asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the total staff of his Department on the 1st August, 1914, was 4,366, on the 11th November, 1918 it was 16,882, and on the 31st March, 1919 this staff had actually been reduced by 980; and whether he will state what steps he is taking to reduce the staff to a pre-war level?

With reference to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, I should explain that the figures referred to did not include the staff of certain outport establishments of the Admiralty. According to a revised statement which has now been prepared, the total staff at the date of the Armistice was 20,457 and this number has been reduced to the extent of 1,876 by the 31st March, 1919.

Is it contemplated that in March next the Admiralty will require a staff in excess of the pre-war figures?

I have not the pre-war figures. What I have said is that we shall get the central office staff down to 5,400 or less by that date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it was necessary for him to maintain so large a staff at the Ministry, especially in view of the fact that the numbers given for the 31st March, 1919, showed an increase of over 17,000 on the numbers given for the 11th November, 1918; whether the present figures showed a considerable decrease; if not, whether he could promise very substantial reductions in the numbers employed by his Department before the end of the year; and whether he could give some approximate figure of such reductions.

The hon. Member may rest assured that the staff of the Ministry of Labour is not excessive, and has never been excessive, having regard to the mass of new work which has devolved upon it since the Armistice. The pressure of this new work, and in particular in connection with the out-of-work donation, reached its high-water mark in May. Since then the staff has been steadily and progressively reduced, the figures for the 10th October showing a decrease of 4,487 as compared with the 31st March, and of 5,404 as compared with the 30th May. I am hopeful that the decrease may continue, but this is a point on which I cannot commit myself to any promise or prophecy.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of his staff employed on the 11th November, 1918, for purely statistical work; and whether there had been any reduction in the staff since that date?

On the 11th November, 1918, the statistical staff of the Ministry of Labour numbered 176. Later on, with the new work devolving on the Ministry and in particular the out-of-work donation scheme, it increased to 272. But by the 17th October, 1919, it had been reduced to 226, and further reductions are in prospect. I should add that these figures include the staff engaged on the collection and collation of industrial and economic data at home and abroad.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been drawn to the fact that on 1st August, 1914, the total staff employed by his Department was 187, on the 11th November, 1918, it was 835, and on 31st March, 1919, it was 938; whether this increase had since been maintained; and whether steps were being taken to reduce the Foreign Office staff to something near the pre-war level?

The figures given by the hon. and gallant Member are correct, but unless accompanied by an explanation, they are likely to give a most erroneous impression. For instance, the original staff of the Foreign Office was increased during the war by the personnel required in connection with the following Departments, none of which had a pre-war existence: Foreign Trade Department, War Trade Statistical Department, Contraband Department, Prisoners of War Department, Foreign Claims Office, and Passport Office.

May I ask why it is necessary to have a passport to go to the Channel Islands?

That is a question for the Home Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that the staff of his Department was given as 14,222 on the 31st March, 1919; and whether he had been able to make any substantial reductions since that date?

The total of 14,222 included the civilian staff only of the War Office on 31st March, 1919. The total staff (military and civilian) of this Department on that date was 16,359, and net reductions to the extent of 4,861 were effected between 1st April and 1st October, or a total of 7,340 since November, 1918. I have given directions for putting into operation a scheme under which it is hoped that further reductions down to a total of about 8,000 will be effected by 1st January, 1920.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an estimate of the staff that will be required by his Department as a peace standard; and when he hopes to be able to make such reductions as will bring the number to such a level?

In the next financial year the British Army will have been reduced to dimensions not dissimilar from those of our pre-war Army. Proportionate reductions will Joe made in the War Office staff after making allowances for new services, and new responsibilities with which the War Office is charged. In addition there will be a considerable number of persons employed on winding up war business, as, for instance, the issue of medals and clasps, records, casualties, war claims, etc.

Can the right lion. Gentleman give us any indication of how many new Ministries will be required to house all those people who are being turned out of the War Office staff?

As the staff is reduced the accommodation will, of courser be surrendered.

asked the Minister of Transport whether lie will give the numbers of the staff employed by his Department on the 30th September, 1919?

The total number of the staff employed by the Ministry of Transport on 30th September, 1919, exclusive of those on temporary duty during the railway strike, was 277. Of this number eighty-two have been transferred from other Departments whose duties have been taken over by the Ministry of Transport.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the names of Members. of this House who blacklegged during the railway strike?

asked the Misister of Transport whether he can give an estimate as to the numbers of the normal staff which will be required to run his Department?

At this early stage it is impossible to form a precise estimate of the ultimate requirements of the Ministry of Transport. As my hon. Friend will see from the reply to Question 29, the number on 30th September was 277, including 82 transferred from other Departments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he will state what reduction in staff has taken place in his Department, including those employed at depots, since the 11th November, 1918; and whether he is taking any steps to make further reductions?

I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by "including those employed at depots," but I assume that this is to be interpreted as including all persons employed. Since 11th November, 1918, the numbers employed by the Air Ministry at headquarters and depots have been reduced from 68,150 to 24,700 on 30th September, 1919. These are approximate figures since all returns are not made up to the same date. Further reductions have been made since 30th September, and the process is continuing as rapidly as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether substantial reductions have been made in the staff of his Department since the 31st March, 1919; and whether he can give any estimate f the figure which he proposes to keep in mind as representing the normal Peace staff for this Department?

The Headquarters Staff of the Ministry on the 31st March last was 15,920; to-day the Staff numbers 10,236, a reduction of 5,684. The total reduction since the Armistice is now 14,908, or 60 per cent., in spite of the fact that of the staff of 10,236, 3,000 are employed on functions transferred to the Ministry since the date of the Armistice. It is not at present possible to give the estimate asked for in the last part of the question.

May I ask if any of those people are being taken over to staff new Departments?

Some of them are engaged on new work, such as that of disposing of surplus Government property.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that his total staff employed on the 11th November, 1918, was 65,142, and that the figures given for the 31st March, 1919, were 35,922, a reduction of only 40 per cent.; and whether he has been able to make considerable reductions since the last date given?

The figures quoted by the hon. and gallant Member are correct, but it should be pointed out that these figures include not only the staffs at Headquarters but also the administrative and clerical staffs at Woolwich Arsenal, the Royal Ordnance Factories at Enfield and Waltham Abbey, the explosives factories, and over 200 stores and depots. The present total of the Headquarters and provincial staffs is 20,242—a reduction of 44,900, or 68 per cent., since 11th November. As I have pointed out in answer to a previous question, 3,000 of the Headquarters staff are engaged on new functions transferred to the Ministry since the date of the Armistice.

Can he say whether it is proposed at an early date to terminate the Ministry of Munitions?

As soon as the work on which it is engaged is terminated obviously there will be no need to continue the Ministry, but at present that Ministry is engaged in raising very large revenues for the Government.

Can any approximate date be given, for its demise?

It is impossible at present to say how long it will take to dispose of the whole of the surplus Government property. At present the revenue is over two millions a week from that source alone.

Can he issue some statement as to the salaries of the dismissed staff and the salaries of those who remain in Government employment?

If my hon. Friend will put a question down I will see if an answer can be given him.

Is the hon. Gentleman correct in describing it as revenue, and should it not be called a return of capital?

It was a war expenditure which we are now able to dispose of, and for which we are receiving a revenue of £2,000,000 a week.

:It is not revenue.

If the House does not agree with the term I have used I will say income which we are now able to obtain and which goes into the Exchequer.

Am I right in saying that, on the hon. Gentleman's calculation of the value of the assets of which he is disposing, at that rate it will take ten years for this Ministry to finish its work?

I have never made any estimate which would justify that conclusion.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the staff of the Public Trustee in 1st August, 1914, was 433, whereas the figures given in 1919 were 1,077; whether this increase represents additional staff dealing with enemy trading; and whether it is possible to reduce the staff now to pre-war level.

The ordinary work of the Public Trustee has more than doubled during the last five years, and is still increasing rapidly. This accounts for the greater part of the increase of staff. The staff engaged on work under the Trading With the Enemy Acts now numbers 211, and is fully occupied. In view of the additional duties which the terms of the Peace Treaty are likely to impose upon the Public Trustee as custodian no provision can be made for the immediate reduction of this staff.

Is the Department self-supporting?

I am sure it is, but I speak from memory.

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers in receipt of unemployment pay on 18th October; how many have received it since the Armistice; what is the amount which has been paid in this form of donation; and what is his policy in respect to unemployment pay for the future?

The figures for the 18th October are not yet available. For the week ended the 26th September, i.e., immediately before the railway strike, the number of persons receiving out-of-work donation was 364,190, of whom 274,477 were ex-Service men. The number of individuals who have received out-of-work donation since the Armistice is not available. The total amount paid in out-of-work donation to the 26th September, 1919, was £36,978,027. The Out-of-work Donation Scheme expires on 24th November next for civilian workers, ex-members of His Majesty's Forces retain their right to donation during the year following their personal demobilisation. The policy in respect to the future is not yet decided.

Have the Government yet decided as to any extension of this principle after the 24th of November, and will the House be consulted on the matter

In the last part of my answer it was stated that the policy of the Government had not yet been decided.

Will the House be consulted?

I have already stated that some time ago.

That the House will be consulted?

Yes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of substituting a system for providing work rather than one for providing unemployment benefits?

All the possibilities are being considered.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he would give figures showing the present number of the unemployed and the weekly amount of the unemployment subsidy with the corresponding figures for 31st July last?

In the week ended the 26th September (the latest date for which figures are available) the number of persons claiming out-of-work donation, in-including those whose claims were not yet ripe for payment, was 403,003, while 26,319 were receiving unemployment insurance benefit—a total of 429,322. The corresponding figures for the week ended the 1st August were 553,482 and 30,936—a total of 584,418. The amount paid in donation during the week ended the 26th September was £494,000, as against £657,000 in the week ended 1st August.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the number of people receiving unemployment benefit for which they have paid?

My hon. Friend, I presume, refers to those who are under the Insurance Act scheme. The figures I have given, I think, cover what he refers to. There were 26,319 receiving unemployment insurance benefit.

How long are these doles to be continued?

I dealt with a similar question only a minute ago.

Will that also be extended to landlords?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress had been made with the organisation of the League of Nations; and when it was expected that the first meeting of the Assembly would take place?

I understand that the Acting Secretary-General has established such a provisional organisation as is necessary for the immediate duties imposed on the international Secretariat by the Treaty of Peace. Any appointments he may have made will, under Article 6 of the Covenant, be subject to the approval of the Council. The date of the meeting of the Assembly is not yet fixed. It will, in accordance with Article 5 of the Covenant, be summoned by the President of the United States.

Will the names of the British representatives be submitted to and approved by this House?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice of that?

When and where does the Council propose to sit?

Its first meeting, it was intended, was to be held at Washington. That is under consideration now. Its permanent habitation will be Geneva.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the revision of the Persian tariff had been completed; and whether it included preferential arrangements with the British Empire?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he was aware of the unrest and discontent in Jamaica and the demand of the population for an extension of representative government; and what steps it was proposed to take to meet this demand of the people of Jamaica?

I am not aware that any exceptional amount of unrest or discontent exists in Jamaica. I have received copies of laws passed in the Colony to extend the franchise to men who have served overseas, and to women, but I have not had any official information regarding a demand for further extension of representative government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was yet in a position to announce the decision of the Army Council with regard to the issue of a medal to pre-war Territorials who volunteered for active service in 1914?

I regret that I am unable to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been drawn to the promise made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget Speech of making substantial reductions of the war service next year; and whether his Department was taking steps to realise that aspiration?

Yes, Sir; and I hope to give the House shortly some fairly detailed indications of the scale and cost of the Army in the financial year 1920–21. I may say at once, however, that, owing to the complete demobilisation of the great War Armies and the payment of war charges attendant thereupon during the course of the present year, the total expense next year will certainly be less than one-fifth of the present gross cost.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 7th North Staffords after long service in the East were embarked for home from India., but were disembarked in Russia and asked to volunteer to fight Russians; whether he is aware that they generally refused, with the result that they were all transferred to the Royal Berkshires and called a volunteer battalion in the Black Sea Army; and whether, in view of the pledges he has given, he will explain why this course of action was followed?

This unit embarked for the Dardanelles in June, 1915. It served in the East until 11th June, 1919, when it was disbanded. It was never in India. It was never in Russia. Some of the men who were liable to be retained were transferred to the 7th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, in the Army of the Black Sea. This battalion is now, I understand, being disbanded in the process of demobilisation. No part of the Army of the Black Sea is engaged in fighting Russians or is within hundreds of miles of the anti-Bolshevik front. My hon. and gallant Friend seems to be wrong in every single particular.

Is my right lion. Friend the only authority to say what the bounds of Russia are; and may I ask whether the territory of the Kuban Cossacks is not in Russian territory 7ir is not also excluded from the ambit of Russia., and, further, whether the garrison in the country of the Kuban Cossacks is not likely to bring these men into contact with Denikin's forces?

There is no likelihood. There are no British troops in the territory of the Kuban Cossacks.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state what is the number of troops at present employed in Ireland; and what is their weekly cost?

The number of troops at present employed in Ireland is 55,000, and their weekly cost is £210,000.

Is not Ireland a cheap country in which to keep troops, and have we not got to keep them somewhere?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the present number of conscripts retained with the Colours?

The number of men serving in the Army on a non-volunteer basis, on the 15th October, was 615,000. Of these, 96,000 had been demobilised, and were on demobilisation furlough.

asked what is the present number of men under arms and the number under arms on the 31st July last?

The number of troops on the strength of the Army on the 3Ist July last was 1,216,000 and on the 15th October 907,000. The first figure includes 83,000, the latter figure 150,000 men already demobilised but on demobilisation furlough. The actual strength under arms on the 15th October is, therefore, 757,000. But for the fortnight's delay of the strike it would have been reduced by an additional 140,000 men.

Are all these officers and men disembarked from Russia given a month's leave or are they demobilised there and then?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is now able to make any statement on the future agricultural policy of the Government?

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the speech made by the Prime Minister yesterday, which is reported in this morning's Press.

In view of the un-that the Prime Minister yesterday stated he was unable to give us the full agricultural policy owing to the delay in the Report of the Royal Commission, may I ask when this Report is to be expected?

I cannot say for certain, but I hope very soon.

Is it in order to refer hon. Members to newspapers?

May I ask this question of my hon. Friend, Whether he does not think that this House is the place for any statement of policy to be made, and will he take an early opportunity, either by himself or some other duly authorised exponent of ministerial policy, to restate in this House what my hon. Friend has referred to as reports in the Press?

I shall be only too glad to make a statement in this House at the first convenient opportunity.

As the Prime Minister was so delightfully vague on the question of the hours of agricultural labourers may I ask when will he state what the decision of the Government is to be on that question?

I really would recommend my hon. Friend to wait and see.

asked whether the Report of the Select Committee dealing with London traffic has been considered by him; and how many of the recommendations have been passed by the Government?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Select Committee on London Traffic suggested that a central traffic board should be appointed in London for dealing with this question; and whether he is prepared to adopt this recommendation?

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered the recommendations of the London Traffic Committee; and whether he is prepared to adopt any of these?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has had an opportunity of considering the Report of the special Committee which dealt with the London traffic problem?

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposal of the London Traffic Committee that there should be a traffic board for London has his approval; and whether he intends to adopt it?

The Report of the Select Committee on London traffic has been considered by the Cabinet, and it has been decided that all questions of traffic in the London area will be dealt with by the Ministry of Transport. An Advisory Committee broadly on the lines of the recommendations of the Select Committee will be appointed to advise and assist the Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he will inform the House what was the strength of the personnel of the Air Force on 18th October; what it was on 12th August, 1919; and what it was on the date of the Armistice?

The particulars asked for by my hon. Friend as to the strength of the Royal Air Force on the dates mentioned by him are as follow:

Can he say whether all the anti-aircraft stations have now been abolished in this country?

I could not say that without notice. It does not come under my Department, but under the Home Forces. It ought to be put down to the Secretary of State for War.

How many women are included in that last total?

I could not say that without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to state the intentions of the Government with regard to the proposal contained in paragraph 35 (b) of the Report issued by the Select Committee on National Expenditure dealing with the Wheat Commission which indicated the possibility of a saving of £14,500,000 yearly by the restriction of the bread subsidy to flour actually used for bread?

I have been asked to reply. The whole question of the continuance of the bread subsidy is at present under the consideration of the Cabinet. An announcement on the subject will be made as soon as possible.

asked (1) the Prime 'Minister if lie can make any statement as to the steps which have been taken since the House adjourned to reduce public expenditure, and in what direction economies have been mainly effected;

As it is not possible to deal adequately with the matters raised in these questions within the limits of an answer, and as the House will no doubt desire to discuss the financial situation as a whole, I propose to lay two Papers, the first showing the revised estimates of revenue and expenditure for the current year, and the second a. revised estimate for a normal year on the lines of that which I attempted in my Budget Statement.

Arising out of the answer, and in view of the heavy financial commitments for housing, out-of-work donations, and pensions, is it not possible at once to give the House some definite figures of reductions in war expenditure?

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say when be anticipates that such a discussion—obviously it is desired by the House—will take place?

Will he now state a definite date when this matter might be discussed?

I understand that private notice has been given to the Prime Minister of a similar question to that put by my right hon. Friend opposite (Mr. Lambert), and the Prime Minister will answer it at the close of questions.

Is he prepared to say that a public inquiry will be held into the whole question of national expenditure?

That is for the House of Commons to decide. The House will first see the Papers I propose to lay and will discuss then what action we should take.

Can we not have a definite date when this will be discussed in the House?

I have already. said the Prime Minister has received notice of a question to that effect for to-day, which he will answer at the close of questions to-day. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to wait for that.

On a point of Order. Is it not the recognised custom of this House that questions which have been printed on the Paper should be replied to in preference to those by Private Notice?

The question was replied to and then supplementary questions were asked. It was in reply to. Supplementary questions that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said that further replies would be given by the Prime Minister.

Mr. Hogge.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature—

"Order!"

I have already called upon the hon. Member who has the next question on the Paper.

On a point of Order, and in view of the unsatisfactory answers I have received—

That is not a point of Order.

May I move the Adjournment of the House?

Mr. Hogge.

asked the Prime Minister when he intends to proceed with the War Emergency Laws (Continuance) Bill?

It is the intention of the Government to pass this Bill through all its stages during the present Session.

Does this Bill deal with salaries on the basis of standardisation?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Ministries and Secretaries Bill?

I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

How soon will the right hon. Gentleman be able to tell us?

We have not discussed it since the Adjournment, but if the hon. Gentleman puts down a question in a week or ten days I will give him a reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the staff employed by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) on 11th November, 1918, was 1,091, and that the figures given for 31st March, 1919, show an increase of 76; and whether he can promise that this increase has not since been maintained, but that a substantial reduction has now been made?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Yes, Sir. During the period since 11th November last the Central Control Board has placed under management some forty licensed premises situated within the Carlisle and District Direct Control area. The number of employés is necessarily dependent on the number of houses under management, but no extension of the present area is contemplated.

asked the Prime Minister when the revised and detailed Estimate for the Army, Navy, and Air Force Will be introduced; and what opportunities will be granted for their discussion?

I hope that the Naval and Air Force Estimates will be presented early next month. I am informed by the War Office that the Army Estimates cannot be ready before the end of next month, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War will lay a Paper explanatory of Army expenditure at the same time as the Treasury Papers on the financial position which I propose to lay. I hope that all those Papers will be available to Members on Monday next.