asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who was the Minister who had been appointed to the Czecho-Slovak Republic; and who were the political representatives to be sent to Vienna and Sofia?

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the changes produced by the War necessitate a number of new appointments besides those to which he refers. All the various posts have to be considered in relation to each other, and the compilation of a list of the new appointments is an exceedingly complex matter. In point of fact, the list is now practically completed, and my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that it-will be made public at the earliest possible moment.

Does the hon. Gentleman remember that, a fortnight ago, he told me that these appointments had actually been sanctioned and that the names had already been sent to Paris? How is it that a delay of a fortnight has taken place and these names have not yet been sanctioned?

There have been delays, but certain consents have to be obtained and these are in process of being obtained. I hope in a few days to give the hon. and gallant Member a longer list than he has asked for.

Would the hon. Gentleman give me this longer list if I put this question down next Tuesday?

I shall endeavour to do so but I cannot give a definite answer.

Is my hon. Friend aware that he has given me that answer once a week for three months?

Yes. In reference to these appointments to the Diplomatic and Consular service it is most difficult to give complete lists.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Armistice has now existed for, I think, six months, and that three-quarters of our Diplomatic posts are still vacant? Is that a satisfactory state of affairs?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous importance of sending to these new democratic States an entirely different type of man?

I can assure both my hon. and gallant Friends that all these matters receive very serious consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Roumanian Government proposed to hold in Bessarabia elections for the Roumanian Chamber; if so, whether the Allies had yet determined the future of Bessarabia; and, if the Allies had not yet determined it, whether they would arrange with the Roumanian Government to abandon their intention to hold the elections?

It is understood that the elections for the whole of Roumania and Bessarabia will be held in the early autumn. It is probable that by that time the Peace Conference will have decided as to the future status of the Province, and there is no reason to suppose that the Roumanian Government will not loyally respect the decision of the Conference.

Does that answer mean that, supposing Bessarabia is not ceded to Roumania, Roumanian elections will, none the less, take place in Bessarabia?

I understand the elections will take place in any case.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that will mean that Roumanian elections will take place in a country that is not ceded to Roumania?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been drawn to the statements made in the Weimar Assembly by Heir Erzberger and in Paris by M. Painlevé with regard to the alleged Peace offer made to Germany by the Allies in August, 1917; whether an exchange of Notes did take place in August and September, 1917, between the British Minister to the Vatican and the German Chancellor through the good offices of the Holy See; whether the initiative was taken by the British or by the German Governments; and when the relevant documents would be published?

It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to lay Papers on this question before Parliament as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I may inform the hon. and gallant Member that the statements made by Herr Erzberger at "Weimar are not an accurate presentment of tins facts. On 21st August, 1917, His Majesty's Minister to the Vatican was instructed to inform the Cardinal Secretary of State that His Majesty's Government could not say what reply, if any, would be made to the Pope's peace proposals, as His Majesty's Government had not had time to consult their Allies; and in any case it appeared to be hopeless to try to bring the belligerents into agreement until the Central Powers had given some indication of the objects for which they were prosecuting the War. Cardinal Gasparri, in his answer, narrowed the issue by stating that the German Government had declared their intention to restore independence to Belgium, pointing to the Reichstag resolution in favour of peace without annexations. Count de Salis observed that His Majesty's Government had no authoritative text of this document and that it was not satisfactory, as the decision did not rest with the Reichstag. On 24th August the Cardinal asked that the following reply should be sent to the message from His Majesty's Government: "The Cardinal Secretary of State reserves to himself to answer the telegram after having received from the German Government an official declaration relative to Belgium, for which he has asked."

The Cardinal asked Count do Salis for his opinion on this reply, and the latter, thinking that there would be no objection to his expressing a personal opinion, stated that a declaration regarding Belgium seemed desirable, as the point was important, especially for Great Britain, but that the Cardinal would remember that it was only one of many issues between the belligerents. Oh receiving Count de Salis' report of this conversation, His Majesty's Government thought that it was undesirable to be drawn into a piecemeal discussion of this question, and that, if the Central Powers wished to negotiate, they should state their terms in full Count de Salis was, therefore, instructed not to intervene in any way in the negotiations between the Vatican and Germany, and that if he were again asked for his opinion he should decline to give it. The matter then dropped, as the German Government made no declaration regarding Belgium.

It is thus clear that His Majesty's Government made no advance towards Germany at this time, but they were of course ready to examine, in conjunction with the Allies, any genuine proposals tending to Peace, which they might receive from the German Government.

:Does that mean that we are to have Papers?

Yes, it does.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the Government proposed to take for the representation of the interests of the non-Egyptian population on the abolition of the Capitulations?

His Majesty's Government do not propose to take any steps in this matter until they have received the recommendations of Lord Milner's Mission.

In view of the changed status of Egypt will this House be consulted in this matter?

That question should be addressed, surely, to the Leader of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many representatives of other nations had precedence over the British Minister at the recent Belgian celebrations when President Poincaré visited Brussels; and whether there was any intention of raising the status of the British representative to that of Ambassador?

As has already been announced in the Press, His Majesty's Legation at Brussels was raised to the rank of an Embassy on 25th July. As the visit of President Poincaré took place before that date, it is to be presumed that the United States and French Ambassadors took precedence of Sir Francis Villiers on that occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the statement made in the pamphlet issued with Army Order No. 7, of 13th May, 1919, that educational training is not to be regarded as a secondary consideration, but as an essential element in the making of a soldier and an Army, and provides a link with civil life and the nation at large, he could say whether some such educational system as had proved so successful in the British Army of the Rhine will be a definite organisation of the future Army?

I am glad to be in a position to say that it has been decided that education is henceforward to be regarded as an integral part of Army training. Hon. Members will, however, realise that the establishment necessary to give effect to this principle cannot be laid down in detail until the composition and conditions of service of the future Army are finally decided.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the statement made on 11th June by the President of the Board of Education, that the fact that education was henceforward to be an essential part of Army training was one of the great steps forward in social progress, he would say what arrangements had been made to afford to Regular units proceeding overseas the advantages of the present Army educational scheme?

Arrangements are being made, as far as possible in the present circumstances, to ensure that Regular units proceeding overseas shall not suffer a break in the continuity of their present educational training, but shall be enabled to carry into effect the decision I have announced in answer to the previous question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the nature of the facilities provided for the general and technical education of apprentices and others in the Army at home and abroad, and in particular of the Army of the Rhine; and the results that have attended the provision of these facilities?

A full statement as to the educational organisation in the Army was given in my reply to the hon. and learned Member for York on the 3rd April last. This organisation has been confirmed and, where necessary, modified or supplemented by an Army Order issued on the 13th May which sets forth the principles, curricula, and the whole system. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Army Order. Very satisfactory results have attended these educational facilities. For example, the last Return from the Array of the Rhine, to which my hon. and gallant Friend specially refers, shows that the numbers attending classes during June were 1,295 apprentices and 72,075 other students. In this Return the additional students in the three Army colleges, namely, the General and Commercial College at Cologne, the Science College at Bonn, and the Technical College at Siegburg, are not included owing to the fact that during part of June there was a break between the courses at these colleges.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the total quantities of khaki cloth, flannel, hosiery, and blankets held by the War Office at home and abroad, and the number of finished garments in cloth and flannel, including any such cloth and flannel invoiced by the War Office to makers-up; what quantities of cloth and garments were required as reserves and upon what basis such reserves were estimated; and what quantities under the above categories had been declared surplus to requirements by the War Office since the Armistice?

The figures asked for in the question cover so wide a field that I regret I am not at the moment in a position to give my hon. Friend a detailed statement. If he will be kind enough to postpone the question till this day week, I will do my best to give him the information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the valuable type of officer supplied to the Army by the universities, steps would be taken to put an end to the present embargo which made it impossible for any student at a university to enter Woolwich or Sandhurst?

There is no embargo such as my hon. and learned Friend suggests. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a more detailed reply to his question.

Is it the case that unless special terms are obtained for the universities the age limit shuts them out? I hope my right hon. Friend will keep in consideration the fact that the Commander-in-Chief of the victorious British Army was himself a man who joined the Army through a university?

Yes, but the Regulations which are contemplated will make it possible for a student to obtain a commission in the Army from a university as an alternative to passing through Sandhurst.

At present that is stopped.

I do not think so. At any rate it will be a great mistake for the Army to cut itself off from the supply from the universities of a proportion of its officers.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say that a definite number of commissions will be reserved for the universities, as was done before the War?

I think that the time has now come when it is possible to examine with some approach to practical results the problem of the composition and scale of our future Army.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of giving freedom and equality of opportunity to all men to become officers in the Army?

Certainly; equality of opportunity according to merit.

Will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a Committee to inquire with a view to unifying the conditions for all three Services?

I could not answer any question that does not refer to the Service for which I am responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it has been decided to revert to the pre-war arrangements as regards the fees and expenses of cadets entering Sandhurst and Woolwich; if the result of this will be to make it impossible for parents not possessing ample means to enter their sons for the Army; and if, in view of the proof afforded by the War of the importance of securing officers of intelligence and initiative, irrespective of their financial resources, he will consider the question of continuing the practice followed during the War, under which a career in the Army shall be open to all suitable candidates?

The question of the scale of fees to be charged at Sandhurst and Woolwich is under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether it is the intention of the Government in future to allow such conditions as will enable all classes of men to go to Sandhurst irrespective of the financial standing of the parents?

That is the point that is under consideration now, and I hope when a decision will be reached it will be in accordance with the desires of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Will it be reached in the near future?

I hope so, but I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the desirability of awarding the General Service Medal to all those nurses and Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses who were engaged in nursing soldiers and sailors in home hospitals?

As already stated, the question of an award in recognition of services rendered at home during the War is under consideration. I must add this word of warning in order not to encourage false hopes. Every medal which is given to people who did not take part in the fighting detracts from the distinction enjoyed by those who have earned their medals through taking part in the fighting.

Does that include the men working on the guns for the barrage in connection with the air raids?

Up to the present, the only decision, taken by the Government is that the War Medal is to be given to those who embarked from this country to proceed to the theatre of war. When you come to consider the question of services rendered at home, quite another issue is raised and one which must be very carefully considered if justice is to be done.

Will some medal be given to those people who took part in such operations at home?

That is not settled yet, and I hope the House will think first of all of the soldier who went through the actual fighting.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, consider some concession to those men whom he and his predecessors compulsorily retained in this country in order to train them and who would otherwise have gone and desired to go all the time, and asked to go all the time, to the front?

Of course, there are numbers of hard cases. If a medal for home service is to be given, it must be considered entirely separate from the War Medal to those who went out to fight in the War. Whether it is practicable to give a medal for home service or not is not yet decided, because the forms of service are very varied and the difficulties of appreciating them are so varied also.

Does the right hon. Gentleman include in those the services of men engaged in connection with the rebellion in Ireland?

Up to the present time we are confining the War Medal to those who left this country to proceed to the theatre of war against the enemy. I do not regard the services which took place in Ireland as coming within that definition, though certainly a number of men lost their lives.

If there is a separate medal for home service, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the ribbon is a different one from the other?

I take a strong view on this subject. I am in entire agreement with the purport of the question just asked by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost per month of the British Army in Ireland?

Approximately £900,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of granting to all officers of the Regular Forces now serving who have completed ten years' service the right to retire at once with the pension to which they would be entitled in seven years time; whether he is aware that at present a considerable number of officers are remaining in the Service for the purpose of qualifying for a pension, thereby retarding the promotion of younger officers who have previously risen to higher, temporary, or acting rank, which they have filled with success and distinction; and whether, in the interest of the Army, younger officers shall not be discouraged as to their chances of promotion?

The measures to be taken in furtherance of the object indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend are already tinder consideration, but I am unable to adopt the precise method indicated by him.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he will announce the conditions of service and pay of the Territorial Force?

It is hoped to make an announcement on this subject at a very early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War if soldiers who have served a long period overseas during the War without leave are entitled to seven days or any additional leave for every six months so served abroad without leave; and whether, if they are so entitled, facilties will be given to ensure that these men are now granted this extra leave?

The period of demobilisation furlough has been fixed at twenty-eight days in all cases. This furlough is additional to the one month's time-expired leave granted to warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men under Army Council Instruction 851 of 1918, if entitled to the same on termination of engagement and retention with the Colours under the Military Service Acts. Careful consideration has been given, to the question of granting additional furlough or of a bonus in lieu in the cases suggested, but I regret it has been found impossible to depart from the existing Rules.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why no answer has been sent to Mr. L. T. Jacobs, Southcot, 8, Pavilion Road, Worthing, in reply to the application he has made to the Civil Liabilities Board for assistance?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have not received the application mentioned by the Noble and gallant Member. If Mr. Jacobs will communicate with the Civil Liabilities Department at Savoy Court, Victoria Embankment, London, W.C. 2, I will see that the matter is inquired into.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether there is not some default in the Department? Constantly men make application, and the answer is given in this House that no application has been received. This is about the third such case I have brought to his notice.

I shall be very glad to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can say what steps have been taken to ascertain whether ex-Service men are available as motor drivers and to make the requirements of the War Office known; and whether he will consider the possibility of forming a corps of such men to act as motor drivers in place of the women at present employed, the necessity for whose employment has now ceased with the conclusion of Peace?

Instructions as regards the employment of men in civil life to fill vacancies created by demobilisation were issued to all commands shortly after the Armistice. The requirements of the War Office are fully made known through the medium of the Labour Exchanges. Ex-Service men are employed wherever possible. Revised terms for re-enlistment in the Army for mechanical transport duties have also been issued, which enable ex-soldiers who are motor drivers to re-enlist for short periods.

There are certain services which it is considered must be performed by enlisted soldiers or properly enrolled persons; the number of women drivers employed is being gradually reduced as enlisted soldiers becomes available to take their places.

With regard to the latter part of the question, I am afraid it is not feasible to form a separate corps of civilian drivers, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but he may rest assured that ex-Service men are being, and will be, employed as far as the exigencies of the Service permit.

Is he aware that especially in Dublin and the surrounding districts, there are a large number of unemployed ex-Service men who were trained in the Army and are competent to drive motor cars, and that women continue to be employed there, in large numbers, and will he substitute these ex-Service men, when they come forward, for these women drivers?

I will make an inquiry into the special fact which has been brought forward by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under the Army Order issued on 24th July, silk Union flags will be issued for service battalions disbanded prior to the Armistice, such as the 12th (Bristol) Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment, which served in France from November, 1915, and was disbanded on the 5th October, 1918?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the recommendations of officers and men in the Mechanical Transport Section, Army Service Corps, Salonika Forces, for Serbian decorations, invited by the Serbian Government, have been rejected by the War Office; and, if so, for what reason?

The answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state why officers of the Indian Army appointed to command brigades or divisions in France have not been paid at Indian rates the same as in other theatres of war; and will he have the money deducted from the pay of those officers refunded?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is under some misappre- hension. Indian Army officers appointed to the staff of British formations have no claim to draw Indian staff rates whether in France or elsewhere. They draw British rates with the option of the pay of their last Indian appointment if more advantageous.

If an officer in France is ordered to take command of a brigade, why should his pay be stopped?

When the officer takes over an appointment in the British formation, he draws British rates of pay.

What is the reason? He comes from India and is guaranteed Indian rates of pay; he is ordered to do certain duty, and he does it, and he is under his original guarantee.

I would point out that in the last part of my answer I say that they have the option of the pay of their last Indian appointment if it is more advantageous to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any representations in favour of the administration of the Weights and Measures Acts being transferred from the police and put in the hands of civilian inspectors; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to this end?

The question has received much consideration, but I do not see my way at present to interfere with the discretion vested in local authorities with regard to it.

asked the Home Secretary whether Donald Hill, son of Gunner S. Hill, No. 39434, Royal Field Artillery, who was committed to the industrial school at Stockport in 1917 for playing truant from school during his father's absence on active service, can now be restored to his home, in view of the fact that his father was demobilised in March last and now desires his boy's return, and is capable and willing to look after the boy in the future; and whether he will give general instructions in similar cases for the return of boys to their fathers when the latter are demobilised?

I have caused inquiry to be made into this case and am communicating the facts to the hon. and gallant Member. I should not feel justified in giving general instructions such as are suggested in the latter part of the question, but all such cases will be considered sympathetically with reference to the history and character of the child and the character and circumstances of the parents.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state what steps are being taken to revise the pensions of those members of the police force who retired previous to the outbreak of war, in order to compensate them for the increased cost of living; and whether special consideration will be given to the claims of those who re joined subsequent to August, 1914?

asked the Home Secretary if those constables who left the force before 1914 are not to receive equal treatment with regard to pensions with" those who left the force later?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Members to the replies which I gave to the hon. and gallant Members for Dùlwich and Yeovil on the 10th and 22nd July respectively.

Could the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question which is not answered, whether special consideration will be given to those who rejoined subsequent to August, 1914?

I am afraid that cannot be done.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will expedite the findings of the Committee appointed to consider the Workmen's Compensation Act, as the high cost of living makes it impossible for the recipients of compensation to get the bare necessities of life?

I am not in a position, to interfere with the procedure of the Com- mittee, but I am sure that they will use the utmost expedition. Meanwhile, I have under consideration proposals which have been laid before me by certain organisations of employers and workmen for the Amendment of the Workmen's Compensation (War Addition) Act, 1917, and I hope that it will be possible to reach, in consultation with the general body of employers' organisations, an agreement which will enable me to take immediate action.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of American subjects are preparing a campaign in this country on American lines, to be financed by American money, with a view to the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic drinks; and whether, in view of the bitterness and disorder which this campaign may arouse in this country at a very critical time, he will consider the possibility of informing these persons that the British electors prefer to settle their domestic questions for themselves?

I am not indisposed to agree with the suggestion that the British people can settle this matter for itself, but as I informed the hon. Member for Nottingham last Thursday, I do not think any steps by the Government are necessary.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Nottingham was not satisfied with that answer?

Will any obstacle be placed in the way of our retaliation, of our sending missionaries to America to reconvert them back to our system in this country?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will consider that.

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

I regret that I am not yet in a position to state the name of the new Ambassador,

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister-Plenipotentiary, Mr. Barclay, who did very valuable work, is now back in this country; that the Chargé d' Affaires at the Embassy has not yet received the rank of Counsellor; that the bulk of the Embassy staff is new; and that there is a Minister on the Front Bench who would fill the post very admirably?

I have no doubt as to the last part of the question. The reason, for the delay is that we felt that at that moment nothing could be more important for the future relations of the whole world than to get the best man possible for this post. It is now under consideration, and if, as I hope, he is able to accept it, I am sure the House will think it has been worth while waiting.

Are we likely to have that information before the House rises?

I shall certainly be greatly disappointed if we are not able to-announce the name before the House rises.

asked the Prime Minister the number of persons on the Civil List of pensions, the average annual amount paid, the highest and lowest pensions, and the total amount?

There are at present 310 persons drawing Civil List Pensions— the average pension being £77. The highest is one of £300, and the lowest one of £20. The total amount of pensions at present in existence is £23,714.

asked the Prime Minister When Lord Simmer's Report on the cellulose inquiry will be forthcoming?

It is hoped that the Report will be in the hands of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the course of a few days.

Is it not a fact that it was stated in this House by the Prime Minister, in reply to a similar question a few weeks ago, that the Report would be forthcoming before the end of last month, and may I take it the Report will be forthcoming before the House adjourns?

I think that is certain.

Will the Report be in the hands of Members as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Oh, yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether at any time during the War the War Cabinet had definitely resolved upon a policy of State purchase and public control of the liquor trade; if so, whether in the interval the considerations which induced them to adopt this policy have lost anything of their force; and, if not, whether it may be assumed that the Government are still prepared at the appropriate moment to give effect to this policy?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Silver town on 6th July.

asked the Prime Minister whether the expenses of the Select Committee ordered by the House of Lords on the case of Miss Violet Douglas-Pennant will appear on the Votes and, if so, under what heading; and whether the Government will consider the desirability of refusing to pay any of the expenses of this Committee?

Any such expenses would be chargeable to the Vote for House of Lords' Offices, which includes provision for witnesses attending the Committees and shorthand-writers. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

May I ask what course the head of a Department must adopt in future when he thinks it desirable to remove a lady who by birth, brains, or beauty possesses powerful influence?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Prime Minister when the Committee on Federal Devolution will be appointed?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question by my hon. and gallant friend the Member for Midlothian and Peebles.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the proposal to bring about a general strike of all those engaged in the coal-mining, railway, and other transport industries so as to force the Government, by the dislocation of those industries, to adopt certain policies in connection with Russia, military service, and conscientious objectors; and whether this House can be assured that the Government will resist with all the resources at its disposal this revolutionary attempt to set aside the constitutional authorities of this country by the action of sectional organisations of its citizens?

Any attempt to force a decision on political questions which affect the whole community by the methods suggested in the question would, if it were successful, mean the end of democratic and constitutional Government in this country, and it is, therefore, unnecessary to say that it would be the duty of the Government to resist such an attempt with all the resources at their disposal.

Will equal treatment be served out to all who disobey the laws?

Certainly.

In, view of the momentous issues developed by this agitation, and in view of the fact that the Labour party have chosen to play the role of Mr. Facing-both-ways in reference to it, will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities to the House for discussing this question and coming to an opinion?

I really do not think there is any doubt—I should be sorry to believe there was any doubt—as to the opinion of the House upon this question.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the East End of London has always, since the Armistice, been left out of official Peace celebrations, processions, triumphal marches, and pageants, he will give the reason why the River Pageant yesterday could not have started opposite Greenwich and Poplar and finished at Chelsea instead of making the return journey and thus afforded a larger number of wounded and war workers an opportunity of viewing the pageant; and, considering the amount of war service done by the residents of the eastern portion of the Metropolis, will he see that the East End has its share in any future official rejoicing?

The River Pageant was not a part of the official Peace celebrations, although the Admiralty rendered every assistance possible. I am informed that the factors governing the length of the course were time, tide, landing facilities, and the fact that the principal boats-were pulling boats which rendered any extension impracticable. As regards the position of the East End, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the previous answers which I have given on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Fair-Wages Clause which is inserted in all Government con tracts requires all Government contractors to pay the rates of wages agreed upon between the employers and the workpeople's representatives; whether this Clause is inserted in all agreements between the Post master-General and the contractors who act as scale-payment sub-postmasters; and, if not, whether he will see that such a Clause is inserted for the protection of the badly-paid clerks for whose conditions the Postmaster-General declines responsibility?

There is no agreed rate of wages for assistants at sub-offices, but sub-postmasters are required to give their assistants not less favourable pay and conditions of service than those of shop assistants in the service of good shopkeepers in the same district.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has decided on a policy with reference to the second Report of the Sankey Commission?

I can add nothing to previous replies on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if any appointments have been made to the staff of the proposed Ministry of Ways and Communications; if any offices are yet acquired; and if any salaries have yet been paid on account of the staff of the new Ministry?

No appointments have yet been made, but certain highly qualified officials have been invited, in the event of the Ministry of Ways and Communications being established, to join the staff. The names of these gentlemen have been announced. No offices are yet acquired, and no salaries have been paid on account of the staff of the new Ministry. A certain number of staff from other Departments have been loaned in connection with the preparation of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister when the proposals of the Government for the abolition of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) and setting up a Commission in its place will be laid before Parliament; and will these proposals involve legislation?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will introduce the Bill of which he spoke?

We do not know that it will be possible to introduce it before the Recess.

asked the Prime Minister if Mr. Justice Sankey, before his elevation to the bench, had held the position of standing counsel to the Miners' Federation; and was this fact brought to his notice when he asked Mr. Justice Sankey to preside over the recent Coal Commission?

I am unaware whether or not the suggestion contained in the question represents the facts; but I am quite certain that the inuendo which it contains against the impartiality of a Judge of the Realm ought not to be made.