asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the proposal to grant Income Tax concessions in respect to children up to eighteen years of age providing they are still continuing their education, he will consider granting the concession in respect to children up to the same age who are apprenticed or articled?

The Bill just passed by the House does not admit of the concession suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a large number of pensioned Civil servants who were compulsorily retired before the War have nothing to support themselves upon save their pension based on pre-war rates which, in view of the excessive cost of living, is such to be only enough to prevent actual starvation; and whether he will say why, in conceding a bonus addition to the recently retired Civil servants, the older men have been excluded, seeing that their age in most cases prevents their earning any additional income?

I fear it is inevitable that there should be eases of hardship among Civil Service pensioners in common with other members of the community who are dependent on small fixed incomes. As I have previously explained, the principle of the recent concession is that within certain limits war bonus may reckon for pension, and it follows that it is impossible to increase the pensions of those who were not in receipt of war bonus at the date of their retirement.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will expedite the findings of the Committee appointed to consider the whole question of old age pensions, particularly in view of the increasing cost of food and the approach of winter, which will intensify the privations of these old people?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Maldon on the 21st instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the question of the reinstatement of Civil servants who refused to undertake military service on conscientious grounds has been receiving careful consideration by his Department for many months whether on the 5th June the Postmaster-General stated that the Treasury were about to issue instructions; and whether, in view of the excessive delay, he will endeavour to expedite the announcement of the Government decision?

The question is before His Majesty's Government, and I hope that a decision will he arrived at very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will make a special effort to induce the proper authority to supply at once motor transport to assist in collecting and moving the fruit crops in Worcestershire, as any further delay will cause the waste of a large quantify of fruit?

I have communicated with the Ministry of Food on this subject, and I am informed that special consideration is being given to the disposal of the fruit crop in Worcester, and that arrangements will be made to prevent, as far as possible, waste of fruit due to the lack of proper transport.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that there is now a registered and duly qualified dentist in Ennis, he will order that the services of the unregistered dental practitioner who is attending the children in the industrial school, Ennis, be dispensed with?

The attention of the manager of Ennis Industrial School is being called to this matter, tout my right hon. and learned friend the Chief Secretary is advised that he has no power to prevent the manager of the school from employing an unregistered dental practitioner.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint a Committee to inquire into the terms of service, pay, and promotion of the Royal Irish Constabulary, having regard to the advantages recently secured by members of the police forces of the rest of the United Kingdom?

The Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary, with the assistance of committees of officers and men, is at present carefully considering the recommendations of Lord Des-borough's Committee with the view of ascertaining how far they can be applied to the Royal Irish Constabulary, and hopes to be able to submit recommendations on the subject at an early date.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds an appeal was brought against the old age pension which was granted by the Glenties (county Donegal) Sub-committee to Charles O'Donnell, N.B. 3,478, No. 2,227; when will the appeal be decided; why was the pension withdrawn pending the decision; and, in the event of the decision of the sub-committee being confirmed, will arrears be paid?

The pension officer appealed in this case on the ground that the claimant had failed to show that he was the statutory age. The appeal was decided on the 21st instant, when the claim was disallowed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds an appeal was brought against the decision of the Glenties (county Donegal) Subcommittee, awarding a pension to Hugh Gallagher, N.C. 3,275, No. 206; when will the appeal be decided; why was the pension withdrawn pending the decision; and, in the event of the decision of the sub-committee being confirmed, wilt arrears be paid?

The pension officer appealed on the ground that the claimant had failed to show that he had reached the statutory ago. The case is now waiting decision, and unless the claimant is able to furnish proof that he is seventy years of age, the claim must be disallowed. As regards the last part of the question, in the-event of the claim being allowed, pension will be payable as from the Friday following the date of the decision of the Glenties No.2 Pension Sub-committee.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether teachers who have retired at any time between the appointment of the Killanin Committee and the passing of the forthcoming Education Bill will receive the same pension benefits as if they had remained in the service till the Bill was passed; and is it proposed to allow teachers who reach the maximum age for retiring before the passage of the Bill to remain in the service until it is passed?

As regards the first part of the question, the hon. Member must await the introduction of the Bill. The reply to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if ho is aware that Messrs. Ritchie Brothers were ordered by the Admiralty to remove from their premises on the 28th May, 1918, and were assured they would be fully compensated for their buildings and loss on removal, and that such claims were duly valued by the district valuer and acknowledged by the Admiralty and district valuer of Inverness; and, in view of all the facts within the knowledge of the Admiralty, and the fact that the brothers referred to, industrious fisher- men, have not received a penny of compensation for their eviction, he will take immediate steps to secure payment to them?

It is a fact that the premises belonging to Messrs. Ritchie Brothers, at Houton Bay, were requisitioned, and that possession was taken on the 28th May, 1918. The applicants have always held the view that the Admiralty should purchase their complete interests, and the value of these interests was agreed locally, subject to confirmation by the Admiralty. As it could not be decided whether the station would be required permanently or not, the Admiralty could not proceed on this basis, and much delay has arisen owing to the fact that Messrs. Ritchie have declined to submit an application in respect of temporary disturbance only. In order to obtain a settlement, the matter is now being referred to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, and it is hoped that an early hearing will be arranged. The Commission are also being asked to sanction a payment on account in the meantime

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, as regards demobilisation, men who volunteered in 1914 and 1915 and were rejected as unfit, but were afterwards passed and conscripted, receive the same treatment as men who never volunteered at all; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to deal with this state of affairs?

The Memorandum recently published contains information as to how we hope to demobilise men of all classes, in the way best calculated to mitigate hardship, and I regret that, under these circumstances, I cannot authorise any alteration in the proposed procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the need of greater production in this country, he will give an assurance that men whose places have been kept open for them by patriotic employers, or who have businesses of their own requiring their immediate attention, will shortly be demobilised?

The Memorandum recently published contains information as to how we hope to demobilise men of all classes, in the way best calculated to mitigate hardships, and I regret that, under these circumstances, I cannot authorise any alteration in the proposed procedure. With regard to the last part of the question, instructions wore recently issued making provision for the release of certain one-man business owners on compassionate grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give special attention to the claims to demobilisation of the Royal Engineers who have been serving for long periods in India; and what steps be is taking to arrange for their relief?

The question of demobilisation of all troops in India must be considered as a whole, and I am afraid special facilities cannot be given for men of the Royal Engineers. Reliefs for India and all garrisons overseas are being supplied from men of the after-war Army as rapidly as they can be made available.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the 2/lst Notts Royal Horse Artillery were sent to India from Mesopotamia after being ordered for demobilisation; and when they are to be sent back to England?

For shipping reasons, nearly all cadres from Mesopotamia are sent to this country viaIndia. The cadre of the unit in question has been detained in India, with others, owing to the conditions prevailing there. The Commander-in-Chief in India has been asked to send home at an early date representative cadres of all such units.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he could see his way to modify the grounds for compassionate release in order to include such cases as those of Corporal H. Bates, No. 60074, Machine Gun Corps. Acting-Sergeant A. Watson, No. 288668, Leicestershire Regiment, and Signaller G. Crook, No. 77385, Royal Garrison Artillery, whose releases are urgently needed by their widowed mothers who fulfil all the conditions of a mother entitled to the return of her son except that they have not two children dependent upon them?

As was stated on the 23rd July, in reply to the hon. Member for St. Rollox, the Memorandum published on the 17th instant 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 modification of the Regulations governing demobilisation. During May and June, 7,864 releases on compassionate grounds, were authorised, in addition to over 25,000 in previous months.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that practically all the members of the Post Office staff attested under the Derby scheme; whether he is aware that many of them could not be released by the Post Office until after the Military Service Acts were in operation; and whether it can be understood that his pledge to release the Derby men is applicable to all attested men, no matter on what date they were called up?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Kings win ford on the 3rd June. In this reply it was explained that the release of Post Office employés is governed by the same Regulations as those governing the release of other men, i.e., they must be eligible under current instructions. If they were certified by the Postmaster-General as "pivotal" or "civil demobilisers" and registered as such by the War Office prior to the 1st February, 1919, or are otherwise eligible under the Regulations, they are being released as rapidly as possible. I regret that I cannot authorise any departure from this procedure at present. As regards the release of Derby men, I would refer the hon. Member to the Memorandum published on the 17th July.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of cases of dysentery there are amongst the troops at Salonika; and whether mosquito nets have been provided for the use of all units which require them?

The returns received from Salonika during the period 1st January to 5th July give an annual ratio per 1,000 troops of 16.71 admissions to hospital and 0.27 deaths. Corresponding figures for the preceding three years are: 1916–45.7 admissions and 1.01 deaths; 1917–28.6 admissions and 0.61 deaths; 1918–58.6 admissions and 1.00 deaths. All demands for mosquito netting and curtains have been met, and no complaints have been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the state of Sculthorpe Fen, in Norfolk; that, in spite of constant complaints from local inhabitants; nothing has been done for some years to clean out the drains and watercourses; that not only has this seriously decreased the letting value of upwards of 115 acres of good fen land but is of great detriment to the neighbouring small holdings and allotments, and that this fen is the property of the War Office who are bound to keep the drains, etc., in good working order; and if steps will be taken to do this without further delay?

The property to which my hon. Friend refers is a disused rifle range vested in the Norfolk County Territorial Force Association. I gather that the tenant, who was responsible under his agreement for the cleansing of the drains and watercourses on the land, found it impossible to carry out the work during the War, owing to the shortage of labour. When the food question was acute the War Office endeavoured to assist in the matter, and the question of obtaining prisoner-of-war labour for the service was considered, but, owing to the restrictions imposed on the employment of such labour in prohibited areas, and difficulties of accommodation and transport, the proposal had to be abandoned. It was not found possible to allot soldier labour for the carrying out of the work. A thorough examination of the property was recently decided upon with a view to formulating a scheme for repair at War Department expense, but, as the drains on the lands in question cannot be regarded independently of those on the adjoining properties, it may be necessary to have a joint scheme, to which adjoining owners would contribute. This question, however, is being further considered together with the question of the necessity for the further retention of this range in present circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, having regard to the importance of improving agricultural education in Devon and Cornwall, he will state definitely the date when the War Office propose to vacate the Seale-Hayne College, now used as a neurasthenic hospital?

I am making inquiries, and will let my right hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War when his Department expects to be able to release the Hotel Central, Marylebone?

The Hotel Central, Marylebone, has been in use as an officers hospital. It has been evacuated of patients, and every effort is being made to clear the stores, etc., as early as possible, after which reinstatement will be undertaken. It is expected that the premises will be available for release in about ten weeks' time.

asked the Secretary of State for War on whose recommendation senior appointments are made in the Royal Army Medical Corps; and whether an Advisory Committee was appointed for this purpose?

The promotion of officers to the senior ranks of the Army Medical Service is made by the Army Council on the recommendation of a Selection Board composed of major-generate of the Army Medical Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether boys enlisted in Army bands are sent to India under the age of sixteen; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that they are not to be sent there until they are of an age to endure the climate and conditions of life?

Band boys over the age of fifteen are eligible to be drafted to India during the trooping season. This was the pre-war policy, arrived at after the most careful consideration and with the concurrence of the medical authorities. These boys are not called upon to perform men's duties, and I am satisfied that there is no danger to their health.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps will at once be taken to victual and equip with munitions, guns, medical stores, and clothing the port of Archangel so as to enable it to withstand, if necessary, a prolonged winter siege?

Since our policy is to withdraw from North Russia before the winter, it is not intended to prepare Archangel to withstand a siege.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the average date on which the port of Archangel is closed by ice and what is the average date on which the navigation of the River Dwina is closed by ice; how many miles is Seltsoe, on the River Vaga, and Troitsa, on the River Dwina, from Archangel by road, and does this road lie through forest and' swamp; is it practical for the conveyance of guns and tanks; and what is the average time that a convoy takes to pass by road from Archangel to Beresink and Troitsa?

Archangel is closed by ice about the third week in November. The River Dwina is unnavigable owing to ice about the third week in October. I do not know a Seltsoe on the Vaga. Troitsa is, roughly, 210 miles from Archangel by road. This road runs along the river, through all kinds of country. At times it is practicable for convoys, and at others impassable to any traffic. Most of the transport is taken by river. I am afraid it is impossible to answer the last part of the question, as this depends on the time of year, weather, and the condition of the road.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state whether he has any official information to the effect that General Denikin has issued a manifesto to the Russian people on the following lines: that he intends a reconstruction of a powerful united individable Russia; a convocation of the people's assembly based on universal suffrage; the decentralisation by means of wide regional autonomy and liberal local self-government; guarantees of full, civil and religious freedom; immediate agrarian reform with a view to meeting the demands of men of the working classes; and immediate labour legislation securing the working classes from exploitation by the Government or capital; and what art; the Government's intentions on the matter?

The answer is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, it is not clear that His Majesty's Government are called upon to take any particular action.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, as the result of the further depreciation of the German mark, the value of the pay of the soldiers serving in the Army of Occupation has been reduced to the extent of 5s. for every 100 marks; if the rates of pay which were fixed some time ago were based on the then purchasing value of the mark; and, if so, whether he is prepared to make any adjustment by way of compensation?

The official rates of exchange for the issue of German currency to the troops are based on the commercial rate for the mark over neutral exchanges, and are now as a rule fixed twice a month. The rate of 10 marks—3s. 3d.—fixed for the month of June, proved to be too low owing to the rapid depreciation of the mark in the early part of the month, and the rate for the last week in June was altered to 10 marks—2s. 9d. In compensation for the unfavour- able rate prevailing for the first three weeks of June, this rate still holds, although the mark has appreciated during July.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the established foremen employed at the Army Ordnance depot at Weedon are entitled to the war bonus under Treasury award, No. 84, awarded to Civil servants whose incomes do not exceed £160 per annum; and, if not entitled, can he give the reason?

Established foremen in Army Ordnance depots have not so far been regarded as coming under the awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board relating to the Civil Service, nor can I remember that they have claimed to do so. If they do so claim, I shall be happy to consider the point.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that members of Queen Mary's Women's Army Auxiliary Corps who claim to have been injured in pursuance of their service in the corps have no appeal against any decision of a medical board that their injury was not attributable to their service nor any opportunity of bringing evidence in support of their claim; and whether he will take steps to give women equal privileges in this respect to those enjoyed by men in similar circumstances?

I think there is some misapprehension. Women are treated in exactly the same way as male civilians in this respect. The special arrangements for appeal boards under the Ministry of Pensions apply only to soldiers and sailors serving in the military and other forces of the Crown.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in relation to the cases of those staff-sergeants and acting-staff-sergeants formerly in the forage department, Army Service Corps, employed on clerical duties in the Army Audit Office, Scotland, but who were all discharged on or about the 28th February, 1919, whether an increase of pay of Is. per day to such men was authorised in February, 1917; whether the men in question received the said increase only as from 25th January, 1919; whether an increase of pay of Is. 6d. per day as from 1st January, 1918, was subsequently granted to staff-sergeants in the said service who did not receive the Is. increase authorised in February, 1917; whether it is proposed to pay the men in question discharged in February, 1919, either the 1s. per day increase during their period of service as staff-sergeants after February, 1917, and prior to 25th January, 1919, or the said increase of 1s. 6d. per day during their period of service as staff-sergeants as front 1st January, 1918, to the date of their discharge (under deduction always of the 1s. per day increase actually paid during the period 25th January, 1919, to 28th February, 1919); if the answer is in the negative, on what grounds is the non-payment of such increase based; and whether any and, if so, what decision has been arrived at in regard to the claim of the men in question to war bonus as civilians subordinates under Army Council Instruction No. 906 of 1917 and other relative Army Council Instructions; to receive pay in lieu of twenty-eight days' furlough on discharge; to receive out-of-work allowance for twenty-six weeks after discharge; and to a clothing allowance in lieu of the free issue of clothing authorised in November, 1917, but not in fact issued to such men; and in each case the reason of the decision, if any?

Inquiry will be made. I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has examined the charges of dilatoriness on the part of the Labour Pay Corps at Nottingham placed before him by the Member for the Perth Division; and, if so, what steps he has taken to remedy the hardships entailed in the delays in the payment of bounties and allowances?

I have examined these charges, and, as a result of the investigation, particulars of which I am forwarding to the hon. Member, I am satisfied that they are unfounded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the case of Private P. Maginnis, No. 10925, 2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment; whether this man was entitled under the new Warrant to pay at the rate of 2s. 1d. per day from 29th September, 1918, to the date of his discharge in March, 1919; whether he was only paid 1s. 10d. per day; and whether he will cuse inquiry to be made into the case?

I am having inquiry made into this case, and will inform my hon. and learned Friend of the result in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that 176 civilian employés at the air station, Felixstowe, received a week's notice to leave on Saturday last without having had any previous intimation that their services were likely to be dispensed with; and whether, in view of the obvious hardship which must occur from displacement at such short notice, he will take steps to make some concession as to time so as to give the employés some reasonable chance of finding fresh employment?

The facts are as stated in the question. I deeply regret the hardship that is caused by the dismissal of civilian employés in this and similar cases, but the rapid reduction of the Royal Air Force to a peace basis renders such action unavoidable. Every effort will be made to give sufficient notice to enable men to find other employment, but such notice must in any case be short owing to the great reduction in working requiring to be done.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government adheres to the declaration of policy, made by the Secretary of State for War on 12th February, that the integrity, the unity, and the independence of the Royal Air Force will be sedulously and carefully maintained?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether officers and men who are suffering from the effects of gas and are incapacitated by gassing to the same extent as if they had suffered wounds are eligible for similar gratuities and pensions as are granted to wounded officers and men?

I have been asked to answer this question. As regards disability pensions and retired pay, the answer is in the affirmative, and my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office informs me that it is the same for wound pensions and gratuities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War 'Office whether Miss Ida S. A. Beaver, who was gazetted to the Army Ordnance Department on 10th July, 1915, who holds a card stamped by the Director of Supplies, British Expeditionary Force (O.S.R., 3592, dated 21st April, 1916), stating that she had the status of an officer, and who was informed by War Office Letter 6,052 (Q.B. 2), dated 22nd January, 1919, that her commission would be terminated on the expiration of leave, is entitled to a war service gratuity, as an officer; and, if so, at what rate?

Miss Beaver was gazetted as a lady superintendent, and is not entitled to any of the emoluments of an officer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the alteration of the dates for re-enlistment, men between thirty-five and thirty-seven who benefit by the later regu- lations lose about six months' service and have to serve an additional period of this length for the same bounty; and whether this fact can be taken into consideration in the case of these older men who may come forward?

I am afraid I fail to understand this question. I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will explain to me more precisely the case he has in view.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he has received the Report of Mr. Charles Doughty, dated 23rd June, 1919, relative to the difficulties at the National Filling Factory, Pembrey; and what steps he has taken to secure the carrying out of the recommendations made therein?

This Report has been under consideration by the Ministry of Labour, at whose suggestion the inquiry at Pembrey was held The position has been complicated by other questions concerning general male labour which have arisen since the date of the Conference. The agreement regarding shift-workers was ratified yesterday and the factory management has been authorised by wire to make retrospective payment to the men concerned. Regarding the settlement reached in the case of Mr. John Bevan, instructions to the factory to carry out the terms of Mr. Doughty's Report have been dispatched.

asked the Secretary of Stats for India whether a letter has been received by the Viceroy from Rabindranath Tagore asking to be relieved of the knighthood conferred upon him; whether any reply was sent to him; whether he has been relieved of his knighthood as requested; and whether the correspondence which passed between R. Tagore and the Viceroy can be published in the Official Report?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The title conferred on Sir Rabindranath Tagore has not been revoked. Sir Rabindranath Tagore communicated his letter to the Viceroy to the Press in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the potentialities of the undeveloped Colony of British Guiana and the need for developing the mineral and forest resources of that Colony, he will take immediate steps to appoint, as Commissioner of Lands and Mines for British Guiana, an officer of practical experience in mining and forestry?

The appointment of Commissioner of Lands and Mines, British Guiana, is not vacant. When a vacancy occurs care will be taken to appoint an officer fully qualified to discharge the duties of the post.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the interests of the development of the agricultural possibilities of British Guiana and the West Indies, he will direct the Commissioner for Agriculture for the West Indies and the officers administering the Governments of British Guiana and the West Indies to arrange for the holding of an annual agricultural conference in one or other of these Colonies?

The question of the future of the Imperial Department of Agriculture is under discussion with the Commissioner, who has come to this country for the purpose, and the point referred to by the hon. Member will not be overlooked.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the deputation from British Guiana on the question of colonisation is not properly representative of the people of that colony, but is composed almost exclusively of persons interested in the sugar industry, which desires cheap labour by means of immigration; whether he is also aware that labour is not represented on the deputation, and that labour requested the members of the deputation not to proceed; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The question of the composition of the deputation from British Guiana is not one in which the Secretary of State can interfere; but, in considering the proposals put forward by the deputation, due regard will be paid to the interests of all sections of the community.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether it has been brought to his notice that certain firms are selling silver and electroplated goods in the Colonies stamped with the hall mark which in this country signifies that the article stamped has been tested and guaranteed by the Government assay offices; that purchasers in the Colonies are thereby being deceived into buying goods which they believe to be English made and guaranteed of a certain quality, but which are in reality foreign goods, possibly of inferior type; and whether, in order to prevent this, he will approach the Colonial Governments with a view to persuading them to adopt the same regulations in the Colonies as exist in this country regarding the use of these marks, namely, that all silver goods manufactured in the country must be stamped toy the Government of that Colony with marks which, being the property of the Government, may not be placed on goods by private firms for sale in the Colonies?

The practice to which my hon. Friend refers has not been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State, but inquiries will be made, and his suggestion will be carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that dental practitioners in the Isle of Man are on a register separate from that of Great Britain; whether he is aware that dentists whose names are on the British register can practice in the Isle of Man but not vice versâ;and whether, in the coming amending Bill to the Dentists Act, 1878. he will take cognisance of this position and confer the benefit of registration in Great Britain upon men on the register of the Isle of Man in order to give them equal status with dentists on the British register?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hanley on Thursday, 24th July, to a similar question. I will send him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the importance of expediting the construction of houses under the Government housing scheme, and having regard to the limited supply of labour available for this purpose, he will take the necessary powers to enable him, whenever requisite, to transfer labour employed on buildings which, in his opinion, are not of national importance?

The whole question of the steps that it may be necessary to take to restrict the use of labour and materials on buildings not of national importance is being carefully considered, and I regret that I am not in a position to make any further statement at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps so that all persons afflicted with blindness and who cannot be maintained by their friends should be under the direct control of a Government Department, and that the cost of their education and maintenance should be a direct charge upon the national Exchequer?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for the Duddeston Division of Birmingham on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the instructions issued to the postal or other censor to guide him in the exercise of his duties during the period of the War, the correspondence of any persons was specially exempted from examination; and, if so, whether any list of such persons can now be given and the nationality of origin of any who are not British-born subjects?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Correspondence addressed to certain persons who held, or had held, important positions in His Majesty's services was from time to time exempted from censorship. The persons in question were all British-born. No useful purpose would be served by giving this list, which was very short and subject to variation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company have declined to accept any goods for delivery in the district of Ealing notwithstanding that such district is served by their main line, which passes through it; whether such refusal has the sanction of the Railway Executive Committee, and, if so, what is the reason for depriving a large and populous district of the delivery of goods upon which it has always relied, seeing that the company are the only goods carriers by rail serving that neighbourhood; and whether the Board of Trade will take steps to compel a return by the company to their former practice and serve the district in the same manner as other parts of their system?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will let my hon. and learned Friend know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that after the 1st September importation is to be governed by the trade policy of the Government, he will state whether the official announcement on the subject will be made before the House rises for the Recess?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Rushcliffe on 28th July. As to the official announcement, I have nothing to add to the answer given by the Leader of the House to a supplementary question by the right hon. Member for South Molton on 23rd July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the present authorised proportion of 50 per cent, of the 1913 importation of glass bottles is now entirely inadequate in consequence of the inability of British manufacturers to supply the quantity required through shortage of coal and other reasons, it is now feasible to withdraw all restrictions in the importation of foreign bottles and thus prevent serious loss of business to many traders whose main business is in bottled goods?

This matter is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a Committee representing the chemical industry has been appointed to advise the Board of Trade on the question of prohibition of the importation of chemicals; when such Committee was appointed and by whom; will he give the names of the members of this Committee; and whether the Proclamation issued on 25th June prohibiting the importation of chemicals of all kinds was issued under the Defence of the Realm Act?

The Committee was appointed by the Board of Trade to advise the Department of Import Restrictions as to the issue of licences for the importation of chemicals, and held its first meeting on the 7th July. In addition to official representatives of the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Health the following are members of the Committee: Mr. T. D. Morson and Mr.R. H. Bewick, of the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers; Mr. W. F. Reid, of the Society of Chemical Industry; Mr. E. White, of the Pharmaceutical Society; Mr. T. E. Lescher, of the Drug Club, and Mr. W. Mann, of the British Chemical Trades Association. The Proclamation, like other Prohibition of Import Proclamations, was issued under Section 43 of the Customs Consolidation Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department whether he is aware that, in the case of many collieries in Durham, there will be no increase in costs to warrant an extra 6s. per ton on the price of coal, and that if these collieries were allowed to sell at the old price, which would still leave them a profit, to the iron and steel works in that district, a large part of the export trade in iron and steel commodities could be retained which will be lost if the extra price of 6s. per tort for coal has to be paid by these works?

The amount of 6s. per ton is an average for the country as a whole, and if no increase, were made in the price of coal in Durham it would be necessary to make a correspondingly greater increase in other parts of the country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is aware of the fact that the Peninsular and Oriental steamer "Macedonia" has been lying at Newport docks for over six months undergoing repairs; if so, will he explain the reason of the delay in the repairs of this ship and when he expects her to be ready for service; what amount of time-charge is being paid each week; and what is the total amount of time charge paid by the Government to the owners to date?

This vessel was taken in hand by the Admiralty on the 18th November, 1918, for partial reconditioning and fitting for troops after over four years' service as an armed merchant cruiser, and, owing to various labour troubles in the port, the date of completion has had to be postponed from time to time. Further, from various causes, articles required for fitting were not forthcoming, and others had to be ordered. The date of completion cannot yet be given. The weekly hire amounts to £1,698. The total amount paid to the owners from the 18th November, 1918, to date is £62,543.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that two vessels formerly belonging to the Hamburg-American Line, namely, "Johann Heinrich Bur-chard" and "William Oswald," each of 20,000 gross register tons, triple screw, built in 1914 for the South American trade of the Hamburg-American Line, are now alleged by the Germans to belong to Holland, having been sold to Dutch owners whilst they were under construction, and that this statement was subsequently modified to the effect that the ships were sold to the Royal Holland-Lloyd in July, 1916; whether he is aware that since that date the Royal Holland-Lloyd has been paying the cost of upkeep, insurance, etc., whilst the vessels were lying at Hamburg, and that it is stated that these boats are now to be handed over to the Royal Holland-Lloyd; and whether this proceeding is consistent with the arrangement recently reported to have been made under which no transfer of enemy tonnage to neutrals would be recognised by the British Government?

The Dutch Government have been informed that we cannot recognise the reported sale by Germany of the two vessels to which the hon. Member refers; and the German Government has been instructed that, as these vessels fall within the terms of the Armistice, they are to be dispatched to a United Kingdom port for delivery to British management.

asked the Ministry of Labour if negotiations regarding the Memorandum explaining the scheme for interrupted apprenticeships for the gold, silver, horological, and allied trades, which was sent to the Joint Industrial Council on 31st December, 1918, and was considered by this council on 3rd May, 1919, is now completed; and if the scheme for this industry will be submitted to the Department for approval before Parliament rises?

The Department has, as stated in the reply of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on the 21st July, been in close touch with the National Joint Industrial Council for the Gold, Silver, Horological and Allied Trades, with regard to the preparation of a scheme for State assistance in respect of interrupted apprenticeship for these trades, but have now been informed that, owing to difficulties which have arisen within the Joint Industrial Council, the council are not in a position to deal with the question at the present time. As the matter is one of urgency, the Department have, therefore, convened an ad hoc conference of representatives of associations of employers and of workpeople in the industry, with a view to the preparation of a scheme. The conference is to meet on Wednesday, the 6th August, and it is hoped that the scheme will be completed at this meeting.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total number of demobilised men out of employment for the reason that they are unable to obtain it; how many women are now in the employment of the Government doing clerical and other work which could be performed by discharged and partially disabled men; what reductions have been made during the past three months in the female staff of Government Departments; and what further reductions are in contemplation?

On the 18th July, the latest date for which figures are available, 360,792 ex-Service men including men discharged before the Armistice were claiming out-of-work donation. The other parts of the hon. Member's question should be addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has had his attention drawn to the conduct of Messrs. Charles Roberts and Company, Horbury Junction, near Wake field, in refusing to dismiss discharged sailors and soldiers from their employ at the instigation of the trades union concerned and who, in consequence, are out on strike; and will the do all in his power to support their action and that of other employers who will give such discharged men a fair chance to earn their own living rather than draw unemployment pay?

I understand that the secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Vehicle Builders is to meet representatives of the firm in question tomorrow (Thursday) with a view to effecting a settlement of the difficulties referred to, and I will communicate further with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether advertisements inserted in county newspapers are, in the case where two or more are in circulation, given alternately to each paper?

The method usually adopted is to consult the advertisement agents of the Stationery Office, and to settle with them as to the more suitable papers for the purpose of any particular advertisement. Important advertisements are inserted in the chief county papers, and some are inserted in more than one paper circulating in the same district. The method suggested in my hon. Friend's question is that which is adopted where the circumstances call for it, and will always be kept in view.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will state what steps the Government are taking to relieve farmers of irksome and costly control, and thereby to increase production of hay, with a view to a reduction of the cost of living in this country?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything with regard to this matter to the reply given on Monday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will state if the Government have been concerned in the purchase of Canadian hay; and whether he will state the price of such hay on the Canadian farms and the total cost of transport unloaded from the ship at Liverpool?

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