some time before things become normal.

asked the Home Secretary whether policemen who retired on pensions before 1914 receive pensions on the same scale as policemen who retire now?

In a few forces the pension scales have been varied since 1914 within the limits prescribed by the Police Act, but generally speaking the scales on which policemen's pensions are reckoned remain the same as in that year, though the large increases in pay have, of course, involved an increase in the amount of the pension.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will state the total number of indoor Poor Law children, the number of children over and under three years of age who were in sick wards and other wards, respectively, of workhouses, and the number of children in receipt of outdoor relief on 1st January, 1919?

:The total number of children in receipt of indoor relief in England and Wales on the 28th December, 1918, was 59,761; 10.389 of these children were relieved in workhouses, and they comprised—

	In Sick Wards.		In other Wards.
Children under three years of age	1,967	…	2,527
Children over three years of age	2,414	…	3,491

On the same date there were 124,801 children in receipt of outdoor relief, excluding those receiving outdoor medical relief only.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent decision to allow 20,000 bales of American hops to be imported immediately, it would have been possible to give, in the first instance, an opportunity for Australian and New Zealand hops, which have recently been picked and are now ready for shipment, to be imported into this country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I have given to-day to a question by the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. R. M'Neill), to which I would add that in the event of licences for the import of hops being granted, the suggestion conveyed in this question will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Birmingham has placed a large contract for rails for the tramway lines with an American firm after tenders had been invited from British and American firms; and whether he will give publicity to all the large contracts which are placed abroad, in order that data may be known when the Bill for the protection of key industries is introduced?

I am aware of the contract to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I understand that it was entered into owing to the urgent necessity of reconstructing certain tramway routes which were in a very defective condition, and the fact that British manufacturers could not undertake delivery except at dates which would have prevented the work being completed this summer. In this connection I would point out that the heavy iron and steel industry is at present very fully occupied, and that there is considerable difficulty in meeting the demands upon it. The Board of Trade have no power to require information to be furnished to them as to contracts placed abroad.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if merchant ships are compelled to be equipped with wireless telegraph apparatus; and, if so, to what classes of ships does this apply and are any classes exempt?

The present requirements regarding wireless telegraphy on merchant ships are contained in Defence of the Realm Regulation No. 37b. The Regulation applies to British seagoing ships of 1,600 tons gross and upwards, and no special class of ships has been exempted.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the complaints as to the delays in the delivery of letters to Constantinople, which frequently take thirty-five days, although passengers can reach Constantinople in approximately fourteen days; and whether he will take steps to remedy the complaints?

:I am not aware of any general complaints of delay in the delivery of letters to Constantinople. According to circumstances, the time occupied in transit from the United Kingdom should vary from ten to eighteen days. The correspondence is subject to censorship, and some delay on this score is inevitable. Even allowing for censorship, a letter should normally occupy much less than the time suggested by the hon. Member; and if he will furnish me with concrete instances of delay I shall be happy to have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mrs. Scott, 2, Sharp Street, Govan, has had her out-of-work donation stopped after thirteen weeks on the alleged ground that her schedule was incorrectly filled in; that this woman worked for the last three years on munitions. and is now unable to find work suitable to her age; and whether he will take steps to have this grievance rectified?

Inquiries are being made into the matter, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Isabella Wyllie, who worked at Buchanan's, jam and confectionery manufacturers. Stewart Street, Glasgow, was dismissed by her foreman; that, on claiming out-of-work pay, her claim was refused on the ground that she had left work of her own accord; whether this young girl is left entirely without resources on the mere affirmation of her firm; if he will state whether it is the general policy of the Ministry to hold up donation benefit on the statements of employers; and whether he is prepared to institute a penalty upon those firms whose statement is not upheld by a Court of Referees?

I am inquiring into the facts of this case and will communicate the result to the hon. Member. Mean while, I may say, that an appplicant for donation must be primâ facie eligible for donation before any payment is made, and that in cases of doubt (by reference to the statement of the applicant's late employer or otherwise) the claim is first referred to a Court of Referees. The applicant is always given an opportunity of stating his or her case before the Court in person. As at present advised, I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question, but I shall be glad to consider any case in which the hon. Member considers that the statement of a late employer has led the Court to give a wrong decision.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any complaint' regarding the treatment of a girl named Bridget M'Connell, who applied for out-of-work donation to the Lanarkshire Court of Referees, held in Hamilton on Friday, 16th May; whether her late employers, the Clydesdale Laundry Company, Hamilton, in reply to the usual request for information as to the cause of her being dismissed, replied that she was dismissed for inattention to her work and disturbance to other workers, and that if this worker got payment of the donation it would, in their opinion, cause a precedent, as others might find it convenient to pick a quarrel and be thrown on the unemployment list; whether he is aware that an objection was lodged against the form in which this opinion of the employers was submitted by a member of the Court, whose objection was overruled and the opinion of the employers upheld by the chairman; and what action he proposes to take in the circumstances?

I am making inquiries into the facts of this case, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of men and the number of women connected with the boot and shoe trade who were drawing unemployment pay for the week ending 24th May?

On the 16th May, the latest date for which the figures are available, 4,597 men and 1,123 women connected with the boot and shoe trade were drawing out-of-work donation. These figures include 3,646 men and eleven women who were formerly members of His Majesty's forces.

asked the Minister of Labour whether employers within the area of the Lanarkshire Court of Referees for dealing with claims for out-of-work donation are advised to express an opinion as to whether the payment should be allowed by the Court; whether the chairmen of these Courts have been advised by him to accept such advice and act upon it; and, if not, whether he will advise discontinuance of this practice where it is in operation?

The answer is in the negative. The statement which is invited from the late employer of an applicant for donation is a statement of fact as to the reason why the employment terminated. It is for the Court itself to determine whether donation should be or should not be paid, after considering any statement made by the late employer and any counter statement by the applicant.

asked the Minister of Labour if about 250,000 agricultural labourers have been demobilised from the Army; if he has official information showing that many have not returned to work on the land, but have taken up other employment and are drawing unemployment pay; and, if so, what steps he proposes to-take to assist the farmers in Leicestershire, which county is exceptionally handicapped from the fact that in pre-war days it was to a great extent under grass, to procure labour on the land, which is so very urgently required?

:About 235,000 of the men already demobilised were employed in agriculture before enlistment. About 4,000 of them are now receiving out-of-work donation; but, according to the latest figures available, only thirty-seven of them were in Leicestershire. I cannot say how many of the 235,000 have taken up other employment than in agriculture. I will see what can be done in the way of importing agricultural labour into Leicestershire. Meanwhile, the hon. and gallant Member will perhaps assist me by letting me know what wages are offered by farmers in the localities which he has in mind, and what housing accommodation is available for imported labour.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of discharged and demobilised soldiers and sailors who are now on the unemployment list of the Labour Exchanges; whether he can give the percentages of those who returned to specific employment and of those for whom employment has since been found as compared with the entire total of men liberated from the Army and Navy and fitted to do work of any sort?

On the 9th May, the latest date for which figures are available, the total number of discharged and demobilised soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were registered at the Employment Exchanges as unemployed was 408,491; separate figures for soldiers and sailors apart from airmen are not available. I estimate that about 81 per cent. of the men demobilised from the Navy, Army, and Air Force are now in employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the usual subsistence allowances given to members of a Royal Commission; and, in the case of members now sitting on the Coal Commission, is that amount a sum equal to £1,500 a year?

Members of Royal Commissions are entitled to an allowance of one guinea for each night (covering a period of twenty-four hours), on which they may be necessarily absent from home on duties connected with the Commission. This rate is applicable to the Coal Industry Commission.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what position will the Royal College of Agriculture, Cirencester, fill in the Government's scheme of agricultural reconstruction?

The matter is under consideration, and I am not in a position at present to make any announcement thereon.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that in the interests of small holders in Scotland it has become urgently necessary to amend in certain respects the Smallholders (Scotland) Act, 1911; and whether, with a view to early legislation in the matter, he will himself consider, or will appoint a Committee of Scottish Members of this House to consider, what amendments to the Act may be necessary?

:I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Debate on the 11th ultimo on the Second Reading of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for East Edinburgh. I stated on that occasion that I recognised the need for amendment of the existing law, and that the matter would be dealt with in the Bill for Land Settlement in Scotland, which I hope to introduce at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Report of the Special Committee appointed by him to consider rural transport facilities in Scotland is a document of such a nature as will enable him to consider comprehensively the requirements of all rural districts in Scotland where adequate facilities have been lacking in the past; and whether he will himself, after consideration of the Report, be in a position to initiate such rural transportation schemes as are considered necessary, or whether it is proposed to refer them to the Ministry of Ways and Communications if and when the latter is set up?

:The Report referred to will be published at an early date, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be able to judge of its adequacy for the purpose stated. The question of what action should be taken on the Report is receiving my consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland under what authority the proposed Scottish Council of Agriculture and agricultural executive committees are to be set up; whether the council is to be a statutory or a voluntary body; whether he is aware that under the scheme issued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland there is no provision made that smallholders will be represented on either the electoral body or the Council of Agriculture; and whether, with a view to securing definitely adequate representation for smallholders on the central bodies, he can arrange that such provision be made in the scheme?

:The council and committees will in the first instance be set up as voluntary bodies, but it is hoped to give them a statutory position in the coming Bill for Land Settlement in Scotland. As regards the remainder of the question, smallholders are eligible for appointment on electoral bodies equally with larger holders, and in addition, there is specific provision that a certain proportion of the members of each committee shall be occupiers of holdings not exceeding £50 of annual value. In the case of the council, my hon. and gallant Friend will keep in view that I have to nominate twenty members, and in the exercise of this duty I shall be careful to see that small holders are adequately represented.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agiculture whether, in view of the advice given to private employers with regard to the treatment of old employeès who have served with the forces, the protest against the appointment as constable of a temporary employeè at Kew Gardens will be further considered and the claims of the regular employeès who have returned from service in the forces be taken into account?

I have called for a full report on the circumstances of this case, and will make a further statement in a few days' time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that allotment-holders in the parks and open spaces of the London County Council are dissatisfied with the action of that body in terminating the tenancy of all allotment-holders at the end of this year although many of the allotments are on ground unsuitable for games and have never been used for that purpose; and if he will make representations to the London County Council requesting that only such allotment tenancies are terminable as interfere with or are on land required for games until such time that vegetables, etc., can be purchased at normal prices?

:The question of the continuance of allotments in public parks, and open spaces has been very carefully considered. As I have previously stated, the parks and open spaces are held by the London County Council for the benefit of the public generally and cannot be monopolised by allotment-holders who are only a small minority of the public. Exceptions to the rule were authorised during the War in order to increase the production of food, but the Board hold that the London County Council have adopted the right course in deciding to terminate the tenancies at the end of this year, and have expressed concurrence with this decision. It is the duty of the London County Council as the allotment authority of London to-obtain other land for allotments when required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether passports have been refused by the United States Government at the instigation of the Foreign Office to certain American subjects who desired to come to this country to explain the working of prohibition in America; and, if so, will he state the reason for such action?

I am not aware-of any foundation for the suggestion con- tained in this question, but if the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with details I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State foreign Affairs whether the Polish Government has appointed a Commission to inquire into the most recent anti-Jewish pogroms in Galicia; who are the persons constituting this Commission; and whether there are any Jewish members on the Commission?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question asked by the Noble Lord is that, according to reports in the Polish Press, the Polish Minister of War declared on 16th May, in the Diet, that a Commission of Inquiry, composed of representatives of the War Office, Home Office, and the Ministry of Justice, had been sent to Galicia to inquire into the alleged anti-Jewish pogroms. The Polish Diet also decided to send a further Commission composed of seven of its Members. The answer to the last part of the question is that His Majesty's Government have no information on this subject.