asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any plans are being prepared for the post-graduate training of members of the Diplomatic Service, as suggested in the speech of the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 31st July last?

(Department of Oversea Trade): As the lion. Member will observe from the answer which I am about to give to another question put by him to-day, every effort is being made, by freeing the members of the Foreign Service from routine work, to give effect to the suggestions with regard to what the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin described as their post-graduate training in the speech referred to. I may add that instructions were sent some time ago to His Majesty's representatives abroad, to the effect that all junior secretaries should undergo a period of training under the commercial secretaries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has arranged with the authorities of the Channel Islands that passports between these two parts of the British Islands shall be abolished; and if this can be carried out without delay to facilitate the summer traffic?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Dartford yesterday. The regulations in this matter do not concern the Foreign Office.

Is it not the case that for some time past a great mistake has been made in issuing passports to and from Jersey, which is a part of the United Kingdom? Why should the Foreign Office grant passports? It is the only Department which grants passports, and the hon. Gentleman says they are not responsible.

The Channel Islands are under the Home Office, and any passport arrangement made for the Channel Islands is made as much at the request of the Channel Islands as within the discretion of the Home Office.

Do not passports issued by the Foreign Office begin "Arthur James Balfour," and addressed to foreigners. There are no foreigners in the Channel Islands, and, therefore, the Foreign Secretary has nothing to do with them—

The hon. Member is arguing the matter, and this is not the time for argument.

I cannot get an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether this country had any Diplomatic or Consular representative or representatives in Finland during the period April to July, 1918; if so, whether reports were received from him or them concerning the way in which the Finnish White (Anti-Socialist) Government suppressed the White Socialist regime; whether he is aware that at the end of the civil war the Red Army, having surrendered to the White and German, forces, many Red soldiers and women were slaughtered by the Finnish and German-soldiery; whether General Mannerheim has been in command of the Finnish White Army co-operating with the Germans; whether General Mannerheim has since then visited London; and whether the-Government recognises or has recognised General Mannerheim as Regent of Finland?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Mr. Grove was His Majesty's Consul at Helsingfors during the period in question. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. As regards the third part, the attention of His Majesty's Government was drawn to the protest of certain Finnish Socialists on the subject, but they have received no detailed reports in regard to the action of the Finnish and German soldiery. To the fourth part the answer is that General Mannerheim was in command of the Finnish forces at the time the Germans went to Finland, but resigned in May, 1918, with many other Finnish officers, on account of excessive German interference in Finnish-affairs. According to a report received from Helsingfors in June, 1918, General Mannerheim was regarded by the German Staff in Finland as being too pro-Ally. To the fifth, in the affirmative; and to the sixth, that His Majesty's Government have recognised the independence of Finland, of which General Mannerheim is the elected Regent.

May I ask how the recognition of Finland is reconciled with the public declaration of General Denikin that one of his aims is a powerful and indivisible Russia, and is there any intention on the part of the Government to alter their policy with regard to the Finnish Republic in view of the declaration of our Ally General Denikin?

It is not for me to make a declaration of policy. The policy in these matters would be expressed by those in high authority who sit on this or other benches.

May we take it that there has been no change of policy towards Finland?

I can add nothing to the answer I have already given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Consul-General has been appointed to New York?

Negotiations are still going on with a gentleman in every way suitable for this important appointment, but I cannot at present say whether the invitation has been accepted by him.

If I put this question down in two days' time will the hon. Gentleman be able to answer?

I shall be able to give an answer, but whether the answer will be satisfactory to the hon. and gallant Member I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to publish the conditions of service and enlistment in the Territorial Force at once, as delay is likely to be prejudicial to the future of the force, in that touch will be lost with the old non-commissioned officers and men who would otherwise be of such great value?

It is hoped to promulgate very shortly the future conditions of service in the Territorial Force.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult from day to day to keep in touch with the non-commissioned officers, and unless some scheme is formulated very soon we shall lose touch with them altogether?

That is fully appreciated, and the utmost dispatch is being maintained in the matter, which is a very difficult matter.

Can any steps be taken to reform county associations and to make them more up-to-date?

Yes; and the Secretary of State for War has had two, if not three, conferences with all the secretaries of the local associations, with the object of taking advantage of the experiences of the War and bringing the whole machinery up to date.

Will that cover re-electing the associations?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the German prisoners will be restored to their families?

As soon as arrangements can be made after the ratification of the Peace Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the right to purchase discharge can be restored?

I cannot agree to the purchase of discharge from the Army so long as the Naval, Military and Air Force Service Act is in operation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the decision to disallow commissioned service to count towards the award of the Territorial efficiency medal will be sympathetically reconsidered in view of the fact that, as present Regulations stand, the equivalent of twenty years' service must be performed by a Territorial ranker afterwards commissioned instead of the proper qualifying period of twelve years?

This question has received careful and sympathetic consideration, and an Army Order will shortly be published on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that the Joint Roads Committee will be dissolved when the Roads Department Branch of the new Ministry of Ways and Communications commences its functions, and that all negotiations with local authorities upon the question of damage to public highways will be dealt with by the new Ministry as the recognised central Government road authority?

A decision as to the use to be made of the Joint Roads Committee on the formation of the Ministry of Ways and Communications will be taken when that Department is being arranged. Meanwhile the existing organisation will be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is engaged upon a scheme for a permanent censorship; and whether this involves the continuance of the staff of censors who have been engaged during the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the latter part therefore does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to announce his decision as to the issue of a special badge or decoration to be worn by officers and men who have been mentioned in dispatches and who have not already received any special decoration?

The question of awarding a special ribbon or decoration to all those who have been mentioned in dispatches has been carefully considered, and it was decided that it would be un desirable to add to the number of decorations and ribbons already granted.

Did not the Secretary of State for War inform the hon. Member who put the question some weeks ago that he would consider whether it would not be possible to introduce a system of palms, such as obtains in the French Army, in order to satisfy the desire on the part of officers and men who have been mentioned in dispatches to have some sort of recognition, and will the hon. Gentleman bring that to the attention of the Secretary of State?

Yes, I admit there is a discrepancy between the two replies, and I will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that officers in the New Armies who are given a com mission in the Regular Army have to lose most of their seniority which they have earned by long service during the present War, often, in the fighting line; and whether he will consider the desirability of modifying this Regulation?

A scheme under which non-Regular officers may be granted permanent commissions in the Army is now under consideration. The scheme will provide for the adjustment of seniority of non-Regular officers who have been granted permanent commissions since 5th August, 1914.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what steps are being taken definitely to settle the compensation claim of Mr. Thomas Clark Barcliff, in view of the fact that Mr. Barcliff has been discharged as incurable from five hospitals and has also been declared to be suffering from paralysis agitans by every nerve specialist who has examined him?

Mr. Barcliff has received the maximum compensation pay able under the scheme framed under the Injuries in War Compensation Act, 1914 (Session 2) which applies to his case. In the opinion of the Treasury Medical Referee, Mr. Barcliff would benefit from a course of special treatment suitable for the malady from which he is suffering, and arrangements are being made for him to receive such treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentle-man aware that the Treasury Medical Referee is not an authority on nervous complaints, and that these hospitals have reported this man to be absolutely incurable?

I do not know. I do not think I can admit that the Treasury Medical Referee is not an authority on nervous complaints. I am most anxious to do anything I can in my power in the case, which is exceedingly hard. I will willingly look into it again to see if any further steps can be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Belgians who were in domestic service during the War, and on the termination of hostilities returned to Belgium on a holiday and to see their relatives are now being refused re-admission to this country; and what steps should be taken by these people and by their late employers to get the necessary Order to enable them to return?

The answer to the first paragraph is in the negative. Aliens who, while in employment here, go abroad for a holiday or a visit to relations have no difficulty in securing readmission to this country on production of evidence that they are coming back to resume their work. If the hon. and gallant Member has in mind any instances to the contrary, and will let me have the facts, I will investigate them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping how many officials were employed by the Ministry of Shipping at a salary of £100 a year and upwards or. 11th November, 1918, and at the present time, respectively?

The number of officials at a salary of £100 a year and upwards were:

(1) Headquarters—

• 11th November, 1521 (excluding 157 Naval and Military Officers and 78 Volunteers).
• Present date, 1,478 (excluding 37 Naval and Military Officers, and 28 Volunteers).

(2) Out ports (excluding New York and Montreal) —

• 11th November, 389 (excluding 82 Officers, and 21 Volunteers). Present date, 114 (excluding 1 Volunteer).

I would point out to my hon and gallant Friend that the apparent small decrease on the Headquarters Staff figure is accounted for by a recent general increase in salaries.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have come to a decision concerning the payment of royalties on the oil discovered in Derbyshire?

I am sorry I am not yet able to make an announcement on this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now m a position to announce the appointment of a British Ambassador to the United States of America?

The answer is in the negative.

I will put down the question again.

asked the Prime Minister whether the desire of the Polish Government to have a naval station at Danzig and a fleet of warships in the Baltic has been discussed by the Government or by the Allied and associated Powers; and, if so, whether any decision on this subject has been reached?

No such suggestion has been discussed by the Government, nor, as far as I know, by the Allies.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) has now been finally dissolved; and is he in a position to say that none of its members will be proposed to the House by the Government for a seat on the new Commission which is to take over the control of the consumption of alcohol and kindred matters?

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

asked the Lord Privy Seal what course the Government propose to take in reference to the Women's Emancipation Bill?

"The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Bill," which embodies the Government's policy on this question, is down for Second Reading in another place to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people during the last twelve months have refused to pay Income Tax; and what steps have been taken to enforce payment?

The in formation asked for in the first part of the question is not available. In cases of refusal or persistent neglect to pay, arrears of Income Tax are recovered in the manner directed by law. In this connection I would invite my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to the provisions of the Taxes Management Act, 1880, Part VI., and of Section 28 (4) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915—now incorporated in Part VIII. of the Income Tax Act, 1918.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will describe the subsidies, direct and indirect, now being paid by the State in this reconstruction period; if he will state the annual amounts; if he will indicate the expected duration of time during which their payment will continue to be essential; and whether the State is taking action and, if so, what to bring home to the public in respect of each subsidy that what relief is given in one direction has to be met in another out of the national finances?

Sixty millions is provided in the Estimates for payments under the Railway Agreements and £950,000 for Canals Compensation. A Supplementary Estimate for £26,400,000 has been presented in respect of coal. As regards the first two services, some payments from the Exchequer will probably be necessary for at any rate the next two years, though I trust that these will be on a considerably smaller scale than at present. It is not possible at the present time to give any indication as to what Exchequer liabilities in connection with coal supplies may amount to in the future

Account must also be taken of the out-of-work donation, the estimate for which for the current year is £34,500,000. It is pay able up to 24th November next in the ease of civilians, and for a year after demobilisation in the case of ex-soldiers, sailors and airmen.

As regards foodstuffs, the only direct subsidy is the Bread Subsidy. The present rate of this remains approximately that shown in the estimates as £50,000,000, but it is hoped to effect an appreciable reduction of this amount in the course of the financial year. Under present arrangements this subsidy will continue until the average cost of imported wheat reaches such a figure as will enable the 9d. loaf to be produced without cost. It is not anticipated that this will happen before the autumn of 1920.

Does not the Chancellor of the Exchequer think it would be better for all subsidies of all kinds to cease before the next Budget is introduced?

The hon. Member may be quite certain he will have the sympathy of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but whether it is possible is another question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the claims against the various Government Departments arising out of the War are now being cleared up; what progress, approximately, has been made with their settlement; and whether he anticipates that most of them will have been adjusted by the time of the introduction of the next Budget?

If the hon. Member would specify the claims to which he refers, I will endeavour to give him the information for which he asks.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the Scottish Educational Department refuses to credit to the late school boards the grants earned by them, and which had not previously been payable before the 15th May; if he is aware that, as a result of this, the ratepayers in the parishes affected will have a serious deficiency to make good; and if he will take steps to see that all the grants earned by the respective school boards are credited to the parishes concerned?

Every school board within the financial year ended 15th May, 1919, received the full amount of the grants norm ally payable to them in respect of any of their schools in that year. They have no claim to the payment of any further grant within that year. Section 44 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872, requires them to make good any deficit in the school fund, from whatever cause arising, by levying a local rate upon the relative parish or burgh. This, I believe, the great majority of school boards have in fact done. The conditions in this regard of the financial year 1918–19 differ in no respect from those of previous years. In lieu of the grants which under the old conditions would have been payable to school boards after the 15th May, grants of equivalent or greater amount will be paid to the new authorities for the benefit not of the rate payers of former school board districts individually, but in relief of the education rate of the whole education area as provided for by Section 13 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918. No other course is possible, in view of the terms of that Act.

asked the Food Controller what is the value at pre-war prices of the commodities now obtainable with an old age pensioner's income of 7s. 6d. per week?

The average increase in food prices since the outbreak of War is estimated by the Ministry of Labour to be 10a per cent. On this basis, food costing 7s. 6d. to-day would have been procurable for 3s. 7d. before the War. Other essential commodities have increased in price to an even greater extent, but as they do not fall within the purview of my Department I have confined my statement to the position. as it affects food.

asked the Food Controller if the Ministry of Food still adhere to their policy of facilitating the export of millers' offals to Denmark and elsewhere abroad; if he is aware that, as the result of this action, English farmers and bacon curers are continuing to experience difficulty in competing with foreign bacon markets, particularly Denmark; if the expert who has been consulted by the Ministry on this and other kindred matters was a person associated with the Danish Bacon Company; if this company represents an association of the principal Danish bacon-curing houses, handling the output of all the chief Danish firms, and working in direct opposition to the British bacon trade; and if, in view of the serious effect resulting from the present policy of the Ministry in developing Danish and American trade at the expense of the Home industry, he will take steps to ensure that the experts who may be consulted in future on matters of the kind in question shall be entirely free of interest in foreign firms competing in the British market?

The export of millers' offals has for a considerable time been prohibited except under licence, the only offals that have left this country being a limited quantity exported in the spring of this year during a period of congestion. The total quantity was under 5,000 tons, and since then no licences have been granted. No person associated with the Danish Bacon Company has been consulted on the subject of millers' offals, and the latter parts of the question, therefore, do not arise.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that there is a report current amongst the authorities, who should know, that there have been 20,000 tons of bran exported to Denmark just recently, and is he aware of the fact that, considering the tremendous trouble the British farmers have to obtain this offal, many of them are considering the question whether it would not be advisable to give up pig-breeding altogether?

I am aware of the difficulty farmers experience in getting offal, but 1 can assure my hon. and gallant Friend the facts as I have stated them are correct. I have sanctioned with extreme reluctance the export of this total of 5,000 tons early in the spring, when driven by the necessity of clearing the mills.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to allow any further export of offals to Denmark, in order that the quantities we have here may be utilised by the British farmer?

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will expect me to give a definite undertaking of that sort.

I can assure him export is only permitted under licence, and, therefore, I think the interests of the British farmer are adequately safeguarded.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman undertake then, under the circumstances, as the Government recognise the necessity for retaining this stuff, to give a promise that no further export of these offals shall take place?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend may accept the assurance that I am as keenly alive as he is to the necessity of retaining feeding-stuffs in this country, and no export will be permitted unless there are adequate supplies in this country.

Is it not the Government policy to encourage exports in every possible way, and has the hon. Gentleman consulted the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter before he puts on any restrictions upon available exports?

I am only responsible for foodstuffs.

Before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a final decision on this point, will he bear in mind that foodstuffs have risen over 100 per cent.?

Yes, Sir; I will.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware, now that the holiday season is commencing, of the hardship caused to the dog owners in the Metropolitan area by the Regulation for bidding the movement of dogs into areas where the Muzzling Order does not apply; and is it his intention to apply the Muzzling Order to England as a whole for, at any rate, the months of August and September?

The Board are aware of the inconvenience that is caused to dog owners in the Metropolitan area by the Regulation forbidding the movement of dogs from that area except to veterinary premises. The Board regard restriction of movement as the most effective means of preventing the spread of rabies, and it is within their knowledge that it has prevented the introduction of the disease into another area. The restriction of movement would, therefore, be maintained even if a general Muzzling Order were imposed, for which there is no case. The measures adopted by the Board are meeting with such success in stamping out the outbreaks of rabies that I ask the hon. and gallant Member to have patience and continue to submit to some inconvenience rather than imperil the satisfactory position that has been attained.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the propriety of setting up State homes for Metropolitan dogs? How can a man go away if his dog as at home?

I will certainly consider any reasonable suggestion; but I would like to make it perfectly clear that the restrictions on the movements of dogs must be maintained?

Why should not pet dogs undergo the same restrictions as are imposed on cattle in the matter of foot-and-mouth disease?

I quite agree. In both cases the object is to prevent the spread of disease.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the very strong feeling there is amongst the residents in those areas where rabies does not yet exist against their dogs being infected from other areas by dogs being brought in?

I am quite aware of that, and that is precisely what the Board wishes to prevent,

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether several cases of rabies have again been notified in the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire coal-mining districts; will he say if the Muzzling Order is being strictly enforced in the whole of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and is it in tended to put in force in the districts where the latest outbreaks occurred of a similar regulation to that made recently for the western suburbs of London, and require all dogs to be led on a chain as well as muzzled?

During the period 18th June—17th July seven oubreaks of rabies have been confirmed in Monmouth-shire and Glamorgan. Five of these were in areas to which special restrictions apply, the other two were at Cwmbran, Monmouth-shire, and special restrictions have-been imposed on an area which includes that place. Those restrictions require leading as well as muzzling.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether it is intended to establish a regular service by flying-boat between the North-East Coast of England and Northern Europe; and, if so, under what conditions?

It is not intended to run a Government service between the East Coast of England and Northern Europe. Those flights which have been and are being undertaken are to demonstrate the possibility of such flights and to gain experience.

Will encouragement be given to private enterprise to establish some such service?

Oh, yes, Sir. Every encouragement that can properly be given will be given. There is no doubt a great future for flying-boats, especially to these countries.

Are any negotiations going on with the Post Office towards set ting up an aerial mail?

Perhaps it would be better to put a question to the Postmaster-General on that point. In regard to flying-boats no actual proposals are now before me, but any such proposals will receive careful consideration.

Have any negotiations taken place with Northern neutral countries, with a view to joint action in establishing such ser vices or assisting them by private enterprise in the matter?

That is rather a large question. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman would put down a question on that specific point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French President has signed decrees sup pressing all prohibitions in regard to imports except in the case of about a dozen articles; and whether he will take similar action?

By French decrees of 14th June and 8th July all but a small number of the prohibitions of import have been with drawn. At the same time, the French Government have considered it necessary, in order to protect French industries, which would be exposed to competition on the withdrawal of the import prohibitions, to increase very largely (in some cases by 200 per cent.) the existing import duties on manufactured goods. The object of this action appears to be to obtain the economic results which flow from Protection through import duties.

Was the purpose of the French in withdrawing the import restrictions to lower the price to the consumer in France?

I am afraid I cannot answer as to what was in the mind of the French.

Does His Majesty's Government intend to take the necessary steps to protect the industries of this country to putting a tariff on foreign manufactured articles?

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the object of our own restrictions is to protect the British manufacturer?

The object of our own restrictions has been very carefully discussed in one, i not two, Debates in this House.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable opposition to the proposals of the hon. and gallant Gentleman near me (Sir F. Hall)?

May I—

Further questions had better be put on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason the Coal Control Department has informed the Worthing Gas Company that as from 1st August all coal supplied to the company must be sea-borne and not rail-borne, in view of the fact that the average cost of sea-borne coal to the South of England is 4s. to 5s. a ton over the cost of rail-borne coal?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave yesterday to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge.

In this question as to whether sea-borne or rail-borne coal is most convenient, may 1 ask the hon. Gentleman whether the President of the Board of Trade will give a proper and clear official indication as to how far the Board intends to enforce these Regulations? Was not the President yesterday under stood to say that the Regulation would not be enforced? Will the right hon. Gentle man make it clear, because very great in convenience and uncertainty has been caused in ports like Manchester, where it is doubtful as to whether they will be able to bunker ships, and owing to the indefiniteness with which the question is being treated?

I will represent what my hon. Friend says to the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Food Controller how many officials were employed by the Ministry of Food at a salary of —100 a year and upwards on 11th November, 1918, and at the present time, respectively?

The number of salaried officials employed in my Department at 11th November, 1918, was 2,650; it is now 1,500. If members of the subordinate clerical staff in receipt of £100 a year or more be included, the total numbers are:

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that these salaries are paid out of money charged to British cattle, while no part of it consists of charges on imported meat?

I would not say all of it is borne that way, but it is a fact that general administrative charges of the Department arc included in the prices charged for food.

Arising out of the decision to keep the Food Ministry in being, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is the policy of the Ministry to take on ex-soldiers and ex-sailors—

That hardly arises out of the question of the Paper, which deals solely with the number of officials employed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of any case where a girl through refusing an offer of employment overseas has been disallowed the out-of-work donation; and whether a decision of this description would be in accordance with the policy of his Department?

I am not aware of any case in which a girl has been disallowed out-of-work donation for refusal to accept an offer of employment overseas; nor do I think that, generally speaking, such a refusal would be regarded by the Ministry of Labour as a refusal of suitable employment involving disallowance of donation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the accommodation provided for the teaching of boys and girls in Southlands Grammar School, Littlestone-on-Sea, New Romney, Kent, is insufficient; whether, in view of the fact that the governors are mostly non-resident and not in touch with the school, he will approach the Kent Education Committee as to the possibility of the school being transferred to them; whether he is aware that at present there are a number of children of well-to-do parents attending the school at little cost; and whether steps will be taken to secure that this school shall be available for the children of people with limited means who are unable to send their children elsewhere for higher education?

The school is conducted by trustees in premises held on a short lease, and, in view of the sparse-ness of the popuation and of the very limited resources of the foundation, is in the nature of an experiment. If the experiment is successful, the question of placing the school on a more stable basis will have to be considered. The Kent local education authority are fully seised of the circumstances of the case, and may be expected to make proposals for dealing with the higher education of this part of their area when submitting the scheme required under the Education Act, 1918.

The Board have no information as to the class of children at present attending the school. The tuition fees are £12 a year, and the trustees are required to maintain at least two free places for "poor children" from public elementary schools. It is understood that, in addition, individual trustees provide some partial exemptions from fees. As regards the trustees, the-Board's records show that they are mainly drawn from the locality, and that they have been active in promoting the interests of the school and in. pressing its claims for support from the local education authority.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions for what purpose the Barnbow shell-filling factory is now being used; whether he is aware that a large number of new railway locomotives and new box railway wagons are standing in the sidings with no protection from the weather; what is intended to be the destination of these locomotives and wagons; and whether, in view of the shortage in the country, some use can be made of them now?

The Barnbow shell-filling factory is now being used for storing surplus Government property of various kinds. Railway locomotives and wagons are stored there pending disposal, in order to clear the contractors' works. They are at present stored in the open as covered storage is not available, but precautions have been taken to prevent their deterioration. Arrangements arc being made for pooling surplus locomotives and wagons for use by British railway companies. As soon as the details have been settled with the Railway Executive Committee the locomotives and wagons will be distributed among the different companies.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the estimated net revenue of the £46,000,000 under Schedule A of the Income Tax for the current financial year includes Income Tax obtained in respect of quarries, mines, and the various properties specified in Rules1, 2, and' 3, respectively, of Schedule A, No. III., of the Income Tax Act, 1918, which under Rule 8 of that number, are taxed in general accordance with the rules applicable to Schedule D, or whether the income derived from these properties is treated for statistical purposes as income under Schedule D?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part in the affirmative.