asked the Food Controller whether he will, in carrying out the general re-registration of the public in the coming month, see whether it is possible to introduce greater elasticity in the arrangements permitting the public to change their selected firms, more especially since individual movement, both from home and business reasons, is far more general than during the War?

On the occasion of the general re-registration next month the public will be given an opportunity to change their retailers without application to the Food Office. Special cards and forms will continue to be issued for the convenience of those living away from home.

asked the Food Controller whether it is proposed to re-issue ration cards next month; and, if so, whether, in view of the inconvenience that would be caused owing to a large number of families being away on holidays, he will consider postponing bringing this system into operation until 1st October if the state of food supplies permits?

The re-issue of ration cards was held over until September in order to avoid the general holiday season. As it is of urgent importance to establish a stricter control of distribution without delay, I am unable to agree to any postponement.

asked the Food Controller whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement regarding the possibility of establishing a scheme providing for the appointment by the Central Powers and neutral Powers of food controllers, to act in conjunction with those of the Allies in becoming common buyers from the bacon packers, in order to eliminate the competition which will otherwise ensue, and thus keep prices down to a reasonable figure?

As I have already stated, a Committee has been appointed to formulate schemes for co-operation among the Allies in respect of food supplies. It is not proposed at present to invite the co-operation of neutral or enemy countries.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to retain for the use of the Navy, under Peace conditions, the land and buildings at Throsk, on the south bank of the Forth; and, if not, how that land and those buildings will be disposed of so that local interests may be best considered in view of special local circumstances?

It is intended permanently to retain the site and buildings, and negotiations for the purchase of the former are now in progress.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the percentage of killed was greater in the submarine service than in any other branch of the Services?

The percentage of killed in the various branches of the naval Service cannot at present be determined, but it may be stated that the percentage in the submarine service is very high, and is estimated at about 19 per cent. of the numbers employed in that service.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to transfer officers now serving as temporary service engineer-lieutenants to the permanent list of the naval engineering staff; and has the experience gained in the recent War shown that the vacancies on the engineering officers' staff might easily be filled by judicious selections from amongst engine-room artificers and those who have graduated from the class in question?

It is not probable that the services of any of the temporary engineer officers will be retained for permanent service on the Active List of the Royal Navy, as it is anticipated that the number of engineer officers obtained through the regular Service channels will meet requirements. Promotion of engine-room artificers to mates (E) and to engineer-lieutenant is one of the regular sources of supply of engineer officers, and there is no intention of discontinuing it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Royal Marine gunners are eligible for promotion to the rank of quartermaster; and, if not, whether there will be the same percentage of openings to commissioned rank for Royal Marine gunners as there are for the other warrant officers of the corps?

It has not hitherto been the practice to select Royal Marine gunners for the rank of quartermaster. This rank was first instituted in 1910, and only the younger non-commissioned officers were selected. They received a special and lengthy training to fit them for certain, specialised duties afloat, and it is considered that the sea service should have the full advantage of this training for the present. Royal Marine gunners have the same percentage of openings as other warrant officers of the corps. A much higher percentage of Royal Marine gunners than other Royal Marine warrant and non-commissioned officers have received permanent commissions during the War; and, in addition, they are promoted to commissioned warrant rank under the same conditions as naval warrant officers, and a percentage of those so promoted can attain the rank of captain and major.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps are being taken to reinstitute the systematic organisation of accommodation for liberty men on shore which was approved by the Lords Commissioners before the War?

The system of organisation of accommodation for liberty men on shore has never been abolished, and will be resumed as soon as the Fleet can return to peace routine.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when barges from the Thames formerly employed in the transportation of wool from the lower docks to the wool warehouses, London Docks, which were taken over by the Admiralty, will be released; if any barges which are the property of the Admiralty are now lying unused in the Surrey Commercial Dock, and whether they can be released on hire to the Port of London Authority or other agencies to bring them into commission for commercial use?

My hon. and gallant Friend was informed by the Ministry of Shipping on 31st July regarding Thames barges hired, of which twelve appear to be still in France, and, therefore, have not, so far, been returned to commercial purposes. I am advised that these twelve will probably be shortly available. Additional to those, we acquired 150 barges, of which seventy had been previously engaged in the Thames. None of these have so far been returned to commercial purposes. They are awaiting further service at various Scottish ports. We have none in the Surrey Commercial Dock, and if there are any there, apparently my hon. and gallant Friend should make inquiry respecting them of the Ministry of Shipping. As regards the barges still in our charge, a number will be required for permanent Admiralty service to replace losses during the War and to release to the commercial trade other barges now on hire by the Admiralty at His Majesty's dockyards. As regards the remainder, steps will be taken to dispose of a number forthwith, pending decisions as to the requirements of other Departments. There ought to be no delay in determining these requirements, and if any thereafter remain undisposed of, they, too, will be returned to commercial purposes as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper A. T. Turner, No. 191442, A Company, Royal Engineers Signal Service Depot, Poona, has been overseas since 1916; whether he had seven periods of illness in Mesopotamia due to heat stroke, enteric fever, and trench fever; whether he was sent to India for his health and was there declared to be unfit; whether he was nevertheless returned to Mesopotamia; whether he was ordered for demobilisation on 25th March at Baghdad and sent to Basra for embarkation whether, as a result of an outbreak of diphtheria, he was detained there for some weeks; whether, on arrival in India, he was retained for service; and whether he will cause an immediate inquiry to be made?

I have already stated that when demobilisation recommences in India those men who arrived from Mesopotamia will be amongst the first to be released. The reinforcements are now commencing to arrive in India, and a large number of the eligible men in that country will be released accordingly. Under these circumstances, I regret that I can take no special action in the particular case mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper J. T. Rutherford, No. 126345, L Signal Battalion, who is stationed at St. Pol-sur-Ternoise, France, is over forty-one years of age and has been informed that he is not eligible for demobilisation; and whether, having regard to the specific promises which have been repeatedly made, he will cause immediate inquiries to be made?

I am not aware that Sapper Rutherford has been informed as suggested. If his age is as stated by the hon. Member he will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued, and he should proceed for demobilisation by the end of this month.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Tom Smalley, No. 95068, Royal Army Medical Corps, Military Laboratory, Kantara, Egypt, enlisted when thirty-eight years of age and is now forty-one; that he has four children entirely dependent upon him; that his wife's doctor's certificate, stating that she is incapable of doing any of her home work, was sent on as a justification for the man's release on compassionate grounds, yet such evidence has been refused as insufficient for his release by the Major-General of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force; and, seeing that the man is eligible for release according to age and under the sad circumstances, will he at once cable for the man's immediate release?

If Private Smalley's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued, and he should proceed for demobilisation by the end of this month. In the circumstances no special action appears to be called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why the Lancashire Education Committee are still deprived of the services of A. S. William Almond, for whose release instructions were issued on 22nd March last by the War Office; and whether he will take steps to secure that the said instructions will be given effect to without further delay?

A telegram has been dispatched inquiring into the cause of Sergeant Almond's demobilisation being delayed, and as soon as a reply is received I will inform the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War what priority in demobilisation will be given to Irish soldiers who volunteered after 1st January, 1916?

I am considering this question, as promised on Tuesday last, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at a meeting of soldiers held on the 20th June, in Poona, a resolution of protest was carried protesting against the use of transport for the conveyance of troops to England for the Peace celebrations whilst a number of men who applied six months ago for leave on compassionate grounds were still being retained in the depot; whether he is aware of the unrest which exists because of the statement that only volunteers have been sent up to the Afghan frontier; and whether he will take immediate steps to release all those men who have not volunteered for retention in India?

I have no information with regard to the protest meeting mentioned by the hon. Member in the first part of his question. As regards the latter part I would refer him to the answers which I gave yesterday and on Tuesday on this subject. We are arranging to release the retained men as early as possible. Battalions are going out every week to relieve them. Meanwhile, however, the position on the Indian frontier is such as to call for a large force, and the Indian authorities must have full latitude to deal with the troops, until they can be replaced, to the best possible advantage.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has made special provision for the release of all Derby men?

No. Sir, it is impossible to release all the Derby men at once, and to the exclusion of other classes of men, but as explained in the Memorandum recently published all Derby men who joined the Colours for service before 1st July, 1916, excepting those in India and Russia, will have begun the journey home before the 1st November. I regret that I can make no statement regarding men who joined the Colours for service after that date unless they are rendered eligible on account of age, or wounds received, etc.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the withdrawal of British forces from North Russia can be so facilitated that evacuation may be completed before 30th September; and, if not, will he state the difficulties which prevent such an operation by that date?

I am afraid I can add nothing to what I said on this matter during the Debate in this House on the 29th July. The detailed arrangements for the evacuation must be left to the military authorities on the spot.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the debate in the French Chamber on the subject of the evacuation of Odessa, in which statements were made, and not denied by the French Government, to the effect that the Bolsheviks prevented disorders and pillaging by the civil population during the evacuation and did not molest the withdrawal of our Allies; and whether he has considered a similar arrangement for the evacuation of North Russia?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Sapper T. Critchley, Mo. 209751, c/o A.D.G.T., Royal Engineers Transportation Army of the Black Sea, Batoum, South Russia, who attested under the Derby scheme on 19th December, 1915, left England in April, 1919, for Constantinople, but was sent on to Russia without his consent; is he aware that, on leaving Salonika, the troops were told that it was a volunteer draft for Russia, and that only volunteers would be sent; that on arriving at Constantinople the officer commanding was interviewed, and it was pointed out to him that they were not all volunteers, and that several of the men attested under the Derby scheme, and he replied that he could keep them until 30th April, 1920; and will the Secretary of State for War have inquiries made in this case, and take steps for the withdrawal of this man from Russia, who did not volunteer, at the earliest possible date?

Sapper Critchley was employed with the Army of Occupation in the Caucasus, for which duty men were not required to volunteer. As I stated during the Debate on the 29th July, these forces are Being withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that names of certain British officers were reported to parents as killed in action in North Russia, and that the first intimation they received that these officers were murdered by the Bolshevists was from the public Press; and whether he will take steps to see that if any further tragedies of this kind occur the next-of-kin will be immediately informed by letter from the War Office?

The telegraphic notification of casualties received from the Base reported the officers as "Killed in action," and "Died of wounds," and gave no indication that these cases were other than ordinary battle casualties. The telegrams referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend were accordingly at once sent to the relatives, who would certainly, I think, have complained if this had not been done. Details in such cases cannot be received until some time afterwards. I hope that no further tragedies of this kind will occur, but should they do so an endeavour will be made to send the next-of-kin, as soon as possible, any details received officially, but this will almost certainly be some time later than the first telegraphic notification.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Prince Lieven and his Army are co-operating with Admiral Koltchak; what are Prince Lieven's present relations with the German Government; and whether he and his Army are acting with the other Armies in the Baltic provinces against the Soviet Government?

Prince Lieven formerly had relations with the German Government. His force, however, is now acting in co-operation with the Russian North-West Army, which is under the direction of General Yudenitch, Admiral Koltchak's representative in the Baltic States.

asked the Secretary of State for War if there are any British nurses in the port and town of Archangel; and, if so, how many, and when did they arrive?

There are at present no British women nurses in the port and town of Archangel. A matron and thirteen sisters were, however, on duty on a hospital ship which was stationed at Archangel from 2nd November till the 2nd June last, when the ship returned with them to this country. The hospital ship returned to Archangel on the 7th July with one matron and ten sisters and left again on the 28th, with the nursing staff on board. As I explained yesterday, two hospital ships are being used to evacuate patients from the military hospitals in North Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the supplies for General Koltchak are sent viâ Vladivostok; and, if so, what is the cost per cubic ton;(2) whether the supplies for Generals Koltchak and Denikin are being shipped from this country; if so, whether the vessels carrying them are British; and what is the total tonnage now employed in carrying munitions and supplies to Russia?

I think it would be better if the hon. Member would wait for the statement which my right hon. Friend hopes to make before the Recess on the cost of military operations in Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether on Peace Day it was necessary, in answer to an urgent summons, to send a detachment of troops in motor lorries, with a machine gun, from the Guards' barracks at Cater-ham to suppress a serious riot at the military hospital for venereal diseases at Warlingham; and whether he is now in a position to state what steps he is taking to prevent in future the recurrence of such breaches of discipline?

I am informed that there has never been a riot at the military hospital at Warlingham. A number of patients were, or had been, absent without leave on the night 18th–19th July, and to prevent additional men leaving the hospital a detachment from the Guards' depot was sent on the morning of the 19th. No machine gun accompanied the troops. The detachment of Guards was relieved the next day by other troops, who are still there. The breaches of discipline have been, and are being, dealt with in the ordinary course, and twenty men are now awaiting trial by district court-martial in connection with the occurrence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to grant a decoration to the old ex-soldiers who volunteered for service in the early days of the War, but, being unfit for active service abroad, gave further service in this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on this subject last Tuesday. The question of an award for services rendered at home during the War is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the steamship "Indarra," which left Bombay on 9th May, 1919, bringing home demobilised troops, was insufficiently supplied with food; that the last meal served to the men on the train was served at 4 p.m. on 8th May, and no further meal served till one o'clock next day on the ship; that the bread, meat, and vegetables were of extremely bad quality and often uneatable; and that there was a shortage of tea; have similar bad conditions been complained of in respect to other troopships; who is responsible for such conditions; and will they be prevented in future?

According to the voyage report of the steamship "Indarra," the food and water supply were sufficient and the meat supply of very good quality. No complaints were reported, and there have been no complaints of bad conditions on other troopships. If my hon. and learned Friend will furnish me with any information to the contrary in his possession, I will have special inquiries made, but it will necessitate reference to India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the serious shortage of labour for the hay and corn harvests, whereby the successful gathering in of the crops is gravely endangered, he is prepared to grant adequate periods of harvest furlough to agriculturists now with the Colours on application by county agricultural committees?

As I stated yesterday, the question of granting leave for the purpose of collecting the harvest is now under consideration. All commands at home have been notified that paragraph 59 of the King's Regulations may be observed and that soldiers may be employed in harvest work, provided their employment is in the locality in which they are stationed and that their duties are not thereby interfered with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider granting brevet rank to those officers who for long periods during the War have held temporary rank, and will now have to revert to junior rank?

No, Sir. In view of the present congestion in the establishments, I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal is not practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War what cadres of units of the New Army and Territorial Force have been now brought home; and how many units are still serving overseas other than with the Army of the Rhine?

I regret that this information is not readily available, but I am having it compiled, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as it is ready.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of men employed at the Slough repairing depot, and how many are conveyed there by special trains?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The number of men employed at this depot, including those employed on constructional work by the contractors, is 5,344, of whom 3,882 are conveyed by special trains.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men who went to Italy in the spring of 1918 and were vaccinated contracted small-pox?

Two cases of smallpox were reported as occurring among the troops of the Italian Expeditionary Force during the year 1918. One was reported in January, and the other in April. I cannot say whether the latter went to Italy in the spring of 1918, nor whether the soldier was vaccinated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that in the past bandmasters have been appointed direct to the Army and Royal Marines without previous service, he can give an assurance that in all future appointments to bandmaster and directorships of music, length of service will be taken into account, and that a reasonable period of service in the ranks will be considered an essential qualification?

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend on the 24th July, the King's Regulations provide that a soldier must have at least three years' service before he can enter the Royal Military School of Music as a student for training as a bandmaster. This ensures that bandmasters are only selected from those who have served in the ranks. Directors of music are appointed by selection from among bandmasters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has yet been arrived at as to the future status of the personnel of the Army education system, described as being under consideration in May last?

As I stated yesterday in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Anglesey, a scheme is under consideration, but it is not possible at present to say at what date it will come into operation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether on furture occasions when arrangements are made for important addresses, such as that given by General Briggs on Russia, to be given to Members of the House of Commons he can see his way to extend invitations for such meetings to all Members of Parliament and not to any one section only?

On the occasion referred to it was arranged that the Military Committee of Members of the House of Commons should meet General Briggs. Arrangements were also made for the attendance of other Members who had expressed a desire to be present.It would be impracticable to issue a direct invitation to all Members of the House to attend every meeting of such a nature, but efforts are made to meet the wishes of all Members who are specially interested in any particular subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if drivers in the motor transport section in France who are employed in the removal of disinterred bodies can be relieved of their work when it affects their health; and whether the work can be entrusted to civilians properly selected for the task?

Drivers do not come into actual contact with the bodies. They are Royal Army Service Corps personnel who volunteered for this work and who are paid at special rates. Any soldier whose health is affected would be admitted to hospital and a relief found. The task of the concentration of the isolated graves into central cemeteries belongs to the Army, and it is not possible to employ civilian labour at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the payment of command pay in the present circumstances is inimical to the best interests of the country; whether such payments act as an incentive to retain unnecessary men with the forces; and whether he will consider the possibility of abolishing all such payments immediately?

Generally speaking, command pay, so far as it depends on numbers, is based upon the authorised establishment of the unit concerned, which is determined by purely military considerations. I am not aware of any ground for thinking that it operates in the way suggested.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why the claim for 3d. per day proficiency pay made by Private Miller, late No. 6696, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, on the 22nd November, 1916, has not been settled; if this man is entitled to this additional pay, seeing that he was second prize winner in firing when with the 2nd Battalion at Gibraltar, and during his Reserve service he always made his score; will he inquire whether, if there is no record of this man being entitled to proficiency pay, it is due to the neglect of the officials in not sending in A. F. proficiency voucher on behalf of this man; and will he note that his signature to his accounts was given under protest in regard to proficiency pay?

I am having inquiry made into the case, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the is aware that the minimum wage at Milton is 55s. per week for unskilled labour whilst at Didcot the minimum wage is 47s. 6d. per week; why a different rate is paid for similar work in the same neighbourhood; and can he state the numbers employed on unskilled labour at each of the above places?

I am in communication with the Air Ministry with regard to the rate paid for unskilled labour at their depot at Milton, and as soon as inquiries are complete I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry what reductions have been made recently in the number of aerodromes in use and the hotels and offices occupied by the Ministry?

Between the 2nd July and the 6th August, 1919, one aerodrome, five seaplane stations, and thirteen landing-grounds have been notified to the Directorate of Lands as available for relinquishment or to be disposed of, making a total of fifty-two aerodromes, eleven seaplane stations, and 147 landing-grounds so advised since the 11th November, 1918. The Hotel Cecil, the only hotel now in the occupation of the Air Ministry, will be evacuated on the 13th August, 1919. The offices at 5, John Street, Adelphi, will be evacuated on the 9th August, 1919.The following hotels and offices have been given up by the Air Ministry within the last five months:

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that a man describing himself as Private J. C. Platts, l/6th Highland Light Infantry, with four years' war service, and wealing two wound stripes, is organ grinding in the Strand, and exhibiting a letter, dated 7th May, 1919, from the Ministry of Pensions, stating he is not entitled to any pension; that this man says he is unable to work as a motor driver and mechanic on account of wounds to his left arm, and that these injuries and his general health, due to having been gassed, prevent him from obtaining work; and whether he can do anything either to remove this man's just grievance or to prevent him from imposing on the public?

When Private Platts was transferred to Class Z of the Army Reserve on demobilisation he claimed pension only on account of influenza, but the medical officer who signed the Z 22 was of opinion that no disablement resulted from the influenza, which was neither caused nor aggravated by military service. In these circumstances he was not eligible for the award of any pension or gratuity. It would also appear that he has refused to undergo a month's convalescent treatment which had been arranged for him at Bournemouth by the local war pensions committee, and that he has not replied to a communication sent to him from that sub-committee asking him to go and see them. My right hon. Friend is having further inquiries made with regard to the wound in his left hand.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, now that he has received the Report of the Select Committee on Pensions, he can make any state- ment with regard to the amendment of the Royal Warrant, paragraph 24 (2), by enlarging the definition of the word "child" so as to include all children of men in His Majesty's Forces whose fathers die as the result of injuries received during the War or whose death is directly attributable to war service, irrespective of whether the children are born before or after the father's demobilisation or discharge?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Select Committee did not make any recommendation on the lines suggested in my hon. and learned Friend's question. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to alter the Warrant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will have inquiry made into the case of Mr. J. Egan, late regimental sergeant-major, No. 50444, Royal Field Artillery; whether he is aware that he was invited to re-enlist from the National Reserve under the National Reserve Regulations; whether he was provided with a copy of the National Reserve Regulations for 1913, which stated that periods of service rendered by members who are pensioners, if recalled or re-enlisted on account of imminent national danger, would count towards an increase of pension, and was also informed in a covering letter signed by the secretary of the local Territorial association that he might draw pay and pension concurrently; and why an increase of pension on account of this later period of service has been refused?

Under the old rules, men re-enlisted dropped their pensions and counted the additional service towards extra pension on discharge. Under present rules, men draw their pension in addition to pay, but do not count the additional service. The Regulations do not allow men the benefit of both plans.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can say why war gratuity has not been awarded to H. J. Cooke, J. Spiers, R. P. Johnson, P. Borchan, and other members of the Post Office Engineering Department who have served during the War in the Royal Engineers; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists because it is thought that while some members have received the gratuity others, whose record is the same, have not; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the War Office on the 10th of April last. My right hon. Friend wrote to the hon. Baronet on the 5th instant.

asked the Pension Minister whether he can make any statement as to the amelioration of the hospital arrangements for discharged sailors and soldiers suffering from neurosis and neurasthenia; whether he is aware that many of these Tottenham cases, together with those of epilepsy, are still awaiting admission into homes of recovery; whether he is aware that Mr. H. G. Cooke, a discharged soldier, of 39, Franklin Street, Tottenham, has been waiting for over five weeks to be admitted into hospital; whether he is aware that a similar case which had been waiting for a similar period ended fatally a few days ago; and will he take immediate action to see that all outstanding cases are admitted to hospital without further delay?

This matter has occupied the serious attention of the medical officers. It is hoped that soon a central neurological institution will be established in each region, available for both in-patient and out-patient treatment. It is recognised that in a great number of neurasthenic cases in-patient treatment is not required, and in order to provide for this a number of clinics are being established in various parts of the country where expert out-patient treatment will be given. It is, therefore, confidently expected that very soon ample accommodation will be available for the efficient treatment of these cases. As regards the case of Mr. Cooke, his admission to an institution has now been arranged. There was, unfortunately, a little delay in obtaining a vacancy in a suitable hospital. The other case quoted was complicated by the fact that the patient was also suffering from epilepsy, and it was from this disease that he died.

asked the Pensions Minister if he can state the number of old age pensioners who were unable to take part in the recent Peace celebrations because of their infirmities; and if he will take into consideration the advisability of making a special grant to all such cases?

I regret that I have no information to enable me to answer the first part of the question, and I am not prepared to act on the suggestion contained in the second part.

asked the President of the Board of Education why English certificated teachers who retired before this year receive smaller pensions than Scottish teachers retiring under the same conditions; and whether he will consider the advisability of removing this difference?

The pensions systems for the Scotch teachers has been and still is different from that for the English teachers I do not see my way to undertake legislation in the direction suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the evidence given before the Indian Currency Committee will in due course be printed and published as a Parliamentary Paper?

As at present advised, that is my intention, but I propose to consult the Committee before giving a definite undertaking.

asked the Home Secretary whether the pension of old members of the Metropolitan Police who retired before the War amounts to less than 20s. per week; and whether, in view of the rise in the cost of living and of the general scale of pensions in all services, civil and military, it is proposed to make any increase in the pensions referred to?

As regards the first part of the question, no member of the force who had served long enough to be entitled to a pension on voluntary retirement and who retired since 31st December, 1900, is in receipt of less than £l per week. As to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich on the 10th July and to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil on the 22nd July and the 5th instant.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police authorities have recently intimated that they will licence no more open-deck tram-cars on the Walthamstow urban district tramways unless fitted with suitable waterproof knee-aprons; and if a similar intimation has been given to the omnibus companies operating in the Metropolitan Police area, the great majority of whose vehicles are at present provided with no protection of this character?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that he has intimated to all omnibus and tramway undertakings in the Metropolitan area that, after the expiration of three months, suitable waterproof knee-coverings must be provided on all omnibuses and tramway ears presented for licensing which have seats unprotected against the weather.

asked the Home Secretary whether Germans are now being permitted to visit this country for the purposes of trade; and what steps should be taken by those who may recognise in them men who during the War were guilty of individual acts of brutality towards our soldiers?

In a few eases and subject to strict scrutiny, Germans are admitted to this country. If any such person as is described in the question is recognised, full details should be reported at once to the Home Office.

asked the Minister of Health oh what grounds the Ministry have taken the course of recommending the use of thatch as a roof-covering material for new cottages in rural areas; whether he is aware that several villages have been almost wholly destroyed by fire owing to the use of this material, and that, in consequence, the owners would not risk re-thatching; whether he is aware that it is also objectionable on sanitary grounds; and if he will consider the desirability of withdrawing the recommendation?

I am, of course, aware of the risks attending the use of thatch, but where proper precautions are taken to protect the thatch I am advised that it may, with advantage, be used in rural districts when other forms of roof covering are expensive or difficult to obtain.

asked the Minister of Health whether special facilities are being granted to women to qualify for the filling of a number of vacancies as house and housing inspectors at a salary of £250 per annum; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of extending the same facilities to ex-Service men?

No, Sir, no such facilities are being granted. The few posts that have been filled have been by the appointment of women already possessing the requisite qualifications and experience. As regards the appointment of men to such posts and the claims of ex-Service men, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Moss Side on the point.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the demand for new houses, at Keighley, as indicated by official municipal inquiries; how many new structures are actually contemplated by the borough municipal schemes hitherto put forward; and how many of these structures will be erected by the close of the year?

The town council estimated the need for new houses in the borough at 300, and stated that their scheme would provide for the erection of this number. The proposals which have so far been put forward are estimated to provide for the erection of 228 houses, and sanction has been given by the Ministry to the acquisition of the site selected by the council. A small portion of the proposed lay-out and house-plans has also been submitted to and approved by the Commissioner. I am not in a position to give a definite reply to the last part of the question, but the hon. Member may be assured that the scheme will be pushed forward as rapidly as is practicable.

asked the Minister of Health whether a public utility society has submited to any Department of the Ministry a site, lay-out, or other scheme for the erection of houses on the Windsor Park estate, Tottenham; whether he is aware that practically the whole of this estate is now under cultivation as allotments; whether the proposed housing scheme of the public utility society provides for each tenant to have an adequate plot of ground to cultivate; and how many houses to the acre the proposed new building scheme embraces?

No scheme with regard to the estate to which the hon. and gallant Member refers has been submitted to the Ministry.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the building of houses under the Government housing schemes has started in Glasgow; if so, what number of houses are in course of erection and in what localities; and will he give details of all plans already approved for Glasgow by the Local Government Board, including the locality of each plan, the number of houses to be erected under each plan, and the acreage covered by each plan?

The building of 126 houses on a site at Coplawhill has been commenced, and operations will begin immediately on the erection of sixteen houses at Gilshochill. Lay-out and type-plans for the erection of 3,513 houses on five different sites have been formally approved by the Scottish Board of Health. I shall send my hon. Friend the particulars he desires in regard to each site in detail. The sites referred to are those on which the corporation propose to make a commencement, but in addition to these the Board have provisionally approved sites at Lenhamhill, Greenhead, Bellahouston, Cathcart Road, and Blackhill (South). In respect of these latter sites, however, plans have not yet been submitted for the Board's formal approval.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Local Government Board for Scotland is taking all measures possible to expedite the approval of plans under the Government housing schemes; and whether he will ensure that there is no avoidable delay in this respect owing to over-caution on the part of the Local Government Board in approving every detail of a plan, and not leaving discretionary powers to a local authority after having given general approval to the main scheme of such plan and its principal details?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it has been found necessary to scrutinise all plans very carefully, in order to ensure that the financial liabilities of the State are kept within reasonable bounds. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the saving effected in matters of detail represents a very considerable amount when spread over a whole scheme or series of schemes. I can assure my hon. Friend, however, that there will be no delay due to over-caution. In a number of cases local authorities have expressed appreciation of the advice given by the Board of Health's architectural inspectors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make any statement as to the Great Western Railway Company having 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 this 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 he 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 informed by the Great Western Railway Company that they have made no change in the practice under which cartage is performed in Ealing, and that there is no record of the company having declined to deal with consignments of general merchandise for delivery in that district. As the hon. and learned Member is aware, temporary restrictions have had to be imposed recently on the conveyance of traffic to many places.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can now be made for the reopening for passenger traffic of Old Kent Road station, London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, as the inconvenience cheerfully borne during the War period is now a great hardship, there being no station open for passenger traffic for the 70,000 inhabitants of North Camberwell?

I am making inquiries on this matter, and will inform the hon. and gallant Gentleman of the result.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the proposed Ministry of Transport, he will consider the desirability of guaranteeing a fair return on the capital invested in railways and other forms of transport for a term, to be continued for a further term where such transport agencies have arrived at agreements with regard to amalgamation, and where such amalgamation may be, in view of the Ministry, the means of introducing economies by standardisation and improvements in traffic arrangements generally due to joint action?

As the hon. Member is aware, the present guarantee to railway companies will, under the Transport Bill, be guaranteed for a further period of two years. The question will then be reconsidered in the light of the experience gained during that period.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inform the House what is the approximate daily output of the coal mines of the country which are still being worked and what is the approximate daily consumption; and whether there exists any kind of reserve of coal upon which, in case of an emergency, national undertakings as well as public utilities can count for temporary supplies?

It is impossible to give daily figures in the present disturbed conditions. The output for the week ended the 26th July was only slightly over 2,500,000 tons, this representing a reduction of nearly 50 per cent. on the average weekly figure for the period preceding the 16th July. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he hag received any representations from local authorities owning electrical undertakings regarding the prejudicial effect of the uniform increase in the price of coal irrespective of the quality; whether he is aware that the Woolwich Borough Council have been notified that, owing to an anticipated reduction in output, supplies of coal from the Midlands are to be prohibited, and that sea-borne coal will have to be substituted; whether he is aware that this will have the effect of withholding supplies of the better-class coal which is necessary to use up large accumulated supplies of slack, and that it will be impossible to generate electricity at a reasonable cost, thus making an increase in the price in-evitable; and whether he will consider the advisability of grading the increase in the price of coal in accordance with the various qualities?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the serious position caused to the Kilmarnock electricity undertaking by the recent increase of 6s. in the price of the fuel used for generating current; whether he is aware that this undertaking is prevented from obtaining the better classes of coal, but is confined to the lower grades, the price of which has risen by over 500 per cent.; and whether he proposes to take any action in view of the importance of this undertaking to a large industrial district?

I have received representations as to the effect of a uniform rate of increase in the price of coal on consumers of low-grade qualities of coal for steam-raising purposes. The suggestion which the right hon. Member for Woolwich makes is one that has received very careful consideration, but there are certain practical difficulties in the way of its adoption, and the Government do not see their way at the present moment to propose legislation amending the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act in the way suggested. I may add that the proposal would involve a further considerable addition to the price of house coal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Regulations as to life-saving apparatus are the same on coasting steamers as on sea-going ships; whether the steamship services to the Isle of Man, Ireland, and Scotland are looked upon as coastal or sea-going services; and whether all such steamers, especially those to the Isle of Man, are fully equipped for all eventualities and provided with life-saving appliances in due proportion to the number of passengers carried?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the statutory rules as to life-saving appliances, and he will see that home-trade steamers are divided into several classes according to the character of the waters in which they ply. Steamers running from England to the Isle of Man, or to Ireland, or to Scotland are sea-going and have to carry boats or buoyant apparatus for at least 70 per cent, of those on board, in addition to a life-jacket for each person and ten lifebuoys. In fact, these steamers generally carry boats or buoyant apparatus for all on board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the existing and current policies issued under the Government scheme of insurance against damage by aircraft entitle the holders to be indemnified against damage done by Government-owned aircraft exercised and controlled by members of the Royal Air Force or other Services of the Crown and by civilian-owned aircraft?

Damage caused by aircraft employed by the British Government is covered under the Government aircraft policy, but damage consequent upon the use of aircraft other than those under Government control or ownership is not so covered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the names of the insurance companies which were dissolved or struck off the register by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies during the year 1918; the names of the new insurance companies which have been registered during the year 1918 and have filed a statement in lieu of a prospectus; the names of the new insurance companies registered during the year ending 31st December, 1918, which filed a prospectus and to which certificates have been granted; the names of the new insurance companies which have been registered during 1918 as private companies; the names of the insurance companies, if any, which have been ordered to be wound up in the High Courts and County Courts during the year 1918; and the names of the insurance companies incorporated outside the United Kingdom which, during the year 1918, filed documents pursuant to Section 274 (1) of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, showing the country of origin and the nature of the business transacted?

The desired information is given in the following lists:

• Adelphi Insurance Company, Limited.
• British Enterprise Insurance Society, Limited.
• British General Investment Corporation, Limited.
• British Mutual Assurance Company, Limited.
• Casualty Insurance Company, Limited.
• Catholic and General Insurance Association, Limited.
• City of Cork Horse Proprietors' Insurance Society, Limited.
• Dreadnought Assurance Company, Limited.
• Dundee and District Spinners' and Manufacturers' Association, Limited.
• Globe Re-Insurance Company, Limited.
• Liverpool and District Drapery and Allied Trades Association Mutual Insurance Company, Limited.
• Property Insurance Company, Limited.
• Traction Insurance Association, Limited.

• Border Counties Farmers' Insurance and Supply Society, Limited.

• Atlantic Assurance Company, Limited.
• British Law Insurance Company, Limited.
• Road Transport and General Insurance Company, Limited.

• The Uniform Line Steamship Insurance Association, Limited.

• China Fire Insurance Company, Limited.
• Hong Kong—Fire Insurance.
• South African Marine, Fire, and General Insurance Company, Limited.
• Union of South Africa.
• Insurance in South Africa of diamonds shipped to this country against ordinary marine and war risks. No insurance business is being transacted in the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any licence or other permit is necessary to enable civilian-owned aircraft to be exercised and flown; whether any regulations have been made with regard to the conditions under which such flying is authorised, and what, if any, security is required or other provision made for the payment of or indemnity against damage to life or injury to persons or property resulting from accidents caused by the fall of aircraft or from anything dropped from aircraft while in the course of flight; and whether there is any and what provision for the identification of such aircraft in cases where the injury is caused by anything so dropped?

The conditions governing civilian flying are laid down in the Air Navigation Regulations, 1919 (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1919, No. 525). These Regulations provide, inter alia, that all aircraft must be registered and bear a registration mark, that aircraft carrying passengers for hire or reward must be certified airworthy, and that all pilots flying aircraft must be licensed. There is no special provision in the Regulations as to liability in respect of accidents. Conditions are imposed as to the display of the registration mark with a view to facilitating the identification of aircraft. Damage caused by aircraft is recoverable by ordinary process of law as in the case of damage caused by any other means.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state how many sub-postmasters were appointed in Ireland in the twelve months ending the 30th June, 1919; and how many of these posts were given to ex-Service men?

I am getting the information and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the responsible official at the Tunbridge Wells Employment Exchange advised the Timber Supply Department that a weekly wage of £2 per week of fifty-one hours was the proper rate to pay the men engaged by the Timber Supply Department in connection with the felling of timber, etc., in that district, whereas the local rate is not less than 1s. per hour and the local authority has recently granted an increase in pay and reduced working hours to forty-eight hours per week?

The hon. Member put to me a similar question on the 15th July, and I wrote to him yesterday stating the result of my inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention his been called to the increasing inflation of prices recently paid for agricultural land, and to ask what steps have been taken by his Department to obtain powers to buy such land on reasonable terms in order to satisfy the demand of ex-Service men for small holdings; whether, if the Board's published statement that under the Land Settlement Bill holdings are to be let at the best rents obtainable, but the prices paid for land will not form the basis of the rents to be charged to the ex-Service men, is to be taken to mean that such small holdings will be apportioned to the highest bidder; and whether, when the Board finds any land especially suitable for the purpose of such small holdings, it intends to pay the vastly increased cost, plus 10 per cent. for forced sale?

The Board's attention has been called to the high prices which have been paid recently in certain cases for agricultural land. The proposals of the Government with respect to the compulsory purchase of land are embodied in the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Bill. In all cases where land is purchased by agreement county councils have to obtain the assent of the Board to the price proposed to be paid, and the Board have in many cases refused to allow councils to buy on account of the high price proposed. The Land Settlement (Facilities) Bill will empower county councils to let small holdings at the best sum that can reasonably be obtained, but this does not mean that the holdings will be let to the highest bidder, as suggested by my hon. Friend, and county councils will not adopt that course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to a notice in the newspapers that a limited liability company is about to be formed to acquire about 17,000 acres of land in Lincolnshire; and whether the acquisition of land by limited liability companies will be detrimental to British agriculture?

The Board have no official information as to the scheme referred to by the hon. Member, and in the absence of more particulars they cannot express a definite opinion on the question asked. I should be glad if the hon. Member will supply me with a copy of the notice referred to, so that I may cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Agriculture whether agricultural male workers obtain the minimum adult rate of wages in Norfolk and Kent at the age of eighteen and in Essex, Survey, and Sussex at the age of twenty-one; and whether a like variety obtains in other counties?

The difference mentioned by my hon. Friend existed up to the coming into operation of the Order of the 16th May last, which adopted a uniform system of age limits.