asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conclusion of Peace, he is prepared to bring in a measure to repeal the Defence of the Realm Act or, if he is not prepared to do this, whether he is prepared to submit to a Committee of the House of Commons those Orders in Council made under that Act which the Government desire to retain?

By the termination, of the present War (Definition) Act, His Majesty may declare what date is to be treated as the date of the termination of the War, and the date so declared is to be as nearly as may be the date of the exchange or deposit of ratifications of the Treaties of Peace. The Defence of the Realm Acts, and the Regulations made there under, will. I understand, lapse on the date so fixed, except in so far as the Regulations may be kept alive by any other Statute.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been, called to the recommendation of the Select Committee on National Expenditure that the system of allotting motor cars for the use of officials and Ministers should be abolished; and what action ha proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to this recommendation, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to a question put by the hon. and learned Member for York last Thursday, 26th June.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a memorial which was sent to him in April, signed by a large majority of the unofficial Scottish Members of all parties, advocating that the status of the Secretary for Scotland should be raised to that of a Secretary of State and that an additional Under-secretary should be appointed; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last that the subject is now under consideration

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what were the net yields for the financial year ended 31st March, 1919, under each of the Schedules A, B, C, D, and E, respectively, of the Income Tax; what was the total yield of them all; what was the yield of the Super tax; and what was the aggregate yield of the Income Tax and the Super-tax combined?

The approximate net receipts in the financial year to 31st March last were as follows:

Income Tax	…	…	£257,500,000
Super-tax	…	…	35,560,000
			£293,060,000

The following is the estimated distribution of the Income Tax among the various Schedules:

Schedule A	…	…	£21,800,000
Schedule B	…	…	4,800,000
Schedule C	…	…	19,700,000
Schedule D	…	…	185,600,000
Schedule E	…	…	25,600,000
Total			£257,500,000

The "net receipt" for any given year represents the amount of tax actually collected within the year (no matter for what year the tax may have been assessed) less the amount of tax refunded, etc., within the year. It necessarily differs somewhat from the payments into the Exchequer in the same year, owing to the fact that revenue received in the provinces occupies a certain time in course of transmission to headquarters.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there are sufficient applicants who have obtained first and second-class honours at a university to fill all the vacancies for first class appointments in the Civil Service under the reconstruction scheme; whether the questions of war service and war disability are being considered in no other cases than in differentiation between those candidates who hold the qualifications stated above; and whether any consideration is being given to disabled ex-officers who obtained third-class honours at universities on account of their war service and war disability?

Candidature for first division appointments in the Civil Service is not limited in the way suggested by the hon. Member to applicants who have actually obtained first and second-class honours at a university. The educational qualifications required by the reconstruction Regulations arc (a) that candidates should have received continuous and systematic education of a high type until at least the age of eighteen, and (b) that (in the absence of a university record) they should be in a position to produce satisfactory evidence that, but for the War, they would have been justified in expecting to attain a first- or second-class in a university honours school. The decision as to whether this condition is fulfilled rests with the Civil Service Commission, who, I am satisfied, make very careful inquiry into each case. Preference is given by the selection board, ceteris paribus, to candidates debarred from active employment by some physical impairment arising out of the War and not likely to interfere with the discharge of ordinary administrative work; but having regard to the high standard required for first division appointments, I cannot admit that disability should be regarded as justifying a relaxation of the above educational qualifications. That they are not excessively high is shown by the fact that over 350 candidates were admitted by the Civil Service Commission to the first qualifying examination which was held in May.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the shortage of fat for the fish-frying industry; whether he realises that the inability to obtain fried fish is inflict- ing hardship on large classes of the population; and whether he will consider the question of allowing the fish-friers an extra ration of fat as was apparently done in 1918?

The Food Controller is aware that there is at present a shortage of cotton-seed oil, which is generally used for fish-frying, but supplies of dripping and compound lard are available. Considerable quantities of other suitable oils, such as soya bean oil, are now arriving end will shortly be on the market. In reply to the third part of the question, fats are no longer rationed, but the fish-friers have been invited to form an association in order that supplies may be distributed as far as possible in accordance with the needs of the trade.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there are great delays in transit of foodstuffs to and from the wholesalers in Nottingham; that fifty cases of pears ordered by Mr. F. Goodliffe, of 20, Wollaton Street, Nottingham, from Messrs. J. Sinclair and Company, York Street, Glasgow, on the 10th May, were not delivered until the 4th June; that twenty-five cases of salmon, invoiced by Messrs. Travers and Son, 44, Stanley Street, Liverpool, on the 15th April last, lay at River Plate Wharf, London, until the 21st May, and were then forwarded to Nottingham, but have not yet arrived; that many other similar cases could be quoted; and will he state who is responsible for this state of affairs?

I am aware that there has been delay in. the transit of foodstuffs to and from Nottingham, as in other parts of the country. I understand, however, that the question of accelerating transport is receiving the earnest attention of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. With regard to the specific instances quoted by the hon. Member, however, I am advised that the fifty cases of pears did not leave the hands of the consignors until 26th May, and that delivery of the goods was completed in the normal time for small consignments which are not sent by through trains, but are necessarily subject to transhipment in the course of the journey. In reply to the third part, the Transport Officer of the Ministry of Food actually called the attention of the consignees to the delay in the removal of these cases of salmon, caused by the failure to have the goods labelled, and was informed that as the foodstuffs in question were not controlled, delay did not appear to be the concern of the Ministry of Food. The twenty-five cases were delivered by Messrs. Travers and Son on 12th June.

asked the Minister of Food (1) if he is aware that home brewing is made impossible on account of those who desire to brew not being able to obtain a supply of malt; and what steps he will take in order that a Supply of malt for home brewing may be forthcoming; and (2) whether licences for home brewing will be granted to those who were doing so before the restrictions as to home brewing came into operation?

Licences for malt for home brewing are issued by the local agricultural committees to those applicants who received supplies in 1916. A supply of malt has been allocated for home brewing which will be sufficient for the applicants in question, but owing to the limited supplies of malt available it is at present impossible to allot to other applicants.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the increase in the cost of living since the Armistice; whether he can say to what extent this is attributable to speculators or profiteers dealing in articles which have been released from control; will he consider the desirability of at once resuming control and regulating the maximum price to be paid for all the standard articles of food and for such others where he is satisfied that the public are being exploited, and take steps to prosecute all persons who may be found to be profiteering or holding up supplies for the purpose of obtaining excessive profits?

Since the Armistice the cost of living, so far as the average cost of essential foodstuffs is concerned, has materially decreased, according to the Returns furnished by the Ministry of Labour. It is true there have been rises in the ease of certain foodstuffs which are in part attributable to speculation by persons having no legitimate connection with the trade in those foodstuffs. Steps have already been taken by the Food Con- troller to check these practices. In the case of oils and fats, for example, he made the Seeds, Oils, and Fats Order, dated 19th June, 1919, under which it is illegal for any person to deal in certain specified seeds, oils, and fats unless he has been licensed by the Food Controller for that purpose. Licences will only be issued to legitimate shippers, merchants, brokers, dealers, and consumers. The Food Controller will not hesitate to reimpose control where there is evidence of profiteering in standard articles of food.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that large supplies of fish have been condemned and much valuable food has been wasted by the failure of the merchants of Billingsgate Market to deal with the supplies consigned to them and practically delivered to them by the railway companies; and what Action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. The Food Controller is aware that certain quantities of fish have from time to time been condemned, but he cannot accept the suggestion made by the hon. Member that the fault lies entirely with the merchants. The causes of the failure to dispose of these supplies are now being investigated. It may be due to the inability of merchants to take delivery of supplies consigned to them, to delays in railway transport, or to lack of adequate facilities at the markets for the acceptance of deliveries.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will again give attention to the desirability of releasing Private It. Johnson, No. 32015, on compassionate grounds, taking into consideration the number of persons who are dependent on him for a living?

Private Johnson is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. The application previously made on this soldier's behalf did not disclose any compassionate grounds, but if such grounds exist and they fall within any of the categories prescribed in the Instructions recently issued governing releases on compas- sionate grounds, the case will be reconsidered, and my hon. Friend informed of the result as early as possible. A statement should be submitted giving the full facts and particulars, certified as set out in the Instructions referred to, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sergeant P. Smith, of the l/25thCounty of London Regiment, enlisted on the day war was declared and has now been in India three and a half years; whether during the War both his mother and only brother have died and his father, who is ill, has no one to look after him; whether this man is entitled to demobilisation; and, if so, why he is not sent home?

Demobilisation has been temporarily suspended in India owing to the existing situation in that country, and I regret that I can make no definite statement regarding demobilisation in India at present, but when it does recommence Sergeant Smith will no doubt be demobilised early, if his length of service is as stated by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men of C Section, 688th Company, Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, Salonika Force, have served three years overseas without leave, and are at present at Uskub; and what prospect there is of these men securing leave or early demobilisation?

A special Army Order, particulars of which have been published in the Press, was issued on the 27th June, giving fresh instructions regarding the early demobilisation of men who joined the Colours in 1914 and 1915, men over thirty-seven, and various other classes of men, who are eligible for demobilisation. If the men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend fall within any of the categories prescribed in the new Instructions, they will be sent home for demobilisation within one, two, or three months, as the case may be, as laid down in the Army Order.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the conclusion of Peace with Germany, he is prepared to give absolute instructions for the immediate release from the Air Force and Army of officers and men who are over thirty-seven years of age, or who have enlisted in 1914 and 1915, or under the Derby scheme in the early months of 1916; and whether he is aware that the continued retention of large numbers of these men by their commanding officers in defiance of his instructions on the subject is causing resentment against his Department and the Government?

As regards the Army, instructions have already been issued in Army Order X, dated the 27th June, giving the procedure to be adopted in releasing 1914 and 1915 men and men over thirty-seven, contingent on the signature of Peace. This Army Order has already been published in the daily Press. A number of officers of the Army proportionate to the numbers of 1914– 15 men released will be demobilised. Instructions will shortly be issued giving the order of priority for the demobilisation of these officers. As regards the Air Force, the release of 1914 and 1915 men, and men over thirty-seven, is being carried out as quickly as the exigencies of the Service permit and is almost completed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether 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?

I would refer to my reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. H. Swan) yesterday.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is able to slate his decision with regard to the Post Office practice whereby the day on which a soldier is demobilised is counted as one of the twenty-eight days to which he is entitled as furlough?

:The matter is still under the consideration of the War Office. I will ask them to expedite their decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether pro- vision has been made to utilise the services of the Corps of Army Schoolmasters in the educational training of the new Regular Army; and whether it is proposed to give a status to these warrant officers in keeping with the importance of the duties they are called upon to perform?

The Corps of Army Schoolmasters has always been utilised in the educational training of the Regular Army, and it is not proposed to discontinue this system. The question of the future status of Army schoolmasters is receiving careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the amount of the 1918 hay crop held in Great Britain at present by the Army Forage Department and the amount of the 1919 crop it is estimated will be required by the same Department?

The approximate quantity of 1918 crop hay held in Great Britain by the Department referred to is 100,000 tons. According to present intentions the Army Forage Department will cease to operate with the clearing up of the 1918 crop.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture Whether in view of the shortage of this year's hay crop, he will consider the desirability of controlling the price of hay?

I have been asked to reply. I can add nothing to the answer given on this subject by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on the 5th June, except to say that the matter is under review.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private D. J. Geddes, No. 107031, Royal Army Medical Corps, stationed at Dykebar War Hospital, Paisley, has been informed by the War Office that he is employed by the Scottish Board of Control, and that this body are responsible for his pay; whether he is aware that the District Control Board at Paisley deny responsibility in regard to the payment of men in a similar position to Private Geddes; and whether he will direct that a decision be arrived at in regard to this matter?

I am having inquiries made, and will inform the hon. and gallant Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in January last the military authorities engaged a number of civilian teachers to give lessons to soldiers in connection with the Government scheme of education in the Army; whether, in spite of repeated applications, Do payment for these services has yet been made; and whether he will expedite settlement for the work done by these civilian teachers in New-market?

I am informed that no civilian teachers have been, or are being, employed at the Army School of Education at New-market. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of the cases to which he refers, I will have the matter investigated.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the rank of L. H. Hide, late sergeant, No. 420, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, has reverted to that of private as from the date of his being made prisoner in September, 1917; and, seeing that he was promoted on the field and continued to hold the rank of sergeant even when he was subsequently in hospital and on home service in England, and was paid and did duty as such, whether it is in accordance with Regulations that his rank should only be regarded as acting from the date of his capture for the purpose of assessing his pay?

This non-commissioned officer was appointed acting-sergeant overseas on 23rd January, 1917, reverted to lance-corporal on coming home on 25th February, 1917, and was again appointed acting-sergeant on 10th August, 1917. He was captured on 25th September, 1917, and in accordance with the Regulations ceased to draw the pay of his acting-rank from the date of capture. There is no record that he was at any time promoted to the substantive rank of sergeant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether it is necessary to maintain the Scapa seaplane station, where four men are retained without anything to do?

Scapa seaplane base is being retained temporarily until Smoogroo is ready, and will be given up shortly. The station is in charge of a care and maintenance party who are responsible for equipment and stores.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the system of numbering the hours continuously up to 24, which was adopted in the Army last year, has also been adopted in the Royal Air Force; and, if so, from what date and under what Regulation?

The system in question was adopted throughout the Royal Air Force from midnight 19th/20th October, 1918, under Air Ministry Weekly Order No. 1,232, dated the 10th October, 1918.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether any, and, so, what arrangements are being made for flying exhibitions by members of the Royal Air Force in connection with Peace or other celebrations?

No special exhibitions by Royal Air Force machines are being arranged for. All available machines are already demonstrating on behalf of the "Victory Loan." I think that this is the most useful way of celebrating Peace at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the officer commanding No. 10 Group, Royal Air Force, has issued an order suspending week-end leave, contrary to the practice hitherto; and if the Air Ministry intend the Order to stand?

Week-end leave has not been stopped. The pre-war practice of granting week-end leave from Saturday midday to Sunday night has been reintroduced. At the same time it has been found possible to restore the practice prevailing before the War of observing general holidays and the giving of extended leave so far as the exigencies of the service permit.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry if he is aware that two lady shorthand writers were engaged at the Royal Air Force, Ripon depot, in January last, and that, after training in exceedingly technical work, they were informed, about five or six weeks after being engaged, that unless they joined the Women's Royal Air Force they would be discharged; whether, after consideration, they informed their officer, Second-Lieutenant Barton, that they would join the Women's Royal Air Force, but heard nothing more until, the last Friday or Saturday in March, without any previous warning, they received a week's notice to go; whether thereupon two other ladies were engaged, one of whom had no previous knowledge of office work and both of them required considerable training to make them efficient; what reasons caused this change; and will he insist on an impartial inquiry into the chief section leader's conduct, he being responsible indirectly for the dismissals?

I have not yet been able to trace the incident referred to, but further inquiries are being made both by the Air Ministry and the War Office, as the depot at Ripon is administered by that Department. The result of the inquiries will be communicated to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether any number of hours' solo flying is necessary before civilian pilots are licensed; and whether inquiries are being made regarding all crashes which occur in civilian flying?

(1) Tests required for civilian pilots are specified in the directions issued under Air Navigation Regulations, 1919All pilots who have been licensed have had a large number of solo flying hours to their credit. (2) All possible inquiries are made. The question is being consdered by a Committee dealing with points arising on the subject of the Air Navigation Regulations.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state what is the first year for which the Nautical Almanac will be made out with the astronomical day of twenty-four hours, numbered continuously, running from midnight to midnight, like the civil day, instead of, as hitherto, from noon to noon?

The Nautical Almanac is usually published about four years in advance, and the first year in which the arrangement referred to will take effect will be 1925.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the system of numbering the hours continuously up to 24, which was adopted in the Army last year, has also been adopted in the Royal Navy; and, if so, from what data and under what Regulation?

The system has been adopted in the Navy for some years for all kinds of messages, and the authority for its use is contained in the books of instructions which are issued by the Admiralty from time to time.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Lieutenant George Keenan, Northumberland Fusiliers, was graded 30 per cent, disability by a medical board on 30th December, 1918; that he is still so graded; and that he relinquished his commission on 5th April, 1919, on account of being permanently C 2; and why this officer's application for a pension has been refused?

This officer had a deformity of the little toe of his right foot before his military service. The trouble was probably aggravated by military service, and it was necessary to amputate the toe. In the opinion of my medical advisers the degree of disablement is less than 20 per cent., and Lieutenant Keenan has been granted, in lieu of pension, a gratuity of £40 under Article & of the Officers' Warrant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Captain It. de W. Rogers D.S.O., Leinster Regiment, was severely wounded on 12th October, 1918, that he has had six medical boards, all of which have recommended him for wound gratuity, that this gratuity has not been paid, and that the officer in question can obtain no reply whatever from Adastral House to repeated communications; and whether he will take steps to cause a decision to be arrived at without further delay?

Medical boards do not make recommendations as to payment of wound gratuities. On the report of the medical board that examined Captain Rogers in November, 1918, he was not eligible for a wound gratuity and was so informed on 18th December, 1918. On appeal reference was made to the medical authorities at the War Office who asked for a further report from the head quarter medical board in Dublin. This Board examined the officer in April and confirmed the finding of the November board find Captain Rogers was recently informed that he was not entitled to any award.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the services rendered by National Reservists in this War, he is prepared to consider an Amendment to the warrant permitting at least a portion of their National Reserve service to count towards qualifying service for service pension?

I am afraid I cannot adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Pensions Minister whether hardship has been caused by the Regulation which does not permit of the payment of the parents' separation allowance in respect of sons who were demobilised prior to the date of the parents' application; and whether he is prepared to consider a modification of this Regulation in cases' of special hardship?

The Regulations do not prohibit a claim for special parents allowance being made after the soldiers demobilisation, and if my hon. and gallant Friend is aware of any case in which such a claim has been rejected I shall be glad if he will furnish particulars so that inquiries may be made.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether in May, 1918, the Departmental Committee of the Board of Education appointed to consider salaries in secondary schools issued a Report recommending very considerable improvement in salary scales; whether these scales were adopted throughout North Wales; and, if not, will he give the names of the secondary schools in North Wales which have not adopted the scales recommended by the Board of Education, and state the present salaries paid in those schools; (2) whether he is aware that the salaries paid to the secondary teachers in North Wales are at present very inadequate, and that the teachers are paid at a lower rate than those in other parts of the country; and whether, seeing that the inadequacy of these salaries in North Wales has in the past led to constant migration of teachers to the better-paid areas, with consequent detriment to the-efficiency of schools and of Welsh education generally, he will have inquiries made into the matter?

The Departmental Committee expressed their view that a very great increase of salaries was necessary. They did not, however, suggest any definite scale of salaries, but only inserted in their Report an illustrative scale illustrating the principles which should determine the fixing of salaries for assistant masters in secondary schools who hold degrees or equivalent qualifications. In the explanatory note to the Regulations for Secondary Schools, 1918, it was stated that "The Board regard teachers' salaries as the primary object to which the new Grants should be applied" and that "They propose to make systematic inquiry with the view of ascertaining whether this condition is being adequately met in all schools on the Grant List." This systematic inquiry is now being made. Returns have been called for, and, pending the receipt and examination of all the Returns, I am not in a position to furnish the information asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the ease of Mrs. Elizabeth Lampard, who was recently evicted from her house, in spite of the fact that she was in an advanced state of pregnancy and that there was no other house for her to go to; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the, circumstances of the case?

I have no power to intervene in such cases, but I have made inquiry, and find that the house in question had been condemned as unfit for human habitation, and a closing order made by the local sanitary authorities as long ago as January last, and Mrs. Lampard had accordingly been given notice to quit again and again. She did not do so until the end of March or the beginning of April.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the inequality of treatment meted out to totally disabled pensioners as compared with partially disabled pensioners in the matter of sickness and disablement benefits, men in receipt of disablement pensions amounting to over £26 per annum may be regarded as eligible for exemption from compulsory insurance or, alternatively, that no reduction of benefit shall be made to a man drawing a total disablement pension if he is incapacitated from following his employment owing to causes unconnected with his pensionable disabilities?

A man in receipt of any disability pension exceeding £26 per annum is entitled to a certificate of exemption under the National Insurance Acts. It would not be feasible to carry out the suggestion contained in the last part of the question owing to the difficulty in practice of differentiating between incapacity resulting from the original dis- ability and incapacity resulting from other causes. But the 1917 Act provides for the resumption of the right to full sickness benefit in the case of any total disability pensioner who has in fact re-established his working capacity.

asked the Minister of Health whether some old people are being deprived of all or part of their old age pension because their friends have subscribed a weekly sum sufficient, with the old age pension, to gain them the advantage of a private nursing home, and in consequence one old woman in Devonshire, owing to her pension being reduced and her friends unable to contribute the balance, has had to be removed from a nursing home and taken to the workhouse infirmary; and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent this hardship being inflicted?

If my hon. Friend will furnish me with the names and addresses of any old age pensioners he has in mind, I will have inquiry made into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether, pending further legislation, steps can be taken to enable guardians of the poor to grant out relief to an old age pensioner in addition to the pension without disqualifying the recipient from continuing to receive the old age pension?

The question is one which must await the report of the Committee now sitting which has the position under the existing law under its consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office it he is aware that Sergeant Charles Ogden, late Derbyshire Regiment, who joined the Army in 1854 and was discharged in 1880 after twenty-six years' service, including sixteen years' service as a non-commissioned officer, was in receipt of 8s.old age pension for himself and his wife until the meritorious medal, which carries an annuity of £10 per annum with it, was awarded him, and that from that date 4s per week was stopped from their old age pension, which really means a fine of 8s per annum; if the grant of this honour, She meritorious service medal, is intended to mulct an old age pensioner; and, if not, if he will see that this matter is put right?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with the address of the old age pensioner in question I will have inquiry made into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Station street entrance to the Midland Station, Nottingham, has not yet been reopened; whether this entrance gives direct access to the Nottingham Lace Market, which is one of the busiest business centres of the city; and whether, in view of the fact that the closing of this entrance was a war measure and its continuance is a great inconvenience to the business community of the city, he can see his way to have it reopened?

I am informed by the Midland Railway Company that the closing of the entrance referred to was not a war measure but was consequential upon an alteration of the arrangements at Nottingham station with a view to restricting the use of the platforms to ticket [holders. The company do not sec their way to re-open the entrance, which would involve the provision of additional booking-office accommodation and the appointment of additional booking clerks and ticket collectors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that great expense, inconvenience, and delay are still being experienced by traders in Nottingham owing to the present system adopted by the railways of allocating traffic; that Mr. A. Wright, timber and slate merchant, ordered a truck of slates from Bangor to Radford station on the Midland Railway; that they were delivered to the London and North-Western goods yard, Manvers Street, Nottingham, without any intimation or advice as to the change of destination; that this involved an extra cartage of two and a half miles and one and a half days' extra work; that Messrs. Hollis, Brothers, and Company, of Leicester, are now receiving from Lowestoft a quantity of goods which the railway company insists on delivering to the Midland station instead of their own siding at the Great Northern depot, as ordered, thereby involving serious delay and expense and the employment of men and horses on unremunerative work; and when this state of affairs will be altered?

The arrangements with regard to the allocation of railway traffic to particular routes are made in the general interest, and cannot, under present conditions, be safely discontinued. I am, however, looking into the particular grievances mentioned in the question, and will see whether they can be met.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the demand for an extension of the system of workmen's trains and of the time, so as to permit of their being run up to 8 o'clock a.m. on all lines, with a terminal station within the London area; and whether he can hold out any expectation of a return to the normal pre-war fares at an early date?

Trains available for workmen at workmen's fares are, I believe, run in the London area generally up to about 8 a.m., and no increase has been made in the fares. Should the hon. and learned Gentleman have any special cases in mind, I shall be happy to look into them if he will supply me with the necessary particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to relieving the overcrowding of passenger trains, he will consider the question of compelling all London railway companies who have not already done so to undertake the electrification of such part of their lines as serve suburban areas?

The Board of Trade have no power to take the action suggested, but the important question of the extension of electric traction on railways will no doubt be a matter for the early consideration of the Ministry of Ways and Communications when established.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many men who have not served in the armed forces of the Crown during the War are now employed in the Coal Mines Department at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel; how many men who served in the naval, military, or air forces of the Crown during the War are now employed there; how many women; and what is the amount of the monthly salaries, respectively, of each of those three classes?

I am having the figures got out, and I will let the hon. and gallant Member have them when they are ready.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to remove the existing restrictions on imports of motor cars, and, if so, at what date; and what is the reason for maintaining restrictions, in view of the present demand for motor vehicles and the desirability of raising revenue by all available means?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which was given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Hull.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will further consider treating fishing vessels as factories as regards price of coal, in view of the fact that sea fishing is a purely domestic industry?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for the South-Western Division of Hull on the 5th June.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of sulphuric acid that was consumed in the United Kingdom in 1913 and 1918, distinguishing between ordinary commercial acid and fuming acid?

In 1918 the quantity of sulphuric acid consumed in the United Kingdom was, according to information placed at my disposal by the Ministry of Munitions, about 1,290,000 tons (100 per cent. acid), including about 310,000 tons of fuming acid. The corresponding quantity for 1913 so far as can be estimated, was 1,000,000 tons, the fuming acid included being about 25,000 tons. In both cases the figures refer to acid freshly manufactured in the year.

asked the Postmaster-General whether ho is making an effort to secure new premises in place of the present post office at Euston Square Station; whether he continues to receive complaints as to the inadequate accommodation for the staff and the public; and whether he will do his utmost to reach an early decision?

Negotiations for new premises, are proceeding, and are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible. I have received no further complaints since the matter was last referred to in this House.

asked the Postmaster-General whether temporary women night telephonists work forty-eight hours per week in four shifts of twelve hours; whether Sunday is counted as an ordinary day; whether. they are denied Sunday and Bank Holiday pay; "whether these conditions are less favourable than those enjoyed by established day telephonists; and whether, in view of the nature of night work, ha will reconsider his decision to insist upon worse conditions for permanent night workers than for all other members of the Post Office staff?

The hours of duty are generally as stated by the hon. Member. Three periods of twenty-four hours are thus entirely free from work, and during the twelve-hour shifts a period of at least two hours is allowed for rest. I am aware that no distinction is made between duty on Sundays and Bank Holidays and duty on ordinary days; in this respect the conditions of service are similar to those recommended for male night telephonists by the Select Parliamentary Committee which reported in 1913. Female night telephonists, whose employment is a result of war conditions, are gradually being replaced by male staff, and I do not think it necessary to alter their conditions of service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is still necessary to charge war surcharges on new telephone installations; and whether he is aware that in the case of Mr. F. W. Everitt, Wilburton, Cambridge, a surcharge of £24 15s is demanded in addition to an annual rental of £6 5s for 500 calls, although the existing wires pass within a foot of his house?

The surcharge quoted is calculated correctly in accordance with the. rule which has been in force during the War, and represents the actual cost of the work required to complete the line. The wires near the house are in use for other purposes. The revision of the rule as to the payment of surcharges is now under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General if any steps are being taken to review the pensions of retired postal servants in view of the increased cost of living?

Steps are being taken to review the pensions of Post Office servants who have retired since March, 1915, and who were in receipt of war bonus at the time of retirement. This follows a recent concession to retired Civil servants generally. Beyond this, revision is not contemplated.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether it is the intention that the issue of the different pamphlets from his Department is to be continued; and if ho will consider, in the interests of economy, whether the issue of these pamphlets might well be discontinued?

I would refer the hon. Baronet to the reply given on 6th May by my right hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an agreement was arrived at on the 20th May between the Nottingham Brick Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Builders Labourers with regard to wages to commence on the 9th June; that this agreement has not been endorsed by the Government although two deputations ' have attended in London; that further delay will result in closing brickyards in Nottingham and dislocation of friendly relationships between masters and men; and will he at once give his endorsement to the terms agreed?

The Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act does not preclude employers and workpeople from entering into agreements for increases in wages and such agreements do not require approval. The agreement in this case is expressly made conditional on Government endorsement, a condition which has avowedly been attached only to enable the prices of the bricks to be increased.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the German ships in Chilean waters are to be inspected by a representative of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company in order to ascertain what repairs are necessary; whether the British Government intends to use them for the transport of Chilean nitrate in the near future; and, if so, why this course is adopted in view of the announcement that the management of these ships was to be handed over to the United States?

His Majesty's Government have just received confirmation from the United States Government of the variation of the original plan by which German ships in South America due to be delivered under the Armistice arrangements were to be dealt with by the United States. These will now be dealt with by His Majesty's Government. Certain provisional inquiries had been made previously as indicated in the question. No decision, however, has been arrived at as to the employment of the vessels.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the purchase price of the land which was requisitioned for the Chepstow national shipyards has been determined; and, if so, will he give the terms?

As the negotiations for the purchase of the land have not yet been completed, I regret that I am not at present in a position to supply my hon. Friend with the information which he desires.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what number of men are now employed at the Chepstow and the Beachley yards; what is the total cost approximately per month that is being spent there; and whether there is a prospect of an early disposal of these establishments?

The number of men now employed at Chepstow and Beachley yards is 1,050. The present expenditure per month on all the -National Yards, including Portbury, Portishead Dock, all subsidiary construction and housing, is, approximately, £80,000. The monthly expenditure on shipbuilding at Chepstow and Finch's is £26,000. With regard to the last part of my right hon. Friend's question, I can only say that negotiations for the disposal of these establishments are now in progress.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any difficulty is being experienced in obtainng an adequate service of fully trained district nurses by the Highlands and Islands Medical Service Board; and what salary is offered to applicants?

The shortage in the supply of nurses and the question of their remuneration are referred to in some detail in the current Report of the Highlands and Islands Medical Service Board. The salaries paid to nurses are at me discretion of the district nursing associations, in whose employment they are, and at the present time there is no uniform standard of remuneration. The Board have however, prepared a scheme under which they would be empowered to give Grants to associations to enable the latter to pay more adequate salaries. This scheme, which is at present before the Treasury, would have the effect of increasing the nurses' remuneration by approximately 30 per cent. on the pre-war figure.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received numerous representations from Scottish municipalities urging an Amendment of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, to provide for the issue of only one register of voters in each year; whether the provision of two registers is imposing a heavy financial burden on the ratepayers; and whether, in view of the need of national and municipal economy, as emphasised by members of the Government, he can make a statement on the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The cost of preparing two registers in. each year is no doubt considerable, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the position has been abnormal since the Representation of the People Act came into force, both as regards the cost of preparation and in respect of the large number of absent voters. I would, however, point out that the State accepts liability for one-half of the approved expenditure. I think it is desirable that further experience of the present system should be gained before the question of amending-legislation is determined.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the representations made to him in Edinburgh on 17th June by the conference over which he presided, he can make any statement as to extending the scope of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Bill in the direction of dealing with the question of rural housing in the Lowlands and the Highlands, and also the modernisation of existing houses and cottages?

I am not as yet in a position to add to the statements which I made on these points in the Committee dealing with the Bill on the 3rd of June, to which I would beg to refer my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that restrictions are still placed in the way of persons travelling North; and if he will ascertain what Department is responsible for the continuance of permits and endeavour to get them removed?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The only restrictions now in force in Scotland are in regard to the Orkneys. They are enforced under Regulation 14a of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. It is considered most undesirable to remove these restrictions at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture (1) whether he is aware of the money and labour expended by the University of Manchester on organising research on economic entomology; whether the university was promised continuous Government support for the purpose of such research by Sir I. Elliott, Sir S. Olivier, and other officials; whether the Grant in question has now been transferred to Rot-hamsted; and what is the motive of such transfer;(2) whether the two advisers promised to the Manchester University for agricultural teaching in August, 1918, will be shortly appointed; and whether and when the annual Grant of £l,000 promised at the same time by the Development Commissioners will be forthcoming?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will take steps to remedy the urgent need now felt in Lancashire and Cheshire of research facilities in economic entomology, in consequence of the cessation of such research in the University of Manchester?

Under the original scheme for Agricultural Research as sanctioned by the Development Commissioners, the subject of entomology was allocated to the University of Man-Chester. In consequence, a staff was appointed, and up to 1918 annual Grants in aid of the work were made. At the same time research in plant pathology was instituted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.In 1918 the Board came to the decision that all research in plant diseases, whether duo to insects or to fungi, should be concentrated in one phytopathological institute, which should be located at Rothamsted, where also the Board's scientific advisory staff in the subject should be stationed. In pursuance of this plan, which the Board were convinced would be to the advantage of agriculture, it became necessary to transfer the Manchester. University staff, as well as a portion of the mycological staff at Kew, to Rothamsted. As, however, the university had provided special facilities for the study of entomology it was decided to offer an annual Grant of £l,000 to enable them to continue their work in entomology and also to take up mycological study.The moneys for such purposes come from the Development Fund, and the approval of the Development Commissioners is necessary. This the Board are now applying for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a probability that the available transport will be inadequate to collect and market the very heavy fruit crop expected in Worcestershire this year; and whether he will arrange that a sufficient number of Government motors shall be placed at the disposal of the Worcestershire Area Road Transport Committee to enable them to carry out this work?

Representations have been made to the Board for the provision of further road transport facilities in Worcestershire, but the Board are not a transport authority and have no powers to provide vehicles. The situation in Worcestershire to which my hon. Friend draws attention has been brought to the attention of the Minister-designate of Ways and Communications.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give information as to what legislative proposals have been made or carried by the Allied Governments with respect to the exclusion of subjects of enemy countries recently at war with the Allies; and what, if any, enactments 'have been passed in Allied countries for repatriation after the revocation or modification of certificates of naturalisation?

I have received reports on the subject referred to in the first part of the question from His Majesty's Representatives at Paris, Washington, Athens and Lisbon, and am awaiting others from Rome, Brussels and Rio de Janeiro. If the hon. and learned Member will call at the Foreign Office I shall be glad to show him the reports so far received, the contents of which cannot be stated shortly. I have no information on the matter referred to in the second part of the question.