asked the Prime Minister whether, before coming to any decision on the coal question, he will bear in mind that coal is now at such a prohibitive price that few agricultural workers in Norfolk are in a position to purchase it?

Before coining to a final decision in the matter, the Government carefully considered all the aspects of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the position in which manufacturers, gas companies, and electricity companies will be placed, in respect of future contracts, by the uncertainty regarding the price of coal in the event of a postponement of the question of any increase for three months; and whether anything can be done to expedite a definite statement as to whether or not such an increase is to be made and as to when, in the former case, it will come into operation?

The hon. Member will be aware that the increase of 6s. per ton in coal prices came into operation to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now withdraw the recommendations made under the Household Fuel and Lighting Orders, Part III., to the effect that the local overseer should be a permanent officer of the council, recommending instead that, whenever possible, the position be given to an unemployed and disabled sailor or soldier, thereby saving out-of-work donation, and allowing the permanent council officers to devote their whole time to the work for which they were originally appointed?

:I am carefully considering the future organisation of the coal control in all its branches, and naturally have every sympathy with the motive underlying my hon. and gallant Friend's question. I am not in a position at present to make any announcement, but I would point out that to make posts which are not in themselves necessary is economically the same as paying out-of-work donation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give in detail the basis of the estimate of £281,500,000 as the cost of raising 192,000,000 tons of coal in the year ending 16th July, 1920?

The sum of £281,250,000 which I gave in my statement on Monday is made up as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state for the quarter ending 31st December, 1918, the total quantity of coal produced, the average receipts per ton of disposable coal, the average cost per ton (including royalties), the average profit per ton, the quantity of coal sold inland, its average price per ton, the profit thereon per ton, the quantity of coal sold for export, its average price per ton, and the profit thereon per ton?

Most of the information required has already been supplied to the House, but in a somewhat different form, in the Appendices to the White Paper recently issued for the purposes of the Debate on the proposed increase in the price of coal. A summary of the returns rendered by Colliery Undertakings for the quarter ended 31st December, 1918, will be completed in the course of next week, and I shall then be in a position to send the hon. Member the figures he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state, in arriving at the estimated Treasury contribution to the coal industry of £7,250,000, what amounts were estimated for excess profits, excess payments to the Coal Controller, and payments out of the compensation fund in terms of the Coal Mines Agreement (Confirmation) Act, respectively?

Mr. Justice Sankey recommended in his Interim Report, which has been adopted by His Majesty's Government that the owners' profits should be 1s. 2d. per ton of output. The figures of £7,250,000 represents the net difference up to 16th July between Is. 2d. per ton on the estimated output and the estimated profits. It is not possible to estimate the excesses and deficiencies, either in individual cases or in the aggregate, which will result in this net difference. The question of Excess Profits Duty is one for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount paid or payable by the coal industry by way of excess payments, and the amount paid or payable to owners of mines by way of compensation under the Coal Mines Agreement (Confirmation) Act?

Up to the 10th July, 1919, the total sum collected by the Board of Inland Revenue and paid into the account of the Board of Trade was £795,000. At the same date a total sum of £3,194,000 had been paid by the Controller to colliery owners under the guarantee contained in Clause 4 of the Schedule to the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918. It is impossible to estimate what further amounts may be payable to the account of the Board of Trade as coal mines excess payments or to colliery owners under Clause 4. Such amounts depend upon a variety of factors, among which are the uncertain duration of the Coal Mines Control Agreement, and the extent to which sums already paid to owners under the guarantee in Clause 4 will be recovered out of the amount by which the profits of the later accounting periods ended 31st December, 1918, exceed the guaranteed standards for such periods.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state what steps are being taken by the Allied Governments to relieve the famine conditions prevailing in Russia, Germany, Austria, and Poland?

Inter-Allied Relief Missions have been set up in the devastated areas in Europe to administer relief in food, medical stores, and other necessary supplies, for which an advance of £12,500,000 has been made by the Treasury. British representatives have been sent to Poland, to Roumania, to German-Austria (to administer, relief and investigate the needs of that country and of Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia, Jugo Slavia, Ukraine, Serbia), to Constantinople (for Turkey-in-Europe, Turkey-in-Asia, Armenia, Georgia, Trans-Caucasia, Azer-bayan, and the Kouban), and to the Baltic States (for Esthonia, Lettland, and Lithunia). The total amount of foodstuffs and other necessary items supplied by the Allies amount to over 2,500,000 tons. Of this the greater part (over 2,000,000 tons) has been supplied and distributed by the United States of America. The supplies financed by the British Government are shown below.There are also British representatives on the Rotterdam Food Commission for negotiating supplies of foodstuffs to Germany against which the Germans are making payments in gold. The gold so far deposited amounts to £16,000,000, and has been used to cover the supplies shown in the following table, the greater part of which are already shipped or in the process of being dispatched:

asked the Prime Minister whether it has yet been decided to endeavour to obtain some concession from the French Government with regard to the imposition of the new French surtaxes on goods ordered but not shipped before 18th June, in view of the short notice given to exporters in this country of the imposition of the sur-tax; and, if so, what action he intends to take to obtain these concessions?

I have been asked to answer this question, but I have at present nothing to add to the reply which was given to the hon. and gallant Member on 10th July.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that overtime transport work at the port of Kingston-upon-Hull is being hampered by the men employed in this heavy manual work being unable to obtain refreshment after 5 p. m.; and will he consider a scheme whereby dock labourers and similar workers can be served with reasonable refreshment when working in the evening to meet the present national requirements?

I understand that this question is now before the Central Control Board, who are arranging to have it considered on the spot with representatives of the bodies interested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is yet in a position to state when the Report upon old age pensions and the proposed increase in the amount now under consideration of a Departmental Committee will be ready; and if he will call the attention of the Committee to the fact that the pensioners are still suffering privation during the sittings of the Committee and that the Report upon their investigations has therefore become a question of great urgency?

As regards the first part of the question I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 3rd instant to the hon. Member for the Elland Division. I am sure that the Committee are anxious to present their Report without any avoidable delay.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state, in reference to figures given in Cmd. Paper 224, 1919, the total amount of taxable income in respect of persons with incomes of £130 to £2,500 per annum, the percentage of the net produce of Income Tax thereon, the taxable income of persons with incomes of £2,500 and over per annum, and the percentage of the total Income Tax and Super-tax thereon?

The information asked for is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state, with reference to the figures given in Cmd. Paper 224, 1919, the percentage the total sum of Income Tax and Super-tax bears in respect of each category of income given in the Return to the total taxable income given in each category?

The- information asked for is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a definition, for the guidance of both Income Tax payers and tax surveyors, of the expression, "First child"; whether it means the eldest child of the marriage or the first child eligible for the abatement of £40; and whether a man with a family of six with, say, one or two children over sixteen, who is entitled to the family relief, would be deprived of the benefit of the increased abatement?

The expression "First child" to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will mean the first child in respect of whom the Income Tax allowance is made. Thus where the allowance is due in respect of one child only it will amount to £40, for two children it will amount to £65, i.e., £40 plus £25 and so on. The taxpayer will not therefore be deprived of this additional relief if he has one or more children over the age of sixteen.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that on 23rd May last Mr. E. J. Cane, of Cane's Tea Stores, Fleet, Hampshire, ordered 3¼ tons of preserving sugar through Messrs. J. Travers and Sons, 118 Cannon Street, London, and that the first consignment received by him was on 2nd July and amounted only to 15 cwt.; and whether, in view of the shortage of sugar in the Fleet district, he can see that more consideration is shown to local retailers?

In view of the fact that a full allocation of sugar has been made to the Fleet district it is probable that any temporary shortage is due to congestion on the railways, and therefore would not be relieved by a supplementary allocation.

asked the Food Controller whether arrangements can be made to extend the supply of sugar to bee-keepers; and whether he is aware that serious loss is being incurred by bee keepers owing to the fact that the arrangement for supplying this necessary food for bees terminated on 17th May?

:The Board are not aware that any serious loss has occurred amongst established stocks of bees through lack of food The arrangement with the Ministry of Food for the supply of sugar during last winter terminated, as my hon. and gallant Friend states, on the 17th of May last, and arrangements are already in progress for a further supply for the coming winter which I hope will be sufficient for all needs.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that a number of bacon curers have received a cablegram from an important American packing house who do business with them announcing a further serious advance in the price of Wiltshire-cut sides on account of the rising price of hogs; what encouragement he is giving to the home production; if he is aware that the English pig feeders and English bacon curers state that they are being forced to sell their goods at less than the actual cost of production; if he can state when the new schedule of prices will be published; whether the Govern- ment in their sales of spare material accept prices far in advance of cost; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am aware that cables have been received from American packing houses urging a further advance in the price of bacon on account of the rise in the price of hogs. In conjunction with the President of the Board of Agriculture, I have under consideration the questions of pig-feeding, the home production of bacon and the prices which curers are allowed to charge therefor, but I am not yet in a position to make an announcement on the subject of prices. I am satisfied that, having regard to the present controlled price of pigs, the maximum prices fixed for home-produced bacon allow the curer an adequate margin of profit. If it becomes necessary to advance the price of pigs, the maximum prices of home-produced bacon will be reconsidered. My Department does not buy or sell spare material, but in fixing the maximum price of home-produced bacon due regard has been had to the prices which can be realised for spare material.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government have considered the use of British cruisers on foreign stations for the purpose of receiving and transmitting important commercial telegrams by wireless telegraphy in conjunction with shore wireless telegraph stations; and if he will consider the practicability of this course in view of the delays in commercial telegrams at present owing to congestion on the cables?

The fullest possible use is being made of His Majesty's shore wireless telegraphy stations to facilitate commercial traffic, but the use of British cruisers on foreign stations for this purpose is, I am advised, impracticable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that W. Galvin, official No. 184999, Royal Fleet Reserve, late of His Majesty's ship "Undaunted," has been entitled to concession-pay of 6d. per diem since the 1st of October, 1917; that in June, 1918, the fleet paymaster of His Majesty's ship "Undaunted" applied to the Department at 4A, Newgate Street, for payment of what was then due to Galvin, but without effect; that since then several equally ineffective attempts to obtain payment have been made, and that finally, on application to the Secretary to the Admiralty, Galvin was assured on the 11th of June, 1919, that his claim was receiving attention; what are the difficulties in the case that necessitate prolonged consideration; and whether, in view of the fact that nearly two years' arrears of concession-pay are now due to Galvin, he will give instructions that payment shall be made forthwith?

Naval ratings were given the option of retaining the benefit of the allotment concession for themselves, by requesting that the allotment charges against their wages should be reduced on the ship's ledger, or of allowing their dependants to receive the allotment concession in the form of an addition to their weekly allowances. So far as can be ascertained, Galvin did not exercise his option, and no reference on the subject from the "Undaunted" was received; consequently payment could not be made to Mrs. Galvin. The day before Galvin's demobilisation, a, letter on the subject was received from him, and two further letters have also been received. I greatly regret that these were not attended to promptly, but steps are now being taken to adjust the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an application for the release of Drummer D. Forbes, No. 30141, South Lancashire Regiment, was made so long as twenty months ago, and that although repeated applications have since been made no satisfactory reply has up to the present been given; and whether, in view of the fact that this lad is now only fifteen and a half years of age, and enlisted without the consent of his parents, he will cause immediate instructions to be given for his release?

I regret the delay in this case. which arose through the original documents of Drummer Forbes having been lost apparently in the post. His age has now been verified from the duplicate documents, and instructions issued for his discharge to be carried out forthwith.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that application has been made for the demobilisation of Sergeant James Clark, No. 5441, 1st Platoon, W Company, Army of the Rhine, by his late employers, for the purpose of enabling him to work a special machine in a print works in the Airdrie district of Lanarkshire, and that, owing to the refusal of his Department to grant him his release, the machine is standing and fifty persons are idle; and will he give instructions to have him released, so that these persons may be employed?

If Sergeant Clark's case comes within any of the categories prescribed in the Memorandum published on the 17th inst., he will be released accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper H. Morris, No. 151769, Royal Engineers, Headquarters, Lines of Communications Signals, Salonika, aged thirty-seven years five months, attested 11th December, 1915, and joined the Colours, 10th February, 1916; whether Sapper Morris has had no leave since the date of his enlistment; and whether, having regard to Morris's long absence from England, he will give an assurance that he will be speedily released?

If Sapper Morris's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he will be demobilised 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 why the release cannot now be sanctioned of Private J. Thompson, No. 286215 Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), 977th Company, Norwich, who, being close upon thirty-seven years of age, having joined under the Derby Scheme, is detained on military duty on the East Coast, while he is urgently required for work connected with our export trade in Nottingham?

Private Thompson is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, and I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the memorandum issued last week. If this soldier comes within any of the categories prescribed therein he will be released accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the general commanding the Murmansk Force has issued a Routine Order that all troops who have served through the winter shall be released by the end of August next; and, if so, will he state the number of our forces there after this order has been put into effect?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to disclose these figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the continued occupation by the War Office staff of the halls, galleries, and other rooms of the University of London and the Imperial Institute, in consequence of which their educational work is seriously impeded, he can now state when these bodies may expect to regain possession of the buildings of which they are in urgent need?

:The occupants of these buildings are engaged on the work of clearing up the estates of deceased officers and men. I cannot take the responsibility of such a disturbance of this work as would be caused by a sudden change of accommodation. The issue of the war gratuity alone means that some 700,000 estates have to be reopened, and it is urgently necessary that the State should discharge its obligations to the next of kin of whom the vast majority are people in poor circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make some provision for an official guide to be stationed at Ypres, and supplied with the necessary equipment of maps and publications, for the information of the relatives of the dead who are now in increasing numbers visiting the Ypres salient and are at the mercy of ignorant local guides?

My hon. and learned Friend's proposal shall receive very careful consideration, and I hope it may be found possible to make some arrangement as suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet arrived at any decision with regard to the special recognition of the war services of those officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who were compelled, under orders, to remain in this country to carry out important duties between 1914 and 1918?

No, Sir. The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of awarding a silver stripe to men who have been seriously injured or accidentally wounded in carrying out their duties; and whether he is aware that a similar system has already been adopted in the French and other Armies?

I regret I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the consideration of the claims of the Mersey defence officers to a bonus on their salaries, promised by him on 31st March last, has as yet been undertaken; and when a decision may be expected?

It is hoped to issue instructions shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has received representations addressed to the Ministry of Reconstruction from the parish of Dallas and from the county council of Morayshire in regard to an improvement in the means of transport in this district; if he is aware that Dallas is eight miles distant from the nearest station and market; and whether he will consider the giving of a grant to improve the means of communication?

:No such communication can be traced in the War Office, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with a copy, I shall be happy to look into the matter if it is one that concerns my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council has ruled that Army Order 117, of 1919, does not apply to temporary rank held by officers during 1915 and 1916; and whether this ruling has the effect of annulling paragraph 6 of Army Order 370, of 1918, and also paragraph a of Army Order 117, of 1919?

Army Order 117, of 1919, deals with the counting of acting-rank for gratuity. 1ts third paragraph 'deals with the method of assessment of the gratuity in the case of acting rank. It does not refer to temporary rank. Army Order 376, of 1918, deals with the retention of rank on cessation of service. The two Army Orders in no way modify one another.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of his statement that the Government have decided to increase the pensions officers and men disabled through service in former wars so as to bring them generally to the level of the pensions given for disabilities sustained in the present War, the Government can see their way to extend this decision so as to bring all pre-war Service pensions awarded to officers, naval warrant officers, and men, to the level of the present Service pensions, having regard to the fact that the increased cost of living to-day is the same to all pre-war pensioners whether they are disabled or not?

I have been asked to reply. I would refere my hon. and gallant Friend to my answer on the 7th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for East Fife.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to alleviate possible hardship, and with a view to the removal of a legitimate grievance, he will have inquiry made into the case of Sapper E. Elders, No. 41169, 65th Field Company, Royal Engineers, whose demobilisation leave expired on the 30th May, and who was informed that his gratuity has been handed to the Controller of the Post Office Savings Bank under remittance roll number A 9,710, on the 17th May, 1919, but who up to the present has been unable to obtain payment of the same?

I will have inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what amount of technical pay, if any, it has been decided to award to technical officers in Class A of the Royal Air Force; whether the same is to be retrospective from the 1st September, 1918,and will include technical officers demobilised before the decision has been arrived at; and, if so, whether an officer who would thus be entitled to additional pay can claim the same together with gratuity based on the larger amount of pay?

As regards the future, the pay of officers of all branches, flying, technical and administrative, will as I have already indicated, be uniform. As regards the past, the amount of Technical pay which has been awarded to officers graded Category "A" of the Technical Branch has been according to rank, viz.:—

asked the Under-secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he will now answer the question whether an urgent letter from Mr. Norman Thompson, dated 20th July, 1918, addressed to the Air Minister, asking him to redress the situation created by the actions of the Admiralty and other Government Departments, though formally acknowledged, has never been answered; and, if so, what explanation can be given?

Mr. Norman Thompson's letter of the 20th July, 1913, was acknowledged on July 22nd of last year on behalf of Lord Weir, to whom the letter was addressed, and Mr. Thompson was informed that as the matter was one of aircraft production it has been forwarded to the Director-General of Aircraft Production, Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a member of the Contract Claims Department of the Ministry of Munitions, acting for the Lubbock Committee of the Treasury, made a recommendation to the Aircraft Finance Department of the Ministry of Munitions to purchase Messrs. Cox and Company's debenture in the Norman Thompson Flight Company and re-vest the control of the company in Mr. Norman Thompson and his co-directors; why the Government gave orders to the receiver after neglecting to do so to the Norman Thompson Company; and whether it is an established custom or rule of the Treasury not to give orders to a receiver?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second part, it was only after the appointment of a receiver that a decision was reached as to the design of the flying boat in question. The Treasury do not issue any orders in a case of this sort. During the War, however, the Ministry of Munitions sometimes gave orders to a receiver in cases where there was a reasonable prospect of obtaining supplies which were urgently needed.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has now received the recommendations of the Government of India on the proposed increases in the pensions of members of the uncovenanted services; and whether an early announcement on the subject may be expected?

The proposals in question have recently reached me. I have appointed a Special Committee to advise on them.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received any representations from the Government of India on the subject of recent legislation of the Union Parliament affecting Asiatic traders; and whether any action has been taken thereon?

Yes, Sir, and I have addressed the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if a copy of the Asiatics Trading and Land Act (Transvaal), recently passed by the Union Parliament, has been received by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether it will be placed in the Library for the use of Members?

No, Sir; but as soon as copies are received, I will see that one is placed in the Library for the use of Members.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Departmental Committee which was appointed in 1914 to report us to giving immediate effect to arrangements for the re-constitution of the University of London, as recommended by the Haldane Commission, has yet reported; and, if not, if and when it is likely to report?

The work of the Committee was suspended during the War, and it has not yet been resumed. The whole question of the reconstitution of the university is at present receiving my consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is an institution or institutions to which children can be sent whose fathers have been killed during the War, with a view to having them properly educated, so as to give the mother a chance of obtaining employment?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. There are a number of institutions intended for the education of fatherless children, but I am not aware whether any of them confine themselves to, or give special facilities for, the admission of children whose fathers have been killed during the War. I understand that the Special Grants Committee of the Ministry of Pensions have power to make grants towards the education of such children in certain circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will introduce legislation for the purpose of making the principle of the forfeiture of a substantial deposit by candidates who do not poll a certain percentage of the votes recorded operative in all municipal and local elections?

My right hon. Friend does not think that at the present time the Government could undertake to introduce legislation to the effect proposed by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health how many bricks, approximately, there are in the country, and whether they are being sold at controlled prices; and, if so, can they be obtained by the trade and at what rates?

I have been asked to answer this question. There are at present about 350,000,000 building bricks in stock in this country, exclusive of fire-bricks and fancy bricks. There are no controlled prices for building bricks. The building trade can obtain them through the usual trade channels at the current prices.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department is prepared to offer any encouragement to the speculative builder, who is now faced by the increased cost of building in addition to a limitation of rent as compared with pre-war rates; and whether this method of encouraging and stimulating the provision of houses has been considered by his Department?

The suggestion contained in the hon. Member's question has been carefully considered, but so far the Government have not found it practicable to extend their offer of financial assistance to businesses run for the profit of the individual.

asked the Minister of Health whether the local authorities responsible for the government of the Parliamentary borough of Wednesbury have submitted any housing schemes; and whether he will make a statement thereon?

The Commissioner has for some time past been in communication with the town council of Wednesbury with regard to their housing scheme. His report has been received this morning, and a letter notifying the approval of the Ministry to the site proposed is being sent to-day?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of empowering local authorities to turn large unoccupied buildings into flats in view of the delay in commencing building operations and the increasing urgency of the problem of housing returned soldiers?

:The Housing Bill provides full powers enabling local authorities to take action suggested in the hon. Member's question. A manual giving information and advice with regard to the steps which should be taken by local authorities for the exercise of these powers has been prepared and will be issued at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the officials of the Warminster Board of Guardians have made several applications to the guardians for a grant of war bonuses in accordance with the scales authorised for Civil servants and that such applications have been refused; that the Ministries of Health and Labour have urged the Warminster Guardians to consent to refer this difference between themselves and their officials to the Ministry of Labour and that the guardians have refused to consent to arbitration; what reasons they have furnished to the Ministry of Health for this treatment of their officials; and what, further action the Ministry of Health proposed to take in this matter?

I am aware that officers of the Warminster Union are aggrieved at the amount of the war bonuses granted to them by the board of guardians. I have done what I can to persuade the guardians to consent to submit the difference between them and the officers to arbitration but without success, the reason for their refusal stated by the guardians being that they are of opinion that substantial justice has been done to the officers. It is not within my power to compel the guardians to alter their decision.

asked the Home Secretary if he can see his way clear to extend the Factory and Workshops Acts to the kitchens and sculleries of hotels and restaurants; and if he will take action in the matter?

It is not proposed to take any steps in the direction suggested, but I shall be happy to consider any information as to the need for further regulation in regard to these premises which the hon. and gallant Member may be able to supply. I may point out that a restaurant kitchen has been held to be a part of a shop within the meaning of the Shops Acts, and an assistant in the kitchen to be a shop assistant for the purposes of those Acts, and so far as sanitation is concerned, I am advised that hotel and restaurant kitchens are "workplaces" within the meaning of the Public Health Acts, and Section 2 of the (Factory Act of 1901,and the local authorities have, therefore, considerable powers for enforcing sanitary conditions in such places.

asked the Home Secretary whether men who served in the special constabulary are not to receive the medal and ribbon unless they join the police reserve for a period of at least three years?

The Special Constabulary medal will be given to every man who has served not less than three years during the War, and done not less than 150 police duties in that time without any condition as to his joining the Reserve. Men who have not completed three years service during the War will only be able to qualify for the medal by serving in the Reserve.

asked the Home Secretary whether a by-law has yet been made by the Pharmaceutical Society in accordance with Section 4 (b) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1908, providing for the registration as pharmaceutical chemists, upon fulfilling certain conditions, of certified assistants to apothecaries under the Apothecaries Act of 1915?

:I am informed that a by-law for the purpose in question has been passed by the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, and awaits confirmation by a special general meeting of the members of the Society.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will have the present charge for railway fares printed on the railway tickets, so as to avoid miscalculation and excess charges in hurried calculations at the booking-office of the 50 per cent. increase?

I understand that in the case of many of the companies the stock of printed railway tickets is sufficient to last twelve months. In view of the need for economy, I am not prepared to issue orders to the companies to waste these stocks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in the Railway Clerks' Association with the repeated delays of the Railway Executive Committee in replying to their requests and proposals; and whether he will take steps to secure that the association's representations shall be answered?

Negotiations with the Railway Clerks' Association are in progress. The last meeting was held on 8th July, and it is hoped to arrange another in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is great dissatisfaction among the uniformed staffs on the railways at the low rates of bonus and war increases received; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?

These men are in receipt of a war wage of 33s. a week in addition to their ordinary pay, and I am not aware that there is any great dissatisfaction amongst them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the effect on the coal output of the shortage of railway coal wagons, he is able to inform the House what immediate steps he is taking to improve this defect?

A pool of all Government owned wagons is being formed, and in addition instructions have been issued through the Railway Executive Committee to all railway companies to give demands for wagons for coal priority immediately after that accorded to demands for wagons for the transportation of perishable foodstuffs, which have been accorded first priority.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that owing to traffic congestion, particularly in the North-Eastern district, consignments of infants' food for use at infant welfare centres, clinics, and similar institutions are being delayed; and whether he "will take steps whereby such food consigned for institutional use may be granted the same preference in forwarding and delivery as is afforded to other classes of food and provisions?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that infants' food is already given the same preference as is given to other classes of food and provisions. The hon. Gentleman will, however, understand that owing to the small consignments in which infants' food is usually sent the traffic may have often to be transshipped at certain places so that a longer time may be occupied in its conveyance than in the case of traffic consigned in wagon loads.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures are being taken to inform British traders, merchants, and manufacturers about their position as to trading in Germany now that Peace has been signed; and whether he is now in a position to indicate the date on which the general trade policy of the Government may be announced in this House?

:An announcement was made in the newspapers on 14th July to the effect that a general licence had been issued by the Board of Trade authorising the resumption of trade with Germany. There are now no special restrictions on exportation to Germany, but licences in respect of goods subject to prohibitions of importation (other than general licences) are not available for the importation of German goods. I am not yet in a position to announce the general trade policy of the Government.

asked the Postmatser-General whether he is aware that the Post Office Telephones Department offers to supply new telephone connections at Fleet-wood on condition that a surcharge of £19 is paid for the first year in addition to-the annual rental (reference: Preston G/1,924/18, 1st July, 1919); and whether he will reconsider offers of this type with a view to increasing the attractiveness of the telephone service and the popularity of State management?

The surcharge for ordinary exchange lines has now been fixed at £4. I have given instructions for the revised terms to be quoted in the case mentioned.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to restore the telephone express service in London, which has been suspended during the War; and, if so, when?

The question is being considered of restoring this service and other similar services in the London postal district which require a more extended use of special messengers.

asked the Post-master-General when the use of the telephone between London and Paris will again be available to members of the public?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to fix any date. All the circuits available are fully occupied with Government messages.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the practice for the Post Office authorities to require that clerks employed in sub-offices shall be paid the standard rate for the industry; whether it is the practice to insist that the conditions shall not be worse than those enjoyed by the established staff; and, if not, whether he will issue instructions that the trade union rate of wages paid by him to his organised counter-clerks and telegraphists shall be applicable to all clerks employed in sub-offices whose whole time is devoted to the transaction of Post Office, business?

It is not the practice of the Post Office to intervene between sub-post-masters and their assistants except when their pay and conditions of service fall below the standard for shop assistants in the service of good employers in the same district.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the abolition of the cable censorship, he will issue instructions that it is no longer necessary to write on inland telegrams the name and address of the sender if not intended to be telegraphed?

The question of the retention of the rule referred to is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any scheme has been formulated by the Ministry of Labour for the training of disabled sailors and soldiers; and, if so, where these men should apply for training and receive their allowances?

The Ministry of Labour is at present engaged in very largely extending the facilities already available for the training of disabled ex-Service men of His Majesty's Forces. For the present these men should apply for training either to the Divisional Director of Industrial Training for their area or to their war pensions committee, who will take the necessary steps to place them in touch with the authorities responsible for providing training. On and after 1st August the allowances of men receiving training (other than those who require concurrent curative treatment) will be paid by the Ministry of Labour through the institution or firm where the training is taking place.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the advantages accruing from the discussion of industrial matters by the co-operation of industrial councils, he will see his way to make some arrangements for the periodical assembling of existing bodies on the lines of the recent meeting at the Connaught Rooms, arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Council?

I am sure that informal discussion of industrial matters between members of joint industrial councils on occasions such as, that to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers serves a very useful purpose. I hope that before long the national industrial council will be set up, which will give an opportunity for similar discussions of a more formal character.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service whether he will state how many officials were employed by the Ministry of National Service at a salary of £100 a year and upwards on 11th November, 1918, and at the present time, respectively?

The number of officials employed by the Ministry of National Service at the 11th November, 1918, was 15,124 and on the 17th July, 1919, the number wax 228. At the present time all officials and clerks, with the exception of junior clerks, girl messengers, and charwomen are in receipt of emoluments exceeding £100 per annum.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the English Local Government Board is prepared to sanction expenditure by local authorities on village halls and institutes while the Scottish Local Government Board on 13th June replied to the parish council of Lesmahagow that the Board considered a parish council had no power to provide a public hall or reading room, though a town council might, he is prepared to consider an early amendment of the law giving parish councils the same powers as town councils in this matter?

Under Section 24 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act a parish council has power to provide or acquire buildings for public offices and for meetings and for any purposes connected with parish business or with the powers or duties of the parish council. Any room or small hall so provided may be used for any purpose of which the town council approve. I am not aware of any general demand for further powers, but if such a demand should be made, the question of legislation would be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any steps have been taken to import Canadian and foreign hay into this country, in view of the shortage of the supply; and, if so, if he will state the amount, and from where it will be imported, and when it will arrive?

Previous to the War our imports of hay came mainly from Canada. The price in Canada and the high rates of freight ruling rendered any imports of the 1018 crop impracticable. The general question of importing hay is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is intended to control the distribution and the prices of the 1919 hay crop; if so, what prices have been fixed; and will steps be taken to ensure that a sufficient supply is retained in all rural areas to enable farmers to feed their beasts during the coining winter?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the control of the 1919 hay crop is at present under consideration. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that, under any system of control that may be set up, farmers will be enabled to retain a supply of hay sufficient for their necessary requirements.

asked the Food Controller what stocks of the 1918 crop of hay are at present held in Government hands in Great Britain; and whether, in view of the scarcity of hay, he will take steps to release such stocks for general use if the War Office requirements have been satisfied?

:I have been asked to reply. Including the amount in the hands of the Army Forage Department, the amount is, approximately, 130,000 tons of hay of the 1918 crop in stack and in bale. At present it is, I fear, not possible to release this hay for general use.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total quantity of hay hold by the War Department in stacks and bales; what are the estimated requirements for the animals in this country the property of the War Department for the next six months; whether, in view of the fact that practically all stacks of hay for civilian consumption are now exhausted, the War Department will transfer all surplus stocks it holds; and if he is aware that unless a. transfer of Army hay is available for civilian use many thousands of horses will soon be foodless?

The quantity of hay held by the War Department including the Army Forage Department is approximately 130,000 tons. The estimated requirements for Army horses in this country for the next six months is approximately 10,000 tons a month. These requirements, however, are likely to increase. The balance is held to meet the demands of the Armies overseas. I am informed that it is not correct that the stocks of hay for civil consumption are exhausted but, on the contrary, the existing stocks are sufficient to meet demands for civil supply until the end of August. Further, the 1919 crop is gradually becoming available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the state of affairs in Smyrna?

My information is to the effect that no disturbances have occurred in Smyrna itself since those which followed immediately on the Greek landing on May 15th. While the town is in Greek military occupation, the Turkish civil administration is exercising its functions. As regards the interior, the Peace Conference in Paris are endeavouring by every means in their power to prevent the recurrence of fighting between the Greek and Turkish forces by an arrangement strictly defining the limits of Greek military occupation, undertaken under the sanction of the Powers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have any information as to the precise date at which the Japanese Government intend to restore to China full sovereignty over the Shantung Peninsula and to withdraw Japanese troops therefrom?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the quantity of guns and technical war vehicles now being moved about the country by rail is absorbing wagons which are required for the removal of food from the ports; and whether this traffic can be deferred to a more convenient date in order to relieve railway congestion?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is necessary to return these equipments in order to release the personnel looking after them. Platform wagons are used, as far as possible, so as to expedite the clearance and also to free ordinary railway wagons for general traffic.