asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it was necessary for Greek troops to land at Smyrna and to advance inland; and what is the Allied policy with regard to Smyrna?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil on 26th May, to which I have nothing to add. As regards the second part of the question, no statement can usefully be made at a time when the Turkish settlement is still under consideration by representatives of the Allied and Associated Powers.

Will the hon. Gentleman make some declaration to pacify our Moslem subjects on this question, as there is great unrest in India and elsewhere among perfectly loyal Moslems?

There is another question relating to that matter later on.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Greek massacres at Smyrna have caused and are causing grave unrest in India and Egypt; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to allay the anxiety in these countries with regard to the future of Smyrna?

Reports of massacres are calculated to cause anxiety and distress everywhere, particularly among peoples of the same religion or race. But I have not seen any special evidence of "grave unrest" having been caused in the countries mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member owing to the reports in question.

Are massacres to be no impediment to the acquisition of property in future, and can the hon. Gentleman say what other populations are to be handed over to the Greeks for massacre?

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have taken into consideration the serious condition of affairs in Mexico which has now continued for about nine years; whether he is aware that there are four revolutionary leaders in the field waging guerilla war; and whether the machinery of the League of Nations enables the League to request the United States to pacify Mexico and, failing action on the part of the United States, to take such measures as may bring peace to that country?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last in the negative.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Danish Machine Company, of Copenhagen, has stated in. a circular, dated May, 1919, that British traders may make inquiries of the Department as to the company's position; is he aware that the Danish Machine Company represents Alfred Schmahl, of Hamburg, whose machines it is now offering for sale; and will he say whether it is the policy of the Government to assist German firms in this way to re-establish their trade through neutral agents?

The circular to which the hon. Member refers has been brought to the notice of the Foreign Office. The statement in the circular is probably a reference to the fact that a report on the company is in the possession of the Department of Oversea Trade, based on information supplied by the company to the Commercial Secretary to the British Legation at Copenhagen. In no other sense has the company permission to refer to the Department of Oversea Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Allies are still in a state of war with the Magyars; and, if so, what steps they are taking to compel them to evacuate the Allied territory that they have occupied and to reduce and disarm their army?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

Have the Magyar Government taken any steps to actually and practically withdraw their troops?

Yes. We had a telegram this morning indicating that they are doing so.

Does that mean that the army is actually withdrawing?

Yes. I think I may say that.

Are the Allies giving any assistance to the Czechoslovaks in the way of munitions and supply?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give, in brief out-line, the salient features of the Italian laws relating to the compulsory acquisition by the State and public authorities of land required for public purposes?

The Italian law of 2nd April, 1866,governing the expropriation of property for public purposes consists of 101 articles, and I regret that I am unable to summarise its provisions within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question. I shall be happy to show my hon. and gallant Friend a copy, of the law if he will call at the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now cancel the Regulations made under the Defence of the Realm Act concerning the shading of head lights on motor vehicles?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Finsbury on the 15th May last.

asked whether, and, if so, when, and under what restrictions, if any, late enemy aliens are to be allowed to enter this country; whether it is proposed to make any discrimination between German and other alien immigrants; what are the conditions now governing alien immigration from all countries; and whether the Aliens Restriction Act applies and will continue to apply, after the signing of Peace and after the ratification of the terms of Peace, respectively?

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, an Aliens Restriction Bill is now before one of the Standing Committees of the House, and the conditions under which aliens will be admitted to the United Kingdom are at present under discussion. The Orders in Council made under the Aliens Restriction Act, 1914, will remain in force until the date to be fixed under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act.

asked if the special constables throughout the country may be placed upon an equality with those in the Metropolitan area and the same recognition given to them as is proposed for those who have undertaken duties in the London area?

His Majesty has sanctioned the issue of a special constabulary medal for which county and borough special constables will be eligible on the same footing as those of the Metropolis. The conditions governing the award will be announced very shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the South African Parliament has now passed a Bill which seriously affects the rights and privileges hitherto enjoyed by British - Indians resident in South Africa; whether the Royal Assent to this Bill has been reserved; whether representations have been made by the Imperial 'Government to the South African Government pointing out that this Bill imposes grave injustice on British subjects of Indian birth, and is contrary to the letter and spirit of undertakings given by the representatives of the South African Gov- eminent at the Imperial War Conference; and whether advice will be tendered to His Majesty to withhold the Royal Assent to the Bill in question until such time as it may again be considered by an Imperial Conference at which representatives of the Government of India may be present?

The Bill referred to has been passed by the Union Parliament, and assented to in the King's name by the Governor-General. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks on the 30th June it is a matter of controversy how far the Act constitutes a diminution of existing rights enjoyed by the Indians in the Transvaal, or merely prevents evasion by Indians of existing legislation. No representations were made by His Majesty's Government to the Union Government with regard to the Bill, as it was known that the Union Government were fully alive to the difficulties of the position and that the matter was being closely watched by the Governor-General, who could be relied on to do all that was practicable in the circumstances to safeguard Indian interests. The Bill pot having been reserved for the Royal Assent, the last part of the question does not arise, but I may mention that postponement of the legislation would not have been to the advantage of existing licensees and property owners as it would have left them exposed to the grave consequences of a recent judgment of the Union Courts from which they have now been relieved.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that at the annual conference of the Australian Labour Party in April last a resolution was carried to the effect that the time has arrived when a vote of the electors should be taken regarding the question of the election of the Governor-General of Australia, and protesting against the partisan administration of the present Governor-General; whether he has received any complaints from Australia; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the last two parts is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that officers cashing drafts for service and wound gratuities in Ceylon are being mulcted of a considerable portion of these sums owing to the loss on exchange; and whether he can make arrangements whereby the Government of Ceylon will cash these drafts at par value?

The drafts referred to are presumably being cashed in Ceylon at the market rate of exchange. The Secretary of State fears that he cannot ask the Government of Ceylon to bear the expense of cashing these drafts at a more favourable rate.

Is it not a fact that the Ceylon Government have to purchase many things in this country, and could not this money be used in that way, thereby relieving these officers?

There is no doubt that all Governments have various means of getting money. It is obvious that if the Ceylon Government pay them this extra money they could at once bring the money back to England and make an extra 20 per cent.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these officers have to cash their drafts at a discount, and are not getting the full value?

They are getting the full market value in Ceylon rupees. If they got the old par rate, they could at once send the money home and get an increase on the transaction.

Why not pay them in English currency?

They can, but when they change in Ceylon they would get fewer rupees than they would have received a year or two ago.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can indicate for how long a period the Alexandra Palace will be required for the use of Government officials?

Only Departments engaged on work of liquidation will be housed in the Alexandra Palace. I have, of course, no control over these-Departments, and therefore cannot state-definitely the period for which the accommodation will be required.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if the accommodation in Government offices along the route of march of the London troops on 5th July will be almost entirely utilised by the Government officials occupying such offices and their friends; and, if so, will he consider as to limiting this privilege to those officials who have taken an active part in the War and placing the remainder of the offices at the disposal of relatives of the London fighting troops, particular consideration being given to relatives of men who have fallen in the War?

With regard to the first part of the question, the accommodation in the Government offices referred to is, allocated to the heads of the Departments concerned. I am, therefore, not in a position to accede to the suggestion contained in the second part of the question, but will place it before the heads of the Departments concerned.

Is it right that during an important march such as this the relatives of the men who fought for the country should be debarred from having a chance of seeing the procession, and that the matter should be left entirely to-the discretion of the heads of Departments?

As I have pointed out to the hon. Gentleman, I have no power over the heads of the Departments concerned.

I am sure that a word from the right hon. Gentleman would have the desired effect.

If the right hon. Gentleman had done me the honour of listening-to my answer he would have known that I propose to put the suggestion before the heads of the Departments.

asked the First Commissioner of Works at what date the cab shelter in New Palace Yard will be removed?

The cab shelter will be removed as soon as the new accommodation has been provided. I anticipate that it will take about six weeks to provide the new accommodation, the plans of which have been ready for some time past, and the work will be put in hand provided Treasury approval, which has been applied for, is received.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a few days ago five cabs were standing outside that shelter for forty minutes, and each one of them refused a hire?

I have no control over the cabs.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity of adding to the Peace celebrations and his own reputation by making a bonfire of that elegant edifice?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the sinking of the German fleet, the programme of naval construction for this year will be modified?

No, Sir. Our new Construction Programme for 1919–20 had already been reduced to within pretty narrow limits.

Had the construction for 1920 taken into account the possible sinking of the German fleet? Is that what the right hon. Gentleman means?

No, Sir; that has not been taken into consideration. What has been taken into consideration is that there was no chance of the German fleet being restored to Germany. It has not been calculated as possible enemies, but as a possible addition to the fleets of the Allies.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to grant medals to all mercantile mariners who have served on mine sweepers during the War?

The Regulations as to the distribution of medals are not yet completed, and no statement can be made at present. It is hoped that a definite announcement may be made in the early future.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, at the out break of war, the Admiralty purchased a flying boat of new and successful design, by Mr. Norman Thompson, built by Messrs. White and Thompson (subsequently renamed the Norman Thompson Flight Company in 1915), a pioneer firm, established in 1909; whether in 1915 the Admiralty placed an order with the Norman Thompson Flight Company for ten flying-boats of such size that the firm were compelled to lay out considerable money in additional buildings to their existing works; whether for twelve months after these extensions were completed in May, 1916, the Government were aware that the firm were only able to work at about one-third full output owing to constant changes in design ordered by the Admiralty and shortage of orders; and, if so, whether he will explain why in the autumn of 1916 the Admiralty refused to allow the War Office to place orders with the firm?

With my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a design of flying-boat by the Norman Thompson Flight Company, known as type N.T. 2 B, and officially adopted by the Air Ministry in April, 1918, as a standard naval instruction machine, was ordered in repetition from them and from other firms; whether, in June, 1917, the Air Board required the firm to increase their works for the production of one of their designs of flying-boats, type N.T. 4 A, and subsequently agreed to advance £20,000 for new buildings; whether, after placing considerable orders in the autumn of 1917 for N.T. 4 A flying-boats, the Air Board cancelled those orders in January, 1918, and gave no new orders until May, 1918, after the appointment of a receiver for the debenture holders; whether the Aircraft Finance Department of the Ministry of Munitions in October, 1918, refused the recommendation of the Lubbock Committee of the Treasury to pay off the debentures issued to Messrs. Cox and Company as security for advances and revert the control of the company in the directors; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first three parts of this question is in the affirmative. No such recommendation was ever made by the Lubbock Committee as is suggested in the fourth part of the question, and the fifth part does not accordingly arise.

Will the hon. Gentleman make an investigation into the whole transaction of the Admiralty with this particular company, and allow Mr. Thompson to appear before him?

Not on the information I have at present. If my hon. and learned Friend will give me any more information, I shall be delighted to act upon it, but at present his premises, I think, are wrong.

As the hon. Gentleman's information is so meagre, will he take the steps I suggest, so as to get the necessary information?

I take it that it is for my hon. and learned Friend to supply me with premises on which I can reasonably act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that mustard-gas shells are being emptied or otherwise dealt with at the munitions factory at Longwith, thereby causing danger to the public health in the locality, that several persons have been affected in the streets, and that when the wind is in a certain direction the fumes penetrate into the adjacent colliery shaft; and whether he will give instructions for the work to be discontinued?

No mustard-gas shells have been dealt with in any way at His Majesty's factory, Longwith, but a certain number of cylinders containing gas have been emptied at the factory. The information before me does not bear out the suggestion contained in the question, but I am at once sending a medical officer to make a further report.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he will grant facilities for smoke bombs to be used by fruit growers for experimental purposes, so that they may determine how far a smoke screen so produced is likely to ward off spring frosts from their crops; and ii he will at the same time quote a price for the bombs, which, although not producing a very saleable commodity, may yet for this purpose prove of great value and lead to a new industry?

I shall be glad to give every facility for the purchase of smoke bombs, for the purpose suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, if I find there is any demand. Applications should be addressed to the Controller, Explosives Section, Disposal Board, Storey's Gate, S.W.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the signing of a Peace Treaty with the German Government, he will now remove the war time restrictions upon clubs imposed by the Government by regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act?

asked the Prime Minister whether, considering that Peace has now been signed, steps will at once be taken to remove the restriction on the sale of alcoholic liquor in working men's clubs?

I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Leader of the House said nothing about this point yesterday?

May I ask whether it is to be understood that restrictions which were placed on the working man's club during the War are to be continued now that we are supposed to have finished hostilities?

The hon. Member must not understand anything that is not in the answer.

Will my right hon. Friend tell me what is going to be the action of the Government? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"]

Can the right hon. Gentleman make any statement in regard to the supply of whisky to clubs?

I have nothing to add.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a resolution passed by a meeting of all the Churches asking that the present restrictions should be continued?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to a resolution passed by all the working men's clubs throughout the country to the effect that the meagre supplies in the past should be increased forthwith?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the hardship now existing amongst old age pensioners, he will either draft legislation to come into effect at once or give instructions to boards of guardians to grant out-door relief to those who have no other income than their pension, and that the relief given be no disqualification for the old age pension?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject on the 1st instant to a question asked by the hon. Member for Exeter.

Am I to understand that the Government has no concern in this matter, and that they merely refer to other replies, and is that sufficient for the importance of the subject?

The reply was given several times that the Government do not intend to legislate until they receive the Report of the Committee that is at present investigating the whole matter.

When may we expect a Report from this Committee, seeing the hardship that is now involved?

There is a question on the Paper on that point which will be answered later.

In the event of guardians relieving these pensioners, will they be surcharged?

I should think probably, but I am not a law officer.

Will the pensioner cease to receive a pension if they do so?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee which is investigating the operation of old age pension payments; whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing it before the Recess; and whether he will expedite as much as possible, in the interests of the old people, the legislation of any acceptable recommendations it may make?

My right hon. Friend understands that the evidence is likely to be completed before the Recess, but that the Report cannot be ready by that date. As regards legislation, if that be necessary, my right hon. Friend must consult the Leader of the House when the time comes.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the reconstruction scheme of the Civil Service Commission, the age limit for ex-officers and men is twenty-eight years in Class 1 and twenty-four in the junior appointments; and whether he is aware that those thus disqualified from competing by reason of age are in the majority of cases those who have greater responsibilities and who also have the most difficulty in securing employment?

The age limit for the reconstruction competitions have been most carefully considered and are so framed as to admit all ex-officers and men who would have been within the normal age limits in 1914or in any subsequent year since the outbreak of war. Those who were over the normal age limits in 1914 had had their opportunity of competing for Civil Service appointment before the War and, in view of the comparatively small number of appointments which require to be filled, I fear it is not possible to give such men a further opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister what steps he proposes to take to encourage the growth of cotton within the Empire, having in mind that present Empire supplies are inadequate, that cotton users in this country are at the mercy of foreign suppliers, and that the subsidy supplied in previous years to the British Cotton Growing Association by the Government has ceased?

The whole question of the measures to be taken to develop cotton growing within the Empire is being considered by a Committee appointed by the Board of Trade and representative of Government Departments, the Governments of India and the self-governing Dominions interested, and the various commercial and industrial interests concerned. I expect to receive at an early date their Report and recommendations, which will be given most careful consideration by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the Reports, of the Coal Industry Commission; and whether the Government are prepared to adopt and carry into effect the recommendations of a majority of the Commission in favour of nationalisation of the coal mines?

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to questions on this subject yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister when the Bill to amend the Coal Control Agreement Act in order to give effect to the financial recommendations contained in the Sankey Reports of the Coal Industry Commission will be introduced?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the adoption by the Government of the Sankey Interim Report of the Coal Industry Com mission, he can state when it is proposed to introduce the Bill to provide for a shorter working day of seven hours for underground workers to come into operation on the 16th July?

Notice of presentation of this Bill was given yesterday, and it will be introduced to-day.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state the reasons for the delay in making public the Government's trade policy?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the full statement made by the President of the Board of Trade on the 24th June.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, in respect of each power company whose undertaking it is proposed to acquire under the Electricity (Supply) Bill, what amount of excess profits they have been allowed to retain in respect of extensions to land, buildings, and plant since August, 1914?

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded by Statute from disclosing information relating to the liability to taxation of individual taxpayers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what grants or loans have been made to power companies whose undertakings it is proposed to acquire under the Electricity (Supply) Bill since August, 1914, out of public moneys; and if he will state the amount of each grant and loan and the name of the company to whom it has been made?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am circulating, in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a list of the power companies to which loans have been made through the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what obligations hare been incurred in respect of the maintenance or assistance of flax production; what guarantees have been given in connection therewith: and if he will say to whom the obligations have been incurred and the guarantees given in each case, and the amounts involved in each separate case?

I have been asked to reply to this question, but as the reply is a lengthy one I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the records of the War Losses Commission will be available for reference by the valuers appointed under the Acquisition of Land Act?

My right hon. Friend will consider this point in conjunction with the Royal Commission on Losses.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether trustees in Scotland who carry out the conversion of War Bonds at par without making any provision as to the premiums which are payable when the bonds mature will be exempt from all liability from claims on the part of beneficiaries for loss resulting from the premiums not having been secured; and what course trustees should follow?

I am advised that although National War Bonds are eventually repayable at a premium, trustees who hold them would not incur any liability by disposing of them at a price below the redemption figure, but not lower than the market price at the time of disposal. The tender of War Bonds for the new Loan at par is equivalent to a sale at par which is the current market price. It follows from this that trustees will incur no liability in subscribing for the Funding Loan in National War Bonds, provided, of course, that they comply with any specific stipulations contained in the terms of their trust, such as an obligation to obtain the concurrence of a beneficiary.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the date of redemption of the Loan?

I am afraid I cannot remember, but I think about sixty years; it is in the prospectus.

I think not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is intended to take action to make the railway and the coal industries self-supporting and thus relieve the taxpayer from the necessity of providing £100,000,000 per annum in the case of the railways and £46,600,000 per annum in the case of coal?

The Government is giving the most earnest consideration to this question, and is making every endeavour to find the best method of obtaining this most desirable result.

How is it possible for the National finances to remain stable with these enormous subsidies being paid to the railway and coal industries 1

That is the problem.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has sanctioned the payment of £1 from the public purse for every £1 raised and spent by charitable organisations in the United Kingdom for the relief of distress in Europe; if so, if he will say within what limits and subject to what restrictions and safeguards such Grants will be made; and whether there is any precedent for such action with or without the express authority of Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The expenditure to be incurred by the Treasury under the scheme is limited to £200,000, and will be met from the provision of £12,500,000 made for loans and grants for reconstruction and relief in war areas in the Estimate for Loans to Dominions and Allies, etc., for the year 1919–20. My right hon. Friend has sent the hon. Member a copy of the official announcement which appeared in the Press on Monday last, giving full details of the scheme. With regard to the last part of the question, the Grants themselves are covered by the terms of the Parliamentary Estimate, and the condition that for each £l advanced by the State £l should also be contributed from private sources is one which is very frequently attached to Grants of this nature.

My hon. Friend would ask how long is the British taxpayer to be asked to do everything everywhere?

I have every sympathy with the hon. Member, and I hope it will not be long.

What precautions are to be taken against fraud in matters of this kind?

The scheme is being administered by a Committee of the Charity Commissioners known as the Official Committee for Relief in Europe, and it will apply to societies duly registered under the War Charities Act, which publish statements of receipts and expenditure.

Is there any precedent before this War, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present Prime Minister, when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, himself made a very fine precedent by giving £5,000 to starving people who had no claim on him?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state what was the net yield of Schedule A of the Income Tax for the financial year ended 31st March, 1919; and how much of it was obtained in respect of mines and quarries, which are assessed under special pro visions now included in Schedule A, No. III., of the Income Tax Act, 1918?

The net receipt of Income Tax under Schedule A in the financial year ended 31st March last is estimated at £21,800,000, but this represents only about one-half of the tax that would have been collected but for the introduction in that year of the system of payment by instalments. Mines and quarries, although included among the concerns enumerated in Schedule A., No. III., are dealt with for assessment purposes under the rules applicable to Schedule D, and the tax collected from them is not, therefore, included in the above figure.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the incorporation in the Land Settlement (Scotland) Bill of proposals to give to all tenant farmers security of tenure on the lines of The Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made on Monday last by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, in reply to the hon. and. gallant Member for Central Aberdeen. At present I have nothing to add to this statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter? The Parliamentary Secretary made no reference in his answer to Scotland at all, and if the right hon. Gentleman does not include proposals in the Land Settlement Bill for Scotland, will he introduce a separate Bill for the purpose?

I will certainly consider the suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the advisability of appointing a representative of the agents and collectors upon the committee of inquiry into the question of industrial life assurance, seeing that these people are so vitally concerned, or, if this is not possible, can he arrange for a representative of the agents and collectors to have the right to cross-examine witnesses and, where necessary, to submit re butting evidence; and if he will arrange for the inquiry to be open to the public?