asked the Food Controller whether the Report of the Travelling Commission of Inquiry as to the cost of production of milk in the South-Western Counties is based on the estimate of those gentlemen that cows can remain on pasture from the 1st of April to the 1st November in the South-Western Counties; and, if so, will he consider whether these dates should be changed to the 14th May to the 1st October?

Evidence was received by the Travelling Commission of Inquiry into the Cost of Milk Production to the effect that, owing to the earlier summer and milder autumn in the South-Western counties, it is possible for cows to remain at pasture from the 1st April to the 1st November, whereas the grass season in other parts of England and Wales is often over by the end of July. The recommendation made by the Commission as to differential prices was based in part upon this evidence.With regard to the second part of the question, I am satisfied that there are no grounds for asking the Commission to review the evidence on the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that horses and cattle are suffering from the want of hay which has been commandeered by him from the farmers; whether he will release part of this hay to meet urgent necessities; and whether he is aware that the need is so great that during the past week £12 per ton has been paid for newly-made hay and hauled into Bristol by the purchaser?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware that horses and cattle belonging to farmers are suffering from want of hay. Any farmer who was not satisfied that sufficient hay had been left him for his own stock had a right of appeal under Army Council Order of the 30th July, 1918, to the farm produce county committee of his county, and that committee had absolute discretion to decide the quantity that should be left him. Where a farmer's hay is held by the War Department, and delivery has not yet been taken, and the farmer, though he did not appeal under the Army Council Order referred to, now finds that he has not sufficient for his own stock until the 1919 crop comes into use, he should apply to the district purchase officer for a release. The latter officer refers such applications to the farm produce county committee, and they are granted if the committee so recommend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if Mr. T. A. Sloane, late principal of Wilson National School, Raphoe, has not been paid his salary for March last, capitation for year ended 31st March, 1919, nor war bonus for the quarter ended 31st March, 1919; and, in view of the fact that he has been unable to get any explanation of the non-payment, will such explanation now be given?

The Commissioners of National Education are now writing direct to Mr. Sloane on the matter, and in view of the delay which has taken place they are making payment in full to him provisionally.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division (Countess Markievicz) is reported to be in a very weak state of health in Cork gaol; and will he consider releasing this lady or removing her to hospital?

The hon. Member referred to is in good health, and has been so since her reception into prison. She has at no time complained of her health since her committal.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the escaped prisoner De Valera recently succeeded in obtaining a passage from Ireland to America without a passport, he will take steps to secure his extradition?

The case is not one which comes within the extradition Treaty with the United States.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a boy named John M'Loughlin, of Westport, was arrested on 3rd April by Captain Scott, district inspector, and kept in custody without any charge being brought against him by the police until a writ of habeas corpus had been issued by the King's Bench Division; whether a jury awarded John M'Loughlin £25 damages in an action for false imprisonment brought by him against Captain Scott; whether in the course of the trial Captain Scott admitted that he had promised M'Loughlin a sum of money to emigrate with if he would give satisfactory evidence about the murder of the late Mr. Milling, resident magistrate; whether the evidence required by Captain Scott was that M'Loughlin should swear that he had seen two particular members of the Westport branch of the Irish Transport Workers' Union coming from the direction of Mr. Milling's house immediately after his murder; and whether it is in consequence of Captain Scott's action with regard to M'Loughlin that he has been transferred from Westport to the North of Ireland?

An appeal is pending in this case, and I must therefore decline to enter into any discussion upon the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether William Doherty, assistant-instructor in agriculture, Roscommon, who was arrested on 27th February, 1919, and conveyed to Galway Gaol, was court-martialled and sentenced to nine months' imprisonment on a charge of having in his possession for a few hours an old useless revolver; whether any other charges were preferred against him and, if so, what were they; had he any opportunity from February till April of conferring with his father or of obtaining legal assistance; did his father write to the governor of the gaol and did the latter reply; if not, was he instructed not to reply to communications from the parents of prisoners awaiting trial; and is it the intention of the authorities to carry out this sentence, especially as the county council and the agricultural committee thereof have both asked for Doherty's release?

William J. Doherty, of Strokestown, county Roscommon, civilian, was committed to Galway prison on 27th February, 1919, to await trial. He was subsequently tried by a district court-martial held at Galway, and was convicted of the offence, under Section 9 a of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, 1914, of having a firearm, namely, a revolver. He was sentenced to be imprisoned with hard labour for the term of nine months commencing on 2nd April, 1919. No other charges were preferred against him. He had all the facilities afforded to untried prisoners of obtaining legal assistance, but did not avail himself of them while awaiting trial. His father wrote to the governor on 4th May, 1919, drawing attention to the prisoner's health, This letter was referred to the medical officer, who decided that it did not call for any action. It was not replied to by the governor for the same reason. An application for the release of this prisoner has been received and is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether ten days' leave was granted by the Government at Christmas, 1918; whether it has always been the custom that those officers who could not be spared at the time owing to the nature of their duties should be given leave at the first available opportunity; whether he is aware that officers who could not take their leave at Christmas have been placed on the retired list without Being given their full pay leave which was due to them before being placed on pension; and whether he will take steps to rectify the injustice and financial loss?

Full pay leave to officers is granted under Regulations approved by Order in Council, and it is not within the power of the. Admiralty to extend the period authorised. Christmas leave was granted to officers who could be spared, but this, I am advised, gives no right to add any period of leave to the forty-two days a year authorised by the Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private A. Howe, G Sub-division No. 4, Veterinary Hospital, France, was twice rejected for military service in September, 1914, and that shortly afterwards he joined the British Red Cross Society as a motor-ambulance driver; that he served in France from 9th November, 1914, until 1st August, 1915, when, owing to ill-health, he returned to England; that he attested under the Derby scheme in Juno, 1916, and was graded C 3, and that in June, 1917, he was again medically examined and was graded B 2, and was posted to the Army Veterinary Corps, and that Howe has now been informed by the War Office that he is liable for the Army of Occupation; and whether lie will have inquiries made into the case, and, if necessary, take steps to amend the Regulations so as to provide for the early demobilisation of such men?

Private Howe's service counts from the date he joined the Colours for continuous service, and until further Regulations are issued with regard to men who joined under the Derby scheme, I regret he must be held to serve with the Armies of Occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private A. Dewhurst, No. 301565, O Company, Royal Engineers (Signal Department), Haynes Park, was applied for and duly endorsed by the Ministry of Labour and was sent to England for demobilisation on 28th January, 1919, from Italy, and that since his arrival in England he has been detained at the above address; and whether he will give instructions for the demobilisation of this man at once?

I am informed that instructions were issued some time ago for the demobilisation of Private Dewhurst. Inquiries will be made into the cause of the delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will see that the demobilisation papers of Driver Thomas Heddle, No. 41464, 3 Troop, 1st Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, Germany, are forwarded to his above address?

Driver Heddle is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. His demobilisation depends upon whether or not he is eligible under existing regulations. I am afraid I do not understand my hon. Friend's reference to "demobilisation papers."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Signaller A. Yeomans, No. 88047, B Company, l/7th Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, has been refused release from the Army on compassionate grounds, although his wife is suffering from cardiac weakness and is unable to follow any occupation, and is totally dependent on this soldier; and whether, in view of these circumstances, the case may be reconsidered?

The application on compassionate grounds made on Private Yeoman's behalf was carefully considered, but the case was not of such extreme urgency as to warrant his immediate release, and I regret that I cannot agree to reconsider the case. If he is eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations, he will be dealt with under the Instructions recently issued providing for the early release of such men.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the discontent among a large number of men who presented themselves for examination and service prior to 1st January, 1916, but were rejected on medical grounds and were called up under the new Act, Military Ser- vice (Review of Exceptions), and put into the Army after that date; and will he consider their case as requiring special treatment for demobilisation?

As I stated yesterday, in reply to a similar question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Farnworth, I hope to make a statement on this subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is now possible to demobilise low-category men who are retained in France, especially those who have work waiting for them at home?

I regret that I cannot authorise the release of any men who are not eligible for demobilisation under current instructions, but I can assure my hon. Friend that no man is retained if he is medically unfit to perform the duties required of him.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any reason for the retention of 1911–15 men in Egypt, while many men conscripted in 1917–15 are being released; and if he is aware that the majority of these men have had no leave for over four years?

A number of men who were eligible for demobilisation have had to be retained temporarily in Egypt chiefly owing to the disturbances there. Instructions have now been issued for the early release of all such men serving in Egypt and elsewhere, except those in India and North Russia. I am informed that no men who joined the Colours on or after the 1st January, 1916, have been released unless they were eligible under the Regulations in force at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the Jerlingham Concentration Camp, Boulogne, demobilised men returning home are compelled to submit themselves to medical examination by a German Army doctor in German uniform, and there is resentment among the soldiers in consequence, and whether he will take steps to substitute some other medical man; whether he is aware that at the same camp returning men are compelled to change their clean underclothing given to them at their billets for underclothing which though fumigated had been previously verminous, and that the men are refusing to wear them and prefer travelling without any underclothing; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to replace the members of the Army Postal Service in Egypt who have had no home leave for over three years; whether the relief promised on the 5th May has materialised; and whether he is aware that the Director, the Deputy-Director, and the Assistant Deputy-Director of Army Post Office services ridicule the idea of the men being released?

Every available reinforcement has been set to Egypt, and it has been suggested to Egypt that Post Office servants of other arms should be transferred to the Postal Service. 150 men of the Army Postal Service have been sent home from Egypt for release since the 5th May. With regard to the last part of the question, I am informed that there is no truth whatever in the suggestion to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper Richard Morris, No. 434149, Royal Engineers (Wireless Section), Elope, North Russian Expeditionary Force, who enlisted on 30th October, 1914, is still retained with the Dwina force, North Russia; and whether he will issue instructions for the demobilisation of Sapper Morris and other 1914 men who are serving overseas?

It is not at present possible to extend to the troops serving in North Russia the provisions of the recent Army Order, providing for the release of men eligible under Army Order 55 of 1919. The situation, however, of men serving in that Force has not been lost sight of. It is regretted that Sapper Morris cannot be released until demobilisation is opened for the North Russia force.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is now possible to purchase the new general service ribbon from many shops; and when, in view of this, he will give the necessary authority to permit it being worn?

The sale of this riband is illegal, as the design is registered and it may not be sold without the permission of the War Office which has not been given. Neither the medal nor the riband is yet authorised, and the conditions of award have not yet been announced; consequently, permission to wear the riband cannot yet be given.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is the practice of foreign governments to omit the usual native monetary accompaniment of any naval or military distinction awarded by them to British sailors or soldiers; if so, can he see his way to invite those governments to consider the desirability of conceding such monetary awards as are applicable to those distinctions in their own countries; and whether he will consider the advisability of agreeing to a like practice, if not already in vogue, when His Majesty similarly confers British decorations upon sailors or soldiers of Allied Government forces?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the second and third parts is in the negative. This matter is dealt with in Army Council Instruction 289 of 1919, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend for his information.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many British subjects have been permitted to enter for business purposes the areas in Germany under British occupation, and how many French, American, and Belgian subjects have been permitted to enter these areas for the same purposes?

Dating from the 12th April, 1,068 passes have been issued to applicants to proceed to territory occupied by the British in Germany. The numbers of French, Belgian and American subjects included are not available at present, but the military authorities in Cologne have been asked for the figures and I will let my hon. Friend have them as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the issue of instructions for the replacement of female clerical labour in the military Departments of the War Office by men who have served?

This question is being considered by a Committee appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, with reference not only to the War Office but to Government Departments generally.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the postal and cable censorships have now ceased to exist?

The postal censorship has been discontinued except as regards areas in which military operations are in progress. The cable censorship still exists.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any statistics regarding the physique and health of recruits during the War, comparing them at the time they were called up and again after a period oil three or four months' training; and, if so, what are the average statistics, and was the health of the men improved by the period of fresh air, good food, and healthy exercise?

I regret that there are no statistics available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his atten- tion has been drawn to the case of Private A. Lord, No. 72095, 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, attached to the Expeditionary Force Canteen, Dieppe, who was tried by field general court-martial with being in unlawful possession of a box containing toffee, the property of the Government; whether he is aware that he was found guilty and sentenced to be deprived of thirty days' pay; that he was convicted on the sole evidence of a military policeman, Lance Corporal Wilson; and that this witness, who, according to the second witness for the prosecution, seems to be unreliable, was convicted only a fortnight later of theft from the same place, i.e. stealing a case of whisky, the property of the Expeditionary Force Canteen, from the docks, and is now undergoing two years' imprisonment; and whether, in view of the order that it is the duty of the sentries to hand over any loose stuff lying about the dumps to the next guard or to the dump store, and that Private Lord was arrested while on duty, before he had an opportunity of complying with the above order, and that his officer commanding stated that he had an absolutely clear conduct sheet, ho will consider the case with a view to the finding of the court-martial in Private Lord's case referred to above rescinded?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers who have qualified as pilots or observers during the War, and have served in that capacity at the front, are entitled to wear wings on their uniform if since transferred to a line regiment?

Badges of the Royal Air Force may not be worn by Army officers after return to Army duty with their units. A notification to this effect was issued in Army Council Instruction 1110, of 1918.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a proclamation issued by the Japanese authorities in Siberia, stating that, as it is impossible to distinguish between Bolsheviks and non-Bolsheviks, all armed bands operating against the Omsk Government were to be treated alike as Red Guards, and that any village whose inhabitants gave assistance to the enemy was to be burnt to the ground; and whether this action on the part of the Japanese was sanctioned by the representatives of His Majesty's Government in Siberia?

Allegations in the terms of the first part of this question have been made by the Bolshevik wireless Press, but His Majesty's Government has received no information on the subject from its representatives in Siberia. The Japanese and American Governments are responsible for the maintenance and protection of large sections of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and I am confident that they will discharge the duties they have accepted in full accordance with the laws and customs of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make any statement with regard to Private M. Gardner, as stated in answer to a question on 31st March, 1919?

I have found it necessary in this case to call for further information from Las Palmas, and I am afraid that pending its receipt I am unable to give a definite reply. I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if application has been made for cheap travelling facilities for men coming from the provinces to take part in the march of the London troops on 5th July; if such application has been refused; if so, on what grounds; whether the same course has been adopted in previous cases, including the march of the Guards Brigades through London; and, if not, will he state the reasons for drawing such a distinction?

I understand that cheap travelling facilities were granted in the case of the march of the Guards through London and in one or two other cases. Since then the whole question of triumphal marches throughout the country has been very fully considered by the Army Council, and it has been decided that cheap travelling facilities cannot be given. The case of the march of the London troops has been specially considerd, and it has been decided: that it is not possible to make an exception to the general rule.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that boots which were issued to the Volunteers for mobilisation purposes, and which they wore for a fortnight, are now being offered to them for 25s. the pair; that some months ago they were offered at 23s. 9d.; and that these prices are greatly in excess of their value as second-hand boots; and, in view of the fact that no boots were ever issued, to these men as part of their equipment,, would he consider either giving to them the boots which they had already worn or supplying them at a price more nearly approximating what they will fetch when ultimately sold?

These boots are not surplus to Army requirements, and I am informed they are at the present time very good value at the price fixed. The purchase is entirely voluntary on the part of the individual Volunteer.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the mini mum wage for unskilled labour paid at the Didcot stores is 47s. 6d. per week whilst at the neighbouring camp at Milton the minimum wage for unskilled labour is 55s. per week; and, if so, what is the reason for different rates being paid in the same neighbourhood for a similar kind of labour?

Inquiry is being made, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether British soldiers in Russia are paid in the currency of the country at the prevailing rates of exchange; and whether, in this case, the men are receiving less than one-third of their pay?

The troops in Russia are paid in local currency. In North Russia they are paid in the new rouble currency established by the Provisional Government under the auspices of the British Treasury, which has a fixed value. In South Russia and Siberia the rate is fixed locally, and is adjusted monthly or fortnightly, as may be necessary, so as to correspond as closely as possible to the commercial rate of exchange for the particular currency in use. The answer to the second part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that about 100 discharged and demobilised soldiers who had been given civil employment at the Army Pay Office, Upper Thames Street, were discharged on 27th and 30th June; whether young women employés are being retained at this office while many of these demobilised men are now unemployed in circumstances of considerable hardship; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I find, on inquiry, that the only female staff retained at this Pay office in preference to men consists of (a) young girls under eighteen years of age employed on jobs which are not men's work, and (b) trained women, dependent on their earnings, who could not be re-placed by untrained ex-soldiers with due regard to the efficiency of the office. I understand the ex-soldiers claim that no regard should be paid to efficiency. In view of the importance to all soldiers of the correct settlement of their accounts, I cannot admit this claim.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Lille commercial notes are given in exchange for British and French currency to home-coming soldiers by the Lille shopkeepers, whom the men are compelled to deal with, and that these Lille notes are dishonoured outside Lille, both in France and on this side of the Channel; that the men in consequence are being deprived of a considerable proportion of their pay; and if any steps can be taken to prevent this exploitation?

In February last, by an official decree of the French Government, the paper money issued by towns in the invaded district during enemy occupation was called in, and notice was given that the communal notes of these districts could not be exchanged after 31st March last. All troops were warned accordingly not to accept these notes. It is not clear why they should continue to do so. I am drawing the attention of the local military authorities to the point once more.

asked the Secretary of State for War if facilities can be granted for securing Army huts for temporary residences?

I have been asked to answer this question. Every facility is afforded by the Disposal Board for the purchase of surplus Army huts, as and when they are notified by the War Office as available for disposal.

asked (1) the Secretary of State for War the names of the firms referred to on page 5 of the Fifth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure who were invited to tender in July, 1915, for supplies of cellulose acetate and what was the reason for refusing to send a tender form to the Cellon Company, of London, and who was the person responsible, and his name, who thus refused permission to an English company and invited tenders from a firm of neutrals adjacent to enemy territory, the Cellonit Gesellschaft Dreyfus, of Basle, who were advertising their wares in the enemy Press; and was the Department aware of this firm's advertisements in the "Chemiker Zeitung" when they invited them to tender; and (2) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the reason why in March, 1918, his Department made an Order forbidding the importation of cellulose acetate as indicated in the Fifth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure, in view of the fact that all that which was being produced in this country was pronounced to be defective; will he state the names of the contractors who carried out the erection and extension of the British Cellulose Company's work at Spondon, Derby; and whether this was a contract between the Ministry of Munitions and the builders or the British Cellulose Company and the builders?

I will reply to these questions at the same time. A Committee appointed by the Government is examining this question, and, as was stated by the Leader of the House on 1st July, it is hoped that their Report will be ready by the end of the month. In these circumstances, I do not think it would be desirable to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the position of prisoners of war in Moscow; and whether any arrangements are being made for their release?

His Majesty's Government have no information as to the present position of British prisoners in Moscow. Negotiations for their exchange are in progress and will continue to be pressed forward as rapidly as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister if he has received a request from the East Midland Joint (Disablement) Committee in regard to the establishment of a scheme for the concurrent treatment and training on the colony system of pensioners suffering from tuberculosis; whether such request has been considered; and if he can say with what result?

I have been asked to answer this question, and would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) on the same matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether gratuities issued to officers who were demobilised prior to the introduction of the Finance Bill, 1919, were not subjected to deduction on account of Income Tax, while Income Tax has been deducted from the gratuities of officers released from the Colours subsequent to the introduction of the Finance Bill?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. I would refer him to the provisions of Clause 16 of the Finance Bill now before the House, and to the answer on the subject given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on the 19th March last to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury, St. Edmunds. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that the widowed mother of the late William Henry Martin, No. 2057, Royal Marines, is receiving 7s 6d. per week pension for the loss of her only son; that she has no other source of income; that she is unable to work owing to rheumatism; if he can see his way to revise the pension so as to give her something to exist on; and, if not, will he request the local war pensions committee to act at once?

In view of the further information received it has been found possible to award a provisional pension of 15s. a week in this case. The award, which has been notified to Mrs. Martin, is subject to confirmation on receipt of certain particulars now being obtained from the local war pensions committee.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Arthur Bell, No. 12022, late Private, King's Scottish Light Infantry, 90, Widemarsh Street, Hereford, who was discharged from the Army in 1915 and given a temporary pension, is now suffering from tuberculosis; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into the case with a view to this man being granted a permanent pension so that he may have the opportunity of moving from the town into the country?

According to the medical evidence the disability in this case has not yet reached a stationary condition and the rate of permanent pension cannot therefore be fixed for the time being. There seems no reason, however, why this should prevent him moving into the country, if he wishes, as arrangements for his examination locally can always be made. On discharge the disability was diagnosed as chronic bronchitis and there seems to be an element of doubt as to whether it is really a tuberculous case. The local war pensions committee have been asked to obtain a report from the local tuberculosis officer on this point, but so far the report has not come to hand.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of John Sinclair, Kilbirnie Close, Denny, whose eldest son was killed in action on 31st October, 1914, and who receives only 5s. 6d. per week as a pension, though he has been unable to follow his old occupation for a number of years and is, accordingly, dependent on the earnings of his two remaining sons; and whether he will advise a larger sum than 5s. 6d. to be paid to him?

The circumstances of this case do not justify the award of a. higher pension. In determining pecuniary need for the award of pension under Article 21 (1, b) of the Royal Warrant, the ability of other members of the family to contribute to the parents' support must be taken into consideration, and in the present case the two remaining sons are able to contribute and are, in fact, contributing, substantially to their faither's maintenance.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the near relations of a discharged soldier undergoing treatment in a civil hospital for disabilities contracted on service are entitled to half-fare railway vouchers when visiting him; and, if so, to whom they should apply for these vouchers?

The answer is in the negative. But in the event of the condition of a patient becoming critical local committees would be justified in paying the cost of railway journeys undertaken by his nearest relative.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private John Ferrie, No. 41719, 1st Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), who was receiving a temporary pension of 41s. per week, made up as follows, 27s. 6d. plus 6s. 8d. per child, but who is now being ordered for institutional treatment; and whether he will allow him to remain on at his home with his wife and family receiving the necessary aliment?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question. In view of the circumstances, the medical officers are prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in the latter part of the question, and instructions are being issued to the local committee accordingly.

asked the Pensions Minister whether a decision has yet been reached on the appeal of Private Joseph Hamilton, late No. 80056, 267th Company, Royal Defence Corps, who appealed about six months ago for an increase of pension; and whether he is aware that the report of the local war pensions committee was forwarded four months ago?

I regret that in the absence of the completed documents supporting the appeal it has not been possible to come to a decision in this case. The report recently stated to have been sent in by the local war pensions committee on 17th April, 1919, has not come to hand. A copy is being obtained, however, and the appeal will then be pressed forward for an early hearing by the tribunal.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Acting-Sergeant R. Harris, No. 13701, Army Veterinary Corps, enlisted in 1915, was attached to D Battery, 298th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, and went to France in March, 1917, was in hospital from July to October, 1918, suffering from rheumatism, and was medically boarded at Woolwich as a Category E man for discharge; that on the 7th January, 1919, he was put in charge of a fatigue party of other Category E men to clear up the sergeants' mess, and when the men had finished their work he allowed them to sit down and rest for a few minutes; that the regimental sergeant-major of the depot placed him under arrest; and that when he was brought before Lieut.-Colonel Dibben, Army Veterinary Corps, the acting commanding officer, the next morning he summarily reduced him to the ranks without giving him the option of being tried by court-martial, although this man had a clean defaulter sheet and had never before during his service been brought before an officer; and, in view of the fact that this award affected not only his pay but also his gratuity, and is therefore contrary to the Army Act, Part I., Section 46, Sub-section (8)', and also contrary to the Manual of Military Law, chap, iv., s. 20 and s. 23 (page 29), and also in view of the fact that this man's commanding officer, Colonel Brown, Army Veterinary Corps, Woolwich, disapproved of the award, if he will take steps to have it cancelled in the regimental orders of the Army Veterinary Corps depot at Woolwich?

My hon. and gallant Friend has already written to me about this case. Further inquiries are being made, and I will let him know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper M. Houghton, l/3rd Field Company, West Lancashire Royal Engineers, 57th Division, who was in the National Reserve prior to the War and re-enlisted for active service when the Government offered the bonus of £10 to men of the first class of that Reserve, and served in France for about two years with the 421st Field Company, Royal Engineers, 57th Division, has not yet been paid the bonus of £10 offered; and whether he will have the case inquired into and pay the bonus at an early date?

If the hon. Member will let me have further details, namely, the man's regimental number, his National Reserve number, and the district in which he was registered as such, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the gratuity due to the parents of Private Alfred Halford, No. 1387, King's Royal Rifles, killed in action in August, 1915, has not yet been paid, although application has frequently been made for its payment; and whether he will sanction immediate payment, as the family are in distressed circumstances?

The amount due to this estate on account of war gratuity is now in course of payment to the soldier's father.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give reconsideration to the ease of signallers, telegraphists, and other Post Office employés attached to the Royal Engineers who are now debarred from receiving the war gratuity?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 10th. April to the hon. Member for Burnley.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Mr. F. Tolman, 3, Albemarle Street, Clerkenwell, E.C., a, demobilised soldier, applied to the Civil Liabilities (Military Service) Committee over ten weeks ago for a grant to open a small business, and that many subsequent letters have failed to elicit any reply?

I have been asked to answer this question. The decision in this case was delayed for preliminary inquiries of the local war pensions committee. Mr. Tolman has now been awarded a grant of £40, and this decision has been communicated to him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether discharged officers and men who do not desire to return to their pre-war employment, and wish to take training courses for other posts, are eligible for the Maintenance Grant; and whether he is aware that applicants at the Ministry at Horrex's Hotel are being refused this grant on the grounds that they could obtain employment in their former occupation?

The answer to the first part of the question depends upon circumstances. It has, however, been laid down as a general principle that, if a candidate's pre-war employment was of a professional nature or belonged to the higher branch of commercial work, and if he is able to return to it, a grant out of public funds would not be justified for the purpose of training him to qualify for a new employment. If any of the cases referred to in the second part of the question are not covered by this general principle, I shall be glad to have particulars with a view to inquiry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if his attention has been directed to the large quantities of lumber which the Government and railway companies are purchasing from abroad for importation into this country; whether facilities, including labour at the ports, are adequate for handling and storing these large consignments which will arrive almost at the same time; and whether the shipments can be more spread?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Purchases abroad by the Timber Supplies Department have ceased, the control of timber (other than pitwood) having terminated at the end of March last, but outstanding purchases made for reconstruction purposes have still to come in. On account of the scarcity of tonnage it is necessary to take advantage of the shipping opportunities available, but so far as possible shipments are regulated so as to avoid congestion, though there is a scarcity of suitable labour. This reply covers sleepers and crossing timbers bought by the Controller of the Timber Supplies Department for the Railway Committee, but I cannot speak for timber bought by individual railway companies independently of the Controller.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the 3rd Belford Regiment was brought from Burma to Lucknow at the end of May, crossing India in a train without ice and in a temperature of 115 degrees in the shade; whether it is a garrison battalion of elderly soldiers of whom 100 had to go to hospital suffering from heat stroke and some have died; and whether he will cause an instant inquiry to be made into the responsibility for this condition of affairs?

The Government of India have Been asked for a Report.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have ruled that an officer of the Indian Army has no right of appeal to the King; if so, will he explain the grounds of this ruling in view of Section 42 of the Army Act; and whether the decision of the Governor-General is final in cases of appeal by officers?

I am not aware that the Government of India have given this ruling, but I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for War if strong complaints are still being made both as regards the quality and quantity of the food supplied to the British troops in India; and whether, as this matter has been brought up repeatedly, he proposes to take the grievance up more energetically with the Indian Government?

I have already addressed the Government of India on the subject. The Commander-in-Chief, India, who has made a close study of the question, is of opinion that the quality of the ration, though not up to the home standard, compares favourably with the average standard of supplies obtainable in India. As regards quantity, the Indian ration is larger and more varied than the home rations. Two expert officers are being sent out with a view to improving the methods of preparing the rations.

asked the Minister of Health whether receipt of the out-of-work donation payable to ex-munition workers disqualifies a man over seventy years from receiving an old age pension, in a case where the same man was allowed to earn up to 30s. a week without loss of pension as long as work was available?

I am not aware of any case in which the receipt of the out-of-work donation has had the effect suggested by the hon. Member, but if he has any particular case in mind and will furnish me with the pensioner's name and address I will have inquiry made.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Great Northern Railway Company has refused to take goods from London to Heanor, Derbyshire, although that is the only station now open in that district; that residents are consequently suffering great inconvenience; and will he endeavour to rectify this grievance?

I presume that the hon. Gentleman refers to the fact that traffic between London and Heanor is now conveyed by the Midland Railway which offers a more direct route than that of the Great Northern Railway. These arrangements have been made in view of the necessity of economising railway transport facilities, and I do not think I could press the railway companies to alter them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a very grave shortage of railway wagons at the port of Hull, and that the import trade is being seriously hampered in consequence; and whether, in view of the need for imported materials all over the country, ha will state what action he intends taking?

I would refer the hon Gentleman to the answer given yesterday to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for North-West Hull.

asked the Postmaster-General why sub-post offices are not subject to inspection and report by inspectors as to light, air, sanitation, and cleanliness; and when he proposes to appoint such inspectors, having in mind the serious effect upon the health of the general public and also of the persons employed therein by reason of the present condition of many such sub-post offices?

Scale payment sub-post offices, to which the hon. Member presumably refers, are conducted by persons who do not give their whole time to post office business and who provide accommodation for it in premises (mostly shops) used by them for other purposes as well. No sub-post office is established under such conditions unless the premises proposed are free from objection on sanitary grounds. I do not think it reasonable that the Post Office should institute a system of periodical inspection of premises not owned or leased by the Post Office which are used only in part, and often to a relatively small extent, for the transaction of post office business, but if the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case in which the condition of a sub-post office is, in his opinion, detrimental to health, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the financial year 1912–13 the average revenue per telephone call of all kinds in the United Kingdom was about 1.66d., whereas in the United States of America, in the calendar year 1912, it was only 0.9d.; that in 1915 the average revenue in the United Kingdom was 2.16d., and in the United States 1.18d. per call; and in what part of the United Kingdom it is possible at present to obtain a telephone service at the approximate rate of 0.8d. per call, such being the average rate for the whole United Kingdom as stated by the Assistant-Postmaster-General?

I am unable to identify any figures in the published accounts of the Post Office telephone service which would support the figures of average cost for telephone calls in the United Kingdom quoted by the hon. Member. If he will inform me how his calculations were made, I shall be happy to give him any information on the subject which is available. A comparison between the cost of mails in the United Kingdom and in the United States is difficult owing to differences in statistical between the cost of calls in. the United States many companies reckon each call originated as two, because two conversations or two exchange connections and two subscribers are concerned with each call The figure of 0.8d. per call quoted in a previous question is the average message fee paid by subscribers who pay for their calls singly or in blocks.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of telephones per 1,000 of population in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively, during the most recent year for which the information is available; and what was the number of calls per 1,000 of population in each country, respectively, during the same year?

In 1918 the number of telephones per 1,000 inhabitants in the United States was, approximately, 130, and in the United Kingdom 19. Development was arrested in this country by the War, whereas in the United States it proceeded very rapidly up till 1917, when that country entered the War. In 1918-19 about 15,911 effective local calls were made per 1,000 inhabitants in the United Kingdom, or about 16 calls a head. In addition, one trunk call per head was made during the same period. It is difficult to make any comparison with the number of calls in the United States owing to differences in the methods of calculating calls in the two countries, but the number per 1,000 inhabitants was undoubtedly much greater in the United States.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the average delay entailed in the delivery of Press and commercial cables from Great Britain to Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, respectively; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite these messages?

At present the average delay is as follows:

	Press Telegrams. Hours.		Commercial Telegrams. Hours.
Canada	6	…	4
	Days.	…	Days.
Australia and New Zealand	4	…	4
South Africa	5	…	2

These figures represent a reduction, when compared with the delay in the early part of June, of about 20 hours in the case of telegrams to Canada, 7 days in the case of those to Australia and New Zealand,, and 4 days in the case of those to South Africa. This improvement has been due: to the restoration of some of the important cables, and I am assured that the companies are taking every possible step to restore those which remain interrupted. The delay has been aggravated-by a large increase in the amount of Government traffic. Special measures have-been taken to curtail the number and length of telegrams of this description, and in the case of those passing over the system of the Eastern Telegraph Company the priority of transmission usually accorded to Government telegrams has been suspended except in the case of those of a really urgent nature.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of boys and girls who have ceased to draw the out-of-work donation and the number of cases in which payment continued for less than four-weeks?

Up to the 20th June 107,864 boys and 101,275 girls had ceased to draw out-of-work donation. The number of cases in which payment continued, for less than four weeks is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Committee he has set up to inquire into the possibility of replacing women employed in Government Departments by ex-Service men will extend their investigations to Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard and include not only clerical duties but other work essentially suitable for disabled men?

The terms of reference-of the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers are to inquire

into the possibility of the more extensive employment of disabled soldiers in Government Departments;

into the question of substituting ex- Service men for temporary women clerks in Government Departments.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the representations he has received in favour of the establishment of a trade board located in Scotland to deal with conditions governing the Scottish distribution trades, he can now state that he is to accede to this unanimous request from the interests affected?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for the Trades-ton Division (Major Henderson) on the 2nd July, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the scheme for training ex-Service men in new occupations is yet in force; and, if so, how many men are at present undergoing training?

A scheme of industrial training is in operation for disabled ex-Service men who are medically unfit to resume their previous occupation or who cannot resume it without diminution of earnings. The number of disabled men in training on 25th June was 11,350. The provision of facilities is still considerably less than is required, but arrangements to provide training for all who require it are being pushed forward with great rapidity. The Ministry of Labour have authority to provide training for fit ex-Service men who, on account of joining His Majesty's Forces at a comparatively early age, did not enter upon an apprenticeship to a skilled trade. Training in the organised trades can only be undertaken by agreement with the representatives of employers and employed, and the amount of training which at present it is possible to provide is limited.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers are at present receiving training as a result of the scheme inaugurated by the Ministry of Labour?

The number of ex-officers and men for whom grants have been sanctioned under the training scheme administered by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour is 1,001, of whom 754 are already in training. In addition to these, many officers are in training at educational institutions, and on the land, under the training scheme of the Ministry of Labour; but these are passed on to and are supervised by the Education Department and the respective Boards of Agriculture after they have been approved as eligible by the Ministry of labour.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that twelve allotment holders cultivating less than half an acre of land at Wharf Road, Poplar, are paying at the rate of over £10 an acre per annum as rent and in addition they are called upon to pay 36s. a year as rates; whether, between rents and rates, the sum is excessive for allotments; and whether he will take steps with a view to securing that these holders, in view of the heavy rent they pay and the purpose to which the land is being put, shall be relieved of rates in accordance with the Circular giving discretionary power to local authorities in levying rates on allotments?

The Board understand that the allotments referred to, which have been in existence for many years, are privately-owned and let by private arrangement. The Board cannot interfere with the terms of an agreement entered into privately. The arrangement with regard to rates referred to in the last part of the question, applies only to land taken for allotment? by the Board under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the London County Council have notified the Woolwich Borough Council that they will resume possession on 1st January next of land at Greening Street now 'held as allotments; for what purpose this land is required; if required for building whether plans have been approved; what is the nature of the proposed building; and when it is intended to commence building operations?

The London County Council notified the Woolwich Borough Council on the 26th May last that they would require the land in question as from let January next. The Board understand that the land is required for organised games by the schools in the neighbourhood for which purpose it was used before the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Lewisham Borough Council exercised its compulsory powers to secure the land at Canadian Avenue, Catford, now used as allotments; if not, why this course was not adopted; whether he is aware that, if the tenancy of these allotments is determined at the end of this year, considerable hardship will fall upon the eighty holders concerned; and whether he will represent to the Lewisham Council the necessity of their taking steps to secure the allotment holders in their tenure for a period of £wo years from the end of the War?

The borough council did not exercise its compulsory powers to take the land in question, for use as allotments, because an agreement was arranged voluntarily between the council and the owners, and the Board understand that the allotment holders have been repeatedly warned and are well aware that the council's tenancy may be determined by three months' notice. The Board, therefore, do not see their way to make the representations suggested in the last part of the question in view of the fact that the council are bound by the agreement into which they entered with the owners. As the council have not received notice from the owners there is no reason to think that the allotment holders will be disturbed during the present season.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if the Regulations regarding the transfer of dogs can be modified so that owners can take them to different parts of the country subject to the production of a certificate from a veterinary surgeon that they are free from rabies?

A certificate of a veterinary surgeon that a dog is free front rabies does not imply that the dog may not have been exposed to infection and is: no guarantee that the dog may not ha passing through the period of incubation. It cannot be accepted, therefore, as an alternative to control of movement.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the pressing demand from merchants and traders generally as to the termination of Orders in Council issued under the Defence of the Realm Act; whether he will state whether, in the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, Section 2 of Clause 1 will take effect on the ratification of the Treaty of Peace, signed on Saturday last, being agreed to by four of the Powers signing the Peace Treaty; and whether the date-to be declared will be fixed by the ratification mentioned of any four Powers?

Section 1 (1) of the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act (8 and 9 G 5, C 59), empowers His Majesty in Council to declare-what date is to be treated as the date of the termination of the War, and Section 1 (2) provides that the date so declared shall be as nearly as may be the date of the exchange or deposit of ratifications of the Treaty or Treaties of Peace. It is open to the King in Council, if it is thought fit, to fix the date by reference to the exchange or deposit of ratifications of the Treaty with Germany only, and to treat the ratifications by the four principal Powers as sufficient. But it is a matter of discretion. It may be thought advisable-to wait until the Treaties with the other enemy Powers have been made and ratified. My attention has not been called to the demand referred to.