asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the total quantity of sacks of manufactured flour imported into the United Kingdom during the three months April to June, 1919, and also the quantity imported during the corresponding period of any year from 1910 to the beginning of 1914; whether the milling capacity of the country as a whole is actually in excess of its requirements; and whether the effect of the largely increased importation is that British mills have only maintained employment for their workpeople on such an uneconomical basis as would not have been possible if the mill had not been subsidised by the Government?

The quantities of wheatmeal and flour (in sacks of 280 lbs. weight) imported into the United Kingdom during the months of April, May, and June in the years 1910 to 1913 and in the current year have been:

1910	…	…	…	…	884,129
1911	…	…	…	…	987,371
1912	…	…	…	…	1,033,294
1913	…	…	…	…	1,184,166
1919	…	…	…	…	2,311,508

I am informed by the Wheat Commission that the milling capacity of the British mills is somewhat in excess of actual requirements, owing to the larger quantity of imported flour shipped and contracted for during the days of the submarine campaign, when it was obviously a reasonable precaution to build up reserves; it having been decided to reduce these stocks the mills are necessarily now grinding less wheat than usual. As the circumstances are, however, of a temporary character, it is not considered wise or equitable to reduce materially the number of workpeople employed in flour mills.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the margarine factories who own their own retail shops are selling margarine retail at a cheaper price than they are supplying the same wholesale to other small shopkeepers and whether he can take any action by which these small shopkeepers; can obtain a living profit on this necessary article of the people's food?

:The arrangement with manufacturers is that they shall supply margarine to traders at such wholesale prices as will enable it to be sold retail at 1s 2d. a lb. The retail sale by these manufacturers at a lower rate is made possible by the economies incident to a big business and affords a direct benefit to the consumer, which I am not concerned to disturb.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Greystones Harbour, county Wicklow, is now filled with shingle and sand and that it is impossible to moor within it a boat of any kind; if he is aware that many of the fishermen of the district are demobilised soldiers who fought in the War and find, on their return to their homes, that their occupation is gone save for such fishing as can be done from small row-boats during the summer, which will become impossible in winter; and if he will take steps to permit of these men resuming fishing in larger than rowing boats?

Greystones Harbour is the property of the county council of Wicklow who are responsible for its maintenance. I am not aware that there are many demobilised soldiers in the district who were fishermen before the War, and am advised that it is unlikely that material improvement of the harbour would be followed by continuous, regular fishing.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether certain Mercantile Marine officers with acting naval commissions were temporarily lent to the Foreign Office and, while acting on the Skibotn route in 1918, succeeded in preventing much valuable material originally dispatched to our Russian Allies being secured by the Germans, who nearly succeeded in capturing it during the trouble in Finland; whether the material, of a value of about £7,000,000, was removed under very trying climatic conditions and at great risk to those effecting it; whether this service has received, or will receive, any special recognition either in the way of honour or of salvage reward; and, if not, can the case be further considered?

Commander Day, R.N.R., Paymaster-Lieutenant F. Burke, R.N.R., and Sub-Lieutenant J. K. Storey, R.N.R., were lent to the Restriction of Enemy Supplies Department in January, 1918, for the purpose of recovering certain, stocks originally destined for Russia which were then lying on the Skibotn route on the Finnish Norwegian frontier, it being feared they would fall into the hands of the Germans. Owing to Commander Day's energy and initiative the greater part of the stores was recovered, and he was thanked by the Restriction of Enemy Supplies Department for carrying out his duties in a most able and efficient manner, and was awarded the O.B.E. That Department, however, was unable to entertain a claim for salvage of the stores. Appreciation was also expressed to Paymaster-Lieutenant F. Burke, R.N.R. I am advised that no further action by the Admiralty is contemplated.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty how many holidays with pay will be given to the employés in Royal dockyards and naval establishments; and whether the same consideration will be given to all employés as is given to officers and chargemen in the matter of extra leave with pay?

The employés in the Royal dockyards are allowed four days a year as holidays with pay; they also observed the general peace celebration holiday on Saturday last. It is not proposed to extend to all employés the special advantages which have been granted to officers and chargemen in the matter of extra leave with pay during the present year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many executive lieutenant-commendars and commanders there were on the active service list who were outside the promotion zone at the outbreak of war, and how many there were when peace was declared; how many of these officers received acting rank; what is the number of those acting officers of each rank within these categories who have subsequently been promoted or confirmed in their rank, and how many have been reverted to their former ranks; and have any retired from the service?

—	Number.	Received acting milk.	Received acting rank and subsequently promoted or confirmed in their rank.	Received acting rank and now reverted to former rank.	Outside zone of promotion now retired.	Number shown in previous column who received a step in rank on retirement.
Executive Lieut.-commanders on active list and outside zone of promotion at outbreak of war.	45	33	2	6	11	10
Executive Commanders on active list and outside zone of promotion at outbreak of war	53	29	2	2	10	7
Executive Lieut.-commanders on active list and outside zone of promotion at cessation of hostilities	119	74	1	22	13	10
Executive Commander on active List and outside zone of promotion at cessation of hostilities	91	54	Nil.	19	11	7

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether Mr. W. Davey, Yard No. 3955, invalided from the Hants Regiment, and Mr. E. Murphy, Yard No. 3942, discharged wounded from the Royal Engineers, were included in a large discharge from His Majesty's dockyard, Portsmouth, on 11th July, 1919; and if, in view of recent statements with reference to discharged men being retained in Government employ, there are special reasons why these men should be discharged in preference to men entered since the War who have served in neither the Army nor Navy?

The two men referred to were temporarily employed as skilled labourers on riveting work. There being a reduction in the amount of riveting work, it was necessary to give notices of discharge to a number of men employed on this work, and the two men named in my hon. Friend's question were included

The following tabular statement gives the information asked for. It is assumed from the context that by the expression "when peace was declared" is meant when hostilities ceased, namely, the date of the Armistice, and the figures have been prepared on that basis:with those to whom notices were given, having regard to their claims for retention relatively, to those of other men employed on the same work. A number of men to whom notices were given, including the two men now in question, were given the offer of employment as labourers at a lower rate of pay in place of that in which their services were redundant, and they have accepted the offer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval writers have been demobilised since the 2nd of June last at each of the naval ports, and how many civilians have been employed during that period at each of the ports to do those duties; and why so few writers were demobilised and so few civilians entered at Chatham compared with the other ports during the six weeks preceding the 2nd of June?

With regard to the first portion of the question, the numbers are as follows:

From Portsmouth	…	…	…	104
From Devonport	…	…	…	92
From Chatham	…	…	…	124

With regard to the second portion of the question, the numbers are as follows:

At Portsmouth	…	…	…	117
At Devonport	…	…	…	77
At Chatham	…	…	…	13

With regard to the third portion of the question, the assumption made by my hon. and learned Friend is incorrect. Chatham did not demobilise fewer writers than the other ports during this period, but more than either of the other two, and though fewer civilians were entered than at Portsmouth, more were entered than at Devoport.

asked the Secretary of State for War if a soldier who attested under the Derby scheme and has actually served from May, 1916, but who has always been B 3 and never fit to go overseas and who is now stationed in Ire-hind and, when his company is marching, has to ride two-thirds of the distance on a transport wagon from inability to march, can now be discharged as useless to the Army and having his civilian employment awaiting him?

No man is retained who is physically unfit to perform the duties required, and if the soldier my hon. Friend refers to is in Category B 3 he has been passed as fit for sedentary duty, and is, in the opinion of the medical authorities, fit to carry out such duties. In the absence of particulars as to his age, etc., 1 am unable to state whether he is eligible for demobilisation under current instructions. He would, however, appear to come within the Memorandum issued last week, and, if so, will be dealt with accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper J. Dalzell, who is forty-three years of age, is still serving at Aleppo; whether he is aware that Mr. Dalzell has had a great deal of domestic distress and that his release has been applied for by the Post Office; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to the early release of this over-age man?

If Sapper Dalzell's age is as stated by the hon. Member ho 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 will consider the advisability of extending the award of the Victory Medal to medical officers, chaplains, Royal Army Medical Corps orderlies, and nurses, who served on board hospital ships during the War, in view of the fact that this service was one of considerable and continuous danger from mines, submarines, and shell fire, e.g., at Gallipoli?

The claims of those referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend have not been overlooked. I hope the Army Order authorising the grant of this, medal will be issued shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers are at present imprisoned in England and abroad, respectively; and what proportion of these are detained for purely military offences?

I will have a return prepared showing the numbers imprisoned at home and abroad on a given date. The hon. Member will realise that these numbers fluctuate from day to day, and that for stations abroad special reports will have to be called for. As regards the latter part of the question, it would involve a great deal of research to determine the nature of the offence in each case, and I hope the hon. Member will not press for this information to be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the big gun range near Warminster is of great military value; and whether, if this range is to be permanent, the War Office are prepared to buy or rent the lands which the range renders untenantable and unsaleable for farming purposes?

This range is of great military value. It forms part of the project for the Central Artillery School, and will be permanent. Where practicable, special arrangements have been made to enable the tenants to carry on agricultural operations and prevent the land from going out of cultivation. Where, however, such operations are not possible, those concerned are paid such compensation for the use of the land as is determined by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Captain Rupert Collins, M.D., who entered the Army in 1915 as a captain and left in the present year, after holding the position of divisional officer for three years and receiving highly favourable reports from six successive commanding officers, may be accorded the rank of major to which he is entitled under Army Order 376?

This officer did not hold the acting rank of major for the minimum period laid down, and I regret, therefore, that he is not entitled to be granted that rank on demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the storeholders, principal foremen, and foremen of the field stores, Aldershot, have to supervise the work of employés who receive a higher rate of pay than they do; whether this represents the deliberate policy of the Army Council; and whether, in view of the feeling of injustice prevailing among the class concerned, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the whole condition of employment and pay of the storeholders, principal foremen, and foremen of the Ordnance Department of the Field Stores, Aldershot?

An increased war bonus for storeholders and principal foremen is now being promulgated. It will have effect from the 1st April, and will remove any overlap by grades below, which may have existed previously. I am not aware of any case at this establishment where a foreman supervises an employé who receives a higher rate than he does.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Captain G. C. H. Irving, 13th Rifle Brigade, lost the whole of his kit by theft whilst it was in the hands of the Army military forwarding office; that the kit was dispatched from the 37th Division Railhead on 2nd February, 1919, and that this officer has so far failed to obtain any compensation for the loss; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made and a suitable amount to be sent to this officer?

:I am not aware of the circumstances of this particular case. An officer is not entitled to compensation for loss of kit from Army funds, unless he requires to replace the kit for further military service. As Captain Irving has been demobilised, his claim has no doubt been refused on that ground.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that some 2,000 tons of valuable old hay is stored in ricks so close together at Culkerton, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, that if a fire took place it would in all probability be destroyed, as there is not any water near?

I am informed that the quantity of hay stacked at Culkerton is 764 tons, and not 2,000, as suggested, and that there is a space of 24 ft. between each stack, whereas 15 ft. is considered safe. The usual precautions against fire have been taken, namely, a guard is provided night and day, the stacks stand upon hard and bare ground, and there are forty-six large barrels of water and thirty-six fire-buckets. In addition to these precautions, there is also an adequate supply of chemical fire-extinguisher always on the ground in case of an emergency.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why gratuities have not yet been paid in respect of Lance-Corporal James Blaikie, No. 11413, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, who was killed in April, 1918, and of his brother, Private Gordon Blaikie, No. 85853, Machine Gun Corps, who was posted as missing on 29th May, 1918, and whose death has now been presumed by the Army Council; and whether he will give instructions that these gratuities, together with other sums due to the soldiers, be paid as soon as possible?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on the 8th instant to my hon. and gallant. Friend the Member for Holborn.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why Captain J. B. Smith, late Gordon Highlanders, has not received any gratuity either in respect of his services in the ranks or as an officer; and whether he will give orders that the same be paid?

Instructions have been issued for the payment of the gratuities due, and the officer has been communicated with on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Robinson, of 2, Pembury Place, High Street, Alder-shot, widow of the late Sergeant-Major J. W. Robinson, M.C., Royal Army Medical Corps, during her husband's life drew £2 14s. 1d. weekly separation allowance, in addition to 25s. per week remitted to her by her husband; that now, since her husband has been killed in action, she receives a total pension with bonuses of 29s. 6d. per week; and that, although her husband had completed twenty years' service out of twenty-one years qualifying for his pension, she has received no compensation for this; and if he can state whether this case can be reconsidered?

I am afraid that under the Regulations the widow is not entitled to any payment from Army funds in addition to the pension awarded by the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that A. Campbell, late Sapper, Royal Engineers, No. 175786, was demobilised in January last and has made an application for a pen- sion, but nothing has been awarded to him; whether the medical officer of the Poor Law guardians, Houghton-le-Spring Union, has reported that this man is suffering from the effects of a wound in the head, has a wife and four children, and is not fit for work at present; whether at the guardians' meeting on 3rd July he was granted £3 a week for four weeks; whether he will have immediate inquiry made to ascertain whether this man is entitled to a pension; and, if so, why there has been delay in his case?

On demobilisation Mr. Campbell was given an opportunity of claiming a disablement pension, but signed his Army Form Z 22 to the effect that he did not claim to be suffering from a disability due to military service. Consequently his official documents were not forwarded for consideration of his claim to pension, but were retained at the Record Office. His documents have now been obtained, however, but there is no history of a wound in his medical papers. Instructions have been given for his examination by a medical board, and in the meantime the local War Pensions Committee have been authorised to make recoverable advances on the medical referee's ortificate.

asked the Minister of Labour whether lie has received a copy of a resolution passed by a mass meeting of discharged disabled men at present undergoing training for new occupations in the various schemes of the Ministry in force in Edinburgh, pointing out that the new rates of maintenance and training allowances are vague and inadequate; whether he will state the terms of the new rates in question, and how they compares with those formerly in operation; and what steps he proposes to take to secure maintenance and training allowances which will be sufficient in view of the present high cost of living?

I have not seen a copy of the resolution referred to. Disabled men eligible for training under the Royal Pensions Warrant may receive either the Warrant rates of allowance or the Ministry of Labour rates, whichever they prefer. The Warrant rates are an allowance of 33s. per week in lieu of pension, plus 8s. a week for the first child under sixteen, 6s. per week for a second child, and 5s. a week, for each successive child. The Ministry of Labour rates are 33s. per week plus 6s. per week for the first child under fifteen, and 3s. per week for each additional child, to which falls to be added the amount of the man's pension rights. Under each scale additional allowances are payable to men living away from home and apart from their dependants; the terms are slightly more favourable under the Ministry of Labour scale. Travelling allowances are also payable under both scales subject to certain conditions. In general, the Ministry of Labour scale is more favourable for ox-privates, especially for those with a high degree of disability. The Warrant rates are more favourable to ex-non-commissioned officers. I am considering, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, the question of an adjustment in the amounts given as allowances to trainees.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the decision of the appeal tribunal can be reconsidered in the cases of Private. James Nicol, No. 25657, Royal Scots Fusiliers, and No. 25857, 10th Works Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, and a pension be granted?

The decision o the appeal tribunal, who examined the claimant and heard the evidence tendered by him, must be regarded as final. No evidence has been put before my right hon. Friend which would justify him in asking the tribunal for a now trial.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the students attending the commercial course for demobilised officers and men at the Liverpool University have not as yet received any instalment of the maintenance grant which is due to them, although all the necessary documents have been sent to the Minister; whether he is aware that the majority of these students have been demobilised since the beginning of the year, and, owing to their having no other means of support, the withholding of this grant is entailing hardship; and if he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware that there has been some delay in dealing with applications from ex-Service students attending the Liverpool University. This- is inevitable owing to the large number of applications which have, been received. Some of the grants referred to have already been paid, and steps are being taken to expedite the payment of the remainder as much as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received a resolution from the Liverpool local committee for the higher education of ex-Service students expressing regret at the delay in dealing with the payment of interim grants, and the opinion that arrangements should be effected whereby payments on account are made within the first week or two of training, and urging the Board to take action; and, if so, if lie will state what steps will be taken in regard to the students' claims for maintenance?

The Board of Education have reecived a copy of the resolution referred to. Owing to the large number of applications, some delay is inevitable in announcing the Board's decision as to award, and it is frequently not possible to ensure that maintenance grants be paid in approved cases within the first week or two of training. Steps are being taken to expedite the payment of grants as much as possible. Many of the applications for interim grant referred to were not received by the Board until after the 1st July.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he can now make any further statement as to the serious losses caused in his Department by the sanction of the use of cypress on aeroplanes; whether he has been able to establish the blame for this loss, and whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to his decision to strengthen his advisory committee with practical expert opinion in order to avoid such blunders in future?

With regard to the first two parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to him on the 1st, 21st, and 26th May, and 26th June. In accordance with a suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Conjoint Board of Scientific Societies were invited to consider the co-option of representatives of the National Federation of Sawmill Proprietors. The absence of the chairman of that body in America has involved delay, but he has now returned, and I will inform my hon. Friend shortly what decision has been come to.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry what firms have received from the Air Ministry permission to exhibit machines and engines made under Government contract at the Amsterdam Exhibition?

The following firms have received Air Ministry permission to exhibit machines at the Amsterdam Exhibition:Gosport Aircraft Company, F. 5, flying boat.Messrs. Handley Page, V. 1500.The Aircraft Manufacturing Company, D.H.X.A.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that Lieutenant P. A. Baker, Royal Air Force, has been informed that lie is to be gazetted out of the Air Force; whether Lieutenant Baker is still in hospital suffering from severe burns received in a crash in France in September, 1917; whether he has been marked for a further six months' treatment in hospital with daily surgical dressings; whether his pay, as lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, is 14s. per day, with free maintenance; whether, if gazetted out, he will receive pay at the rate of £175 per annum, less 4s. 6d. per day for maintenance; and whether, as Lieutenant Baker is incapacitated and unable to earn his living, the action of curtailing his pay and charging him with maintenance is the usual reward to an officer who has received wounds on active service?

The answers to the first four parts of the question are in the affirmative; the question of the amount of disability pension to which this officer will be entitled on relinquishment of his commission cannot be stated until the Ministry of Pensions are in a position to examine the case, but the normal rate for a lieutenant of the Royal Air Force who is fully disabled is £175 a year, plus a bonus of 20 per cent. from which a deduction of 4s. 6d. per day falls to be made if the officer is maintained in hospital. This officer has received the utmost advantage and consideration it is possible to give him under the existing Regulations. It has always been accepted that some definite period must be fixed during which an officer can be paid full pay before his case is taken over by Pensions Board. I am informed that that period (eighteen months) has been exceeded by six months in this case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if a large sum is due to Messrs. George L. Morgan, Limited, of Hereford, for commission for wool dealt with by them; if he is aware that the Department decline to pay the 20 per cent. given to Welsh merchants during the past year; and why Messrs. Morgan are not to be paid as border merchants, seeing that they have done the work?

:The cause of the delay in effecting a settlement in this case has been the refusal of Messrs. G. E. Morgan, Limited, to render their commission account in accordance with their agreement. With regard to the second portion of the question, Messrs. Morgan were not recognised as Welsh merchants by the Department. With regard to the last part of the question, it has already been decided to pay the balance of the commission due to this firm in accordance with their agreement, and this payment has now been made to them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is now in a position to make any statement regarding the Committee to inquire into the oil industry and the terms of reference?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of a continued rise in the cost of leather; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the same?

I have boon asked to answer this question. I am aware of the continued rise in the cost of leather. The price depends on the cost of raw materials for the most part imported from abroad, over which the Government has no control. Government stocks are now-being issued to the trade below the present scale of values.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Report of the Nitrogen Products Committee is ready; if so, when will it be published; and whether other countries are already establishing factories and availing themselves of the investigations made by this Committee?

:The Report has been received and is under consideration, as is also the question of publication. I am not aware of action being taken in other countries such as that suggested in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is to be the fate of the Billingham Factory; and whether the Government propose to continue the scheme outlined by the Minister of Munitions in 1918?

The question is under consideration, and I hope shortly to be in a position to announce the decision.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions when star shells wore first used by the British Army in the War, and when the supply was fully adequate to requirements?

:I have no official information as to when star shells were first used by the British Army in the War, but demands for an improved type wove received from the end of 1916 onwards. The supply was never fully adequate to requirements.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will state, giving figures to the latest available date, the number of elementary schools in use by the military authorities, the number of secondary schools likewise utilised, the number of schools, elemen- tary and secondary, respectively, in which double shifts of scholars are taught, and the number of teachers not yet released for teaching work?

:I regret that I am unable to say how many elementary and secondary school teachers have not yet been demobilised. The figures as to military occupation of schools and double shifts are as follows:

—	Public Elementary.	Secondary.
Number of schools in military occupation at end of June, 1919	77	13* (most of these are in process of evacuation.)
Number of schools in which double shifts of scholars were being taught at end of June, 1919	20	—
* There are also two or three cases of partial occupation of playgrounds, etc. not involving any serious interference with the work of the schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, under the Education Act, 1891, a parent may claim a free place for his child within a reasonable distance of his home but not at any particular school; and whether this has been modified by any subsequent Acts?

The Elementary Education Act. 1891, required public elementary school accommodation without payment of fees to be provided for all children who required it. This necessarily meant accommodation at a school within reasonable distance of the child's home, but not at any particular school. The Education Act, 1918, abolished fees in public elementary schools, and repealed the Elementary Education Act, 1891, since that Act was only concerned with the question of fees. All places in public elementary schools are now free places, and inability to pay fees is consequently not a possible ground for exclusion from any particular public elementary school.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the removal of all Bolshevist representatives from Afghanistan will be required as a condition of the continuation of the Armistice?

I presume that the hon. and gallant Member has in view the conditions of the peace settlement. I do not think it desirable to discuss these at the present stage, but the hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that no practicable means of securing our frontiers will be overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, under the authority of Army Instruction (India) No. 439 of 1918, by which a staff school for officers was formed for the period of the War at Saugor, India, it was provided that for the purpose of pay allowances officers under instruction should be regarded as on privilege leave from the appointment they held immediately prior to proceeding to the school; that certain officers were specially to attend this staff school from expeditionary forces overseas; that when the Government of India discovered that such officers were being struck off the strength of their expeditionary force and so dropping the staff pay of their field appointments the Government of India, in a letter, No. 15143, dated 9th November, 1918, from the Deputy-Secretary at the Government of India Army Department to the Adjutant-General in India, authorised the payment to such officers of the full pay of the appointment which they held prior to selection for the staff course; that on the authority of this letter such officers drew full pay while at Saugor; that the authority given by letter No. 15143 of9th November, 1918, was cancelled by letter No. 319. dated 8th January, 1919, from the Deputy-Secretary at the Government of India Army Department to the Adjutant-General in India on instructions given by the Secretary of State to the Government, of India; and that orders were issued for the immediate recovery of the excess pay distributed under the authority of the previous letter; whether he will explain why officers specially selected for their previous services in the field should be treated differently to officers who had previously been serving in India; and whether, in view of the original promise made to these officers, he will issue immediate instructions for the excess pay recovered from such officers to be refunded forthwith?

In sanctioning the issue of the full pay of their field appointments to officers detailed to attend the Saugor school from expeditionary forces beyond seas the Government of India exceeded their authority, and their action was disallowed after reference to the War Office. But instructions were issued in May last that no retrospective recoveries of amounts paid in excess were to be made, and action is being taken to make the necessary adjustments.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will lay upon the Table of the House copies of all orders issued by the Government of India in connection with the suppression of the revolt in the Punjaub, Delhi, and Gujerat, and of all communiqués issued by the imperial and local governments on the subject?

I have not called for copies of orders and communiqués, but they will form part of the Report on the circumstances of the disorders which in due course will be made.

asked the Secretary of (State for India how many executive orders have been issued during the lieutenant-governorship of Sir Michael O'Dwyer over the Punjaub for the arrest, imprisonment, internment, deportation, and externment from the province without, any trial of the suspects before infliction of the penalty, distinguishing those that took place before the revolt from those which followed it, with the names, professions, or other avocations of the persons concerned?

I cannot give the exact details for which the hon. Member asks, but in the Punjaub up to the 31st January last 145 persons in that province had their freedom restricted under the Defence of India Act. On the l5th May thirty four of these were still restricted—nine domiciled away from their homes, twelve restricted to their own homes, and thirteen required for a period to report their place of residence. On the same date under the Ingress to India Ordinance seven persons were undergoing internment, 100had their movements restricted, and sixty-five were required to report their movements. Almost all of these were returned emigrants from America or the Far East. Between the 1st January and 15th May fifty persons had been released from restrictions under the Defence of India Act and 355 under the Ingress into India Ordinance. I have not figures of orders passed in connection, with the Afghan hostilities or the recent disturbances.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many sentences of death, transportation for life or for shorter periods, forfeiture of property, rigorous imprisonment, flogging, and other penalties have been pronounced by tribunals other than the ordinary courts of law in the Punjaub, Delhi, and Gujerat, with the names, professions, or other avocations of the persons so sentenced during April, May, June, and July of the present year?

I have not yet received the figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the housing scheme for Dover, which is a matter of great urgency owing to the pressing demand for provision of new houses for the working classes, is being held up by the refusal of the local military authority to consider the sale to the Dover Corporation of the Ropewalk meadow, in spite of the fact that its sole use during the War has been as a recreation ground, whereas there is other ground obtainable for recreation purposes; and whether he will give this matter his consideration?

No application has been received in the War Office, but I am having the matter investigated and will write to my Noble Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister for Health how many local authorities and public utility societies, respectively, have actually begun building houses for the working classes under schemes approved by him since 1st January, 1919?

Complete particulars are not available, but the information which has been received shows that thirty-seven local authorities and thirteen public utility societies have already begun work on housing schemes approved by the Ministry. In the majority of cases, this work is in the preliminary stages, but I have information that nine local authorities and six public utility societies have already begun the actual erection of houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that a local authority under the Dairies and Cowsheds Order cannot legally appoint a veterinary surgeon as veterinary inspector, and that he must be styled as an inspector of nuisances or assistant, he will review the decision made and sanction an appointment that will make it possible for a veterinary surgeon to be a veterinary inspector?

:I would refer the hon. Member to the provision of Section 10 of the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915, under which a local authority will be enabled, or, if necessary, required, to appoint one or more veterinary inspectors, or to employ for the purposes of that Act and the Milk and Dairies Order any veterinary inspector appointed under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to secure a money grant, under Section. 1 of the National Insurance Act, 1913, in order that insurance committees may grant subsistence allowance in respect of dependants of insured persons whilst undergoing treatment in sanatoria, so as to encourage those already suffering to undergo treatment but who cannot do it because of their pecuniary position?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 15th April to a question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to appoint the remaining members of the Welsh Board of Health; whether he proposes to give definite powers and duties to the Welsh Board as a corporate body; and whether he will give an assurance that the organisation of his Department in Wales will not be proceeded with until the Welsh Board has been fully constituted?

My right hon. Friend cannot yet say how soon any further members will be appointed, nor when the whole Board will have been completed. Such powers and duties as may be exercised in Cardiff under Section 5 of the Act will be exercised in manner provided by that Section. The organisation in Cardiff will be developed from time to time in whatever manner the circumstances may render expedient. It would be premature for me to make any forecast in this respect to-day.

asked the Home Secretary whether lie is aware that Carlos K. de la Exosura (A 17) is in Reading Gaol; that this man was born in Spain of Spanish parents, was arrested on board a neutral vessel in neutral waters travelling from one neutral port to another, was brought before Sir Frederick Dickenson at Bow Street, London, in January, 1916, was discharged by this magistrate and told he could leave this country, was immediately rearrested without any charge being proffered against him, and has been in prison ever since; whether he will state on what charge this man is being detained in prison; whether he can now be released; and, if not, whether he can be given a public trial?

This man, who had been using an assumed name and a passport which did not belong to him, was interned in February, 1916, under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14b. His case was investigated, and he himself was heard by the Advisory Committee appointed under that Regulation, who reported that the case was one of the gravest which had come before them. In accordance with the promise given by myself and my predecessors that these internments should not continue longer than is necessary for the public safety, the case has recently been reviewed, and it was decided last week that the man should now be released and deported from the country, and the necessary arrangements are being made.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a young Norwegian journalist, named Zachariassen, was arrested in London on the 16th instant without being charged with any offence; and whether this man is still in prison or has been released?

:On the receipt of information which satisfied me that this man's presence in this country was dangerous to the national interests, I made a deportation order against him, and in pursuance of that order he was arrested and has been sent back to his own country.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Sir R. Redmayne is Chairman of the recently formed imperial Mineral Research Hoard; docs he receive a salary for the same; if so, how much in addition to his salary of £1,500 a year as Chief Inspector of Mines, although not acting as such, and £300 a year as technical adviser to the Coal Controller; and will he take steps to prevent a Civil servant being paid by a Department or Departments for which he docs no work?

Sir Richard Redmayne is Chairman of the Imperial Mineral Resources Bureau. He receives no salary in that capacity. The position is, therefore, the reverse of that suggested in the question. Sir Richard Redmayne does work for a Department from which he receives no pay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the names of collieries which are at present short of pit props and timber?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am making inquiry into the matter, and if I obtain any information which I can usefully communicate to the hon. Member I will do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in his Budget statement of 30th April he included in his estimate of total expenditure a sum of £20,000,000 to meet the cost of the recent award to coal-miners; whether he also suggested a margin of £25,000,000 for general contingencies and further general demands; and whether, in the event of the whole cost being now charged to the coal consumer, he will remit taxation to the extent of this £45,000,000?

The increased charge of6s. a ton only dates from this month and will still leave a heavy charge on the Exchequer for the previous period. But for the 6s. charge the Estimate of £26,400,000 would probably have been doubled. The margin allowed in the Budget Statement for contingencies had no reference to coal, and I am clearly in mo position to remit taxation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the stock of coal in Aberdeen for household and industrial purposes is very low, and that there has been a complete cessation of supplies from the South since the beginning of this month; and whether, in view of the position of affairs, he will give immediate instructions for the coal traffic to Aberdeen to be opened?

There has been considerable congestion on the North British Railway and it was necessary to impose restrictions on Aberdeen traffic from the 30th June to 10th July. A certain amount of coal has since arrived, and the matter is engaging the special attention of the railway company, but it will be necessary that in future Aberdeen shall receive its requirements by sea from Northumberland and Durham, as was largely the case prior to the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the delays in the dispatch of goods for lack of railway trucks, whether thousands of pounds is being now thrown away in demurrage charges; and will he take steps to make the railway companies pay their men the requisite overtime rates so as to get the labour to deal with the matter until additional men are trained to do this work?

I am aware that delays are occurring owing to the difficulties which railway companies are experiencing in dealing expeditiously with the great amount of traffic now being offered to them for conveyance. The companies are doing what they can to meet the situation, and I am not aware that refusal to pay overtime rates is one of the factors in the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received complaints from the Scottish Alliance of Printers and also from printing firms in Edinburgh regarding the delay in the transmission of goods between Edinburgh and London; whether there is danger of work being refused on the ground that it is not delivered in London up to scheduled time, and that this is a matter of the utmost importance to a large centre of printing like Edinburgh; and whether, having regard to the fact that the difficulty is not due to labour troubles in this case, he will take immediate steps to provide for the better transport of these goods?

I have received a complaint in the matter from the Scottish Alliance of Employers in the Printing and Allied Trades. The Board of Trade have been in communication with the Railway Executive Committee, and I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of a letter which was recently received from the Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many open trucks belonging to British railway companies or private traders are now in France, Belgium, and the occupied parts of Germany; and at what rate are they being returned to this country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. In the area men- tioned, there are about 22,000 trucks belonging to the British railway companies, and none belonging to private traders. Between 500 and 600 trucks a week are at present being returned to this country, and this rate will be increased if the wagons can be got out of traffic quicker in France.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that nearly 150 now railway vans have been standing in a siding adjacent to a Government factory at Morecambe ever since December, 1918; and whether, in view of the reputed shortage of railway wagons, he will have inquiry made in this matter?

I am informed by the Ministry of Munitions that between fifty and sixty converted goods wagons, built originally for use in France, are awaiting disposal at Morecambe. It is proposed that these wagons should be included in the pooling of railway rolling stock which is being formed for the use of British railway companies. Details are now being settled with the Railway Executive Com-

Occupation.		London.						Yokohama.
		December. 1914		December, 1918.				1914–15		1918
		d.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	d.	d.	d.	d.
Pattermakers	…		10¾			1	7¼	3–4		3¾–5¾
Moulders	…	9½–10		1	6–1		6½	3–3¾		4–5¾
Fitters	…		9¾			1	6	2½–4		3¾–5¾
Boiler Platers	…		10½			1	7
Boiler Rivetters	…		9			1	5¼	3–4		3¾–5½
Boiler Holders-up	…		7¾			1	1¾	(Boilermakers)		(Boilermakers)
Blacksmith	…		9¾			1	6	3–5		4–6¼
Labourers (unskilled)	…		6			1	2	2–2½		2½–3

For the cotton trade, and for other piece- working industries, comparable statistics cannot be given, but I will neglect no opportunity of publishing in the "Labour Gazette" any trustworthy information which may be procurable with regard to labour conditions in competing countries, in order to facilitate comparisons. 1 may point out that such comparisons leave out of account the differences in the relative efficiency of labour in the countries compared.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give comparative figures for wages per hour, British and Japanese, in the engineering trades in 1914 and the latest available figures, using as a basis for comparison the figures supplied by the British from Tokio and published in the "Labour Gazette," July, 1919, on page 277; and whether he can arrange for a series of official comparisons in some of our threatened industries, such as the cotton trade, being published in the "Labour Gazette" or some other suitable medium?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The following table shows the approximate hourly rates of wages (inclusive of bonuses, etc.) of men on time rates in certain occupations in the engineering trade in London at December, 1914, and December, 1918, respectively. The figures given in the July "Labour Gazette" relating to the average rates paid to men in corresponding occupations in an engineering works at Yokohama are added for purposes of comparison:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what would be the approximate value at pre-war prices of the quantities of the following commodities, respectively, purchasable to-day for £100 at any popular retail store: boots, clothing, cotton-piece goods, woollen underwear, furniture, domestic hardware, glass, and chinaware?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Owing to the changes in quality which have been made during the War and to the wide variations in the extent to which different articles and different qualities of the same article have been affected by price changes, it is not possible to give precise particulars. The available information, however, indicates that, taking the qualities generally bought by working-class and lower-middle-class families, the pre-war values of the quantities now purchasable for £100 would be approximately as follows: Boots, £30 to £35; men's suits, £35 to £40; cotton piece-goods, £25 to £35; woollen underwear, £25 to £30. I am unable to give corresponding figures for furniture, domestic hardware, glass, and chinaware.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the hardship suffered by Post Office pensioners who do not fall within the scheme under which an increase of pension has been granted to employés who have retired since 1st March, 1915; why this particular date was selected; and whether he has any estimate showing the cost to the State of an increase to all pensioners, many of whom, in old age and ill-health, are living on the poverty line on account of the high cost of necessities?

March, 1915, was the date when war bonuses were first given to Post Office servants. Post Office pensioners are treated on the same footing as other retired Civil servants. As regards cost, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for North Hammersmith on the 8th instant.

asked the Postmaster-General whether as a war emergency measure girl telephonists have been employed on testing and fault duties proper to skilled engineering workmen; whether such employment has occurred at Belfast, Bolton, Burnley, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Battersea, Brixton, Gerrard, Hornsey, Hop, North, and Streatham; whether the telephonists are still employed on this work; and whether the Postmaster-General will either pay the trade union rate for this skilled engineering work or press for the return of the men who are being substituted by the telephonists?

Such a measure has been necessary at many exchanges, including no doubt those named by the hon. Member. The telephonists are performing only minor duties of the class of skilled workmen, and the wages paid are considered appropriate. I am making every effort to secure the release of Post Office staff from military service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an Acton lance-corporal has been declared by the Civil Employment Register to be ineligible for postal employment owing to his having had one drunk recorded against him; that the soldier in question had this lapse while serving in India the year before the War, since when ho has fought in France, been wounded, and later taken prisoner and kept a. prisoner for two years, and that the Civil Employment Register attribute to the Post Office regulation their refusal to give him work; and whether, in view of these facts, the Post Office will amend the regulation and ensure that men who have good war records shall not be penalised for minor pre-war lapses?

Under an agreement with the War Office ex-soldiers are not put forward for appointment as postmen if they have had an entry for drunkenness during the last six years of their service with the Colours. The case referred to by the hon. Member was dealt with in accordance with this rule. Personally I sympathise with the individual referred to, but it should be remembered that the number of applicants for Post Office employment is far greater than the number of posts available; and in the circumstances I think it is right to give a preference to the men with clear records.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Controller of the Money Order Department is unable or unwilling to inform investors in war savings certificates of the number of certificates that are to their credit; and will he take steps to secure that periodical statements of the number of certificates purchased by or for an individual shall be made easily available to the purchaser or the nominee?

Such information can be given to any purchasers of War Savings Certificates who can furnish some particulars as to place and date of purchase, but to establish and maintain a system of periodical statements such as the hon. Member suggests would necessitate expenditure on clerical labour on a scale too great to be undertaken. The number of separate certificates issued up to date is nearly 100,000,000, which are in the hands of several million purchasers.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that telegrams from Lisbon are taking eleven or twelve days on the way; and if he can take any steps to improve the service?

During a recent strike in Portugal telegrams from Lisbon were delayed for seven days, but at present the average time of transmission is about two days.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction felt by the residents of the district of Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire, in regard to the local postal service; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused by the present arrangements and of the fact that the residents pay the same taxes for postal service as everyone else, he can see his way to make some improved provision?

Application has been made for a motor mail service to Pateley Bridge, in place of the present service by horsed vehicle. The alteration would involve a considerable increase of expenditure, and as the morning delivery commences at present at about 8.15 a.m., I do not consider the additional expenditure would be justified.

asked the Postmaster-General whether Mr. H. C. Brookbank, late counter clerk and telegraphist, London postal service, entered the Post Office service as a postman at Ealing in 1879; whether he passed a Civil Service exami- nation in 1881; whether he served as head postal clerk at Ealing from 1884 until 1889 and then became a counter clerk and telegraphist in the North-Western district; whether his service from 1879 is unbroken; and whether, in these circumstances, the whole period 1879 to 1919 will be counted for pensionable service?

Mr. Brookbank was appointed a postman on the 7th March, 1881. In 1884 he resigned his established post in order to take up employment as an assistant to the postmaster of Ealing. In. 1889 he was reappointed to the establishment as a telegraphist, obtaining a fresh Civil Service certificate. The decision as to what portion of this service can be admitted for pension rests with the Treasury, and I am representing the facts to that Department.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that clerks employed at sub-post-offices in the Battersea area are paid at the rate, of 45s. per week for an attendance of forty-nine and a half hours; whether this rate of pay is equal to that paid to established Post Office servants for similar duties; and whether he will take steps to secure an improvement in the pay and conditions of sub-post office clerks?

I beg to refer the lion. Member to my answers to questions by the hon. Member for Silvertown on the 7th and 21st instant.

asked the Postmaster-General whether ho has received any communication from the municipal authorities of Brighton with reference to the provision of improved telephone facilities in the town; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists with the present service, especially among the business community, and particularly with the sub-division of the town among various exchanges; and whether, seeing that before the War his Department purchased a site for a central exchange, and that a sum of £30,000 was included in the Estimates for the cost of building, in view of the requirements of the town and of the amount of unemployed labour now available, he will arrange for the commencement of the building without delay?

Careful consideration is being given to the question of providing in the most suitable manner for the future telephone requirements of Brighton. It will be desirable in future to consolidate the exchanges taken over from the corporation and the National Telephone Company, but no provision was made in the Estimates for beginning the work on the new Post Office building during the current financial year, in view of the many more pressing works which had been held over during the War. In the meantime, every effort is being made to make the service as efficient as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General if the sub-post office at Llantilio-Pertholey, near Abergavenny, was closed temporarily during the War and when it will be reopened, in view of the fact of the great inconvenience caused to a district of over 1,400 inhabitants and 11 square miles in extent?

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

asked the Postmaster-General who is responsible for filling the vacancies in new Government Departments referred to in the notice posted up in all the various Post Office Departments; and why all such vacancies cannot be filled by ex-Service men?

The scheme was instituted and is controlled by the Treasury; and the last part of the inquiry should be addressed to the Joint Financial Secretary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the docks of the port of King's Lynn have been for some time and are now practically witout shipping; and whether, considering the congestion of the Port of Lon don and other ports, more use will be made of these docks without delay?

The desirability of using the smaller ports to relieve the con- gestion at the main ports is fully appreciated and every effort is being made to that end. My hon. Friend will realise that owing to limits of draught, etc., it is not feasible to divert ocean-going tonnage from London to such ports as King's Lynn.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller (1) why the German ships at Valparaiso have not yet been transferred to British management; if those which were recently wrecked were in any way insured; and, if so, has the Government received or will it receive the insurance money; (2) why no answer has yet been given to the definite proposal, which would involve no expenditure to the Government, by a Canadian firm to rent and repair the German ships in South American waters; and what active steps have been taken by the Government for the repair and refitting of these ships?

As regards insurance, I have no information as to what arrangements, if any, had been made by the German owners. With regard to the remainder of the hon. Member's questions, I regret that I cannot add anything to the answer I gave him on 17th July.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, in consequence of the closing down of the Wickpool iron mines, Forest of Dean, about £320 wages are due to the employés; and, if so, will he take action to recover for the men the wages that are due to them?

.I understand that the workmen employed at the Wickpool iron mines, Forest of Dean, claim that certain arrears of wages are due to them, part being in respect of the advance of the Coal Industry Commission Report, which, I may point out, applies to coal mines only. The matter is not one in which my Department can take the action suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the quantity of straw which has been purchased by the Forage Committee still lying in the barns and bays on the farms which will be wanted for the coming harvest; and whether he will take steps to, secure that this shall be lifted before the harvest?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on the 30th June to a similar question asked by the hon. Baronet the Member for The Wrekin.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether lie has received representations from the holders of the Cold Blow and Trundley's Road allotments regarding the action of the owners in giving notice to resume possession of the land by 30th November, with renewal on the basis of a week's notice; and whether the Board can assist the Deptford Borough Council in securing for the 140 allotment-holders an extension of their present tenancy whereby they may be enabled to realise the full benefit of their labour and outlay?

Yes, Sir. A communication has been received from the secretary of the allotment-holders referred to. Inquiry is being made and the result will be communicated to the right hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of Admiral Koltchak at Omsk is represented in London by any diplomatic representative; who that representative is, if any; whether any funds have been furnished to this representative or to the Government which he represents; if so, whether by way of loan or gift; and whether it is charged under the Estimates or any other branch of the expenditure?

The answer to the first and second parts of the hon. Member's question is that Monsieur Nabokoff is the representative of Admiral Koltchak's Government in London. As regards the third and fourth parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned on the 16th instant to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle. As regards the last part, the advances which have been made to Monsieur Nabokoff were made out of the Vote of Credit.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the men lift attendants at the Air Ministry received full pay for the public holiday on 19th July; and, if not, for what reason?

The men in question are employed through contractors, and, in accordance with the practice adopted by all Government Departments, payment will be made for time not actually worked if it can be established that trade custom warrants such payment.