asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the amount of tonnage which has been employed since the Armistice in carrying men and supplies to and from the different theatres of war in Russia?

I have been asked to reply. This information is being obtained, and will be communicated to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of persons who accompanied the Minister-designate of Ways and Communications during his recent visit to Yorkshire on behalf of the Government; what were the number of rooms occupied by these men; and what was the cost to the State?

I am informed by the Department concerned that

1. The total number of officials, clerical staff and messengers taken to Leeds by my right hon. Friend was twelve, reduced after two days to four, and one messenger. Representatives of various Government Departments either went from London or met my right hon. Friend there; some of these remained.

2. The number of rooms occupied varied according to the requirements, but at no time was there in occupation more than the minimum amount of office and bed room accommodation which would enable the necessary work to be done efficiently.

3. I am not yet in a position to state the cost to the State, as the hotel accounts have not yet been received.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total sum represented by the allowance made to liquor licence-holders for the financial years terminating on the following dates: 31st March, 1915; 31st March, 1916; 31st March, 1917; 31st March, 1918; and 31st March, 1919?

The amounts allowed under Section 9, Finance Act, 1914 (Session 2); Section 6, Finance Act, 1915; Section 17, Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915; and Section 7, Finance Act, 1917, to liquor licence holders have been as follows:

In the Financial Year.		Amount.	Notes.
		£
1914–15	…	63,002	Incomplete year. Relief to holders of retail "on" licences whose hours of sale had been restricted.
1915–16	…	731,671	Complete year. Increase of area under restrictions as to hours.
1916–17	…	888,457	Relief extended to holders of retail "off" licences in areas where the hours of sale had been restricted by the Central Control Board.
1917–18	…	1,741,016	Relief increased on account of restricted supplies and extended to all holders of Spirits, Beer and Wine dealers' and retailers' licences. Incomplete year of increased relief.
1918–19	…	2,795,311	Complete year of increased relief.
		6,219,457
NOTE.—As the relief granted by the Acts quoted is made at the end of the licence year in respect of the duty for that year, and the licence year is not, in any Part of the United Kingdom, coterminous with the financial year, the following figures represent the position more accurately—

Licence Year.		Amount of Relief allowed in respect of the Duty for the Licence Year.			Notes.
		£	s	d
1914–15	…	791,380	16	10	Relief allowed to "on" licence holders for restriction of hours of sale.
1915–16	…	872,588	16	5	Relief extended to "off" licence holders in areas where hours of sale were restricted by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); also some extension of areas in which hours of sale arc restricted.
1916–17	…	1,768,267	3	7	Relief extended, on the ground of restricted supplies, to all holders of Spirits, Beer and Wine dealers' and retailers' licences and relief increased from 1st April, 1917.
1917–18	…	2,786,143	11	0	Complete year of increased relief.
1918–19	…	1,077	2	1	Part of licence year up to 31st March, 1919 only.
		6,219,457	9	11

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what subsidies are now being paid by the Treasury to railways and for bread, respectively; whether there are any other subsidies of the same nature; and, if so, what and to what amount?

I would refer my lion, and gallant Friend to the reply I gave on 22nd July to a question put by the hon. Member for Keighley. As regards the reference in that reply to financial provision in respect of coal, it is hoped that, in view of the recent rise in price, the necessity for Exchequer assistance will be obviated for the future in all but the exceptional cases referred to under Subhead

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now had an opportunity of considering the position of lady superintendents of the Army Pay Department, in the light of the decision of the Court of King's Bench in the case of Curtis v. Holdsworth; and to what decision has he come?

The inquiry into this matter is not yet completed, but, as I promised on the 14th instant, I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether gold can be exported from England at present without a licence; whether gold exported from Africa to America realises 85s. 6d. per oz., as against 77s. 9d. paid by the Bank of England for gold purchased; whether this unduly prejudices the Indian producer in competition with the African producer; whether any means of redressing the inequality are under consideration; whether the Ordinances prohibiting private imports of gold and silver into India are to be maintained; and whether action in this behalf is taken after consultation with and concurrence obtained of the Secretary of State for India?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but licences for re-export are freely given. As regards the second part, 1 understand that under arrangements made between the Bank of England and South African producers of gold, such producers will be able to sell their gold in London at the open market price, and that negotiations are now taking place between the Bank and the Indian gold producers with the object of arriving at a similar arrangement in their case. With regard to the Indian Ordinances mentioned in the last parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Buckrose Division on the 5th June.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the shortage of domestic and industrial fuel, the great demand for oil, and the publicity which is being given to the possibility of producing these substances from low-grade coal, colliery waste, and/or other bituminous material, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to protect the public from investing in schemes which are technically unsound?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Government are doing everything they can by setting up a Fuel Research Station for the purpose of providing the public with schemes which are technically sound to guard them against investing their money in schemes which are not technically sound.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made to date in connection with the Government experimental Fuel Research Station at Greenwich; what amount of money has been expended in connection therewith; and whether any results have been obtained towards the utilisation of inferior coal and colliery waste which will tend to increase the amount of domestic and industrial fuel, solid and liquid, for public distribution and consumption during the coming winter months?

The Prune Minister has asked me to answer this question. The laboratories at the Fuel Research Station are completed and have begun work. The main building will, it is hoped, be completed next month. The recorded expenditure up to the present on buildings and equipment is £130,924, and it is estimated that the cost under these heads will be £193,588 when the station as at present planned is finished. It has not yet been possible to conduct experiments bearing on the last part of the question, but they will be undertaken in due course after the station is complete.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will give in tabular form, as on 1st July, in each of the last ten years, and on the 1st of each month in this year, the exchange value of £l sterling in each of the following countries: Japan, China, India, Egypt, United States of America, Argentina, Germany, Austria, Czecho-Slovakia, Poland, Russia, France, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, and Sweden?

I have been asked to reply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that committees formed for the purpose of erecting war memorials in their localities are unable to register under the War Charities Act, 1916, and in consequence have to pay the Entertainments "Duty in respect of functions which they arrange for the raising of funds; and whether, in view of the fact that the entire net proceeds of such functions are to be devoted to war memorials to those who have fallen, he will absolve such funds from taxation?

:I am informed that funds for the purpose of erecting war memorials are not required to be registered under the War Charities Act, 1916, but I am not aware of any case in which exemption from Entertainments Duty has been refused on the ground that a fund raised solely for this purpose has not been so registered. I may point out, however, that under the law exemption from tax cannot be granted unless the whole of the takings of an entertainment are devoted to philanthropic or charitable purposes. If only the net proceeds are paid over, tax is chargeable, though repayment may subsequently be claimed provided that the expenses do not exceed 20 per cent. of the proceeds.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that distinguished university graduates holding first-class honours degrees who have served throughout the War in the Army are asked to sit for elementary examinations on subjects of their early school days as a condition of entry to Class I. of the Civil Service; and whether he can see his way to accept the possession of an honours degree as sufficient educational test?

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's description of the qualifying examination for Class I. posts as entirely accurate. The performances of candidates at this examination are found by the Civil Service Commission to be of assistance to their Selection Board, and I see no sufficient reason to exempt any candidates from this requirement.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if His Majesty's Government is disposed to restore to the British shareholders in the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, whose shares were taken by the Government to benefit the exchange rates, any portion of the appreciation of profit which has accrued through the allocation of bonus shares, increased dividends, and the improved market value of the shares?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Thanet Division.

asked the Food Controller whether it is his intention to permit the exportation of wheat and other cereals for seed purposes?

This question has been raised with the President of the Board of Agriculture, and is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is possible that the Government, as holders of raw material in this connection, should take action as regards the present and prospective prices of agricultural feeding stuffs, especially all kinds of cakes, since these prices are likely to bring about very serious consequences to the agricultural community?

I have been asked to reply. The arrangements already made with reference to the prices of cattle feeding stuffs were stated in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Midlothian and Peebles on the 4th August. I am fully aware of the seriousness of the present position, and shall continue to watch the situation closely, but I would point, out that the Government are not the holders of raw material in this connection.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed on 6th August at a meeting representative of the three sections of the milk trade, i.e., producers, produce retailers, and retailers, of Hereford and district, in reference to allowing an increase in the price of milk for the months of August and September; and whether he is prepared to take any action in this matter?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not prepared to sanction an increase in the price paid to milk producers for the months of August and September; the question of an adjustment in the amount paid to distributors is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received a resolution passed by the London County Council asking the Government to appoint a Departmental Committee to consider the question of the markets in London and their effect on the cost of food in the London area; and if the Government propose to take any action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that a resolution in the terms indicated has been received. A Committee, consisting of representatives-of the Corporation of the City of London, tenants of Billingsgate and Leadenhall Markets, and of the Railway companies concerned has been appointed to give immediate consideration to the congestion due to inadequate market facilities in the London area. While I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort will be made to deal with the problem of the London markets, in these circumstances I do not feel that any good purpose will be served by the appointment of another Committee at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the reason for refusing the export of yellow sugar; and what prospect there is of the export being permitted in the near future?

I am informed by the Sugar Commission that they are allowing freely the export of privately imported yellow sugar, but not of yellow sugar which is controlled by the Sugar Commission. Low-grade brown sugar from British refineries is allowed to be exported freely. Owing to the shortage of yellow sugar in this, country, it is necessary to prevent export ox the quantity controlled by the Sugar Commission. So far as can be seen at present, there is no prospect of an immediate change.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether various claims by ex-temporary Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officers employed at the Admiralty during the War for payment of the consolidated rate of pay, as sanctioned under Order in Council of 28thJuly, 1915, have been received at the Admiralty; if so, why receipt of the same has not been acknowledged; whether the Admiralty contends that the terms of the Order do not apply to such temporary naval officers; and, if so, on what grounds?

Claims of the description indicated by my hon. Friend have been received at the Admiralty, and I am advised that in every case they have been answered, either orally or in writing. The Order in Council referred to was obtained to cover the issue of consolidated pay to officers on the permanent list, and was never intended to apply to temporary officers, who had no claim to be remunerated on other than the ordinary basis of full pay and allowances.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to introduce a distinctive badge for the regulating branch, late ship's police, consisting of a crown between the letters R.B.; whether he is aware that it is the almost unanimous opinion of the regulating branch that the letters of the badge are most objectionable; and whether he can see his way to reconsider this decision before the contracts are placed with clothing firms for the supply of this badge?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no contracts for the supply of the badges have been placed, and the matter is under reconsideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the boom built of steel rails now standing between Noman's Fort and Nettlestone Point, near Pembridge, Isle of Wight, is still required by the Admiralty; whether he is aware that this boom is great danger to the navigation of small boats and that several yachts have been lost on this boom this season; and whether it can now be removed?

It has been approved that the pile dolphins, hurdles, and concrete blocks of the spithead and Solent booms should remain in position the present. Commercial traffic should suffer little, if any, inconvenience. An opening 40 yds. wide in the steel hurdle boom between Noman's Fort and Nettlestone Point has been approved, situated two cables off Nettlestone Point.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty is misinformed when it asserts that it was through the Ritchie's declining to submit an application for temporary disturbance that delay has arisen in their case, and that Messrs. Ritchie were evicted against their will and that, although full compensation was promised, not ld. has been paid, and that the Losses Commission repudiate all responsibility, he will see that action is taken to settle the matter?

I am afraid that I cannot accept the statement in the question as being quite accurate. Messrs. Ritchie, since May last, have declined to submit a claim for temporary disturbance, and as a last resort the Admiralty have been obliged to put their claim to be paid outright before the Losses Commission, together with the recommendations of the Department that a payment should be made representing temporary disturbance. The Admiralty have never been in a position to promise to buy the entire interests in view of the uncertainty of the policy in regard to the future of the station. The Losses Commission early this year stated that a claim for the purchase of the entire interests did not fall within their jurisdiction, but no doubt they will at the hearing of the case decide what payments, if any, can be made in the circumstances.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he has received a statement of account from Robert Dowell Garson, O.B.E., J.P., merchant, Lerwick, for damages to his property on 12th April caused by the Admiralty permitting smoking where they had stored high explosives; and that, although all the facts are admitted, even to the admiral commandeering the premises after they had been put in some repair and taking up his residence there, without even paying a penny of rent; and if he will cause inquiry to be made and ascertain why repeated letters and applications fail to meet with any reply?

Claims in respect of the damage caused by the explosion at Lerwick in April, 1915, have been received from Mr. R. D. Ganson, among others. The Admiralty were advised that they were under no legal liability for the damage, but made an ex gratia Grant-in-Aid which was distributed by the Local Government Board for Scotland on behalf of the Admiralty pro rata to the actual damage sustained by the several inhabitants who suffered loss by the accident and rent has been fixed for part of the premises belonging to Mr. Ganson, and this has been paid up to the 22nd May. Steps will be taken to expedite a further payment on account of these premises and a settlement of the rent of the remainder. Mr. Ganson was informed that the Admiralty could make no further payment on account of the damage in February, and again in March last.

asked the Secretary of' State for War whether he is aware that Sapper George Alfred Taberner, No. 347472, Royal Engineers, Royal Ordnance Department, Egypt, was applied for on 22nd January last by the London and North-Western Railway Company, with whom he was employed up to the outbreak of war; that for some reason this application was not replied to before 1st February, 1919, when all such definite offers of employment ceased to be valid claims for demobilisation; and whether, in view of the fact that both Sapper Taberner's parents have died recently, leaving him to settle up and look after the affairs of his father's estate, he will cause inquiries to be made as to the circumstances of the case and release Sapper Taberner at an early date?

Sapper Taberner is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release, and I am also informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that he is not so registered by his Department. In the absence of full particulars as to this man's length of service, etc., I am unable to state whether he is at present eligible for demobilisation, but if he is he will be released in accordance with the instructions recently issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the question of demobilisation in the case of Private C. F. G. Muggleton, No. 48172. l/4th Battalion, Northants Regiment, attached Royal Army Medical Corps, No. 5 Northern General Hospital, Leicester, category Class 3 employment, now awaiting official transfer to the Royal Army Medical Corps; whether he is aware that Private Muggleton attested under the Derby scheme on the 2nd January, 1916, and was called to the Colours for continuous service with the London Rifle-Brigade on the 20th February, 1916; that he left England for trance on the 3Jsi July, 1916, was transferred to the 2/22nd London Regiment in September, 1916, and was wounded in October, 1916; that he proceeded with the 2/22nd London Regiment to Salonika in November, 1916, and thence to Egypt in June, 1917; that he was admitted to hospital with influenza in August, 1918, with dysentery in September, 1918, with dilated heart, disorderly action of the heart (query, valvular disease of the heart), and debility in February, 1919, and was invalided to England in May, 1919, making a total overseas service of thirty-five consecutive months, and admitted to hospital in May, 1919, till July, 1919; that he has had no leave granted since July, 1916; and that, before joining His Majesty's Forces, he was an agricultural student and that he is now awaiting demobilisation to enable him to take up a small holding which is available; and whether, under these circumstances, the early demobilisation of this man will be favourably consideredf?

If Private Muggleton joined the Colours for immediate service on the date stated by my hon. and learned Friend, he will be demobilised in accordance with the Memorandum recently-published.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men are entitled under certain conditions to apply for leave with pay and allowances for a period of one month sanctioned by War Office No. A.C.L. 851 of L918; whether in some cases this is granted and in others refused when the qualifications are similar; whether leave with pay and allowances has been refused to M/C Corporal C. R. Kent. No. 574239, Royal Engineers, on the grounds that he did not apply before demobilisation, whereas it has been granted to another man in exactly the same circumstances and who was serving in the same regiment; and why differentiations of this kind are made?

One month's leave in addition to twenty-eight days' demobilisation furlough is granted to warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men who have completed their engagements and been retained, in the service under the Military service Acts. In. cases where no claim for this leave has been made till after discharge or demobilisation, the extra month is not granted. A soldier will not be considered to become entitled to a month's leave under Army Council Instruction 851 of 1918, if his time expires during his twenty-eight days demobilisation furlough. Inquiries are being made regarding the case referred to in the latter part of the question, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of state for War on what date troops in India, who are on demobilisation from Mesopotamia, will embark for England; whether some of these troops were ordered at the beginning of last month to proceed to the frontier and refused, and tile order was cancelled; and whether any of these troops have been sent to the frontier unless they volunteered?

It has already, been stated in this House that the men who arrived in India from Mesopotamia will be amongst the first to be demobilised when the reinforcements arrive, and that the reinforcements are now commencing to arrive. I may add that 1,000 of these men started on their journey home at the end of last month; the remainder will be released as soon as reinforcements arrive. I regret that under the circumstances it is impossible for me to forecast a definite date by when all these men will have embarked for the United Kingdom, but, as stated in the Memorandum published recently, the whole of the demobilisable personnel in India will have started for home by 1st December, if not released earlier, providing no unexpected trouble occurs. The last two parts of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is pro- posed to remove the Scots Greys from Edinburgh to India; whether he has received representations from high civic authorities in Edinburgh and elsewhere expressing a desire that Scotland's only Cavalry regiment should be kept in Scotland; and whether he is prepared favourably to consider any requests which have been made?

As stated yesterday, this question is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware (1) that Private R. E. Rowe, No. R/4/063080, Royal Army Service Corps, remounts, claims that he is owed £6 2s. back pay and ration allowance, which he cannot get paid; that this pay and allowance has reference to a period during 1918, when he was extra-regimentally employed by Colonel Hambro, now deputy-assistant director of remounts, on the latter's private property in Suffolk; and why he was so employed, having regard to the fact that he was graded Category 1; and(2) if he is aware that Private R. E. Rowe, No. R/4/068080, Royal Army Service Corps, remounts, claims that he lent out of his own pocket the sum of £74 10s. in 1918 to the then squadron-quartermaster-sergeant of No. 82 Remount Squadron, at Swaythling; and if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the administration of Swaythling Remount Depot in 1918?

I have no information regarding these questions, but inquiries are being made, and I will inform my Noble Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to grant the British war medal and the victory medal to men who were serving as soldiers at the outbreak of war and were retained as instructors in this country through no fault of their own, particularly in view of the fact that these men were not eligible for the 1914 or 1915 star?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply yesterday to a question on this subject put by my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in considering the award of medals for home service men, special attention will be paid to the claims of recruiting officers and others, many of them too old for any form of active service, who rendered conspicuous assistance during the War in the various recruiting centres throughout the country, keeping in view the number of hours which many of these officers and others voluntarily worked in order to ensure the successful completion of their tasks?

As previously stated on several occasions recently the question of an award to those who rendered service at home during the War is under consideration. The claims of those referred to by the- hon. Member will not be overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is with his knowledge and approval that the Army Council have demanded 600 new motor cars for the use of the military in the United Kingdom; and whether these cars are to take the places of the 500 cars said to be about to be withdrawn in response "to orders about to be issued to secure a considerable reduction in the number of cars used by the military in the United Kingdom?

I am afraid my hon. Friend has been misinformed. It is not the fact that the Army Council or the War Office have demanded 600 new motor cars for the use of the military in the United Kingdom. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any arrangement has been arrived at with the Ministry of Pensions in regard to patients under treatment in military hospitals that are to be taken over by the Ministry of Pensions; and whether the arrangements ensure the continuance of treatment by the doctors and nurses who have had previous charge of all non-convalescent cases?

An arrangement has been arrived at. The staff will not be transferred en bloc, as transfer is dependent in part on the wishes of the individuals, but no doubt the Ministry of Pensions will be glad to take into their service as many as possible of the old staffs who are desirous of remaining.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a draft of men from the 5th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, is now under immediate orders for Egypt from Rugeley Camp; and whether he is aware that the bulk of these men are Derby men, and that very strong feeling prevails in the camp in view of the repeated assurances given in this House that no Derby man should be sent farther East than the Army of the Rhine?

In the instructions given for the draft in question it was particularly specified that no Derby man was to be included A further order has been issued to this effect and a Report has also been called for as to whether any such men have been included in the draft.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many non-commissioned officers and men of the 1st Durham Light Infantry were induced to re-engage when in India on the understanding that they would be sent home for duty and that on arrival home they were posted to the2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which is due immediately for foreign service; and if he will take steps to have these men kept at home so that the undertaking given them may be fulfilled?

Nothing is known of such an undertaking. If particulars can be given the matter will be investigated at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private C. E. Flamanke, No. 66.436, Durham Light Infantry, released prisoner of war, is now under orders for Russia; and whether, in view of the promises of the military authorities, this procedure can be stopped?

I presume that Private Flamanke is under orders for the Army of the Black Sea. As I have frequently explained in connection with the position of repatriated prisoners of war, it would not be right to confer upon them a privilege as againt their comrades of the fighting Line; if men are fit in bodily health they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories prescribed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that under certain conditions moneys due to the estates of deceased soldiers distributed by the War Office under the law of intestacy are retained and invested in the orphans' savings bank of his Department, there to remain at 2 per cent. compound interest for the benefit of the children who are under age; and whether he is prepared to take such steps as may be necessary to secure the payment of 5 per cent. in such cases as it may be found desirable in the interests of orphan children to retain moneys until they reach the age of twenty-one or marry?

The present rate of interest is 2½ per cent. The question whether it is possible to increase the rate of interest is under consideration. The limiting age has been reduced from Twenty-one to eighteen.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the 200 skilled agriculturists, mostly drawn from Devon and Cornwall, now looking after horses at Shirehampton, can be released to their homes for harvest purposes?

Arrangements have already been made to allow these men to proceed on furlough to their homes for harvest work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the publication of a brief summary of the five sections of the "Review of the Foreign Press," so as to enable Members to digest the important facts and items of these valuable documents without spending the amount of time at present necessary for their complete perusal?

In view of the urgent need for economy and the action which has already been taken to dispense with the services of the officials engaged on this Review, I regret that I cannot undertake to adopt the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many commissioned ranks have as yet been sanctioned by the Financial Department of the War Office in the Tank Corps?

The permanent establishment of this corps is not yet settled, but five field officers, whose special experience it was dosirable to retain, have so far been given permanent appointments in it. I think my hon. and gallant Friend's reference to my Department must be based upon some misconception.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers employed in London, other than those occupying Government quarters, who are placed on the lodging list may have an increased allowance granted to them to meet the heavy cost of living in London; and whether such additional emolument can be given irrespective of any additions to the new daily rates of pay or consolidated rates which are in contemplation?

The question of granting a special London lodging allowance to officers has been very carefully considered in connection with the new rates of pay, and decided in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any economy is secured by the reduction of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine, or whether the whole of its cost is paid for, under the Treaty of Peace, by Germany.

The cost of troops in German territory forming part of the Army of Occupation is repayable by the German Government, but the withdrawal of large numbers of such troops will give rise to important indirect economies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government has completed the purchase of all lands taken from private owners since the War began by the War Office; and, if not, what is the approximate amount of purchase moneys still outstanding?

About£43,000 remains unpaid in certain specific cases where a decision to purchase has already been arrived at and formal approval to such purchase has been given. This figure represents terms which have been practically settled and payment only awaits completion of the conveyancing work. The larger question of purchase affecting all land taken for War Emergency purposes depends upon, several considerations—namely:

(1) The amount expended on buildings or other improvements thereon,

(2)the cost of reinstatement, and,

(3)the requirements of the after-war Army.

Until a decision has been reached as regards the last it is impossible to name even an approximate figure as to the cost of purchasing such land

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give the cost of working the boot-repairing depot at Old Kent Road; whether such has shown a profit or loss and the amount of that profit or loss; and whether he can give similar information regarding the boot-repairing depots at Halifax, Stirling, and Southampton?

The working costs of the depot at Old Kent Road from 1st January to 31st July last have been approximately £63,000. The profit or loss on working necessarily depends upon the estimated value of the boots before and after repair. The estimates furnished to me indicate a profit of some £36,000. I am not at the moment in possession of figures for the other depots named.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the machinery in use at the Government works at Slough is being retained on the hire-purchase system; whether the terms of the contract are such that the full value of the machinery is paid about every six. months; and, if this is so, what is the relation of each instalment of hire to the capital value?

I have; been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second and third parts do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of hours per week for which pay is issued to the men employed on the Government-works at Slough; what is the number of hours during which they actually work; whether the men living in huts at the works are allowed 9s. per week country money for being housed at their work, and at the same time two hours per day for travelling to and from their work; and, in the latter case, what proportion of the total number employed is affected?

:I hare been asked to answer this question. I understand from the contractor that the number of hours actually worked is forty-four per week; workmen are paid for forty-four hours plus two hours travelling time, if they reside at a distance of more than three miles from their work. Men living in the huts at the works are allowed 9s. per week country money if they are keeping a home elsewhere; they are charged, however, 6d. per night as rental accommodation in the huts; they receive no time allowance for travelling. The present number of men living in the huts is approximately 150 out of a total of 3,000 employed on the works.

asked the Under Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he can give an assurance that in taking every step to cut down expenditure and ensure economy in his Department, he will support and strengthen the Department of Civil Aviation in order to assist the development of British aircraft production, the success of which industry will add materially to the general prosperity of the country; and whether he will be prepared to give an account of the progress and work of that Department when Parliament reassembles?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am not at present in a position to add anything to the statement I made when introducing the Estimates, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the Government are fully alive to the importance of civil aviation to this country. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry what is the present staff of officers and other ranks, including women of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, at present stationed at the aerodromes at Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet, respectively; to what purpose these aerodromes are to be devoted; and what has been the total cost of their erection and equipment?

The staff of officers and other ranks at the 31st July, 1919, at the aerodromes referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question was as follows:

	Tadcaster,		Sherburn-in-Elmet.
R.A.F.—
Officers	…	48	2
Other ranks	…	159	58
W.R.A.F.—
Officer	…	2	0
Other ranks	…	66	0
Civilian Subordinates—
Male	…	2	22
Female	…	2	9
		279	91

There are no members of the Q.M.A.A.C. employed. Either of these stations are included in the Royal Air Force post-war programme, but the use of cue of them will have to be retained for civil aviation until a more suitable aerodrome, closer to the City of Lords, has been provided. These aerodromes will shortly be handed over to the Disposal Board for disposal. The cost of construction has been: Tadcaster, £108,000; Sherburn-in-Elmet, £195,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether arrangements can be made for the Vickers-Vimy aeroplane which flew the Atlantic to be placed in the South Kensington Museum with other pioneer examples of locomotion?

The machine referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is the property of a private firm (Vickers, Limited), and 1 have not yet been informed officially whether this firm wish to part with it for the purpose stated. I am asking my right, hon. Friend whether he could arrange for the placing of the machine in the South Kensington or other suitable public museum, in the event of the firm desiring to present it to the nation for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the con tents of the Adjutant-General in India's letter, No. 49,259/1 (A.G. 5), dated 28th May, 1917, in which warrant officers, non commissioned officers, and men who volunteered for training as pilots in the Royal Flying Corps were promised commissions as second-lieutenants on the general list on passing a six weeks' cadet course in Egypt under certain conditions; whether no notification was given that these conditions had been altered when the Royal Flying Corps was absorbed in the Royal Air Force until the issue of the Adjutant-General in India's No. 56,699/ A.G. 1, dated 27th September, 1918; whether,' in the meantime, many of those concerned had fulfilled the conditions to qualify for a commission under which they accepted training; and, under these circumstances, will he cause an inquiry to be made with a view to the original contract being carried out?

I regret that up to the present I have not been able to complete my inquiries into the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend. I will, however if he will permit me, communicate with him as soon as the information I require is available.

asked the Pensions Minister, in view of his decision on the subject of treatment allowance for A. Kemp, late Private No. 12101, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, whether this matter will be reconsidered, as the certificates given in this case by the hospital medical officer were not in the form that he is unable to follow his employment, but stated that Kemp is still unable to work, and were therefore in distinct conflict with the medical referee's certificate; and whether investigation was made into this case before the reply was given on the 5th, as the facts, including the form of certificate as given by the hospital medical officer, were placed in detail before the Ministry in November, 1918, and again in April, 1919?

I greatly regret that the statement made in the latter part of the reply which 1 gave to my hon. Friend on the on instant was incorrect. It was based on a misreading of a, letter from the local committee, a general statement as to the form in which hospital certificates an given being read as applying to tins particular cast-. the admitted conflict of Medical opinion does not, however, justify the payment of any arrears of treatment allowances lo Private Kemp. He was brought before a medical board in December last, only a few weeks after the stoppage of treatment allowances, and the board, without knowledge of the medical referee's opinion, assessed his disability at 80 per cent., and made no recommendation of treatment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, notwithstanding the condition of the finances of the country, further funds are to be expended in educating Serbian youths in the United Kingdom; and whether the House will have an opportunity of reconsidering its vote for the abolition of school fees during the Debate upon the Education Act of 1918?

The Grant to the Serbian Relief Fund which has been promised for this purpose and is borne on the Treasury Estimates, is limited to three years from the let July 1918. I am not aware of any proposal that further sums should be provided in addition to this Grant. I do not propose to initiate legislation to amend Section 26 of the Education Act, 1918, in the direction suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Government Department in charge of the national shipyards of Beachley, Gloucestershire, have prepared plans for hundreds of workmen's cottages; whether he is aware that the Government architect who is responsible for these plans estimates the cost of these cottages with only three bedrooms and twelve cottages to the acre at £l,000 each; and whether he will explain why this outlay is proposed to be incurred seeing that the future of these shipyards is most uncertain?

I have been asked to reply The numbers of cottages proposed to be constructed under the modified programme were as follows:

Beachley	…	…	…	355
Chepstow	…	…	…	404

As the result of a recent visit, However, the whole matter is being reconsidered. The cost of the cottages is estimated at £800 and not £l,000, and there arc only ten and not twelve houses to the acre.

asked the Minister of Health why his Department has not approved the housing scheme of the Woking Urban Council; and if he is aware that the surveyor to the council recently interviewed five separate officials in the Ministry, in the hope of getting the matter settled, without success?

The Woking village scheme, to which I presume the Noble Earl refers, was approved subject to some modification, which the local architect thought could be adopted without difficulty, so long ago as the 10th June. Subsequently the Council asked the Ministry of Health to waive some of these modifications. The Ministry agreed to do so except in regard to certain modifications considered to be essential on sanitary grounds, and the Council were so informed and asked, on the 9th July, to obtain tenders. The council have since agreed to provide satisfactorily for the drainage, and the scheme has been approved completely. I may add that I cannot find any foundation for the suggestion in the last part of the question, and I am bound to say that, although they have received much detailed assistance from the Housing Commissioner, the Council have displayed little energy in prosecuting cither this scheme or their other schemes which are in an earlier stage.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that his Department have refused to sanction the placing of contracts for the erection of cottages under the proposals laid down in the Report of Building Construction Contracts of the Colwyn Committee and insist that all contracts must be for a specific sum?

I am not aware that any contracts hare been rejected in the circumstances indicated in the question, "it is the practice of the Department to advise local authorities to enter into lump sum contracts, a course which, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, is recommended in the Report of the Colwyn Committee. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any individual cases which have been brought to his notice I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government has yet decided to appoint a Committee of Inquiry as regards the expenditure and the cost to the ratepayers of the Metropolitan Water Board; and, if so, can he state the names of the Committee and what the reference will be?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not yet in a position to make a statement as regards the latter part.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is a Press propaganda or publicity bureau attached to or in connection with Scotland Yard; and, if so, what is the estimated annual cost of this department or organisation?

There is no publicity bureau at Scotland Yard similar to that attached to other Government Departments, but communications are occasionally made to the Press and requests for interviews made by newspaper representatives are sometimes granted. There being no separate department or organisation, no separate estimate of the cost can be given.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state for how long a period it is proposed to continue the permission granted by the Metropolitan Police to tramway and motor - omnibus undertakings to carry over the number of licensed passengers on tramcars and omnibuses plying in the Metropolitan area?

It is not possible at present to say for how long a period this permission will be continued. It must necessarily depend on the number of vehicles available. Up to the present the output of new vehicles has been small, but a new type of omnibus has been approved, and it is anticipated that a start will be made to turn out a number of new vehicles in the near future.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can yet say what action it is proposed to take with regard to the recommendations of the Select Committee on Metropolitan Transport?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Islington.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among British deep-sea fishermen at the granting of fishing certificates to persons of alien nationality; and whether he will take steps to prevent the granting of these certificates in the future to other than British-born subjects, except in the case of men who have been on active service with the British forces?

I have been asked to answer this question. The question of the limitation of the grant of certificates of competency as skipper or second hand to candidates of British nationality is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, according to the estimate of the secretary of the Oilseed Supply Committee, 42,657 tons of copra, oilseed, and kernels have been conveyed to Hull by railway wagons since the Armistice; why arrangements cannot be made to ship the Australasian portion of these cargoes direct to Hull in the monthly Commonwealth steamer to that port; and, if not, whether, in view of wagon shortage, other means of direct shipment can be arranged?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will consider what action can be taken to improve the present arrangements for dealing with these cargoes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended under Article 296 of the Treaty of Peace that payment of enemy debts to traders in this country at the pre-war rate of exchange is subject to notice being given to Germany by Great Britain of the latter's intention to apply this Clause; whether any pressure has been brought to bear upon the Government by importers in this country to have this part of the Treaty rendered of no effect, in order that they may make extra profit by discharging their obligations in a depreciated currency; whether he has received representations from exporters in this country that they consider a pre-war rate of exchange as the only fair arrangement for all parties; and whether he is prepared to take, steps to protect the interests of British exporters in this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not aware of any pressure by importers of the kind referred to in the second part, but my right hon. Friend has seen representations from exporters to the effect mentioned in the third part. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave- to the Member for Chelsea on 24th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in September, 1918, the Government commandeered about fifty tons of hay from a private individual who has several times requested them to remove and pay for it, and who, about a month or so ago, was informed by the Government that a firm of hay dealers would take it over; that such firm sent one man and a press to cut out the hay, and ho has, after a month's work, cut out nearly one rick of about 25 tons; that he will be at least another month be fore the second rick, 25 tons, is cut out, when the owner may be paid for it; that the Government purchased the hay of one rick for £7 13s. a ton, while hay is now selling elsewhere as high as £16 a ton for last year's hay by the Government, and that this is not an isolated case; and will he take steps to abate this grievance?

My right hon. friend has asked me to answer this question. In the absence of further particulars, it is not possible to trace the transaction to which my hon. Friend refers, but, as I have previously pointed out, the bulk of the hay was purchased in the later months of 1018, and as baling and delivery continue throughout the year it is obviously impossible to take delivery at any specified time. Interest is, however, paid on outstanding balances of purchase price, in addition to an allowance for loss of weight in the rick. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that a competent workman can easily cut out 23 tons in ten days. As regards the last part, if 1918 hay is being sold at £10 per ton, this is clearly a contravention of the Army Council Order of the 20th August, 1918, and if my hon. Friend will give me full particulars of such a sale, the matter will be promptly dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to state on what date and through what channels the Danish Government asked for the abandonment of the plebiscite and German evacuation of the third zone in Sleswig?

The abandonment of the plebiscite in the third zone in Sleswig was decided by the Council of Five on 14th June, in view of the objections of the Danish Government, communicated to the Peace Conference by the Danish Minister in Paris by his letter to Monsieur Clemenceau of 17th May. The abandonment of the question of German evacuation naturally followed on the abandonment of the plebiscite.