asked the Food Controller if he has received a resolution from the Midland Farmers' Association that they consider the existing system of the control of milk gives a monopoly to the wholesalers, to the prejudice of the producer in certain districts, and that a free market should be given; whether the Milk Control is taking this into consideration; and, if so, could the future policy of the Ministry be defined?

The resolution referred to by the hon. and gallant Member has been received, and the question raised therein will be considered in connection with the fixing of winter prices for milk. I am not able to make an announcement on the subject at present, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the position of producers will be sympathetically considered.

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 worker scan be served with reasonable refreshment when working in the evening to meet the present national requirements?

There are already two national kitchens and eleven distributing centres at Kingston-upon-Hull. The set ting up of these establishments rests with the local authority, but if application is made for a canteen at the docks my Department is prepared to render full assistance, and, in the event of the scheme being approved, to arrange for the advance of the necessary capital, repayable free of interest in ten years.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the discontent prevailing amongst men of the accountant staff at the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, at the long delays occasioned in demobilisation; whether married men of thirty-seven and over, and those who enlisted in 1914 and 1915, are still being retained; and whether Admiralty orders are being carried out in this depot or not?

Although the Admiralty much regret having to delay the demobilisation of anybody, it is in evitable that writers, victuallers and sick-berth ratings must suffer slower demobilisation than others. An enormous amount of accountant and clerical work has necessarily been caused by demobilisation itself; the resettlement of the Fleet, and the transition period between war and peace also necessarily involve a mass of clerical labour for which the permanent active service members of the accountant-branch is obviously insufficient.Although the principle of giving assistance by civilian clerks has been accepted, it must be pointed out that in a service like the Navy there are limitations to its use.Up to date 93 per cent. of the total number to be demobilised from the Navy have been demobilised. On the other hand, 65.3 per cent. of the writer branch and 67 per cent. of the victualling branch have been demobilised for the reasons already given.The medical branch are also similarly handicapped, and it is obvious so long as the aftermath of war leaves so many patients to be nursed, and so many convalescents to be tended, that the permanent sick-berth staff of the Navy must be insufficient for this work as well as their normal duties in the Fleet; 77.7 per cent. of these have now been demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now see his way clear to allow the only son of a widowed mother, who is entirely dependent on the soldier and incapable of earning, to be released on the grounds of compassion?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the complaint that it is practically impossible to get men demobilised on compassionate grounds; and whether he can relax the conditions under which such release is granted?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the Memorandum published on 17th instant, which greatly enlarges the scope of the demobilisation Regulations, and also renders eligible numbers of men not previously eligible for release. Under the circumstances I regret that I cannot, at present, consent to any further modifications of the Regulations governing demobilisation. I would add that during May and June, 7,864 cases were authorised in addition to over 25,000 granted in previous months.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Captain J. K. Gray, attached to the 43rd Infantry Brigade, at Lahore, was promised demobilisation early in April last in order to enable him to take up a valuable civil appointment; that this promise, made in his name, was confirmed by the Secretary of State for India by letter; that Captain Gray is still detained in India; and that, notwithstanding frequent inquiries, the usual courtesy of a reply has been in this case withheld?

A cablegram was sent to India on the 1st instant, authorising Captain Gray's release. The date of his departure, however, is still dependent upon the reopening of demobilisation from India, the suspension of which is the cause of delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War why M/401727, Private R. L. McLaren, 6th Auxiliary Steam Company, M.T.R.A.S.C., British Army on Rhine, has not been demobilised, seeing that he is forty-three years of age; and if he will take immediate steps to have this soldier demobilised?

If Private McLaren'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 whether he can release at once Bandsman W. Hibbins, No. 201755, 4th Royal Sussex Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, Germany, and Private H. E. A. Turner, No. 3 Section, B Company, 9th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, Lowland Division, Army of the Rhine, seeing that these men's certificates were duly signed and sent in before 28th January, 1919; and, as these men's employers are prepared and waiting to give them employment, if he will instigate inquiries as to the reason why these men are held, which is disorganising many men whose employment is consequent on these men's return?

Privates Hibbins and Turner are not registered by the War office cither as pivotal or for special release, and I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that they are not so registered by his Department. The certificates referred to by the hon. Member were probably contract offers of employment, such as to obtain their registration as slip-men, but this alone does not render them eligible for demobilisation. If, however, they are eligible for demobilisation under the Regulations recently issued, they will be demobilised accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can release Gunner A. Wilkie, No. 152476, 132nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, Black Sea Army, who joined up in April, 1917; and seeing that this man was applied for through the Labour Exchanges, etc., that he is the manager of a large stores where only girls are now employed, that such business is being seriously handicapped owing to his absence, and that his employment is still awaiting him, if he will consider this case in the light of the said circumstances?

Gunner Wilkie is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, and I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. The application by this man's employers, referred to by the hon. Member, was probably a contract offer of employment such as to obtain his registration as a slip-man, but this alone does not render him eligible for demobilisation. If, however, he is eligible for demobilisation under the instructions recently issued, he will be demobilised accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Second-Corporals F. C. Green and T. G. Turley, Royal Engineers Signal Depot. Biggleswade, are receiving approximately £350 and £340 per annum in civil wages, Army pay, separation allowances, and food allowances from the State, in addition to the cost of clothing, billeting, and administrative expenses, whilst for the past nine months their duties have consisted of taking charge of fatigue parties, picking up wood and cleaning bath-houses, and also in charge of small conducting parties and of other work totally unconnected with the technical side of the Signal Service, of which they are certified experts; whether he is aware that both these non-commissioned officers are married men and officers of the Post Office Engineering Department who voluntarily joined the forces during the War, and who are now desirous of re turning to their civil duties but who are prevented from doing so under present Regulations; and whether he will take steps with a view to securing the early release from the Army of all Post Office engineering staff who are engaged in work other than that for which they specially enlisted and for which they are specially paid?

I am informed that the two non-commissioned officers mentioned have, for the last nine months, been employed as instructors in technical subjects. In fact, their applications to go abroad were refused, as they could not be spared from this duty. As non-commissioned officers, they would occasionally be in charge of fatigue parties in the ordinary course of their duties. They are not eligible for demobilisation, and since 25th June have been preparing for drafting overseas. Every endeavour is being made to release men who are eligible for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to make any "definite statement regarding the demobilisation of members of Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps?

asked the Secretary of State for War what special duties, which cannot be as efficiently carried out by discharged or disabled men, render the retention of Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Royal Air Force necessary; and whether steps can be taken to expedite the demobilisation of these corps forth with?

The special duties for which women are found to be more efficient than men are those of a domestic character, such as cooking and waiting, and where the work actually required is generally beyond the capacity of disabled men. In the case of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, members are also employed on clerical work, as motor drivers, and as women examiners. The great majority of the clerks are employed overseas in place of men who have been demobilised and where civilians cannot be used. The motor drivers are employed to replace men who are not obtainable, and the women examiners are employed in Germany on duties such as can only be given to women. Since the Armistice very nearly 50 per cent. of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps have been demobilised. Further demobilisation of the Women's Royal Air Force is not practicable until more fit men come forward for enlistment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of officers there are at present surplus to establishment and the number who have applied to be demobilised; and what is the policy of the War Office in regard to the demobilisation of officers who have no intention of remaining and are no longer required in the Service?

I regret it is not possible at present to answer the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. Steps are taken as reorganisation proceeds to ascertain from all Armies of Occupation, etc., the numbers of officers becoming surplus to establishment, as well as the number who volunteer to stay on and the number compulsorily retained, with a view to replacing the latter by volunteer officers surplus to requirements elsewhere. As regards the last part of the question, the policy is to demobilise as quickly as possible all officers who are no longer required.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office, notwithstanding the provision of ample repair facilities for all war motor vehicles at Cippenham, are at present engaged in designing another motor works at Bulford or elsewhere; whether an officer who was released from designing and equipping the workshops of the Cippenham depot is the officer employed on the proposed new depot at Bulford; whether the War Office intend to proceed to erect the same; and whether he will stop such expenditure?

There is no intention to erect another motor works at Bulford. The remainder of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government have considered the advisability, in consequence of the Peace Treaty being ratified by the German National Assembly, of releasing all political and military offenders or whether they will reduce the terms of imprisonment; and if he will take action in the matter?

I would refer the lion. Member to the reply on the 5th June by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House in answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), to the effect that after very careful consideration the Cabinet have decided not to adopt the course suggested.

asked the 'Secretary of State for War if he is aware D Battery, 116th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, have been on active service for two years and four months serving in Salonika, Bulgaria, and are at present in Egypt; if he is aware that they have had no leave during that time; why these men are being retained; why the men have had no leave; and if he will take action in the matter?

Although the unit may have served overseas for the period stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, it does not follow that its present personnel has served for the same period. Every endeavour has always been made to grant leave to those soldiers who have been long on active service. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer to the Memorandum issued last week. Such of these men as come within any of the categories prescribed therein will be re leased accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the statement made by the Cippenham Select Committee that the War Office files carrying the history beyond the summer of 1917 are missing, whether an investigation has been held into the loss of these official documents and those responsible for the loss; and, if so, what was the result of such investigation?

I have caused this matter to be investigated, and I will circulate the result in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to remove the present temporary huts for soldiers on Wimbledon Common and erect permanent brick and stone structures in place thereof; and, if it is not his intention, when it is proposed to vacate possession and remove the huts so that the public may enjoy the unrestricted use of the common to which they are entitled?

There is no intention of erecting permanent structures on Wimbledon Common for military purposes. The existing temporary hutting will be required for some considerable time, and I regret that it is not possible at present to say when the hutment camp will be closed.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that at the time of the Armistice there were included in the British Salonika Force five companies of British Labour Corps, each with an establishment of over 500 all ranks; also employment companies consisting of men who had served in front-line units, but had been placed in a lower medical category on account of ill-health contracted in the front line, and owing to the climatic conditions of the country; also several battalions of Macedonian labour; officered and supervised by British troops; and is he aware of the disappointment of the officers and men of this force at the omission to mention them in the final dispatch of General Milne. 22nd January, 1919; (2) whether the omission to mention the work of the Labour Corps in the final dispatch of the Commander-in-Chief, British Salonika Force, dated 22nd January. 1919, was due to General Milne's disapprobation of their work or any other cause?

The facts were approximately as stated by the hon. Member. I have consulted Sir George Milne, who tells me that he intended to include the Labour Corps in his reference to the work done under the Engineer-in-Chief and the Macedonian Corps in his reference to the Infantry. I will consider in what way this intention can be made clear.

asked the Secretaary of State for War whether he is aware that in the Allied Press Supplement to the "Review of the Foreign Press" the extracts in the section on Poland are taken exclusively from Polish newspapers; and whether, as these extracts frequently deal with the Jewish situation, of which they give a one-sided view, he will instruct those responsible for the publication of this Press Supplement to include in future issues extracts from the Jewish newspapers of Poland, so that a correct presentation of the Jewish position in that country may be given?

It has not been possible until this week to obtain a regular supply of copies of the Jewish newspapers in question. The next number of the Allied Press Supplement will contain a, précis of the contents of three Yiddish news papers published in Warsaw, and it is hoped that it may be possible to continue this feature.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, at the Chilwell Army Ordnance Depot, there are employed soldiers of His Majesty's Forces in uniform, drawing His Majesty's pay and under Army discipline; if so, whether it is the intention of the Army authorities to employ no other person than as previously stated; and when such a decision was arrived at and for what reasons?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, it is proposed to staff the depot with personnel of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps supplemented by civilian labour. The latter will be obtained, as far as possible, from ex-soldiers, if suitable for the special work to be performed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the decision of the Army Council on the question of the promotion of majors who have been superseded whilst prisoners of war?

It has been decided to defer promotion in such cases until a vacancy exists in the regiment to which the officer belongs. The promotion will be antedated for seniority to the date of the vacancy which the officer missed whilst a prisoner of war; but the date for pay and service as substantive lieutenant-colonel will be the date of the vacancy which the officer is promoted to fill. Officers promoted must, of course, be recommended by the Selection Board as in all other cases.

asked the. Secretary of State for War if he can now make a statement regarding the control and distribution of canteen profits?

I am sorry that I can not even yet make a statement with regard to this matter, but I will do so as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the feeling caused among the soldier clerks, mostly repatriated prisoners of war, employed in the R.F. Depot Orderly Room, Hounslow, at the long hours of duty they are performing, seven days per week with no extra pay; and if he is prepared to issue orders that their hours should, be con- siderably reduced and to grant commensurate remuneration for the work performed?

Inquiries are being made, and I will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the price per pair paid by the Government for the boots issued to the Volunteers, and which were worn by them for a fortnight?

I cannot identify these particular boots so as to trace their cost; but to replace them would, it is estimated, cost 26s. 6d. a pair.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many individual claims have been submitted for compensation to officers who were prisoners of war in Turkey, and how many of these claims have been settled?

I am not in a position to state the number of claims so far received or settled in connection with Turkey. They arc of varied character, and are dealt with by different authorities. My hon. and gallant Friend probably has mainly in mind claims in connection with loss of private property and the incurrence of extraordinary expenditures. Such claims are being collected with a view to consideration by a special committee representing the various Departments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that L.A.C. M. Potticary, A.C., No. 39249, Royal Air Force, Wendover, has been placed on a draft for Russia; and whether, in view of the fact that this man is not a volunteer, he will give instructions to cancel the order?

This airman has never been placed in a draft for Russia; the second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men of the Royal Air Force Repatriation Camp, Winchester, who are, in the majority of cases, married and with families, have not received any leave since December, 1918; and is he prepared to take steps to see that the grievance caused thereby is removed?

The Royal Air Force Repatriation Camp at Flowerdown, Winchester, was formed in May last. Leave is given at frequent intervals—in the present months from the 11th–15th July and again in the present week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the construction of a large aerodrome was commenced at Flookborough during the War; that railway sidings were laid down and workmen's huts built, but that the same was discontinued owing to the then shortage of steel for constructional purposes; and whether he will consider the advisability of reconsidering this matter with a view to affording Messrs. Vickers, of Barrow, an opportunity of continuing to cater for this trade?

The question is for the Admiralty, and perhaps the hon. Member will address that Department accordingly.

asked the Pensions Minister whether any instances have been brought to his notice of men appearing before medical boards for revision of pension being asked questions by the board as to their present weekly earnings; and, if so, whether he will draw attention to the necessity for carrying out the Regulations, which forbid such questions being asked?

A few complaints have been received. Medical boards have been instructed from time to time that the question is forbidden, and their attention is again being called to the fact.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if there is any reason why the war gratuity due to an officer from Orkney who died of wounds in France in November should not be paid; and, in view of the fact that the money is badly wanted by this officer's executors, he will give the matter his urgent consideration and, at any rate, see that a reply is sent to the officer's solicitors?

My hon. Friend has written to me in connection with this case. The total amount (including all gratuities) due to the estate of the deceased officer has been authorised to be paid to the executors.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the extension to warrant officers who are recipients of the medal for long service and good conduct of the gratuity of £5 which is paid to non-commissioned officers and men who earn this decoration

This question is receiving consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will have further inquiry made into the case of Mr. William Lennon, 19, High Street, Kilmarnock, who was left with the motherless son of Private J. King, No. 13826, Royal Scots, from the 1st September, 1914; whether Mr. William Lennon made repeated efforts to try and ascertain the regimental particulars of Private J. King so as to enable him to claim an allowance for the upkeep of this child, but was unable to obtain this information until after Private King's demobilisation; and whether, in view of this fact, it is possible to make any payment to Mr. Lennon for the expenses to which he has been put in connection with this child?

Inquiries will be made and 1 will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will request the Government of India to order a Return to be made of the number of securities imposed on printing presses in India, and whether paid or the press closed in default of payment; of the number of first securities for- feited; of the number of enhanced second securities imposed, and whether paid or the press closed in default of payment; of the number of enhanced securities and of presses forfeited, and of the number of pamphlets and books forfeited under the Press Act (I.) of 1910, since it was enacted; and will he direct that such Order shall be laid upon the Table of the House?

A Return made to this House of 13th July, 1914, showing the action take under certain sections of the Indian Press Act (1) of 1910 contains most of the information desired by the hon. Member as regards the period prior to that date. I will consult with the Government of India with a view to bringing the Return up to date and including in formation regarding the number of pamphlets and books forfeited.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that quantities of rice are being held up by the merchants at Darjeeling in order to force up prices, and that a considerable portion of the rice so hoarded is going bad; whether there is any reason to believe that this proceeding is part of an organised plan to embarrass the Government and secure the repeal of the Excess Profits Tax; and whether, in the interest of the native consumer and for the maintenance of order, the Government will take steps to put an end to this profiteering in an article of prime necessity?

I have no information, but will communicate the substance of my hon. Friend's question to the Government of India.

asked the Home Secretary whether, when a spirit licence has been granted to a person who has not had a licence prior to 1917, the licensee can obtain a permit to purchase spirits; and, if so, whether he will authorise the grant of such a permit to Frederick Heathcote, of the Dutch Cafe, 12, North End Road, Golders Green, N.W., who was granted a spirit licence by the Wealdstone justices in February, 1919?

The permit referred to in the question is presumably the authority which is required under the Food Controller's Order, No. 270 of 1917, for obtaining spirits from bond on payment of duty. A condition of obtaining such an authority is that the applicant is a person to whom spirits were delivered from bond in the year 1916, and unless a licensee who had no licence prior to 1917 is in the position of such a person he can not obtain an authority. But he is at liberty to obtain spirits from any dealer who may be willing to supply him from his duty-paid stock.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the justice of raising the pensions of police constables who left the force before 1914 to the same level as the scale of pensions paid to constables who have left the force since 1914, seeing that equal pensions for equal services is a reasonable request?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers given on this subject to the hon. and gallant Members for Stafford and Dulwich on the 7th and 10th July, respectively. The position remains the same, and I am sorry that I cannot propose legislation on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a probable increase in the price of boots by at least 6s. per pair; and, if so, does he propose to take any action in the matter?

I cannot say whether the hon. Member is right in his estimate. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to the announcement made by the Leader of the House on 14th July in answer to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that he was able to lay before the House detailed figures showing the gradual rise in the price of coal from the pithead to the consumer, he will supply similar details respecting the price of a suit of clothes from the wool sale to the retailer's shop?

A statement showing such information as is obtainable is being prepared and will be communicated to my hon. Friend in the course of a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any scheme has been arranged for the relief of members of the Diplomatic Corps from excessive routine work, as outlined in the speech of the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 31st July last?

In the case of nearly all Embassies and Legations arrangements have already been made, and it is hoped to establish similar conditions in the others at an early date.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that during Saturday morning the branches of most of the small trees on either side of the Mall were loaded with boys and men, with the result that many branches were broken off and serious damage and disfigurement caused to a number of the trees; and whether he will take some measure, such as wrapping the trunks and lower branches of these trees with barbed wire, to prevent similar in juries occurring in future?

I am glad to be able to state that no serious damage was caused to the trees in the Mall on the occasion of the Peace Procession. Measures of protection, similar to those suggested in the second part of the question, have been taken in the past, but were found to be ineffective.