asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any prospect of expediting the release of the seventy-five journeymen hydraulic packers and 103 apprentices still retained in the Army, in view of the shortage of labour required for the packing of cotton piece-goods in Manchester?

I regret that I cannot authorise the release of any of the men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend unless their release is provided for under current instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper J. C. Emerton, No. 182543, B Troop, 2nd Wireless Squadron, Makinah, attested under the Derby scheme in December, 1915, but was retained in civil life against his own wishes because of the importance of his civilian occupation; that he was called to the Colours on 30th June, 1916, and has been in the East for over three years without leave; that he has made repeated attempts to secure leave on compassionate grounds; and whether he will cause immediately inquiries to be made into the complaints which are being made with regard to the 2nd Wireless Signal Squadron, with a view to the early release of all men entitled to demobilisation?

I am making inquiries, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the 1916 men of the 383rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, attached since May, 1919, to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Alexandria, Egypt, have not been granted leave on their completion of twenty-two months', and in some cases twenty-three months', active service; and, whether, in view of the manner in which the Heavy Artillery in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force fulfilled its duties throughout the War, he will see that the men of the above unit receive equal treatment to that of other Line regiments who are now getting leave to the United Kingdom?

There is no definite period of service to qualify for leave to England. Leave is granted in all cases according to roster and as circumstances permit. The men referred to are no doubt receiving equal treatment with those of other arms serving in Egypt, but if my Noble Friend has any information to the contrary and will let me have particulars I will have further inquiry made.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers are still quartered at Stone Point, Hants; and what are their duties?

Five soldiers are quartered at Stone Point, Hants. Their duties are to guard and maintain the equipment and Government property there.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement relative to the present amount of imports into Russia. stating, if possible, the countries of origin?

Little information as to recent imports into Russia is available from Russian sources.The following particulars of the exports from the undermentioned countries to Russia during the current year are however available:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of British exports and imports to Russia in the year 1913?

In 1913 the aggregate value of merchandise exported from the United Kingdom to Russia was £27,693,953, of which £18,102,683 represents the value of United Kingdom produce exported and £9,591,270 the value of foreign and Colonial merchandise re-exported. The total value of imports into the United Kingdom from Russia in 1913 was £40,270,539.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what principle the list of key industries is based?

The list of unstable key industries, as to which restrictions on importation are at present in force, is based on the general principles which were laid down by the Prime Minister in his statement on trade policy before the Recess. These the House will shortly have an opportunity of discussing.