asked the Minister of Food whether the penalties which for some time attached to the wasting or destruction of bread apply, or could be made to apply, to other articles of food; and whether such penalties can be imposed upon dealers and purveyors of milk who, when unable to secure the maximum price for their stocks, dispose of the same, or any surplus thereof, by methods involving the public in serious deprivation of that essential food?

The Waste of Foodstuffs Order, 1918, to which the hon. Member presumably refers, is still in force. Under this Order the waste or destruction not only of bread but of all foodstuffs is prohibited.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the quantity of whisky in bond at present in the United Kingdom; in what proportion to the total quantity it is being released for consumption; if foreign vessels are allowed to take out of this country excessive quantities of whisky duty free as ships' stores; the amount of revenue lost to this country during the past twelve months owing to this practice; and whether he is aware of the difficulty in obtaining whisky for medicinal and other purposes in the United Kingdom?

I have been asked to reply. The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available, as whisky is not separately distinguished from other spirit in the official records. Clearances of spirits from bond on payment of duty are permitted at a rate not exceeding 75 per cent. of the clearances in 1916. Foreign vessels bound for overseas destinations are entitled to ship spirits free of duty as stores; but the quantities allowed are calculated upon a scale based on the duration of the voyage and the number of crew and passengers and are strictly limited. As regards the last part of the question, since the quantity of clearances has been increased to 75 per cent. of that cleared in 1916 the difficulty of obtaining whisky for medicinal purposes has been. practically eliminated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether the price of barley on the British market has since control was removed now passed 110s. a quarter, and is still rising; whether, in view of the fact that this grain is uncontrolled, the farmers are now intending to sow it in preference to wheat; whether this will cause a great decrease in the amount of bread stuffs grown in England; and whether, under the circumstances, he will consider the resumption of the control of the price of barley until such times as normal conditions are restored?

The information at the disposal of the Board lends no support to the suggestion that farmers are reducing the area sown with wheat in order to sow barley in its place. The fact that particular samples of malting barley have this season risen to a high price, in comparison with the artificially reduced price of wheat under control, has no bearing upon the relative prices that may prevail next season. The Board do not propose to advise the Ministry of Food to resume control of the current crop of barley, a large proportion of which has already been sold.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the illicit distillation of alcohol is on the increase in Ireland; whether he is aware that in many cases where raids have been made by the police large quantities of sugar have been found; and whether, in view of the increasing difficulty the poor are experiencing in procuring sugar for food, he will say what steps he proposes to take in order to end the present condition of affairs?

I understand there has been a considerable increase in illicit distillation in Ireland during the past year or two, but in only a few cases have the police seized sugar which was evidently intended for illegal use. As regards the supply of sugar for the poor, this is a matter for the Food Controller.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any consideration is being given to the possibility of using the dockyards for reconversion of mercantile auxiliaries and other mercantile work in order to provide employment for the men now being discharged; whether any measures of this character are to be adopted; and, if not, will he state the reason why?

We have now in hand in the Royal Dockyards a number of merchant vessels for reconversion or reconditioning, and, in addition, other merchant ships of various classes are in hand being repaired. We have at present in hand seventeen merchant vessels (including oilers, ferry vessels, etc.) for reconditioning and fifteen for repairs; we have also 100 trawlers and drifters for reconditioning. But whilst we do all we can to find work which may mitigate the hardships of discharges, I regret to say that large reductions in personnel must eventuate.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to see that men who are awaiting their pensions are given their service certificates instead of being handed a temporary discharge paper, which is of no assistance in obtaining employment?

My lion. Friend's reference to a temporary discharge paper indicates that the question has relation to men discharged invalided. These men are granted a provisional Certificate of Discharge for use while awaiting settlement of their pensions. We forward the Service Certificates to the Pensions Ministry, with the invaliding documents. It is for that Department then to issue these; and any question regarding the non-receipt of the same should be addressed to the Pensions Minister. I observe that my hon. Friend says that the temporary discharge paper is of no assistance in obtaining employment. I regret to hear that. Both the man's rating and his general character are set forth upon the face of the document, and employers may be satisfied that the Service Certificates, when issued, will not be less favourable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Corporal W. M. Ellison, Royal Engineers, No. 126787, has been with the Colours since September, 1916, and is now serving with the Rhine Army of Occupation; and, in view of the latest official pronouncement on the reduction of the Army of Occupation, he will take steps to ensure that this man, who is thirty-six and married, secures early release?

Inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper W. J. Harris, No. 77822, Royal Engineers, Signals, joined up on the 9th November, 1915, and has served in Egypt, Mudros, Chios, Salonika, Bulgaria, and Turkey without home leave; whether he is at present at Constantinople; whether he has been told that he cannot be spared; and whether he will inquire into this and similar cases?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can make any statement regarding the process of demobilisation of men in Mesopotamia; whether he is aware that soldiers there have been away from home for over three years; whether he is aware that prior to 1st February last application was made for the demobilisation of Gunner S. S. Fitzgerald, No. 353485, Royal Garrison Artillery, S. and T. Section, 3rd echelon, General Headquarters, Basrah, Mesopotamia; that this application was endorsed by the Ministry of Labour; that no further action has been taken in the case; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

The current instructions relating to demobilisation apply to Mesopotamia, and subject to the necessary transport being available, all men eligible for demobilisation will be brought home as soon as practicable, in their turn. I am aware that men in Mesopotamia have been away from their homes for over three years. Gunner Fitzgerald's case has already been considered by the War Office, and a letter was sent to his employers on the 22nd October to the effect that this soldier would in due course be released as a Derby man, but that in the absence of compassionate grounds it was not a case which could be put forward to General Hearquarters, Mesopotamia, with a view to securing him special priority of release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the restrictions can now be removed in connection with the period allowed for making application for twenty-eight days' furlough and bounty granted under Army Council Instruction to serving men whose services are retained on completion of term?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that W. Adams, No. 318011, 18, Down Street, Springburn, Glasgow, has been refused pay and ration allowance for time-expired leave; that the reason given is that he did not apply for these before the expiry of his demobilisation furlough and that the refusal is in accord with Regulations; that Adams was not aware that application had to be made within such limited period or made at all; and whether such Regulation, which discharges a man's claim without intimation shown to have reached and been comprehended by him, can be forthwith rescinded?

The restriction referred to is now being removed, and instructions to that effect will be issued to all concerned in the course of the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in issuing to members of the Volunteer Force His Majesty's letter of thanks in which mention is made in each case of the service rendered, all service given in the Volunteer Training Corps prior to the official recognition of the force is ignored; and, if so, whether the decision on this point can be reconsidered in view of the fact that the question of the invasion of this country was at least as doubtful and subject to vicissitude prior to the recognition of the force as it was subsequently and that the members of the force with the longest service receive no official acknowledgment of their wholly spontaneous effort and example prior to 1916?

The War Office fully appreciates the patriotism which induced a large number of civilians to band themselves together for Home Defence in case of invasion, and it was the admitted usefulness of these Volunteer bodies that led to the decision in May, 1916, to organise the Volunteers under the Act of 1863. The fact remains, however, that until they were brought under the Act these Volunteers were not under any legal obligation as soldiers. The War Office holds no records of service prior to May, 1916, as up to that date the general administration of these bodies was under the Central Association, Volunteer Training Corps, who appointed their own officers and formed their own rules. In these circumstances the letters of thanks to which my right hon. Friend refers must be limited to Volunteers who were enrolled under the Volunteer Act and who thereby became a definite part of the Home Defence organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to allow soldiers to purchase their discharge; and if it is intended to change the cost of this transaction?

As I have already stated, I cannot agree to the purchase of discharge from the Army so long as the Naval, Military and Air Force Service Act is in operation.

asked the Secretary of state for War whether all German -prisoners of war have been returned to Germany?

No, Sir; I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to an oral question on this subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Britishers are prisoners in the hands of the Russian Bolsheviks; whether negotiations have been entered into respecting their release; and whether he can make a statement thereon?

In reply, I would refer to the answers I have given to-day to the hon. and gallant Members for Central Hull and Finchley.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will expedite the settlement of the following claims for compensation, namely, of Mr. William Stubbs, Longhouse Farm, Litherland, for a land assault course at Litherland for which Mr. Stubbs has received no payment, notwithstanding the fact that this land was commandeered in 1915; and of the Hotel Dieu, Waterloo, which has been endeavouring to get a settlement of its claim for the past six months, and pending settlement is unable to resume the work for which it exists?

The land in question is at present being reinstated by military labour and Mr. Stubbs will then submit an amended claim to the end of the War Department occupation. The claim is a matter for the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission to hear and determine as to the amount of compensation payable from public funds. If, however, the sum recommended by the Department's land agent is agreed by Mr. Stubbs it will doubtless be possible for the claim to be settled by the Army Council without a formal hearing before the Commission. The local military authorities have been requested to expedite the matter and every effort will be made to effect an early settlement. With regard to the Hotel Dieu, I will write to my hon. Friend in the course of a few days.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether large numbers of women are still being conveyed daily to and from Blandford camp from a distance by road; whether the huts at Blandford camp are good enough and large enough to house all the necessary staff on the spot; and whether any considerable reduction has been, or is likely to be, made in the personnel at the camp?

The answer to the first pact or my hon. and gallant Friend's question is that about fifty women are conveyed by lorry from Blandford to the camp. They return home by Service train. As to the second part, the women staff are of two categories—mobile and immobile. The former are housed in the camp. The terms of service of the latter do riot allow this to be done compulsorily. As the Records Office is shortly to be moved from Blandford, it is not considered desirable to substitute and train fresh mobile staff to take the place of the latter. The answer to the third part of the question is that reductions are continuously taking place, and the women staff show a reduction of 37 per cent, between the 31st July and the 30th September.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will give the total cost of constructing the railway from Blandford to the camp; what date was the construction begun and when was the line first used for traffic; how many troops and how many tons of goods have been carried on the line; whether this line is still being used; and, if so, to what extent?

For an answer to the first part of his question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Barnard Castle on the 19th August last. The answer to the second part is: July, 1918; and to the third: February, 1919, whilst still under construction. As to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Tade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the aeroplane stations in the Orkney and Shetland Islands are being demobilised; and whether at the same time fresh huts are still being built?

As I indicated in my answer to my hon. Friend's question No. 105, the air stations in the Orkneys and Shetland have been or are being closed down, with the exception of two. No new huts are being built, but at one of the stations to be retained wooden huts from other stations in the Orkneys and three small aeroplane sheds are being re-erected.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many air stations there are or have been in the Orkney and Shetland Islands; and what was and is the personnel of those stations?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is three, one of which is being closed down as speedily as possible; to the second, eight; to the third, 292 officers and 1,836 airmen; to the fourth, twenty-one officers and 305 airmen. As soon as all valuable stores have been evacuated the two stations which are being retained will be placed in charge of care and maintenance parties, except during the months when the Fleet is exercising, at which times the personnel will be temporarily increased.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what has been the total expenditure during the War on flying in. the Orkney and Shetland Llands; whether quite recently numerous masses of stores were left lying out in the open; and whether any estimate can be given of the cost per hour of flying at those stations?

I regret that it is not possible, without an unjustifiable expenditure of labour, to give my hon. Friend the information he asks for in the first and last parts of this question. In regard to the second part, my information is that no large quantities of stores have been left in the open, but I am having further inquiry made on the point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether an inquiry has recently been made in regard to the deficiencies discovered when closing sonic of the air stations in the Orkney and Shetland Islands; and what is the result of such inquiry?

A Court of Inquiry was held in the spring of this year into the causes for deficiencies in the stores of the Shetland Wing. The Court found that, owing to the difficulties experienced in the administration of these outlying stations, the system of storekeeping was in certain instances imperfect, with the result that the book and actual stocks did not agree, both deficiencies and surpluses being shown. The amount of the deficiency was about £1,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if work is still being carried on in connection with the Woods-ford Aerodrome, near Dorchester; whether special trains are still being run daily to carry workpeople to their work there: what has been the total cost of this aerodrome; to what use is it to be put; and whether the land not already covered with buildings and no longer required can be handed back and used once more for agricultural purposes?

I have been asked to reply, as the Woodsford Aerodrome is in Admiralty occupation. The completion of the aerodrome as an airship station has been abandoned. A few minor works are still in hand to complete the buildings required for use by the Admiralty. Special workmen's trains are not being run; they were stopped on the 13th September. The approximate total cost of the aerodrome will be £185,000. The station is to be used for the temporary storage of machinery. As regards the land, the farm tenant has never been dispossessed of the portion referred to, and is still in occupation. The requisition cannot, however, be withdrawn until the question of the ultimate disposal of the station is settled.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many cases of pensions are at present held up owing to his not being able to obtain within one month of application the necessary particulars from the War Office or from the officer in charge of records; and what measures he is adopting to expedite the receipt of these particulars?

I regret that I am unable to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. Continuous efforts are being made to reduce the delays and the Ministry is in close touch with the Service Departments in this matter. Some months ago liaison officers were appointed to act between the Awards Branch of the Ministry and those Record Offices where the congestion was found to be greatest, and the result has been satisfactory. A recent test shows that the position has greatly improved during the last two months.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will issue a book containing all the documents now in force connected with pensions so that all interested persons interested may have a complete state- ment of the facts about pensions and their administration; and, if that be inconvenient, whether he will give a list of such documents?

General information concerning war pensions is contained in four handbooks compiled for the respective use of disabled officers and men and the dependants of deceased officers and men. These four handbooks, together with a leaflet of information in summarised form, were recently bound together and copies sent to the Vote Office for distribution to hon. Members, to assist them in answering inquiries made by their constituents. The handbooks are now being revised to incorporate recent changes and will be reissued and similarly bound and distributed at a very early date.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the acts of the Government of India are to be inquired into, he will direct that the Punjaub Inquiry Commission shall report directly to Parliament and not to the Government of India?

I do not see that anything would be gained by my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. The Committee, under the chairmanship of Lord Hunter, has been appointed by, and will report to, the Government of India, who will submit the Report to me for consideration. The Report will be published in India and in this country and laid before Parliament.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the nature of the scheme for the control of the harbours of Kilindini and Mombasa; whether he has received any criticisms on the subject; and when it is proposed that the scheme should come into force?

The recommendations of the local Commission in February last contemplated the appointment of a Port Manager for the two harbours, with full control under the General Manager of the Uganda Railway. The Railway Department would have power to acquire by purchase the present lighterage and floating plant, or to sublet contracts to the present lighter companies. Cargo brought by dhows and similar craft would be worked at Mombasa, all other cargo being sent to Kilindini, except that, in exceptional circumstances, Mombasa might be used as an overflow port for Kilindini. The priority of shipping would be in the hands of the Port Manager. The other recommendations related mainly to securing the most efficient use and the improvement of the facilities existing at the ports. A criticism of the scheme was received on the ground that it interfered with the private lighterage business, and the whole question was awaiting the result of negotiation with the lighterage companies locally. The Secretary of State has received certain representations and is in telegraphic communication with the local Government on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the increased railway rates on the Uganda Government Railway have come into force; whether these range from 40 to 70 per cent.; whether the War surcharge still exists; and whether the aggregate amount in some cases of the new railway rates will amount to over 200 per cent. more than it was before the War?

It has been proposed to raise the rates on the Uganda Railway by 40 to 70 per cent., according to distance, but the Governor has been requested to suspend the increase pending further consideration. The War surcharge is still in force, but the information at present at my disposal is not sufficient to enable me to answer the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the average of pensions for other State services, he will reconsider the case of pensions granted to retired school teachers; whether he is aware that after service of forty or fifty years, during which the teachers subscribe to a pension fund, and during which they have no time to earn money in other directions, the pension is on an average under £1 per week?

I regret that I can add nothing to the answer, of which I am sending the hon and gallant Member a copy, given to the hon. Member for North Hammersmith on 16th July last.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the representations received by him as to the possibility of some special provision being made whereby the practical experience of teaching acquired by uncertificated teachers of long standing might be taken into account in connection with the Board's certificate, have been considered; and whether he is now in a position to state the policy of his Department on this matter?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this matter, but I can assure the hon. Member that it is receiving the Board's careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is in a position to give any indication of the date on which the provisions of Section 13, Sub-section (1), paragraphs (i.) and (ii.) will be brought into operation?

During the discussion of the Education Bill in this House on 16th July last year I stated that the provisions of Sections 10–14 of the Bill would not come into operation until the end of the War. After careful consideration of the question, I am proposing to fix 1st April, 1920, as the appointed day for the purposes of paragraphs (i.) and (ii.) of Subsection (1) of Section 13 of the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether instructions have recently been issued by his Department to the district valuers that, in the event of their being instructed by housing committees of local authorities to negotiate for the purchase of land for housing schemes, such negotiations must be carried out without further reference to the committees and must be left entirely at the discretion of the district valuers to settle the price; and will he state the reason of these instructions, seeing that the committees are placed in a very unsatisfactory position?

No, Sir; no such instructions have been issued. Arrangements have been made under which district valuers will negotiate on behalf of local authorities at their request, and the result of the negotiations will be reported by the valuer to the authority.

asked the Minister of Health how many actual house-plans have been approved by him, to date, under the new Housing Act, and how many of these are in course of construction?

Perhaps I may refer my hen, and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighlcy on the 22nd instant, a copy of which 1 will send to him.

asked the Minister of Health how many house-plans to be constructed of concrete or wood have been approved by him under the new Housing Act?

asked the Minister of Health if he is in a position to state how many wooden houses have so far been erected in the United Kingdom under the rehousing scheme and how many he anticipates building in the near future?

Tenders have been approved for 282 houses to be constructed of concrete and a number of other proposals for the erection of concrete houses are included among the house-plans which have been approved but have not yet reached the stage of tenders. Apart from the proposals for the adaptation of Army huts for housing purposes, no plans for the construction of wooden houses have yet been formally submitted by local authorities, although a few local authorities have recently made inquiries. Plans for typical wooden houses erected by private enterprise have, however, been approved.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the rateable value of the Wrexham Rural District Council is £208,000, which places them in the category of finding the money for the purchase of land and the building of Louses for themselves; that they have tried to find the money everywhere and have failed, and that unless the Government will come to the rescue and find the money the building of houses in this district will be indefinitely hung up; and whether he will now arrange with the Treasury to find the necessary money and relieve the present situation?

I have been in communication with the Treasury, and regret that they have not been able to depart from the rule hitherto observed in these cases.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the present estimated shortage of houses in the country; whether he will state the number of houses provided for under approved schemes; whether he will give the number of houses for which the foundations have been laid during the past three months; and whether he is satisfied that the proposed future housing activities of local authorities and public utility societies will he adequate to the need?

The shortage of houses has generally been estimated at about 500,000, but I hope that more precise information on this point will inertly be available when the survey which local authorities are now making is complete. The number of houses for which plans have been approved is 27,500. Complete information as to the number of houses for which foundations have been laid is not yet available. Sites have already been approved for over 200,000 houses, I am not satisfied at present that the proposed activities of local authorities and public utility societies will be adequate to meet the national need, and am now engaged upon proposals for supplementing them.

asked the Minister of Health what is the cost per month of the Government publication called "Housing"; and whether, in view of the necessity of national economy, he will cease publication of a periodical which is of no practical value?

Taking the figures for the last four issues, the cost of the journal is about £114 a month. It is published primarily for the information of local authorities, and copies are distributed to them free of charge. In addition, there is a large sale, which is increasing, approaching £100 the month. Advertisements are not taken, otherwise another large source of revenue would be available. I am satisfied that the journal serves an essential purpose, and that, from the point of view of economy alone, even apart from the large receipts from sales, a journal of this kind in which matters of importance can quickly be brought to the notice of local authorities and their officials is a good investment.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been erected in accordance with the 1,837 approved schemes covering some 21,400 acres?

Perhaps I may refer to the detailed reply which I gave in answer to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley on the 22nd instant, a copy of which I will send to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in re-housing in the borough of Islington?

Two schemes which contemplate the provision of 280 new tenement dwellings have recently been submitted by the borough council, and it is understood that a third scheme for the provision of 112 dwellings is under their consideration. Four hundred and thirty-six houses have been inspected with a view to ascertaining whether they would be suitable for conversion into flats, and 155 of these houses are regarded as suitable. Arrangements have already been made for the conversion of twenty-two houses which will provide seventy-seven flats, and plans for the conversion of another block of houses, are at present being prepared by the borough council.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to obtain powers to prohibit the erection of luxury buildings and to give the construction of ordinary domestic dwellings priority over other buildings until the present shortage of houses is less acute?

asked the Minister of Health why plans are approved for the erection of picture palaces whilst there is an acknowledged shortage of labour and materials for the erection of dwelling-houses; whether the labour and materials employed on the former could be utilised to greater national advantage on the latter; and what steps he intends to take for dealing with this matter?

The question whether powers should be taken to prohibit or restrict the erection of luxury buildings is receiving careful consideration, and I hope to be able to make a further statement at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a number of discharged sailors and soldiers in the Halton district, near Leeds, are threatened by the loss of their houses, owing to the owners giving notice to obtain vacant possession; and whether he can exercise any powers to prevent the turning out of men who have been serving their country at least until good houses can be found for them in the same district?

I have no information as to the cases to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and therefore cannot say whether they would come within the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Acts. The question of the issue of an ejectment order in any case is one for the decision of the Court to whom application for the order is made, and I have no power to intervene in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the large number of men still retained in the Army who have expert knowledge of all branches of house construction and house outfitting; and whether he will urge the War Office to demobilise them at an early date to enable their knowledge to be used in channels where it is so urgently needed?

I understand that arrangements have been made to accelerate the general demobilisation of men still serving in the Army, which, generally speaking, will render both voluntarily enlisted men and men who enlisted under the Military Service Acts eligible for demobilisation at early dates.

asked the Minister of Health the number of new houses erected since the Housing Act became operative, the number in course of erection, and the number provided for in the schemes submitted by local authorities, co-operative societies, and public utility societies?

Sites have been selected by local authorities which will provide for more than 450,000 houses, and approval has been given to sites which will suffice for more than 200,000 houses. Plans for 27,500 houses and tenders for more than 8,000 houses have also been approved, but I am not able to give the information asked for as to the different stages of the work in the various cases.

asked the Minister of Health if, having regard to the fact that coal is now so dear that hundreds of thousands of poor people in this country will be unable to purchase sufficient of it to protect them from the cold and the possibilities of another epidemic of influenza during the coming winter, he will consider the advisability of adapting oil fuel to those working-class dwellings now in course of construction, and the possibility of applying one or other of these oil fuel systems to those working-class dwellings already in existence?

This question has already been considered by the Committee I have appointed to investigate new forms of construction, but so far no system has been suggested for the use of oil fuel in individual houses which is consistent with safety or which promises economy.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that thousands of demobilised men who fought in the War to save British homes are now unable to find one for themselves and their families to live in owing to so many of them being occupied by aliens who did nothing in the War except to settle here and take up the businesses and the best-paid employment vacated by the thousands of Britishers who fought for their country; and whether he will say whether steps are proposed to secure that those unnaturalised aliens shall give up these British homes and return to their native lands which the Allies have now freed from the German menace, or repatriate them to make way for British citizens?

I do not know to what facts the hon. Member is referring, but I would point out that the only aliens who have come here in large numbers during the War are Belgian refugees. Over 90 per cent. of these refugees have now returned to their own country, and His Majesty's Government are taking steps to bring to the notice of all refugees still remaining in this country a final appeal by the Belgian Government that the remainder will return to Belgium.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state the number of houses already sanctioned by the Scottish Board of Health, the places where building operations are actually commenced, and the estimated average cost of houses under erection?

As at 25th instant, plans have been sanctioned by the Scottish Board of Health for 13,194 houses on eighty-two sites. Building operations have commenced at Airdrie, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hamilton, Paisley, Renfrew, Stirling, Bridge of Earn, Longniddry, Callander, and Leith (Mayfield). The estimated average cost of the houses under erection is £820.

asked the Minister of Health Whether he is aware that the cost of maintenance of pauper lunatics has risen from 8s. per week to between 21s. and 28s. per week; that under the Local Government Act of 1888 only 4s. per head is repayable to the local authorities concerned; that the balance payable per head throws a burden upon the local rates; and whether he is prepared to introduce an amending Bill whereby a fixed proportion, say one-half, of the actual cost of maintenance of every pauper lunatic shall be repayable to the guardians concerned

I agree that there is a prima facie case for an increase in the Grant payable toward the cost of pauper lunatics, but in view of the contemplated reform of the Poor Law I feel that the necessary legislation could not well be undertaken at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the cost of maintaining lunatic paupers at lunatic asylums has increased from Ss. per week per head, which was the estimated cost at the time of the passing of the Local Government Act in 1888, to about 25s., and that the present Grant of 4s. per week per head, which is repaid to the various unions under the Act, is now inadequate; and whether he will introduce legislation to relieve local rates by amending the Local Government Act of 1888 so as to provide for the repayment of at least half of the actual cost, which was the original intention of that Act?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to a question on the same subject put by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely.

asked the Minister of Health whether in connection with the balance from the National Relief Fund, lie revived any representations in favour of the calling of a conference of local committees for the purpose of drawing up a scheme for the disbursement of these moneys; and whether he will favourably consider the suggestion?

A few representations of the nature indicated in the question have been sent to me, and I have forwarded them to the Executive Committee of the National Relief Fund. I have no authority to take any action in regard to these representations, as I am in no way responsible for the administration of the fund.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to promote legislation empowering local authorities to allow and pay their members reasonable expenses incurred in attending the meetings of such authorities and their committees?

I have referred this matter to the Consultative Council on Local Health Administration established under the Ministry of Health Act, and I am awaiting their advice before deciding whether to submit to the Government any proposals to the effect indicated in the question.

asked the Minister of' Health whether the international agreement respecting the creation of an international office of public health which was signed by this and other countries in 1909, and was for a period of seven years, has been, and, if so, when, renewed, and for what period; is there now in existence an international office of public health; and is it an active body, and where domiciled?

Article 8 of the International Convention of Rome, 9th December, 1907, which concluded an arrangement under which the Office International d'Hygiène Publique was to be maintained for seven years, also provided that at the expiration of the seven years the agreement was to continue in force for further seven-year periods between all those-States which have not given previous-notice of their intention to withdraw from the agreement. The number of countries adhering to the Convention has largely increased since 1907, and the British Government has given no notice of its withdrawal. The Office International d'Hygiène Publique during the War continued its monthly bulletins and other intelligence work on matters relating to international public health, and has now resumed its formal sessions, which are-attended by official delegates of the British Government, Canada, Australia, India, and Egypt. The second session of 1919 will be held next week at the headquarters of the Office, 195, Boulevard St. Germain, Paris.

asked the Minister of Health whether local authorities were requested to form citizen guards on the occasion of the recent railway strike; whether local authorities have any statutory powers to establish new forces of this kind; whether the cost of publicity, organisation, etc., in connection with the citizen guards will be defrayed from the rates; and, if so, on what authority?

I have been asked to reply to this question. An appeal was addressed to magistrates and local authorities to form Citizen Guards for the maintenance of order. It is by the common law the duty of all citizens to assist in the maintenance of order, and no statutory authority was therefore necessary; but in this case it was proposed to attest the guards as special constables, so that the statutory provisions as to the control and organisation of the special constabulary would apply to them, and their expenses would be payable in the same way as those of the regular police.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the present position of the claim of Crown rights to the foreshore at Seaview, Isle of Wight; whether this matter has been dragging on for years; and whether he can now hold out any prospect of the matter being taken to a speedy conclusion?

Proposals for a final settlement have been made and are being considered, and if agreed to will bring this matter to a speedy conclusion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the amount of 183,000,000 tons available for borne consumption in 1917, any account has been taken of the coal used in either the patent or beehive coke ovens; and, if so, under what heading they have been included?

The coal used in coke ovens was included in the estimate of 183,000,000 tons available for home consumption in 1917, under the heading of "Blast Furnaces."

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of coal were carbonised in 1917 and 1918, respectively, in the beehive and patent coke. ovens in the United Kingdom?

No statistics are available in the Coal Mines Department prior to the year 1919 of the number of tons of coal carbonised, but from information obtained from the Home Office reports and from Returns prepared by the Ministry of Munitions of the production of coke at coke ovens it is estimated that the coal consumption for this purpose was approximately 20,000,000 tons in each of the years 1917 and 1918.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans, if any, are being formulated by the Government to foster and develop the iron and steel industries of this country?

No special plans are-at present being formulated by the Government with respect to the iron and steel industries, and it is in my right hon. Friend's opinion most desirable that Government action should only be supplementary to the effects of those actually engaged in those industries. The report of the Departmental Committee, on which the, hon. Member served, indicated lines which might be taken by the industries with a view to their development and increased efficiency.

asked the President. of the Board of Trade if he will state the prices paid by the Government for heavy and light iron and steel castings manufactured in the United Kingdom during the years 1913 to 1919, inclusive?

I am afraid that the information in the possession of the. Board of Trade does not enable me to furnish the particulars asked for by the-hon. Member. I would refer him to the Ministers in charge of the contracting Departments concerned.

asked the President of the. Board of Trade what is the quantity of American whisky imported into this country during the last six months; and what proportion has been released for consumption?

American whisky is not distinguished separately in the returns of imports being included with other alcoholic liquors under the heading "unenumerated spirits unsweetened," of which 321,527 gallons were imported from the United States of America during the six months ended 30th September, 1919. The quantity of "unenumerated spirits, unsweetened," released for consumption cannot be stated separately.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the serious hindrance to production in the iron and steel industries of the North-East Coast caused by the shortage of wagons; and -can he considerably expedite the return of the 20,000 British railway wagons still in France and Belgium, so that all are brought back within the next two months?

I am aware of a general shortage of empty railway wagons, but, according to my information, the North-East Coast is not suffering more seriously than other districts. I am, however, inquiring into the case referred to by the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, every effort is being made to expedite the return of wagons from France, but it will not be possible to complete this work within two months. As my right hon. Friend explained in his reply to the hon. Member for Leyton on the 22nd instant, it is hoped to increase the average rate of return very shortly to about 900 wagons per week.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet seen and considered all the papers and correspondence handed over from the Board of Trade in connection with the closed exits to the Midland station at Nottingham and, in particular, the report of the inspector who visited Nottingham and admitted that irritation and ill-feeling were prevalent; whether he is aware that these feelings are becoming intensified as the result of the inconvenience and loss of time caused to the travelling public; and whether he is now prepared to give instructions for the exit opposite Trent Street to be reopened between the hours of five a.m. and midnight?

Yes, Sir, I have seen and considered the correspondence and report referred to, and I am at present in consultation with the Midland Railway Company upon a suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman that the station exit opposite Trent Street might be opened for a month or two experimentally.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a resolution from the Nottingham Brick Manufacturers' Association which views with alarm the payment of out-of-work donations to persons unemployed as a consequence of a strike in a key industry and stating that such payments are contrary to public interest, and expressing the hope that His Majesty's Government will discontinue unemployment payments entirely; and if he will state whether he is prepared to favourably consider these proposals?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. The payments of out-of-work donation to persons thrown out of work owing to trade disputes are made in accordance with the rule laid down in Section 87 (1) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, which regulates payment of unemployment benefit to persons unemployed owing to this cause. The continuance of unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts is governed by Statute, arid as regards out-of-work donation I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Keighley on 22nd October.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the cost of Labour Unemployment Exchanges during the last financial year?

The cost of Employment Exchanges during the financial year 1918–19 was approximately £1.600,000. This sum includes the cost of special war services chargeable to the Vote of Credit, and covers all expenses incurred at the divi- sional offices of the Employment Department, the Employment Exchanges and branch employment offices, whether in the administration of unemployment insurance, out-of-work donation, or otherwise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the schemes for the training of discharged soldiers are providing real training and are not providing cheap labour for employers; and in particular will he inquire into the actual training and wages paid at Chivers Farm, Shipper Hill, Cambridgeshire?

I am satisfied with the measures which have been adopted generally to ensure that disabled men receive proper training. The training at the farm mentioned is controlled by the Board of Agriculture, and I understand that that Department is causing an investigation to be made into the conditions there, the result of which will be communicated to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as a report is received.

asked the Postmaster General whether he will issue instructions to all members of his surveying staff that careful inquiries must be made as to the wages and conditions of service in sub-post offices; whether periodical visits are made, during which such information can be readily obtained; and whether, in the event of the information proving that the wages paid are below a fair subsistence level, he will seek authority to pay a fair wage to every member of the class of sub-post office clerks?

Particulars of the ages, rates of pay and hours of duty of assistants employed on Post Office duties are already furnished by sub-postmasters, and these are subject to periodical verification by the postmaster, whose duty it is to see that the wages and conditions of service do not fall below the standard for shop assistants in the service of good employers in the same district.

asked the Post-master General whether Henry Charles Barnett, employed as a postman between Peasmarsh, Sussex, and Wittersham, Kent, for 25 years, was recently disabled in a bicycle accident while on duty and subsequently discharged from the service of the Post Office without a pension; and whether this man's claim to a pension may be reconsidered?

The postman in question was not on the established staff of the Post Office and was not, therefore, eligible for a pension on retirement. He received the gratuity to which his length of service entitled him under the Superannuation Acts. He was retired, not as a result of the accident referred to, but on account of a disease from which he had been previously suffering.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the practice for the pension payable to an ex-solder employed by the Post Office to be paid quarterly to, the Post Office authorities, and then to be issued to him with his weekly wages; under what authority such a practice is involved; and whether the men concerned are allowed to ask for payment of such amounts quarterly direct from the military or pension authorities?

Pensions awarded on or before the 18th September, 1914, are paid weekly with Post Office wages under an arrangement introduced in 1900 on the recommendation of an Interdepartmental Committee. Disablement pensions issued since the 18th of September, 1914, are paid weekly by the pensions authority direct. The pensioners concerned are not given the alternative of receiving their pensions quarterly. I am not aware of any demand for this course.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Cardiff Trunk Exchange is badly understaffed, with the result that not only is the traffic delayed but the health of the girl telephonists is being seriously undermined; whether, on the 29th July, 1919, five Birmingham lines, one Leeds line, four Liverpool lines, and one Hereford line, were listed for one operator from 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.; whether, on the same day, five Birming- ham lines and one line to Leeds were worked by one operator between 3.50 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.; whether positions 3 and 4, which include four Liverpool lines and one Hereford line, were worked by one operator from 4 p.m. until 5.50 p.m.; whether positions 9 and 10, consisting of four Bristol local lines worked by order wire, three Gloucester lines, and three Evesham lines, were worked by one operator from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; whether positions 11 and 12, with thirteen lines connected to such busy centres as Llandrindod, Ebbw Vale, and Pontypool, were worked by one operator from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; whether positions 13 and 14, including thirteen wires, were worked by one operator from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; whether, on the following day, one operator worked positions 1 and 2 from 4.30 to 5.30, and one operator worked positions 3 and 4 from 2 p.m. until 5.30 p.m., with the exception of 3.30 to 4.30; whether positions 11 and 12 were worked by one operator from 4.0 to 5.30; whether positions 13 and 14 were worked by one operator from 4.30 to 5.30; whether four sections, including thirteen London lines, were listed for one operator from 1.30 to 2 p.m.; and whether, having regard to the serious effects of this under-staffing, he will cause on immediate inquiry to be made?

The report which I have obtained does not support the suggestion that the Cardiff Trunk Exchange is seriously understaffed; but I will make further inquiry, and communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a meeting which was held at Birmingham on the 14th September at which the refusal of the Government to pay the War gratuity to men of the special sections, Royal Engineers, who are Post Office servants in civil life, was considered; whether he is aware that the men concerned did not receive full civil emoluments; whether they were promised full civil and military pay and allowances on enlistment; whether commanding officers from the Post Office have been paid generous gratuities on discharge; and whether, in order to remove discontent and unrest, he will have the decision reviewed?

So far as the War Office is concerned, the officers have received no more and the men no less than they were entitled to by the terms of their engagement, and I cannot hold out any hope of a reversal of the Government decision that the men shall not receive the War gratuity. The question of their non-receipt of the civil bonus, to which I understand the hon. Member to refer in the second part of the question, is not a matter for the War Office.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the staff of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland has been increased since the beginning of this year; and, if so, whether he will state for what purposes, and to what extent, this increase has been found necessary?

The authorised number of persons employed by the Board has been increased by eighty-eight since 1st January last. This additional staff is designed to enable the Board to cope satisfactorily with the growth of Departmental work and especially with the settlement of ex-Service men on the land, which has been retarded by lack of adequate staff.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what number of applications for small holdings have been received from ex-Service men and others by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland since the beginning of this year; and what proportion of the applicants have been established in holdings?

Since the beginning of the year 2,167 applications for new holdings have been received from ex-Service men and 520 applications for new holdings and 488 for enlargements from civilians. During the year seventy-three ex-Service men have been settled in new holdings and seventeen civilians, and, in addition, fifty-eight civilians have been given enlargements of their present holdings. These numbers will be largely augmented at the term of Martinmas.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what are the present functions of the Scottish Director of Food Production; what is the number of his staff; and what is the cost thereof?

The duties of the Director of Cultivation (the officer to whom my hon. Friend presumably refers) are to supervise and co-ordinate the work of the agricultural executive committees. This officer attends meetings of the committees for the purpose of explaining the Board's policy and schemes, and acts as liaison officer between the committee and the Board. He is also charged, under the directions of the Board, with the administration of the provisions of Part IV. of the Corn Production Act, 1917. No special staff is assigned to the Director of Cultivation, but the necessary assistance is provided by the normal staff of the agriculture division of the Board. A section comprising one minor staff clerk, one second division clerk and two women clerks gives practically all its time to the work. The greater part of a staff clerk's time is also occupied, and a call is made on the senior staff clerk, the agricultural inspectorate, and the financial and legal divisions. In the circumstances it is not possible to state the cost of such assistance, but my hon. Friend will probably agree with me that it is not on an excessive scale.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of representations made to him respecting the non-payment of Scottish education Grants to school boards prior to the date of the ending of the functions of the old boards and the assumption of their work by the new education authorities, he can make any statement in answer to the claim that the school boards have not been paid their reasonable dues?

My hon. Friend's question relates to a matter involving important points both of policy and of law. In view of the representations which he mentions, these points are being examined afresh. I am also in communication with the Association of Education Authorities, with whose views it is essential that I should be fully acquainted before any final decision is reached. I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no undue delay in coming to and announcing a conclusion.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many barrels of herrings were received from curers under the guarantee given by the Government for the Scottish East Coast summer fishing; how many of these barrels have been disposed of and in what way; and how much, if any, profit or loss has been made by the Government as the result of this guarantee?

The quantity taken over under the guarantee, which was for 400,000 barrels, amounts only to a few thousand barrels. In addition, however, the Fishery Board have agreed with the sanction of the Treasury to purchase bills arising on a contract by private traders for the sale to Germany of 250,000 barrels. Under this agreement the Fishery Board will pay to the curers the same amount as would have been payable under the guarantee for the same quantity of herrings. The Fishery Board have no reason to anticipate that on payment of the bills there will be any loss of any kind on their transactions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a publicity branch has been established at the Board of Agriculture; and, if so, if he can give the name of the gentleman appointed publicity officer, his salary, and if the same has recently been increased?

A publicity officer has been on the staff of tie Board for some time past. It is difficult to secure the services of men possessed of the requisite agricultural and literary qualifications, and on the resignation of the late officer, mainly owing to the insufficiency of the salary attached to the post, sanction was obtained to an increased rate of remuneration. Mr. S. L. Bensusan has now been appointed temporary publicity officer at the rate of £750 per annum inclusive.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the premises at the corner of Cavendish Street and Town Hall Square, in Keighley, were taken over last year by his Department for Government purposes; whether the tenants were expropriated, despite the greatest amount of inconvenience, by Christmas, 1918; whether the premises were acquired for the purposes of a Labour Exchange; whether they have been used for this purpose this year, and to what extent; and, if not, what reasons have stood in the way; whether, during the year, the local Labour Exchange has been paying fox accommodation in other buildings when the premises already referred to were empty; what is the cost to date of the commandeering of these buildings; what is the expected additional liability; and what is to he the future of the premises?

The answer to the first, third and sixth parts of the question is in the affirmative. The premises in Cavendish Street were originally hired (not commandeered) for the purposes of the Ministry of Labour. I have no knowledge of any difficulties with the tenants, with whom the landlord alone was concerned. The upper part was first occupied in October, 1918, but as possession of the lower part of the premises could not be obtained till April last, and the Ministry, as the result of the Armistice, had to employ a large staff for payment of out-of-work donation, the Temperance Institute had to be hired at £9 9s. per week (inclusive of all charges) to accommodate the staff. The answer to the last two parts of the question is dependent upon the future policy of the Ministry of Labour, which, I understand, is now, under consideration.