asked the Prime Minister whether he will advise His Majesty to grant an amnesty to men in prison for purely political, naval, and military offences on the signing of the Peace Treaty?

After very careful, consideration of the subject by the Cabinet it has been decided not to adopt the course suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any conclusion has yet been reached as to whether a grant can be made from the Army and Navy canteen fund towards the expenses of entertaining soldiers, sailors, and airmen at the Peace celebrations?

This question is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in the event of Peace celebrations taking place, parish, councils would be allowed to make special grants to widows and dependants and to include such grants as a. legitimate charge on the poor rates?

I am not aware of any statutory power to make such giants, which, if contemplated, should rather be defrayed from a voluntary assessment or from private sources.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the difficulty often found in obtaining a quorum at Standing Committees and the consequent disrepute attaching to the House, steps can be taken to make it obligatory on all Members, other than Ministers or Privy Councillors, to serve on a Standing Committee and make a reasonable number of attendances?

I feel sure that the sense of duty of hon. Members renders unnecessary such drastic proposals as are suggested in the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the early establishment of new Ministries, such as that set up by the Ministry of Ways and Communications Bill, it is contemplated to permit Civil servants already serving, with special technical qualifications for such new Ministries, to be transferred to them?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, owing to the fact that shipowners were making abnormal profits just before the War, they enjoy a specially high datum line for the purposes of the Excess Profits Duty; if he is aware that the shipping rings are now charging commercial freights much higher than the cost freights for which the Ministry of Shipping carries Government cargoes; and whether any estimate has been made by the Treasury of the net profits which will accordingly be made by shipowners in 1919 through the combination of high freights and the halving of the Excess Profits Levy?

As regards the first part of the question, I am informed that the profits of the industry for the years constituting the pre-war standard for Excess Profits Duty purposes were generally high. As regards the second part of the question, British shipping companies, like their foreign competitors, are charging the market rates on commercial cargo. There has been a very substantial reduction in these commercial rates since the Armistice, though they are still higher than the cost freights which apply to Government purchases. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the grounds upon which the Board of Customs and Excise decided to withhold from Frederick Garrett, or Jarrett, 8, Victoria Road, Upper Norwood, an old age pensioner, the benefit of No. III. of the administration concessions and took legal proceedings against him, although his private yearly means, apart from his old age pension, were only about £33, as compared with the £78 ordinarily permitted by the concessions; whether such ground is stated in the concessions; whether the central pension authority under the Old Age Pensions Acts, the Local Government Hoard, when allowing the question raised by the pension officer of the Treasury for the revocation of the pension, informed the Board of Customs and Excise that they, the Local Government Board, regretted that, the Board of Customs and Excise had not extended to the pensioner the benefit of the concession; and whether he will arrange that the interpretation of the concession shall in all cases of appeal be vested in the Local Government Board?

The facts of this case are that in December, 1910, the pensioner obtained regular employment at a rate of wages which raised the combined means of himself and his wife to an amount which certainly exceeded the statutory limit for a pension, and possibly, for a time at any rate, the limit for the administrative concessions. The pensioner repeatedly declared that there had been no increase of means of which he had not informed the officer; in August, 1917, he obtained the additional allowance of 2s. 6d. a week by an incorrect declaration as to his means; and in August, 1918, he declared that his earnings were casual and only amounted to 5s. weekly, and on being pressed declared that they would not amount to more than 6s. weekly, whereas, according to the employer's statement, he had been earning since December, 1916, wages of at least 15s. weekly in addition to free meals. On the correct facts coming to light, the pensioner was prosecuted under Section 9 (1) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, when the magistrate found the offence proved and ordered the pensioner to be bound over under the Probation of Offenders Act. Even assuming that the combined means of the pensioner and his wife were within the limit for the administrative concessions, it has been found necessary to lay down that a pensioner who makes false statements as to his means shall not be allowed the benefit of those conces- sions. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion made in the last paragraph of the question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the effect of the Administrative Concessions [Cd. 8320] is to alter certain of the provisions of the Old Age Pensions Acts; whether the concessions arc illegal but have generally the force of law; whether the interpretation of the concessions has been entrusted to the Treasury and the Board of Customs and Excise instead of shared, as is the interpretation of the Old Age Pensions Acts, between those Departments and the Local Government Hoard (the central appeal authority under those Acts); and whether it should be arranged that for the future the interpretation of the concessions shall be shared between the Departments named as follows: The Treasury and the Board of Customs and Excise to interpret for the purpose of raising or refraining from raising questions and the Local Government Board to interpret for the purpose of deciding any question so raised?

The administrative concessions do not alter or override the provisions of the Old Age Pensions Acts. They merely represent the exercise by the Treasury of the discretion which those Acts confer upon them to prescribe when and in what circumstances action should be taken for the reduction or revocation of pensions. The Treasury have not delegated this discretion to any other Department nor could they do so, but when action for the reduction or revocation of pensions has once been taken then the subsequent proceedings are determined solely by the provisions of the Old Age Pensions Acts, with which there is no power to interfere. I think the right hon. Member will, therefore, see that the distribution of functions between Departments which he suggests is not a practicable one.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the grounds for the Treasury's decision that the Administrative Concessions [Cd. 8320] did not extend to the war bonus of 2s. a week allowed by the London Society of Compositors to Henry Hurst, 21, Sandmere Road, Brixton, with the result that, although his private means, apart from his old age pension, amounted to only 12s. a week, his old age pension was, at the instance of the Treasury, reduced to Is. a week; whether such ground is stated in the concession; and, if not, whether he will give instructions that a fresh edition of the concession shall be prepared in which such ground, or any other ground, for withholding the benefit of the concession shall be clearly stated?

I cannot admit that the assumption contained in the first part of the hon. Member's question is correct. In accordance with Cd. 8320 action was not taken for reduction or revocation of Henry Hurst's old age pension in consequence of the London Society of Compositors allowing him the "war bonus" referred to. Action was taken at a later date for reduction of the pension, but that action was taken in consequence of a subsequent alteration in Hurst's circumstances unconnected with the allowance of the bonus. Irrespective of the bonus Hurst has permanent means of £26 a year, and a pensioner with that income, if unmarried or a widower, is not entitled to the full pension. The fact that Hurst had been granted the full pension was due to his being a married man, and so long as his wife was alive he was entitled under the Old Age Pensions Acts to halve his means for pension purposes. When the wife died Hurst ceased, irrespective of the bonus, to be entitled to the full pension, and action was necessarily taken for its reduction. As regards the last part of the question, I can scarcely think that it is necessary to add to Cd. 8320 a statement that action will be taken in the ordinary course for reduction or revocation of pensions where a pensioner's circumstances change in some way that is not within the concessions.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it has been decided to increase the pensions of Civil servants retired since 1915 by 20 percent.; whether it is proposed to grant the same increase to those retired before that date, and, if not, why the present high cost of living is considered to weigh more heavily upon the former than upon the latter; and whether, seeing that some Civil servants to-day are trying to live on a pension of £l Is. 2d. per week after twenty-seven years' service, he will take steps to rectify this?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 16th April last in reply to the hon. Member for Plymouth, which gives full details of the arrangement referred to. The principle of the arrangement is that within certain limits war bonus shall reckon for pensions, and, as previously explained, it is not intended to extend it to those who were not in receipt of war bonus at the time of their retirement.

asked the Food Controller whether, seeing that five weeks have now passed since his Milk Order discriminating against producers in the South-Western counties, he will now publish the actual costs of production in these and adjacent counties which would justify that discrimination?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer already given to him on this subject on the 27th May, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to resolutions of protest, passed at conference and mass meetings at Exeter, relating to the summer prices of milk in the four South-Western counties; whether he is aware that the farmers concerned are contemplating drastic action unless a modification of the Order is made before 6th June; and whether he has made the necessary arrangements to supply the community with milk in the event of the milk of these four counties being withheld from sale as a means of protest against what the farmers consider harsh and unfair treatment?

Resolutions in the terms indicated in the first and second parts of the question have been brought to my notice. With regard to the third part, powers to arrange for the distribution and delivery of milk through the Food Commissioners and the Food Control Committees will be put into force should the necessity arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that quantities of milk from the county of Somerset and also from Devon and Cornwall are sold in London and other large towns where the lower price of 2d. a gallon does not apply; and if he will state whether the price of milk in London is any lower to either the dealer or the retail consumer in consequence of the milk from these counties being, sold 2d. a gallon cheaper where it is produced by order of the Ministry of Food?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. All purchasers of milk exported from the four south-western counties pay to the Ministry of Food the difference of 2d. per gallon between the price of such milk and that of milk produced in the rest of the country. The money collected in this way by the Ministry is paid into a fund which is to be utilised for the benefit of the public in the reduction of the prices of milk or milk products, or in some-similar way.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Thame and District Farmers' Society have for many months, through the Agricultural Organisation Society, endeavoured to obtain a licence to enable them to start business as wholesale dealers in milk, but hitherto without success; whether he is aware that this-society has about 170 members and is a branch of the Berks, Bucks, and Oxon Farmers, Limited; that its members have applied for 4,000 £l shares, and purchased a site for a depot; whether he will explain why the licence is refused; and what action should be taken to secure it?

I have been asked to reply. The Berks, Bucks, and Oxon Farmers, Limited, have made application to the Ministry of Food for a wholesaler's licence, and such a licence has been offered them on certain conditions. I do not consider that it would be in the public interest that unconditional licence should be granted, as its effect would be to increase the price of milk in that district by creating an unnecessary middleman.

asked the Food Controller why the Report of the travelling Commission on which he has based his Milk Order discriminating against four of the south-western counties takes account of only one week's milk production in summer and one in winter and neglects the output of the other fifty weeks; and whether, in contradiction of the deduc- tion drawn from these partial and arbitrarily chosen figures, the last census of production shows the average production per cow in milk in these same southwestern counties for the twelve months to be the lowest in the -whole of England?

The figures quoted in the Report were based upon the results of the Milk Census taken by the Ministry of Food for the week ending 2nd June, 1918, and the week ending 7th December, 1918. These weeks were carefully chosen as being typical periods of highest and lowest production, and the results obtained show that farmers in the south-western districts go in chiefly for the production of summer milk—a system of management which renders milk production much less costly. The figures of the Census of Production show the average yield per cow per annum, but do not bring out this seasonal variation in production.

asked the Food Controller whether he is prepared to take any steps to prevent the buying up of fruit by jam manufacturers and others and establish a system whereby people who have been apportioned quantities of sugar for preserving purposes may be able to obtain their fair share of fruit?

It is anticipated that the coming season's fruit crop will meet the demands of jam manufacturers and private persons who wish to acquire fruit for preserving purposes. It is not proposed, therefore, to interfere with the normal course of trade.

asked the Food Controller what were the official Chicago prices for light and heavy hogs and short rib sides of bacon last week and the corresponding period of 1918; if he has any statistics which will indicate whether the total quantity of pigs in America has increased or decreased during the War; and whether the real difficulty in the distribution of bacon under his Department is that prices are fixed on an unscientific scale, being too low for the best cuts of bacon in proportion to the wholesale prices of sides and too high for fore-ends, rough cuts, and clearance joints with the result that well-to-do people are having their supplies at a subsidy obtained by overcharging the poorest of the population?

The official Chicago prices for light hogs during last week varied from 18 dollars 75 cents per 100 lbs. live weight to 20 dollars 75 cents. The prices during the corresponding period of 1918 varied from 16 dollars 40 cents to 17dollars 80 cents. In the case of heavy- hogs the price last week varied from 18dollars to 20 dollars 75 cents, and during the corresponding period of 1918 from 15 dollars 40 cents to 17 dollars 60 cents. In the case of ribs of bacon the prices last week ranged from 27 dollars 75 cents per 100 lbs. to 29 dollars 50 cents, and during the corresponding period of 1918 from 20 dollars 65 cents to 22 dollars 42 cents. My Department has statistics which indicate that the total quantity of pigs in the United States of America has been in creased by 16,500,000 since January, 1914. There is no Order controlling importers' or wholesalers' prices for bacon, and there is no differentiation between the prices which may be charged by a retailer for the varying cuts of bacon. The maximum price which may be charged by a retailer for any description of bacon is 2s. 4d. per lb., but, in practice, this price is only obtained for the best cuts. I have no reason to suppose that if the maximum retail price of bacon at the present time was raised or removed there would be any fall in the price of inferior cuts of bacon, and there is no truth in the suggestion that well-to-do people are having their supplies at a subsidy obtained by overcharging the poorest of the population.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the action of fishermen on the North-East Coast of Scotland in dumping their catches into the sea rather than sell at the existing prices; whether several shots have been disposed of in this manner; and what action he proposes to take to prevent such wholesale waste of food?

My attention has been called to the reports that fishermen on the North-East Coast of Scotland have dumped some of their catches rather than sell at the existing prices. Full investigation is being made and if necessary, action will be taken to prevent any such wastage of human food.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether further increases of remuneration by way of war bonus were awarded as from 1st April, 1919, by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board to Civil servants; whether he is aware that whole-time officials of committees of agricultural and technical instruction in Ireland have hitherto been granted war bonuses similar to those given to Civil servants; whether the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland have made representations to the Treasury for a Grant in order to extend the terms of this recent award to the whole-time officials of the committees; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Department of Agriculture have made representation to the Treasury with a view to the extension to whole-time officers of county committees of agriculture and technical instruction of the additional war bonus referred to by the hon. Member, and are awaiting the decision of the Treasury in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a Mrs. Thompson, of Corcrum, Poyntzpass, county Armagh, recently applied for an old age pension; that her application was unanimously supported by the old age pensions committee; and that the local clergyman testified to her being destitute and under the doctor's care and admittedly over seventy years of age; whether her claim was refused by the Local Government Board on appeal of the pensions officer on the grounds that she was being maintained by a relative and that such gratuitous help as her relative could give her was estimated as income and disqualified her from receiving an old age pension; and whether, having regard to all the circumsances, he will have the case reopened and an old age pension awarded in this case?

The facts are as stated in the first two paragraphs of the question. The decision of the Local Government Board is in accordance with the terms of Section 2 (1) (d) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, under which the claimant's means include the yearly value of any benefits or privileges enjoyed by her. In this case the claimant is maintained by her son-in-law on a farm. He has two acres of potatoes, eight acres of oats, two acres of hay, two acres of root crops, three acres of flax, and stock, three cows, four two-year-olds, three calves, two horses, and five dozen fowls. His rent, including payment for land taken outside the farm, is £33 7s. 6d. a year, and the value of claimant's maintenance would be worth in the Hoard's view over £31 10s. a year. Having given their decision the Board have no power to reopen the case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the heavy costs demanded in vaccination prosecutions at Wexford; whether he has ascertained how these costs are made up; whether Section 10 of the Irish Vaccination Act of 1879 requires the costs in vaccination prosecutions to be paid out of the poor rates; and whether he will order the return of the money to those who have paid these illegal costs and compensation to those who have been obliged to suffer imprisonment in default of payment?

It appears that the costs in the recent vaccination prosecutions in. Wexford vary from 2s. 6d. to 7s., as well as the fine in each established case of default. The Local Government Board are advised that the persons in default are liable for costs in addition to the penalty prescribed by Section 7 of the Vaccination (Amendment) (Ireland) Act, 1879. The costs are measured by the Petty Sessions Court and the Board have no power to review the amount or to order a refund of the costs imposed by a Court of law.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Food Control Committee, at the request of the representatives of farmers, dealers, and bacon curers put an order in force fixing 3 a.m. for starting business in pig fairs and pig markets; and, in view of the fact that this order has met with entire satisfaction, will the Irish Government make an Order in Council making this Regulation permanent when control ceases?

Under Clause 6 of the Irish Pigs (Control) (Ireland) Order, 1918, dated 21st February, 1918, No. 207, it is provided that where the local lawful authority does not fix the hour at which a pig market or fair shall commence the hour shall be eight o'clock. The arrangements appear to have worked satisfactorily, but I am not aware of any power enabling the Irish Privy Council to make an Order dealing with the times for holding fairs or markets.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that under the Ways and Communications Bill the interests of the Irish pig trade will be seriously affected so far as rates and transit are concerned, the Minister appointed to carry out the terms of the Bill will give representation on whatever board of control or committee he sets up in Ireland to the Irish Pig Dealers' Association, which embraces practically every member of the Irish pig trade?

The Minister-designate, in his organisation, certainly contemplates that the chief interests concerned will be represented on the advisory committees which ho will set up.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is a wars that during the late Parliamentary elections in Ireland it became necessary, owing to an epidemic of influenza, to provide a. reserve presiding officer in order that elections might not prove abortive; that the small sum involved in paying for such officer is being disallowed by the Treasury to the returning officers, upon whom there rested responsibility if they had In the circumstances neglected this precaution; and whether he will take steps to see that those sums shall not be disallowed?

Applications were made, not only in Ireland but in other parts of the United Kingdom for authority to pay a presiding officer in excess of the numbers authorised under the Treasury Regulations. These applications could not be entertained as apart from the considerable expenditure involved it was considered that returning officers would be in a position to make arrangements to secure the services of another officer if one of the regular pre- siding officers fell ill, without imposing an extra charge on public funds. The answer to the last part of the question is therefore in the negative.

asked the First Lord of Admiralty whether he can say if the work of the new crane road, at the north yard extension, Keyham, recently entrusted to the employés of the works department, under the superintending civil engineer, has been given out to contract; and, if so, why this course has been taken, seeing that so many masons and labourers are under notice of discharge?

Some preliminary work in connection with the construction of the track for the crane is being done departmentally. The contract for the construction of the track itself has not yet been let, but in view of the specialised character of the work involved, it is proposed to invite tenders. I would remind my hon. Friend that this will mean the employment of a good deal of local labour. Anxious as we are to mitigate the hardships involved in reductions which are inevitable, we do not possess the plant nor the construction staff necessary for the execution of specialised engineering work of this character. We shall call the attention of the successful competitor for this work to the fact that labour is, and will be, set free as a result of dockyard reductions, and we shall invite him to entertain favourably any application from suitable men for employment. I may tell my hon. Friend that of the various works required by the Navy in the immediate future, a considerable number will fall to the Devonport district.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention was called to the action of the late Lieut.-Commander Gye, commanding His Majesty's ship "Lapwing," in towing His Majesty's snip "Laertes" out of action under heavy fire off Heligo land in 1915; and why this officer's services received no recognition?

There is no note in this officer's record of the incident referred' to in the question. Inquiry will be made.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make inquiries as to the conditions of contract of a firm of boat builders at Mald on; whether there is a Fair-Wages Clause in the contracts with the Admiralty; whether the wages paid to the employés are fully in accordance with the Fair-Wages Clause; whether they are equal to the wages paid to employés on similar work on the River Colne; and whether steps will be taken to redress any deficiencies that investigation may disclose?

It cannot be traced that any complaint has been received of the non-observance of the Fair-Wages Clauses, which are included in all Admiralty contracts, by the firm to which my hon. Friend is referring, but on receipt of particulars, inquiry will be made and appropriate action taken.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether upon the signing of Peace it is proposed immediately to remove the vessels sunk in Molen Sound, Orkney, so that access may be had to the pier of St. Mary's, where a considerable fishing industry is carried on upon which many of the inhabitants depend for their livelihood?

The Board of Admiralty already have under consideration the question of reopening Kirk Sound for navigation, but the operation is attended with considerable difficulty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can approve the demobilisation at an early date of A. C. Joseph Foster, Mess 32, H Block, His Majesty's ship "Excellent," Portsmouth, the only son of Mr. Foster, of Whitgreave, Stafford, a small farmer who cannot cultivate his holding without assistance owing to illness?

I am advised that the man in question is a long-service rating, and therefore not entitled to release. If he has good grounds for wishing to purchase his discharge, he should apply to his commanding officer, but—except in really urgent circumstances—men entered for continuous service engagements cannot be discharged until the men entered for hostilities have been demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the air mechanics attached to No. 20 Balloon Base, Kirkwall, who have been registered for early release since January last, are still kept in the Service; and, seeing that these men are not doing work, and are being kept at the public expense, will he see that their release for civil employment is immediately carried out?

I have called for a Report on the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that H. W. James, No. 49242, 5th Worcester Regiment, who would have completed twenty months' imprisonment on 13th May, was taken out of prison before the end of his sentence and court-martialled for the fifth time on 24th May; and whether he will authorise this man's immediate discharge, as he has been in military custody over twenty months?

The records in the Department show that James has been court-martialled on three occasions, and that he has not completed twenty months' imprisonment. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any information to the contrary, perhaps he- would furnish me with the particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private William Cruikshank, No. 30225, M Company, 3rd Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, at Duddingstone, who is urgently required to assist his former employers, D. Stewart and Company, builders, Bonnybridge, in carrying on new house-building operations; and if he may now be demobilised for this purpose?

Private Cruikshank is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that an application was received by his Department on the 19th May, but as it was too late to certify him as pivotal or for special release under the Regulations, it was refused. If, how-ever, he is eligible for demobilisation under current instructions he will be released in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Corporal F. Dawber, No. 139, A.T. Company, Royal Engineers, at present stationed at Constantinople, enlisted in1915went abroad on service on 4th April,1916, since which date he has never had a day's leave, is still being retained in the Service; and if he will take the necessary steps to have Corporal Dawber demobilised as early as possible?

Corporal Dawber 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 and will be released as soon as circumstances permit. As I stated in the House on the 29th May in my speech on the Army Estimates, it is hoped that, if Peace is signed this month, all 1915 men will be sent home by the end of July.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Sapper R. Dawber, No. 101504, 332nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, British ExpeditionaryForce, France, is still retained on active service, seeing that he joined the Army in 1915 and is thirty-nine years of age; and whether he will authorise his demobilisation as early as possible?

This man's cause has received careful consideration, but as the circumstances did not warrant his immediate demobilisation on compassionate grounds, I regret his release could not be sanctioned. If his age and length of ser-vice are as stated by my hon. Friend he will be released in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are in the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), attached to the 118th Railway Company, Royal Engineers, ten drivers who are practically doing no useful work, three of whom have not driven a car for nearly two months; whether there are any men over thirty-seven years of age in this company or any men enlisted in 1914 or 1915; and, if so, what is the reason that these men have not been demobilised?

Inquiry will be made as to this, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private James Smith, S/25943, 415th Agricultural Company, Perth, has been arrested for failing to report to his unit, although he was the only assistant of his mother, who is a widow and a tenant of a small holding at Blackhills, Kirriemuir; and, seeing that the widow is over sixty years of age and physically incapable of feeding the stock and attending to the other work on the holding, will he arrange for the immediate demobilisation of Private Smith?

I regret I have no information regarding the arrest of Private Smith; but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the selection of soldiers for retention on the land has been placed in the hands of the local agricultural committee, to whom the case should be referred.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private J. H. Day, B Company, 3rd King's Own Scottish Borderers, stationed at Loch end Camp, Dunfermline, was attested in 1915 under the Derby scheme and has been with the Colours since February, 1916; was sent to the Western Front and was taken prisoner on 11th April, 1918, and detained in Germany until December, 1918, where he suffered great hardships during his captivity; was repatriated on 29th December, 1918, and returned to his regiment on 1st March, 1919, at Berwick; was sent thence to South Queensferry, then to Rosyth, and finally to Dunfermline; whether this soldier has now received instructions to return home on seven days' draft leave before being again sent overseas; and whether, in view of the special circumstances attaching to his case as a married man, instructions will be issued for his release or for the further consideration of his position?

This case will be covered by my answer to the general question on this subject asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (No. 165).

asked the Secretary of Slate for War whether he will give immediate instructions for the release of Private John Drew, No. 144557, 12th Company, Royal Army Medical Corps Staff, Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, aged forty-two, who has recently been boarded and certified as unfit for further service?

I find that the statement that No. 144557, Private John Drew, Royal Army Medical Corps, has recently been boarded and certified as unfit for further service is incorrect. This man was transferred from the Infantry to the Royal Army Medical Corps on the 20th August, 1918, and was placed in medical category Bii. by a travelling medical board in November, 1918, since when his category has not been altered. He is, of course, eligible for demobilisation by reason of his age, and will be released as soon as his services can be spared.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that William Dutton, No. 452595, 9th Reserve Battalion, London Regiment, who was sent back to the Army from the Prince-town Work Centre on 26th March last, was unable to work properly on account of his health, and suffered from debility, dyspepsia, and recurrent bronchitis; and whether he will investigate this ease with a view to Dutton's discharge from the Army on medical grounds?

This case was brought to notice in April last. A medical report as to the state of Dutton's health was then obtained, and this showed that he was fit to stand his trial by district court-martial which he was then awaiting.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of men over age in No. 1 Light Railway Signal Company, Rhine Signals, Germany, have been refused demobilisation; and whether they are entitled to it under the Regulations?

I am not aware that men who are eligible are being refused demobilisation, but 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 of 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, but in the majority of cases the latter have to undergo a course of instruction before they are capable of carrying out the required duties satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men who joined the Army under the Derby scheme in the early months of 1916 are being put on drafts for service in India, some of whom are repatriated prisoners of war; and whether he is aware that it is generally understood that these men were to be demobilised at an early date; and whether he will give instructions for these men to be withdrawn from the said drafts?

As Regulations stand at present these men are not eligible for demobilisation. It is my intention, as foreshadowed in my speech in the House on the 29th May, to make further classes eligible for release as and when the military situation admits. In the meantime, such men as are likely to be included in the earlier of the new classes for release will not be sent to India.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of men who have been brought home from India for demobilisation; and whether he will state the steps being taken to secure the return of all men in India eligible for demobilisation?

The latest Returns received show that up to the 9th April, 23,712 all ranks have been brought home since the 11th November, 1918, but this includes invalids as well as men for demobilisation. No figures are available showing how many of these are for demobilisation only. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made in the House on the 25th February dealing with the question of troops in India. Demobilisation is temporarily suspended owing to the trouble on the Indian Frontier, and as I explained in the House last Thursday I cannot deal with the question of the relief of troops in India until the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers have been demobilised since the Armistice and how many are now employed or serving on full pay?

The number of officers demobilised up to the 3rd June, 1919, was 103,672. The number still serving is, approximately, 71,000, of whom about 11,000 are either in hospital or are awaiting demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that men who joined up at the beginning of the War and were subsequently commissioned from the ranks cannot count their service in the ranks for the purposes of demobilisation; and whether men who joined up later and obtained a commission without serving in the ranks should be given priority of demobilisation because their commissioned service is longer, although their length of service is shorter?

The position of officers regarding demobilisation, is that all officers (except Regular officers holding permanent commissions) who are not required for the Armies of Occupation or for the military machinery of demobilisation, are to be demobilised. The question of length of service, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the men serving with Army Post Office No. 3 have been told that the only men who will be released are those over forty-seven, those over forty-six who have been overseas two years, those over forty-five who have been overseas three years, and those over forty who have been overseas since August, 1914; whether he will state the approximate number of troops in France on 11th November, 1918, and the llth March, 1919, respectively: whether he will give similar figures for the Royal Engineers, Postal Section, on the same dates; and whether he will make every endeavour to secure the release of all long service men?

Inquiries will be made regarding the first part of my hon. Friend's question and he will be informed of the result as early as possible. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I am informed that on the 9th November, 1918, the total strength of British troops in France, including effectives and non-effectives, but not including coloured labour, was:

Officers	…	63,472
Other Ranks	…	1,485,302
and on the 8th March, 1919
Officers	…	46,777
Other Ranks	…	821,388

and that the strength of the Royal Engineers, Postal Section (effectives only),was:1,789 on the 9th November, 1918.1,745 on the 8th March, 1919.The dates I have given are the neares to those mentioned by my hon. Friend on which returns were received. With regard to the last part of the question ever; endeavour has always been and will continue to be made to secure the release of long service men.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that while the demobilisation of Infantry is taking place in Constantinople the demobilisation of Royal Engineers is stopped on the ground that their work is of paramount importance; whether he is aware that, amongst other things, they have recently been engaged in laying out a golf course for officers at Maslak, and as a consequence dissatisfaction exists amongst these men; and whether the demobilisation of these men will at once be proceeded with?

I have no knowledge that the demobilisation of Royal Engineers in Constantinople has been stopped, except in so far as men's services cannot be dispensed with at present. The personnel of the Royal Engineers are performing special duties, and the men who are to replace them have first to undergo a course of instruction. With regard to the last part of the question, inquiries will be made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether during April last a strike of civilian telegraphists took place in Egypt; whether military telegraphists who had been sent to the demobilisation camp at Kantara were recalled in order to take the places of strikers; and whether he will have immediate inquiries made with a view to preventing the military forces being used for strikebreaking purposes and to secure the immediate demobilisation of the men who have served in Egypt for three and four years without leave?

A Report on this question has been called for, and I will communicate with the hon. Member later.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers' councils have been instituted among the troops in Egypt; that at Kantara such bodies decide what guards and fatigues are necessary; that the Ordnance Corps at Cairo struck on the 12th instant and an ammunition dump was fired that evening; is he aware that a mass meeting of the troops was held on the 13th May in Cairo to protest against the compulsory retention of men who volunteered for military service; that a general strike of the men serving in Egypt is threatened; and will he do his utmost to allay the unrest by speeding up demobilisation?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the feeling in Egypt among the men who enlisted in 1914 and 1915 at their retention in the Army; whether representations have been made to him on the subject by General Allenby; whether meetings of protest have been held in Egypt; whether he has been able to give a specific guarantee on the subject; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?

I am aware that there has been a certain amount of unrest in Egypt regarding demobilisation, and I am calling for a report as to the facts. As I stated recently in the House, approximately 26,000 1914 men will have been sent home from Egypt in May and June, and 30,000 1915 men in June and July, and every effort is being made to expedite demobilisation in that area.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a demand by cabinet makers and upholsterers in Bristol for the return of their skilled men; whether numbers of these men are employed in making fighting aeroplanes; and whether, in view of the fact that the local Labour Exchanges are not able to supply any men, he will take steps either to secure the release of the men making aeroplanes or to divert skilled men to Bristol?

I am aware that there is an unsatisfied demand for cabinet makers and upholsterers in Bristol. I understand that a certain number of such men are engaged upon aeroplane work under the Air Ministry, and I am communicating with the Air Ministry as to the possibility of their release. Meanwhile every effort is being made by the Bristol Employment Exchange to obtain the labour required from other localities, but I should point out that the demand for men of this class throughout the country exceeds the supply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private H. Bolam, No. 9232, No. 2 Company, 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, met his death in December, 1914, as the result of being severely beaten with a wooden post by the German camp authorities at Schneidemuhl Camp, Posen, on or about the 4th November, 1914; what was the nature of the report, if any, given by the Germans on Bolam's death; whether the regimental authorities and next-of-kin have been officially informed as to this soldier's brutal treatment and cause of death; and what action His Majesty's Government intend to take in this matter?

Private Bolan received a flogging at Schneidemuhl Camp in November, 1914. He subsequently died in hospital on the 8th February, 1915. Despite some conflict of evidence, it appears probable that he died from typhus, and that his death was not in any way consequent on his previous ill-treatment. No date and no cause of death were given in the German report of his death. The evidence that he died from typhus was obtained from another prisoner of war at Schneidemuhl. The regimental authorities and next-of-kin were informed that he died of typhus. The facts of the case have been laid before the Committee appointed by the Attorney-General to investigate alleged breaches of the laws of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether evidence has been taken from returned prisoners of war as to the circumstances under which Private A. Skett, No. 6055, 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, met his death while on commando at Latchen, Kurland, on or about 6th April, 1917; if so, will he state these circumstances; whether he is aware that the whole details of this case were personally reported by Company Sergeant-Major William Acton Francis, No. 7078, 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment, to Mr. Vrendenburgh, the Dutch representative in charge of British interests, at Libau on or about 5th June, 1917; if he will say at what date His Majesty's Government learned for the first time of Private Skett's death; and on what date the officer commanding the Coldstream Guards and the deceased soldier's next-of-kin were officially informed as to the exact circumstances of his death; and what action His Majesty's Government proposes to take to bring those responsible for the death of Private Skett to justice?

Evidence has been taken from repatriated prisoners of war on this subject. The circumstances in which Private Skett met his death appear to have been as follows: On 6th April, 1917, Skett, a prisoner of war at Pinue, on the Eastern Front, being exhausted after a long march in the snow, was unable to proceed. He was ordered by the sentry to move on. On his replying that he was unable to do so, the sentry deliberately killed him. The report received from the German Government stated that Skett feigned inability to move, and that in the circumstances the sentry was justified in shooting him. Company Sergeant-Major Francis, on reaching Holland in 1918, stated that he had informed Jonkheer van Vredenburgh, when he visited Libau, of all the facts regarding the death of Private Skett. Inquiry was at once made of this gentleman, who was then Netherlands Minister at Stockholm, but he was unable to recall any communication having been made to him on the subject. The notes made by him during his visit to Libau were then searched in the Netherlands Legation at Berlin, but they contained no reference to this case. The first intimation that Private Skett had died was received in June, 1917, but this report did not state the cause of death. A statement was obtained from Germany in reply to inquiries made as to the circumstances of death, and was communicated to the Officer Commanding, Coldstream Guards, for notification to the next-of-kin, on 11th December, 1918. The facts of the case have been laid before the Committee appointed by the Attorney-General to investigate alleged breaches of the laws of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private W. McGraa, No. 7894, 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, met his death on or about 8th December, 1914, in consequence of being tied to a post in the open in a snowstorm for three hours at Gustrow Camp, Mecklenburg; whether evidence has been taken from returned prisoners of war on this point; whether the regimental authorities were officially informed as to the circumstances under which Private McGraa met his death; if so, on what date and what was the tenor of the information; and what action His Majesty's Government intends to take in this matter?

It has been ascertained from repatriated prisoners of war that Private McGraa was tied to a post for three hours in a snowstorm on the 7th December, 1914, at Gustrow Camp, and died early the following day. It appears probable that his death, which was stated by the German Government to be from pneumonia, was the result of this treatment. Evidence has been taken from repatriated prisoners of war on the subject. The next-of-kin would have been informed in March, 1915, through the officer commanding the regiment that Private McGraa died of pneumonia if he had known the address at the time. The addresses of Private McGraa's brother and sister were subsequently ascertained, and they were notified in June and July, 1915, respectively. The facts of this case have been laid before the Committee appointed by the Attorney-General to investigate alleged breaches of the laws of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private W. E. Stimpson, No. 5507, 1st Battalion, Cold-stream Guards, was struck with a drawn sword by the German camp-adjutant at Schneidemuhl Camp, Posen, on or about the 7th November, 1914, and in consequence became paralysed and died as the result of these injuries on or about 6th January, 1915; whether evidence has been taken from returned prisoners of war on this point; whether the regimental authorities and next-of-kin were officially informed of the details of this man's death; if so, on what date and what was the nature of the report; and what action His Majesty's Government intends to take against those responsible for Stimpson's death?

It has been ascertained from repatriated prisoners of war that Private Stimpson was wounded in the thigh by the German adjutant at Schneidemuhl Camp on or about the 7th November, 1914. He was not admitted to hospital till January, 1915, and he died in hospital on or about the 6th of that month. The notification of death received from the German Government does not state the cause of death, but it is believed to have been typhus, as was unofficially reported by the Geneva Red Cross. The next-of-kin were informed on the 19th October, 1915, through the officer commanding, Coldstream Guards, that Private Stimpson had died of typhus. Evidence has been taken from repatriated prisoners of war on the subject, and the facts of the case have been laid before the Committee appointed by the Attorney-General to investigate alleged breaches of the laws of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has been arrived at with regard to the issue of a medal to pre-war Territorials who volunteered for active service overseas?

This question is still under consideration, and I regret that I am unable to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a communication as to the employment of motor tractors in Mesopotamia by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company

	Total rationed on Western Front.	Elsewhere.	Mobilised Strengths.
British and Dominion troops	1,932,000	2,091,443	5,680,247
		(including 640,000 Indian troops in India)	(including Dominion and Indian troops)
French	2,563,000	Other theatres not known.	5,075,000
	(in zone of Armies)
United States of America	1,903,000	10,000	3,707,132
		(in Italy and Russia)
Belgium	145,000	Nil.	238,000

I am informed that there is no trace of such a communication having been received at the War Office. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me any information he has on the subject, I will have inquiry made if it appears desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to certain statements in the newspapers of the United States of America regarding the strength of the various Allied Armies on the Western Front on 11th November, 1918, from which it appears that France contributed 55 per cent., the United States of America 21 per cent., the British Empire 18 percent. and Belgium 6 percent. of the total; whether these figures are correct; if not, whether he will state the correct fighting strengths of the Associated Forces named serving on the Western Front on that date; and whether, since these figures may give an erroneous impression as to the contribution made by each of the Allied countries at the moment that hostilities ceased, he will also state the total fighting strengths of the troops of the countries named serving in all theatres of war on 11th November, 1918?

The figures of fighting strengths as distinct from ration strengths are not available. The respective ration strengths on the Western Front and elsewhere and the total mobilised strengths on the 11th November, 1918, were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of voluntary enlistments to date for the Armies of Occupation; and what further numbers of enlistments are required to enable all men now compelled to serve under the Military Service Acts to be released?

As I stated in answer to an oral question by the hon. Member for Elland on 3rd June, the total number of recruits and men re-enlisted since the date of the Armistice is 125,483. To this must be added the present strength of the Regular Army, which is 66,900, making a total of 192,383. The number of men required at present for all purposes, including the Armies of Occupation and Home and Colonial Establishments, is 1,100,000, which will be reduced later in the year to 952,000, the figure given in Vote A of the Army Estimates for the current financial year ending 31st March, 1920.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for the safeguarding, of graves of British troops in Gallipoli?

At the present time Graves Registration Units are employed in the reconstruction and care of the cemeteries on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Eventually the cemeteries will be handed over to the care of the Imperial War Graves Commission. Provision is being made in the Peace Treaty with the Turkish Government for the necessary recognition of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Director of Graves and Registration, and Inquiries, frequently omits to answer letters addressed to him by relatives of fallen soldiers for several months; and whether steps will be taken to secure that greater courtesy be shown to the bereaved relatives?

The number of inquiries received daily by the Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries amounts, on an average, to between 1,200 and 1,500. Each letter is acknowledged on receipt, but often definite replies cannot be given till full inquiry has been made, which may necessitate reference to one of the various theatres of war, and consequently some weeks must often elapse before a full reply can be given. I understand also that during the influenza epidemic a very large number of clerkswere absent owing to illness, and the-work fell into arrears in consequence. A notice to this effect was published in the Press on 24th February, 1919. It has always been the desire of the Director-General to treat every request received with the greatest courtesy and consideration, and it is regretted if, in the press of work, any letters have been overlooked. I should be glad if my Noble Friend would give me particulars of any cases known to him in which replies have not been received so that I may have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Armour Staff-Sergeant Levett, No. 1102, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Depot, Kantara East, has had no leave for nearly three years, with the exception of forty-eight hours before going to Egypt; and whether he can hold out any hope of this soldier being able to get home at an early date?

Instructions have been given to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, to divide available shipping accommodation between demobilisable men and retainable men who are eligible for leave, and the proportion is left to his discretion. The selection of individual men for leave is also left to his discretion, as he alone is in a position to say when any particular man can be spared, but in view of the arrangements referred to above it is hoped that cases like the one to which my right hon. Friend draws my attention will soon be remedied?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that letters addressed to soldiers of No. 1 Column, Headquarters, Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport, British Expeditionary Force, Mesopotamia, have been for some weeks passed returned to the senders marked Demob., England, location uncertain; and whether he will state, for the benefit of these soldiers' relatives, if they are now in India or on their way home and what is their postal address?

The unit referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is still serving in Mesopotamia, and he is therefore apparently referring to individuals belonging to the unit. Personnel in Mesopotamia who are for demobilisation are sent home Via India, and it is possible that some of these men are being temporarily retained there on account of the situation that exists. In the absence of information as to specific cases, it is impossible to state whether the men referred to are being temporarily retained in India, or whether they are on their way home, but in any ease I am afraid it would not be possible to give definite information regarding an individual without communication with the authorities in the Far East.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to set, on foot an effective and vigorous propaganda for the stimulation of recruiting; and what numbers of new men he will still need by April, 1920, assuming that Conscription then comes to an end?

The question of stimulating recruiting for the Regular Army is engaging close attention, and as stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Bradford East on the 20th May, I hope that it will be possible to launch a recruiting campaign shortly. The fact that over 7,000 men in civil life enlisted into the Regular Army last week under various conditions of service is evidence that the attractions of Army life are becoming generally recognised. In the present uncertain state of affairs in Europe and other parts of the world it is impossible to form an accurate estimate of what our requirements will be in April next.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information respecting a recently reported rising in Kurdistan, around Mosul, when detachments of British officers and troops are said to have been taken prisoners; whether there is any truth in the report; and, if so, will he publish the names of the missing in order to lessen anxiety among their relatives and friends?

On the 22nd May trouble broke out at Sulimaniyeh, 150 miles South-East of Mosul. Sheikh Mahmud, assisted by Kurds from Persia, looted the Treasury and imprisoned the British officers and staff. Eight British officers and six non-commissioned officers are reported to be interned unharmed. Their release is expected shortly. The necessary steps have been taken to obtain the names of the interned officers and men.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether prisoners who have been in Germany for a very long period and have suffered considerably in their health are automatically retained in the Army and can be sent on foreign service in the ordinary course or whether the authorities are making any special reservations in, regard to their treatment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to questions on this subject asked on the 25th February last by the hon. Members for Kettering, Bishop Auckland, and Edinburgh East, to the effect that no special privileges can be conferred on repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line. Their health is carefully examined, but if men are fit in bodily health they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories, prescribed.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 285 rifle ranges provided in the United Kingdom for musketry purposes since 4th August, 1914, it is proposed to retain for permanent use; how many of the ranges so retained will be in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively; and what steps are being taken to ensure that as much as possible of the capital expenditure on range construction shall be preserved as an asset of the national defence?

This question is under consideration, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of a youth who was certified to be consumptive and rejected for military service in September, 1918, but who was accepted as a Volunteer in April, 1919, for seven years' service and passed A 1; and if he will cause further inquiries to be made as to whether this youth is in fact consumptive?

My hon. Friend has furnished particulars of the case he has in mind, and inquiry will be made. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of young men threw over well-paid appointments on plantations and in offices in the East to come home and fight for their country, and that these men, now in the course of being demobilised, find it impossible to procure passages within a reasonable time for their return journey to the East: and whether he is taking steps to find accommodation for them, and, if so, what steps?

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would send me particulars of the cases to which he refers. I am informed that all applications forwarded to the War Office by the Repatriation Centre, Winchester, for June, have been allotted passages either direct or via Canada, and no difficulty is anticipated in finding accommodation for any men at present waiting for passage on application being made by them through the Repatriation Record Office, Winchester.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that John Marshall, No. 4586, No. 3 Scottish Company, Non-Combatant Corps, was court-martialled for the third time at Prestonpans on 13th May, 1919, and sentenced to six months' detention, in spite of the fact that he is a conscientious objector; and whether he will be discharged from the Army in accordance with the official statement of 3rd April?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to make public his decision with regard to the reinstatement of conscientious objectors in their former positions in the Post Office?

Not yet; but I understand that the Treasury are about to issue instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether overtime work is being constantly carried on at the Stirling Army Ordnance Stores; whether discharged soldiers have been refused work at the stores and have been forced to apply for the unemployed donation; and, if so, whether he will inquire into the matter?

Inquiry is being made, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the difficulty arising owing to the fact that under existing arrangements demobilised soldiers have often to wait long periods before obtaining the civilian outfits to which they are entitled on leaving the Army; and if any and, if so, what steps are being taken to expedite the supply of such clothing?

Apart from the problem of coping with the huge demand for suits, some delay occurred owing to the lack of material and the difficulty of obtaining delivery of the suits after the material came to hand. Occasional abnormal demands for particular sizes also entailed delay, and there were contributory causes such as the giving of incorrect addresses and measurements by the men. I am informed that the number of genuine complaints, in comparison with the bulk of the work, is small, and any arrears that exist are being rapidly overtaken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has yet been decided on what date the contract of service expires for members of the Queen, Mary's Auxiliary Army Corps who joined for the duration of the War; and whether it is intended to grant any extra. pay or bonus to those who are retained, and, if so, from what date?

These contracts will expire at the end of the War as fixed by statutory Order, provided the official or member has then completed twelve months' service. The conditions of service beyond that date are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no acknowledgment has been sent by the Commissioner, 516, Salisbury House, regarding the resettlement claim of Sergeant King, No. 50902, Royal Engineers, who joined up in September, 1915, after ineffectual attempts to join other units, leaving a substantial business, and who is now demobilised and desirous of restarting his business; when a settlement may be expected; and whether a partial settlement on account can be made in the meantime?

I have been asked to answer this question, which presumably refers to the claim of Sergeant C. N. King, No. 500902, Royal Engineers, for a grant from the Civil Liabilities Fund. I have not had time, to inquire as to the reason why Sergeant King received no acknowledgment of his claim; but I am informed that he was interviewed by the Commissioner on the 29th ultimo, and that a decision may be expected in a day or two.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the maintenance grant for the Stanhope lines, Wellington lines, and Marlborough lines barracks at Alder shot in the years 1914, 1918, and 1919, respectively?

The grants were as follows:

—		Stanhope Lines.	Marlborough Lines.	Wellington Lines.
		£	£	£
1913–14	…	4,602	3,550	4,300
1917–18	…	6,071	3,500	8,300
1918–19	…	12,298	3,600	9,818

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will say whether the Army Council intends to put the barracks and married quarters in Alder-shot in a proper state of repair so that they can be inhabited; and, if so, when this will be done?

Allotments have been made to Aldershot for maintenance work on the War Department buildings there, and, as stated yesterday in reply to an oral question put by the hon. Member for Silvertown, the question of making further allotments will be given careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Company Sergeant-Major Jolliffe, Sergeant Jenkins, and Sappers White, Tull, and Wood, Royal Engineers, lately demobilised, applied to the district officer, Royal Engineers, for reinstatement at Longmoor, where they were employed previous to being called up in 1914, under the War Office; whether he is aware that their application for reinstatement was refused though the men who tad taken their places had not served during the War; and whether, as the Government are appealing to private employers to reinstate men now demobilised, he will reinstate these men in their former employment under the War Office?

I am informed that, Company Sergeant-Major Jolliffe was not employed by the Division Officer, Royal Engineers, in 1914. He was then working under the triennial contractor. Sergeant Jenkins also was not employed by the Division Officer, Royal Engineers, in 1914. Sapper White was offered employment under the Royal Engineers in February, 1919, and refused it. Sapper Tull applied to the Division Officer, Royal Engineers, for re-employment three weeks ago, and will be absorbed in due course. There is no record of any application for work from Sapper Wood in the office of the Division Officer, Royal Engineers, and no record of his employment in 1914. Four applicants for re-employment in this small Royal Engineer Division at Longmoor have already been absorbed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now able to make any statement as to the increase of pay for Army schoolmasters

Not yet, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there are some 700,000 estates of deceased men to distribute; whether 90 per cent. are war gratuities to next-of-kin of sums under £35; whether estates under £25 are worth dividing up into small sums; and whether he will consider whether estates under £35 can be issued in full to widows and others on their signing a formal declaration by them that these estates would be administered on behalf of those legally entitled to share them, thereby preventing disappointment and hardship to those who have already suffered so much owing to the War?

There are some 700,000 war gratuities due to the representatives of deceased officers and men, most of whose estates have already been distributed without the gratuities, so that a second distribution has now to take place. Many of the gratuities are under £35, but I cannot name any percentage. These distributions have to be made in accordance with law, under the Regimental Debts Act. The discretionary power of issuing to one person for distribution is applied when the circumstances warrant it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the total amout of residue of soldiers' estates invested in the Orphans' Savings Bank of the War Office under Section 9 (1) of the Regimental Debts Act; whether this money is invested at 2½ per cent. compound interest; and whether, in the interests of the beneficiaries, he will consider the possibility of issuing the residues of soldiers' estates to the deceased men's mothers, widows, or other dependants in their entirety to be administered on behalf of those who are legally entitled to share these estates?

The total on 31st March, 1918, was £29,068. The books for 1918-19 are not yet made up. The question of investment at a higher rate than that correctly stated in the question is under consideration. The last part of the question was dealt with in the reply to the preceding question.

asked the Secretary of State for War when wound gratuity and arrears of pay due to Second-Lieutenant Henry Douglas Jobling, 92nd Regiment, D Battery, are. to be paid to his heirs and executors, seeing that he died of wounds on 22nd January, 1918, and probate of his will has been proved?

The matter is being investigated, and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is that whilst all ranks in the Armies of Occupation have increased pay the nursing sisters have received no increase whatever, although many Have been abroad for years, and some have recently been transferred from Salonika to Batum; whether he is aware that the sisters who asked to go to Batum have been compelled to pay their messing bills for the whole journey of 6s. a day, although many can ill afford it; and is he now prepared to treat the sisters and nurses working for the Armies of Occupation as fairly in the matter of pay as he has treated all other ranks?

The Army of Occupation bonus is strictly limited to commissioned officers and enlisted men. Its extension to nursing staff would be a departure from this rule, but is under considera- tion. I will inquire into the question of the messing charges, and communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether a substitute protection certificate or preferably a proper discharge certificate can be issued at once to Joseph Deighan, No. 131463, 30, M'Dowall Steet, Johnstone, Renfrewshire, who has lost his temporary protection certificate, given him on 8th April, 1919, at Blandford camp when discharged from the Royal Aix Force on medical grounds (his eyes having beeninjured as a result of blacksmith's training at Horlton Camp, Wend over), and who has applied for one without results and who, being unemployed and having a wife and four children, cannot draw either his twenty-eight days' pay and ration money or the out-of-work grant unless he obtains such a certificate?

The letter of application referred to in the question has not been traced, but instructions are being issued to No. 131463, J. Deighan, to report the loss of his protection certificate to the Pension Issue Office, Baker Street, W. 1, forwarding at the same time his temporary pension allowance book. The Pension Issue Office will then arrange for a fresh protection certificate to be issued to him. In the meantime he should apply to the local war pensions committee for financial assistance, and he is being advised to do this.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that W. Sutton, No. 155451, Royal Air Force, recently at Blandford Camp has been dispatched to Russia, although he never volunteered; and whether he will make inquiries into this case?

This airman was under orders for Russia before the ruling was given that only Regular airmen and volunteers were to be sent. Arrangements are being made to release, at an early date, all airmen (other than Regular airmen) who did not volunteer for Russia.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that Charles McGrub was lately discharged from, the Aldergrove aerodrome, county Antrim, after having worked there for twelve months; that McGrub had served with the Colours throughout a considerable portion of the War; that many men who did not join the Colours have been kept on at the aerodrome; and whether, in view of the pledges of the Government that they would do all they could for ex-Service men, he will see that McGrub is reinstated in his position at the aerodrome at Aldergrove?

I find that Charles McGrub, after being engaged at the Aldergrove Aerodrome on 5th June,. 1918, left work on the 5th September. He came back on the 12th of that month, but was discharged with 150 others on the l7th May last, as there was no longer work for these men to do. Of the 150 men who have been retained preference has been given in every possible case to ex-Army men.

asked the Under-Sccretary of State to the Air Ministry when the completion of the transfer of standard stocks from Regent's Park to Ruislip is completed in September will the buildings in Regent's Park be then removed and the land now occupied be restored to the public?

I regret that I am unable to add anything on this question to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 19th May. Perhaps he will address a question to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions at a later date.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. M'Intyre, widow, Bucklyvie, Stirlingshire, who has-had her two sons, Private William M'Intyre, No. 263019 l/5th Seaforths, and Private Alexander M'Intyre, No. 350769, Royal Highlanders, both killed in the War and now is only receiving 7s. 6d. per week pension; whether he is aware that the reason for the amount of the allowance is that her daughter, Jeanie M'Intyre, was put in as the dependant of one of the sons, but she has since died through grief and that the mother has had the pension stopped, and so only received the sum named, 7s. 6d. per week; and whether he will take steps to compensate this woman in her bereavement and suffering?

In the first instance the application in respect of Private William M'Intyre was only made on behalf of his sister, and it was not until four months after the latter's death that an application on behalf of the mother was received. As a result of the investigation of the mother's claim it is found possible to award her a pension of 13s. a week, in substitution for the provisional award of 7s. 6d. a week, and this will be paid to her with arrears from the date of her daughter's death. Arrears will also be paid to the daughter's estate to compensate for the difference between the amount of the new award and the pension drawn by her in her lifetime. No claim of any kind has hitherto been made in respect of Private Alexander M'Intyre. This question is now being taken up, with a view to a possible further increase of the mother's pension.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Patrick Rooney, 35, Main Street, Govan, crippled, and fifty-six years of age, has been refused a pension or any recompense for the loss of his son, Private Patrick Rooney, No. 31443, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was killed on 1st December, 1917; whether he will state the reason; and what steps he is prepared to take to secure to this man the pension due to him for the loss of his son?

No claim can be traced as having been received on behalf of Patrick Rooney. A preliminary search by the Casualties Department of the War Office has also failed to trace the casualty on the date mentioned, and they surmise that the number is incorrect. An inquiry has been sent to the local committee concerned in order to ascertain the exact circumstances.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, under existing arrangements, the widow of a discharged man who has died of his Service disability may be left for four or five months to live on her pension without the 20 per cent. bonus, although the amount of the pension, without the bonus, is admittedly insufficient as a living rate under present circumstances; and, if so, whether some action will be taken in the matter?

Upon the death of a discharged man, the question of the widow's entitlement to pension has to be determined, and during the period of investigation the local committees can make recoverable advances to the widow at pension rate. Committees have not hitherto been authorised to pay bonus with recoverable advances, but I propose to issue an instruction to the committees enabling them to do so in future.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that Mrs. Wood, widow of the late William Charles Wood, who took part in the Jutland battle on His Majesty's ship "Malaya" and died twelve months ago, has not yet received any allowance for her youngest child, born five months after her husband's death; and if he will take steps to see that his Department, who have already been written to on several occasions, pays to this woman the husband's gratuity and child's allowance without further delay?

The claim of Mrs. Wood to the naval assets of the late William Charles Wood, leading seaman, Royal Naval Reserve, was admitted on the 18th October last, and the amount due in that respect was duly paid to her. The claim for gratuity is now being investigated, and payment will be made to Mrs. Wood in the course of a few days. The question of an allowance to the posthumous child is, I am advised, a matter for the Ministry of Pensions. I am sending my hon. friend's inquiry across.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of Admiral Jerram's Report and the decisions of the Government thereon, he will consider the possibility of refunding to those Greenwich age pensioners who in the past have not received their pension until many years after they became eligible for the same a sum of money equal to the pension they would have received if their pension had been paid at the age of eligibility?

The Board adopted the recommendation of the Jerram Committee on this matter as set forth in Recommendation 49, page 8, Command Paper 149 (with the variation in order to fall in with existing practice that the payment should be 5d. a day—instead of 6d. as recommended—at the age of fifty-five, increased to 9d. a day at sixty-five). The Jerram Committee did not recommend the retrospective refunding suggested by my hon. Friend, neither do I think we can vary their recommendation in the sense he suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Robert Davidson, No. 220282, L.A.C., Royal Air Force, was demobilised on 8th March, 1919, after four years and three months' service, and although due, approximately, £40 balance of pay and ££26 gratuity, has received nothing, and, as a consequence, had to enlist again for two years on 8th April, 1919; if he is aware that he has allotted 18s. per week, which, with allowance, should entitle his wife to £2 Is. per week, but that she has received nothing; if he is aware that the paymaster at Woking has been written to and interviewed, but nothing has been done; and whether he proposes to take any steps to secure to this soldier and his family the money and leave to which he and they are entitled?

I think the hon. Member must be referring to No. 229282, and not 220282 Leading Air Mechanic Robert Davidson. The sum due to this man on dispersal was, I find, not £40, but £5 18s. 6d., and this has been paid, with the exception of 6d. deducted for National Health Insurance. A complete statement of the man's account is being sent to his commanding officer for the man's information. The gratuity payable amounted to £25. Of this £24 was deposited with the Post Office Savings Bank on 1st June. The remaining £l would have been issued on the return by the man of his overcoat. The money allotted by Davidson on re-enlistment and separation allowance have, I am informed, now been issued, with arrears to the date of re-enlistment. The man will receive any leave to which he is entitled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of his failing eyesight and the increase in the cost of living, he can increase the pension of 2s. l0d. per diem awarded in 1875, after twenty-eight years' service, to John Anderson, a Crimean veteran, aged eighty-five, and an ex-warrant officer of the Royal Artillery, and resident at 52, Bowes Road, Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N. 13?

This veteran is receiving the full benefit of the Regulations, and I regret that it is not possible to increase his pension from public funds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the shipmasters employed by the War Office to carry on the Thames examination service under military control are entitled to a war gratuity; and, if not, if he will explain why it is refused to these gentlemen when temporary officers, who have been employed exclusively at the War Office, are receiving a war gratuity?

Officers not in receipt of the rates of pay laid down in the Pay Warrant are not entitled to the gratuity given by Regulation to those paid under the Warrant. The question of granting them some gratuity on termination of service is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention. has been drawn to the case of Private R. Monteith, No. 148065, Scot Command Labour Corps, Nottingham, who joined the Stirlingshire Territorial Force in July, 1912, passed fit for service when war broke out, having taken Class 2 Form in 1913, and was rejected as unfit in January, 1915, but was passed as fit again on 24th November, 1916, and served with the 10th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers until 17th October, 1918; and whether he will now receive his £5of bounty money?

Inquiries are being made. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a soldier, out of hospital and undergoing hospital treatment, and forbidden any work however light, receives, after deducting 12s. 6d. per week for his keep in hospital, in pay 4s. per week less than the joint allowance made to a soldier and his wife when the soldier is in hospital, although when out of hospital he has to feed himself; and whether this arrangement will be rectified?

I do not follow the figures given by my hon. Friend, but if ho will give me details of the case he has in mind I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of Array Order 54, laying down the bonus for a captain or a brigade-major as being 31s. 6d. per week, while a major's bonus is 35s. per week, a substantive major who is appointed brigade-major should be paid at the lower rate of 31s. 6d. when, by his Army seniority, he is entitled to 35s. bonus?

The Army Order quoted explicitly lays down the rate of 31s. 6d. for a brigade-major, whatever the substantive rank. The same rule is applied in other cases of officers holding Staff appointments and has always been followed in the case of Army allowances of all kinds.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that in November, 1915, a number of American workmen were engaged by Messrs. Willans and Robinson, Rugby, for work on munitions, under a contract which provided for the return passage of the men to America on the termination of their employment; that some of the men now desire to return home, and have been informed that they cannot get a third-class passage on board ship before October next; and whether any steps can be taken to secure the passage of these men at an earlier date, and thus enable them to return home, and allow the workmen at present unemployed to fill their places?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Under the Government scheme of repatriation for munition workers, the American workmen referred to are entitled to receive free return passages to America, provided that they applied before the 3rd May. Such applications have been received from four workmen employed by Messrs. Willans and Robinson, and have been granted. Passages have been offered by a boat sailing on the 12th June.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether a considerable proportion, if not a majority, of the lecturers in economics and kindred subjects in classes under the Workmen's Educational Association and in university tutorial classes arc professed Socialists; and whether it is advisable that such propaganda should be aided by Government grants?

The Board do not and can not inquire into the opinions of the teachers of these classes, the responsibility for whose appointment or acceptance rests primarily with the university committees and the local education authorities. I have no reason to suppose that the teachers abuse their position or that the Government grants are used for purposes of progaganda as distinct from legitimate instruction.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schemes under the Education (Choice of Employment) Act have been approved by the Board since 11th November; and whether he is satisfied with the extent to-which local education authorities have-adopted the Act?

The Board have approved thirteen schemes under the Education (Choice of Employment) Act, since 11th November, 1918. In addition there are a certain number of schemes at present under consideration, several of which are in an advanced stage. There are still, I am afraid, some important areas which are at present without the advantage of a juvenile employment committee; but I am satisfied that there is a growing appreciation among local education authorities of the educational importance of their powers under the Act, and I have no doubt that further proposals for the exercise of these powers will be brought before me either directly or in the schemes which local education authorities will submit under the Education Act of 1918.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present position regarding the shipment of gold from Australia to India and the sale of such gold in that country; whether there are any restrictions; and, if there are, when they are likely to be removed?

These are matters for the consideration of the Commonwealth Government and the Government of India. So far as I am aware there are no restrictions on the export of gold from Australia. But under the Indian Ordinance regulating gold imports, imports can only be made by license for tender to the Indian Government for payment in Indian currency at a rate close to the par of Exchange. I am informed by the Secretary of State for India that he cannot consider the removal of this restriction until he has received and considered the Report of the recently appointed Indian Currency Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Sir San-karan Nair gave reasons for his resignation from the Viceroy's Executive Council; and, if so, what were those reasons which compelled him to surrender a post worth £7,000 a year?

I have no official information, but understand that Sir San-karan Nair resigned because he differed from his colleagues on the question of the continuance of marital law in the Punjab.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of Lajp at Rai, the Indian agitator, who is doing his best in America to stir up anti-British sentiment; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware of and regret the efforts to misrepresent to the American public the character of British rule in India to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. Their result may easily be over-estimated, but steps have been taken to counteract them.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether equality of facilities for coming to this country to give evidence before the Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament is being granted by the Government of India to the Indian supporters of the Government of India Bill and to the representatives of the non-Brahman majority of the Indian people who oppose the Bill; and, if not, will he see that this is done?

The Government of India have undertaken to give all facilities possible to properly accredited representatives of all shades of opinion, in limited numbers, to visit this country for the purpose mentioned in the question. I have no doubt that this pledge is being and will be faithfully observed.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that a better price could to-day be obtained for silver bullion in the open market in India than by tendering for coinage into rupees, he is taking steps to prevent the natives melting them up and selling them back to the Government for recoinage?

The answer is in the affirmative. The melting and breaking of coin is prohibited.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the claim to retrospective staff pay of assistant adjutants appointed to the Reserve battalions in India formed out of the depots of regiments in Mesopotamia, seeing that officers who have held these posts before the issue of Army Instruction (India) No. 1,458, of 1918, authorising staff pay of Rs. 90 a month to assistant adjutants of British Reserve battalions, have been deprived of extra pay which they have earned and to which they would have been entitled but for the absence of retrospective effect?

I have asked the Government of India for a Report on the subject, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the gold mohur coined last year against the advice of the Royal Commission of 1913 is accepted by the Government of India as a legal tender for 15 rupees and is only worth 12 rupees; if the Government of India lose 3 rupees whenever this coin is tendered for taxes; and whether the Government is also under an obligation to give 15 rupees on demand in exchange for the mohur?

The mohur is accepted by Government as legal tender for 15 rupees. The coin is worth 15 rupees for all internal transactions, including payment of taxes. As each mohur coined was first paid out by Government in discharge of an obligation for 15 rupees, and can be so issued again, no less would be entailed upon Government by the receipt of mohurs in payment of taxes. A mohur, or a sovereign held in India, are both rated at 15 rupees for internal transactions, and are therefore equivalent to 25s. in external exchange, at the present exchange rate of Is. 8d. the rupee. The reply of the 21st May referred to the value of the gold content, not of the coin as legal tender, as being the equivalent of 12 rupees in external exchange. The reply to the last inquiry is in the negative.

asked (1) the Secretary of State for India whether British Cavalry charged Afghan troops in the recent fighting, reformed their ranks when through the hostile force, and then charged back again; and, if so, whether he can give the names of the regiments concerned, the name of the commanding officer, and any further details of this action; and (2) asked the Secretary of state for War whether a Cavalry charge took place in the recent fighting against the Afghans; and what regiments took part in this charge and if he can give any further details of the action?

The hon. Member no doubt refers to a Press message from Peshawar, which appeared in the London newspapers of the 31st May, reporting a charge near Dakka by British Cavalry. No official account of this occurrence has yet been received, and no further details are known beyond what has appeared in the newspapers.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is intended to relieve the machinery set up in connection with the maintenance of the National Register, in view of the expenditure entailed in the work in its present form?