asked the Secretary to the Admiralty why the Jerram Committee recommended (paragraph 7) that the allowances in respect of the qualifications therein set out should be merged in the new Marine scale of pay, thus depriving the Marine corps of the non-substantive pay which they had before received, whilst at the same time retaining the non-substantive pay to the seamen branch, especially having regard to paragraph 5, which states that Royal Marines pay is to be based on Naval instead of Army rate?

The allowances which were merged in the new Royal Marines scale of pay were not, I am advised, on the same footing as non-substantive pay, as they did not necessitate any special training or qualification beyond the present-day standard of efficiency of a Royal Marine. The new rates of substantive pay for the corps are based on the principle that all men are now expected to be efficient for general service, and an increase of substantive pay is therefore given as soon as the men complete training and are fully qualified for service afloat and ashore. In addition, the Royal Marines have opportunities similar to those of the seaman class of qualifying for non-substantive pay, as gunlayers, range-takers, etc., within the requirements of the Fleet.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether their lordships have decided that the uniform of all first-class petty officers in the Navy shall be revised so that in future they will wear Class I. dress properly distinguished from a chief petty officer; and, if so, the date when such new arrangement will come into force?

The matter is at present under consideration, and it is hoped that a decision will be arrived at shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in view of the fact that men now serving in the dockyards have had their wages increased, which thereby carries an increased pension, anything could be done in the way of increase of pension for those pensioners who have previously served in the dockyards and who are now endeavouring to subsist on the lower scale of pension in force in pre-war days, when the price of living was not so abnormal?

The pensions in question were awarded by the Treasury under the Superannuation Acts, and I suggest to my hon. and gallant Friend that he address a question on the subject to that Department.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the naval cooks employed at the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, work in two watches and that the number of hours of duty weekly average from 110 to 118; whether this is due to the shortage of cook ratings; and, if so. if he will take an early opportunity of so raising their number as to prevent these excessive hours of duty?

Inquiry, regarding these matters is being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when the necessary information has been obtained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the scarcity of honours conferred on naval cooks during the War; that these men have not only to fight themselves, but to feed the other men who fight, and after the battle is over to get the food ready for the other ratings; and, in view of their work during the War and their rate of pay, he will consider the advisability of including a larger number of naval cooks in the list of honours conferred for war services?

My hon. Friend will realise that the ordinary duties of cook ratings do not present as many opportunities for displaying those qualities which are appropriately rewarded by the bestowal of medals for gallantry as do the duties of ratings of other branches In cases where cook ratings have dis- played such qualities, it is unlikely that their services have been overlooked. As an instance, it may be stated that at the Battle of Jutland two cook ratings earned for themselves the Distinguished Service Medal; whilst on the same occasion two other cook ratings were mentioned in the London "Gazette" in recognition of their services. Cook ratings are eligible for the Meritorious Service Medal which was adopted for the Navy in January last, and it is psssible that a certain number of cook ratings will be recommended for this award. The award of a medal for Conspicuous Gallantry, Distinguished Service, or Meritorious Service depends in no way upon the rate of pay to which a rating may be entitled, but entirely upon the gallant, distinguished, or meritorious service rendered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Board does not agree to follow the American example and abolish the expensive full dress uniform of naval officers altogether, whether he can procure its abolition for the lieutenant and sub-lieutenant ranks and so help to prevent officers being in debt early in their careers?

The question of naval officers' uniform after the War is under consideration by the Admiralty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the Admiralty estimate or the actual figures as to the loss of German destroyers during the War prior to the Battle of Jutland; and what is believed to have been the number of German destroyers present at the Battle of Jutland?

It is estimated that twenty-one German destroyers were lost prior to the Battle of Jutland. About seven German flotillas were present at the Battle of Jutland; a German flotilla when at full strength contained eleven boats.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the desire on the part of the Royal Marines that a new cap of a totally different pattern should be issued to them bearing in mind the fact that the one which they at present wear is of German design; and whether he is prepared to direct that at the earliest possible moment the suggested alteration may be carried out?

The existing field service cap worn by the non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines was introduced in 1903. It is not of German design, but was copied from the bluejacket's cap, the absence of a peak enabling it to be easily stowed away when embarked. It is known that, since the War, its similarity to the German cap has made it unpopular. The whole question of the kit of the Royal Marines is now under consideration, and the question of a suitable pattern cap will be dealt with at the same time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether time-expired naval men have any priority in the matter of demobilisation; whether lie is aware that there are now many time expired men serving in the Navy who have not been released; and can he see his way to have inquiries made into the matter?

I am sending my hon. Friend an extract from the demobilisation Regulations, from which it will be seen that these men have a distinct priority. My hon. Friend will realise that there must of necessity still remain a proportion of time-expired ratings to be demobilised, particularly as they so often hold non-substantive ratings.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that application has been made to the War Office for the release on compassionate grounds of Private J. Hanby, No. 189591, Royal Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport, Salonika Forces, and has been refused; whether he is aware that this man has a wife and two children in necessitous circumstances, and wholly dependent on him; that his wife was employed as an insurance agent, but recently lost her employment owing to the reinstatement of a discharged soldier, and that in the small village in which she lives she cannot obtain further employment of this kind; that Private Hanby's eldest daughter recently won a bursary, and is anxious to remain at school, but that on this girl reaching fourteen years 4s. was deducted from the separation allowances of the family; that the total income of the family is now 26s. 6d. per week, and the annual rent of their house £9; and whether, in consideration of the circumstances of Private Hanby's family, he will have the application made on his behalf reconsidered?

I regret that the grounds put forward by my hon. and gallant Friend are not of sufficient urgency as to warrant the immediate demobilisation of Private Hanby on compassionate grounds. I may, however, add that in the case of a child who remains at school beyond the age of fourteen a supplementary allowance is issuable under the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee of the Ministry of Pensions. Application for this allowance and for information concerning other benefits granted under these Regulations should be made to the local war pensions committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the following grounds are sufficient to ensure a soldier's immediate demobilisation, namely, an age of forty-one and a half years; the ownership of a one-man business which is about to be closed owing to the illness of his substitute; being married, with two children; holds Territorial efficiency medal; and joined the Army in August, 1916; and, if the answer is in the affirmative, whether he can see his way to granting the immediate demobilisation of Sergeant R. B. Tainsh, No. 580182, 166th Chinese Labour Corps, British Expeditionary Force, France?

If Sergeant Tainsh's age is as stated he is eligible for demobilisation unless his services are temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation. His application for demobilisation on compassionate grounds has been carefully considered, but it did not appear to be one of such extreme urgency as to warrant immediate demobilisation, and consequently could not be granted.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private H. A. Jones, No. 39649, ¼th Northants Regiment, is still in the service of the Army although married and thirty-nine years of age, and that he is still in Egypt attached to the M.F.P., H.Q., 54th Division; and, seeing that he is eligible for demobilisation, will he give instructions for this man's release and advise the commanding officer accordingly?

Private Jones is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If, however, his age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he is eligible for demobilisation and will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Cyclist Arthur Chapman, No. 533335, 11th Platoon, O Company, 1/9th Hants Regiment, Siberia, has been informed he is to remain; is he aware this man joined up in August, 1914, and has never volunteered for Russia; when he may be expected to be released; and when will the exigencies of the Service permit of such a release?

Arrangements are already in hand for the release of the l/9th Hants Regiment at the earliest possible moment. As this depends upon the military situation an exact date cannot yet be given. Should Cyclist Chapman have strong claims to immediate release on compassionate grounds, his case will receive favourable consideration on application being made in the manner laid down.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether orders have yet been issued, and, if so, on what date, for the recall from Salonika for demobilisation of Captain J. M. Gibson, Royal Army Medical Corps, acting D.A.D.M.S. (Sanitation), at the lines of communication headquarters?

I am informed that Captain Gibson was telegraphed for on the 26th February, and a reply was received that, owing to his special qualifications as a sanitary officer, he could not be spared. A further cable was sent on the 18th June, asking whether he could now be relieved, but no reply has yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private R. J. Hale, No. 11023, D Company, ¼th Somerset Light Infantry, No. 2 Special Battalion, stationed at Rawal Pindi, India, a 1914 volunteer, after eighteen months in France and Belgium, and wounded there, and thereafter two years in Mesopotamia, is still detained in India; and when may he expect his discharge?

I regret that at present I can make no definite statement regarding the demobilisation of troops in India. If Private Hale's length of service is as stated he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men are now retained in the quarrying companies; what work they are doing that could not be equally well done by civilian labour; and whether, in view of the signature of Peace, he will give instructions that all these men shall be released?

The total number of roads and quarry troops combined at present serving is approximately 2,000, I have not the figures of roads and quarry troops separately. It is not proposed to retain beyond the end of July any quarrying companies in the Army. Such men as will be retained are those not eligible for demobilisation under Army Order 55 of 1919, and they are and will be employed in clearing-up work in France.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, following the signing of Peace, he will endeavour to facilitate the demobilisation of those who are the owners of one-man businesses, many of whom are suffering particular hardship by being retained with the Colours?

I regret that at present I can add nothing to the statement made by my right hon. Friend during the Debate on the Army Estimates on the 29th May to the effect that he is considering whether compassionate cases on other than purely family grounds cannot now come into consideration, at any rate for a limited number.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the men who were specially enlisted in companies for road-making in France are being retained beyond the term of their enlistment; whether these companies are still employed on the French roads; and, if so, whether he will approach the French authorities with regard to the possibility of employing French civilian workmen on this work in order to secure the release of the men in the companies who have work awaiting them at home?

The terms of enlistment for men in the road-making companies were the same as regards length of service as for any other men in the Army, and they are not being specially retained. At present there are approximately 2,000 roads and quarry troops combined out of a total of 12,000 who were serving at the time of the Armistice, and it is hoped to reduce the roads personnel to about 750 by the end of July. Such men as will be retained are those not eligible for demobilisation under Army Corps 55, of 1919, and they are and will be employed in clearing-up work.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the possibility of extending the compassionate grounds for release from the Army in order to include such a case as that of A/Sergeant W. T. Watson, No. 28,668, 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, whose mother, aged sixty-four, is a widow in necessitous circumstances, a chronic invalid, and entirely dependent on this son; whether the only condition of the present regulations for compassionate release which she does not fulfil is that she has not two or more children dependent upon her; and in view of her age and the fact that she is a chronic invalid, whether this disability will be overlooked?

I regret that the grounds put forward by my hon. Friend do not warrant a man's demobilisation on compassionate grounds, but as I have already stated, it is hoped shortly, if conditions permit, to reconsider the regulations governing releases on compassionate grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that in many cases the soldier's wife who is in necessitous circumstances and wholly dependent on the soldier is fully engaged in the care of her house, young children, and aged relatives, and as unable to earn money for herself as if she were a chronic invalid, he will instruct the excision of the words "chronic invalid" from paragraph 1, sub-paragraph (iii.) of Army Council Instruction 287, of 1919, which regulates demobilisation on compassionate grounds?

I regret that at present I cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but it is hoped when Peace is signed that it will fee possible to reconsider the regulations governing individual releases on compassionate grounds.

asked the Secretary of state for war whether Irish recruits who were promised in their attestation forms that they were enrolled only until the cessation of hostilities, and not more than six months from such date, are still being Compulsorily retained in the Army, although the Military Service Act did not apply to Ireland; and whether their cases will be immediately considered with a view to the pledge given to them being fulfilled?

It is true that at one period of the War the form of attestation varied and some of the men referred to by my hon. Friend may have enlisted on the terms suggested. The termination of the present War or the present hostilities has, however, been defined by Statute, and as hostilities, though suspended, have not yet terminated, I regret that I can take no special action to release them unless they are eligible for demobilisation under current instructions. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that they may be liable for retention under the Naval, Military, and Air Force Service Act, 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether forty-four men out of 1,789 in the Royal Engineers, postal section, have been demobilised between 9th November, 1918, and 8th March, 1919; whether the Director of Army Postal Services is seeking to override the promise of the Secretary of State for War that all 1914 men shall be released by the end of June and all 1915 men by the end of July; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that his pledge is applied to all units?

The approximate total strength in all theatres of war of the Royal Engineers postal section on the 9th November, 1918, was 4,000, including 1,200 with the home depot. Of the latter, 452 were demobilised by the end of March. Figures giving the rates of demobilisation in other theatres of war are not available. The proposal to release 1914 and 1915 men, which it is hoped to bring into effect when Peace is signed, will apply to, and will be carried out by all units, except those in India and North Russia. As regards men in India and North Russia I can make no definite promise at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the normal gauge railway between Baiji and Mosul has yet been completed; and, if not, whether everything possible will at once be done to hasten the construction of this railway in order that the road traffic may be reduced and the large number of men now employed in driving lorries and cars upon this route become consequently eligible for demobilisation in the autumn?

Arrangements are in hand for the construction of a narrow-gauge railway between Baiji and Mosul at an early date. It is not proposed to extend the standard gauge line from Baiji to Mosul.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the names of the general officers commanding the Territorial Divisions?

The information is as follows:

• Lowland Division—Major-General Sir P. R. Robertson, K.C.B., C.M.G.
• 1st London Division—Major-General Sir C. E. Pereira, K.C.B., D.S.O.
• West Riding Division—Major-General H. R. Davies, C.B.
• South Midland Division—Major-General Sir H. B. Walker, K.C.B., D.S.O.
• North Midland Division—Major-General Sir A. R. Hoskins, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
• Home Counties Division—Major-General Sir J. R. Longley, K.C.M.G., C.B.
• Wessex Division—Major-General Sir C. P. A. Hull, K.C.B.
• Welsh Division—Major-General C. J. Deverell, C.B.
• East Anglian Division—Major-General Sir S. W. Hare, K.C.M.G., C.B.
• 2nd London Division—Major-General Sir N. M. Smyth, V.C., K.C.B.
• West Lancashire Division—Major-General Sir R. W. R. Barnes, K.C.B., D.S.O.
• East Lancashire Division—Major-General T. E. Shoubridge, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
• Highland Division—Major-General E. G. Sinclair Maclagan, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
• Northumbrian Division—Major-General Sir P. S. Wilkinson, K.C.M.G., C.B.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether an order is in force that men evacuated from the East suffering from malaria are not to be sent again to the East; and, if so, why Sapper Rupert Cook, No. 288439, Royal Engineers (Signals), who was evacuated from East Africa some three months back, has been put on draft for Egypt; (2) if he is aware that Sapper Rupert Cook, No. 288439, Royal Engineers (Signals), C Depot, M Company, Bedford, was in hospital in German East Africa suffering from malaria from the 30th October, 1918, to the 4th February, 1919, and was therefore due for demobilisation under the rule then applicable to men who had been in hospital for twenty-eight consecutive days between the date of the Armistice and the 1st February, 1919; that Cook was too ill to be discharged from hospital before the 1st February, and was telegraphed for by the War Office to be returned to England for discharge, but had left East Africa for England before the telegram was received; that Cook was at that time also eligible for demobilisation on occupational grounds, his group being Occupation No. 35, but that before reaching home this scheme of demobilisation had been abolished; and, in view of these circumstances and of the fact that Cook was in the employment of the Post Office and that his discharge had been applied for by the Secretary to the General Post Office, if he will give instructions that Cook be discharged from the Army instead of being sent on draft to Egypt?

Sapper Cook is not eligible for demobilisation under existing Army Orders. The question of replacing him in a draft for the East by a man who has less claim to remain at home will be considered. The Order referred to in the-first question is not now in force.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the steamship "Canberra" called at Port Said on 25th May last and picked up eighty odd hospital cases, chiefly malarial, and that the men boarded the ship with uniforms unfitted for the voyage; that the vessel called at Malta for coal and decks were washed in the usual way, this work being completed at 11 p.m.; whether he is aware that these men had no hammocks served out to them during the voyage, and were only served with two blankets each, with no proper quarters, they being compelled to lie on the wet deck or remain standing, and amongst these men there were some who had suffered from ten attacks of the stated malady; and whether such is the usual practice of conveying men home from the East?

I am making inquiries, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Rifleman H. K. Fullagar, No. 211825, 23rd London Rifle Brigade, at present in the Grove Military Hospital, Tooting, was examined by a medical board on the 4th June, as the result of which he was informed that he was finally discharged from the Army, and received an order to draw his kit, but that owing to some technical informality in the holding of the medical board its decision has not been acted upon; and whether he will give, instructions that Fullagar be discharged forthwith or, in the alternative, that he be sent before another medical board constituted with due formality?

Inquiries are being made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many bandmasters in the British Army hold commissioned rank, and what are their units; and whether bandmasters in the French and American Armies all hold commissioned rank?

Bandmasters promoted to commissioned rank in the British Army are appointed directors of music. The establishment of directors of music, which previously was three, has recently been increased to ten. The regiments to which these officers will be appointed are the Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, and Foot Guards. I have no information as to the status of bandmasters in the French and American Armies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can yet give the date when the thirteen men who were imprisoned in Egypt for refusing to accept transference from the Royal Army Medical Corps are expected to arrive in England and whether a reply has been received to the cablegram sent in reference to this early in June?

There are now only five such men to be sent co the United Kingdom, the remainder having had their sentences suspended as they have agreed to serve with their units. The general officer commanding reports mat all shipping accommodation has already been allotted to soldiers who are eligible for demobilisation or have been granted leave, but that they will be sent home as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers there are in. Egypt holding the rank of brigadier-general or higher rank; whether the number is out of proportion to the number of men required to be kept in Egypt; and whether the demobilisation of the men in Egypt would result in many of these superior officers being automatically reduced to lower rank?

The number of general officers in Egypt is eighty-one and is not out of proportion to the number of men serving in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. Demobilisation of the men will not automatically result in many of these superior officers being reduced to lower rank, as the number of these officers is according to the establishment of the Army of Occupation required, and, owing to the situation in Egypt, every effort is being made to maintain the Army there up to its present establishment by making good losses due to demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private J. W. Thomson, No. 180122, 1032 Motor Transport Company, Army Service Corps, has been serving with the Salonika Force for three years without any home leave; and, in view of the fact that this soldier's health has been much impaired from malaria, will he issue orders for a term of home leave to be granted to him without further delay?

The granting of leave is a matter entirely in the hands of the Commander-in-Chief, and I regret that no special action can be taken in the case mentioned. As my hon. and gallant Friend will realise the shipping accommodation available for bringing home men on leave is restricted owing to the desire to release as rapidly as possible those who are eligible for demobilisation. The military medical authorities are responsible for the health of the troops, and I am sure that they will arrange for Thompson to be sent home, if the condition of his health renders it desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the date on which the British censorship of mails to and from America shall cease?

Censorship of mails between the United States of America and Great Britain has already been discontinued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the military authorities in connection with the strike at the Army Ordnance Corps Clothing Stores, Godmanchester; whether he is aware that in consequence of two employés refusing to join the workers union, after every reasonable effort had been made, the rest of the employés decided to discontinue work on the 6th June; that upon the strikers refusing to leave the premises soldiers armed with rifles and ball cartridges were brought in; that the presence of these soldiers had the effect of intimidating some of the workers; that the reason given for bringing in these armed soldiers was that the stores had to be protected; that such protection had never been required before; whether the War Office sanctioned this action; whether it is the custom of the War Office to sanction the calling in of armed troops in cases of trade disputes where no violence or breach of the Law is being resorted to, and where no requisition has been made by the civil authorities; and whether he will make full inquiry into this matter?

I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to obtain the information necessary to answer this question, but I will communicate with my right hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Postmaster-General has made a request to the War Office for the employment of Royal Engineer telegraphists upon purely civilian work during Henley week; whether he is aware that the Postmaster-General has been unable to obtain the usual volunteers from among the civilian telegraphists owing to the inadequate subsistence rate which was offered; and whether he will give a definite assurance that the military forces of the Crown shall not be used on civilian work to the detriment of the trade union claims of organised civilian labour?

I am informed that there is no trace of any such request having been received at the War Office. The second part of the question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers stationed in Jamaica at the out- break of War, and for some years subsequently, who volunteered for active service in France but were required to await reliefs, are entitled to the 1914 and 1915 Star, or whether any other decoration in recognition of the services of such, men is in contemplation?

The "1914–15 Star" is granted only to those members of the Military Forces who served in theatres of War between the 5th August, 1914, and the 31st December, 1915. Jamaica was not a theatre of war and service therein does not qualify for the award of the star. The question of the conditions governing the award of the general decoration to be granted for services rendered during the War is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men returning from the Forces to their old employment in the Army Ordnance Department, Woolwich, are being reinstated in the positions held by them prior to the War, whilst temporary employés who have never been in the Forces have been promoted and are now in positions superior to the men who enlisted; whether this is the considered policy of the Department; and whether it can be reconsidered?

I am obtaining a report on the subject, and will write to my right hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to give him an answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now state the result of the inquiry into the question of superannuation of ex-soldier clerks employed in the War Office; whether he is aware that some of these men are now being discharged on reaching the age limit of sixty-five years; and whether, in the event of superannuation being granted, the men who have been, discharged in the meantime will be allowed to participate?

In reply to the first part of the question, I must refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Marylebone on the 5th May last. As to the rest of the question, I must refer to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Clackmannan on the 13th of last month. To these I have nothing to add. I will send my right hon. Friend copies of the replies referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to abolish the concessions made during the War for entrance at Woolwich and Sandhurst whereby sons of parents of moderate means were enabled to take the course; if so, will he state the reason for this reversion to the practice of reserving the commissions in the Army for the sons of wealthy parents by restoring the fees formerly in force at these colleges and abolishing the prize cadetships; and whether this matter will be reconsidered?

As indicated in the reply which I gave the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on Tuesday last the future arrangements are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under an Army Order dated on or about 22nd June, 1918, colour-sergeants, instructors of musketry, and other ranks were promoted to second-class warrant rank; if so, whether they thereupon became entitled to pay at the rates appertaining to the higher rank to which they had been promoted; and, if not, what advantage or advantages accrued to such officers by their promotion?

Army Order 194 of 1918 laid down that certain appointments which formerly carried the rank of non-commissioned officer should in future carry the rank of warrant officer class 2. The rates of pay, however, remained as before, namely, those laid down for the particular appointments in the Pay Warrant. The advantages gained by the grant of warrant rank, apart from the higher status, were increased allowances, and eligibility for a higher rate of pension on discharge, if then qualified for pension.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that premises known as Clovelly, in South Cliff Drive, Herne Bay, was let, on agreement with the Secretary of State for War, on terms providing that compensation should be paid to the owner for all damage except fair wear and tear; that, on the departure of the troops, the property was surveyed and, although the actual cost of repairs necessitated by the military occupation exceeds £120, a sum of £28 only was claimed under the agreement, but that the sum offered in settlement by the quartering Department amounted to £11 2s.; if he is aware that No. 2, Langton Villas, in the same locality, was let on a similar agreement and that in this case the amount claimed as damage was £40 whereas the quartering Department offered £16 in settlement; and whether he will give instructions that in both cases the terms of the agreement shall be carried out without delay by payment of the amount found due for damage to the premises?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain cases hay, commandeered in September, 1918, is still on the ground, the owner having received only 50 per cent. deposit payment, but being under a; disability to take any action himself?

I understand that while the bulk of hay required is purchased in the autumn and early winter months, baling operations continue throughout the whole year, and it is obviously impossible, in these circumstances, to take delivery of all the hay immediately it is purchased. It is, therefore, quite likely that delivery has not yet been taken of hay purchased in September, 1918. I would point out, however, that from the 1st October, 1918 to the date when the hay is actually lifted, interest at the rate of 5 percent. is paid to the farmer on the amount of the purchase money where no advance has been made, and on the balance of the purchase money where an advance has been made, and that in addition from the 1st January, 1919, to the date of lifting, 10 per cent in lieu of dryage is paid on the whole of the purchase money, whether an advance has been made or not.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether in the case of an ex-Service man who has a good position awaiting him in one of the Colonies and who emigrates now with his family, he will be entitled to a refund of the passage money when the scheme for the provision of free passage money comes into force?

I have been asked to answer this question as Chairman of the Overseas Settlement Committee, which is dealing with the scheme referred to. An ex-Service man who is entitled to the privileges of the scheme and has proceeded or proceeds overseas subsequently to 8th April of this year and before the booking arrangements under the scheme are completed, paying his own passage or passages, will be granted a refund to the extent of the third-class fare or fares, at Government rates, from his home to the port of disembarkation overseas. It is hoped that the booking arrangements will be completed before 10th July.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry, in view of the official report that sixty-four dogs had been illegally imported, what precautions are taken to guard against dogs kept in an aerodrome being infected with rabies in the event of a dog being imported?

The irregular importation of dogs is strictly forbidden, and under existing Orders should be impossible. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, in view of the official report that at one aerodrome there had been sixty-four dogs illegally imported, whether he has received any proof of a case of illegal landing by means of aeroplane?

The Board of Agriculture have received no official report of the illegal landing in this country of any dog by aeroplane.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he will make inquiries with a view of ascertaining why the gratuity due to Leslie Smith, lieutenant, Royal Air Force, on demobilisation on 19th February, 1919, has not yet been paid; and whether he is aware that the delays in the payment of gratuities due to officers in the Air Force are causing widespread dissatisfaction and, in many cases, financial hardship?

I find that Mr. Leslie Smith's gratuity was paid yesterday, the 24th June. In this particular case delay undoubtedly occurred through a clerical oversight, which I regret. I am informed that this case is quite exceptional.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private James Campion, No. 25932, of the 2nd Cheshire Regiment, who was wounded in France in 1917 and invalided home from Salonika in 1919, has been sent to the local workhouse infirmary; whether his pension of 10s. 4d. a week, a matter of importance to his wife and five children, is in danger now that he is in a rate-aided institution; and whether hospital expenses in cases of this sort can be charged to the State and not made a local charge upon the rates?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am having the matter specially investigated, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member as early as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that at the last meeting of the Newcastle-on-Tyne guardians they had before them an applicant for relief, a woman with three children under the age of fourteen years, whose destitution was due to the re-enlistment of her husband in the Russian Relief Force and the delay in the issue to her by the military authorities of separation allowance; that the husband was demobilised on the 15th February and re-enlisted on the 15th May; that on the date of the application to the guardians, the 30th May, no payments on account of separation allowance had been made; that the woman had applied to the war pensions committee and the Lord Mayor's relief fund; that they were unable to grant assistance owing to the instructions contained in the circular letter received by them from the Ministry of Pensions dated the 14th May, 1919; and that the guardians granted relief to the extent of 35s. for one week and passed a resolution strongly protesting against dependants of re-enlisted soldiers being obliged to apply to the Poor Law for assistance in circumstances such as are stated above; and what action he proposes to take in this case?

I am aware of the delay which has occurred in the issue of separation allowances to the wives and dependants of re-enlisted men, and I have now made arrangements by which local war pensions committees can make advances of separation allowance, on behalf of the War Office, in cases such as that to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. I am sending him a copy of the circular issued to the local committees.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether paragraph 6 of Army Order 87 of 1919 has been rescinded or amended; and, if not, when it is proposed to extend the concessions enumerated therein to civilian acting-paymasters?

The paragraph referred to still stands. I am not aware of any intention to extend the bonus granted to commissioned officers and enlisted men to civilians.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the claim of acting paymasters holding His Majesty's commission is not recognised for gratuity on discharge similarly to the claim of dentists; and whether he will favourably consider doing away with all the exclusions which cause dissatisfaction as not being based upon any just ground of disqualification?

Instructions will very shortly be issued defining the gratuity to be issued to these officers on demobilisation.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, if a man who would ordinarily be entitled to receive a gratuity on completing twenty years' combined service in the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve or twenty years' service in the Royal Naval Reserve is invalided from causes not under his control or dies before completing such term of service, he or his representatives would be entitled to receive a gratuity or any portion of it; and. in case no gratuity is paid, whether their Lordships would be prepared to consider and deal with each case upon its merits?

In ordinary circumstances men invalided from Class B of the Royal Fleet Reserve are granted a gratuity on a reduced scale, provided they are wholly unable, or able in a small degree only, to contribute to their own support, but when invaliding takes place while on active service a pension may be awarded on the scale applicable to active service ratings. In the case of the Royal Naval Reserve, the Regulations do not provide for any award on invaliding unless invalided while on active service, in which case a gratuity, proportionate to the length of service, may be awarded if the man is ineligible for a disablement pension. Death prior to the completion of twenty years service and the attainment of the ago of forty does not confer any claim to the gratuity, or to any portion thereof. I propose to look further into the matter, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided to introduce legislation setting up a statutory right to disability pensions?

My hon. and gallan Friend is probably aware that a great deal of evidence has been given before the Select Committee on Pensions on the question of a statutory right to pensions. It is proposed to await the Report of that Committee before coming to any decision in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether petty officers and men who served in the Royal Naval Volun- teer Reserve (Anti-Aircraft Corps) (Defences of London), 1914–16, are entitled to a war gratuity?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Rotherhithe on the 3rd March last, in which I stated that men who rendered whole-time service in the Royal Naval Anti-Aircraft Corps are eligible for the naval war gratuity. Those who served for half-time only are debarred unless they subsequently served in the Army or Navy, in which case they would be eligible for a gratuity assessed on the whole of their war service.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state the reason for the delay by the Civil Liabilities Committee in dealing with applications from discharged and demobilised men for grants to enable them to set up in business; and if he is aware that these applications were dealt with fairly expeditiously when the moneys were paid out of the King's Fund, but since the transfer to the Civil Liabilities Committee on 26th March, 1919, the Willesden War Pensions Committee has forwarded thirty applications to the Civil Liabilities Committee, and only three awards have been notified to date?

I have been asked to answer this question. One general reason why the Civil Liabilities Department has not been able to dispose of these cases move quickly is the large number of un-investigated, or only partially investigated, claims that were handed over to the Department en bloc from the King's Fund. I may say in this connection that no claims were actually transferred to the Civil Liabilities Department till some three weeks after the nominal date of transfer (26th March). I have not been able to verify the statement at the end of the question, but I will see what can be done to expedite a settlement of any cases that prove to have been unduly delayed. Meanwhile it would help me if the hon. and gallant Member will give me some details of the particular oases which he has in mind.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will instruct the Post Office Savings Bank to pay the gratuity due to N. H. Jackson, No. 205483, 72, Glen Avenue, Blackley, Manchester, who was advised over two months ago that the same-had been forwarded to the Moston Lane Post Office, but there they inform him it has not been received, nor has any reply been obtainable to communications addressed to the Controller, Post Office Savings Bank, West Kensington, W. 14?

Mr. Jackson's gratuity book has, unfortunately, gone astray. Arrangements have now been made to pay him the amount without production of the book.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, in view of the fact that hutment camps are now being, or are shortly to be, given up by the War Office, he will consider the advisability of a Departmental Committee being appointed to discuss with local authorities the possibility of such camps being used for industrial purposes?

Full information is given to local authorities of any hutment camps available for disposal. In these circumstances I do not think the appointment of a Departmental Committee is necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Committee appointed to inquire into the Royal Ordnance Factories at Woolwich has yet reported; and whether the same will be issued to Parliament?

The Committee has reported, and steps will be taken to lay the Report upon the Table of the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the Naval Ordnance staff at Woolwich, comprising less than 100 employés, was not granted the Whitsun-Monday holiday granted to the rest of the department and the employés in the Arsenal, in view of the fact that this staff has been granted all similar holidays since the formation of the department in 1891?

The staff referred to by my hon. Friend is presumed to be the clerical staff; and in the matter of holidays they conform to the practice of the Royal Dockyards and not to that of the Royal Arsenal. In the Royal Dockyards, Whit-Monday is not one of the four paid holidays allowed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that several municipal authorities have been compelled to close public libraries on account of the insufficiency of the rate-income as limited by present-day legislation, whilst many other local authorities are faced with a similar step in the immediate future unless some measure is introduced which will empower local authorities to rate themselves for the provision of literature to an amount in excess of 1d. in the £ on the rateable values of their districts; and whether, in view of the contemplated extensions in the educational policy of the nation, he will consider the desirability of providing an early means to avoid the breakdown of the public library system of the country?

I am aware of the difficulties under winch Public Libraries are labouring, and the matter is under consideration

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his Department has come to any decision as to fixing the appointed day for the opening of continuation schools in London under the Education Act of last year?

The answer is in the negative. A circular on the subject is being issued.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the estimated shortage of certificated teachers in the elementary schools at the present time; and what special steps are being taken by the Board to increase the number of teachers?

I do not think there is at the present moment a serious deficiency of certificated teachers in the public elementary schools as compared with the numbers before the War, for many of the men teachers have returned from the Army, and the reserves which were drawn upon during the War are still available. The question of increasing the number of teachers is receiving my constant attention, but I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the subject. The increased salaries and improved pension system will, I anticipate, tend to increase the supply of candidates for the profession.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Ameer of Afghanistan has made any, and, if so, what reply to the British terms which have been communicated to him?

The Amir replied in a letter, dated the 11th June, to the Viceroy's letter laying down terms of armistice. His reply, while arguing that literal fulfilment of some of these terms was impossible, expressed a desire for the re-establishment of friendly relations and accepted the Viceroy's proposal that delegates should be sent to Rawal Pindi to discuss the terms of peace. The reply was thought to afford a basis for negotiations for peace, and the Viceroy addressed a further letter to the Amir on the 21st June laying down final conditions, subject to which the Afghan delegates will be received at Rawal Pindi. The Secretary of State has received, up to the present, no intimation that the Amir has replied to this letter.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the policy and the executive and advisory authority now exercised by the Government of India in the affairs of Mesopotamia; whether the Government of India has appointed any officials in a civil capacity to posts in Mesopotamia, and, if so, what are the instructions and powers of these gentlemen regarding the development of the country, and how are their respective duties defined for proper co-operation with British military authorities acting under War Office instructions?

The Government of India exercise no authority in the occupied territories in Mesopotamia except a control over the expenditure of the local revenues in matters not sufficiently important to be referred to His Majesty's Government, who deal with all questions of policy. They do not appoint any officials to posts in that country.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the present inadequacy of the pensions of superannuated police officers; and if it is proposed to review them in the near future?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil (Lieut.-Colonel A. Herbert) on the 4th instant.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that over 160 municipalities have passed Resolutions within the last six months in favour of the removal by Parliament of the statutory limitation of rate-income imposed by the Public Libraries Act, 1892; that amongst the 160 local authorities mentioned the principal cities, boroughs, and industrial centres of the United Kingdom are included; and whether he is prepared to take early action to afford the relief for which these local authorities have petitioned?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a large number of local authorities have passed Resolutions as stated by the hon. Member in favour of the removal of the limitation on the amount of the rate for public libraries. The question whether action can be taken to remove the limitation is, I understand, receiving the consideration of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education, to whom the powers of the Local Government Board in this respect are shortly to be transferred.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give the total number of municipal houses now in course of erection under the new housing Regulations; and if he will give the number of houses in course of erection by public utility societies and the percentage thereof as compared with those of the county and local authorities?

My right hon. Friend has information of work which has been commenced in connection with housing schemes for some 2,100 houses which are being built by local authorities. In some cases only the work on streets and sewers has been begun. It is anticipated that work in connection with local authorities' schemes involving 1,100 houses will be begun in the course of a few days. Public utility societies have started operations on schemes which will provide about 600 houses.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will take steps immediately to prevent the sale of huts by the Disposal Board for purposes other than for temporary housing accommodation, and to arrange for the loan of such huts free of charge to local authorities applying for them on condition that the net revenue derived from letting the huts shall be paid over to the Government, and that such huts shall, in the first place, be let to demobilised Service men who, owing to the exigencies of their service, find themselves without sufficient housing accommodation for themselves and their families?

My right hon. Friend is in communication with the Ministry of Munitions with a view to providing special facilities for local authorities who require huts to meet an urgent need for immediate accommodation. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on the 2nd June, he will be prepared in such cases to regard the provision of accommodation by means of converted huts as part of the local housing scheme which will rank for State financial assistance.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board has a large number of new huts in stock which can readily be adapted for temporary housing accommodation for demobilised Service men, and that local authorities can only obtain possession of them at exorbitant prices in competition with commercial and other interests?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Disposal Board only have a relatively small number of new huts for disposal which are suitable for housing. I do not agree that the prices for which they are being sold are exorbitant.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the shortage of houses throughout the country, he will consider the institution, under the Defence of the Realm Act or otherwise, of temporary legislation whereby surplus houses in London or elsewhere may be borrowed from those owners who are in possession of more than one house or whose housing facilities are excessive, and that they may be let on suitable terms in order to provide housing facilities to the poorer sections of the community who are at present destitute of houses, and who are not likely to be provided therewith under the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Bill for some time to come?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on the 3rd instant to a question put by the hon. Member for the Central Division of Hull, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the London County Council have submitted a housing scheme to the Board for the Development of a building estate in Tottenham; whether he can give the number of new houses to be provided on this estate; and whether building operations will be commenced this year?

The scheme referred to by the hon. Member has not yet been submitted to the Local Government Board.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to a block of artisan dwellings in Glengall Road, Camberwell, which has been closed up and empty for some years; and whether, in view of the shortage of housing accommodation in the district, he can take any steps by which these dwellings can be reopened and let to tenants?

My right hon. Friend understands that the premises to which the hon. Member refers have been empty for fifteen years and are in a very dilapidated condition. It seems probable that these are premises with which the borough council may be able to deal under the powers to be conferred by the Housing Bill, and my right hon. Friend will communicate with the council on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware of the existence of the shortage of houses in the Maidwell Draughton district of Northamptonshire, and that in the same locality there are cottages owned by the squire that are standing vacant; and whether he can take any action to secure that these houses shall be made available for willing tenants in view of the shortage of houses?

The Housing Commissioner has met the Housing Committee of the Rural District Council and understands that it is hoped that an arrangement may be made for the use of vacant cottages.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Ministry of Munitions set up a large concrete-slab factory at Yate, Gloucestershire, close to the railway station, and employed at the date of the Armistice some 300 to 400 workers; that, since, all the employés have been discharged, and a large number are still in receipt of out-of-work pay to the extent of hundreds of pounds weekly; that the factory covers an area of 1,107,053 cubic feet, has up-to-date machinery driven by electricity, and is capable of turning out a quantity of urgently needed building necessities, woodwork as well as concrete material; that many hundreds of houses; are required in the immediate neighbourhood of the factory; and will he see whether immediate use can be made of premises specially competent to speed up the building of houses?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Representatives of the Ministry and the Local Government Board are visiting Yate to ascertain whether the factory can in any way be utilised for the production of material in connection with the Government Housing Programme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a Government station in the neighbourhood of King's Langley stored with timber suitable for cutting down into boards for building purposes; that recently the men employed there have been discharged and are now in receipt of unemployment donation; and whether he will consider the possibility of employing labour at this station for the cutting up of timber needed for housing schemes?

The mill to which I understand the question relates was worked during the War by Portuguese and stopped when they left. Negotiations are in progress for its sale to a timber merchant, but if these fail the Timber Supply Department contemplate re-starting operations which would soon be completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the concessions granted for cheap excursions by the railway companies apply to Ireland, and if these include excursions of employé's, friendly societies, and Sunday schools?

The concessions referred to are given in Ireland. They apply only to recognised school excursions, including those arranged by Sunday schools.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to secure cheap railway travelling facilities in order to allow the members of properly constituted working boys' and girls' clubs to enjoy a summer holiday; and whether he is aware that the juvenile organisation committees of every London borough were definitely asked by the Government to promote clubs, brigades, and seaside camps, and that unless railway facilities are afforded the cost of carrying out this request will be prohibitive?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I cannot at present add to the answer given on the subject on the 5th June to the hon. Member for North Lambeth and the hon. Member for Rotherhithe, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Gentleman a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of weekly wage earners at present employed by the railway companies under Government control; what was the corresponding number in July, 1914; what is the total amount paid in weekly wages no was compared with July, 1914; what are the present aggregate working expenses per passenger train mile; what proportion of these expenses is due to coal and wages, respectively; and whether it is the intention of the Government to reduce the present passenger fares?

I have not the information necessary to enable me to answer the first five points raised in this question. As regards the last point, I am afraid that there is no present prospect of a reduction of railway fares being justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that during the five years ending 1912 the highest tonnage of fish delivered into Billingsgate Market by rail was 129,500 tons and the highest tonnage delivered by water was 73,500 tons; that the carriage by water has practically ceased; that in the four months ending April this year the railway companies have delivered into the market over 77,000 tons, being at the rate of more than 230,000 tons per annum; that the teams of the railway company delivering the largest quantity of fish into the market are detained in the market for an average of five hours each team; that the railway companies are being called upon almost daily to cart back from the market to the railway stations large quantities of fish for re-delivery the next day owing to the inability of the traders to deal with it; and what action he proposes to take in order to prevent the waste of valuable food and of public money?

I believe the facts as regards the delivery of fish traffic to Billingsgate Market are approximately correct. The present position is one that calls for the serious attention of all parties concerned, and the Board of Trade are looking into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among railway-men concerning the slowness with which the eight-hour day on the railways is being arranged and concerning the amount of overtime that is being imposed; and whether he proposes to take action in the matter?

I have no reason to believe that the railway companies are not doing their best to give effect to the adoption of the principle of an eight-hour day, but regard must be had to the difficulties at present in the way of giving full force to that principle. If the hon. Member has any special cases in mind, I shall be happy to look into them on receiving particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that traders desiring to send goods to Ireland have consignments held up owing to the refusal of the railway companies to accept goods for carriage to Ireland; if he will explain the reason for this refusal; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have not received any representations on this point recently, but I am aware that railway companies have found it necessary in certain cases to decline to accept consignments until they can see their way to forward the traffic to its destination. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any special cases he has in mind, I will have inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to arrange for a general reduction of railway fares?

I am afraid that I cannot, give any indication of the date on which the existing railway fares are likely to be reduced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a new order in force whereby the travelling public is further handicapped, in addition to the 50 percent. increase on railway fares, by the deduction of 1s. on all amounts due for refund on unused rail- way tickets; whether this order has been issued by the Railway Executive; whether it applies to all, and, if not, what railways in the United Kingdom are exempt: and whether, in view of the great hardship inflicted in industrial areas on workmen travelling short distances to and from their work, steps will be taken to have the order cancelled?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on this subject on the 6th May to the hon. and gallant Member for North-East Leeds, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now prepared to arrange for the resumption of the weekly returns of railway traffic?

Under present arrangements, Clearing House divisions of traffic are suspended, and in these circumstances I doubt whether the publication of weekly traffic returns would serve any useful purpose and might not be misleading.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can instruct the Railway Executive Committee to at once remove the delay in the collection and delivery of goods; if he is aware that it is a frequent occurrence for goods to be collected one day for transit but delivered back again to the senders the next day, and on many occasions goods are waiting ten to fourteen days to be dispatched, and that in the Kettering area cases of boots are awaiting collection, and the railway company will not take them as the destination station is closed; will he get these stations reopened in the interests of traders and the community; and, seeing that no good has accrued from the interview between a Kettering deputation and the company's officials, will he take some remedial steps and request that the unemployed be called on for temporary purposes to assist in the matter until the permanent railway employés return to civil life and railway duty?

The hon. Member for Wellingborough has sent me some complaints of the special delay in dealing with traffic in the Kettering area, and I am looking into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the cartage of general merchandise traffic by the railway companies at below cost is entailing a loss of many millions of pounds per annum to the State; if he will state the total loss to the railway companies during any recent period in performing the service of cartage; and, if no actual or approximate figures are available for any recent period, how much per ton it is costing all or any of the railway companies at the present time to cart general merchandise traffic in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, and New-castle-on-Tyne?

No doubt many railway rates which cover the service of cartage are, in present circumstances, un-remunerative in respect of that service, but I cannot say that the same consideration applies generally to cartage by the railways where it is charged for separately. I regret that I cannot give the figures asked for in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inquire into the dismissal of Messrs. J. Smithurst and C. Weighall by the Midland Railway Company; whether he is aware that Mr. Smithurst, whilst on duty as a shunter, in 1916, displaced a cartilage, and as a result of this injury has since been paid compensation by the company, and was placed in the position of number-taker at Barrow Hill and Staveley Works Station, and that Mr. Weighall joined the forces, obtained military honours, and was seriously wounded, and as his injuries prevented him from resuming his former occupation as station porter he too was appointed as a number-taker at the same station; whether the two men were recently ordered to add signal-lamp work to their duties, and on their pointing out that their physical injuries prevented them from climbing signal-ladders were dismissed from the service of the company; and whether, having regard to the fact that a mass meeting of railwaymen in the district has pledged itself to take action, he will lose no time in pursuing his inquiries?

My attention has already been called to this case, and inquiries are being made into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated loss or profit on the railways of the country during the past year after credit has been given for the carriage of Government orders at current commercial rates, including the transport of troops at ordinary passenger rates?

I am afraid I cannot add to the answer given on the 14th April last to a question on this subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. Hall), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the aggregate loss on the working of the railways under the administration of the Railway Executive are greater or less for the half-year ending 24th June, 1919, than in the corresponding half-year in 1918; and will he state the amount of the loss approximately or otherwise?

Owing more particularly to the increased cost of labour there is, I think, no doubt that the net revenue of the railways under control will be less for the first six months of this year than for the corresponding period of 1918, but I am not in a position to give the figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on Derby day, Chipstead, Kingsworth, and Tadworth were completely deprived of railway facilities from 5.45 a.m. to 1.49 p.m. to meet the convenience of those attending the races, and the superintendent of the line of the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway, when approached on the subject, refused to promise any railway connections with the above-mentioned places between the hours just given on future Derby days; and whether the Board of Trade will take steps to see that a reasonable service of trains will be given to intending travellers to Chipstead Valley stations on Derby days in future?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned, but I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Baronet when they are completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to restrict the importation of foreign embroidered and fancy drawn-thread goods into this country; and if he is aware that the free importation of these goods produced by cheap foreign labour is causing a great amount of unrest, and if not restricted a serious amount of unemployment is bound to ensue?

In accordance with the recommendations of the Imports Consultative Council, drawn threadwork is at present being freely admitted, but embroidery is restricted to one-half of the imports of the year 1916. In making these recommendations the Council took all the circumstances of the case into account, and I would point out that the policy now in force is only of temporary duration.

asked the Food Controller who has the power to remove the existing restrictions of the importations of American whisky; if he is aware that the present Order as it stands is unjust, as it gives a privilege to some who bought and paid for it in 1918, while shutting out others who bought and paid for it in 1919, previous to the issue of the Order in April last; and if he will allow purchases made and paid for before the issue of the Order to be imported as shipping facilities offer?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The control over imports rests with the Board of Trade, who arc acting in this matter on the advice given, by the Imports Consultative Council, of which the hon. Gentleman was a member. I do not think it would be expedient to extend the concession as suggested. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him on 5th May by my right hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps were taken to publish the Japanese Treaty of 1911; and whether commercial treaties are communicated to chambers of commerce and other business organisations immediately they have been ratified?

The Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1911 (which was signed on 3rd April and ratified on 5th May of that year) was published as a White Paper in April, and in the "Treaty Series" in June, 1911. A notice referring to the White Paper and setting out some of the salient provisions of the Treaty was also published in the issue of the "Board of Trade Journal" for 6th April, and a further notice of the Exchange of Ratifications in that for 11th May, 1911. Commercial treaties are not specially communicated to chambers of commerce and other business organisations after their ratification, but steps are always taken to give them the widest publicity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent developments in the spinning of ramie fibre; whether he is aware of the advantages which accrue by blending ramie fibre with cotton or silk in various classes of goods; whether, at present, in many cases British planters obtain only a poor yield of ramie through defective methods; and whether, in view of the importance of ramie to the textile industry, ho will Lake stops for instruction and encouragement to be given to planters to cultivate ramie fibre on the most economical and approved methods, and to manufacturers to enable them to set up machinery for the successful spinning of ramie yarn?

My attention has been drawn to the statement regarding these developments, and consideration will be given to the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the value of those imports and exports which were excluded from the Board of Trade Returns during the greater portion of the war period on the ground that the goods were, at the time of import or export, the property of His Majesty's or of Allied Governments?

The particulars asked for by my hon. Friend are, unfortunately, not available. Some indication of the amounts of the omitted goods is furnished by tables printed in the "Monthly Accounts of Trade" for December last. These tables show the values which would have been omitted from the Accounts, if published, if the practice of the earlier period had been continued after July, 1917.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any representations were made to the Government by the shipbuilding trade of the United Kingdom regarding the quantity of steel plates that were exported to Belgium and other European countries from January to May of this year; whether several shipbuilding yards have had to delay construction of vessels on account of the shortage of steel plates; whether the export of steel plates of British manufacture is now greater in proportion to the present output than in 1914, although the demand of the shipyards is also greater; and what steps the Government propose to take to ensure an adequate and sufficient supply of steel being available in order that work in the shipyards may be maintained and any unemployment prevented?

I am not aware of any representations of the kind suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I am causing inquiries to be made into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase has been effected in the working of inland canals since the Armistice and how far canal traffic has been able to ease the congestion on the railways?

I am writing to my hon. and gallant Friend as to this matter, as a number of figures are involved.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the unsatisfactory state of the telephone service, he can see his way to recommend a reduction of the high rates now in operation until such time as the subscribing public begins to receive adequate value for payment made?

My right hon. Friend hopes in the course of a few days to make a full statement on this subject.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the average charge per telephone message in the United Kingdom and in the United States of America, respectively?

The average fee per call for subscribers on the message rate system in the United Kingdom is approximately 8 of a penny. I have no figures with which to make a comparison with the various charges in the United States of America, but the telephone tariffs are generally higher there than in this country.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the Post Office practice to grant arrears of leave to all temporary employés who leave the Post Office service; whether he is aware that Miss G. L. Bourne, of the London telephone service, was dismissed for unpunctuality and was deprived of the leave to which she was entitled and which included the days due to her in compensation for time already worked on previous bank holidays; and whether, seeing that this compensatory leave had been earned by Miss Bourne, he will reconsider his decision?

I am having inquiry made respecting the circumstances of Miss Bourne's case, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in. due course.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the irregularity in postal deliveries at Dingle, county Kerry; and whether the irregularities have now ceased?

There has been some irregularity in the running of the train by which the night mail letters are conveyed from Tralee to Dingle, but the railway company now state that they hope to be able to maintain a punctual service in future.

asked the Minister of Labour whether persons over seventy years of age who lose their employment are not entitled to the unemployment pension, or whether payment in these cases is subject to special conditions; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for this discrimination?

Persons over seventy are not necessarily ineligible for out-of-work donation, but they must satisfy the Local Employment Committee that they are capable of work under ordinary conditions. The out-of-work donation scheme is not intended for the benefit of persons who would be past work under ordinary conditions and have only continued in work until the last few months because of the exceptional demand for labour created by the War.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Scottish school janitors and compulsory officers are entitled to the 12½ per cent. bonus?

These classes of men were clearly not covered by the original Order of the Ministry of Munitions granting the bonus of 12½ per cent., and I cannot trace any subsequent award in their case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a young man who had almost completed his apprenticeship as an engineer, being a member of the Territorial Force, was mobilised in 1914, had upon his recent demobilisation secured work as an electrician in an eminent engineering firm but was only employed two days owing to the action of the shop steward, who was not satisfied with his qualifications, and consequently threatened a strike if the firm retained this young man; and whether he will take steps to ensure that young men who have been fighting for their country shall not be placed at a disadvantage on that account by the action of the trade unions or the persons who claim to act as shop stewards, and who have, as a whole, evaded every form of military service?

The case referred to in the hon. Member's question does not appear to have been brought to the notice of my Department. The information given, however, is not sufficiently complete for the case to be recognised. If the hon. Member will give me details in regard to the case I will have the matter investigated. In reply to the second part of the question, I have to inform the hon. Member that the schemes' in respect of interrupted apprenticeships are prepared in consultation with representatives of the associations of employers and trade unions in the industry concerned, and that their co-operation is being freely given in this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Committee set up to inquire into the question of the night-work in the baking trade is expected to submit its Report at an early date; whether he is aware that, in the event of a satisfactory Report not being presented within fourteen days, the workmen have decided to stop work; and what action he proposes to take?

Since it commenced its sittings on 30th April, the committee has sat in public on fifteen days and heard sixty-five witnesses, besides holding a number of private meetings and paying a number of visits to bakehouses. I am expecting to receive the Committee's Report next week, and until it has been submitted and considered, I am strongly of opinion that neither employers nor operatives would be well advised to seek to bring about any change in the present position as regards working hours.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he will state how many miles of roads and railways have been constructed and are being maintained in connection with the national shipyards at Portbury, Chepstow, and Beachley, and what sum of money has been expended on the same up to the 1st June, 1919, including expenditure on existing roads; and whether such expenditure is in addition to the £4,250,000 stated to have been spent on the scheme?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member in the first part of his question is not at present available, but I will send it to him as soon as possible. The particulars as to expenditure on roads and railways constructed in connection with the national Shipyards are as follows:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what existing restrictions there are on the importation of Canadian cattle; for what purpose these are imposed; and if and when it is proposed to remove the same?

In answer to the first part of the question the landing of animals from any foreign country except for slaughter at the port of landing is prohibited under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, as amended by the Act of 1896. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Dundee on 2nd May.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what area of land the county councils are at present taking steps to acquire, either compulsorily or voluntarily, for the settlement of Service and ex-Service men; and what area of land the councils will have vacant possession for this purpose at Michaelmas, 1919, at Lady Day, 1920, and at Michaelmas, 1920, respectively?