asked the Food Controller what decision, if any, has been come to regarding the revoking of Clause 1 of the Bread Restriction Order, in view of the loss in stale bread at the present time?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject on Thursday, 26th June, to the hon. Members for Nottingham East (Sir J. D. Rees) and Tottenham North (Major Prescott).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether certain restrictions have recently been introduced in connection with the purchase of pork at the Ballymena Market in county Antrim; whether it has been the custom to issue licences to the pork buyers entitling them to a certain quota of pigs each month; whether this system has recently been changed, and farmers ordered to distribute their pigs under instructions from the police without any explanation as to the reason for the change; if so, why these new methods have been employed at the market; whether they are of local or general application; and how long it is intended to retain them?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that numerous complaints were received by the Irish Food Control Committee to the effect that pork buyers in Ballymena Market were paying bonuses to the farmers in addition to the legal maximum price of pigs. After investigation the Food Control Committee directed the local executive officer, who is also the district inspector of police, to distribute supplies of pigs at Ballymena Market to buyers in strict proportion to the numbers to which they were entitled under their licences. It has not been found necessary to introduce this system at any other market, but it is proposed to continue it in Ballymena until local conditions justify its withdrawal. I may add that the principal local buyers have expressed approval of the measures adopted to secure equitable distribution at controlled prices.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that earlier in this year the milk producers were notified that the maximum wholesale price for milk per gallon in the month of July would be Is. 6d.; that since that notification the Government has promised the milk producers that there shall be an increase of 4d. per gallon allowed for the month of July; and whether the wholesale maximum price of milk per gallon for the month of July will be 1s. 10d.?

In England and Wales, outside the four South-Western counties and the industrial area of the West Hiding of Yorkshire, the maximum wholesale price of milk was fixed at Is. 6d. per gallon for July. In consequence of the prolonged drought the prices of milk producers have been increased by 4d. per gallon for July over the whole of England and Wales, and the wholesale maximum prices for that month are as follows:

asked the Food Controller whether, taking into consideration the hope that peace will soon be established amongst the nations of Central Europe and our Allies, and that in consequence there will be an increased demand throughout the world for foodstuffs, ho will fix the prices of all foodstuffs and thus control the prices from the time the article is sold by the importer to the time such article is sold to the consumer?

So long as there is an actual or prospective shortage of supplies I shall continue to regulate the prices of essential foodstuffs either by Statutory Order or by agreement with the trades concerned.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received a resolution from the Consumers' Council pointing out the importance of Billingsgate Market being enlarged and its approaches greatly improved, in order to improve the facilities for the food supply of the inhabitants of London; and whether ho proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the matter is the immediate concern of the Corporation of the City of London, which is the market authority, but I am watching anxiously the general question of transport facilities so far as it affects the food supply of the country.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty which of the following vessels, steamships "Lizette," "Kaprino," "Devona," "Raranga," "Bayronto," "Armenia," "Canonesa," "Sanuki Maru," "Eustace," "Wood- field," "Peregrinie," "Boorara," "Keelung," "Narragansett," "St. Louis," "Nyanza," "Saba," "O. B. Jennings," "Iddo," "Beatrice," "Highland Corrie," "Holly," "Snar," and "Anselina-de-Laranaga," salved by dockyard tugs, are respectively Government-owned, or chartered, or privately-owned, setting out each separately; whether the Crown accepts liability on any of the

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether when the dockyard salvage party went to the ss. "Woodfield" she was on the beach at Newhaven, having a hole in her side 30 feet by 18 feet; whether he is also aware that after raising her they were six days at sea, encountering very rough weather and fog, after which she was

The information required by my hon. Friend is as follows:taken to Southampton and docked;, whether the Admiralty has received any salvage award in respect of this vessel; if so, whether the dockyard salvage party who went to sea in her whilst in such a critical condition will be suitably rewarded; and, if no salvage award has been received by the Admiralty, if they intend to make a claim?

The refloating operations were mainly undertaken by the Newhaven Marine Shops, and the assistance afforded by the Admiralty was not considered to justify a claim on behalf of the Crown on a salvage basis, though the usual charges were made for the use of plant.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what date the Fleet will visit the Thames?

The exact day cannot be given at present, but as far as can be foreseen it will arrive in the last week in July.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is yet in a position to say what the Government intends to do with the shipyards at Portbury, Beachley, and Chepstow, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. As has been previously stated, it is the intention of the Government to dispose of these yards.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland under what circumstances District Inspector Michael Hunt, Royal Irish Constabulary, was shot dead at Thurles, county Tipperary; if any arrests were made; and what provision is to be made for the widow and orphans?

This officer was shot when returning in uniform from Thurles races. Three shots were fired. One bullet entered the spine and another about two inches higher up under the left shoulder blade. He died in about five minutes. There was a large crowd of people on the streets, and the murderer escaped in the crowd. No arrests have been made. The widow and children will be entitled to pension and allowances according to the scale applicable under the Constabulary Acts. It is also open to the dependants of the murdered officer to institute proceedings for compensation under the Criminal Injuries (Ireland) Act, 1919.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether De Valera was furnished with a passport when sailing for America; if not, how he succeeded in securing his passage; and whether any demand has been made for his extradition?

I have ascertained that De Valera was not furnished with a passport by the Foreign Office. It is not known how he secured his passage to America. The answer to the last portion of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper A. Smith, No. 62645 of the No. 2: wireless observation group, Egypt, enlisted in November, 1914; that he has served at the Dardanelles, in Palestine, and Egypt without home leave; that he has suffered from dysentery, sandfly fever, and malaria; and that his commanding officer has certified him as available for demobilisation without substitution; whether the average task of the three operators at this station is one message per day between them; and whether he will take immediate steps to release this man?

If Sapper Smith's length of service is as stated by my hon. Friend he is eligible for demobilisation. I would refer to the statement I made in my speech on the Army Estimates on 29th May, regarding the proposed demobilisation of 1914 and 1915 men if circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the application of Lance-corporal James M. Leighton, mechanical transport, Royal Army Service Corps, for release on extreme compassionate grounds has been brought to his notice; whether he is aware that both the father and the mother are, in the absence of their son, carrying on their business, which is their sole means of support, at great risk to their health, as is shown by medical and magisterial certificates already forwarded to the War Office; whether he is aware that if this soldier is not released immediately the father and mother may not only lose their health for all time, but also their business; if he will, in these circumstances, cause inquiries to be made on the spot to ascertain whether the particulars given are accurate in every respect; and, if so, if he will give instructions for the immediate release from the Army of Lance-Corporal James Leighton?

Lance-Corporal Leighton's case has received careful consideration, but the circumstances were not considered such as to warrant his immediate release on compassionate grounds. As my right hon. Friend stated in his speech on the Army Estimates on 29th May, 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 his attention has been drawn to the case of Lance-Corporal John C. Carana, No. M/280840, 4th General Headquarters (Reserve), Motor Transport Company, British Expeditionary Force, France, who landed in France on 20th June, 1915, as a motor ambulance driver and attested in the Army on 2nd March, 1916, and is now entitled to the 1915 Star and chevrons; and whether he can now be demobilised, being required at his old work?

Lance Corporal Carana's service counts from the date he joined the Colours for continuous service. As he did not join until March, 1916, he is not eligible for demobilisation, unless he is rendered eligible on account of age or wounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the ease of Private J. K. Buntain, SE/35454, No. 1 Field Veterinary Detachment, Army Veterinary Corps, Palestine, who joined up voluntarily in January, 1916, when a bank clerk, but is now urgently required to carry on his father's farm in Stirlingshire; and whether, under those circumstances and having been wounded at Gaza, he can now be demobilised?

As Private Buntain did not join the Colours for immediate service prior to 1st January, 1916, he is not eligible for demobilisation under current instructions, unless he is rendered eligible on account of age or wounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Driver John Retson, No. 646732, 27th Reserve Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Ireland, who joined up voluntarily under the Derby scheme in 1916, served in Egypt, had pneumonia and was invalided, and whose shop, a hairdresser's, is shut; and whether, on compassionate or other grounds, he can now be demobilised?

As Private Retson did not join the Colours for continuous service until after 1st January, 1916, it is regretted he is ineligible for demobilisation and until fresh Regulations are issued with regard to men who joined under the Derby scheme he must be held to serve with the Armies of Occupation. An application on his behalf has already been made to the War Office, but the case was not considered as coining within the definition of "extreme compassionate grounds" and consequently could not be granted.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private J. Penrice, 3rd Royal Scots, who has about three-and-a-half years' service, was gassed, and was a prisoner of war in Germany for nine month, his father, who farms 1,500 acres in Stirlingshire, requiring him urgently; and whether, under these circumstances, he can now be released from the Army?

Private Penrice's demobilisation is dependent on whether or not he is eligible under current Regulations. A previous application in his case has already been made, but it is regretted that his demobilisation on compassionate grounds could not be granted, and the applicant was so informed on the 30th May last.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiries into the case of Private A. N. Pike, No. 547592, Labour Corps, who has been waiting discharge at Sutton as medically unfit, B 179, and has now been removed to Eastchurch Camp, Isle of Sheppey, Kent; and whether in view of his being urgently required for work in his trade of printing, he will take steps to hasten his release from the Army?

Inquiries are being made, and I will acquaint my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that application has been made to the War Office for the release of Private. Alexander Hunter, No. 203940, 3rd Scottish Rifles, on compassionate grounds and has been refused; whether he is aware that this man's mother, wife, and two young children live together, have no outside means of support, and are wholly dependent upon him; that the mother is a widow sixty-seven years of age, and the children two and five years old, respectively, and that a sister also lives with the family who is too delicate to work regularly, and requires all her earnings to keep herself; and whether, in consideration of the circumstances of Private Hunter's family, he will have the application made on his behalf reconsidered?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private W. Taylor, No. 120878, Royal Army Medical Corps, Prince of Wales' Camp, Blancher Bagnes, Jersey, was twice rejected for military service in the early years of the War, having lost the sight of one eye before 1914, but was passed O 2 in May, 1917; that he is over forty years of age, and has had five brothers in the Army, of whom one has served for twenty-two years, and another for eighteen; that Taylor's wife is quite incapacitated for work by ill-health; and that three months ago Taylor was recommended to his commanding officer for discharge from the Army on compassionate grounds; and whether, in view of all the circumstances mentioned, he will now order that Taylor be discharged?

If Private Taylor's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he is eligible for demobilisation, and he will be released as soon as circumstances permit. I am not aware that his demobilisation on compassionate grounds was recommended, but inquiries will be made, and my hon. Friend informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner A. McIlveen, No. 159157, Royal Garrison Artillery, formerly 250th Siege Battery, British Expeditionary Force, and now stationed at Gosport, has been informed that he is to be retained in the Army; and whether, in view of the fact that this man is forty-two years of age, he will take steps to have him released?

No, Sir. So far as I am aware, Gunner McIlveen has not been so informed, and steps have already been taken to expedite his release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether among the men earliest demobilised at Lichfield as pivotal men were Corporal W. T. Richardson, No. 13517, Army Pay Corps, who by occupation was a turf comsion agent at Stafford, and Private W. Garner, No. 20939, Army Pay Corps, a licensed victualler at Hinckley; and on what grounds were those men classed as pivotal men?

I am making inquiries, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that many night telephonists over the age of forty are still serving with the forces; whether the names of the men were submitted for consideration in connection with the scheme of demobilisation; and, if not, whether he will be prepared to consider the possibility of asking for these men in, the interests of an efficient telephone service?

No special application was made for the release of night telephonists, as their work could be performed equally efficiently by female staff. Now that Peace has been signed I hope they will soon be released.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made to enable apprentices who joined the Army to complete their apprenticeship on release from the Service?

A scheme for assisting those persons whose apprenticeship was interrupted by service in His Majesty's Forces to complete their apprenticeship has been approved by the Government.Among other matters the scheme provides:—

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that there are thirty known cases of illegal landing of dogs by soldiers and sailors since 1st June, 1918, and also the official statement that sixty-four dogs had been illegally imported, he will state what steps, apart from the mere notification to troops and women on service that smuggling of dogs is prohibited, are taken by the military authorities at the ports of embarkation abroad and debarkation at home to ensure that dogs are not smuggled into this country; and if he will institute an inquiry as to how the above-mentioned sixty-four dogs were illegally imported into this country?

Very definite and clear instructions have been issued to all Embarkation Commandants and Officers in Charge of Ports in the United Kingdom, to the Commander-in-Chief in France, to all other theatres of war, and to all foreign stations, to ensure that all possible steps are taken to guard against the possibility of dogs being smuggled into the country. All eases which have been brought to light of non-compliance with the Regulations have been suitably dealt with and the necessary disciplinary action taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sir Douglas Haig is a member of the Army Council; if so, whether the policy of a permanent system of Conscription, advocated by him in a speech at the Guildhall on 12th June, is approved by the Army Council as a whole; and whether the scheme outlined by the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces represents the policy to be pursued by the Government?

Sir Douglas Haig is not a member of the Army Council. If the hon. and gallant Member will read the speech carefully I think he will recognise that Sir Douglas Haig was giving expression to his personal opinions only. It has already been announced that Conscription is not a permanent part of the policy of the. Government.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether any action has been taken regarding a scheme for the so-called "apron defence" of London sent to General Headquarters. Home Forces, by Mr. Samuel Jones, of Debenham, on 31st January, 1918; and whether this was the first occasion on which such a scheme was put forward?

The "apron defence" of London was installed in 1917. The proposals received from Mr. Samuel Jones, of Debenham, were duly considered, but were found impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for War why such delay is taking place in the promotion of officers in the Special Reserve (Cavalry) to the rank of major after their pari passu officer has received similar promotion?

The system of pari passu promotion was introduced as a war measure, and such promotions were recently suspended temporarily while the question of a reversion to peace conditions was under consideration. It has now been decided to continue the system until the legal termination of the War, and the officers concerned are being promoted accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Indian drivers in the Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), Mesopotamia, are being granted leave, whilst British drivers who have been without leave since 1916 are refused; whether he is aware that these British drivers are not receiving increases in pay authorised some time ago, and are not being credited with the 6d. per day allotted by the men to their wives; and whether he will have inquiries made into these complaints?

I am having inquiry made, and I will let my right hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the particular military achievement which secured to Generals Sir H. Gough and F. Milne admission to a high degree of an order of chivalry on 3rd June; and whether he will consider the desirability of publishing in future the reasons for conferring such decorations, as in the case of political honours, in order that the public may come to know the deeds of generals?

The honours to which my hon. and gallant Friend alludes were conferred for services rendered in connection with military operations in France and Flanders and the Balkans, respectively. With regard to the latter part of the question, I do not think it is desirable to adopt the practice suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the services of the Mercantile Marine during the War, he will consider the desirability of placing them on an equal footing with the fighting forces by awarding them the 1914–15 Star?

The Admiralty have had correspondence with the Mercantile Marine Service Association and the Imperial Merchant Service Guild on this subject, from which it is understood that the Mercantile Marine are dissatisfied at not receiving the 1914–15 Star. In view of the origin of this Star, which, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, was a development of the 1914 Star, the Admiralty are not prepared to recommend the extension of an award which sprang originally from the desire to give special recognition to the old Expenditnary Force which fought at Mons. The Admiralty have, however, on many occasions borne public testimony to their appreciation of the gallantry of the Mercantile Marine, and immediately after the Armistice they made recommendations which will place the Mercantile Marine in the position of being favourably treated in the matter of medals. An announcement will probably be issued on this subject by the Board of Trade simultaneously with the announcement of the award of war medals to the combatant forces of the Crown.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a reply has yet been received from the head of the British Military Mission in Berlin saying whether or no he requires further assistance in tracing the fate of British prisoners; and whether he is able to give assurance to the effect that the German War Office records of British prisoners will be systematically compared with the Copenhagen Index of the Central Prisoners of War Committee which has been sent to Berlin for the purpose and the names of men recorded in the former and not in the latter will be ascertained, and an exhaustive inquiry made into the fate of each man who may be discovered to have been a prisoner in Germany without his name having been reported as such to England?

With regard to the first part of the question, a letter has been received from the Chief of the British Military Mission to the effect that the staff is adequate to conduct all inquiries regarding British prisoners. With regard to the second part, the question of a systematic comparison of German and British records is under consideration. The Copenhagen Index is not, I understand a complete record, and names revealed by the comparison which my hon. and learned Friend suggests might very well be known to the "War Office from other sources. As regards the last part of the question, I regret I must emphasise the fact that there is no hope of any such men being found alive. The British Military Mission in Berlin have discovered only a very few cases of men who were prisoners in Germany, whose names were not known to the War Office. In all such cases so far reported by the Mission the men are known to have died, and they practically all died almost immediately after falling into German hands.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state whether Private Cecil S. Whiteley, No. 23872, D Company, 13th Platoon, l/8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was reported missing on 23rd March, 1918; whether, in October last, he was reported by the German Government to be a prisoner of war (unwounded) in Germany; whether no communications have been received from Private Whiteley since March, 1918; and what steps have been taken to trace Private Whiteley, and with what result?

The statements contained in the first two parts of my hon. and learned Friend's question are correct, except that the date mentioned in the second part is that on which the notification was sent from the Record Office. I regret that no further news has been received in the War Office. Private Whiteley's name is included in the list of prisoners of war unaccounted for which has been presented to the German Government. Inquiries are also being made in Berlin. No result has yet come to hand and I am afraid there can be no doubt, unfortunately, that Whiteley is dead. Any information which may be received will be communicated to the parents.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office is selling arms in the Balkans; and, if so, to whom and why?

No arms have been, or are being, sold by the War Office to any of the Balkan States.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will publish the figures showing the sickness and mortality among the troops in Mesopotamia since the Armistice and give the number of cases in which soldiers have been admitted to hospital two or more times?

The number of admissions to hospital from sickness among the white troops in Mesopotamia during the period 11th November, 1918, to 10th May, 1919, for all causes except wounds in action is 19,313. The number of deaths is 534. As regards the latter part of the question, this would involve reference to Mesopotamia. The labour involved in obtaining the information from the medical records would be very considerable, and in the circumstances I hope that my hon. Friend will not press for the particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War if some recognition can be made of the exceptional gallantry displayed by a low-medical-category battalion of the Royal Scots on the Russian Front last winter?

Arrangements are being made to give this battalion a public welcome on its arrival in the United: Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for the publication as a Parliamentary Paper of all the dispatches which passed between the Government or the War Office and the High Command in France in 1915 and 1916 on the subject of the supply of artillery ammunition?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to a question by the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire on the 5th June, to the effect that the publication by the Government of isolated documents is not considered desirable. I may add that the Government have under consideration the question of the more general publication, at a later stage, of official documents bearing on the events of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of the employés of the Navy and Army Canteen Board; what is the total of ex-Service men employed; what is the number of ex-Service men employed who are in receipt of disability pensions; and what was the percentage of ex-Service men which contractors for Army canteens were required to employ previous to the inauguration of the Navy and Army Canteen Board?

This information will take some time to collect. I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as the figures are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office are now in a position to make an announcement as to the distribution of Army and Navy canteen profits?

No, Sir. The whole matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to correspondence from his Department dealing with an invoice rendered by Messrs. Bullock and Company, 27, Market Place, Macclesfield, amounting to £142 2s. 9d. for goods supplied to Birtles Hall Hospital, Chelford; whether he is aware that the goods were ordered and supplied, and that some of the goods are at present at the hospital; and whether he will take steps to have the account paid at once?

Yes, Sir. I am advised that this is a regimental matter, and that public funds are not concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, apart from bonuses accorded to all ranks, no improvement has been made in the pay and status of Army schoolmasters for thirty years; and whether he proposes to take early action to grant improved status to Army schoolmasters in order that their military position may be more in accord with the present position of civil schoolmasters?

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that consideration of the pension scheme for ex-soldier War Office clerks has been postponed for one year, he can undertake that any ex-soldier clerks who are retired in the meantime will be eligible for pension if the scheme is brought into force?

I am in correspondence with the Treasury in regard to the eligibility of these ex-soldier clerks for pensions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the increase of wages which has been allowed to the civilian workers in the Royal Army Service Corps, Supply Depot, Summer-down Camp, Eastbourne, was granted instead of the 12½ per cent. bonus given to Government civilian workers from 1st April, 1918; and, if so, why it was not retrospective, seeing that the increased wages only date from 31st March, 1919?

The increased wages granted to these employés in March last were fixed in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. These employés are not entitled, under any order or award, to a 12½ per cent. advance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a representation on behalf of acting-paymasters with regard to Army of Occupation bonus, and what reply he has made or intends to make to it?

A representation has been received. As stated in the reply to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (East), on 26th instant, civilians of any kind are not eligible for Army of Occupation bonus, but acting-paymasters holding commissions already draw it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a decision upon the grant of a war gratuity to acting-paymasters can now be given, in view of the fact that many of such officers are now returning to civil life without any intimation as to whether their war services, like those of other officers, are to be appreciated in tangible form?

It has been decided to give a gratuity to commissioned acting-paymasters. An Army Order embodying the amount and conditions will be issued at an early date. The case of the acting-paymasters without commissions is still under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what are the minimum, and possible maximum, rates of pension at present authorised to the following officers of the Regular Army after the various periods of total service mentioned: Lieutenant, including quartermasters and riding-masters, of 10 years' service; captain of 12, 15, and 20 years' service; major of 13, 16, and 22 years' service; lieutenant-colonel of 16, 25, and 28 years' service; colonel of 25 and 30 years' service?

Quartermasters and riding-masters cannot get retired pay except for disability until they have twenty years' service. The rate then depends on the division of their service into time before and after commission. Maximum, £250. Combatant lieutenants, captains, and majors' rates are (subject to vested rights): £80 after 15 years' service; £85 after 16 years' service; £125 after 20 years' service; £160 after 22 years' service. The rates for lieutenant-colonels depend on service in the ranks; for colonels, on age. I must refer my hon. Friend to the Pay Warrant for further details.

asked the Secretary, of State for War whether he is aware that officers engaged on demobilisation work in India receive a less rate of pay and are thus exposed to the danger of receiving a smaller duty when they are required to serve for an additional period; and whether it is possible to give an assurance that any officer in India or Mesopotamia who left his appointment for demobilisation, and who is now, owing to the exigencies of the military situation, retained for further service in India, will be given on eventual discharge a gratuity at least equal to the amount he would have received had he been demobilised when he left his original appointment for that purpose?

The gratuity depends on the appointment held on the date of the Armistice (11th November, 1918), unless an officer has subsequently improved his position, in which case he gets the benefit of his higher grade.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. E. Pollard, of Walsham-le-Willows, has been in receipt of a separation allowance of 5s. a week on account of her grandson, Private H. Hawes, of the 13th West Riding Regiment; and that the last payment was made on 14th April; and why she can get neither acknowledgment of her repeated letters to the regimental paymaster at York nor any further payment?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as, possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any regulations under which hard cases in the rates of pensions awarded to men on completion of twenty-one years' service can be reviewed to enable the spirit if not the letter of the Pay Warrant to be kept; and, if so, will he consider the case of ex-Colour-Sergeant J. T. Fairless, No. 2045, Northumberland Fusiliers, who was discharged to pension of 2s. per diem on 7th February, 1909, with service as a sergeant of nine years less one day, and who, for lack of this one day's service, loses 3d. per diem for the rest of his life?

Service pensions must naturally depend upon length of service, and there are no regulations under which pensions can be given when the length of service laid down by Royal Warrant has not been given. I am afraid the difficulty is inherent in the subject matter, just as one day may make an appreciable difference in a life insurance premium.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the delay in issuing the maintenance grant to demobilised officers and other ranks who are students at the universities; and whether, in order that their educational course should not be delayed, the number of preliminary forms could be reduced and payment of the grant made when the student enters the university?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am aware that there has been some delay in dealing definitely with the applications of ex-Service students for financial assistance. This was inevitable as questions arose which required the decision of the Government, responsibility for the scheme was shared between many Government Departments which had to establish common lines of action, and local committees had to be set up" and got to work in order to decentralise the work of administration and recommendation as much as possible. While this machinery was being set up the Board of Education arranged to pay interim grants in urgent cases, and more than 1,500 of these grants have already been paid. It is believed that by this means no urgent case was left without prompt assistance. The machinery for working the scheme is now in order, and steps are being taken to reduce all formalities as far as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if attested cadets of the Dublin University and Belfast University Officers' Training Corps are ineligible for the Government scheme of educational grants, while those of the Inns of Court and Artists Rifles are so eligible; and, if so, what is the reason for the distinction, in view of the fact that the conditions of service are the same, except that the English contingents receive pay, while the Irish defray their own expenses?

The members of the Inns of Court and Artists Rifles Officers' Training Corps were fully enlisted private soldiers, liable for service under the Military Service Acts, and in exactly the same position as any soldier in any unit at home or overseas. They were paid as soldiers, and could be drafted wherever the Army Council thought best. The University (Senior) Contingents of the Officers' Training Corps were composed of volunteers, not liable for service under the Military Service Acts. The University Cadets were not paid, and the Army Council had no power to order them where they chose. It is true that in Ireland these volunteers were formally attested, but there was no substantial difference between them and the cadets of English University Contingents. The actual decision as to eligibility for educational grants under the Government scheme rests with the Ministry of Labour.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) if he will grant a Return giving the names of all secondary schools in the county of Herefordshire in receipt of Government grants, and the number of free places for primary schools compulsorily reserved in each case; (2) if he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction has been caused by the fact that grants to certain secondary schools have been made strictly conditional upon the free entry of 25 per cent. of the pupils from primary schools, whereas the same condition is not insisted upon in other cases; and upon what principle the Board of Education acts in the matter of the differentiation?

A Return of all the secondary schools in which the 25 per cent. free-place requirement has been reduced, with an explanation of the principles on which reduction is made, and a statement of the reasons for reduction in each case, is in an advanced state of preparation, and will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible. It will include the information asked for in the hon. and gallant Member's first question. My right hon. Friend is not aware that any serious dissatisfaction has resulted from the Board's action in these cases.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the increased cost of admission to the Tower of London is prohibiting school visits; and whether the Government is prepared to give free admission to the Tower of London and other national museums in the case of scholars' educational visits sanctioned by either His Majesty's inspector or the local education authority?

Representations to the effect of the first part of the question have recently been brought to my notice, and I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works on the subject. With regard to the second part of the question, I may point out that the museums under the control of the Board of Education are open free to the public.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will take such steps as will bring about the standardisation of teachers' pensions?

I am not quite sure what the suggestion contained in this question is. If it is proposed that the pensions of teachers who retired on pensions under the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, 1898 to 1912, before the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, became operative, should be increased up to the scale contemplated by the latter Act that proposal was considered and rejected by the House of Commons during the Debates preceding the passing of the latter Act last autumn. I do not, therefore, propose to introduce any fresh legislation on the subject in the immediate future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the British South Africa Company has in- cluded in its provisional claim any sum for public works; whether in the statement of policy issued by the company in 1913 the directors stated that public works would have to be taken over at fair valuation, whereas the royal charter provides that those works shall be taken over at a reasonable compensation; and whether he wil draw the attention of the company to this distinction?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the" second and third parts of the question, Mr. Maguire, in the statement, to which I understand my right hon. Friend refers, quoted the actual terms of Article 33 of the Charter which bears on this point, and may be presumed to have had them in mind in his subsequent references to the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the complaint by the Transvaal Indian community that the Asiatics Land and Trading Bill, recently passed by the Union Parliament, deprives them of rights heretofore lawfully exercised and further reduces the status of Indians in South Africa; and if he is aware that this legislation is calculated to create resentment in India and to hinder the development amongst the Indian people of a full sense of their citizenship in the British Empire?

I am aware of the representations made by the Transvaal Indian community regarding the Act mentioned. It is, however, a matter of controversy how far the Act constitutes a diminution of existing legal rights enjoyed by Indians on the Transvaal or merely prevents evasion by Indians of existing legislation. In any case I sincerely trust that it will not have the adverse effect suggested.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received the Report on Ceylon constitutional reforms from the Governor of Ceylon; and whether action on it will 'be delayed until the deputation of Ceylonese has arrived in this country and has had an opportunity to put its case before the Government?

The Governor's proposals have now been received and are engaging the close attention of the Secretary of State. I have no official information as to the probable arrival of the deputation referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the fact that Police Court magistrates are imposing minimum fines upon offenders under the Food Order, particularly in regard to short weight; and what steps he is taking to see that food profiteers are dealt with in such a way that the public may be protected from retailers who overcharge them or sell them goods under weight?

No minimum fine is fixed by law, the amount of fine being left entirely to the discretion of the magistrate. I have no power to overrule the discretion of the magistrates in this matter, nor have I any reason to think that the punishments they impose are, generally speaking, inadequate to secure the enforcement of the Food Orders.

asked the Home Secretary what steps will be taken to prevent the immigration into this country of aliens, who are at present arriving to the number of upwards of 3,500 per week?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Stratford on 24th June, from which he will see that it is not the fact that alien immigrants to the number of 3,500 per week, or anything approaching that figure, are arriving in this country. The figures given in the question is the gross total of all aliens who come to the United Kingdom, and the great majority are transmigrants or persons coming for short visits on business or otherwise. Aliens leave the country as well as enter it, and the average weekly number of aliens leaving the country is 3,200. As the hon. Member is aware, a Bill dealing with the admission of aliens is now before Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary, in view of the fact that, out of a total of 934,699 persons who were summarily convicted in 1916-17, only 393 appealed to Sessions, where if they fail they are liable to pay the heavy costs of both sides and if successful pay their own costs, while out of only 8,306 persons convicted after being more carefully tried by jury no fewer than 303 appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeal, where there are no such risks as to costs, whether he will state how many unsuccessful appellants in 1917 were required by the Courts to pay the costs of the other side, with the total amount paid, and how many successful appellants were allowed their costs, with the total amount allowed them, or, if the numbers and amounts for one year would involve too great an expenditure of labour, will he give them for a half-year?

In appeals to Quarter Sessions it is, I believe, a general practice that the unsuccessful party should be ordered to pay the costs of the other side, but no particulars of these appeals are furnished to the Home Office, and I should not feel justified in asking the several Courts to make out returns on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether permission will be given to borough and district councils to expend public moneys on Peace celebrations up to the limit of a penny rate?

I am issuing to-day Orders sanctioning reasonable expenditure for the purpose by local authorities whose accounts are subject to Government audit.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, after being approved by the Commissioners, the housing scheme for the Chipping Sodbury district of Gloucestershire is being delayed by the reconstruction of committees and references to the parish councils as to approval for selection of sites, etc.; and whether, in view of the great urgency of the scheme for the Stoke Gifford area, inasmuch as a great number of men have to travel several miles a day to get to and from their work, he will urge the Chipping Sodbury Rural District Council to put the work in hand without further delay?

The Housing Commissioner has been in communication with the Chipping Sodbury Rural District Council in the last few days, and one of his technical staff visited Stoke Gifford on Friday last. It is hoped that the scheme for this parish will be proceeded with without delay.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Board have refused to sanction the purchase by the Stroud Rural District Council of three pieces of land in their district for the purpose of housing the working classes at a price to be fixed by a leading firm of valuers in Gloucestershire, although the council consider the sites the most suitable that are procurable; and whether, in view of the expressed desire of the Government to urge forward housing schemes with the utmost possible dispatch, he will now sanction the scheme referred to?

The Local Government Board have not refused to sanction the purchase of three sites by the Stroud Rural District Council, but they have suggested that they should consult the superintendent valuer for the district and obtain valuation of the sites from him.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether any addition has been made to the administration allowance under the National Insurance Act on account of the increase of cost of stationery and the like; and whether the matter has been considered by the Advisory Committee?

The question of the need for an increase in the present maximum sum available to approved societies for purposes of administration has been engaging the attention of the Insurance Commissioners for some time past. If it should be established that an increase is required, the matter would have to be considered in connection with the question of the revision of the rates of contributions and benefits which has already been submitted to the Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners (1) whether the sanatorium grant, suspended by the Treasury as a war measure, is now available; what are the conditions now affecting such grant; and to whom the same would be available; and (2) whether various insurance committees have made representations that additional grants-in-aid of sanatorium benefit should be made, in order that extra nourishment might be provided for suitable domiciliary cases; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The general position of Exchequer Grants-in-aid of the treatment of tuberculosis is receiving consideration in connection with the Estimates of the newly-formed Ministry of Health, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give more power to the local fuel control committees, seeing the possibility of a shortage of coal this forthcoming winter; and, seeing that the datum period is quite out of order and causing annoyance everywhere, if he will remove such embargo and substitute in its place, according to number of registered persons?

The Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919, which is about to be issued, gives all necessary powers to the Local Fuel Overseer, and provides (outside the Metropolitan area) for supervision by the local authority. The question of the adjustment of coal merchants' supplies to meet the new conditions is receiving consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the scheme of trade policy to be proposed by the Government contains a Bill for the prevention of dumping?

The intention of the Government to introduce Anti-Dumping Legislation has already been announced and was indeed foreshadowed in His Majesty's speech.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a Japanese shipping company has opened an office in Leadenhall Street, London, and is carrying on business under the title of Taiyo Kaiun Kaisho (Ocean Transport Company, Limited), which name is exactly the same as that of a British company, namely, the Ocean Transport Company, Limited, of la, Cockspur Street, London, S.W. 1, which has been established in England for nearly a quarter of a century; whether it is permissible for a foreign company not only to establish itself in this country, but to conduct a similar business under the same title as that of an existing British company duly registered under the Companies Acts; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to prohibit such action on the part of foreign companies?

I understand that an individual of the name of H. Matika has opened an office at 34, Leadenhall Street, as agent for the Japanese company referred to in the question, but that there is some doubt whether the agency constitutes the establishment of a place of business by the Japanese company within the meaning of Section 274 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908. There is no provision in the Companies Acts which prevents a foreign company, the English translation of whose name corresponds to the name of an English company, from carrying on business in this country, but any foreign company to which Section 274 applies and which uses the word "Limited" as part of its name must exhibit conspicuously at the place where it carries on business and have mentioned on its bill-heads, letter paper, and other business documents the name of the company and of the country in which the company is incorporated. As at present advised, I do not think there is any necessity for an amendment of the law.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many aliens are now employed in his Department; and will he issue a list of their names and the special qualifications which necessitate their retention?

No subjects of enemy or neutral countries are now employed directly by the Board of Trade. There is, however, one person of Danish nationality employed in a temporary capacity by the Government Timber buyer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depreciation in the value of money, he is prepared to take steps to remove the limit of £200 for shareholders' capital under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts?

The removal of the limit of £200for shareholders' capital in the cases cited would require legislation, and the Government are not prepared to introduce this.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there is no telephone exchange at Lyminge, Kent, and that applications have been made without avail to the contract manager in Canterbury; and, in view of the fact that neighbouring villages similar in population and character to Lyminge enjoy telephone facilities, he will take steps to remedy the inconvenience caused by the lack of such facilities in this village?

I am having inquiry made as to the possibility of opening a telephone exchange at Lyminge, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an annual charge of £19 6s. and a surcharge of £84 is made for the use of the telephone at Enham Place, near Andover, which is used as a place of training and treatment for disabled soldiers; and can this charge be modified?

I am making inquiry in the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has found it difficult to persuade efficient telegraphists to volunteer for the special event work at Ascot, Henley, and other race meetings; whether the difficulty has been due to the failure of the Post Office to increase the subsistence rates in accordance with the increased cost of living; whether pending a settlement with the trade union he has agreed to increase the rate per diem from 12s. to 18s.; whether he has proposed to employ telegraphists serving with the Royal Engineers for the meeting at Henley and similar events in order to overcome the necessity to pay increased rates to the civilian staff; and whether, in view of the definite declaration of the Government that soldiers shall not be used in competition with civilian labour, he will cancel the proposed arrangements and offer his civilian staff a rate of payment adequate to the increased expense which must be incurred at all such meetings?

There has been difficulty in obtaining volunteers for telegraph work at special events arising from the alleged inadequacy of the subsistence allowance. The question of increasing this allowance is, at the present moment, under discussion with the association representing the staff. No proposal to employ military telegraphists as suggested has been made.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) in how many cases have grants for training and maintenance of ex-officers and other ranks been actually authorised and paid; and whether applicants have been compelled to wait many months before their case is finally settled; and (2) whether, owing to the uncertainty which exists, applicants for grants of fees for maintenance can be definitely informed within a reasonable time if their application will be favourably considered by the Ministry; and what sum has actually been allotted for this purpose yearly?

The number of grants actually authorised by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour for training is 803. Payment has been made in seventy-six cases, but I should explain in this connection that the first payment is ordinarily not made till the end of the first month's training. I am aware that there has been considerable delay in deciding upon applications for grants. I much regret this delay, which is due in part to an accumulation of applications lodged before the machinery for dealing with them could be instituted; and I am making arrangements which will, I hope, materially expedite matters in future. The total amount provided by Parliament for the training grants administered by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour in the current financial year is £1,000,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if a large proportion of the straw and hay of last year's harvest bought by the Government still remains in the stack yards throughout the country, a large quantity of which is stilt unpaid for; and whether he will consider taking immediate steps, in the interests of the farming industry, to have this straw and hay dealt with, in order that farmers- may have the necessary space available to stack the corn and hay crops of this year's harvest?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham East (Sir J. D. Rees) of which I am sending him a copy. As regards the last part of the question, every endeavour is being made to clear forage at as early a date as possible

asked the hon. Member for Hornsey, as Chairman of the Transport (Metropolitan Area) Committee, if he is in a position to state when the Interim Report of his Committee will be submitted to the House; and if it is not the intention to issue an Interim Report, when will the result of his Committee's investigations be made known?

The Committee have unanimously decided not to issue an Interim Report. With regard to the second part of the question, the result of the Committee's investigations will be made known as soon as possible after these have been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Miss May Kathleen Ydlibi, British subject, is interned by the French authorities at 82, Rue des Tisons, Alencon (Orne), France, whether he is aware of the circumstances; whether he will state the charge under which she is interned; whether he is aware that solicitors have been obstructed from proceeding to France by the French authorities, although they have received passports from the British Foreign Office; and whether he will take steps to have the matter inquired into immediately, with a view to the speedy release of this woman?

The lady referred to in the question is interned in France, but I am not, aware of her present address. Inquiries were made of the French Government in December last, and His Majesty's Government have been informed that Kassib Ydlibi, father of this lady, was arrested by the French authorities at Djibouti as an Ottoman subject, and sent to France in order to undergo punishment for an offence against the common law in having assisted the enemies of the Allied Powers. The French Government stated that after his condemnation, being considered an enemy, he was interned with his wife and daughter in a concentration camp, and that he has never furnished to the French authorities proof that he is an Egyptian or a Cypriot under British protection. Miss Ydlibi, it was added, was associated with her father in the activities for which he was convicted. I have no evidence to the effect that solicitors have been obstructed by the French authorities from proceeding to France, although passports have been issued to them. In answer to the last part of the question, the French Government have announced that the question of the liberation and deportation of interned Ottoman subjects in France was receiving their consideration, and that they proposed to permit Ydlibi and his family to benefit by any arrangement which might be made in that direction.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which Department of the Foreign Office is concerned with questions of policy relating to Mesopotamia; whether the Civil Commissioners now in Mesopotamia were appointed by the Foreign Office; and if not, by whom were they appointed and to whom are they responsible?

Questions of policy relative to Mesopotamia are decided, except in cases where reference is made to the Cabinet, by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in consultation with the Secretary of State for India. Mesopotamia is for the time being in military occupation; the Chief Political Officer performs the functions of Civil Commissioner, and selects the civil administrative staff, who are responsible to him. He is an officer in the service of the Government of India.