asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the date on which the 4 per Cent. Victory Bonds will be finally redeemed?

Under the arrangements set out in the prospectus of 12th June the redemption of the entire issue of Victory Bonds will be effected in about fifty-six years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the non-permission to register Victory Bonds in the Bank of Ireland is militating against the purchase of these bonds by persons resident in Ireland; and will he take steps to alter this arrangement?

I have been in communication with the Governor of the Bank of Ireland on this matter, and arrangements are being made to meet the difficulties arising from the non-existence of a register of Victory Bonds at the Bank of Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the list issued by the National War Savings Committee to their official advertising agents does not include the names of any Welsh newspapers; and, having regard to the fact that some two dozen newspapers are printed in the Welsh language and circulated exclusively among the working-class population of the Principality who do not read the English papers, he will immediately issue the necessary instructions to have the Victory Loan advertisements translated into Welsh and inserted in the Welsh papers, so that the. inhabitants f the Principality may have an equal opportunity with their English fellow subjects of becoming familiar with the requirements of the State and with the conditions and advantages of the Loan?

The list issued by the National War Savings Committee of their official advertising agents does include the names of Welsh newspapers, and advertisements have been given to newspapers printed in the Welsh language. I understand that these advertisements appear in English because only local appeals are printed in Welsh.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he gave an assurance to the secretary of the Newspapers Society that the provincial weekly newspapers would, in. view of the fact that they have many readers who do not subscribe to any daily papers, get their share of official advertisements of the Victory Loan; and whether such assurance is being carried out?

Yes, Sir. I saw Mr. Bird, secretary of the Newspapers Society, at the Treasury, and invited the co-operation of his society. I told him that the provincial weekly newspapers would receive their share of official advertisements of the Victory Loan. I am informed that since the campaign started they have received their full share, and that the amount issued to them probably exceeds what they received in past National Loans. I take the opportunity of expressing my thanks to the Press generally for the support which they are giving to the Victory Loan campaign.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any portions of his last financial statement affecting the Estimates for 1919–20 are materially affected, and, if so, to what extent, by the signing of Peace?

I fear it is too early yet for me to make any statement on this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received any representations regarding the desirability of increasing the rate of pension granted to pre-war police pensioners in the case of county and borough ex-constables; and whether he can take any action to secure some increase in pension commensurate with the increase in the cost of living which these ex-policemen have to defray?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the House the provisions enabling the War Finance Corporation in the United States to promote commerce with foreign nations through the extension of credits?

The relevant provisions of the Fifth Liberty Bond Act are as follow:"Section 9. That the War Finance Corporation Act is hereby amended by adding to Title I. thereof a new Section, to read as follows:Section 21

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that many cases of profiteering in the liquor trade have recently been brought to public notice, and that much exasperation is felt on this subject in industrial districts; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to prevent further profiteering in this trade and to divert profits on drink into the public Exchequer?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that there have recently been a number of proved infringements of the Orders restricting the price of intoxicants, and I have no reason to believe that the penalties imposed will fail to operate as an adequate deterrent.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the statement made by the Stepney Borough Council to the effect that they have lying at the various wharves in their borough some 36,000 sacks of potatoes, which are in a decomposed and offensive condition and are causing a nuisance to the inhabitants of the district; what action he has taken to have these destroyed; and is he also willing to consider the advisability of allowing surplus stocks of foods to be disposed of at low prices rather than be kept until they spoil?

My attention had not been called to the statement referred to, but I am aware that during the recent spell of hot weather a number of bags of potatoes arrived at the London Wharves in questionable condition. Prompt action was taken to have the potatoes re-sorted and re-bagged, and to destroy the small quantity which was unsound. In reply to the third part where there is a prospect of potatoes spoiling steps are taken to dispose of the stocks at reduced prices.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the congestion of Billingsgate fish market which is responsible in part, owing to the difficulty of handling consignments, for the high price of fish to Londoners; and what steps he is taking to investigate it, with a view to introducing immediate improvement?

My attention has been called to the position at Billingsgate market. I understand that the Corporation of the City of London, which is the Market Authority, has the matter under immediate consideration, and I hope that means will be found to remedy the present difficulties.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Hugh Gallagher, of Cruckakechan, Meenbanid, county Donegal, was on the 13th March last granted an old age pension by the Dungloe, county Donegal, pension committee, and that since that date nothing has been done by the Local Government Board to dispose of the case; and will he inquire into the cause of the delay?

The papers relating to this case were not received by the Local Government Board until 28th June, although the appeal was received on 18th March last.

asked the Secretary to the-Treasury when it is proposed to put into effect the recommendations contained in the ad interim Report in regard to the treatment of the blind in Ireland?

It is intended to introduce legislation on this subject at the-first available opportunity.

asked the Vice President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is now in a position to announce any improvement in the equipment of the North-West Agricultural School or any change in the method of managing the school lands?

There has been no change in the equipment or management of the school in question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on the same subject on 27th March last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when it is anticipated that the proposals of the Government with regard to the future administration of Ireland will be brought before this House?

I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government have considered the proposals formulated by Sir Horace Plunkett with regard to Dominion Home Rule in Ireland; and what decision has been arrived at?

This, and all other proposals, are receiving the careful consideration of the Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is proposed to -withdraw the Army of Occupation from Ireland, and, if so, when?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of His. Majesty's military and air forces now stationed in Ireland?

The totals, including officers and other ranks, are: Army, 59,529; Air Force, 1,789.

asked the Postmaster-General why the mail car leaving Cushen- dall at seven a.m. does not take the mails to the train at Parkmore Station, thus depriving business people and visitors of having their letters delivered in Belfast the same day; why does the same car returning in the evening from the train arriving at Parkmore at six o'clock not carry the mails, thus depriving the people of an evening delivery; and whether he will also take steps to have the Sunday delivery of letters in Cushendall and Cushendun resumed and so arranged as to enable business people to reply to correspondence in time to catch the evening mail car running to Larne?

I am having inquiry made in the matter, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, three years ago, the Ballyherly Food Company, Limited, county Down, was established for the purpose of manufacturing potato flour, most of which material was taken by the Government for overseas consumption; whether this work is now suspended and, as a result, upwards of 120 persons are out of employment and unable to procure work, as this is a slack season in the district; and whether, in view of the effective work these people rendered during the period of the War, he will now consider the advisability of extending to them the provisions of the Government unemployment scheme

:I am having inquiries made into the circumstances of the unemployment of the workpeople mentioned in the question, and will let the hon. Member know whether they can be included in the out-of-work donation scheme applicable to Ireland.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to statements to the effect that increases in naval officers' pay, the announcement of which had been promised in time to enable officers to subscribe to the Victory Loan, have been temporarily withheld until the question of Army officers' pay has been dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the subject?

A Committee appointed by the War Cabinet to co-ordinate the proposals of the three fighting Services is expected to report early this week. So far as I know, the statement that the announcement was promised in time for the Victory Loan is incorrect, but as my right hon. Friend stated on 2nd July, it is hoped to announce a decision at a very early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the discontent at the Royal Naval Mining Depot, Grangemouth, on account of the Admiralty reducing the pay of the skilled labourers; that the chief of the depot in question has given a number of men a week's notice to terminate their services as skilled labourers, and that they have been informed that they can be taken on as labourers at reduced pay; and that the order in question is a violation of the Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 514, 1919?

The facts are as stated in the second part of the hon. Member's question. The men in question were formerly rated and paid as skilled labourers. Owing to the reduction in the amount of "skilled" work, it was not possible to continue to employ them as skilled labourers. Employment could, however, be found for the men as ordinary labourers, and they have accordingly been offered further employment in this capacity. There is no infraction of the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act, inasmuch as there has been no reduction in the rate for any class of employés; nor is any man paid at a lower rate than the prescribed rate for the class in which he is employed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a large number of young soldiers have volunteered for active service in North Russia and their services have been refused on the ground that there are sufficient volunteers; and, if so, whether he will take steps to recruit such volunteers with a view to the early release of the men in North Russia who are entitled to demobilisation?

The relief and demobilisation of British troops in Russia is proceeding and would not at this stage be accelerated by a further call for volunteers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the local advisory committee on 28th January recommended the release of Private E. C. Rees, No. 200510, E.V.P.M.T. Department, British Army of the Rhine; and whether, having regard to such recommendation, Private Rees is entitled to be demobilised?

Private Rees is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. The recommendation referred to by my hon. Friend was probably a contract offer of employment such as to obtain the soldier's registration as a "slip man," but this does not entitle him to immediate release. Fresh instructions have recently been issued providing for the early demobilisation of men who are eligible and, if Private Rees is eligible, he will be released in accordance with these instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are a number of men in the 1st Northern Non-Combatant Corps, France, who are eligible for demobilisation but cannot get their release; and whether he will make inquiries as to the reason for retaining E. J. Baldey, No. 1577; J. Bobbett, No. 432; J. C. Brown, No. 3487; A. Barnet, No. 351; A. Dadley, No. 280; G. W. Edmund, No. 95; J. G. Jobson, No. 107; and W. H. Shaw, No. 104, who are over thirty-seven years of age, and A. H. Blackman, No. 1; W. It. Cracknell, No. 491; K. Hawkes, No. 607; J. W. Pompet, No. 477; and A. Rainbow, No. 562, who are registered pivotal men?

Fresh instructions have recently been issued, making provision for the early release of all men who are eligible for demobilisation. If the first-mentioned eight men are over thirty-seven, as stated by my hon. Friend, they will be released in accordance with the instructions referred to. The remaining five men are registered as pivotal, and their demobilisation will also be carried out in accordance with the same instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Frank Dodson, No. 201303, l/5th East Surrey Regiment, demobilisation draft, sent from Mesopotamia to India for repatriation in April, who joined the forces on 28th September, 1915, and whose employers have applied for his release, is eligible for demobilisation; and if so, why is he being detained?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chippenham, together with the answers given to supplementary questions last Wednesday, to which I regret I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether retired majors and retired captains of Militia and Special Reserve who previous to the War had thirteen years' service to their credit and who have, since the War began, rejoined the Army and completed four years' further service therein, are on demobilisation entitled to the rank of honorary lieutenant colonel, as they would have been had their service been continuous regimental service?

No, Sir. Under the Regulations in force these officers are not entitled to any grant of increased rank unless they have become eligible for it under Army Order 376 of 1918, by holding the higher rank for six months in the aggregate during the War. Officers who have so held the rank of lieutenant-colonel are on demobilisation, and after relinquishing their temporary commissions, granted equivalent substantive, not honorary rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether certain Irishmen in the Royal Engineers (Signal Section), stationed at Biggleswade, who voluntarily joined the English Army for the period of the War, are now being prevented from leaving the Army, and, in certain cases, are being prepared for overseas service; whether any steps are being taken to release these volunteers, a number of whom are skilled electricians belonging to the Post Office telephone and telegraph engineering departments, whose services would be more valuable and less costly if used for the maintenance and reconstruction of the telephone and telegraph service; and whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent these men being sent on foreign service?

As regards the eligibility of these men for demobilisation, I am afraid I can add nothing to the information contained in the special Army Order of the 27th June, which was fully reported in the Press on the 29th June. Such men as are being retained are required in the Army for duty with the Signal Service, and it is not considered that their retention is more costly than would be the training of unskilled men. The training would occupy a considerable time, during which the men would necessarily be unproductive.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that special enlistment men joining the Royal Flying Corps in August, 1914, were promised £5 bounty on joining the Colours, and £5 bounty on demobilisation; whether he is aware that the central pay office, Woking, has refused to pay the £5 bounty due, on his demobilisation in 1919. to ex-Sergeant T. W. Pyle, No. 1562, Royal Air Force, of 184, Stockport Road, Manchester, who enlisted on the above terms on 14th August, 1914, on the sole ground that he has received the ordinary war gratuity; and if he can see his way to direct the literal fulfilment of the above-mentioned promise?

:The general question involved is one in which the War Office is concerned to a much greater degree than the Air Ministry, and I am accordingly consulting that Department regarding it. I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend in due course as to the result.

asked the Postmaster-General whether certain members of the staff of the Post Office telephone and telegraph engineering department at present with the Royal Engineers Signal Corps stationed at Biggleswade, receiving full civil pay in addition to Army pay and allowances, are being prepared for overseas draft at a time when his Department is experiencing the great difficulty in finding qualified men to assist in the work of maintaining, reconstructing, and restoring the efficiency of the home telephone and telegraph service; and whether he proposes to take any steps which will bring about the release from the Army of all Post Office servants who at present are in receipt of full civil pay, so that their services could be used in a less costly and more valuable direction?

I have been informed that a number of Post Office engineering staff in the Royal Engineers Signal Section have been put on draft for overseas; but I am not aware that there are among them any men who are eligible for demobilisation. While the Poet Office would welcome the return to civil duty of all its engineering staff in the forces, I cannot press for any special exemption from the ordinary Regulations in favour of these men.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the length of time troops are being kept at Aden without relief; and whether steps can be taken to relieve the troops now quartered in that place?

The relief of the troops at Aden will be carried out as soon as possible by Regular troops from home in the same manner as other garrisons in distant stations. In the meantime the release of soldiers eligible for demobilisation will be proceeded with according to the programme recently announced. I regret the unavoidable delay which has occurred.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware, that the cadre of the 137th (Deptford) Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, landed at Dover from France on 24th June, and were instructed to proceed to London and report to the mayor at the Deptford Town Hall, but that no official notification of their arrival in this country or intended visit to the town hall was conveyed to the mayor; and if he can state the name of the official responsible for the failure to notify the mayor of the arrival of the men, who were thereby deprived of the welcome which it was the desire of the municipal authorities to give to them upon their return to the borough?

I am informed that a telegram was sent from headquarters, London District, to the mayor early on the 24th June, to the effect that the cadre in question was due to arrive at Dover on that day, but that the time at which they were due to arrive in London was not yet known. London District later received a telegram from Dover stating that the cadre would arrive about 9 p.m., but this telegram was unfortunately delivered too late for the mayor to be notified before the men arrived.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advantage that would result from the publication of a special edition of the Army List containing the names of all officers who were serving with the military forces of the Crown on the 11th November, 1918; whether he will consider the possibility of including in the same record the names of all officers who were killed on active service, died of wounds, or were invalided out of the Service, the dates being given in each case; whether such a publication would afford a worthy memorial and an historic record of the War, and when offered for sale would repay the extra cost of publication involved; and whether this matter may receive immediate consideration before the casualty branch is demobilised?

The names of officers of the British Army serving on 11th November, 1918, are shown in the Monthly Army Lists for December, 1918, and it is not considered that the labour of compiling a special extra list of the names of such officers would be justified. The issue of a list of officers of the British Forces who died during or as the result of the War is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are four high-power wireless stations in Baghdad; whether wireless stations in Mesopotamia are still being used for intercept working only and that the messages received do not average two per day; whether he will state the number of wireless stations which have been closed in Mesopotamia since the end of 1918; whether wireless operators have been without furlough for long periods on the ground that they cannot be spared; whether leave to India is only being granted to those who have families in India; whether other men are being sent to a place named Kermanshah, in Persia, a place which is reached by rail to Quizzle Robat and thence by motor lorry in about four days; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction with regard to furlough and in the interests of national economy, he will endeavour to reduce the stations and personnel to the actual requirements of the work?

With regard to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, I do not think it is desirable to give the information asked for. With regard to the rest of the question, I have no doubt that the military authorities are making the best arrangements they can in the public interest, but I regret that I am unable to say, without reference to Mesopotamia, what the practice is as regards leave for wireless operators. I hope, however, that the conditions will improve under the new measures which are being taken for the relief of troops in the Far East.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it has been decided to construct a narrow-gauge railway between Baiji and Mosul, since a normal gauge line has been laid from the base to Baiji and the original railway designed by the Germans has been completed in most sections north and north-west of Mosul; whether there is any shortage of rails to prevent this standard gauge extension; and, if so, will steps be taken at once to send the rails, etc., to carry out the scheme as originally decided upon by the military authorities and to use the narrow-gauge track for feeding spurs and branches to the main line?

The urgent need for standard-gauge railway material and equipment elsewhere than in Mesopotamia—in this country, for example— is such that it is considered inadvisable to extend the standard-gauge railway from Baiji to Mosul. The narrow-gauge line authorised can be constructed more speedily, and will suffice for immediate needs.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Corporal W. S. Ross, No. 68527, M.M., 3rd Highland Light Infantry, a soldier who endeavoured to enlist in 1915 but was medically rejected, and was subsequently called up in 1916 and is now retained under Army Order 55, is now under orders to proceed to India; and whether he will give instructions to cancel such orders?

Orders have already been issued that no men retained under Army Order 55 are, under any circumstances, to be sent to India. I am making inquiries into the particular case mentioned, and will acquaint my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the cruel treatment which Army cast horses sold abroad are subjected to; and whether, now that the surplus horses have been sold and things have returned to the normal, he will prohibit the sale of British horses abroad except for immediate slaughter?

I am not aware that surplus Army horses sold abroad are subjected to cruel treatment. On this subject I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 1st July to a question put by the hon. and learned Member for York (Sir J. Butcher), and to replies given on the 29th February and 5th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Rye (Major Courthope), and the hon. and gallant Member for North Hackney (Lieut.-Colonel Robert Green) respectively.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men on the married establishment are entitled to half-fare vouchers for their wives and families when proceeding on their annual leave; and, if so, whether, having regard to the high railway fares now prevailing, he will consider the possibility of extending this privilege to all serving officers who have been promoted from the ranks?

The arrangement referred to by the hon. Member applies only to warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men on the married establishment who are permanently quartered at home stations. It is not proposed to extend the concession, which could not be limited to officers who have served in the ranks.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Army Order G.R.D. 4,840, of December, 1918 and A.G. 1,851 E.E.F., of January, 1919 are still in force; and, if so, whether he will issue an instruction drawing the attention of paymasters to this Order, in view of the fact that many men who have served in distant theatres of war have so far failed to obtain the extra pay and allowances to which they are entitled?

From the particulars given I regret it is impossible to identify the Orders to which my hon. and gallant Friend is referring. I shall be glad if he will send me copies or further details which will enable them to be identified.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether quartermasters in the Army receive the allowances and bonus but not the pay of their rank; and, if so, whether, in view of the greatly increased cost of living, he will consider the desirability of granting the pay of their rank to these officers who are for the most part without private means?

The whole question of quartermasters' emoluments is under consideration in conjunction with that of the officers of the Army in general.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether painters, carpenters, and bricklayers are paid 2d. an hour above the local rates at Halton Camp, Wendover; whether walking time up to two hours is paid; and, if so, whether he will take steps to stop this unnecessary expenditure of public money?

The rates of pay at Halton Camp are those fixed by Award No. 2,197 of the Committee on Production. Walking or travelling time is paid under a decision of the South Eastern Conciliation Board. The Air Ministry is, like any other public Department, bound by this award and decision.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Mr. J. Porter, of 6, Hampden Avenue, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, submitted a claim on the 19th October, 1918, for £4 for damages to bedding caused by two verminous soldiers of the Canadian Forestry Corps, attached to the Royal Air Force at Eastbourne, who were billeted on him on the 15th October, 1918, and that, in spite of repeated applications to various sources for compensation, he was at length referred to the Air Ministry, 37, Belgrave Square, S.W., with whom he has communicated but has received no reply; and whether he will see that immediate attention is given to this matter and the claim settled forthwith?

The settlement of this claim was authorised some months ago, but I regret that, owing to some oversight, payment was not actually made. Instructions were given on the 4th instant for the sum of £4 to be paid forthwith to Mr. Porter. I am obliged to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to the matter.

asked the Pensions Minister whether any increase is contemplated to the pensions of pre-war soldiers who have not been disabled, but who have qualified for pensions by length of service in the Army; whether any increase or bonus has been granted in such cases during the War on account of increased cost of living; and whether any inquiry has been made into this matter by Departmental or other committee?

This question was considered by His Majesty's Government in its application to the Navy, and the decision, as announced, was that"the revised scales (of pensions) will apply to all future pensioners, all pensioners now serving, and all who have served during the War."I do not doubt that a similar decision will in due course be applied to the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a re-enlisted man who marries during his re-enlistment is entitled to draw separation allowance for his wife; and, if so, whether, in the interests of contentment in the Army, he will take steps to remove this anomaly?

As I stated in Debate on the 29th May, the wife of a soldier who re-engages without breaking his service and marries is entitled to draw separation allowance. I am afraid that at is not possible to extend this concession to those who re-enlist with a break in their service. In their case separation allowance can only be granted under peace conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the residue of the estates of deceased soldiers may be invested under the powers conferred upon him by Section 9 (1) of the Regimental Debts Act, 1893; whether he has power under the same Section and paragraph to distribute the estate in its entirety if he thinks fit; whether he is aware that the present practice of the War Office is causing much hardship and disappointment; whether, in view of the fact that there are some 700,000 war gratuities to next-of-kin yet to issue, he will exercise these powers; and, if not, whether he will seek powers, by Warrant under the Royal Sign Manual, for the better execution of this Act owing to the different circumstances, as provided in Section 13?

:The powers of the Secretary of State are as stated in the question, and are adequate. Investment is made only in the case of the shares of children when their interests appear to demand it, and the desirability of expe- dition is not being overlooked in the consideration of the matter.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in any future amendments of the Royal Warrant, he will amend Warrant 24 (2) by enlarging the definition of the word "child" so as to include all children of men of His Majesty's forces whose fathers die as the result of injuries received during the War or whose death is directly attributable to war service, irrespective of whether the children are born before or after their demobilisation or discharge?

My right hon. Friend will consider this question, but before coming to a decision on it he will, no doubt, prefer to await the Report of the Select Committee on Pensions.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether Mrs. Gilfilan, mother of Sergeant J. G. Gilfilan, No. 110303, now demobilised and living at 102, Houston Street, Glasgow, S.S., has received no separation allowance for the period of her son's service in the Air Force; whether he is aware that the attention of the Air Ministry was called to this case in April; and if he can take steps to have the matter rectified?

The inquiries made in April last showed that on enlistment No. 110303, Sergeant J. G. Gilfilan, had signed A.F.O. 1838a, to the effect that he neither wished to make an allotment from his pay nor to claim separation allowance for his mother. In view, however, of my hon. and gallant Friend's representations Sergeant Gilfilan was communicated with by the Air Ministry. He then made an allotment of Is. a day in favour of his mother, which was issued to her, with arrears from the 4th May, on the 10th June. The form for claiming the special parents' allowance was sent to Mrs. Gilfilan on the 16th April last, but has not yet been returned by her to the Central Pay Officer, Woking. A fresh form is now being sent to Mrs. Gilfilan.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Muni- tions whether ho is aware that a Miss Bromfield, formerly employed in the Royal Aircraft Establishment, South Farnborough, has not yet received her gratuity, although application was submitted to the Department on the 5th April last; and whether he will expedite the settlement of this claim?

Steps have been taken to expedite the matter, and I hope that the award will be made and the gratuity paid very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether Miss E. L. Busby, 88, Framfield Road, Greenford Avenue, Hanwell, W., employed at the Hayes Filing Factory, met with an accident on 18th June, 1918, at 9.15 p.m. by which 'her right hand was blown off, her legs burnt, and other minor injuries inflicted; whether a sum of £150 has been offered by the Ministry of Munitions in settlement of the case; and whether the sum is adequate for such serious injuries?

I hope to submit in a day or two the amount to be paid in compensation. Such amount is, of course, subject to review by the County Court. I may add that during Miss Busby's absence from work between 18th June, 1917, and 18th October, 1917, she was paid weekly compensation in accordance with the Workmen's Compensation Acts. Her earnings since October, 1917, have been considerably higher than before her accident.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Derbyshire Education Committee's scale of salaries is below that of the majority of other counties, and that, in consequence, it is often impossible to obtain teachers for the Derbyshire schools to fill vacancies; and whether he can use his influence to remedy this state of affairs?

:So many scales of salary for teachers are now under revision that it is not possible to make any fair comparison between county areas. I understand that the scale for Derbyshire has lately been under reconsideration; so soon as it is settled, the authority will no doubt inform the Board, and I shall then be better able to judge of its probable effect in encouraging candidates to enter the profession.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that when Welsh education authorities send official communications in the Welsh language to the Welsh Department of the Board of Education the reply is sent that the communications will only be answered when the official letter is written in the English language; whether such refusal is due to the lack of officials conversant with the Welsh language on the staff of the Welsh Department; and whether this disparagement of the native tongue of the Principality of Wales can be reconciled with the creation of the Welsh Department, which enforces the use and teaching of the Welsh language, so far as is possible, in the schools controlled by the Welsh Department of the Board of Education?

I am not aware of any occasion on which a Welsh education authority has sent an official communication in the "Welsh language to the Welsh Department of the Board of Education and has received the reply that communications will only be answered when the official letter is written in the English language. If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with the name of any Welsh education authority which he has in mind, and the date of the authority's letter and of the Board's reply, with the reference number quoted on the letter, if possible, I will inquire into the matter. In the meantime, I can assure him that any disparagement of the native language of Wales would be wholly inconsistent with the policy of continuous sympathy and encouragement which the Welsh Department, adequately staffed as it is with Welsh-speaking officers, has openly pursued since its inception.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action has been taken on the petition from the Nyasaland Chamber of Commerce regarding the policy pursued in regard to native labour?

The Acting-Governor was requested to inform the Nyasaland Chamber of Commerce that no proposal for the organised recruiting of labour for service outside Nyasaland was before the Secretary of State, that the chamber might rest assured that any such proposal would receive the most careful consideration before approval was given, but that the Secretary of State was unable to give any definite pledge with regard to the future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government will now publish the Report and proposals which they have received from the Governor of Ceylon with reference to Ceylon constitutional reforms, and will in any case publish them before taking any action?

The proposals received from the Governor are still under the consideration of the Secretary of State, who is not prepared to publish them at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a number of British South Africans gave up lucrative posts at tile outbreak of war and journeyed here at their own expense in order to serve in the Army; seeing that those who became officers have had expenses paid on a certain scale, but those men who were privates have had payment made on a lower scale than for officers, although in some cases their travelling expenses were greater than in cases of men who became officers, will he inquire into the matter; whether he has obtained the information promised relating to Boer War pensioners for British and Boers; and if he will take action in the matter?

The matter which forms the subject of the first part of the question is one for the War Office. As regards the last part of the question, I. regret that it has not been possible to supply the hon. and gallant Member with the particulars for which he asked in November last, but the Select Committee of the Union House of Assembly which was appointed to consider the question of provision for South African Forces in the recent War and in previous wars within the boundaries of the Union have recommended the grant of pensions, etc., to South Africans, including burghers who have served in any previous South African war, on the same scale as to those who have served in the recent War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any laws have recently been passed in the overseas Dominions regarding the immigration of aliens; and, if so, what is their nature?

So fur as I am aware, the only Dominion which has recently legislated regarding the immigration of aliens is Canada. In that Dominion an Act has just been passed dealing with the question of immigration generally, and under the Act an Older in Council has been issued prohibiting, until otherwise ordered, the landing in Canada of immigrants who are, or have been, enemy aliens. It is, however, provided that this Regulation shall not be held to include those races or nationalities hitherto technically subjects of Germany, Austro-Hungary, Bulgaria, or Turkey, who have declared their independence, or whose independence is recognised by the Peace Conference, or whose Government is placed under the control of a Mandatory Power.

asked the Home Secretary why the offices of the Birmingham fight-the-famine committee were raided by the police on 27th June last, in view of the fact that the committee are engaged in raising funds for the relief of the famine areas including areas inhabited by our Allies?

I am informed that upon the date mentioned the Birmingham police searched the premises of the author and printer of a leaflet issued in contravention of Defence of the Realm Regulation 270, and seized copies of the leaflet which were found at the printers.

asked the Home Secretary whether a number of Russian political emigrants were recently arrested and interned in Brixton prison, and then deported; whether five of these men are now interned in a camp at Fort Chanok, Dardanelles; if so, why; and whether it is the intention of the Government to hand these men over to General Denikin?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on the 1st May to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood). The Russian subjects recently deported were not ordinary Russian political emigrants but offenders against the laws of this country or otherwise undesirable. They were all sympathisers with the Bolshevist Government, and were deported fox the purpose of being landed at Odessa. The Admiralty have, I understand, received a report that difficulties arose as to disembarking these men at Odessa, and that they have been interned at the Dardanelles. A full report is being asked for.

asked the Home Secretary when he intends to introduce legislation dealing with the hours of young persons between fourteen and eighteen in all occupations not covered by the Acts relating to factories and mines?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I hope it will be possible to introduce the Bill shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether naturalised British subjects who are known to have served with the enemy's forces are freely readmitted into this country, and why they should not be interned pending the investigation of their cases?

I have been asked to reply to this question. There is no power to exclude British subjects from this country, whatever their past history, but the hon. and gallant Member may be assured that in the particular case he has in mind, as well as in all other such cases, all appropriate measures will be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce what assistance the Government proposes to offer to exporters in order to enable them to maintain their exports to other countries during the period when the exchange between the United Kingdom and France and other countries remains unfavourable to export trade?

I cannot make an announcement yet on the general question which I understand to be raised by the hon. and gallant Member's inquiry, but I hope to be able to do so very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the existence of German and Austrian currency in Belgium and Jugoslavia will tend to encourage the inhabitants of these countries to purchase German and Austrian goods; and what steps are being taken to prevent injury to British export trade in consequence?

I realise that such a tendency may exist, but it is not possible for His Majesty's Government to prevent Belgians and Jugo-Slavs from trading with Germany and Austria.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the extra cost of running the railways of the country has been definitely ascertained; if so, whether the time has now arrived to allocate such extra cost proportionately over all branches of railway traffic instead of continuing the present system of exempting most goods from increased rates, whilst endeavouring to make up the deficiency by maintaining the present high passenger fares and continuing to withhold former concessions, whereby great hardship is caused to commercial travellers, also to boy scouts and similar institutions; and whether he will now consider the desirability of restoring the pre-war concessions hitherto granted to commercial travellers, boy scouts, and poor people journeying to holiday resorts, by readjusting the goods rates and passenger fares now in operation, so that the burden of extra cost of working may fall equally upon all users of the railways?

A statement of the receipts and expenditure of the British controlled railways in respect of railway working up to 31st December, 1918, together with an estimate of the increased cost of the working during the present year as compared with 1913, has been laid before Parliament (Cmd. 147). I am fully alive to the desirability of making arrangements to ensure that the extra cost of railway working may fall, as far as practicable, equally upon all users of the railways, but I fear that I cannot at present say more than that a recognition of this fact was among the reasons which led to the introduction of the Ways and Communications Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to remedy at once the non-collection by goods transit departments of railways of the empty skips and cases in the cotton-manufacturing towns of Lancashire; and when he hopes to improve the process of collection of manufactured cotton yarns in the same localities?

Railway companies are, under present conditions, experiencing great difficulty in dealing expeditiously with all the traffic being offered to them for conveyance, and considerable delay in the collection and dispatch of empty packages has been, and I am afraid still is, unavoidable. The Railway Executive Committee are giving special attention to the whole subject, and I am calling their attention to the specific matters to which my hon. Friend refers. In the meantime arrangements are being made to place a large number of Government lorries at the disposal of the Railway Executive, to enable them to improve their cartage services.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what modifications have been made in the agreement as to compensation made in pursuance of Section 16 of the Regulation of the Forces Act, 1871?

The agreement described in the notices issued to the Press, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Gentleman copies, has, as explained in the reply given on the subject on the 7th April last to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Wandsworth, been elaborated and to some extent modified on particular points, but it has not been altered in principle, except in that the companies are now allowed interest on capital expenditure, which has become productive since the outbreak of the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of British merchant steamers of 1,600 tons and over, the number less than 1,600 but not less than 1,000, and the number less than 1,000 but not less than 500, on the last date for which statistics are available?

I have been asked to reply. The latest date for which figures are available is 31st May. On that date there were 3,180 British merchant steamers of 1,600 tons gross and over, 461 less than 1,600 but not less than 1,000, and 510 less than 1,000 but not less than 500. These figures include some vessels launched but not completed

asked the Postmaster-General whether very low rates of wages are paid by sub-postmasters in the London area; whether in the Earl's Court district as little as 16s. per week is paid for a week of fifty-four hours; whether 14s., £l 2s. 6d., and 35s. are typical wages for sub-office clerks in the same district; whether at Forest Gate a sub-postmaster requires an attendance of forty-nine hours for 17s.; whether at Clapham a week of fifty-two hours is given in return for 15s. and tea; how these figures compare with the wages and hours of established Post Office servants; and whether he will consider the possibility of introducing a more satisfactory system of direct employment?

Assistants at scale payment sub-post offices are engaged and paid by the sub-postmaster; and the Post Office does not undertake more than a general responsibility for ensuring that the conditions of service are not inferior to those commonly in force in shops in the same district. Without further details, I am unable to say how the wages quoted compare with those of established Post Office staff. I am afraid it would be impossible to abolish the scale payment sub-office system, which has been confirmed by successive Parliamentary Committees, without a very serious curtailment of the facilities afforded to the public for the transaction of Post Office business.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has received numerous complaints from British merchants as to the delay in the delivery oh' parcels sent from this country to Italy; if he can account for this delay; and whether, seeing that the irregularity of the postal service in Italy is a serious menace to our international trade, he will take steps to improve this situation?

There is no loss of time in forwarding from this country parcels addressed to Italy, but, owing to the congestion on the Continental railways, I understand there is considerable delay after passing the Italian frontier, and possibly also in transit across France. I have already made representations to the Italian Post Office on the subject. The number of parcels sent by post to Italy has recently been much above the normal, and it is possible that the transport difficulties on the Continent have been in creased from this cause.

asked the Postmaster-General if letters are not delivered until 11 a.m. in certain streets in Filey, York shire, thereby causing inconvenience to visitors and residents; and whether he will take steps to improve this service?

:I regret the inconvenience caused by this late delivery, and if it continues to be impossible to revert to the pre-war train service, I hope to effect some slight improvement during the next week or two.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the cases of Post Office employés on the permanently unestablished staff who have to retire after long service without pension rights, he will consider the possibility of initiating a scheme whereby members of the perma- nently unestablished staff after, say, ten years' service, shall be transferred to the established staff with full pension rights, the period served on the unestablished staff to count towards pension; and will he further consider granting a pension to members of the permanently unestablished staff: who have already been retired after long service?

Post Office servants are subject to the same conditions as other Civil servants in the matter of establishment and pension. I have no power to place on the establishment an officer who is not eligible for establishment under Civil Service Regulations; and the Superannuation Acts, which are administered by the Treasury, do not provide for the payment of pensions to unestablished officers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the additional leave during 1919 which was granted under Treasury instructions was sanctioned because of the long period of excessive strain due to war conditions; whether caretaker-operators experienced this strain to an exceptional degree as a result of their long periods of attendance and very low wages; and whether he will represent to the Treasury the necessity to grant a similar concession as regards leave to all Post Office workers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given on the 26th ultimo to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring Division. I do not feel able to approach the Treasury for the extension of the concession to Post Office servants not ordinarily entitled to annual leave with pay.

Commander BELLAIRS asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in the timber trade owing to the belief that heads of sections in the Government Timber-buying Department are availing themselves of knowledge and facilities acquired in the course of their official work, to the detriment of other members of the trade; and whether he can hold out any hope of bringing to an end this atmosphere of suspicion which is thus caused by Government enterprise?

I do not know of any grounds which justify any such dissatisfaction as is suggested in the question. The Government is no longer buying timber except for its own immediate uses. The purchases on trading account were completed by 31st March.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the discontent among the members of the engineering and shipbuilding labour advisory committees in consequence of having to wait a long while before they can obtain their allowance and travelling expenses; if he is aware that they have waited as long as four months before payment has been made; and if he will take action in the matter?

My attention has been called to this matter. An investigation shows that an average period of less than six days elapses between the receipt in London of claims from members of these committees and their payment. In some cases the claims have been so incompletely stated as to require return for further particulars. In other cases claims have been delayed in reaching the London office, but instructions have been given to prevent a recurrence of this.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can see his way to intercede with the Controller of the Stationery Office with a view of securing some abatement of the extraordinary charges made for printing the lists of electors and register of voters; and whether he is aware that, in the case of Sutherland, the cost of the present register has been rendered at over £540, whereas the cost of former registers was but £40, although the increase in the number of names contained in the present register compared with prior registers was only to 8,000 from 3,000?

The charges for printing were the lowest which the Stationery Office were able to obtain from printing firms. As half the cost of printing falls on the Stationery Office Vote that Department is, naturally, as anxious as the local authority to secure economical terms. I am not aware what the cost of former registers was, but I understand that the former printer of the register for the county of Sutherlandshire at present holds a contract for printing the lists and registers for another district in Scotland, and their rates are exactly the same as those charged by the present printer of the Sutherlandshire lists and registers. The tenders for the printing of the various lists and registers were obtained by the respective registration officers, and if it were possible to obtain better terms than those given by the present printer of the Sutherlandshire lists and registers it is fair to assume that the registration officer would have invited other firms who would have been willing to do the work more cheaply.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware of the delay that is taking place in the distribution of deceased soldiers' estates in conformity with the rules of division of the Act of Intestacy; whether the distribution according to the law is causing much dis- appointment and hardship; and whether he can now make a definite statement regarding the introduction of an amending Bill in the light of present-day circumstances?

I am aware that the present law regarding intestate movable succession in Scotland operates inequitably in some cases. A Bill has been drafted to deal with the matter, and my right hon. Friend hopes to introduce it at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British Diplomatic and Consular representatives will at once be reappointed in Germany after the ratification of the Peace Treaty; and what selections have already been made?

His Majesty's Government contemplate the resumption of diplomatic relations with Germany at an early date after the ratification of Peace, but the matter is still under consideration and it is not possible as yet to make any statement as to the selections which will be made.