asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the event of a landowner replacing cottages unfit for habitation by new cottages, he is entitled to insert in his maintenance claim, under Section 69, of the Finance Act, 1910, the whole cost of the new cottages?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the second part of Sub-section (1) of Section 69 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, which sets out the conditions under which the cost of the replacement of cottages by a landowner is admissible in a maintenance claim. If my hon. Friend has any particular claim in mind I shall be glad to look into the matter if he will furnish me with particulars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to establish the standard of Income Tax payable at £250, after nil deductions are taken off; and will he take steps to increase all allowances for discharged and demobilised men of the Army and Navy?

I am unable to anticipate the Budget proposals of next year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a soldier who was demobilised in March, 1919, has to pay tax on his earnings over £130; and if a soldier was demobilised on 6tn April or after has he not to pay a tax until he has earned £160?

I would refer the bon Member to the provisions of Sections 42 and 52 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, from which it will be seen that the exemption limit of £160 and the other special Income Tax reliefs afforded to soldiers apply only where the soldier has served or is serving during the year of assessment, either out of the British Islands or for at least one month continuously in the British Islands. Where there has been no such service within the year of assessment the ordinary exemption limit of £130 applies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exechequer when the new loan will be issued by the Bank of England to the Sudan Government, and the amount of such loan; whether, under the conditions of this loan, the Sudan Government will retain the irrigated land for growing cotton; and whether the British Government will receive any definite share of the increment value of the land brought about by the expenditure of the capital now about to be issued?

The new loan which is for £3,500,000 has already been issued by the Bank of England acting as the agent for the Sudan Government. As regards the second part of the hon. Member's question the land is to be leased from the native owners by the Sudan Government. The reply to the last part is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the high cost of living shows little sign of becoming less, and is even in respect of many articles of every-day consumption becoming higher, and whether, too, in view of the all-round increases of remuneration to all forms of labour, he will reconsider the appeal of Government pensioners, especially those with moderate pensions which no longer suffice to meet the actual necessities of everyday existence?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Down on the subject on the 6th August last. I regret that I cannot see my way to make any further concession in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount collected by His Majesty's Government as Excess Profits Duty from the liquor trade (manufacturers and wholesale and retail licences) for the financial years terminating on the following dates: 31st March, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1919?

No information is available as to the incidence of this tax in the case of the various classes of taxpayers, and, in view of the labour involved in the preparation of detailed statistics of this character, my right hon. Friend cannot in existing conditions undertake a classification of the various groups of trades and businesses from which payments of Excess Profits Duty have been received.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amounts

Year ended 31st March.		Wine.	Spirits.			Beer.
			Imported	Home-made.	Total.	Imported.	Home-made.	Total.
		£	£	£	£	£	£	£
1914	…	1,152,291	4,435,500	19,539,777	23,975,277	31,643	13,622,971	13,654,614
1915	…	1,004,333	4,972,005	20,302,500	25,274.505	25,104	15,856,412	15,881,516
1916	…	1,077,870	5,323,780	21,515,014	26,838,794	23,172	33,747,269	33,770,441
1917	…	887,831	4,171,421	13,843,085	18,014,506	4,802	31,567,940	31,572,742
1918	…	780,914	3,484,655	7,111,807	10,596,462	27	19,108,603	19,108,690
1919	…	1,409,233	5,579,039	18,663,117	24,242,156	182	25,423,393	25,423,575

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give comparative figures showing the clearances from bond of foreign spirits and home spirits, respectively, month by month, for each of the last six months for

Month.			1918			1919
			Imported Spirits.	Home-made Spirits.	Total.	Imported spirits.	Home-made Spirits *	Total.
			Pf. gall.	Pf. gall.	Pf. gall.	Pf. gall.	Pf. gall.	Pf. gall.
April	…	…	294,000	899,000	1,193,000	408,000	1,304,000	1,712,000
May	…	…	363,000	973,000	1,336,000	454,000	1,242,000	1,696,000
June	…	…	259,000	785,000	1,044,000	345,000	1,123,000	1,468,000
July	…	…	231,000	1,070,000	1,301,000	384,000	1,377,000	1,761,000
August		…	218,000	1,008,000	1,226,000	589,000	1,165,000	1,754,000
September		…	184,000	1,072,000	1,256,000	212,000	1,131,000	1,343,000
* These quantities re provisional.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of Ministers, officials, and employâs in the new Ministries of Health and Transport employed at the present time after deducting the number of Ministers and/or officials and staff existing in July, 1914, in Ministries or Departments absorbed by the new Ministries above-mentioned, and the total annual rate of expenditure on the Ministries and staff after making the aforesaid deduction?

The staffs of the Ministries of Health and Transport em-

The figures are as follow:which Returns are available, together with figures for each of the corresponding months of last year?

The figures are as follow:ployed at the present time, after deducting the staffs employed in July, 1914, in Departments absorbed by the Ministries are 1,942 (including over 1,700 engaged on temporary work) and 260, respectively. The annual rates of expenditure on the staffs of the Ministries, after deducting the annual rates of expenditure in July, 1914, are £645,500 and £116,400, respectively. The hon. Member will appreciate that the figures of expenditure cover not only the cost of the additional staff as compared with July, 1914, but also the increases by way of war bonus to the staff of the absorbed Departments.

asked the Secretary to. the Treasury whether lie has received from the Board of Agriculture a petition presented by the employâs at the Royal Gardens, Kew, for an increase of wages; and whether a decision on the matter may be expected at an early date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The petition was based on the increased cost of living, and the applicants have been informed that while the Treasury was unable to agree to a further increase claims from various Civil Service Associations for an increase of war bonuses had been referred to the Civil Service Association Board, and that the decision of that Board would, as in the past, be applied to the employâs at Kew.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a Member of Parliament attending meetings of a Select Committee or a Departmental Committee during the periods when Parliament is not in Session is entitled to any expenses?

Members of Parliament who are appointed on Royal Commissions or Departmental Committees outside the scope of their Parliamentary duties are allowed the usual scale of expenses for attendance at meetings in London when Parliament is not sitting. But attendance of a Member at a Select Committee is analogous to attendance at the House itself, and I do not think that expenses should be allowed for meetings of such Committees in London, even if Parliament is not in Session, on the analogy of the Civil servant.

asked the Food Controller whether lie is aware that it takes about twelve quarts of milk to make 1 lb. of butter, and that the present controlled price of 2s. 6d. per lb. for butter, in comparison with the price of about 10d. per quart for milk, is so low as to inflict great hardship on those farmers who, previous to the War and now, are compelled to make butter and cheese because, living in out-of-the-way districts, they have not the facilities for quickly disposing of their milk; and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider raising the controlled price of butter to bring it nearer to the corresponding price of milk?

I am aware that the maximum price of home-produced butter is not on a parity with that of milk. The Food Controller has followed this policy in order to ensure that as plentiful supplies of milk as possible may be available, but he cannot agree that it has the effect which the hon. and gallant Member suggests. I may add that although there is at the present time a sufficient supply of milk, it will be necessary in the midwinter months to limit the production of butter in this country in order that as much milk as possible may be available for the community.

asked the Food Controller how the price of 1s. quart for milk is arrived at?

The hon. and gallant Member will not wish me to read to the House the long statement of figures which is necessary in order to reply to his questions. I have, therefore, arranged that the information for which he asks shall be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I may say, however, that the maximum retail price of Is. per quart for milk will be in force during the next five months only in seventy-nine Food Control Committee districts out of a total of 1,831.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received letters from food committees protesting against the prices fixed for milk as being unnecessarily high and unwarranted; whether he has been asked to receive deputations from such bodies; and, if so, what was the reply?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller has arranged to receive a representative deputation of Food Control committees on this subject on 3rd November.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the city of Nottingham Food Control Committee on the 10th instant stating that the prices fixed by the Milk (Winter Prices) Order, 1919, No. 1208, to be paid to the producer are criminally excessive, and that in their opinion such prices should not exceed 100 per cent. advance on pre-war rates for the same period, and that, in view of the hardship imposed upon the public by the Order, the committee have decided to take no action in reference thereto; and will he be prepared to reconsider the same so far as it applies to the city of Nottingham?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The maximum prices referred to were fixed after the most careful investigation of the cost of production of milk, and I am of opinion that they do not allow an excessive profit to the producer. I do not, therefore, consider that the suggestion made in the second part of the question should be acceded to.

asked the Food Controller whether manufacturing confectioners and chocolate manufacturers are now rationed as regards the supply of sugar; if so, will he state what the conditions and quantities are and what price is paid by such manufacturers; and whether they are allowed to obtain any extra quantities at increased prices, and, if so, what quantities are allowed and at what prices?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Confectioners and chocolate manufacturers are permitted to obtain the same quantity of sugar as they used in 1915, and are charged the same price as is charged to other purchasers, namely, 57s. 9d. per cwt. As regards the last part of the question, any manufacturer may import sugar for his own account over and above that issued to him by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, without limitation as td price.

asked the Food Controller what is the gross percentage of profit allowed to meat retailers?

Under the present system of meat control no fixed percentage of profit is guaranteed to the retailer. Retail butchers buy meat at maximum prices and sell it at prices in accordance with the schedule of maximum retail prices for the time being in force. The amount of profit made depends on the capacity of the butcher, and upon the public demand for supplies. I may say, however, that tests which have recently been made show that the average gross profit to the retailer is approximately 17 per cent. on the cost of the meat.

asked the Food Controller if he has received a protest from the Fruit Preservers' Association against his action in ignoring the recommendations of the Jam Prices Advisory Committee in relation to the Jam Prices Order; whether he is aware that, in the judgment of those most conversant with the trade, the selling prices for jam have been fixed below the cost of production; if he will say on what basis was the calculation made by which the prices were fixed; and whether it is the intention to make an alteration in the prices so as to bring them within the requirements of the trade?

The Food Controller Las received a deputation from the Fruit Preservers' Association on the subject of the present Jam Prices Order and has undertaken to have a further investigation made into the cost of manufacture, with a view to the revision of the prices if this should prove to be justified. The present prices were based upon the examination of manufacturers' costs, but in view of the unexpected variation in fruit prices this season the Food Controller agrees that there is ground for a further investigation.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received a resolution passed by the Perth and district branch of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland protesting against unfair treatment in regard to payment of their claims for compensation in respect of the unsold and unused balances of their 1918 potato crop; and whether he proposes to meet their demand that immediate payment and settlement of all claims still outstanding be made forthwith, in accordance with the quantities assessed by the district agricultural committees, with interest at five per cent. per annum on each claim still unpaid as from 30th June, 1919?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is hoped that all claims still outstanding will be settled within the next three weeks; the recommendations of the district agricultural committees in these cases are now before the Ministry. The settlement of the claims will not, however, include payment of interest.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the hardship entailed upon the general public owing to the present conditions regulating the retail sale of dried fruits; and that under existing circumstances the retailer has to pay a higher price for these articles wholesale than lie is allowed to charge his customers; and what steps the Government propose to take to remove this Regulation?

The Dried Fruits (Retail Prices) Order, 1918, has been revised so as to fix maximum retail prices for the 1919 crop of dried fruits. The new schedule of prices which has appeared in the Press came into force on 24th October. Orders have also been issued fixing maximum wholesale prices which provide a sufficient margin of profit for the retailer. In these circumstances, no difficulty in connection with supplies of dried fruits is to be anticipated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government is buying foodstuffs in foreign countries; if so, how are these purchases financed; and are they paid for in British exports or services or are they met by borrowing on the security of the British taxpayer in the countries from which these imports proceed?

Purchases of foodstuffs are being made by or on behalf of the British Government in foreign countries, and also in various parts of the British Empire. None of these purchases are being financed by borrowing outside the United Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the total sum now paid or due to the corn growers under the State guarantee; and what sum it will be necessary to pay to the corn growers in the current year under the guarantee?

Nothing has been paid under the State guarantee, nor is any payment due at the present time. Whether any sum will fall to be paid in respect of the current year's crop will depend upon the average Gazette prices for the seven months ending March next. Gazette prices for wheat, barley and oats are far above the guarantee, and it is very improbable that any payment to growers will have to be made.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty why no claims have been made by the Crown on behalf of dockyard tugs or salvage party for the salvage of steamships "Lizette" and "Woodfield," seeing that the services rendered were quite equal to those of other cases; and will he obtain permission for the salvors to claim on their own behalf?

I am advised that the services rendered were not considered to be of sufficient importance to justify a claim on a salvage basis.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any and, if so, what reduction has been made in the staff of the Costings Department of the Admiralty during the past three months?

The staff of the Department on 1st July last numbered 297. The number at present is 284, and changes now in progress will reduce this figure to 258 early in November. It would not be wise to make further reductions in the staff as yet, inasmuch as the activities of the Department result in considerable saving of public money.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the percentage of commissioned officers and other ranks, respectively, who have been demobilised, retired, placed on half-pay, or reverted to their permanent grade since 11th November, 1918?

The total number of officers and other ranks of the Army (British only) on the strength of units, including British prisoners of war, on the 11th November, 1918, was:

Officers.	Other ranks.
171,900	3,544,000

The total number demobilised up to noon on the 27th October, 1919, was:

Officers.	Other ranks.
127,989	3,186,675

From the last figure, however, must be deducted 75,000 men who re-enlisted for two, three or four years, but who passed through dispersal stations, and 144,000 men who before the Armistice were in the Army Reserve and not then on the strength of the Army, leaving a net total of 2,967,675 other ranks demobilised. I regret that it is not possible to give the number of officers retired, placed on half-pay, or reverted to their permanent grade since the 11th November, 1918. These figures cannot be made available without great labour, and the result would be useless, as many officers have been gazetted to all three of these categories during the period in question. The total of such gazettes would, therefore, be largely in excess of the actual number of officers ceasing to be employed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men serving with the 18th Divisional Signal Company in Mesopotamia are unable to secure demobilisation although they are working on civilian telegraph work; whether he is aware that Sapper W. Ore, No. 152115, of the 31st Divisional Signal Company, who joined the Colours on the 1st March, 1916, and who has been three years in the East, has endeavoured since April without success to obtain leave or release for the purpose of seeing his dying mother; whether Sapper E. C. M'Cartie, No. 127844, of the 18th Divisional Signals, Sapper E. Spencer, No. 165101, and E. J. Williams, No. 151998, both of the 3Ist Divisional Signals, all of whom attested in 1915, have been in the East for long periods and are unable to secure demobilisation; whether Sapper A. W. Ling, No. 149092, and Sapper J. P. Reddy, who attested in 1916, have been three years in the East; and whether, having regard to the serious discontent which exists, he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to securing their demobilisation at the earliest possible moment?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds Dr. F. J. M'Glade, Royal Army Medical Corps, of 66, Rochdale Road, Blackley, Manchester, is retained in the Army, seeing that he joined up in October 1915?

This officer was released from military service on the 22nd October.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mr. Cuthbert Andrew, late second-lieutenant, Royal Engineers, after completing nearly four years' commissioned service, has been de-mobilised as second-lieutenant; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for this in view of Army Council Instruction, No. 1253, 12th August, 1917?

This officer's promotion to temporary lieutenant with effect from 11th August, 1917, was notified in the "London Gazette" of 20th June, 1919.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the name of Sapper A. G. Atkins, No. 66688, Royal Engineers, was included in a list of official returns of the Army postal service as being retained as part of the machinery of demobilisation, such list bearing the signature of Lord Methuen, Commander-in-Chief in Malta; whether Atkins' name was published in Part II. of Orders of 28th Company, Royal Engineers, as being specially retained and entitled to war bonus; whether he was in fact paid such war bonus up to the date when he left Malta on 28th March, 1919; and, in view of the fact that Atkins was retained in Malta as indispensable until the date mentioned, why the payment of bonus to Atkins was discontinued notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 106 (2) (b) of Fortress Orders, by Lord Methuen, dated the 24th February, 1919?

I am having inquiries made, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are still six 1914 men who are being retained with the 2nd Wireless Squadron in Mesopotamia; whether this squadron publishes none of the general regimental orders or memoranda dealing with the question of demobilisation; NO‡ either no men other than those whose homes are in India are being granted furlough to that country; whether only two men from this squadron have been granted a furlough to Persia; whether the men in this squadron are employed from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with twenty minutes for a break, and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; whether such a long attendance is regarded as an undue strain upon the personnel; and whether he will cause immediate inquiries to be made on the whole of these points?

Inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper F. W. Lee, 191988, of the 55th Brigade Signals, Sulaimaniyeh, attested under the Derby scheme, and joined the Colours on the 27th July, 1916; that he is assisting the Indian Civil Telegraph Department and that he is dealing with revenue-producing work; whether the telegraph department has a number of civilian telegraphists who could be spared from such centres as Baghdad; and, if so, whether Sapper Lee can be removed from Sulaimaniyeh before the winter rains commence, as otherwise the roads will prevent his demobilisation before the late spring of 1920?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements have been made to ensure by 1st November, as promised, the demobilisation of all long-service men oversea benefiting by the prescribed Army conditions?

Yes, Sir. The dispatch from their present stations or theatres (except India) of all men who joined for continuous service with the Colours prior to 1st July, 1916, is to be completed by the 1st November, 1919, subject to the necessary transport being available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all 1914 and 1915 men serving in the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force have been ordered home for demobilisation; and, if not, when Private B. Newton, No. 63030, Royal Army Medical Corps, 23rd British stationary hospital, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, is likely to be demobilised, he having been on active service continuously since he joined the Army in August, 1915?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part, inquiries are already being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether many housing schemes 'are being delayed in consequence of the retention in the Army of skilled and unskilled men who were employed, prior to enlistment, in the building trade; and whether he will at once facilitate the release of such men when proof is provided that they were engaged in the building trade before enlistment and are required for urgent work in connection with such trade?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side. I regret that I cannot at present authorise the release of any of the men referred to, unless their release is provided for under current instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Class Z men are to be finally discharged; and whether he will consider paying these men, while they are in the Reserve, on the same basis as men in the 1st Class Army Reserve?

On the termination of the War, men in Class Z of the Army Reserve will be discharged as from that date. The date of the termination of the War will be fixed by Order in Council in accordance with the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918. There is no intention of paying Reservists whilst in Class Z of the Army Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men rejected on medical grounds under the Derby scheme, and afterwards taken under the Military Service Acts, are regarded as conscripts and denied the priority in demobilisation awarded to Derby men; and, if so, whether he will remedy this grievance by treating them as Derby men?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a man who was several times rejected on offering to enlist under the Derby scheme ought to be regarded as a Derby man when finally called up under a relaxed medical standard?

I regret that I can add nothing further to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Wrexham on Monday last, to the effect that, after careful consideration, it has not been found practicable to adopt this proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private J. G. Hunter, No. 393, 2nd Battalion Cameron Highlanders, has not yet attained his eighteenth birthday; whether repeated applications have been made to the War Office authorities for his release during the past four months by his parents; whether any action is contemplated by the War Office; and when this boy is likely to be released?

Instructions have been issued for Private Hunter to be discharged forthwith, if this has not already been done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Driver James Porter, No. T/42229, 531st Company, Royal Army Service Corps, is under eighteen years of age; whether his father has made application for his release from the Army; and when his discharge is likely to take place?

I am not aware of the circumstances of this case, but 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 how many of the officers of and above the rank of brigadier-general who were serving in the British Army on the 11th November, 1918, have now been demobilised, retired, placed on half-pay, or reverted to their permanent grade, or relieved of the appointment of brigadier-general?

The number is 462.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many separate premises in the London area are at present occupied by the War Department for the storage of motor accessories; and what is the sum rental at present paid for such storage accommodation?

The number of premises at present occupied by the War Department for the storage of mechanical transport spares and accessories is five. All of these will be entirely vacated by the Department within the next few weeks. The rental of the Short's Gardens Depot is £4,000. The remainder of the premises were taken under Defence of the Realm powers, and the amount of compensation payable in respect of them has not yet been determined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps have yet been taken to dispose of the quantities of motor accessories at present stored in the Royal Army Service Corps' Home Mechanical Transport Depot in Short's Gardens?

The accessories which are surplus to future War Department requirements are at present awaiting removal by the Disposal Board. The remainder which are required for the future maintenance of War Department vehicles will be removed shortly to another depot outside London.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, although assurances have been given that the premises of the Royal Army Service Corps' Home Mechanical Transport Depot in Short's Gardens will be vacated by the War Department as soon as possible, no instructions to that effect appear as yet to have reached the responsible officers?

I am informed that, on the contrary, instructions have been issued to those responsible to vacate the depot in question, and arrangements for the transfer of the stock to other premises are well in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has reconsidered the position with regard to the signal office at the General Headquarters, Great Britain; and whether he can now agree that this office should revert to a civilian staff?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring on the 18th August. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Officer Commanding, General Headquarters, Great Britain, Signal Company, informed his men that their civil pay would not be affected if they volunteered for further service without permission from the Postmaster-General; whether that statement was in accordance with the published Civil Service Regulations; and whether he will warn the officers under his control not to make statements which may prejudice the Civil Service position of the rank and file?

If the question refers to further service for the Arms, of Occupation period, the information given these men is in accordance with the most recent decision, and an Army Council Instruction announcing the present position is on the point of being issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the new Army Order, under which no officer's marriage after the 13th September, 1919, is recognised, when issued was retrospective, and that no indication was given to officers about to marry of the proposed change; and whether he can see his way to make exceptions where it can be proved that there was bonâ fide intention to marry within a short space of time, especially in cases where officers were in hospital, and were unable to go through the ceremony before the 13th September?

I am looking into this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the small printed scroll or memorial being sent out to the relatives of fallen soldiers is the only one to be received by them; whether it was a promise by the Government that such scroll or memorial should be in metal of some kind; and can some better scroll in metal be given to those whose relatives lost their lives in the War?

The scroll on which the name and regiment of the fallen officer or soldier are inscribed is not the only memorial which is to be sent to the next-of-kin. As announced in the Press of the 20th March, 1918, a bronze plaque as well as the scroll will also be sent to them. Distribution of the bronze plaque will commence next week.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far his Financial Department has got with the reopening of soldiers' estates consequent upon the increase in the amount of gratuity to be paid for war service?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on Monday last to a question on this subject put by my right hon. Friend the Member for the Aston Division of Birmingham.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether since May over 50,000 troops have been involved in the campaign against the Kurds; whether both British and Indian troops were on field rations for a period of weeks; whether the medical arrangements were inadequate; whether he is aware that no appliances were provided, and that the men sick with fever were strapped into panniers and rode on each side of a mule during the July heat: whether the hospital at Suliamaniyeh is a collection of tents where men lie on the ground with one ground sheet and one blanket; whether cases of whisky and of beer were sent by convoy 100 miles from the railhead long before even tents were provided for the troops; and whether he will cause urgent inquiries to be made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is quite possible that both British and Indian troops were on field rations for short periods, as this is quite usual in similar circumstances. There is no reason to think the medical arrangements were inadequate. As regards the sick being carried on mules, I am afraid this was probably the only alternative to walking in this difficult hill country. There is no hospital in Suliamaniyeh. What my hon. Friend probably refers to is the tent subdivision of the field ambulance, which forms the best accommodation possible during the initial stages of an advance. While I have no information on the subject, I think it very improbable that cases of spirits were forwarded to the front in advance of the Expeditionary Force canteens. I am not in a position to give further details without reference to Mesopotamia. If, however, my hon. Friend has evidence of matters which on further consideration he thinks call for inquiry I shall be glad if he will forward it to the War Office, where it will receive careful, attention.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war are at present being maintained in this country; and if there is any reason why they should not all be immediately repatriated and the cost of guarding them saved?

There are at present 46,403 German combatant prisoners of war in this country. They are being repatriated as fast as transport facilities will permit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether German prisoners of war are still employed in this country; and, if so, how many?

There are at present 3,212 German combatant prisoners of war employed in this country. They are engaged chiefly on agriculture, dismantling camps, filling-in trenches, and as military working parties. They will be withdrawn during the course of the next few days, as they will be repatriated.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that his predecessor promised that free passes would be granted to one or more of the nearest relatives to visit the graves of their dead in France and Belgium; if he now proposes to carry out this promise or to devise some scheme of a similar nature at the earliest date; and will he in the meantime give some assurance that the graves are being looked after upon all the battlefields?

I am not aware of such a promise having been given. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 20th May last to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull to the effect that it is not considered practicable to issue free travelling passes to relatives to visit graves in France and Belgium. I can assure my hon. Friend that the graves of our fallen in the cemeteries on the battlefields are being looked after with all possible care.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the appeal of the late Lord Kitchener to old soldiers to rejoin the Army during the War, paragraph 1136 (e) of the Royal Warrant, 1914, makes soldiers who have completed seven years in the Army and five years in the Reserve without being called up in Section D, now, having served in the War, eligible to count the five years passed in the 1st Class Army Reserve towards the reckoning shown on Table V. of Army Council Instruction 325, of 1919?

Paragraph 4 of Table V. of the Army Order 325, of 1919, expressly lays down that qualifying service for pension under that table will be unforfeited Colour service only.

asked the Secretary of state for War how many majors-general were on full pay upon the 22nd October; how many of these officers are in command of divisions and, if so, where are their headquarters located; how many of these officers are at present employed upon committees and commissions and engaged upon what particular inquiries; how many of these officers are gazetted as being in command of Territorial divisions and how many of these divisions are up to strength either in personnel, animals, or material; how many of these officers remain on full pay without immediate employment; and how many have gone on half or retired pay since 1st May?

There were 100 majors-general on full pay on the 22nd October, 36 of them being in command of divisions. Their headquarters are located as follows:

Home (including 6 Regular and 14 Territorial Force)	20
Black Sea	2
India	2
Mesopotamia	2
Egypt	2
The Rhine	3
	36

I regret that it is not possible for me to give the information as regards com- mittees and commissions, as this cannot be obtained without inquiry as regards each case. With regard to Territorial divisional commands, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Abingdon on Monday.The number of Territorial divisional commanders is 14. There are no majors-general on full pay without employment; 35 majors-general have gone on half-pay or retired pay since the 1st May, 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is anticipated that the committees set up to inquire into such matters as the future enlistment, training, and organisation of the Cavalry, the Territorial Force, the Artillery and Engineers,. the Tank Corps, and the Machine Gun corps will be in a position to present their reports; whether any time limit has been made by when such reports will have to be rendered; whether the conclusions arrived at will be discussed with General Staff representatives from the Dominions; and whether the Estimates for the Army-for 1920–21 will be based upon the new requirements recommended by the General Staff after consideration of these various reports?

No time limit has been laid down for the Committee referred to, but reports have been received from some of them and are under consideration. The remaining reports will be submitted to the Army Council as soon as possible, but I am not in a position to give any definite dates. The Dominions were represented on such of the Committees as concerned them most closely, and they will be consulted on all questions in which they are interested before decisions on these questions are arrived at. Army Estimates for 1920–21 will be based on the decisions of His Majesty's Government after consideration of the recommendations made to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps have yet been taken, or whether it is intended, to re-transfer back to the War Office those departments and sections which, on the formation of the Ministry of Munitions, were transferred to that Ministry; whether it has been decided to take over from the Ministry of Munitions those departments and sections of administration concerning military ordnance, stores, etc., established during the War; whether the Ministry of Munitions was during this year dealt with by the War Office as the Ministry of Supply; and whether there as any Cabinet authority for that title or for assuming the continuance of the Ministry of Munitions after the sale of surplus material has been completed with in a reasonable time?

Pending a decision on the future of the Ministry of Munitions, certain provisional arrangements were made earlier in the year between the War Office and the Ministry of Munitions. Broadly the effect of these arrangements was to transfer back to the War Office the responsibility for the design, inventions, research and experimental services connected with Ordnance, Tanks and other War material; and to transfer to the Ministry of Munitions the Contracts Directorate, the Raw Materials Directorate, and the Salvage Disposal Board t hat formed the group of departments for which the present Minister of Munitions had been responsible as Surveyor-General of Supply at the War Office. As I have already stated, the arrangements are provisional and subject to the decision on the general question involved, on which I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Leader of the House on Monday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any objection is taken to the father of a soldier son killed in the War wearing on his right breast his son's war ribbon; and, if so, will he reconsider the matter?

Medals and the ribbons appertaining to them only be worn by the individuals to whom they are awarded, and in no case does the right to wear such medal or ribbon devolve upon the parents or relatives when the soldier is dead. To remove any misapprehension on this point, a notification to that effect was communicated to the Press in May last.

asked the Secretary 'of State for War whether the question of giving a medal or some other recognition to the Territorial troops who were sent to India in 1914 has yet been decided?

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

asked the Secretary of State for India whether lie can see his way to allow the Territorial units sent to India in place of France, the destination for which they volunteered the privilege of wearing the "1914–15" Star, seeing that in the King's farewell, published in all battalion orders prior to the departure of these men for India in 1914, intimation was conveyed to all ranks that their loyalty would not be forgotten and that Lord Kitchener also stated that these battalions should not lose anything by the change in their destination?

I have been asked to reply. The "1914–15" Star is awarded to those of His Majesty's Forces who served in theatres of war during a specified period. India as a whole was not a theatre of war, and unless individuals serving in India participated in the operations referred to in paragraph 5 (f) and (g) of Appendix A to Army Order 20 of 1919, they have not earned the Star.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, view of the general increases in Army officers' pay, he will abolish Staff pay and pay all officers according to the rank they hold?

This proposal was fully considered in connection with the new rates of pay, and negatived.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the number of British troops at present employed in France and Belgium, the number to include Labour Corps, both Chinese and Native?

The approximate number of British troops in France and Bel- gium on 27th October was 179,538. This includes patients in hospital, Labour Corps, Indian troops, and Chinese.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and other ranks are at present retained with the British Armies in France and Belgium; how many of these are employed by the Graves Commission; whether he can give an approximate date for the withdrawal of all British troops from France and Belgium; how many officers and other ranks of Queen Mary's Women's Army Auxiliary Corps are at present employed with the British Army in France and Belgium; and what is the approximate date on which it is hoped it will be found possible to dispense with their services?

The approximate total number of British officers and other ranks in France and Belgium on the 27th October was 101,300, and in addition there were about 5,600 patients in hospital. The number employed on all duties by the -Graves Commission was 14,983'; these are included in the above figure. It is hoped that all the troops will be withdrawn from France and Belgium by the end of March next. The total strength of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps was 4,593, and it is expected that they will all have left by the end of December.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office on what grounds war gratuities have been refused to military masseuses who served during the War; and whether, in view of the great services rendered by them to our wounded, this decision can now be reconsidered?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to-day to an oral question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Wandsworth

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that gratuities have been given to all other hospital workers, and by the British Red Cross Society to their masseuses, he will reconsider the recent decision that members of the United Services Massage League shall receive no gratuity for their war services, and will take into consideration the fact that these ladies, who were obliged to sign on for six months, were under military discipline and would therefore appear to be entitled to receive the same treatment as that accorded to hospital workers?

I am looking into this question, but I must not be understood to make any promise to alter the decision already announced.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men, horses, and wagons arc now employed under the Forage Department, Royal Army Service Corps, and with what object hay of different qualities of the 1918 crop is being collected, pressed, and dumped in different parts of the country?

The total number of men, horses, and wagons now employed by the Forage Department, Royal Army Service Corps, are 5,320, 1,616, and 1,092 respectively. These numbers are rapidly diminishing. The object of collecting, pressing and storing the hay of the 1918 crops to provide for the feeding of Army horses in this country and overseas.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the Army' Forage Department ceased to exist on 30th September last, when the Army control of hay came to an end; if the Central Council, its Advisory Sub-committee, ceased- to exist at the same time; if, in spite of this, hay is still being baled and placed in dumps for Army use; what is the amount of hay owned by the War Office lifted and placed in dumps and remaining in the stack; what is the monthly consumption of hay by the Army; and how long will the stocks on hand, whether in dumps or on farms, suffice for the needs of the Army?

The Forage Department did not cease to exist on the 30th September last, but is now in process of being wound up. It is expected that it will be finally demobilised by the end of the year at latest. It is not correct to say that the Army control of hay came to an end on the 30th September, as the Army still keeps control of all hay of the 1918 crop which it has purchased, and only hay of the 1918 or earlier crops for which a purchase note had not been issued was freed from control. The Central Council did not cease to exist on the 30th September, but is, I understand, now working under the Board of Trade. Hay is still being baled for the Army, but only 1918 hay purchased prior to February, 1919. At present the hay held by the Army is expected to last until the end of April, 1920, if the whole of the requirements of the Army have to be met from these stocks. If the requirements of the Army in this country only have to be met, it is estimated that the stocks will last until the 1920 crop is ready for consumption.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Central Council for Civil Forage Supplies has been transferred from the War Office to the Board of Trade as from 30th September last; if there is any necessity for the continuance of such a body to deal with hay which has recently been declared to be free from control; if the cause of the present shortage and high prices of hay is the excessive baling by the Army Forage Department; if steps are being taken to render a large proportion of the Army holding available for civilian use to meet the present shortage; if the holding up of all this hay results in the locking up of large sums of public money; and if there is a prospect of hay prices being considerably reduced in the near future, which would allow of hay being bought for the Army as it is required at much lower rates than are now prevalent?

The Central Council is now acting under the Board of Trade. Though there is no. control of hay, the threatened shortage renders it necessary for the Government to watch the position closely, and the council are rendering the Department valuable assistance. The shortage is in the main due to the large requirements of the Army in the past and the poor crop of the present year. The Board of Trade are in communication with the War Office, in order to obtain the release of as much hay as possible for civil consumption, but so far as it is possible to forecast the position, it does not seem likely that there will be any marked decrease in hay prices in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Germany will pay £69,000,000, being the cost for the present financial year of the British Army of Occupation; and whether, up to the present, any demand for payment has been presented?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for West Toxteth on the 27th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the fact that the Disposal Board are being forced to employ French and Belgian civilians as drivers in those countries, having tried and failed to secure ex-Service men from England for this purpose; whether at Stuart's Camp at Arras several English mechanical transport vehicles are being driven by foreigners; and whether ex-Service men of British nationality can be given employment?

I have been asked to answer this question. No French or Belgian drivers are employed by the Disposal Board in France: all drivers are either soldiers or ex-Service men engaged through the Ministry of Labour. I have no knowledge of the Stuart's Camp at. Arras referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private William Reilly, No. 40776, 2nd Battalion Royal Scottish Fusiliers, was killed on 23rd April, 1917; whether it is the case that his widow has not yet received his gratuity; if he can state the cause of the delay; and when this money will be paid?

Steps are being taken to ascertain the widow's present address and as soon as this is known the gratuity will be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Alfred du Domaine, 127, Byron Avenue, East Ham, a retired lieutenant with fifteen years' unpensioned service in the Naval Reserve, re-enlisted at the outbreak of war, 1914, at the age of fifty-six years, in the Royal Defence Corps, and after serving three years nine months was officer commanding the guard at Mill Hill P. W. G.; that he was asked to resign his commission in July, 1918, but was not gazetted out of the Army until December, 1918; and whether, in view of the mitigating circumstances of the case, the decision to withdraw his gratuity can be reconsidered?

The facts of this case have been fully considered more than once. The decision that the officer has forfeited his gratuity was arrived at after full consideration of all the circumstances and it is not proposed to alter it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. George Bolton Hughes, of Lynchford Road, South Farnborough, late corporal, No. 202381, Royal Air Force, who was demobilised on 12th June, 1919, is now suffering from neurasthenia as the result of service at Dunkirk from 7th February, 1915, to January, 1918; and why Mr. Hughes has not been granted compensation for this ill-health caused through service in the War?

When Mr. Hughes was transferred to Class Z of the Army Reserve he claimed to be suffering from gunshot wounds of the legs, sustained three years previously. The medical officer who examined him and completed the Army form Z 22 reported that the wounds were quite superficial and caused no disability. The claim to pension was therefore rejected. No reference to neurasthenia was made on the Z 22 form, but as Mr. Hughes is now stated to be suffering from that complaint, arrangements are being made for him to be examined by a medical board which will include a nerve specialist.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether disabled men whose appeals for pension on ground of attributability have been heard and rejected by the military appeal board are entitled to appeal to the new independent appeal tribunal; and, if not, can he promise to give all men the right of appeal to the latter tribunal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1919, which sets up the new tribunals, provides that no appeal shall lie in the case of any claim already heard and rejected by the existing appeal tribunals.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Private Robert Mair, No. 43089, King's Own Scottish Borderers, made application for allowance for his wife and submitted particulars in January, 1919; and whether no reply has been made; and when a decision will be made-in the case?

Private Mair is not entitled to wife's allowance, as he married his present wife after his discharge from the Army. I do not understand the statement that he submitted particulars in January, 1919, as the wife's allowance for disabled men was only authorised in August last. It is payable from the 3rd September.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that dissatisfaction is caused by the appointment of the Reverend R. Selwyn Roberts to the office-of Director of Training of discharged and demobilised sailors and soldiers for the Welsh region; will he state the reason for this appointment being given to anyone other than a discharged sailor or soldier; will lie inquire if the wife of this-official has also been given a Government appointment; what their joint salary amounts to; and will he reconsider this appointment and give sailors and soldiers who fought for our country a chance of such appointments?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware that the appointment in question has caused some dissatisfaction; but I am satisfied, having regard to Mr. Roberts' personal qualifications and his long experience of administrative and educational work in Wales, that the appointment was fully justified and was in the best interests or the discharged and demobilised men in the Principality. I should add that at the time of Mr. Roberts' appointment to his present post he was already a member of the staff of the Ministry of Labour, and that in accordance with the normal practice of the Department the post which be vacated was filled by an ex-Service man, in this instance an ex-officer. I am not aware that his wife holds any Government appointment; she is certainly not on the staff of the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any steps have yet been taken towards the formation of a Whitley Council for his Department; and if not, will he state the reason for the delay?

Steps have already been taken towards the formation of a Departmental Whitley Council in the Ministry of Pensions, and it is expected to arrange a conference between officials and representatives of the staff associations within the next few days.

asked the Under Secretary of State to the Air Ministry how many men are now employed at the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough; and whether any decision has been arrived at as to the future of such factory?

I have been asked to answer this question. The present strength of the personnel at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, is 2,339, of whom 237 are trade lads, and 356 are women. Reductions in the staff are continuing, and it is anticipated that the strength will eventually be reduced to about 1,200. It is proposed that the factory shall be used in future as an experimental and research establishment for the investigation of aerodynamical and aero-engine problems.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the Aircraft Production Department and the Aircraft Inspection Department are still in existence; and what is the number of personnel and the cost of such departments, respectively?

The Aircraft Production Department, of which the Aircraft Inspection Directorate forms a part, is still in existence. The total headquarters staff is 1,932, the annual cost in salaries being £422,897. These figures include the staffs of the three Directorates of Supply, Research, and Inspection, together with the Accounts Branch and other common services. The staff of the Aircraft Inspection Directorate alone numbers 300, of which the annual cost is £88,507.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he can state the rate of expenditure at East Fortune Air Station since the Armistice; and what will be the estimated saving of money by the removal of this aerodrome?

I am not clear what information my hon. Friend requires. If he refers to capital expenditure, I am informed that the payments made for works, buildings, land, machinery and plant, etc., from the date of the Armistice to the 30th September, have amounted to 177,000. The cost of maintaining the aerodrome in peace time may be estimated at 129,000, but it is difficult to estimate the saving entailed in giving up the station in other directions, as that would depend on the amount of personnel and material transferred to other airship stations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he will state how many men are still employed at No. 2 Northern Aircraft Depot; and what are they doing?

This repair depot is being closed down. The strength at present is 891, or 33 per cent. less than it was at the end of September. The strength will be reduced to a care and maintenance party by the middle of next month. Since the 15th October, when repair work ceased, the staff have been employed in clearing up and concentrating stores for disposal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he can state how many girl clerks are now employed at the Royal Air Force record department at Blandford; whether special trains are still run from Bournemouth; and whether greater economy could be exercised in this work?

In answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, the number of women clerks and typists employed at Blandford on the 30th September, 1919, was 669. The reply to the second part is in the affirmative, and to the last part that all economy possible is being secured and the station reduced as rapidly as the needs of demobilisation in the way of records permit.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he will state for what purpose the Didcot depot is being used, and how many persons are employed there?

No. 3 Stores Depot, Milton, near Didcot, is used for the storage of aeroplane spare parts, raw material, soft goods, and canvas hangars The strength at the present time is 1,648, and it is intended to reduce this number by the 1st December next to 1,221. This is one of the three stores depots which it will be necessary to retain for the Royal Air Force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what steps, if any, have been taken to use the experience obtained during the War in aerial photography for snapping purposes towards revising and helping in ordnance survey work in England, in view of the fact that so many maps are now out of date?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Board of Agriculture is responsible for Ordnance Survey Maps. A Committee, with representatives of the War Office, Admiralty, and Air Ministry have been considering the general question of maps, including those specially required for air purposes, for which, undoubtedly, aerial photography will be of the greatest value.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry when Central House, Kingsway, which was commandeered by the Ministry during the War, will be restored to the various business firms who were previously in occupation, and who are hampered in re-establishing their businesses on a peace basis owing to the inadequacy of the temporary accommodation they. have secured; what is the total rental value of the premises; whether less expensive premises could be obtained for the Ministry elsewhere; what is the particular work being carried on on the premises; and what are the number of officials employed thereon?

Central House, Kings-way, will be vacated completely by the Government staffs now in occupation by the end of the year. The estimated total inclusive rental value is £7,618 per annum. The vacation of the premises will be effected by a reduction of the staff and by the removal of the remainder to less expensive premises. The work being carried on is design, research, and technical work generally in connection with aircraft production under the Ministry of Munitions. As regards the last part, the number of officials at present engaged in the premises is 208.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will state the number of cardigan jackets for which orders were placed in August last?

Orders for 187,072 cardigan jackets were placed during the month of August.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government are now prepared to make any concession to ex-Service men in regard to the disposal of surplus Government property?

As I have already stated on previous occasions, the Disposal Board are unable to offer preferential terms to anyone in the purchase of surplus Government property. Arrangements can, however, be made for the sale of stores to approved organisations acting in the in- terests of ex-Service men. Sales of motor vehicles have, in fact, been made by the Board to the War Motors Association, an organisation of this kind.

asked the Secretary of state for India if he will supply a Return showing the present number of pensioners of the civilian services of India other than the Indian Civil Service who retired before the year 1913, and the average annual death-rate of these pensioners?

The Return asked for will be prepared. As a considerable number of pensioners of the services mentioned draw their pensions in India, it will be necessary be refer to the Government of India for particulars in these cases in order to make the Return complete.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the disproportion between. the pensions drawn by retired officers of all the civilian services in India other than the Indian Civil Service, he will give au assurance that whatever revised scale of pensions for those services is adopted in pursuance of the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, endorsed by the Viceroy and himself in the Joint Report, shall be granted to officers now retired as well as to those now on the active list irrespective of the dates on winch they retired?

I regret that I cannot give the assurance asked.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Regular Indian Army officers who were detained in India for training officers and men and arranging supplies for Salonika, Egypt, and Mesopotamia are entitled to any distinction or other form of recognition of their service?

No special distinction has been granted, but the matter is under consideration. It depends on the decision on analogous questions by the War Office.

asked the Secretary of Stat,? for India if he had had his attention called to the serious position of the Indian educational service as regards pay, and to the hardships that are now pressing on that service in consequence of the long delay in dealing with the question of their scale of pay and the great increase in the cost of living?

I have recently received comprehensive proposals from the Government of India, and am giving them my earnest consideration. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, by Section 17 of the Finance Act, 1919, officers' gratuities are exempted from Income Tax, and that the provision is retrospective; whether he is aware that gratuities paid to British officers who have served in Mesopotamia and India have been charged with Indian Income Tax; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

The Government of India have issued instructions exempting wound and injury and war gratuities from Indian Income Tax. The instructions have been sent home, but have not yet reached me. When they do, I will specially examine what is said about retrospective effect, so as to secure that the full privileges granted by the Finance Act are allowed in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the staff of the Imperial Institute have received no war bonus; whether they are the only Government employâs who have not had any war bonus; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance, and to give such employâs the benefits of Award No. 84 of the 31st March last relating to Government servants?

The question whether the staff of the Imperial Institute are entitled to receive the benefits of the award in question is under consideration, but I may say that temporary increases of salary by way of bonus were granted in September, 1918, and have since been continued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether instructions have been given for the imposition forthwith of a preferential tax of £2 per ton on oilseed products from the Gold Coast Colony; and, is so, whether he will state the object of imposing this tax?

A duty of £2 per ton has been imposed upon palm kernels exported to destinations outside the British Empire, but on no other oilseed products. The object of the duty is to ensure that the trade in palm kernels does not revert to Germany, where it was almost entirely centred before the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government intends to increase the pensions of pre-war pensioners in the police force to an amount which will equal the purchasing power of the pension granted in pre-war days?

I have repeatedly considered this question but, much as I sympathise with the pensioners who, like others dependent on small fixed incomes, are greatly affected by present conditions, I regret I do not see my way to propose legislation in order to give relief to the particular class of pensioners in whom the hon. Member is interested.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider the question of the prohibition of the sale of confectionery in theatres after 8 p.m.; whether he is aware that sweetmeats purchased in theatres arc entirely consumed on the premises; whether, in view of the fact that there is now no shortage of confectionery in the country, that small retailers can obtain as large a supply as they can dispose of by sale, and that the present prohibition of sale in the theatres after 8 p.m. is not protecting the retail trader but is merely preventing the consumption of sweetmeats in theatres during the evening performance, the restrictions in question can now be removed; and whether he will take steps to extend the sale of sweetmeats in the theatres up till 11 p.m.?

I have carefully considered this question, but regret that I do not see my way to amend the Early Closing Order on this point. When the Order was originally made it did not interfere with the sale of confectionery in theatres, but strong representations were subsequently received from the confectioners that an unfair advantage was being given to theatres and cinemas over the ordinary confectionery shops and that the trade of these shops was being substantially prejudiced, and it was decided after inquiry that the only course was to deal with the sale of confectionery in places of amusement on the same footing as the sale in shops. I am satisfied that if the Order were now relaxed as suggested, a similar situation would result, and that it is not practicable to differentiate in this matter between places of amusement and the ordinary retail shops.

asked the Home Secretary when some recognition of the services of the special constables will be granted?

By a Royal Warrant dated the 30th August a medal to be known as the Special Constabulary Medal was instituted for the purpose of recognising faithful and devoted service rendered by special constables. In order to qualify for it a special constable must have served for not less than three years during the War and performed not less than 150 police duties. On 25th September I issued a circular to all chief constables calling their attention to the warrant and asking them to submit the names of those qualified for the medal.

asked the Home Secretary who has been actually responsible for the recent escape of Sinn Fein prisoners from Manchester gaol; and what disciplinary measures he proposes to take in the matter?

An inquiry into the circumstances of this affair is being held by one of His Majesty's inspectors. Until I receive his report I shall not be in a position to say anything with regard to it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can see his way to meet the large body of working-class opinion in favour of the kitchen and living-rooms of new houses in urban are-as being not less than 8 feet 6 inches high; and is he aware that where the family washing and cooking is done in the living-room a greater height is desirable than in houses where this is not the case?

As indicated in the reply given to a question. put by the hon. Member for Bolton on 3rd July, I consider that ordinarily a height of 8 feet is sufficient, but I am willing to consider a proposal to provide living-rooms of a height of 8 feet 6 inches where special circumstance are shown; and in certain northern counties, where local customs require it, instructions to that effect have already been issued.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will recommend the application of the Profiteering Act to house property in view of the unsettlement caused to thousands of tenants by the sale of their houses over their heads; and will he seek powers to prohibit the granting of ejectment orders in all such cases until adequate alternative accommodation is provided?

It does not seem to me that the Profiteering Act can well be applied to house property. Tenants of houses to which the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Restriction Acts apply are protected from ejectment, and that in a case where the purchaser of a house requires the house for his own occupation or that of some person in his employ an ejectment order can only be made if the Court, after considering all the circumstances of the case, including especially the alternative accommodation available for the tenant, considers it reasonable to make elicit an order.

asked the Minister of Health whether demobilised, discharged, and members of the fighting forces on leave who are on the absent voters list are entitled to vote at the municipal elections?

A person whose name is on the absent voters list can vote at the municipal elections if he is registered as a local government elector. If he is registered as a Parliamentary elector only he is of course not entitled to vote at the municipal elections.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to prevent and alleviate an outbreak of the influenza epidemic during this winter?

A Standing Committee of medical officers, including the Secretary of the Medical Research Committee, to deal with all questions which concern influenza has been in existence for some time. The Committee inform me that, although there has naturally been an autumal rise in the incidence of respiratory diseases, the notifications and mortality returns do not at present indicate any recurrence of epidemic influenza. I may add that I propose at an early date to issue a circular advising sanitary authorities and the public as to the preventive and other measures which should be taken this winter in regard to influenza so far as our present knowledge enables us to advise.

asked the Minister of Health if, in connection with National Health Insurance, he will issue a Return, in the form of a revenue account, of the receipts and expenditure for the last recorded year, including in the receipts the Treasury payments under separate headings, and including in the expenditure the payments for each benefit (stated. separately); and, in the event of there, being other payments for fees, salaries, hostages, printing, travelling, rent, rates and taxes, etc., whether he will add them in a footnote, so that the entire expenditure on National Health Insurance may be shown?

RETURN SHOWING ESTIMATES RECEIPTS and EXPENDITURE (in round figures) under the National Health Insurance Acts in the year 1918, for England and Wales.
Receipts								£
Cash at Bank of England, 1st January, 1918			…	…	…	…		530,000
Cash in hand of approved societies and insurance committees
1st January, 1918	…	…	…	…	…	…		890,000
Contributions of employers and employed persons				…	…	…		16,250,000
Interest and sundry receipts	…	…	…	…	…	…		2,360,000
Exchequer—							£
Medical and sanatorium benefit		…	…	…	…	…	2,767,000
Sickness, disablement and maternity benefits				…	…	…	1,556,000
Sickness benefit (Women's Equalisation Fund for 1917 and 1918)							445,000
Sickness benefit (recoupment, invalided soldiers)					…	…	322,000
Administration expenses of approved societies and insurance
committees	…	…	…	…	…	…	687,000
Central administration expenses		…	…	…	…	…	393,000
								6,170,000
								£26,200,000
Expenditure.								£
Medical benefit	…	…	…	…	…	…		4,840,000
Sanatorium benefit	…	…	…	…	…	…		731,000
Sickness and disablement benefits		…	…	…	…	…		5,600,000
Maternity benefit	…	…	…	…	…	…		886,000
Administration expenses—							£
Approved Societies	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,944,000
Insurance committees	…	…	…	…	…	…	278,000
Central administration	…	…	…	…	…	…	412,000
								2,634,000
Sums invested—							£
By National Debt Commissioners			…	…	…	…	3,737,000
By approved societies	…	…	…	…	…	…	6,110,000
								9,847,000
Cash at Bank of England, 31st December, 1918				…	…	…		802,000
Cash in hands of approved societies and insurance committees
31st December, 1918	…	…	…	…	…	…		860,000
								£26,200,000

EXPENDITURE in connection with National Health Insurance is also incurred by other Government Departments, the estimated amount of which in 1918 was as follows:—
								£
Office Accommodation (Buildings, Furniture, Fuel and Light, etc.)								30,400
Rates	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3,900
Stationery and Printing	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	53,700
Audit	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	73,900
Revenue Departments, Customs and Excise				…	…	…	…	2,400
Revenue Departments, Post Office			…	…	…	…	…	100,700
								£265,000