asked the Food Controller what steps he proposes to take before fixing August, September, and winter milk prices in the South Wales area; and whether it is proposed to consult Welsh local food control committees with reference to available supplies for their areas in view of securing that useful local knowledge which is in the possession of such committees?

Maximum retail milk prices for August and September in the area referred to have already been fixed by adding appropriate local margins for distribution to the producers' prices. Due regard was paid to the views of divisional commissioners and local food committees in fixing these margins. A similar procedure will be followed in the case of the prices for the winter months.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he it 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 statements in the earlier part of the question are in accordance with the facts. I am afraid it is quite out of the question for us to take up again the construction of this aerodrome. Existing accommodation is fully adequate to meet our needs. But as my hon. Friend is probably aware, though we suspended the work on the shed, we did proceed with the housing accommodation, and the scheme is now nearing completion. I may add that we have offered Messrs. Vickers the option of taking over from us, on terms which I do not think are unfavourable, such work for the construction of the aerodrome as had been accomplished before the suspension.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the order to naval officers to revert to plain clothes on 21st July, they will be able to travel when on leave at reduced fares by the use of Form W3504b or similar form?

The reduced fares allowed at' present (i e., one-half of the pre-war fare charged to the public) can only be obtained by naval officers when travelling in uniform, and they are at liberty to wear uniform, notwithstanding the order referred to. It should be ob served, however, that these reduced fares were allowed only for the period of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many bandmasters now serving with the Royal Marines have had previous military service, and what has been the length and nature of their previous service?

I have been asked to answer this question. The following is a list of Royal Marine Headquarter band masters showing previous military service:Captain B. S. Green, M.V.O., R.M.A., Director of Music.He entered the Army as a private on the 14th October, 1865. He was promoted warrant officer 1st July, 1881, and transferred to the Royal Marines on the 11th February, 1897.Lieutenant J. S. Nicholson, R.M.L.I., Director of Music.Enlisted in the Army as a private on the 28th January, 1880. Transferred from Army 26th November, 1897, for service in R.M.L.I, as a band sergeant. Appointed bandmaster, Royal Marines, 1st April, 1900.Lieut. J. C. J. Hoby, Mus. Doc. Oxon, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M., R.M.L.I.Appointed bandmaster, Royal Marines, 21st October, 1907. He had no previous military service.Bandmaster Warrant Officer, Class I., P. S. J O'Donnell, Mus. Bac. L.R.A.M., R.M.L.L.

asked the Secretary of State for War if there are many soldiers stationed at Gibraltar who have served without leave for from two to three years; and if he can see his way to relieve those of these men who have urgent reason for resuming civil life?

Instructions have already been issued that all demobilisable soldiers are to be released by certain de finite dates according to their class, as mentioned in my recent statement on demobilisation published on the 17th instant, and soldiers serving at Gibraltar will be dealt with accordingly. I cannot at pre sent add to the classes of men whose re lease has already been arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for War if ho is aware that his satisfaction is prevalent among officers and men of Territorial battalions in India on account of the release and repatriation of men who wont out in comparatively recent drafts, while men arc retained who went out earlier with their battalions; whether the policy of the War Office is to relieve Territorial battalions as units or to give preferential release to men of longest ser vice in India and by what date he expects to complete the relief of the original Territorials and of the men who went out in later drafts, respectively?

I think that any dissatisfaction which may exist is due to the temporary suspension of demobilisation in India rather than to the order of release prevailing before demobilisation was suspended. It is proposed to relieve Territorial formations by units, on the arrival of similar formations from the United King dom. The personnel of such units who joined for service after 1st January, 1916, will be transferred to other units in India, and their places filled by men of non-Territorial units in an order of priority fixed by length of service without detriment to the release of personnel on com passionate grounds. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my recent Memorandum regarding demobilisation, which was published on 17th July, and in which I stated that it is expected that the Regular troops who are to form the permanent garrison of "India will all be dispatched by the end of this year to relieve the present temporary garrison.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds Private J. Friend, No. 153437, Agricultural Labour Company, Northants, and formerly of the 601st Employment Company, Labour Corps, Lower Barracks, Chatham, is being retained in the Army; and if he will cause inquiry to be made as to the dispersal of the 601st Employment Company and the eventual disposition of the rank and file?

Private Friend will be demobilised according to the instructions recently issued, i.e., he will be released by the end of next month. With regard to the last part of the question, the 601st Employment Company has been disbanded, and all men eligible for demo bilisation are being released as rapidly as possible; the remainder will be absorbed by other units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 9th Hants will be included amongst those units who will be released from Russia at an early date?

Yes, Sir, it is hoped so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether captains and majors who have successfully commanded battalions in the field are to be allowed to retain their acting rank; and, if not, whether he will consider the appointment of a committee of inquiry to deal with cases of peculiar merit?

I regret that it is not possible to allow captains and majors who have successfully commanded battalions in the field to retain their acting rank as, owing to the reduction in the size of the Army, there are not sufficient appointments for them. When vacancies occur, however, their names will be laid before the Selection Board for special consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a medal is being bestowed upon Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and Young Women's Christian Association women; and whether no medal i3 to be issued to soldiers who have been engaged on home service?

Members of duly recognised or authorised women formations are eligible to receive the British war medal provided that they entered a theatre of war on duty, or left the-r place of residence and rendered approved service overseas within a certain period. As regards the last part of the question, this is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who voluntarily enlisted in 1914 and signed the Imperial service form for foreign service, but were not sent abroad, are entitled to a war medal; and, if not, whether any method will be adopted of recognising their home services?

As I stated on Monday last, this question is still under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has received protests from the Hexham Rural District Council against the withdrawal of the indemnity or liability for the repair of roads damaged by timber-leading; and if, in view of the fact that upwards of 65 miles of roads in this district are very seriously damaged and that timber-leading will contine for at least two or three years more, he will consider the withdrawal of the indemnity until such time as the claims of the council can be fully met?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War why the bonus of 10s. 6d. a week payable to men who served in Russia from the 1st of February last has been withheld in the case of Private David Francis Hammond, No. 216956, of the 17th Field Company, Royal Engineers, in spite of his having served in Russia from December, 1918, until 9th April, 1919?

I am having inquiries made, and will inform the hon. and gallant Member of the result.

asked the Minister for Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Claude Constant, of Sydney Villa, St. George's Road, Aldershot, who was demobilised on 8th April, applied on 23rd April at the Appointments Department, Horrex Hotel, Norfolk Street, for a training grant with the view of taking a course of instruction in tailoring; that he heard nothing for a month and called again and was requested to fill in his papers a second time; that he did so on 29th May; that he has heard nothing since then; and that his gratuity has now been nearly ex pended; and whether he will state who the official is who is responsible for this treatment of discharged soldiers?

I much regret the delay which has occurred in this case. I am investigating the causes of the delay, and I hope that, in so far as it may be due to pressure of work among the (higher) officials of Horrex's Hotel, the extra staff which has recently been sanctioned may have the effect of preventing a repetition of such delay. I understand that Mr. Constant is to appear before the Inter viewing Board to-day. His case will then be considered on its merits in the light of the board's recommendation, but I am bound to say that tailoring is not prima facie an occupation for which the grants administered by the Appointments Department are available, and I cannot give any undertaking that this particular grant will be allowed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with any scheme of colonisation for British Guiana, lie will, in the interests and protection of unskilled labour,, direct the officer administering the Government of British Guiana to introduce legislation limiting the working hours; per day to nine and securing a minimum wage for men, women, and children, respectively?

The effect of any colonisation scheme on the interests of local unskilled labour will be carefully watched, and I have no doubt that the Colonial Government will take any measures necessary for the protection of unskilled labourers. In this connection I may mention that a resolution was recently passed by the Combined Court recommending that, in the event of labourers being introduced into the Colony at the public expense. Boards should be set up to determine any dispute between, capital and labour in the Colony.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there are n-o representatives of Labour on the Executive Council for British Guiana; and whether he will consider the advisability of appointing on that body a number of independent Labour representatives not pecuniarily interested in the sugar industry?

There is no direct representation of Labour on the Executive Council of British Guiana, but the Secretary of State is unable to admit-that the interests of labour in the Colony. do not receive full consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received information of protests by the Indian community in South Africa against the passing of the Asiatics' Trading and Land Bill and of preparations for a congress of the community, the invitations to which state that they stand on the brink of ruin; whether resistance to the new law has been threatened; whether the Union Government have promised a new commission of inquiry; and whether, in case such an inquiry is held, it will be open to the Government of India to assist the Indiana in South Africa in having their interests represented?

I have received the information referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question. The Union Government have promised inquiry, and I have no doubt that full opportunity will be given to the. Indians to present their case, though I have no information at present as to the details of the arrangements proposed.

asked the Home Secretary whether the number of police pensioners for England and Wales is about 24,000; whether he can give the exact numbers on a given date; how many or what proportion of these men are over fifty and not fifty-five, fifty-five and not sixty, sixty and not sixty-five, sixty-five and not seventy, and over seventy; and about how many or what proportion on the average, die each year?

I can only give figures for the Metropolitan Police Force. In the rest of England and Wales each police authority pays the pensioners who have re tired from its own force. On 31st March, 1919, there, were 9,488 Metropolitan police pensioners, of whom 573 were over seventy-five years of age. There is no record of the ages of the others. The average number who die yearly is 325.

asked the Home Secretary whether members of the police force who have been pensioned owing to ill-health subsequent to May, 1916, are entitled to some remuneration for the seventeen days' leave which were cancelled during the first eighteen months of the War, as well as rejoined pensioners whose claim has already been admitted in this respect?

The Act of 1910, which conferred the right of a weekly rest day, specifically provides for suspension of such leave on "occasions of emergency." Loss of leave in such circumstances cannot be regarded as a basis for a claim for . monetary consideration. No such claim has been admitted in the case of rejoined pensioners similarly affected.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons are at present interned in Reading gaol; what are their nationalities; on what charge, if any, they have been so interned; and whether, as hostilities have now been successfully terminated, they can be released or given a public trial?

There arc fourteen per sons interned at Reading; the nationalities are five Belgians, three British subjects, two Dutchmen, one Spaniard, one Argentine, one American, and one Ger man. They were interned under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14 B, because in view of their hostile origin or associations their internment was expedient for the purpose of securing the public safety arid the defence of the realm. They will be re leased as soon as that can toe done safely, and the cases are now being reviewed with that object.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether coal-owners' profits as limited to Is. 2d. par ton means the retention of profits of 1s. 2d. by coal-owners where such profits are earned, or means an aggregation of the profits on a total tonnage and a pro rata distribution, which would result in profit of 7s. 6d. 'being reduced to 4s. 6d. per ton, Is. 2d. being reduced to 8½ d. per ton, and a profit of 6d. being reduced to 4d. perton?

The limitation of coal-owners' profits to Is. 2d. per ton does not mean the retention of profits of Is. 2d. per ton by coal-owners where such profits are earned, but that the aggregate profits of the coalmining industry should amount to Is. 2d. per ton on the aggregate output. The method of distribution among the owners will have to be laid down in future legislation.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give a day for the discussion of the Second Report of the Sankey Commission on the Coal Industry, before announcing their policy on that Re port, in order that there may be a free expression of the opinion of the House of Commons on the question of nationalisation and various alternatives to such a policy?

As I have already stated, it is hoped that the Government's decision will be communicated to the House before the Recess, and I think that it would lie better for the House to await that statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of trucks at Avonmouth and to the fact that many gangs of men are in consequence at present out of work although there is a full cargo at the port?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply, of which I am sending him a copy, to a similar question asked last Wednesday by the hon. and learned Member for Central Bristol (Mr. Inskip).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are hundreds of empty trucks at Neasden sidings, Great Central Railway, that have been there for some weeks?

I understand that at the end of last week there were, at the Great Central Railway Company's Neasden Yard, about fifty trucks awaiting repairs and about 170 other empty trucks. I cannot say how long the trucks have remained awaiting an opportunity of being repaired, but the other trucks had not, I understand, in any case been standing for more than a few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are many useless wagons in Peterborough sidings awaiting repairs; whether there is any possibility of these wagons being repaired at once; and if he will take any action in the matter?

As the lion, and gallant Member will be aware the number of Vagons awaiting repair is still abnormally high. I do not know the precise circumstances prevailing at Peterborough, but I am making inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that every wharf and store, including the Port of London Authority and alt their warehouses, are absolutely full right up, and that the position is so serious that it requires instant investigation and if he will take action in the matter'?

I have, been asked to answer this question. The abnormal state of congestion in the Port of London is fully realised by the Departments concerned, and such action as is. practicable is being taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that the "City of Newcastle" was diverted from London to Newport. Monmouth, in consequence of not being able to obtain a berth; that the "Devona," which was bound for London, has been diverted to Southampton for the same cause; that the "Lake Grama," which carries a considerable quantity of bacon, arrived at the Thames in the early part of July, and up to Monday agents were unable to get a discharging berth; and will he take steps to improve these conditions; (2) if the ss. "Alua" was discharged at the cutting at Victoria Docks, which had no facilities whatever for handling perishable cargo; if the conditions on the out-turn were very bad, and in order to save a total loss permission, was obtained to have these goods railed to Liverpool; if when they arrived at the Popper Dock, Liverpool, more delay was incurred as no wagons could be obtained until the third day, although at that time private owners' wagons were standing idle and were going back empty; and will he take steps to improve these conditions; (3) if he is a/ware of the extraordinary congestion and delay now prevailing at all the docks in London; if he is aware that the ss. "Independence" arrived on 11th June and, as no berth was available, she had to be taken back and left at the month of the Thames until 19th June; if he is-aware that the bacon on board, owing to further delay through craft not being available, took exactly one month, from 11th June to 11th July, before it was actually landed at New Hibernia Wharf; and if he will take steps to improve this-state of things?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The facts with regard to the ships named are substantially as stated. The "Lake Grama," however, has now been berthed. The whole question of congestion at the ports is receiving the earnest consideration of His Majesty's Government, and every possible step is being taken to relieve the situation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the average price of petrol in London and New York, respectively, at the present time?

The present wholesale prices of petrol in London are 2s. 8d. and 2s. 6d. per gallon for No. 1 and No, 3, respectively. The retail prices are 4d. per gallon higher. The wholesale price of gasolene (corresponding to petrol) in New York, as far as can be ascertained from immediately available sources, is 24½ cents per American gallon, equivalent, at the current rate of exchange, to about Is. 4d. per Imperial gallon. The retail price in New York is understood to be about 12 cents higher than the wholesale price—say, Is. 10d. per gallon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what date is to be regarded as the termination of the War in connection with the tenure of allotments held under the Acquisition of Land Act, 1916?

The date of the termination of the War will be fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the London County Council has given notice to terminate the tenancies of allotments at Sprules Road, Brockley; for what purpose this land is required; and whether he will secure the holders of these allotments in their tenure for two years from the termination of the War?

The Board are in formed that this land was originally re- quired by the London County Council for educational purposes. The Council intend in due course to build on the site, and, in the meantime, they desire to use it for the purpose of organised games. The Board have written to the London County Council asking them to endeavour to obtain other land for the allotment-holders.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a request is being made for the displacement of allotment-holders at Burnham Avenue, Bognor; whether he is aware that this land is not required for building, but is to be converted into a tennis court; whether he will take action with a view to preventing the dispossession of these allotment-holders; whether the Bognor council is providing allotments in accordance with the demand for land in that district; and whether he will take action with the council with a view to their putting into operation their powers for the compulsory hiring of land failing their being able to obtain it by agreement?

Information in the possession of the Board indicates that the owner desires to obtain possession of the land referred to in order that he may carry out a contract to sell to purchasers who desire to develop their poultry industry at present carried on on adjoining land. As a result of a visit by an inspector of the Board it is hoped that an arrangement will be arrived at by which the majority of the allotment-holders at present cultivating the land will be allowed to remain. With regard to the last two parts of the question, the Board's inspector has been assured by the council that they will make every effort to acquire land for allotments under the Small Holdings Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if, in the general interest, the price of hay will be controlled for the next year?

This question is still under consideration. The Government hope to be able to announce their decision at an. early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if in some parts of the Yeovil Division farmers have not yet been paid by the Government for hay sold last autumn; and whether this payment will be made at once?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not aware that any War Department hay that has been delivered has not been paid for, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with particulars of any cases he has in mind I shall be happy to have inquiry made. I would explain that farmers are entitled at the time of purchase, if they so request, to 50 per cent, of the estimated purchase price, but they cannot be paid the full amount until the hay is lifted and the actual weights ascertained.

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

issued the following statement in continuation of that published in the OFFICIAL REPORT on the 17th instant:

"From a communication received by His Majesty's Ambassador at Home from the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs it appears that no legislative measures have been adopted by the Italian Government to exclude the subjects of enemy or ex-enemy States from Italy.

The Lieut.-General's Decree, No. 36, of 18th January, 1918, now rescinded, laid down that enemy subjects should only be allowed to reside in the places decided on in each case by the authorities of the public Security Department, always excepting localities in any way connected with the scheme of national defence.

As regards the entry of the subjects of enemy States into Italy the regulations laid down in the Lieut.-General's Decree, No. 895, of 23rd July, 1916, Article 23, forbade the Italian authorities abroad to viser the passports of such aliens, except in cases where special authority had been granted by the Ministry of Interior at the request of the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. These regulations are still in force.

No steps have been taken for the repatriation of enemy subjects in Italy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish a Return of Consular appointments since 1900 of men not British-born, the sons of foreign parents, stating father or mother, and those who have previously served for other nations?

It is hardly practicable to issue a complete- Return in regard to the unsalaried service. Many appointments made during the last nine teen years have terminated, and it would not be possible to get the information, which is not at present in the possession of this Department. I am prepared to lay a return of members of the salaried Consular Service, though I may say at once that there are none but British subjects employed in that service, nor have any members previously served for other nations in a Consular capacity.

asked the Attorney-General whether the existing Orders in Council made under the Aliens Restriction Act, 1914, become inoperative on the date of the signature or of the ratification of Peace or continue in operation until expressly revoked?

I think that these Orders will become inoperative on the date fixed by Order in Council as the date of the termination of the War under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act.

asked the First Commissioner of Works why traffic is now stopped through the centre gate of Admiralty Arch, and on whose authority?

As refuges have recently been placed close to the Arch on both sides, it is necessary to close the centre gate to traffic in order to protect foot passengers crossing the road, and this was done on my authority.