asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give instructions that the Entertainments Tax shall not be enforced in the case of athletic sports forming part of official Peace celebrations?

There is no power under the law to exempt payments for admission as a spectator to athletic sports unless the whole of the proceeds of the entertainment are devoted to a charitable or philanthropic object, but repayment of the tax can be allowed if the net proceeds are devoted to such an object and the sum deducted from the takings to meet expenses (apart from those met by special donations) does not exceed 20 per cent. of the receipts.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that parish councils have been informed that they cannot give any special benefits to those in receipt of poor relief to celebrate Peace if such benefits fall on the rates; whether he is also aware that no such restriction exists in England; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The law of Scotland on this point differs from the law of England. In view of the unique character of the occasion, and as it appears to be the general desire that some relaxation should be allowed, I propose to inform local authorities in regard to whose accounts a power of surcharge is vested in the Secretary for Scotland, or the Departments under his control, that reasonable expenditure from the rates in connection with any public local celebration of Peace will not be made the subject of a surcharge.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the position of learned societies, registered under the 23rd Section of the Companies Act, 1867, as associations limited by guarantee, as regards assessment to Income Tax; and whether he will introduce legislation to place them, as regards exemption from Income Tax, in the same position as societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893?

I would refer the hon. Member to the exemption contained in Section 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, in favour of charitable societies, which include societies for the promotion of science or other branches of learning. If the hon. Member has any special case in his mind, I will have inquiry made if he will give me the particulars.

asked the Home Secretary whether a strike recently took place at the collieries of the Welsh Navigation Steam Coal Company owing to the arrest of two men for non-payment of Income Tax; whether as a consequence these men were released but subsequently rearrested; whether a meeting was then held at which it was decided that no Income Tax should be paid and to abstain from working if payment was enforced; whether, as a consequence of negotiations, the men in custody were released; how a man can be arrested for non-payment of Income Tax with his authority; and what negotiations can be entered into to subsequently relieve him of payment of Income Tax legally due?

I understand my hon. and gallant Friend to be referring to an incident which occurred at the Coedely Colliery on the 6th of June. On that occasion, following upon the arrest of two persons under a magistrate's committal order in summary proceedings for the recovery of Income Tax arrears, there was a stoppage of work at the colliery for one shift. The police agreed to suspend the arrest of the two men in question in order that the miner's lodge might consider the position. The Revenue authorities were not, of course, concerned with this suspension. The miners considered the position and agreed among themselves that any arrears of taxes should be paid within a month. It is understood that the tax outstanding from one of the two men in question will be paid by the 5th July. In the other case the tax has already been paid.' In these circumstances there has not been any rearrest, As regards the latter part of the question, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that under Section 28 (4) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, arrears of Income Tax charged by quarterly assessment are recoverable summarily as a civil debt. Arrest and imprisonment in any such case can only occur after failure to comply with the magistrate's order for payment and in pursuance of a committal order issued by the magistrate after proceedings under a judgment summons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the trustees of the Scottish Central Land Bank, Limited, which has, during the past four years, done valuable national service in providing credit facilities for the smallholders of Scotland, and assisted particularly in carrying through numerous schemes of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, made application recently to the Development Fund Commissioners for an advance of capital to assist in extending the bank's operations; that the Board of Agriculture strongly supported the application made by the trustees; that on 8th February, 1919, the Development Commissioners made recommendation to the Treasury that the Com- missioners' guarantee should be made available to the bank to an extent of £20,000, and that the Commissioners make a grant towards expenses not exceeding 2: per cent. per annum on new loans; that on 3rd May, 1919, the Treasury intimated that they were of opinion that it was inadvisable to proceed with the matter; and that this decision which has been come to, contrary to the considered recommendations of both the other State Departments concerned, will seriously hamper the trustees in carrying on their necessary and urgent work; and whether, in view of all these circumstances, he will cause further inquiry to be made with a view to the recommendations of the Development Commissioners being given effect to forthwith?

The scheme to which reference is made was recommended by the Development Commissioners with hesitation, in view of the fact that a general scheme of assistance to smallholders in connection with the Government's land settlement policy was understood to be in preparation, and that the operations of the Land Bank could only affect a very small area, and might do so upon terms at variance with those of the State scheme. After careful consideration, it appeared to the Treasury to be inadvisable to proceed with the proposal, but they expressed readiness to consider a limited interim scheme if it could be shown that it was essential and that the difficulties attending the conversion of such an interim scheme into the final scheme could be surmounted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether probate estate settlement and Legacy Duty valuations of the Victory Loan Bonds held by a deceased holder at the time of his death and on the terms of the loan prospectus receivable by the Government at their face value in payment of such duties will be valued at the Stock Exchange quotations of Victory Loan Bonds on the date of the death?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 26th ultimo to the hon. and gallant Member for Burton(Colonel J. Gretton). I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount of money grant made out of the National Exchequer funds for expenditure on roads and bridges in Great Britain for the year 1919–20, and also the amount granted to Ireland from the same source for the same period?

Grants are being made for expenditure on roads and bridges in Great Britain during 1919–20 from the Road Improvement Fund, supplemented by a grant of £8,000,000 from voted moneys, conditional upon the execution by highway authorities of a specified programme out of their own resources. Grants will be made in respect of roads in Ireland upon the same condition up to a total of £300,000, in addition to grants from the existing fund and from the provision made for the relief of unemployment in Ireland.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury has instructed the Inland Revenue Department to reinstate as far as possible those officers who had joined the Army; and, if so, whether he can take any steps to reinstate Mr. L. B. Littlewood, formerly an assistant valuer in the Land Valuation Department?

I presume the gentleman referred to is Mr. W. Douglas Littlewood, and I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 21st May.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state, for the years ending 31st March, 1917, 1918, and 1919, respectively, the total estimate for the year's expenditure framed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the total amount of expenditure for the year, and the amount by which the expenditure exceeded the Estimate?

The Budget Estimates, which during the War were necessarily tentative and subject to the uncertainties of military events, wore exceeded, as will be seen from the subjoined figures, by £372,733,000 in 1916–17 and £405,840,000 in 1917–18. In 1918–19, owing to the Armistice, there was a saving of. £392,896,000.

asked the Food Controller whether certain low grades of cocoa beans, known as D cocoa, not wanted by British manufacturers, are readily saleable for re-export to other countries, but that, owing to the prohibition of the re-export of more than 50 per cent. of the imports from West Africa, large quantities of this cocoa are of necessity being stored in Liverpool, occupying storage room which is wanted for other kinds of produce; whether exporters from West Africa seize opportunities to ship direct, from that country to foreign countries to avoid this detention and interference with their business, with the result that British steamers, British and Marine insurance companies, and British produce dealers, are losing this business; and whether there is any reason why this D cocoa should not be permitted to be re-exported without restriction to all countries other than enemy countries?

When the Raw Cocoa (Prices) Order, 1918, and the Raw Cocoa Distribution Scheme were in operation, the prohibition on the re-export of more than 50 per cent. of raw cocoa imported into the country was not applied to what was known as "D" cocoa. If "D" cocoa was found unsuitable for home manufacture, certificates were issued by my Department authorising its re-export. On the withdrawal of the Raw Cocoa Distribution Scheme there was a small accu- mulation of this class of raw cocoa, to which the attention of my Department was not drawn, and consequently no certificates were issued in respect of this quantity at that time. Arrangements have now, however, been made for the issue of the necessary certificates. I have no reason to believe that the prohibition on the re-export of more than 50 per cent. of raw cocoa imported into this country is in any way interfering with the importation of West African or any other variety of raw cocoa. I may add that the quantities of raw cocoa normally exported from this country before the War were very considerably below 50 per cent. of the importations

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the fact that he has refused to control the price of fruit this season, he will continue to enforce control of jam at last season's ' prices so as to protect those firms who loyally conform to his wish that they shall refuse to purchase fruit except at such prices as will enable them to manufacture jam to sell at, or at less than, the controlled price; and whether he is aware that certain jam manufacturers, despite his warnings to the trade, are still paying double the price for fruit which was paid last year?

It is proposed to retain a schedule of maximum prices for this season's jams, and it is hoped that any revision of the present prices will be in a downward direction. In any case the price of jam will not be raised to meet the position of the manufacturers, who, despite official warnings, have paid unreasonably high prices for fruit.

asked the Food Controller how the Travelling Milk Commission obtained the figures of milk production by counties, published by the Food Ministry, to justify a differentiation against the four south-western counties; whether they represent the actual returns of all producers of milk in each county; and what are the figures for the milk-producing counties not included in the list?

The figures referred to were based on the results of the Milk Census taken by the Ministry of Food for the weeks ended 2nd June and 7th De- cember, 1918; they represent the actual returns of all producers of milk in each county. The figures for the counties not already published will be given as an appendix to the final report of the Travelling Milk Commission, which will be issued shortly.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if, owing to the difficulty farmers have in carrying on on account of the high prices of all feeding stuffs, it is likely that cultivation will be largely abandoned, and that the effect will be extremely serious, especially in the production of milk; and if he will consider whether it should be made compulsory that a certain percentage of all arable land should be cultivated?

The information which I have does not bear out the suggestion that cultivation will be abandoned for the reason suggested, and I therefore see no sufficient reason for the action suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a Grant has been made in England for the assistance of the blind; if so, what is the amount; and whether a corresponding Grant will be made for the assistance of the blind in Ireland?

I understand that Parliament will shortly be invited to make provision of approximately £125,000 for England and Scotland in connection with assistance to the blind. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer my right hon. and learned Friend to the reply given to the question on this subject, asked by my hon. Friend the Member for the Victoria Division of Belfast (Mr. Donald) on the 5th June.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is in contemplation to demobilise some 7,000 temporary naval officers at Chatham, Devonport, and Portsmouth at the end of the present month; if so, whether the time for this de- mobilisation has been fixed by his Department of by the Treasury, or by both in conjunction, in order to avoid the liability to pay to these men the gratuities which will come in force on 1st July with the new rates of pay; whether most of these officers have been drawn from the Mercantile Marine and will be unable to find employment in their old calling until next year, if then, owing to the shortage of mercantile shipping; and whether he will take steps to see that no injustice shall be inflicted on these men?

It is in contemplation to demobilise all demobilisable officers so soon as they become surplus to naval requirements, but as the reduction of Fleet services to a peace basis must necessarily be a gradual process, no time has been, or can be, fixed for the completion of demobilisation. The progress of demobilisation depends entirely on the reduction of the Fleet services, and neither the Admiralty nor the Treasury have been in any way whatever actuated in their demobilisation procedure by a desire to reduce the payments due to officers or men in respect of pay or gratuity. The Admiralty are fully aware of the position as regards the resettlement of temporary officers drawn from the Mercantile Marine, and are taking such steps s are in their power to meet the situation

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a considerable number of medical officers, who were returning to be demobilised after at least two years' service in Mesopotamia under War Office cable No. 4,773 A.M.D.I, have been detained in India; and whether he can say what prospect there is of these officers being shortly sent home?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Captain Malcolm Foster, Royal Army Medical Corps, has served for three years in Mesopotamia and Persia; that in the beginning of May, 1919, this officer was ordered to return home, but that he has been stopped at Bombay on his journey home and ordered to the Indian frontier; and whether, in view of the understanding that the Royal Army Medical Corps officers in Captain Foster's position were to be brought home as soon as possible, he is now able to direct this officer's return?

I will answer these two questions together. The cable to which my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Lieut. -Colonel W. Guinness) alludes was a general one sent out to all commands overseas and was to the effect that any officers who became surplus to the requirements of any particular command should be transferred to the home establishment. It is a fact that a certain number of officers en route to the United Kingdom have been retained in India as an emergency measure owing to the impossibility of providing reinforcements. Instructions have, however, been issued that all such officers who are unwilling to continue to serve in India are to be sent home as soon as their services can be spared. Endeavours are also being made to obtain officers for service in India under a new contract, and these will be used to replace those eligible for release. I am informed that Captain Malcolm Foster, who is referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dumfries (Major W. Murray), embarked for Mesopotamia on the 24th August, 1916, and left there on the 5th May, 1919. No information has been received as to his having been stopped at Bombay, but no doubt he is one of the officers retained in the circumstances I have mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the case of Mrs. Bowler, of Twickenham, has been before him; whether her husband died while serving in Ireland, after having served two and a half years in France whether she has two sons in the Army and no daughters; whether she herself is under medical treatment and unable to be left alone; whether the whole of these facts have been certified by the vicar of the parish; and whether it is impossible on compassionate grounds to release one of the sons in order to look after his mother?

I regret that the War Office has been unable to trace the application referred to by my hon. Friend owing to the insufficiency of the particulars given. If my hon. Friend will inform me of the number, rank, name and regiment of the soldier on whose behalf the application was made, I will have inquiries made and inform him of the result as early as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister whether consideration will be given to the cases of officers who on demobilisation are unable to obtain suitable houses and are compelled to incur the expense of hotels or lodging-houses; and whether assistance will be granted in deserving instances?

I have been asked to answer this question. On being demobilised officers resume their civilian status with a gratuity proportionate to their service and rank. If the suggestion is that they should also continue to receive allowances for accommodation I am afraid I cannot entertain it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British officers comprise the Military Mission at Constantinople and what is the corresponding number of officers comprising the Military Missions of the Allies; and whether the names of the British General Staff officers now in Constantinople who have been associated in the past with the Ottoman Empire may be published?

The British Military Mission at Constantinople is attached to the Army of the Orient under the command of General Franchet D'Esperey, and consists of six British officers. I regret that the corresponding number of officers comprising the Military Missions of the Allies who are similarly attached is not available. The following British General Staff officers now in Constantinople have had experience of the Ottoman Empire:Lieut.-Colonel I. M. Smith.—His Britannic Majesty's Consul at Van for one year previous to the War.Major V. A. Nye.—Employed for eight years with the Gendarmerie.Lieut.-Colonel L. L. R. Samson.—Consul at Adrianople 1906 to 1914.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will recommend the issue of the 1914–15 Star to all officers and men of the Territorial Force who were members of that force before 4th August, 1914, and who accepted the Imperial service obligation before 1st October, 1914, but who were detained in Great Britain against their will until April, 1916, for purposes of training new recruits or coast defence; and whether the number o£such officers and men is less than 8,000, including the two first-line Yeomanry brigades who alone, as units mobilised in August, 1914, have not received the Star?

The award of this Star is confined to those who served in certain specified theatres of war prior to the 31st December, 1915, and I regret that it cannot be further extended. With regard to the last part of the question, the issue of the Star has not yet commenced.

asked the Secretary of State for War how long it is proposed to continue control of hay and straw; and whether farmers are to be compensated in cases in which straw commandeered last year has never been delivered and is still occupying space in stockyards urgently required?

The restrictions contained in the Army Council Order of the 30th July, 1918, in so far as they related to straw were cancelled by an Army Council Order which came into force on 1st February, 1919. It is intended to control 1918 crop hay only as long as stocks of this crop last. The Army Council do not propose to control 1919 hay or straw in any manner. With regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that until the straw has been delivered farmers are receiving payment at the rate of 15 per cent. per annum over and above the price agreed to be paid them for it. As the bulk of the straw was purchased in the later months of last year, and baling operations continue throughout the whole year it is manifestly impossible to take delivery at any specified time.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is in a position to make any statement about the Canadian Air Force?

I understand the question is under the consideration of the Dominion Government, who will doubtless make their own announcement of policy in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he can amplify the statement recently made by Mr. Baker, the United States of America Secretary for War, on the question of automatic control of aeroplanes?

I regret that I am not in a position to do so at the moment. I will have further investigation made and communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware of the expense to which married officers and other ranks in the Royal Air Force stationed at many aerodromes are put to find housing accommodation; and if any steps are being taken to provide married quarters at permanent stations?

I realise that married officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force are probably finding difficulty in obtaining suitable accommodation near aerodromes. Married quarters will eventually be provided at permanent stations, and in. the meantime the possibility of making temporary use of suitable shutting accommodation where available is being investigated.

asked the Under-Secretary of 'State to the Air Ministry why members of the Women's Royal Air Force are not given free railway warrants when proceeding home on leave; and if he will take steps to remedy this?

The general rule is that expenses in connection with leave are not a public charge. Certain concessions were made to the Army and Royal Air Force as a war measure, but these were not extended to the women's corps attached to the Army and Royal Air Force, because of the difference in their conditions of service. The question of making similar concessions to the women's corps is now under consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will again reconsider the case of Mathew Miller, 27, Carleston-street, Springburn, Glasgow, who lost his leg in Egypt while on service with the forces, and whose disability pension is refused because it is alleged that he was absent without leave when the accident happened, seeing that he would not have been in Egypt had he not joined the forces, and the penalty of entire loss of pension is out of all proportion to the alleged offence?

At the Court of Inquiry Field at Alexandria shortly after the accident occurred it was established not only that Private Miller was absent without leave, but that the accident arose through his own negligence. With regard to my hon. Friend's statement as to entire loss of pension, I may, perhaps, remind him that Private Miller was awarded a final grant of 4s. 8d. a week for eighteen months and was also supplied with an artificial leg.

asked the Pensions Minister whether men who have not served in the forces during the War were recently appointed secretaries of the Buxton, Bala, Corwen, and Sacriston Local War Pensions Committees, and that ladies have been appointed as secretaries of the Romsey and Wycombe and chief clerk to the Ilkeston War Pensions Committees; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation, if necessary, to ensure that all vacancies under the local war pensions committees shall in future be given to ex-Service men and their dependants?

No appointment has, so far, been made in the case of Buxton Local War Pensions Committee. In the case of Bala and Corwen Sub-committee, arrangements have recently been made for the secretaryship to be filled by an ex-Service man. The Sacriston secretaryship is a part-time appointment carrying a very small salary; it was offered to an ex-Service man, who, however, declined it as the remuneration was considered insufficient. Instructions have already been given for the appointment at Romsey to be terminated. The lady secretary at Wycombe has held the appointment for nineteen months, but an ex-Service man will shortly take up the appointment of assistant secretary and, it is hoped, may qualify for a higher position. The appointment at Ilkeston is not one which requires my right hon. Friend's approval. On the latter part of the question, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for East Bedford on 8th May, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Pensions Minister what steps He proposes to take to provide for concurrent treatment and training on the colony system of pensioners suffering from tuberculosis; and whether he has under consideration the proposals in this behalf of the East Midlands Joint (Disablement) Committee?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Interdepartmental Committee on, tuberculosis have under consideration the question of the provision, of colonies for the concurrent treatment and training of discharged men suffering from tuberculosis, and I understand that the Report of the Committee is ' expected very shortly. My right hon. Friend has been informed of the proposals for the acquisition of an estate in Derby-shire for the concurrent treatment and training of discharged men suffering from tuberculosis, and I will instruct one of the medical inspectors to visit the estate and report upon the scheme.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has received a very urgent appeal from the East-Midlands Joint (Disablement) Committee for financial assistance in establishing a scheme for the concurrent treatment and training of pensioners Buffering from tuberculosis; and, if so, what does he propose doing with regard to the said appeal, which comes from the representatives of six counties and on behalf of many hundreds of sufferers?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have been informed of the proposals for the acquisition of an estate in Derbyshire for the purpose of a farm colony for the concurrent treatment and training of discharged men in the East Midlands suffering from tuberculosis, and I will instruct one of the medical inspectors of my Department to visit the estate and report upon the proposals. The question of financial assistance in establishing the colony will be considered when the inspector's, report is received, and in conjunction with the Report of the Interdepartmental Committee on tuberculosis.

asked the Postmaster-General whether over four months' delay in the payment of gratuities is still a common occurrence; and whether he will cause payment to be expedited in the following cases; Private G. Barker, No. 33880, 9th York and Lancaster Regiment,. Private T. Marcon, No. 639960, Labour Corps, and Sapper Burnham, No. 84918, Royal Engineers, all of Norwich, in all of which notification of credit was made to the General Post Office by the regimental paymasters concerned some months ago?

The general position in regard to payment of gratuities is indicated in a reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. Hope) on the 21st May. The number of gratuities already paid is over 3,000,000, and cases of serious delay are relatively few. My right hon. Friend has written to the hon. Member about the individual cases to which he refers

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason why regimental paymaster, No. 1, York, requires ex-Lance-Corporal W. S. Collins, No. 33283, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, to submit Army Form W5.063 again in respect of his claim for the balance of £13 15s. gratuity to which he is entitled, as Army Form W5,063 was submitted with full particulars and properly completed on 25th February, 12th March, and 12th May, 1919, and the claimant holds receipts for the two latter forms?

I am making inquiries-into this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member later.

asked the Financial' Secretary to the War Office if Corporal J. G. Liddington, No. 15169, 6th North-ants, was killed on 17th February, 1917, and that the gratuity has not been paid over yet; that letters have been written; for it but no answer can be obtained; and, seeing that the aged mother is seriously ill and needs it at once, if he will take steps to secure the payment of any sums due?

When the war gratuity was approved in December last, it became necessary to reopen the accounts of the great number of men who had lost their lives during the War. Settlement is being carried out in order of date of death, and I am afraid it will be some time before 1917 cases are reached. Public announcement has been made that application is unnecessary, and to enter into correspondence on individual cases would only have the effect of creating further delay and difficulty. Everything possible is being done to expedite settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the new scale of pensions and gratuities allows an increase in the pension of £200 per annum granted to captains of the Regular Army who have risen from the ranks and who were compulsorily retired in 1913 under the age limit?

The new scale and its application to various classes of officers are not yet settled.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no reply has been sent to Mr. R. W. Barnes, of Bines Road, Partridge Green, Sussex, late farrier-sergeant, Royal Field Artillery, to his letter of 23rd March, 1919, claiming relief under the Civil Liabilities Act?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Civil Liabilities Department cannot trace any hitter from Mr. Barnes; but if he will write again his case shall be dealt with immediately.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Lieutenant George Keenan, Northumberland Fusiliers, applied for a course of university (O. U. T. C.) training for disabled officers, first on S.O. form on 4th January, 1919, secondly in February on A.F.Z. 15 form, thirdly on D.O. form in March, fourthly on D.O. form in May, and fifthly on, O.I.A.D.I. in June; that he has received-no reply from the Ministry of Labour; and whether, in view of the fact that this officer is suffering from a permanent disability, is a married man, and has no private means, he will take steps to ensure that this case receives early consideration and that the officer is furnished with a reply to his applications?

Lieut. Keenan has, as stated, made five applications to the Appointment Department of the Ministry of Labour. The first, dated the 3rd January, 1919, was for training as a surveyor. It was referred to the War Office, but was too late to obtain their approval before the cancellation of the arrangements for the training of convalescent serving officers. The second, dated the 27th February, was also for training as a surveyor; but Lieut. Keenan could not have started training at once because he was still a serving officer, and not entitled to priority of release. The third, dated the 23rd March, was not for training but for employment, and was treated as cancelling the first two. Endeavours were made to secure Lieut. Keenan a suitable appointment, but without success. The fourth, dated the 29th April, was again for training. After a preliminary inquiry of the Ministry of Pensions to make sure that Lieut. Keenan was not eligible for training (with greater benefit to himself) under the Royal Warrant, he was sent the requisite form D.I.A.D. I for making the usual declaration of income. The return of this form on the 10th June constituted the fifth application. This application has not yet been granted because, as at present advised, I do not consider that the particular course of training for which Lieut. Keenan has applied is calculated to provide such results as would justify the expenditure of public money upon it. I am causing a communication to be sent to him on the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that official statements have been made to the effect that the rates of maintenance and. other allowances for discharged disabled, men undergoing training for new occupations in the various schemes of the Ministry of Labour would be revised and improved, he is prepared to take steps to that end without delay, especially having regard to the view of many disablement committees that the existing allowances are inadequate, and that they are preventing many eligible men from accepting training for a definite occupation in life?

The revision of the rates of maintenance allowances to certain classes of disabled men undergoing training is at present under consideration, and an announcement will be made as soon as a decision is reached.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Munitions whether the Gretna Committee has now reported and whether a statement on the subject of their Report will shortly be made?

The Report has been received, and is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether His Majesty's explosive factory, Victoria Works, Wincham, Cheshire, has been disposed of; to whom and upon what terms; and by what amount the cost of erection and equipment exceeded the original estimate?

After full advertisement, the major part of the property referred to has been sold to the Salt Union, Limited, the original owners, for £60,000, this being the highest offer received. The factory was erected for the production of calcium nitrate. There was a very acute shortage of this material, which was essential for explosives. Over 100,000 tons was produced at the works. Prior to their erection we were dependent on the limited supply obtainable from Norway, which only provided one-sixth of our requirements. The total expenditure was £534,000, of which £117,000 was spent on buildings. This expenditure was useful only for war purposes, and exceeded the original estimate by £154,000. The actual work done represented a great deal more than was included in the original estimate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many Departments there are still in existence in connection with the Ministry; and will he issue a statement detailing the number of officials still employed in each Department, the salaries paid, and the professional antecedents of the members of his staff still employed?

For the number of officials in the Ministry of Munitions I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement I made on the Munitions Estimates, since when a further reduction of 800 has taken place. The preparation of a statement in the form asked for by the hon. Member would involve a considerable amount of clerical labour at a time when every effort is being made to reduce the staff. A Sub-Committee of the Select Committee of the House on National Expenditure is now examining the expenditure of the Ministry of Munitions, and it will be furnished with all the information necessary for its inquiry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, in connection with the scheme proposed by the Ailsa Craig Motor Company to enable the company to resume operations and re-employ their former workpeople, the deputation has not yet been received; and, if so, whether arrangements will be made to receive the deputation at an early date?

I have seen the chairman of the Company and a representative of the workpeople, and have discussed the question with them. The Ministry have made proposals which will have the effect of relieving the company of their liabilities and leaving them free to resume business. These proposals have, been accepted by the company.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the provinces of Ruanda and Urundi, in German East Africa, are to be handed over to Belgium?

I regret that it is still impossible to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the terms of the circular letter of the 8th April, 1919, to local authorities to the effect that the Housing Commissioners have now taken up their duties, and are prepared to render to local authorities all the assistance in their power, and that local authorities should lose no time in placing themselves in communication with their Commissioner, his attention has been called to the fact that a Housing Commissioner for London has not yet been appointed; whether he can account for the delay in making such appointment; and when the appointment is likely to be made?

In view of the magnitude and complicated nature of the housing problem in London, the Minister of Health has come to the conclusion that the appointment of a Commissioner would not alone be adequate, and has preferred up to the present to deal with cases arising in the Metropolitan area at the head office. He has, however, now decided to appoint a small Board (unpaid), consisting of the Members for the Brightside Division (Sir Tudor Walters), North Southwark (Mr. Strauss),and West Woolwich (Sir Kingsley Wood), for advising and assisting in the promotion of schemes in the Metropolitan area, and a chief administrative officer for the Metropolitan area to work in conjunction with that Board, under the Director-General for Housing.

asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to certain figures recently given of prices received by tender by the London County Council for building two-, three-, four-, and five-room cottages, without the cost of land, roads, or sewers; whether these figures are fair and reasonable from a housing point of view; for what class of cottage these prices are; in what district of London they are to be built; and can he furnish any more particulars about these tenders?

I understand that the London County Council have obtained tenders for the erection of three-, four-, and five-roomed cottages at Hammersmith and Norbury. The tenders proposed to be accepted by the county council have not yet been submitted to the Ministry of Health, and I am therefore unable to give any particulars respecting them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that under the housing scheme of the local authority the building of six cottages allotted to the district of Maiden Bradley, Bath, has been postponed; and whether, in view of the urgent need, he can make representations to the local authority on this matter?

No scheme for the provision of houses at Maiden Bradley has yet been submitted by the Mere Rural District Council. I am asking the Housing Commissioner to inquire into the position there and will communicate again with the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his Department has decided, with the approval of the Local Government Board for Scotland and by arrangement with the brickmakers, to standardise the three-inch brick for all supplies used in connection with forthcoming housing schemes; whether the present standard size of bricks in Scotland is 3¼ in. thick; whether the Scottish building trades were consulted before this change was made; and whether, if the now Regulation is enforced, it will add considerably to the cost of housing schemes which arc carried out in brickwork?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Prior to this standardisation there was no standard size of bricks in Scotland, and this want of system was a serious obstacle to any housing scheme. I am advised that the enforcement of the new regulation will not add to the cost of any housing schemes, but, on the contrary, will enable them to be carried out more cheaply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Glasgow Corporation have been informed that no financial assistance can be given in respect of the Garngad Housing Scheme, in view of the fact that the houses included in this scheme were also included in the numbers reported to the Local Government Board in reply to their circular of 10th August, 1917, that building was not begun until December, 1917, and that it would have been quite easy for the corporation to have postponed the scheme had they not recognised the urgency of the situation?

The building of these houses was commenced at the end of 1917 without any understanding that financial assistance from the State would be available, and the corporation was definitely informed in September, 1918, by the Local Government Board that the scheme could not be regarded as within the terms of the Housing Circulars issued by them. I am unable to devote to such a scheme part of the financial assistance voted for new construction after the War.

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions undertaken and carried through by the Public Prosecutor during the last year for which the latest returns are available?

The total number of prosecutions undertaken last year was 970.

asked the Home Secretary why the staff of the railways who are likely to be displaced by the Ways and Communications Bill are to receive compensation, and the same principle of compensation is not to be given to the staff and servants of the different wagon companies to be absorbed by this Bill?

The position of officers and servants of a railway of which possession is taken or retained under the provisions of the Ways and Communications Bill is in no respect comparable with the position of the staff and servants of a wagon company. The undertakings of wagon companies will not and cannot be absorbed by the Bill, and it is hoped that the wagon building business, instead of diminishing, will progress; and, whilst the Minister of Ways and Communications will have direct power to take action in regard to the services of an officer or servant of a railway company, the Bill confers no powers at all upon him in relation to an officer or servant of a wagon company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by the members of the Sunday schools of the mining valleys of Glamorganshire in arranging with the railway companies for facilities for their annual excursion to the seaside; that this is a serious deprivation to the working people of these districts and their children, for many of whom it constitutes the only opportunity of a holiday, and is a source of acute and widespread dissatisfaction in the district; and what steps he proposes to recommend to the Railway Executive to meet the situation?

I am aware that difficulties of the nature indicated have arisen, but I am afraid it would not be practicable to provide accommodation for all the adults who might like to accompany the children on excursions for which concessions have recently been granted, I understand that the pre-war practice of the railway companies in this respect was not uniform, but that the companies have now been instructed by the Railway Executive Committee to allow one adult for every ten children to travel at the present-day single fare for the double journey, in order to provide for teachers and others in charge of the children.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether concessions which formerly were made to commercial travellers in respect of railway fares and travelling by rail will be restored to them now that Peace has been signed?

This question has been carefully reconsidered, but, in view of the present railway position, it has not been found practicable to restore to commercial travellers the special concessions referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the Clee Hill quarries, near Ludlow, the association is unable to get enough railway wagons to send out stones for repairs to roads for the county and other councils which are urgently wanted, and that the men working in the quarries have to stop work in consequence of there being no wagons to take the stone away; and if he can do anything to improve this state of affairs?

I understand that it is the case that some quarries do not own enough wagons to enable them to deal with their traffic. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that there is a serious shortage of railway wagons in this country and that railway companies are not under an obligation to provide wagons for the conveyance of stone for the repair of roads, but I am calling the attention of the companies concerned to the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if arrangements can be made for the Railway Executive to send a better service of railway wagons to Hull, as the present shortage is injuring the trade of that port?

There are at present 'difficulties throughout the country in meeting all the demands for railway wagons. My attention has been called to the special difficulties at Hull in the last few days, I am communicating with the North-Eastern Railway Company in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make better provision for third-class passengers dining on Great Central trains between Bradford and London; and is he aware that on 24th June the train leaving Bradford at 10 a.m. had one whole carriage and part of another carriage reserved for first-Class diners and only two compartments reserved for third-class diners, the result being that a third-class seat could not be obtained at Nottingham, whilst one-half of the first-class seats were never occupied?

I have communicated with the Great Central Railway Company on this matter, and I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of their reply, which explains the circumstances that necessitated an exceptional formation of the train in question on the occasion referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if recoupment for reduction or payment for enhancement of the value of any undertaking or part thereof taken possession of under Section 16 of the Regulation of the Forces Act, 1871, is provided for in the terms as to compensation in the agreement made in pursuance of that Section?

No general provision for such recoupment or payment is expressly contained in the Railway Agreement, but the principle involved has been recognised. For example, the Government have agreed to bear the cost of making good any arrears of maintenance that may not have been overtaken when control ceases, and the railway companies are to pay the Government for such railway works as have been constructed by the Government for purposes connected with the War, and may be needed in connection with the Peace time working of the railways.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what railroad undertakings or ports thereof have been taken possession of in pursuance of Section 16 of the Regulation of the Forces Act, 1871, or otherwise?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Gentleman lists giving the names of the railway companies in Great Britain and Ireland respectively, of whose railroads, including any lines worked by them, possession has been taken under the Regulation of the Forces Act, 1871. The Board of Trade have not taken possession of any railroads under other powers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the case of Fireman Skelland, of the Great Northern Railway, Doncaster, who volunteered for service in France on 10th November, 1914, without any consideration except to do all he could to help the fighting forces, and who served in France the whole of the time until May last, when he returned to take up his railway duties again, only to find that he had to start again as an engine cleaner; and whether he will see that Fireman Skelland is reinstated in a position at least as good as his old one, in view of his services to his country?

My attention had not previously been called to this case, but I will make inquiry and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what arrangements with the railway companies as to compensation rolling stock, rails, and general plant have been taken and transferred overseas?

Generally speaking, roiling stock in traffic sent overseas has been on loan and the War Department is only liable for putting it into repair on its return or for payment of its value if not returned. Stores and general plant taken overseas have been paid for and I understand that a similar course has been followed in respect of rails, which have been dealt with by the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that no further change is contempleted in the restriction of imports until 1st September, the Government can now issue a Paper showing what are the exact restrictions and for what reason they have been imposed?

Without accepting the suggestion in the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the supplement issued with the "Board of Trade Journal" of the 5th June, of which I am sending him a copy. The restrictions have been imposed or maintained in order to shield certain industries from foreign competition during the transition period.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Department of Import Restrictions are issuing licences for the importations of Swiss lace curtains upon the basis of 1916 importations; that the firm of Samuel Peach and Sons, Nottingham, have annually imported these curtains for thirty years prior to the War, very largely for their export trade, but ceased to do so before the year 1916 in response to a request from the Government and prompted by patriotic reasons; that, had they ignored this request and continued their importations, they would now have been able to have recommenced this business, for which there is a demand from overseas; and that they are now unable to catalogue those goods and their export trade is thereby prejudiced; and will he reconsider the matter so as to give this firm a reasonable chance of renewing their pre-war trade?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on Friday last to the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Sir J. D. Rees). To that I would add that any firm wishing to import goods subject to import licence for the purpose of re-export is encouraged to do so up to any extent on giving suitable assurances as to the re-export of the goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now give an approximate date for the introduction of the Bill to amend the law relating to the statutory period of protection for patents not able to be exploited during the War?

I hope to be able to introduce this Bill in the course of the next ten days or fortnight.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Ellesmere Port Chemical Works which belonged to a German firm were sold by the Government to a Mr. Levinstein; whether the said Levinstein is, by extraction or nationality, a German Jew, or what is his nationality; whether the price paid by him for the said works was £25,000 or what price was paid; whether the said purchaser found in the premises of the said works the secret processes for the manufacture of pre-war German dyes and sold these to the Du Pont Powder Company, of America, for a sum of £500,000 or thereabout; whether the said Levinstein has been made manager of the British Amalgamated Dyes and has had representatives from the Du Pont Company at the Clayton works who have been supplied with processes worked out by the chemists there; whether he will have investigations made at Clayton as to these acts which are detrimental to the chances of success of British dyes, whether it is the ease that the Government are about to invest another £500,000 in British dyes; and will they hold their hand until Mr. Levinstein's record, as above stated, has been fully inquired into?

The Port Ellesmere works of Neister, Lucius, and Bruning, were sold under the Trading with the Enemy legislation to Levinstein, Limited, a British-controlled Company, of which Lord Armaghdale is chairman, and Dr. Herbert Levinstein, a British-born subject, is managing director. The purchase price was, approximately, £79,000. No secret processes for the manufacture of dyestuffs were discovered there. The details of an agreement made between Levinstein, Limited, and the Du Pont Company are known to the Board of Trade, but I do not feel able to make them public without the consent of the parties concerned. I will say, however, that they do not warrant the interpretation put upon the agreement by my hon. Friend. Dr. Levinstein is only one of the managing directors of British Dyestuffs Corporation, which is acquiring British Dyes, Limited, and His Majesty's Government are not increasing their investment in that corporation. In view of the suggestions in the question, I should add that Dr. Levinstein and the company with which he has hitherto been specially associated have rendered very great services both to His Majesty's Government and to British Dye-users during the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, as a consequence of the controlled price of fuel and gas oil, tank steamers are at present lying idle; and whether he will consider the desirability of reducing the price of oil with a view to the possible saving in the industrial use of coal of some 20,000,000 tons per annum; and (2)whether, in view of the deficiency in the supply of coal and the distress to be consequently anticipated in the ensuing winter, he will remove the restriction that now obtains on the sale of gas and fuel oils, as enforced by an excessive minimum price, and thus permit the sale and use of the existing stocks of such oils for industrial purposes with an equivalent release of coal for public necessities?

The Orders fixing the wholesale prices of petroleum products ceased to have effect as from 7th May last, and there is now no minimum price applicable to the sale of fuel and gas oil.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that Members of the Australian Commonwealth Parliament enjoy free postage for all letters dispatched by them from the Houses of Parliament and also receive a monthly allowance for postage stamps for letter posted elsewhere; and whether he will take steps to secure similar facilities for Members of this House?

I have no official information as to Australian practice, but have no reason to doubt the hon. Member's statement. The hon. Member's proposal would revive in a modified form the system of franking which was abolished by the Penny Postage Act of 1810, and my right hon. Friend cannot recommend its adoption.

asked the Postmaster-General whether J. Cleverley, of Corsham, Wilts, a postman, who was pensioned in January, 1915, owing to ill-health, after twenty-nine years' service, is only in receipt of a pension of 11s. 4d. per week; and whether he can see his way in this and similar cases to increase the pensions to a reasonable sum?

In addition to his pension Mr. Cleverley received a. lump sum payment of about £88. The award was the maximum to which his service and emoluments entitled him. Post Office pensioners are in the same position as other retired Civil servants, and I am not in a position to take action in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he issued proposals during May by which all independent postmasters will be reduced in status; whether this involves an ultimate reduc- tion in pay to large bodies of Post Office workers; whether he consulted the Post Office trade unions; and whether he will refer the subject to the Whitley Committee about to be set up?

For administrative reasons the majority of the postmasters who have hitherto been controlled directly from headquarters, have been placed under the district surveyors. The change does not in any way affect the pay and conditions of service of the staff in the offices concerned; therefore ray right hon. Friend did not consider it necessary to consult the staff associations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether sons of aliens have been granted permission to sit for certificates as mates or masters of British ships?

I have been asked to reply to this question. An alien candidate may be examined for a mate's certificates of competency. A candidate may not be examined for a master's certificate of competency unless he is a British subject, and at the time of his birth each of his parents was a British subject by birth or by naturalisation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to give the Scottish Clerks' Association the same representation on the permanent National Industrial Council which has been given them on the present National Industrial Conference?

The Scottish Clerks' Association made special application and were supplied with two tickets of admission to the adjourned meeting of the Industrial Conference on 4th April. The permanent National Industrial Council, as agreed by the Conference and accepted by the Government, is to consist of 400 members representing in equal numbers employers' organisations and trade unions, the method of election and allocation of representatives to be determined by each side for itself.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now decided to establish a separate trade board for Scotland for the distributive trades?

I have received many representations on this subject and, on the information before me, it is clear that there is a strong desire on both the employers' and workers' sides for the establishment of a separate board or boards for Scotland. While I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce a definite decision, I would assure my hon. Friend that this desire is receiving my most sympathetic consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why parish councils are not allowed to send deputations to interview their Parliamentary representatives, in London without first obtaining the sanction of the Local Government Board; and whether he is aware of the delay that takes place before such sanction is given?

The rule referred to has been found necessary both in the interests of economy and in order to prevent illegal expenditure out of the rates. I am not aware of any delay which has occurred in giving the necessary sanction.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the widespread desire existing in Scotland that the Land Settlement (Scotland) Bill should be introduced and passed into law, he can now say when this Bill will be introduced?

I cannot name a day at present, but I am alive to the urgency of the demand for the Bill, and I hope to introduce it very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether intimation has been given by the Willesden Urban District Council. to seventy allotment-holders at Neasden that their allotments are to be given up; whether this land is the property of the urban council; whether that council considered the advisability of allocating this land permanently for allotments, in view of the needs of the district; why and when this land is to be given up; and whether no other land is available in the district for any purpose for which the allotment ground may be required?

The land in question was purchased by the urban district council in 1905 for an electricity undertaking and was sold in October, 1918, for building purposes. The council, with a view to continuing the use of the land for allotments, arranged a seven years' lease terminable at three months' notice. They have not yet received notice determining the tenancy, and it is hoped that the allotment-holders will not be dispossessed, at any rate, before the end of the year. The Board have no information with regard to the last part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the present position in regard to the allotments at Strathbrook Road, Streatham, on the holders of which notice to vacate was served by the Wandsworth Borough Council; and whether, in accordance with the Board's Circular of 23rd May last regarding tenure, plans for building on this land have been approved by the local authority, and building material is available to commence work?

Notice to quit has been served only in respect of a small portion of the land in question. The owner applied for the return of this land, and gave an undertaking to commence building at once. This application was dealt with by the Borough Council in April last before the issue of the Circular referred to by my hon. Friend. As regards the remainder of the land, the owners have all asked to be given immediate possession for building purposes, and their applications are being dealt with by the local authority in accordance with the instructions set out in the Circular.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Wandsworth Borough Council is proposing to terminate the tenancies of allotments at Moyser Road, Streatham, and Mulliner's Field, Southfields, on 1st January next; and for what purpose the land is required?

The land at Moyser Road is required for building purposes, and the tenants have received notice to quit. The owner of Mulliner's Field has applied for possession for building purposes, and the council have agreed to give possession on the 1st January next if the owner will furnish an undertaking that the land will be used immediately for building. Up to the present time the owner has not given this undertaking, and, therefore, no notice to quit has been served.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether an appointment has recently been made of a Chief Inspector of Fisheries to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries; if so, what are the scientific or technical qualifications of the gentleman appointed to this post; what is the salary attached to the post; and whether this post has been filled in accordance with the instructions of the President, dated the 25th February, 1919, which instructions state that in future every vacancy that calls for the appointment of a technical officer or inspector to the permanent staff of the Board shall first be advertised in the Press, and that no such vacancy shall be filled until due opportunity has been afforded to all suitably qualified candidates to make application for the post in question?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The gentleman appointed, Mr. H. S. M. Blundell, C.B.E., has no scientific qualifications, but, having been specially charged since August, 1914, as a voluntary worker on the Admiralty "War Staff, with matters affecting the regulation and maintenance of fisheries, and having during that period, as a member of the Fish Food and Motor Loan Committee and otherwise, worked in close co-operation with the Board, he is well qualified for the administrative and organising work he is called upon to perform. The salary attached to the post is £1,000 a year. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative; the appointment is not an appointment to the permanent staff of the Board. Mr. Blundell is appointed temporarily to assist the Board in the organisation of their coastal service.