asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is exploring all practical paths leading to a settlement of the Irish question; and if he will say on what date he will make an announcement regarding the Government's Irish policy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. G. Thorne).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether h s attention has been. directed to resolutions passed by governors of secondary schools in Ireland expressing alarm at the difficulty they experience in procuring the services of experienced teachers; whether he is aware that this difficulty is due to the more attractive conditions of service in Great Britain; and whether he is in a position to state what steps the Government propose to take in order to bring the Irish system of education up to the standard which exists in Great Britain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his similar question on this subject on the 10th July last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when it is intended to proceed further with the Bill for Private Legislation Procedure (Ireland), which has been read a first time and has received a large measure of support from the Associated Chambers of Commerce,

					Date of Repayment				Amount outstanding (face value.	Repayable at	Amount repayable on redemption.
Series I.—									£		£
5%	National	war	Bonds	…	1st	October,	1922	…	207,168,000	102	211,311,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1924	…	26,691,000	103	27,492,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1927	…	215,819,000	105	226,610,000
4%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1927	…	106,554,000	100	106,554,000
									556,232,000		571,967,000
Series II.—
5%	National	war	Bonds	…	1st	April,	1923	…	218,550,000	102	222,921,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1925	…	12,133,000	103	12,497,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1928	…	151,020,000	105	158,571,000
4%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1928	…	49,143,000	100	49,143,000
									430,846,000		443,132,000
Series III.—
5%	National	war	Bonds	…	1st	september,	1923		160,427,000	102	163,636,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1925		18,659,000	103	19,219,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1928		244,157,000	105	256,365,000
4%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1928		26,881,000	100	26,881,000
									450,124,000		466,101,000
Series IV.—
5%	National	war	Bonds	…	1st	February,	1924	…	28,958,000	102	29,537,000
5%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1929	…	43,890,000	105	46,085,000
4%	"	"	"	…	1st	"	1929	…	5,385,000	100	5,385,000
									78,233,000		81,007,000
					Grand Total			…	1,515,435,000		1,562,207,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the large issues of paper money which inflate the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and other public bodies?

I regret I cannot at the moment say.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state the capital amounts now outstanding of the three different series of War Bonds, i.e., those having currency for five, seven, and ten years, and the dates on which they are respectively due for repayment, together with the respective amounts due on those dates?

The approximate amounts outstanding on 1st October were as follows:prices and prevent the development of business are viewed with grave alarm; and whether he is in a position to state when the Government is likely to revert to ordinary methods?

I hope to deal generally with the question of currency in the forthcoming Debate on the financial situation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in giving further consideration to the problem of paying off the war debt, he has examined the various forms that a capital levy might take and has conic to any decision thereon?

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to await my statement on Wednesday.

asked. the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total assessment of unearned incomes in 1914 for the purpose of Income Tax and what was the corresponding total for 1919–20; what portion of such 1919–20 total represents unearned incomes which have increased by more than 50 per cent, during such period; and whether, in view of the serious position of national finances, he will consider the advisability of an immediate levy on the capital producing such increased unearned incomes?

The total taxable income, other than earned income, for the year 1913–14 was £589,000,000, and the corresponding figure for 1918–19 £818,800,000. These figures are composed as follows:

	1913–14	1918–19.
	£	£
Income of individuals in United Kingdom	462,000,0000	593,800,0000
Income of companies, corporations, etc., not distributed as such to individuals and of non-residents	127,000,0000	225,000,000

The figure for 1919–20 is not yet available, nor is it possible to give the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member in the second part of his question. As to the last part of the question, I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statement which I shall make on Wednesday.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the sanction of the Treasury has been obtained to any proposal to utilise national factories or arsenals for the manufacture of railway wagons; and, if so, what is the estimated cost of converting and equipping such factories and arsenals and the estimated cost of the proposal; and on what Vote such expenditure is shown?

I am informed that the manufacture of railway wagons for certain railway companies has been undertaken by the Ministry of Munitions at, Woolwich. As no capital expenditure is involved, and the work is being done as a temporary arrangement on terms which involve no loss to public funds, Treasury sanction was not required.

asked -the Minister of Transport whether an order for railway wagons has been placed with Woolwich Arsenal; if so, by whom and at what date was the order placed; what was the amount of the order; and whether it was placed at a fixed price or on what basis?

I have been asked to answer this question. Two orders for railway wagons have been placed at Woolwich Arsenal by the Ministry. One order for 2,000 wagons for the North Eastern Railway Company on the 31st July, and the other for 500 wagons for the Great Western Railway Company on 28th July, 1919. Both orders were accepted from the railway companies at fixed prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Report of the Committee on Old Age Pensions is to be submitted to the House at an early date?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Departmental Committee appointed in April last to consider and report on old age pensions has presented its Report; and, if so, whether he intends to recommend an increase in pensions which will relieve the sufferings of the aged poor during the winter months?

I expect to receive the Report shortly, It will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that education and the maintenance of the police are services of a national character, and that the increasing cost of these services is becoming a serious burden to local authorities, he will consider the advisability of meeting the total cost from the national Exchequer instead of simply making grants-in-aid?

It is hardly possible within the limits of Parliamentary question and answer to discuss the considerations which should govern the division of the burden of such services as education and maintenance of the police between the State and local authorities, and I would refer the hon. Member to the Final Report of the Local Taxation Committee issued in 1914 (Cd. 7315), chapter V. I cannot agree that the increase in the cost of the services mentioned would furnish adequate ground for imposing the whole charge upon the already overburdened taxpayer, even if this course could be reconciled with the continuance of local administration.

asked the Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can state the value of tile ground rent for the city of Belfast, the last record of the valuation of the property in that city, and who are recorded as owners of the land and property; whether there is any objection to supplying this information; and, if so, will he state the reason?

Information as to the value of ground rents for the City of Belfast is not available. If by "the last record" the hon. Member means the valuation made under the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act. 1910, the valuations so far settled would not justify the expenditure of time and labour necessary to arrive at a provisional total. Publication of the particulars as regards ownership of land which are supplied under the Act would involve departure from the rule under which tins information is regarded as confidential.

asked the Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury what progress has been made with the Return of expenditure out of the rates and taxes on various forms of social or general service which was agreed to by this House last July; and whether any date can be fixed for its issue to the public?

The Return is being prepared, and while I should prefer not to bind myself to a fixed date I hope it may be issued in a few weeks' time.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that early in 1915 his predecessor, the late Lord Rhondda, in forming the Retail Butchers' Association, made an arrangement with the National Federation of Meat Traders on behalf of the whole of the trade in Great Britain for the regular procuring and distributing the meat supplies to the people of this country; is he aware that the agreed rate of payment was to be 2½d. per lb. gross profit or 20 per cent., whichever was the smaller amount.; is he aware that this honourable understanding has been broken by his Department on three separate occasions when the gross profit has been reduced ¼d. per lb. each time and is now only ¾d. per lb., which on the present high price of meat works out at a gross profit of only 11½per cent., widen is quite insufficient for a bare living profit,; and whether he is prepared to rectify the matter as early as possible?

I am aware that an arrangement of the nature described was made when the control of meat supplies was first instituted in August, 1917. At that time wholesale prices only were controlled. The arrangement came to an end on 8th March, 1918, when it was found necessary also to prescribe maximum retail prices. I cannot agree that. the gross profit at present made by retailers of meat amounts only to 11½per cent., and I am not, therefore prepared to make any alteration to the present scale.

asked the Minister of Food who is responsible for the fiat rate which is put on to the price of cattle, sheep, and lambs over that which is paid to the farmer; whether this flat rate at present amounts to 13s. per live cwt., which is equivalent to 16½ per cent. on to the net cost of meat to the retailer, of which only 4s. per cent. or less than one-third is paid to the farmer, thus placing the onus on the retailer of collecting taxes for the Ministry of Food on which he has no consideration or remuneration; and if the profits made by his Department on imported meat and home-killed hides, etc., are not sufficient to allow him to take off the recent advance of 2¼d. per lb. on the wholesale price of meat and what becomes of the remaining 9s. per cwt. which is not paid to the producer?

The per head charges at present payable on live stock are made in order to cover the various expenses incurred by the Ministry of Food in connection with the conversion of live stock into dead meat. These expenses include rail-age from the farm to the market and thence to the butcher, lairage and feeding fees, auctioneers' commission, market tolls, weighing, dealer's commission, slaughtering charges and insurance against tuberculosis in the case of certain grades of cattle. In order that meat may be supplied at a uniform price to the butchers, the prices guaranteed to the farmers have been fixed upon a sliding scale up to 30th June next. The figure which the farmers are at present receiving is 4s. per cwt. above the basic price, but the hon. Member has omitted to state that there is a gradual increase which amounts, in next May, to a figure of 20s. per cwt. above the basic price. The system of establishing a flat price for the meat over the whole period avoids the necessity for fortnightly increases in price to the consumer to correspond with the increases in price to the farmer. Such profits as are made on imported meat and home-killed hides have already been taken into account in fixing the maximum wholesale prices of meat.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the need of the application of business methods in the classification of various qualities of meat, and which classification was promised by his own Department early in the summer; if the man who produces the best class of meat is on the same level as the producer who markets old ewes, rams, bulls, and cows; and when this practice will be put right, so that the public may have what it actually pays for, that is, the best when it pays top prices?

I am aware that an undertaking was given by the Ministry of Food that the possibility of introducing differential prices for meat according to quality would be carefully investigated. This has been done; but I regret that the administrative difficult in the way of the proposal have been found to be so great that it has not been possible to put it into effect.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the German submarine commander, Captain Keisewetter, has been released from the Tower and has been allowed to return to Germany; if the inquiry held into this case exonerated this submarine Captain Keisewetter from any responsibility for the sinking of hospital ships; if the report of his examination will be published; and if the Government still intends to bring to justice all the seventy-one enemy officers comprised in the Admiralty list?

Captain Keisewetter was being repatriated from Spain, together with other Germans, the party having Leen furnished with a safe conduct endorsed by H. B. M. Embassy at Madrid. It was not known at the time that Keisewetter was guilty. Papers taken from Keisewetter, on examination at Falmouth, were considered to contain clear evidence of guilt. The question arose whether this fact should invalidate the safe conduct. After careful consideration and consultation with the Foreign Office, it was decided that effect would have to be given to the safe conduct, and Keisewetter was therefore allowed to proceed to Germany. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to demand the surrender for trial of Keisewetter under Article 228 of the Peace Treaty; but the question of how many enemy submarine officers against whom there is evidence of unlawful practice are to be demanded is still under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the cost in fuel and otherwise of bringing motor launches home frome the Rhine; what these motor launches were worth when they arrived in England; how much the country has lost by bringing them home rather than selling them or destroying them where they were when no longer needed: and how many of these launches have been brought home?

The cost in fuel in bringing a motor launch home from the Rhine was about £30, but this is counterbalanced by the saving of the fares of the crew. Wherever possible the motor launches are sold where they lie, and this has been done in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, but there is apparently no market for them on the Rhine. The saleable value of the launches was in no way diminished by their being brought home. No loss has therefore been incurred by this action, and some money will eventually be realised by their sale. Five motor launches have already been brought home. All boats now at home and surplus to requirements are on sale. Some 100 boats have been sold, including a number sold abroad, and arrangements for the disposal of the remainder are proceeding actively. With regard to the value of the boats, the Admiralty is not, for reasons which will be appreciated, in a position at present to answer this part of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, with reference to the non-payment of consolidated pay to officers holding temporary commissions in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve employed at the Admiralty during the War, such consolidated pay has in any instance been paid to such an officer or officers; and what authority there is for differentiating between officers holding temporary or permanent commissions so far as the payment of consolidated rates of pay is concerned?

I am informed that no temporary Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officer received the consolidated rate of pay authorised by Order in Council of 28th July, 1915, except one who was also an ex-officer Royal Navy and who was filling an appointment that would ordinarily have been filled by a naval officer. As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on the 19th August, 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. It was therefore not considered justifiable to apply it to cases in which it was not meant to be applied.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether arrangements are being made for the award of a war medal to the anti-aircraft corps, Royal Navel Volunteer Reserve, who were responsible for the defence of London during the air raids?

The conditions under which wax medals will be issued to naval ranks and ratings, including the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, have not yet been settled. The matter is under discussion with the War Office.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if any awards have yet been made for the salvage of ss. "South-point," "Peregrine," and "India"; and, if so, to whom?

The following shows the position:

• "Southpoint."—An award for services rendered by His Majesty's drifters "Muria" and "Bromelia," on the 15th March, 1917, was put into distribution on the 26th January, 1918.
• "Peregrine."—A claim is being made by the Admiralty and various salvors for services rendered between Juno and August, 1917, and the settlement is being negotiated by the Treasury Solicitor.
• "India."—Awards were received for services rendered by His Majesty's tugs "Pert" and "Drage," in March, 1918, and were put into distribution on the 18th June, 1919.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty when the payment of the awards made for the salvage of steamships "La Perouse," "Clan Mackenzie" "St. Louis," "Sanuki Maru" and "Anselma-de-Larrinaga," may be expected?

The following shows the position in these cases:

• "La Perouse."—An award to the naval working party was distributed in October, A further award has been made in respect of services of this Majesty's tugs, and the money has just been received. Distribution will be made as coon as possible.
• "Clan Mackenzie" and "St. Louis."—Award recently received, and will be distributed as soon as possible.
• "Sanuki Maru."—Award recently received, and will be ready for payment very shortly.
• "An selma-de-Larrinaga."—Award recently received, and the question of apportionment between the Admiralty and the salvors is under consideration. Action fur distribution will be taken as soon as this is settled.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the policy of the Admiralty with regard to the disposal of surplus trawlers and drifters has yet been decided on; and, if so, whether he can give the House any information thereon?

The question of the best method of disposal of the surplus Admiralty trawlers and drifters has received very careful consideration by the Admiralty in conjunction with the Fishery Boards; and after full consideration of the various proposals the Government has approved the following schemes:

(1) All surplus Admiralty drifters (about 160) to be turned over adapted for fishing to the Fishery Boards for disposal to individual ex-Service fishermen on terms of deferred payment.

(2) 200 Trawlers adapted by the Admiralty for fishing, to be handed over to a co-partnership company, which it is proposed to form amongst fishermen who have served in any of His Majesty's Forces during the War.

The shareholders will be responsible for providing the fishing nets and other equipment and the working capital, but they would not be required to purchase the vessels outright from the Government. The Government will take debenture security to cover the value of the vessels, and the company will repay annually a fixed proportion of the capital value together with interest at 5 per cent. per annum. The company will be worked on commercial lines, and will not receive any further Government support, and, except as may be needful to safeguard tae debenture security, the Government will in no way interfere in the affairs of the company. Steps are now being taken to form a board of directors arid management, and the scheme will be advertised and prospectus issued at the earliest possible moment. The remaining surplus trawlers will be sold in the open market either by tender or public auction.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers are still being sent to the different centres to examine the arrangements for demobilisation; whether he is aware that a number of 1916 Derby men in the Royal Army Service Corps at Cologne, upon making inquiries as to their demobilisation, were informed that they could not be spared until further reinforcements were sent from England; whether this accurately represents the position; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

The staff of inspectors of demobilisation has lately been reduced, but inspections continue to take place. With regard to the latter part of the question, I. am not aware of any 1016 Derby man in the Royal Array Service Corps at Cologne having been told that they could not be spared until further reinforcements are sent from England, and am making inquiries into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all the British troops who have served in Mesopotamia are to be relieved this year: and. if not, will he take steps to bring them home as soon as possible?

Army Order 365, dated the 17th October, provides for the demobilisation of all men, excepting those who have undertaken or are permitted to undertake any further obligation to continue in the Service. The dispatch from their present stations or theatres of all men eligible for demobilisation is to be completed by the 1st April next, subject to the necessary transport being available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will lay before the Army Council the desirability of demobilising at the earliest possible date those men who have either employment waiting for them or who are urgently needed for the development of industry in this country; and whether he will recommend this policy being adopted in view of the need for creating employment?

I regret that I cannot authorise the demobilisation of those men whose release is not provided for under the instructions at present in force, which are based upon age and length of service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Lance-corporal A. Freeman, No. 192047, General Headquarters, Royal Engineers (Signals), joined up on the 31st July, 1916, and has served in Salonika since October, 1916, without home leave; whether he is at present at Constantinople; and whether he will see that his promise carries fulfilment in Turkey?

Inquiries are already being made in this case, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state his reason for ruling that men who attempted to volunteer for service but were rejected as medically unfit, and were afterwards called up under the Military Service Art, cannot be considered as volunteers for the purpose of demobilisation; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the country with regard to this matter?

I regret that after careful consideration it has not been found practicable to adopt this proposal. The examination of the evidence in such cases would involve a considerable staff and the evidence would often prove valueless. Moreover, many men have not documentary evidence to show that they were rejected as medically unfit. In any case under the existing Regulations the only difference involved in the latest date fixed for demobilisation is a matter of one month for men called up before the 1st July, 1917, and six weeks for men called up before the 1st July, 1918.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desirability of recommending to the War Office for demobilisation the cases of men who are urgently needed for the development of industry in this country; whether many such cases are brought to his notice; and whether, in view of the need for creating employment, the present policy of inactivity should be at once changed?

I have received a number of representations for the early release of particular classes of men which, taken together, cover a considerable part of the men still remaining in the Army. Arrangements have been made for securing that the whole of the comparatively small number of men still serving in the Army who are eligible for demobilisation, will be dispatched for release before 1st April next, and, having regard to this fact, I am not prepared to recommend to the War Office that any general arrangements for priority of release on industrial grounds should be revived at the present stage. Certain limited proposals, chiefly affecting the building trades, are under consideration with the War Office and the Ministry of Health, but I cannot yet say how far it will be possible to give effect to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if lie 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 transports 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 would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 7th August last to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Kingswinford. I would add that all men who have not undertaken to continue in the Service are now eligible for demobilisation and will be released as early as practicable under the instructions now in force.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will order the immediate release from the Army of Private Richard Olivet, No. 100402, 1st Battalion King's, Liverpool Regiment, who is under age, and whose release was promised by the Records Office, Preston, in July last?

I was not previously aware of this case, but inquiries are being made and I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement as to the British expenditure in Russia since the Armistice to the latest possible date?

As I stated on Wednesday last, I shall be quite ready to make a statement on this subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the British Military Mission will be returning from Siberia?

The Mission is in course of reduction to a smaller establishment, but no decision regarding the date of its withdrawal has yet been made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information with regard to the British prisoners in Moscow; and whether any efforts are being made to secure the repatriation of these men?

In answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for North Kensington. As regards the second part, the answer is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government are endeavouring to negotiate an exchange, and it is proposed that a meeting will shortly take place for this purpose with representatives of the Soviet Government. The Danish Government have agreed to allow this conference to take place in Denmark, provided that the Soviet Government consent to certain conditions which they have proposed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a number of men in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at. Kantara, Egypt, who have been on continuous service for over twenty-five months without leave to the United Kingdom; whether these men are not entitled to leave until they have completed thirty months' unbroken overseas service; and whether lie can give any promise that these men will either be demobilised or granted leave of absence at the earliest moment.?

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. All men who have not volunteered for the Armies of Occupation are now eligible for demobilisation and will be released as early as practicable under the instructions now in force.

asked the Secretary of State for War v.-hat probability there is of men of the 1/4th Essex Regiment now in Egypt who have completed two years' foreign service being granted leave to England?

The grant of leave to the troops serving in Egypt rests with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. I may say, however, that every effort is made to grant leave as liberally as possible, compatible with shipping requirements and the numbers coining home for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact that a medal is being awarded to special constables for their work during the War, he will recommend the award of the Victory medal to all troops employed on Home service during the same period?

The question of the award of a medal to those troops who rendered services at home in connection with the War is still receiving careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware adjutants of volunteer battalions are still being retained on duty; and if he will state the necessity for this?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Volunteer Force is at present in process of being disbanded. Adjutants of battalions are being released on completion of the disbandment of their units, or at once if their duties can be discharged by the assistant adjutants who are unpaid Volunteer officers. The release of paid adjutants began on the 4th September and since that date fifty have been released.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the transport of troops to India during the hot season was affected without injury to their health; and whether the precautions taken for their comfort and well-being at sea and on the land journey were effective?

The general state of health of the troops on the voyage to India during the hot weather has been good. No prevalence of sickness has been reported except on one vessel where bubonic plague, attributable to rats, broke out.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is contemplated reducing the term of lieuts.-colonel service in their rank to less than five years in order to speed up tie promotion of junior officers who have held general's rank in the War?

The term of service in the rank of lieutenant-colonel is already four years, except in the case of the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and Royal Army Service Corps. In these latter arms, the reduction of the period from five to four years is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the scheme for the reorganisation of the Territorial Force will be published; and if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among returned Territorial officers and men at the delay?

I hope that a final decision on the future of the Territorial Force will be reached at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the facts of the case of Private F. Smith, No. 54260, late York and Lancaster regiment, who in August was court-martialled for desertion; that this man re-enlisted at the beginning of the year for four years with the South Wales Borderers, and came home on 12th March on three months' furlough; that on leaving France he was told to report at Brecon on 12th April, 1919, but subsequently received a letter from the York and Lancaster Regiment extending his leave till 15th June, 1919; that on 17th May, 1919, he received orders to report at Pontefract, but no railway warrant; that on 19th May. 1919, his discharge papers came from the York and Lancaster Regiment, whereupon he naturally concluded that his Army career was closed, which conclusion was strengthened by the fact that no order to report or railway warrant subsequently came from the Border Regiment; that at the termination of his furlough he got work in London, leaving orders that any papers which came for him should be sent on by express letter; that nothing further was heard from the military authorities until 2nd August, 1919, when he was arrested as a deserter, court-martialled, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment; and whether, in view of the fact that this man enlisted at the age of sixteen, and had been to France three times, and that the whole question of his failing to report for duty arose from a confusion of orders from two different headquarters, he will cause inquiries to be made into the whole case and the question of this man's sentence reconsidered?

Inquiries are being made, and I will acquaint my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether it has been decided to grant commissions in the Regular Army to the Special Reserve and Territorial Force and temporary officers who have been recommended for the same, and when a decision on this subject is likely to be announced; (2) if it is intended to reduce the establishment at Woolwich and Sandhurst with a view to absorbing surplus Regular officers, Territorial Force officers, and temporary officers into the Regular Army?

The desire of the Army Council in this matter is to secure for the Regular Army the best of the war-seasoned non-Regular officers, while at the same time safeguarding the interests of Regular and non-Regular officers. But it must be recognised that a complex administrative problem of considerable magnitude is involved. Over 16,000 permanent commissions in the Regular Army were given during the War, of which 6,700 were promotions from the ranks. The consequence is that of the officers at present serving in the Regular Army 4,500, at the lowest estimate, are surplus to establishment. It is possible that this estimated surplus includes many non-effective officers, and officers who intend to retire; but it is clear that until the after-war establishment of the Army has been determined and our resources and requirements of officers can be estimated with precision, it is not possible to come to any decision on the applications that have been received from temporary officers, to the number of over 3,000, for permanent commissions in the Regular Army. In any event it would be misleading to hold out hopes of any but a very small proportion of these applications being successful. I appreciate to the full the inconvenience caused to individual applicants by the delay in reaching a decision, hut in the difficult circumstances I have defined some delay is unavoidable. It must also be recognised that of those who have already been given permanent commissions during the War and are now surplus to establishment, a considerable proportion have had exceptional war service and posse is claims similar in character to those whose applications are now awaiting consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many divisional commanders of Territorial divisions have been appointed and what pay and allowances they are receiving, or for what period they have received the same; and, in view of the fact that Territorial divisions are not existent, can he state what military duties they perform?

Fourteen divisional commanders have been appointed. They are receiving the pay and allowances of their rank. They have drawn pay as such from dates which differ in each case, but which all lie between the 25th April and 30th July, 1919. They have been employed in consultation with Territorial Force Associations and General Officers Commanding of Commands at home in preparing for the reconstitution of the Territorial Force on a peace footing so that there may be no delay in organising the Territorial divisions as soon as the constitution is decided upon.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of Staff officers, with their grading, or officers attached to the Staff of the Tank Corps Centre at Wool; what number of battalions they train or administer; and what the ration strength of the above are?

The number of officers employed at the Headquarters, Tank Corps Training Centre, is thirteen, and their grading is as follows:

Brigadier-General	1
General Staff Officer (First Grade	1
General Staff Officer (Third Grade)	1
Assistant Adjutant and Quarter-master General	1
Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General	1
Deputy Assistant Quarter-master General	1
Staff Captains	2
Attached Officers	4
Quartermaster	1

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the percentage of Regular officers compared with other than Regular officers now serving with the Tank and Machine Gun Corps; and if it is intended to replace the present Territorial Force and temporary officers recommended and desirous of staying in the Army by Regular officers with little or no practical experience in either of the above corps?

The percentages asked for are 8.3 and 13.6 respectively. As regards die last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of motor cars now allotted to or made available for the use of officers and officials at the War Office; what were the numbers of motor cars available for purposes prior to August, 1914; and if it is considered necessary for officers or officials employed at the War Office to have the privilege of being conveyed to and from their homes or lodgings at the public expense?

At the present time 18 motor cars ace available for official purposes at the War Office. This represents a reduction of 96 cars, and the number will be further reduced as the staff of the office decreases. The number of cars available in August, 1914, was three. The answer to the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is, speaking generally, in the negative, though exceptional circumstances may arise which may occasionally render it necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Pioneer Bernard Walter Blake, No. 212029, Royal Engineers, now stationed at Apple Pie Camp, Longmoor, Hants, was recently included in a draft detailed for service in Egypt; whether he is aware that this soldier is a Derby man and in a low medical category; whether it is regular to detail Derby men for service in Egypt having regard to the War Office Memorandum of the 16th July, 1919, that Derby men are not to be sent further from home than the Army of the Rhine; whether he is aware that Pioneer Blake has been remanded for trial by court-martial for overstaying his draft leave; and if lie will take action to have the case disposed of summarily by his Commanding Officer in view of the War Office Memorandum referred to?

Private Blake was erroneously included in a draft for service in Egypt, but has now been removed therefrom. He has been remanded for trial by court-martial for overstaying his leave by a period exceeding twenty-one days. Such cases of absence arc normally dealt with by courts-martial and not summarily by Commanding Officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of men returning from Russia have a lot of Russian paper money which they cannot get changed in England; and whether any provision has been made for flue changing of this money?

Arrangements have been made for pay issued to British troops in Russian currency to be exchanged locally before they embark for this country. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any case he has in mind in which this has not been done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the amount of cloth released from Army stores for civilian purposes since the 1st August last, and the amount of cloth still held in reserve in Army stores?

Since the 1st August last over ten and a quarter million yards of cloth have been reported for disposal. In addition to this it may be interesting to know that approximately twenty-one million yards of material which does not come under the heading of "cloth" have also been declared surplus since the date mentioned. As regards the last part of the question, I am not able to give him the figures at the moment, but if he will put the question down again in a week's time I hope to be able to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make an announcement with regard to the rates of pay of officers and crews of War Department vessels?

It is hoped to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that the members of the Non-Combatant Corps are regarded as soldier, like members of the Army Pay Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps and Royal Army Veterinary Corps, they will receive soldier's pay, bonus, and gratuity, retrospectively; and, if not, why this course is not taken?

Men of the Non-Combatant Corps are entitled to the new rates of pay recently promulgated with retrospective effect from 1st July last, under the same conditions as other soldiers. The decision of the Government as regards their emoluments before that date remains unaltered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether war gratuity is refused to men of the postal and signal sections of the Royal Engineers; and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for such refusal?

The war gratuity is not issuable to soldiers who during their military service were in receipt of full civil pay from the General Post Office in addition to their military emoluments. This is in accordance with the decision of the Government, and follows the general principle that service during which a soldier was continuously in receipt of full civil wages does not reckon for war gratuity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are proposed to be taken to bring the service pension of ex-soldiers up to the same level as the pensions granted to those who served in the last War?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Under the decision of the Government, the grant of pension son the new scale in confined to those soldiers who have given satisfactory re-enlisted service during the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the grievance felt that gratuities due to the estate of men killed in 1918 have in very many cases been paid while those due to estates of men killed in 1916 and 1917 often have not, he will take steps to hasten their payment?

The cases of men dying in 1918 whose gratuities have been paid are those in which the accounts were still open when the gratuity was authorised, and consequently the paymaster was in a position to include the gratuity in any payment which was made As stated in the notice which appeard in the Press yesterday and this morning, to which I would refer my right hon. Friend, the war gratuity has now been issued to the legal representatives of over 250,000 officers and men, and the rate of issue is now approaching 30,000 a week. The cases of all officers holding permanent commission s and men who died on or before 30th June, 1917, have been taken in hand, and we are doing all that we can to expedite the payment of the cases outstanding.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can expedite the establishment of the Appeal Tribunals for hearing the claims of the widows and dependants of deceased soldiers, as provided by the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1919; and is he aware that the delay in hearing these appeals is causing much preventable loss and suffering; and can he say how soon these tribunals will be established?

The provisions of the War Penions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1010, only come into operation, so far as the establishment of the tribunals is concerned, on 1st November. The procedure to be adopted for bringing cases before the new tribunals has necessitated careful consideration. It is hoped to issue full instructions to local committees during the present week

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the scale of expenses allowed to a member of a local war pensions committee is 1s. per hour for time lost through attending meetings of the committee; whether in comparison with present earnings and the high cost of living Is. per hour does not meet the loss incurred; whether members of local advisory committees under the Ministry of Labour are entitled to the actual wages lost up to a maximum of 20s. per day; and whether he will consider the advisability of adopting the same scale for members of war pensions committees?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the facts stated. The whole matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) the total number of men demobilised from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who are now receiving pensions and who were discharged, not invalided;(2) if he will state the total number of men discharged, not invalided, from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who have applied for pensions but whose pensions have not yet been awarded?

Up to the 18th instant the number of claims to pension received from demobilised men (not discharged as invalided) slightly exceeded 500,000. In about 390,000 cases an award of pension or gratuity was made, and about 110,000 claims were rejected. Between 15,000 and 20,000 claims are at present under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the possibility of recommending that officers of the Indian Army Reserve arriving in the United Kingdom for demobilisation after 5th August, 1919, shall receive their service gratuities based on the present value of the rupee, i.e. 2s., instead of the rates that were in force prior to 16th September, and thus ensure equal financial treatment for all those officers of the Indian Army Reserve compulsorily detained in India last hot weather owing to the riots and the Afghan War?

If I correctly understand my hon. Friend's question, his proposal is that officers who were released and paid before exchange rose to 2s. should now receive an additional payment. I am afraid that I cannot agree to this.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, having regard to the immense amount of gold and silver that is annually buried and lost in India, he will consider the advisability of appointing a public trustee for India who will be open to receive the savings of the population?

The savings banks and the issue of securities in a form adapted to the small investor already serve the purpose which the hon. Member appears to have in mind, but I will not lose sight of his suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, he will state the total area of British Uganda.; how many square miles of it are of no or trivial value, grazing land only or fit for cultivation by means of artificial irrigation only, and arable; of the arable land how many square miles are alienated to Europeans, available for alienation to Europeans, in Native occupation, and un-assigned to Natives or Europeans; the total cum paid to Government for land alienated in freehold to Europeans for each year since 1901; the total sum paid by leaseholders to Government during the last financial year; the estimated number of Natives in the employment of Government and private industry for the whole or part of the last financial year; and the average rate of Native wages without food for unskilled and semi-skilled labour;(2) Whether he will state the total area of British East. Africa; how many square miles of it arc of no or value, grazing land only or lit for cultivation by means of artificial irrigation only, and arable; of the arable land how many square miles are alienated to Europeans, available for alienation to Europeans, in Native occupation, and unassigned to Natives or Europeans; the total sum paid to Government for land alienated in free- hold to Europeans for each year since 1901; the total sum paid by leaseholders to Government during the last financial year; the estimated number of Natives in the employment of Government and private industry for the whole or part of the last financial year; and the average rate of Native wages, without food, in the highlands and coast districts for unskilled and semi-skilled labour?

I regret that it is impossible without, reference to the Governors of the East Africa Protectorate and Uganda to answer the hon. Member's two questions. Inquiry will be made and the result will be communicated to him in due course.

asked the Under- Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements are being made to award a war medal to the members of the defence forces of those Crown Colonies and Protectorates which are not defined as a theatre of war in Army Order XX. of 1918 or Army Order 301 of 1919?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the award of a medal for services rendered by military personnel outside theatres of war is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements are being made for the award of a war medal for service in the Home Defence?

As I stated to-day in reply to an oral question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Waterloo Division, the question of the award of a medal to those troops who rendered services at home in connection with the War is still receiving careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Universities Bureau still exists; if so, whether it has been able to arrange for interchange of facilities in matriculation between our own and Colonial universities; and whether he has considered the possibility of arranging similar facilities between our own universities and the universities of Allied countries?

I am happy to inform the hon. and gallant Member that the Universities Bureau of the British Empire still exists. The Bureau is an independent body established by the universities themselves, and I am not, therefore, able to speak at first hand of their activities. I am, however, given to understand that the equivalence of matriculation standards as between our own and Colonial universities is and has been under consideration by conferences of all the universities which the Bureau represents with a view to facilitating the interchange of matriculated students.

asked the President of the Board of Education why the education authorities in Lancashire have been notified that it is not possible to fix the appointed date at which Sub-section (1) of Section 8 of the Education Act, 1918, should conic into operation for any date earlier than 1st January, 1920; and whether there is a strong demand in Lancashire for the immediate abolition of the half-time system?

Section 52 of the Education Act, 1918, provides that the appointed day for the Sub-section in question shall not be earlier than the termina- tion of the present War, and this has not yet been fixed by Order in Council as provided by Sub-section (1) of Section 1 of the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918. The Board have intimated to local education authorities that the appointed day for the purposes of Section 8 (1) of the Education Act, 1918, will probably be the beginning of the term next following the date of the official termination of the war as fixed by Order in Council.

asked the President of the Board of Education what proportion of the members of the Committee on Elementary Teachers' Salaries are women; whether such proportion corresponds to the proportion of women among elementary teachers; and whether it is in harmony with the Government's promise to recognise women's claims to equal economic treatment with men?

I presume the hon. and gallant Member refers to the Committee of which lord Burnham is chairman. The members of the Committee are not appointed by me, but by the County Councils Association and the Associations of Municipal Corporations and Education Committees on the one side and by the National Union of Teachers on the other. I understand that five members of the Committee are women.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the high cost of living and having regard to the provision lately made for Scottish retired teachers, he will consider the expediency of enabling English teachers who retired before April, 1019, to participate in the bowls granted to retiring teachers?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the systems of superannuation for teachers in England and Scotland are different and independent. I do not see my way to initiate legislation in the direction suggested.

asked the Home Secretary whether lie intends to introduce a Bill to increase the compensation payable to injured workmen; and, if so, when the Bill will be introduced?

A Bill to increase the amount of compensation payable under the Workmen's Compensation (War Addition) Act, 1917, is in preparation, and I hope to be able to introduce it very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of George Milham, twelve years of age, who, on the 21st. instant, was sentenced at Willesden Police Court to five years' detention in a reformatory, on a charge of robbing a gas meter; whether the Police Court missionary gave the boy an irreproachable character, stating that he was invaluable in keeping his home together; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that on Tuesday last, at the Willesden Police Court, a child of twelve, named George Milham, was sent to a reformatory for five years for robbing a gas meter; if he is aware that the Police Court missionary gave the boy the best of characters; if he is aware that the boy had been invaluble at home by doing all the household work and looking after younger children of the family; and if he will take action in the matter?

I have made inquiry from which it appears that the facts have not been fully reported in the Press. The boy referred to, who is nearly thirteen, and has a bad school record, was convicted in January last with his elder brother of stealing from a gas meter, and he was then ordered four strokes of the birch, and the elder brother was sent to a reformatory school. In June the boy, George, was again before the Court for being beyond the control of his parents, and he was placed by the magistrates on probation for a year. In the following month he was again caught stealing from a gas meter, and he was sent to a place of detention for fourteen days. On the 21st October, the boy was convicted for a third time stealing from a gas meter and the magistrates decided to send him to a reformatory school. I understand that the Police Court missionary, who has taken a great interest in the lad, came to the conclusion that it would greatly benefit him to be removed from his present surroundings. In all the circumstances I regret that I can find no sufficient reason for interfering with the decision of the Court.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the present estimated financial liability of the Government relating to approved schemes under the new Housing Act; whether he will state the total cost of salaries and -wages now being paid to Government officials and employés under the control of the Director-General of Housing for England and Wales; whether it is proposed to make any further appointments; and, if so, will he give the estimated cost thereof?

In reply to the first part of this questian. I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper which was issued when the Housing Bill was before the House. The present expenditure on the remuneration of those engaged in the Housing Department of the Ministry, who are on a temporary footing, is at the rate of approximately £122,000 per annum. It is not at present proposed to make any further appointments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now withdraw the Order issued by the Controller of the Coal Mines Department on 11th July last, substituting Northumberland and Durham for Yorkshire as the sources of supply of coal to be used in the city of St. Albans for the production of gas; and whether he is aware that the results of this Order are that the cost per ton delivered at St. Albans is increased by 9s. 5d., and that it involves the substitution of a coal of inferior gas-making properties?

I understand that Durham and Northumberland coal is not at present being supplied to St. Albans, but I must make it clear that in view of restricted output in Yorkshire and the Midlands it may be necessary in the future, as it has been in the past, to supplement supplies from these districts with Durham and Northumberland coal diverted from the export trade. I ant aware of the facts referred to in the last part of the question, but I am informed that the Northumberland and Durham when mixed with Yorkshire coal, can be used for gas-making.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that loss and trouble is caused by the refusal of the Admiralty to remove the hurdles erected between Slestie Orphir and the east point of Gramsay, and that in special the trade of Stromness is greatly injured; and, in view of the fact that war conditions have ceased, he will confer with the Admiralty with a view of their removal.

Representations have been made to the Board of Trade by the Stromness Harbour Commissioners with regard to the hurdles in question, and the Board of Trade have been, and are, in communication with the Admiralty in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been called to the arrival in Liverpool on the 18th instant of the steamship "Baltic" from New York with a cargo including the following manufactured goods: nine cases printing paper, seventy-nine cases knitting machinery, fifty-nine cases steam governors, six cases marine machinery, seven cases insulator bases, two boxes electric trucks, six cases machinery, four cases pills, twenty-four cases lamp burners, twelve cases brass can tops, twenty-four cases electric heaters, thirteen cases machinery, two cases shoe laces, two cases artificial limb parts, six packages clothing, fifty case-filing cabinets, fifty-six cases machinery and machine tools, 114 packages machinery seven boxes carpet sweepers, nine cases automobiles, thirty-five crates hand trucks. two cases sewing machines, two cases guns, eighty-six boxes tools, three cases plates, eleven cases dental goods, thirty four cases phonographs, 477 bundles magazines, 1,000 barrels soap, thirty-nine cases vacuum cleaners, and fifty-seven cases hardware; whether he has made any inquiries whether any of these goods can be manufactured within the British Isles at competitive prices; how many men would be employed upon so manufacturing these goods in the British Isles; and whether, in view of the effect of such importation of goods on the American exchange and consequently upon the cost of foodstuffs, it is his intention to protect British labour and British industry by imposing an import tax upon Loose goods;(2) whether his attention has been called to the arrival in Goole on the 17th October of the ss. "Hodder," from Antwerp; whether he is aware that this cargo contained one case machinery, four cases window glass, ten cases flint glass, two cases worsted yarn, four bundles worsted yarn, and 195 bags glue; whether his attention has also been called to the arrival of the ss. "Fury" at Grimsby, from Antwerp, containing 302 packages yarn, 255 cases window glass, nineteen cases glass, one case glass bottle samples, 372 bundles iron bars, 323 cases woollen, three packages machinery, one case paper, two boxes shoes, one parcel artificial silk samples, two eases saris, three cases metal rings, and 1,313 packages basket ware; also the arrival of ss. "Nottingham," from Rotterdam, at Grimsby, On the same date, containing 156 bundles baskets, forty-six cases glass, one bundle mats, one package rubber tyres, seven packages cottons, 121 cases clocks, and one case hardware; whether he has information as to how many of these articles are of German origin; and what protection he proposes to give to the British manufacturers and to British labour against importation of German goods into this country at prices, owing to tire depreciation of the German mark, much lower than the cost of manufacturing them in this country;(3) whether his attention has been called to the arrival of the ss. "Toza Mara" in Liverpool on the 18th October, a Japanese steamer, containing cargo from Tokio, Yokohama, Otartt, Kobé, Nagoya. Ozaka, Moji, Shanghai, Hankow. Colombo, Port Said, and Marseilles;

My attention had not especially been drawn to the various cargoes mentioned by my hon. Friend, which appear to consist almost entirely of goods the import of which is not subject to any restrictions. The general policy of His Majesty's Government was stated by the Prime Minister before the Recess and will be embodied in legislative proposals which will shortly be laid before the House.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the cost of the Government publicity campaign arising out of the recent strike of railwaymen.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to similar questions this afternoon.

asked the Minister of Transport whether soldiers or sailors were employed in the recent railway strike on civilian labour; and, if so, whether they were paid only at service rates; and, if not, what remuneration did they receive?

Service volunteers employed in the recent railway strike on civilian labour were granted extra pay calculated to bring their total remuneration (exclusive of separation allowanced approximately up to the standard civilian rates of pay for the duties on which they were engaged.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in tire course of the recent railway strike, his Department assisted directly or indirectly in the transportation of newspapers?

No special transport was provided by the Ministry of Transport to newspapers during the strike, but vehicles owned by or contracted for by newspaper proprietors were exempted from the general scheme of requisitioning by the Food Ministry. Any inquiries from newspapers, as from any other section of the public, as to the purchase of petrol, were answered with all the information in the possession of the Ministry as to places where petrol could be obtained from trading companies. No expenditure was incurred by the Government in respect of any such assistance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some railway companies are still employing as gatekeepers and watchmen pensioners who were called up for war service; and whether he will take steps to substitute disabled soldiers in these posts?

I have been asked to answer this question. The nature of the staff employed is primarily a matter for the company concerned, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me have particulars of any ease which he has in mind I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can inform the House of the decision of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers with regard to the proposal to co-operate with the Government in its scheme for training disabled sailors and soldiers; and what action he is taking to secure the adequate training of these men?

I have had a conference with the Executive of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers on tire subject of the training of disabled sailors and soldiers, and the question of the adverse ballot was discussed. The matter was adjourned to a further conference with the engineering trade, to be held at an early date from now. I am not without hope that a satisfactory settlement will be arrived at on that occasion, though I much regret the delay that has occurred and the disappointment to many disabled men.

asked the Minister of Labour if there are any Government Departments, railways, or local authorities which are not employing the percentage of disabled ex-Service men required to qualify private employers for inclusion in the National Roll of Honour; and, if so, will he give the names of such Government Departments, railways, or local authorities?

As regards the civil Departments of the Government, other than industrial establishments, the percentage of disabled men employed at the end of March was very nearly 5 per cent. It is estimated that by the beginning of December the percentage of disabled men employed will amount to over 8 per cent. of the total employed. The position is being regularly reviewed. The arrangements with regard to Government industrial establishments have not yet been completed, but the information now avail- able indicates that the number of disabled men employed is over 5 per cent. The Railway Executive Committee are prepared to do all they can to find work for disabled ex-Service men. It is estimated that the railways are employing between 3 and 4 per cent. of disabled men, but the Committee are unable at present to guarantee the employment of a definite percentage, owing to the necessity for reabsorption of men returning from the forces. The position will be reviewed later. As regards local authorities, the position is that, up to the moment, about eighty have been included in the King's National Roll, and I am sending a list of their names to the hon. Member. Many other authorities, however, have the matter under consideration, and, in view of the fact that the scheme was launched little more than a month ago, and has been in abeyance during the railway strike, I do not think there is any reason to be dissatisfied with the progress made.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has received representations from approved societies that they should be considered in connection with the administration of the promised extended scheme of national unemployment insurance; and if he now proposes to make use of approved societies in connection with such administration?

I. have received no representations to the effect that approved societies should take part in the administration of unemployment insurance, and I do not think it is desirable that they should do so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any knowledge of firms retaining in their employ men of independent means in preference to employing men at present out of work; and whether his Department have taken any action in this matter?

There have been a few cases in which complaint has been made to the local employment committees that men with some other source of income were being employed on work which might have been done by men who are out of employment and particularly by ex-Service men. Where the local employment committee so advises, these cases are taken up by the local officials of the Ministry with the employer concerned. The hon. Member will appreciate, however, that the Ministry have no power to exercise compulsion in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many thousands of foundry labourers are prevented from continuing their work because of the iron founders' strike; if he is aware that they are disqualified from receiving donation pay of State unemployment under Part II. of the National Insurance Act whilst others, equally prevented from continuing their own work in another department of the same firm are granted one of the above benefits; if he is aware that skilled men who are being put off are put on the unemployment benefit; and if he can give the reason why some men are being paid out-of-work donation and the foundry labourers refused payment?

The rule applicable in tiffs connection is that laid down by Parliament in the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The effect of this rule is that all the workpeople employed in a foundry in which the moulders are on strike are disqualified for donation, while generally speaking the workpeople employed in the other departments of the engineering establishment concerned are not disqualified on account of the moulders' strike. The interpretation of the rule in individual cases does not rest with the Department, but with the Courts of Referees and the Umpire, whose decision is final.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in December, 1918, Mr. F. Angell, electrical engineer, made an application to have a telephone installed for business purposes at 102, Central Street, RC., and was informed that, owing to the lack of available plant, his request could not be granted; and whether, seeing that this application has been constantly renewed during the last ten months always with the same result, he will now take steps to see that the necessary plant is made available, and so put an end to the delay in telephone installation, which seriously handicaps the business of the country?

The facts are substantially as stated. I regret that it is not practicable to provide the required facilities until the opening of a new exchange, which will, I hope, be completed early in the new year.

asked the Postmaster-General if lie is aware that the telephone department are asking £24 15s. as a year's subscription for 500 calls from Otford, in Kent, to Sevenoaks, with an additional £4 for the first year, notwithstanding that there is a call-box in the village post office; and whether he will take steps to reduce the cost in such cases?

I am making inquiry in this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether time spent by employés of the Post Office in military service during the War does not count towards superannuation benefit; and, if so, whether he will take steps to rectify this?

Such time counts generally for superannuation benefit, providing that the employé was serving in a pensionable capacity when he was released for military service. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the case lie has in mind I shall be glad to inquire into the circumstances.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the negotiations which have been proceeding for new premises in the place of the present post office at Euston Square Station have been successful; and how soon the new office is likely to be opened?

I regret that, although every effort has been made, it has not been practicable so far to obtain alternative accommodation. Measures are under consideration, however, for diverting certain work from the present office.

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the fact that the savings in Civil Service expenditure since the beginning of April have been largely counterbalanced by increases in the postal services due to the return to normal conditions, lie will consider the possibility of effecting economies in the rural postal service, notably by reducing the number of deliveries in small villages where three deliveries a day are in excess of the reasonable requirements of the inhabitants?

The suspension of the third delivery in rural districts was one of the restrictions of the postal service which it was necessary to impose in consequence of war conditions. Generally speaking, the third delivery has not been restored except in the outskirts of the large towns and in populous industrial districts. If the hon. Member will let me know of any village in which the number of deliveries is, in his opinion, in excess of tile reasonable requirements of the inhabitants, I will have the matter investigated at once.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether any steps have been taken to carry out the decisions of the National Maritime Board with regard to the rates of wages to be paid to officers and men of the Merchant Service engaged in the coastwise trade; and, if not, whether it is proposed to take any action in the matter?

All possible steps are taken by the Ministry of Shipping to see that owners of coastwise shipping carry into effect the decisions of the National Maritime Board on any of the vessels coming within the tonnage limits dealt with by the Board. As the board has no statutory authority, owners of vessels not requisitioned by the Ministry of Shipping cannot be compelled to adhere to these decisions, although all but an insignificant number do so. Any cases of departure from the decisions of the Board, on being communicated to the Ministry, are investigated, and every effort is made to induce owners to comply with the recommendations made, usually with success.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether and, if so, what progress hats been made with regard to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Rural Transport (Scotland) Committee?

With the consent of the Treasury, a number of improvements in steamer and railway services recommended by the Committee have been put into operation this summer. The other recommendations of the Report are under consideration of the Departments concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Milner Commission will proceed to Egypt; and whether he can make a statement regarding the general political situation in Egypt?

The date of the departure of Lord Milner's Mission will not be filled until after Lord Allenby's return to Egypt. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by the Lord Privy Seal to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith on 22nd October.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Paul Dukes is still in the service of the Foreign Office; when he first entered that service; what salary or payments he has received; and whether he was authorised by the Foreign Office to publish articles in newspapers under his own name?

Mr. Paul Dukes is not at present, and has at no time so far as I am aware, been in the service of the Foreign Office. He was employed by the Department of Information for some time in 1917. In these circumstances he is under no obligation to seek Foreign Office authority in regard to the publication of newspaper articles. With regard to the date at which he entered the service of the Department of Information and the salary which he received during his employment by that Department. I could not give a reply without considerable research.