asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of having a gala performance at the Opera as well as in the music halls for the Peace celebrations?

It was intended to include, in the celebrations provisionally fixed for the first week in August next, gala performances at the principal opera house and theatres in London. As my hon. Friend is aware, from replies given by myself in this House, the Government subsequently decided to advance the date and to hold the celebrations on the 19th instant, as much of the original programme as possible being compressed into that one day. I understand that it is proposed to suspend all vehicular traffic in the streets along the processional route, and, as far as the western boundary of the City, after 8 p.m. on Saturday, which precludes the possibility of having a successful gala performance, and the idea has consequently been abandoned. No official gala performances are being held at the theatres or music halls on the night of the celebrations. My hon. Friend probably has in mind a special performance at the Coliseum Theatre on the 28th instant, which His Majesty has commanded, in order to show his appreciation of the generous manner in which artistes of the music-hall stage have assisted funds connected with the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any arrangements have been made to enable soldiers stationed in this country to take part in the Peace celebrations; and whether he will give immediate consideration to the possibility of granting to as many men as possible home-leave and a, free railway pass so that they may celebrate Peace with their own people?

As regards the grant of leave, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the Member for South Tottenham on 15th July. As regards the grant of travelling facilities, soldiers will, under the normal rules, be eligible, if granted leave, for a concession voucher which will enable them to travel the return journey for the single pre-war fare. In addition, those who under the ordinary Regulations have qualified for a free warrant may use it on this occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to grant two days' extension of leave to soldiers from France now over here and whose leave expires on 19th July, in order that they may participate in the Peace celebrations?

As announced in the Press last Tuesday, all ranks who are at present on leave in the United Kingdom from the forces in France, Flanders, occupied Germany, and Italy, and who are due to return from ports of embarkation in the United Kingdom to their units on 19th July, have had their leave extended to 20th July. This extension will enable the men affected to spend Peace Day at home.

asked the Minister of Labour whether arrangements have been made for Employment Exchanges to be closed on Saturday for the celebration of Peace; and, if not, whether he will consider the possibility of making such arrangements?

An Instruction has already been issued that all Employment Exchanges are to be closed on Saturday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that so many of the numerous education endowments of the country were originally intended for the education of the children of the poor and have been diverted into other channels, he will appoint a Commission of Inquiry into educational endowments, such Commission to sit in public, as in the case of the Coal Commission?

In view of the large and increasing expenditure out of the rates and taxes, the value of endowments in the public system of education have become relatively insignificant, and I do not think, therefore, that such an inquiry as is suggested, which would be very lengthy and laborious, would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend, as recommended by the Coal Industry Commission, to institute an inquiry into the causes of the decline of output of coal?

I have been asked to answer this question. The recommendations contained in the second Report of the Coal Industry Commission are receiving the careful consideration of the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is able to state the amount of excess profits paid or payable by the coal industry for the years 1915–16, 1916–17, 1917–18, 1918–19, respectively?

The net amounts of Excess Profits Duty paid or payable by the coal industry, including certain coke ovens, the profits of which I am unable to distinguish statistically from those of the collieries with which they are associated, in respect of accounting periods ended in the financial years 1915–16, 1916–17 and 1917–18 are estimated to be as follows:

				£
1915–16	…	…	…	2,250,000
1916–17	…	…	…	8,250,000
1917–18	…	…	…	7,150,000

No estimate can yet be made of the amount of Excess Profits Duty payable for accounting periods ended in 1918–19.

asked the Prime Minister whether the vacancies on the Royal Commission on Agriculture have now been filled, and, if so, by whom; what representation there is on this body of the landowning interest; what is the total acreage owned by all the members of the Commission; how many members representing the farming interest belong to the National Farmers' Union and how many represent farmers not belonging to that body; and on what date the Commission is expected to begin its labours?

The three additional members appointed to complete the Royal Commission are—Mr. Alexander Batchelor and Mr. William Edwards, agriculturists, and Mr. Thomas Henderson, the editor of "The Scottish Farm Servant." The landowning interest as such is not represented on the Commission, whose terms of reference direct inquiry only into costs of production, prices, and the remuneration of labour. These problems do not, in the opinion of the Government, affect the landowner so immediately as to demand his special representation on the Commission. I am unable to say how many of the agriculturists on the Commission are members of the National Farmers' Union, inasmuch as they were not selected as representatives of particular organisations. I am informed that the preliminary meeting of the Commission will take place on the 23rd inst.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government have considered the financial relationship between the local and the Imperial authority on the lines laid down in the Royal Commission on local taxation, having regard to any change of circumstances since the presentation of the Report, in order that the Grants and subsidies from Imperial sources shall bear a more equitable proportion to the local rates raised for services of a national character; and whether the Government have come to a final decision about the matter?

The subject referred to in the question is engaging the close attention of His Majesty's Government, and it is hoped, in the course of next year, to arrive at a definite settlement as to the basis on which Imperial and local funds should respectively contribute to services of a national character.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the average cost of maintenance for juveniles at the place of detention provided for under the Children's Act, 1908, for the year ending 31st March, for such juvenile offenders for the borough of West Ham worked out at 35s. per head; if he is aware that the West Ham Corporation appreciated the increase of the Treasury Grant from 9d. to 1s. per day as from the 1st July, 1918, and they desire to submit that existing conditions justify a further increase, especially in view of the present-day prices of commodities; and if he will take action in the matter?

The question of the Treasury Grants towards the cost of places of detention has recently been under consideration, and it has been decided to pay as from the 1st April last an Exchequer contribution equal to half the net expenditure on revenue account incurred by the corporation in providing for the maintenance of children and young persons in places of detention. The increase in the contribution and the conditions on which it is made were explained to the corporation in a letter sent to them on the 12th instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that on the 20th April, 1914, it was stated that arrangements were then under consideration whereby Civil servants becoming Royal Engineer telegraphists would in future be allowed to retain their status as Civil servants and so count their whole service for purposes of Civil superannuation; what has been done to redeem that pledge; and whether, as the K Company question is still unsettled, he will carry out the promise then made?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Proposals on the lines indicated were under consideration in 1914, but owing to the War the matter had to be set aside. No pledge of any kind was given. I cannot yet say what arrangements may now be adopted in the altered circumstances brought about by the War.

asked the Food Controller whether prices of jam are fixed for this season; and whether, in view of the plentiful crop in this country, particularly in stone fruits, and also the considerable importation of fruit into this country, it will be possible to make substantial reductions in the old scheduled prices?

The schedule of maximum jam prices dated 26th August, 1918, is still in force. It is proposed to revise this schedule shortly, and it is hoped that the price of several varieties of jam will then be reduced.

asked the Food Controller whether, in. view of his recent statement that the prices of apples are still controlled, he will state what these prices are and what is the current market price?

The maximum retail price for all apples is 9d. per 1b. The growers' maximum price for home-grown apples is 6¼d. per 1b., and the importers' maximum price for imported apples is approximately the same.

asked the Food Controller whether there is any intention of controlling the prices of any fruit this summer and autumn; and whether he has already given an undertaking that the prices of fruit shall not be controlled?

It is proposed to fix maximum prices for stone fruit when purchased by a jam manufacturer for the purposes of his business. No undertaking has been given that the prices of fruit will not be controlled.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps the Government are taking to ensure that wheat coming into this country shall come in whole, so that the milling can be done in this country and the offals utilised?

I have been asked to reply. The Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies is fully alive to the feeding stuffs position and the desirability of promoting the output of milling offals. In view of the prospective shortage of feeding-stuffs during the latter part of the year, every effort will be made to fall in with the policy outlined by the hon. Lord.

asked the Food Controller whether the existing functions of the Wheat Commission at Carlton House, Regent Street, warrant the continued employment of so large a staff as still remains there; and if not, what steps he proposes to take to dispense with the services of all employés surplus to the actual requirements?

The staff of the Flour Mills Control Committee and a portion of the staff of the Accounts Branch of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies are accommodated at Carlton House, Regent Street, and I am satisfied that in neither case can a reduction in the establishment be made at present.

asked the Food Controller what supplies of the staple articles of Human food are now in this country as compared with the quantities of the same foods in this country in July, 1914?

Returns of stocks were not collected prior to the outbreak of war. The earliest figures available are those for the 1st September, 1914. The following table shows the stocks on 1st September, 1914, and 1st July, 1919:(The figures for wheat and flour include stocks in port granaries and warehouses, inland warehouses, mills and bakers' shops, and estimated farm stocks; those for rice include stocks in port granaries and warehouses and in mills; those for meat and provisions include stocks at ports and in cold stores and in importers' and the larger wholesalers' warehouses; and those for sugar, tea, coffee, and cocoa are stocks remaining in bonded warehouses or entered to be warehoused.)

Commodity.	1st Sept., 1914.	1st July, 1919.
	Tons.	Tons.
Wheat and flour (as equivalent grain)	2,684,000	1,314,000
Rice	*85,000	115,000
Beef	24,100	20,000
Mutton	36,000	29,900
Rabbits, poultry and game	5,600	7,200
Bacon and Hams	12,000	27,700
Other meat	10,400	46,600
Lard	8,200	10,300
Eggs	5,500	4,100
Butter	16,900	18,800
Margarine	2,800	3,100
Cheese	12,900	7,600
Sugar	131,000	404,000
Tea	36,200	78,500
Coffee	20,800	49,300
Cocoa	14,400	67,400
* 1st September, 1916. Figures for 1914 not available.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that all licensed premises in Invergordon belong to the Liquor Control Board, and that on Saturday, 28th June, 1919, all these premises were open until eleven p.m., the hour of closing according to Regulations being nine p.m.; whether their being open was in conformity with the same Regulations of the said Board in respect of which the Fife Agricultural Society were refused an extension of hours at their recent show, whereby they were unable to make satisfactory arrangements for catering for the many thousands who attended; and whether, in view of the bias manifested in such proceedings, he will demobilise the Liquor Control Board, and refrain from appointing a Commission or other successor who must necessarily be subject to the same motives and cause public irritation?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am advised by the Board that the facts are substantially as stated in. the first paragraph of the question. The special circumstances in which these premises were kept open had no bearing on the decision of the Board in regard to the Fife Agricultural Show. The action taken at Invergordon by the Board's district superintendent was on the unanimous advice of the Provost, the commander of the dockyard, and some representatives of the dockyard workers. As to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, he is aware that the Government propose to introduce a Bill on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that, although there is a registered and duly qualified dentist in Ennis, an unregistered dental practitioner is treating the teeth of the children in the industrial school, Ennis, and that he is receiving a Government Grant for doing so?

An unregistered dentist is employed by the manager of the school, and he was appointed because at the time of his appointment there was no local registered dentist.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state in summary the provisions of the Labourers (Ireland) Bill, especially the proposed financial position?

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary would ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Bill, which will take place shortly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the contributions paid by Ireland to the-British Exchequer in the years 1917 and 1918, and the estimated contribution for 1919?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Revenue and Expenditure Returns for 1916–17 and 1917–18, Command Papers 134, of 1917, and 106, of 1918. The similar Return for 1918/19 will be available shortly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of unemployed in Ireland on the 1st June, 1918, the 1st January, 1919, and the 1st June, 1919?

There are no available figures showing the total number of persons unemployed in Ireland on the three dates specified. The only figures that afford a reliable basis of comparison are those relating to workpeople compulsorily ensured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, numbering about 113,500, and belonging mainly to the shipbuilding and engineering trades. For this group of workpeople the figures of unemployed are approximately as follows:

June, 1918	…	…	3,000*
January, 1919	…	…	12,000**
March, 1919	…	…	27,000**
June, 1919	…	…	21,000**
* Receiving unemployment insurance benefit.
** Receiving out-of-work donation.

The figures for 1919 include, of course, a number of demobilised men who were serving with the forces in 1918. I have inserted the figures for March, 1919, to show that unemployment in this group of industries is now tending to decline after the increase which followed on the Armistice. I should add that the total number of persons drawing out-of-work donation does not even approximately represent the total number of unemployed in that country because the donation scheme is not of universal application, but limited to certain trades.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that before the Irish railways were taken over Mr. T. Molloy was paid 25s. a week by the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company as canvasser; that in March, 1917, he was sent to Newmills as stationmaster at 15s. a week, and that the only accommodation provided is one small room; and does the company maintain that this room is worth 10s. weekly?

I am afraid that I cannot add to the letters which my right hon. Friend addressed to the hon. Gentleman on this matter on the 8th and 29th April, in the latter of which he pointed out that Mr. Molloy's earnings, including war wages, amounted to 48s. weekly, and that living accommodation had, in addition, been specially provided for him at Newmills Station.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the services of many civilians who entered Devonport Dockyard during the War are being retained, while ex-Service men are being discharged; and whether he will cause investigations to be made into the matter?

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers I gave on Monday last to the hon. and gallant Members for Portsmouth South and for Portsmouth North. Those answers, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend copies, state our general policy in this matter. I repeat the invitation conveyed in the latter answer, namely, that if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with particulars of any cases in which it is considered that the men on whose behalf he puts his question have been unfairly treated, they will be at once investigated.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry if he will cause the release of Private James Campbell Fairlane, No. 161871, Royal Air Force, to be expedited, in view of the fact that he has been applied for as a pivotal man in connection with food control at Hexham, Northumberland, by both the local and county food controllers?

No application was received from the Ministry of Labour for the demobilisation of No. 161871, Private J. C. Fairlane, as a, pivotal man, but, as a result of representations on his behalf, instructions were issued recently that the man should be registered as a slip man in his unit. I am unable to state the exact date on which his demobilisation will take place, but it is being expedited.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private William James Oram, No. M/2 192951, 706th Company, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), after nearly three years' service overseas, without leave, was sent to Russia against his will; that he is at present being used by the American Mission in Tiflis; and whether, in view of the fact that his services are no longer required by the British Army, his demobilisation can be expedited?

If Private Oram is eligible for demobilisation he will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of all men eligible for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private C. B. Phillips, No. 89603, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached 8th Devons, Reserve Regiment, Secunderabad, who enlisted in 1914 and served in Mesopotamia all through the War, and received his slip at Amara, but who, on reaching Basrah, was diverted to India, will be sent home on the earliest opportunity; and whether an assurance will be given that his service will not be extended now that he is in India?

I have already stated that when demobilisation recommences in India, those who were sent home from Mesopotamia for demobilisation, vid India, and were temporarily retained in the latter country, will be amongst the first to be released?

asked the Secretary of Stats for War whether he is aware that, as between non-commissioned officers and privates, the former are not given their proper turn on the list of those waiting for demobilisation in accordance with the existing Regulations; and whether he is prepared to see that the non-commissioned officers in the bakeries at Cologne are treated in the same manner as privates in respect to demobilisation?

The Demobilisation Regulations apply to non-commissioned officers and men alike, and I am not aware that the non-commissioned officers, referred to by my hon. Friend, have received different treatment. If they are eligible for demobilisation they will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued providing for the early release of all soldiers who are eligible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men of the 5th Provisional Company, attached to the 3rd Gloucester Regiment, Catterick Camp, were placed in this corps through being medically unfit for other units, and that they are now practically doing nothing with the exception of escorting prisoners of war about; and, as they are nearly all married men and a big expense to the country, can he now see his way to release them?

The men of the battalion referred to by the hon. Member are wanted for the duties of escorting prisoners of war, and I regret that I cannot authorise their release unless they are eligible for demobilisation. Such of these men as are eligible will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued making provision for the early release of all men eligible for demobilisation?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now prepared to make any statement regarding the demobilisation of men in the 30th and 31st Battalions of the Middlesex Regiment; and if he is aware of the fact that men of these battalions consider they are being victimised, as many very hard cases for release on extreme compassionate grounds have been refused?

Instructions were issued in June that no aliens (with the exception of enemy aliens) will be retained for service with the Army of Occupation, but will be discharged as soon as practicable after the Ratification of Peace. They will receive the usual demobilization benefits. With regard to the last part of the question, the men of the battalions mentioned by the hon. Member have been treated in exactly the same way as other men in the Army in demobilisation matters. The cases to which the hon. Member refers of men having been refused release on compassionate grounds were no doubt refused on account of their not falling within any of the categories prescribed in the instructions governing releases on such grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that a poster was issued at the parish council elections of Horbling, in Lincolnshire, with the words, "Do not vote for the man who got all the boys into the Army"; whether he is aware that the gentleman referred to in this poster was a candidate for election who had given his services as a recruiting officer in an honorary capacity; and what steps he intends to take to proceed against the publisher under Regulation 27 of the Defence of the Realm Act, in order to prevent further effort of this description to stop recruiting for His Majesty's Army?

I am investigating this matter, and will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War what permanent increase, if any, is contemplated in the pre-war regimental married establishment of three per] 00 privates in Infantry battalions at home stations and four per 100 in India?

This question is being considered, but I regret I cannot make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War what new Regulations have been approved or are in contemplation to provide facilities for qualified warrant and non-commissioned officers now serving to obtain commissions in the post-war Army?

The question of granting commissions in the Army from the ranks is at present under consideration. An announcement will be made as soon as the details of the scheme are definitely settled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that upwards of 500 wounded men, the majority of whom are cases that have lost one or more limbs, have recently been-transferred from various military hospitals, in particular from the King George Hospital, to the Paddington Military Hospital, in the Harrow Road; whether he is aware that the Paddington Military Hospital, being a converted workhouse, is quite un-suited for the reception of such cases, there being no lift, with the consequence that these men have to clamber up and down narrow and inconvenient stone staircases; whether there have been accidents and men have been injured from this cause; whether, owing to the large number of outdoor patients who take lodgings close to the Lock Hospital in this neighbourhood, the Harrow Road district is more infected with venereal disease than any other district in London; whether this is a suitable district for the convalescent treatment of a large number of partly disabled men; and, if not, whether he will give immediate instructions that all military cases be removed from the Paddington Military Hospital, and no further military cases sent there?

Complaint has been made, especially regarding the situation of this hospital, and for some time past endeavours have been made to obtain another suitable building, but, I regret to say, so far without success. I hope, however, that arrangements may be made to enable the hospital to be vacated within the next few weeks. I am not in a position at the moment to answer the detailed matters referred to in the question, but inquiry is being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that William K. Lindsay is still in this country; and can he see his way to make inquiry with a view to Lindsay's repatriation at an early date?

I am making urgent inquiry, and I hope to be in a position to communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend within the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the percentage of sickness in the Salonika Force during the year 1916 transcended the record of any campaign in history; and, if so, whether any inquiry will be held, now the War is over, in order to apportion responsibility, as in the case of the first Mesopotamian Expedition?

I am informed that the rate of admission to hospital at Salonika in 1916 compares favourably with other recent campaigns, and the death-rate compares very favourably. In these circumstances, I do not think that any inquiry, such as suggested, is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Westgate Hotel, Newport, was taken over by the military authorities on the 17th of November, 1917, and that, although £500 has been paid on account, after much correspondence, there is still a sum of £2,310 due for rent and other claims; and, seeing that over twenty months have elapsed, will he give, instructions that the amount is paid forthwith?

The delay is regretted, but the case has involved a great deal of investigation, and it has, unfortunately, not been found possible to arrive at an agreed figure. It will, therefore, be necessary for the case to be heard by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, who have fixed the 21st July as the date for the hearing. Every step will be taken to ensure prompt payment as soon as the award is made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Princess Christian Training College, 19 and 21, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, has received no compensation whatever in respect of loss and damage caused by reason of the Crown's occupation of its property under the Defence of the Realm Act from June to December, 1918; and when the college claim for £343 in respect of such loss and damage will be met?

I am making inquiry, and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the resentment of some local authorities by having been called upon to contribute towards the maintenance of military orthopædic centres; and whether he will consider the desirability of this duty being entirely discharged by the State?

I am not aware of any such condition of affairs, and shall be glad to have particulars of any case in which it is supposed to exist.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the result of his inquiries into the action of the military authorities in connection with the strike at the Army Ordnance Corps Clothing Stores, Godmanchester?

As the right hon. Member was informed in a letter addressed to him on 7th July, the military guard was brought in on this occasion for the purpose of protecting Government stores and for no other purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the fact that the 20 per cent. of soldiers allowed to be retained on the land have been notified by their commandants that so long as they remain on such work they will not henceforth be entitled to any pay or allowance from Army funds, separation allowance for families, forfeit all claims to Army pension if injured in the course of their work, and this whilst remaining liable to being under military rule and to being recalled to the Colours; that such instructions have been issued since the recall of the 80 per cent. of soldiers for duty in the Army and that such withdrawal of allowances, especially separation allowance, has been and is creating severe hardship on these men and, as a result of such conditions, the men are being forced by economic pressure to apply for recall to the Colours from the fact that they cannot provide for two homes out of the wages paid to land workers; whether he is aware that such action is creating a serious condition of things to farmers who had these men in their employ; and whether he will take immediate steps to have this grievance removed?

The conditions of the civil employment of these men are as stated and have been clearly explained to them. In case of injury they have their rights under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. Those who chose to remain did so of their own free will, and I do not understand how severe hardship can have resulted.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the position of those officers and men who are at present undergoing treatment in those military hospitals that are to be taken over by the Ministry of Pensions upon the 1st of August has been fully considered; whether it is proposed that patients are to be removed from those hospitals to others remaining under War Office control, in spite of the fact that their treatment is liable to be detrimentally effected if such transfer to nurses, doctors, and surgeons who have not supervised their cases from the first is carried out; and whether it is possible for the War Office and the Ministry of Pensions to come to such a financial understanding in regard to these cases that will permit these patients to remain undis- turbed and to continue their treatment under the existing medical and nursing staff?

No transfer will take place when injury to the patient's health would be likely to be caused thereby.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is now possible to give the date when it is intended to issue a statement regarding the Report of the Committee set up to consider the rates of pay and of pensions to be awarded to officers and men of the Regular Army; and for how long this Committee has been considering the subject?

I am unable to name a date, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that very active progress is being made

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the trade and grammar school of Keighley gave to the War Office at the start of the War, when its need was great, 200 blankets, thereby depriving themselves of any summer camp until they were replaced; whether blankets to replace them are now being offered by the Ministry of Munitions of War at 17s. 9d. each; and whether, in view of the fact that the school cannot possibly pay £177 10s., he will urge that specially favourable terms be given to these boys as a recognition of their patriotism?

I will inquire into the matter, and communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that a good number of ex-Service men who were employed as clerks at the Army Pay Office, Upper Thames Street, who have been discharged since 27th June, are holding meetings in different parts of London protesting against the number of young girls who are employed in the above pay office; if he can now state to the House the result of his inquiries into the matter; whether he can see his way clear to have the men in question reinstated; if these men who were appointed to the post in the Army pay office had to pass an examination before being appointed; and whether he is aware that the men have not been discharged for inefficiency, but because young girls are being engaged at a lesser rate of pay?

I can add nothing at present to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on the 15th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in consequence of the great shortage of houses and the large number of soldiers who have been demobilised and are in want of housing accommodation, he will, upon application from the local authorities, grant them the use of any surplus Army huts; and, if so, whether he will indicate what steps should be taken in order to obtain possession of the same without delay?

I have been asked to answer this question. Full information is given to local authorities of any surplus Army huts notified to the Disposal Board as available for disposal, and every facility is afforded to these authorities to acquire these huts in priority to the general public. Application should be addressed to the Controller, Huts and Building Materials Section, Disposal Board, Artillery Mansions, S.W. I.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what surplus Government property there is for sale in the county of Montgomery; and whether he can state what arrangements are being made for the disposal of surplus material in mid-Wales?

All surplus material as it becomes available for disposal is widely advertised in "Surplus," the official organ of the Disposal Board, in the local press, and in the London papers. The records of the Disposal Board are not classified in counties, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with me I will endeavour to obtain for him the information he seeks.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry who is responsible for fixing the rate of wages paid to labourers in the Orford and Aldeburgh aerodromes, East Suffolk; whether, whilst the Agricultural Wages Board have fixed 36s. 6d. as the rate of weekly wage in that district, the rates for unskilled labour at those aerodromes is 70s. and over, and that the hours worked at the aerodromes are shorter than those worked on the farms; and whether, in view of the approaching harvest, when every man's labour in the harvest field will be of advantage to the nation, he will either reduce the aerodrome wages to the level fixed by the Wages Board or release the men for work in the harvest field?

The rates of wages paid to the labourers at Orfordnesa and Aldeburgh aerodromes are those fixed by Award No. 2197, dated 20th August, 1918, of the Committee on Production. Under this the wages of an unskilled man for a week of fifty hours in this district are £2 18s. 7d.; and it is possible for an unskilled man to receive a maximum of 71s. 1d. a week if he lives more than three miles from his work, the additional 12s. 6d. being an allowance for walking time. The hours worked on the aerodromes are the normal hours for the building trade throughout the United Kingdom, i.e., fifty hours a week; and the Air Ministry, with other Government Departments, are bound to pay the rates laid down by the Ministry of Labour. I am unable to deal with the question of the wages and hours of agricultural labourers, but I can, I think, meet my hon. and gallant Friend's point as regards the harvest. There are only seven men employed at Aldeburgh and sixty at Orfordness—the latter being retained only until certain material has been cleared away, which should be within three or four weeks. There should, therefore, be very few men on these aerodromes when the harvest begins, and if the work does not progress as fast as is anticipated instructions will be given for any agricultural workers to be released for work on the land, retaining only bona fide building trade labourers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether his attention has been called to the destruction by fire of a British postal aeroplane in the South of France; and whether he is satisfied that all anti-fire devices are used on such machines?

From the preliminary reports received by the Air Ministry it would appear that the aeroplane in question caught fire after "crashing." The provision of "self-sealing" petrol tanks is a great safeguard against fire in accidents of this kind, but the progress with this type of tank has been so recent that it has only been possible to fit them in the very latest design of aeroplane. All future designs will provide for "self-sealing" petrol tanks.

asked the Undersecretary of Stale to the Air Ministry what steps the Controller of Civil Aviation is taking to assist commercial firms to-show machines at the forthcoming exhibition at Amsterdam?

Assistance is being given to private firms by the release of machines and engines, where they have passed the experimental stage, and can be spared from the Royal Air Force. Negotiations have been in progress with the Dutch Government for the opening of civil communication by air between England and Holland during the period of the exhibition.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what is the policy of the Air Ministry in regard to either the giving or withholding orders to those small aeroplane manufacturing establishments that are associated with foreign aeroplane companies; whether he is aware that many of these smaller concerns are in an indifferent financial position and are only being kept going in a small way in the hope of later on obtaining a Government contract; and whether it is more in the public interest that these buildings should be used for other pur- poses whenever definite offers to obtain possession of these factories have been made?

I have been asked to answer this question. I do not quite understand this question, but I may say that the supplies of aeroplanes, contracted for under War conditions, are, and will be for some time to come, sufficient to meet the requirements of the Royal Air Force, without placing further contracts. The use to which the private factories are put is a matter entirely for the owners of the factories.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the Regulations admit of a man who is appearing before a medical board for revision of pension being asked questions by the board as to his present weekly earnings?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will reconsider the refusal of a pension to the widow and six children of Private Charles Raywood, No. 3/8974, 9th Yorkshire Regiment, who, after serving in the Army from 7th September, 1914, to 30th July, 1917, died in Northampton General Hospital on 8th July, 1918, from pneumonia owing to his debilitated physical condition due to Army service; whether he is aware that, as the widow is unable to earn a living, the seven dependants of this soldier will be driven into the workhouse by the refusal of a pension; and whether he is aware that if this soldier had been discharged from the Army in 1917, instead of being transferred to Class W Reserve, he would have been entitled to a pension on account of medical unfitness, and in that case his widow would have received the pension which she is now denied?

This case has been very fully and carefully considered. I regret that it is not possible to reverse the decision that the death was not connected with the service. The death took place from pneumonia nearly a year after the soldier was transferred to the Reserve. With regard to the last part of the question, I may remind the hon. Member that even if Private Raywood had been discharged and pensioned it would still not have been possible to connect the illness from which he died with his Army service, and pension to the widow under Article 11 would have had to be refused.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is allowable to make deductions from a man's gratuity on account of hospital treatment; if so, under what Regulations; and, if such deductions are not allowable, why has Stoker James Robinson, 1st class, No. K 24942, Royal Navy, of 48, Prince Charles Street, Middlesbrough, not received the £15 gratuity due to him on his discharge about January, 1918?

No, Sir! It is not allowable for deductions to be made from war gratuity on account of hospital treatment. Stoker James Robinson, who entered the Royal Navy on 17th March, 1915, and was discharged on 2nd September, 1915, is ineligible for the gratuity, as his total service was less than six months. without any service at sea or overseas.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why, if war gratuities owing to widows and other dependants of soldiers are being distributed according to the dates of death, the widow of Private Lawrie, No. 62303, 133rd Company, Machine Gun Company, who was killed in action September, 1918, has already received her gratuity, whilst the widow of Private J. Russell, No. 203254, 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, killed in action 29th April, 1918, and the widow of Private J. Hutchison, No. 201474, l/5th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, killed in action on 10th November, 1917, have not yet received their gratuities?

When the death has occurred recently, we have, in some cases, been able to deal with the gratuity at the same time as we have dealt with the rest of the estate. This has not in any way delayed payment of the gratuity in cases where the rest of the estate has already been distributed, which are being dealt with in order of date of death.

asked the Pensions Minister whether a service pension has been denied to ex-Sergeant G. A. Greenham, late 12th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, now residing at 3, Trafalgar Terrace, West Cowes, Isle of Wight, who enlisted on 26th February, 1898, served eight years' Colour service, four years' Reserve B, took on another four years in Reserve, Section D, expiring six months prior to the outbreak of war, volunteered in September, 1914, and was discharged in March, 1919, after being in France three years and four months, making a total of twelve and a half years' Colour service and eight years' Reserve (twenty and a half years), and then volunteered to complete eighteen years' Colour service for a modified pension, but was refused as too old?

I am making inquiry in this case, and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Pensions Minister whether a soldier who has re-engaged for four years, and is demobilised shortly before the completion of his engagement, is entitled to a pension, seeing that if he had engaged for a shorter period he would have received a pension?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I am quite unable to answer this question as it stands. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of the case to which he refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the separation allowances paid to soldiers serving in Russia, and married since re-enlistment, are on a lower scale than are paid to soldiers serving in the Army of Occupation; and, if so, whether he can see his way to reconsider the decision and place all separation allowances on an equality?

I understand the question to refer to the non-payment of supplementary separation allowances to men who have re-enlisted after returning to civil life. These allowances are not payable in such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the allowances due to regimental officers of our Army on the Rhine are being withheld in some cases for more than three months; and, if so, will he give the reason and state when payment is likely to be made?

I am not aware that the allowances due to regimental officers of the Army of the Rhine are being withheld as stated by the hon. Member, but if he will give me particulars of the cases which he has in mind I will make inquiries.

asked the Pensions Minister if he can state the number of war pensions committees and old age pensions committees that have passed a resolution in favour of the abolition of the two committees mentioned; and if he is in a position to state what action he is taking in the matter?

I can only trace the receipt of two resolutions on this question. Both were opposed to the suggested abolition.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Report of the National Committee on Sea Training for Boys has yet been received by him; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to carry out the recommendations of the Committee?

I am informed that the Committee's Report is now being printed, and will be submitted to me very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is taking steps to deal with the lack of secondary school accommodation in Bournemouth; and whether he can state the number of free places in the Bournemouth secondary schools for girls required by the Regulations and the number actually provided, the number of paying pupils on the waiting lists for admission, the steps, if any, contemplated by the local education authority to provide additional accommodation, and when the congestion will be relieved?

The Board have pressed the authority to provide additional accommodation at both of the municipal secondary schools. The extension of the municipal boys' school was delayed owing to the War, but I understand that steps are now being taken to proceed with it. The Board are in communication with the authority as regards the provision of further accommodation for the municipal girls' school. The other State-aided school at Bournemouth, namely, the Endowed High School for Girls, was slightly enlarged last year, and it does not appear that there is any particular pressure on its accommodation at present. The Municipal School for Girls is required to provide 25 per cent. of free places; the Endowed High School 10 per cent.; and the numbers of girls holding free places on the 1st October, 1918, at these schools were forty-four and forty-five respectively. I have no information with regard to the number of paying pupils on the waiting lists for admission, and regret that I cannot say definitely when the overcrowding will be relieved.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether under Army Council Instruction, No. 192 of 1918, all officers of the Indian Army serving in India and holding an appointment notified in the aforesaid Army Council Instruction on 25th February, 1918, were entitled to promotion as laid down in Army Council Instruction, No. 192 of 1918, from that date?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his recent raising of the limit of Income Tax in India from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 has reduced the Income Tax payers to 144,000, of whom at least 60,000 are Europeans; whether, after allowing for 227,000,000 of people engaged in agriculture and not liable to Income Tax, there remains over 500,000 persons who do not work for their livelihood; whether of this 500,000 only 84,000 have incomes over Rs. 2,000 per annum; whether he is aware that the Government of Bombay, in connection with the municipal franchise, estimates that a rental qualification of Rs. 20 per month, which implies an income over Rs. 2,000 per annum, will yield 50,000 voters; whether the cities of Bombay and Calcutta alone contain a larger number of taxable Indians than the total of those who now pay Income Tax; and whether the evasion which appears to be occurring will be permitted in the future?

I have not been able to vertify all the figures or follow all the calculations set out in the question, but I know that the Government of India are carefully considering how they may best improve the machinery for assessing the Income Tax and for preventing evasions of it. I will bring the hon. Baronet's statistics and inferences to the notice of the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the resentment in India aroused by the methods adopted to repress rioting in the Punjab, the sensation caused by the resignation of his knighthood by Rabindranath Tagore, and the contradictory reports circulated as to the extent of the revolt and the measures carried out under martial law as well as to the causes loading up to the revolt, he will appoint a Commission, including eminent Indian non-officials, to investigate the causes, the extent, and the circumstances attending the suppression of the revolt; and if he will, pending the Inquiry, direct that the execution of all sentences passed by the courts-martial shall be suspended, and that the prisoners sentenced shall be treated as prisoners under remand?

I expect to hear shortly from the Viceroy as to the Inquiry which, as I have stated to the House, he intends to institute. In the meantime I cannot accept the suggestion that trials conducted by duly constituted Courts for offences of violence should be nullified pending inquiry as to the causes of disturbance. My hon. Friend may not be aware that under the Martial Law Ordinances the trials of serious offences have been conducted not by courts-martial, but by Commissions of three persons of whom two, at least, have served as judges for not less than three years.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the conditions prevailing at the military hospital at Kohat, North-West India Province, in which cholera patients have been nursed, have been brought to his notice; if so, whether he can reassure the public as to those conditions; and, if not, whether he will cause immediate investigation to be made and will publish the result of it?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I will certainly have inquiry made into any allegations which my hon. Friend may communicate to me.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the present system of the production of the registers of electors is causing great and unnecessary expenditure of public funds; whether he will cancel the existing contracts entered into by the Controller of His Majesty's Stationery Office, which he has power to do under the agreement; and if he will consider the publication of one register per year and that in the second register only a list of corrections be published?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to questions on the subject of the cost of printing the registers of electors which were put by the hon. and gallant Member for St. Anne's on the 14th instant, and by the hon. Member for Eastbourne on the 15th inst., of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether inquests are required to be held after all cases of sudden death of persons undergoing treatment for venereal diseases; and, if not, whether he will issue instructions with a view to securing that inquests shall be held in all such cases in future?

Section 2 of the Coroner's Act, 1887, requires an inquest to be held whenever there is a violent or unnatural death or a sudden death of which the cause is unknown. There is no power under the Statute enabling any Minister to issue instructions that inquests shall be held in any cases not covered by the Section to which I have referred.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a very serious state of affairs exists at the military hospital for venereal diseases at Warlingham; that the hospital is understaffed and the supervision of the men inadequate; whether he is aware that thefts are frequent, and that, owing to insufficient guard, patients break bounds whenever they wish, cutting the barbedwire and violently asaulting those who try to restrain them, and afterwards wander to Croydon and other places; whether the discipline of the soldiers on guard is much impaired; whether repeated representations in regard to these matters have been made to the War Office without effect; and whether he will take prompt and effective steps to put an end to this scandal?

I am having inquiries made into the statements contained in this question, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that many boards of guardians consider that the Old Age Pensions Act requires substantial amendment, in view of the changed conditions consequent on the War, and that such amendment should not provide for the supplementing of pensions by the granting of outdoor relief, but should provide an increased rate of pension and a reduction of the qualifying age, together with the revision of existing disqualifications based on income; and whether he proposes to take action on these lines?

All the matters referred to in the question are within the terms of reference of the Committee now sitting, and, pending their Report, it is not proposed to introduce legislation on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that William Foster Watson, during his appeal at the London Sessions, stated that he had been approached by officers of Scotland Yard and was offered a salary; what was to be the nature of his occupation and the amount of his salary, and on. whose authority such offer was made; whether it is usual to offer positions to those who are regarded as troublesome to the authorities; how many of such persons have in the past been so approached and have accepted positions; and what is now the nature of their occupations?

I am aware that Watson made this statement, but it is not the case that any offer of a salary or of a salaried position was made to him. I am informed that Watson did receive payments from the police to reward him for assistance rendered them in the investigation of certain illegal proceedings. It is well known that such rewards have from time to time to be given by the police in connection with criminal inquiries, especially, as in this case, in time of war. There is no foundation for the suggestion that the police offer positions to persons whom they regard as troublesome to the authorities, and no such offer has been made.

asked the President of the Hoard of Trade if he is aware of the discontent in the railway service owing the the failure in many instances of railway companies carrying out the principle of the eight-hour day, and that in some districts men are working eight and more days per week; and, if such cannot be done owing to shortage of men, will he request the Army Council to liberate some of the railwaymen from the Army for that purpose?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, to a question on this subject asked on the 26th June by the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, notwithstanding the issue of general licences under the trading with the enemy legislation authorising, with certain reservations, the resumption of trade with Ger- many and German-Austria, he has reason to believe that British firms are reluctant to renew commercial intercourse with the late enemies of this country; and whether, seeing that it is desirable in the interest of British trade and of the financial credit of this country that British firms who are in a position to do so should exert themselves to the utmost to sell goods to these countries, his Department will issue a general statement on this subject for the guidance of British firms?

I think it quite possible that many British firms may feel reluctant to resume relations with our late enemies, but I am not yet able to make any announcement on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Holt Committee recommended that Post Office engineering draughtsmen should be eligible for promotion to the class of assistant-engineers; and how many men have been so promoted?

The Holt Committee recommended that, subject to the possession of certain technical certificates, members of the class of established draughtsmen who could be specially recommended might be exceptionally promoted to the class of assistant-engineer. Up to the present no such promotions have been made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that notice has been posted up in all the various Post Office departments, to the effect that any officer who considers himself eligible for certain vacancies in new Government Departments and who is desirous of consideration, should make a written application, to be handed to the officer in charge of the depot, factory, or section not later than the 19th instant., specifying which they regard as their special qualification for the class of post they seek; and why all such vacancies cannot be filled by ex-Service men?

In accordance with Treasury instructions, a list of Post Office servants who can be recommended for transfer to new Departments is being prepared, and the notice referred to is an invitation to the staff to apply for inclusion in the list. The responsibility for filling the vacancies is not in the hands of the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there were on the 1st of April last any statutory rules or regulations which enabled a post office to decline to issue War Savings Certificates to a workman's or any club; and, if so, what they are?

Under the Statutory Rules and Orders relating to War Savings Certificates, which are dated the 1st of January, 1919, no corporation, company, society, association, combination or body of persons (other than friendly societies and charitable societies and corporations) may purchase, hold, or have any interest in a certificate without the formal consent of the Postmaster-General, whose discretion to give or withhold such consent is absolute.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if the German ships which were interned at Valparaiso were insured when they were handed over to Great Britain?

The vessels referred to have not yet been delivered by Germany to British management.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if definite proposals were submitted to the Ministry some five months ago, which could have become operative seven weeks ago, for the repair and refitting of the German ships interned in South American waters; if no decision has so far been come to in the matter; and, if so, can he give the reason?

Proposals relating to the German ships in South American waters were submitted to the Shipping Controller some time ago, but as I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn on the 1st July, the responsibility for bringing these vessels into employment under the Armistice arrangement rested with the United States Government. Since the transfer of this responsibility to the British Government, active steps have been taken to ascertain what arrangements are necessary to bring the ships into service, but it will be many months before the bulk of them are ready.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the claims of men discharged from the Mercantile Marine service; and whether, having regard to the valuable work accomplished by men in the service during the War, he will have them included in the operation of the unemployment donation?

It has been decided to include in the out-of-work donation scheme as modified for Ireland merchant seamen who were employed for not less than three months prior to 25th November, 1918, under a contract of service in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act, and who were, in respect of such employment, contributors under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour how many times the Holloway Employment Sub-committee have met since last November; and how many of the committee were present at each meeting?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the local employment committee associated with the Holloway Employment Exchange. During the period from December, 1918, to June, 1919, the committee have held eleven meetings, at which the attendances have varied from seven to thirteen, the average being nine or ten. The total membership of the committee is twenty-two.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the whole of the steel works in Monmouthshire are idle consequent upon a strike of the skilled craftsmen for a flat rate of wages following their notice to terminate the sliding-scale arrangement; whether he is aware that the owners allowed the six months' notice nearly to expire before meeting to consider the claim of the workmen, and are now seeking to enforce terms upon them containing a considerable reduction in wages, and refuse to meet to discuss other terms until the workmen accept the conditions offered and return to work; and, having regard to the suffering inflicted upon employés not parties to the dispute, whether he will convene a meeting at once of the employers and workmen with a view of endeavouring to effect a settlement?

The information at my disposal is that while some of the steel works in Monmouthshire are idle as a result of a strike of skilled craftsmen for a flat rate of wages, following their notice to terminate the sliding-scale agreement, some of the steel works are still working. I am also informed that negotiations had been entered into between the steel makers and the craft unions before the expiry of the agreement, and that negotiations were proceeding when the stoppage occurred. I understand that under the sliding-scale agreement these workmen would have received an increase in their wages. Officers of this Department have been in touch with the parties, and it appears that an offer to refer the matter to arbitration has been refused by the workmen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what action, if any, has been taken, in view of the complaints made by allotment-holders, to mitigate the effects of flooding in the Lea Valley?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on this subject to the question addressed to me by the hon. Member for West Woolwich on the 21st May last, a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many cases of rabies have been reported in the last week for which statistics are available; and have any cases been reported as to human beings since the Muzzling Order?

Twenty-one suspected cases of rabies were reported to the Board during the week ending 5 p.m. on the 11th inst. During the same period three suspected cases were confirmed. The last part of the question should have been addressed to the Ministry of Health, but the Board have no information that any case of hydrophobia has developed in human beings during the present outbreaks of rabies in this country.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons have been bitten by dogs suffering from rabies; how many of these persons have undergone the Pasteur treatment; and what steps will be taken by the Ministry of Health to stamp out this disease?

Of the ninety-eight persons bitten since September last in this country by dogs known to be rabid, several cases were found to be of a nature not to require treatment, and sixty-one received specific anti-rabie treatment. In reply to the concluding paragraph of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that the disease is primarily one of dogs, and that questions in regard to rabies in dogs should be addressed to the Board of Agriculture. As regards human beings, the Local Government Board and now the Ministry of Health have adopted many active measures for coping effectively with this evil, including new arrangements for making in this country for the first time and distributing freely, the material for what is known as the Pasteur treatment, for which persons have previously had to go to Paris. We have established seven centres for the treatment of cases in different parts of England and Wales. Full particulars are given in leaflets that are widely distributed, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Home Secretary whether local authorities forward returns of the number of stray dogs taken and destroyed in their respective areas; and whether he is able to give the figures during the last six months of the number of stray dogs destroyed in areas which have been scheduled by the Board of Agriculture as being areas infected with rabies?

Returns are not sent in by the police authorities of the number of stray dogs seized and destroyed, and I regret, therefore, that I am not able to give the hon. and gallant Member the information asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will prepare and issue with the Votes a précis or epitome of the Reports received at the Foreign Office from His Majesty's representatives at Paris, Washington, Athens, and Rome on the subject of the legislative proposals made or carried by the Allied Governments with regard to the exclusion of subjects of enemy countries recently at war with them; and whether he will follow a similar course in respect of Reports subsequently received from representatives in Allied countries from whom such information has been invited but has not yet been received?

issued the following statement in continuation of that which was inserted in the Official Report on the 8th inst.:

"From a communication received by His Majesty's Minister at Brussels from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs it appears that the Belgian Government possess general powers relating to the exclusion and deportation of persons of foreign nationality, but the legislation governing the matter dates from many years before the outbreak of the late War, and the reply of the Belgian Ministry does not indicate that any fresh legislative measures are contemplated."

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any appointments to the technical staff of the Board of Agriculture are to be made apart from those to be filled from the existing staff; and, if so, whether they will be advertised in the public Press?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is proposed to advertise the appointments when that course is practicable.