asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is expected that the Report of the Income Tax Commission will be presented?

It is hoped that it may be possible for the Report to be made early next year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether widows who are under the necessity of employing a housekeeper to enable them to earn a living in some professions, such as teaching, can deduct any part of the expense so incurred for the purposes of Income Tax from their annual income; and, if not, will he favourably consider the position of such widows, seeing that under the present economic conditions such expense for wages, food, etc., is approximately £2 per week?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I would remind the hon. Member that the whole question of Income Tax reliefs and allowances is under consideration by the Royal Commission on the Income Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the amounts of Super-tax assessed for the financial years 1917–18 and 1918–19 still unpaid?

The amounts of Super-tax assessed up to the 31st October, 1919, and still unpaid at that date are as follows:

	£
For 1917–18	566,872
For 1918–19	1,851,055

It will be borne in mind that assessments can continue to be made for three years after the close of the year to which they relate. The greater part of the sum given as outstanding on 31st October is due to recent assessment. In other cases appeals are pending or duty is postponed under Section 50 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, and Section 15 of the Finance Act, 1919. Only a very small amount is outstanding in respect of undisputed claims prior to 1st January of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the gratuity paid to temporary officers is subject to Income Tax?

No, Sir. Section 17 of the Finance Act, 1919, expressly exempts them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason the rate of discount upon Treasury Bills has recently been increased from 31 per cent. and 4 per cent. to 41; per cent. and 5 per cent.?

On general grounds, and in particular because the sales of Treasury Bills at the lower rates were insufficient to provide the Exchequer with the requisite funds without undue recourse to Ways and Means advances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is yet pre- pared to give effect to the undertakings given last Session—namely, to favourably consider the granting of pensions to widows and orphans of civilians for whom no proper provision has been made?

I am not aware of the existence of any such undertaking. On the contrary, my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House stated on the 26th February that the Government were not prepared to propose legislation on these lines.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give particulars of the arrangements made to liquidate the £8,000,000,000 of war debt in the next fifty years?

In the provisional Estimate for the normal year recently presented to the House, allowance was made for a sinking fund sufficient to liquidate the debt in a little over fifty years. Definite arrangements for this purpose will require consideration in connection with future Budgets.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether on 30th April in his Estimate for a normal year he set aside £400,000,000 for interest and sinking fund on the debt, and at the same time estimated the debt as on 31st March, 1920, at 27,685,000,000; whether in the memorandum on the future Exchequer balance sheet issued on 23rd October he set aside only £360,000,000 for interest and sinking fund, while his Estimate of the debt as on 31st March, 1920, had increased to £8,075,000,000; and whether he can explain the reduction in the amount set aside for interest and sinking fund in the second Estimate?

The Estimate of the 30th April allowed for the payment of interest and sinking fund on the gross amount of debt. If the hon. Member will look at paragraph 4 of the Memorandum prefixed to Command Paper 376 he will see that payments in respect of interest and sinking fund on debts due by or to the Governments of Allied and Associated Powers are specifically excluded in the Estimates given in that Paper. Further, a large part of the £8,075,000,000 face value is represented by 4 per Cent. Victory Loan issued at a considerable discount, whereas the calculations in April assumed that additional debt to be added in the current financial year would be on a 5 per cent. basis at or near par.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Caledonian Order of United Oddfellows Friendly Society has paid £6,500 sterling in sickness and death benefit as a result of the War, while the total sum expended by all the friendly societies of the United Kingdom is approximately £1,000,000 sterling; and whether, in view of the fact that friendly societies were compelled to make these payments in virtue of Section 43 of the Friendly Societies Act of 1896, and the serious consequent depletion of their resources, he can see his way, by effecting economies in less important items of national expenditure, to afford some relief to these societies in respect of this War expenditure?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Keighley Division on the 15th May last, and to the answer which I am giving to-day to his question No. 139.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience and loss suffered by fishermen and other persons coming to England from Scotland, owing to the fact that the note issues of Scottish banks which are now legal tender in Scotland are not legal tender in England; and whether, with a view to removing this grievance, he will take steps to make these Scottish notes legal tender in England, or arrange for the English bankers to exchange them at their face value for Treasury notes?

The note issues of the Scottish and Irish banks were made legal tender in Scotland and Ireland respectively as an emergency measure at the outbreak of war The question of reverting at an early date to the pre-war condition of affairs when such notes were not legal tender is under consideration Any facili- ties offered by English bankers for cashing such notes in England, where they are neither legal tender nor customarily current is a matter of banking practice over which my right hon. Friend has no control.

asked the 'Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the urgent demand for an increase in old age pensions, he can see his way to hasten the Report of the Committee which is investigating the subject, or to secure an interim report upon which judgment can be founded?

I hope the Report will be issued next week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to ask the House of Commons to relieve it of its responsibility for any increase in the old age pension allowances which may be recommended by the Committee recently appointed by the Treasury to consider and report what alterations, if any, as regards rates of pension or qualification should be made in the existing statutory scheme of old age pensions; whether there is any precedent for the transfer of the Government's responsibility, in a matter involving such a charge upon the Treasury, to the House of Commons; and whether, having regard to the present depreciated value of money and the consequent hardships suffered by persons in receipt of such pensions, he will consider the desirability of providing such funds as may be' required, in respect of any increase of pension recommended by that Committee, by effecting economies in less important items of national expenditure?

The Government will accept responsibility for any advice which they may tender to the House on this or on any subject. But the fact that the Government tender advice does not -absolve the House of responsibility for accepting or rejecting that advice, and, in financial matters especially, the House has always claimed the right to control Government. As regards the last paragraph of the question, my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider any suggestions from the House for effecting economies, and, in particular, to know what are the less important services which the House is now willing to curtail or suspend.

asked the Home Secretary when the Report on Old Age Pensions will be issued?

I hope the Report will be issued next week.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Eton union requested that a valuation of the mechanical transport depot at Slough should be made and asked for a contribution to the poor rate of the union based on such valuation; whether this request was refused on the ground that the site of the depot was occupied temporarily only for war emergency; whether this reason still holds good; and, if not, whether he will comply with the request of the Eton union?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The request was refused at the time as the terms of occupation had not yet been settled. It has now been decided, however, that negotiations shall proceed fox the purchase of the freehold of the Slough site, and an inspection of the premises has already been made for the purpose of arriving at a valuation which may serve as a basis for a contribution in lieu of rates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the site of the mechanical transport depot at Slough has been occupied temporarily only for the war emergency; and, if so, at what date will it be vacated?

I have been asked to answer this question. Arrangements arc being made for the acquisition of the freehold of the motor transport depot at Slough.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that it is practically impossible in many parts, of the country for the public to obtain supplies of whisky; whether the shortage is due to any action on his part; and when it is proposed to remove the present restrictions?

Now that the quantities of spirits permitted to be released from bond are 75 per cent. of the clearances in 1916, I cannot agree that the position is as stated by the hon. Member. I may say, however, that the question of making a further modification in the present restrictions, which is a matter for the Cabinet and not the Food Controller to decide, is now being considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the quantity of whisky in bond and the reason why greater quantities are not now released for public consumption?

asked to reply. The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available, as whisky is not distinguished from other spirits in the official records. The question of making a further modification in the present restrictions, which is a matter for the Cabinet to decide, is now being considered.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that a demobilised soldier was recently in an Irish County Court awarded damages against an employer for failure to carry out an undertaking to re-employ him after the War; and will he cause it to be known that the Irish Government will, in the case of any demobilised Irish soldier who has been similarly treated, help him in taking the necessary steps to secure either reemployment or, in the alternative, damages for breach of agreement?

If the hon. Member will supply the particulars of the case referred to, I will make inquiries and let him know the result.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any patrol gunboats of the "Kil" class are under construction at the present time; if so, whether any of these ships are of any use for peace purposes; whether he is aware that many officers are of opinion that this type of gunboat is of doubtful value under modern war conditions; and how many of the existing gunboats of this class are in commission or in commission in reserve at the present time?

There is at present one vessel of this class under construction which is being completed for special service as a cable-laying vessel. All the remaining vessels have been completed and delivered, and proposals are under consideration to utilise them for commercial purposes. As regards the third part of the question, individual opinion, I presume, varies on this as on most questions. There are no vessels of this class now in commission or in commission in reserve.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to make a payment of prize money on account to naval officers and men entitled to a share in prize money; and, if so, when this payment on account may be expected?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the questions on this subject answered orally to-day. I would add that we have several times considered the question of a payment on account, but as the time for distribution is now, I hope, so near, it is not proposed to adopt the course suggested.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the cancellation of certain contracts entered into with Messrs. Jennings of Bristol for the supply of ammunition and cartridge boxes; whether he is aware that this matter has been under consideration for at least twelve months; and whether he will have a settlement expedited, ant the money due to this firm paid without further delay?

The contracts were cancelled owing to numerous rejections and great delay in delivery. The firm refused to accept the final settlement offered to them in payment for work done and material taken over by the Admiralty arrived at as a result of cost investigation, and the matter was therefore referred to our legal advisers. The case is very complicated, but during the period it has been under consideration the firm has had advance payments of £11,000.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval stations and camps have been handed over to the Ministry of Munitions for disposal; how many more are in prospect of being handed over; what steps are being meantime taken to protect the material and property; and how many ratings are so employed?

The number of properties placed by the Admiralty in the hands of the Ministry of Munitions is twenty-seven to the present date. Eight further properties are about to be referred to that Department—and many more will follow as decisions on policy release them. As regards caretaking, the circumstances vary in each case, but effective steps are taken by the Admiralty to safeguard properties until definite arrangements are effected with the Ministry of Munitions for them to take over the responsibility and provide protection pending final disposal. It has not been practicable in the time to ascertain the number of ratings employed, but I am advised that those engaged solely on caretaking would be very few.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why ratings discharged from the Royal Navy on compassionate grounds are deprived of the issue of civilian clothes or money allowance in lieu thereof; and why unemployed donation is withheld from these men?

All naval ratings who were serving on or before the 11th November, 1918, the date of the Armistice, are entitled to a civilian suit, or an allowance of £2 12s. 6d. in lieu, on discharge for any reason. If my hon. Friend can furnish me with any cases in which this concession has been withheld from any ratings discharged on compassionate grounds, I will have immediate inquiry made. As regards the last part of the question, I am advised by the Ministry of Labour that there is nothing in the regulations governing the out-of-work donation scheme which would debar these ratings from receiving donation by reason only of their having been discharged on compassionate grounds. Here again, if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any cases to the contrary of which he has knowledge, I will have inquiry made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any changes are proposed or under consideration of the uniform of the Royal Marines; and, if so, whether he will make any statement on this subject?

The question of the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry is now under consideration, and until a decision has been arrived at it is not possible to make any statement as to *he uniform which will be worn in future by the Royal Marines.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the continuance of the line of iron hurdles extending from Clestrain to Graemsay is a continuing cause of trouble; and if Le will state whether there is any necessity for the retention of these hurdles in view of the loss caused to the town and district of Stromness and neighbourhood?

It is recognised that the obstruction has been a source of serious inconvenience to the town and district of Stromness. Steps are in progress at this moment to widen the passage considerably, but the great difficulty of this work is probably not generally realised. It is thought that if the work now in progress is successful and the passage properly lighted, the troubles referred to in the question will disappear.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any orders have been given to the British or Allied fleets to prevent Swedish or other ships under the Red Cross flag bringing children from Petrograd to be cared for in Sweden, as stated in the newspapers?

No such orders have been given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all the officers and men on His Majesty's ships operating in the Baltic seas against the Russian Soviet Government have volunteered for this particular service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 29th of October to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Kingston-upon-Hull.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private H. Jones, No. 39624, 1/4th Northants, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt, attested in June, 1916; that he has had no leave for twenty-three months and has been transferred to another regiment without his consent; and if he will take steps to secure this man's release as being eligible under Lord Derby's scheme?

The instructions at present in force provide for the release of all men who attested under Lord Derby's scheme to be completed by 1st February, 1920, if transport is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can expedite the demobilisation of Private B. A. Critchley, No. 72054, D Company, 1/5th Devon Regiment, of 13, Park Street, Stafford, now serving with the Army of Occupation of' the Rhine?

In the absence of particulars as to date of enlistment, age, etc., I am unable to state under which category of Demobilisation Regulations Private Critchley comes, but in any case under present instructions he will be sent for dispersal not later than the 1st April, 1920, if transport is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the premises at 2, Adamson Road, Hampstead, were vacated by the Royal Air Force in the spring of this year; how long they were allowed to remain vacant; whether it is now necessary to appropriate them as sup- plementary sleeping accommodation for the Royal Horse Artillery Barracks, a mile away, at St. John's Wood; and what prospect there is of the said premises becoming soon available for civilian housing accommodation, in view of the fact that the Hampstead Borough Council have been pressing the owner of these premises to divide them into maisonettes to help to relieve the existing house famine?

I am inquiring into this, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is yet in a position to give the House any information with regard to the reorganisation or the Territorial Force?

As I stated yesterday, unavoidable delays have arisen in the reorganisation of the Territorial Force owing to the present financial situation, but I hope to be in a position to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in reference to the allegation that men on their way home from Mesopotamia had, while in India, volunteered for further service in the East, whether it is the fact that on the 16th April last a Press communiqué was issued at Delhi announcing that 4,807 British soldiers in the camps at Deolali who were awaiting embarkation to England had volunteered to remain in India for as long as their services were required; whether, within a day or two of the appearance of this announcement, a Southern Command Order was issued in which the lieutenant-general commanding placed on record his keen appreciation of the patriotic and unselfish spirit shown by the men who, when awaiting embarkation for England, volunteered to continue serving in India in the interests of the Empire; whether, in a published letter addressed to the Governor of Madras, the Commander-in-Chief in India extolled the conduct of several thousands of British soldiers who on their way home on demobilisation had volunteered unconditionally to remain in India for so long as their services were required; and whether, in view of these official statements, there is any ground for holding the allegation in question to be one for which the Press must be held responsible?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India has asked me to answer this question on his behalf. The facts are substantially as stated in the question. The volunteering did the utmost credit to the men, but it was intended to meet a purely temporary emergency, and was not an abandonment of the right to be demobilised as speedily as possible. Further, the position was radically changed by the stoppage of demobilisation early in May. If a misunderstanding arose from communiqués and Army Orders issued in India, it has since been corrected.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether officers, non-commissioned officers, and men taken prisoners during the German offensive in 1918, and against whom there is no question of any misconduct, but, on the contrary, who held on to their positions when other troops retired, receive the gratuity according to their permanent rank in the Army and not according to the temporary rank they held at the time of their capture, although they may have held such temporary rank for many months and even years, while others who have only recently been promoted to temporary rank draw the gratuity of that higher rank?

No. Sir, prisoners of war did not relinquish temporary rank on capture. They are therefore subject to the same conditions as other officers and men as regards the calculation of the gratuity.

asked the Secretary of State for War upon what consideration it was decided to differentiate between acting and temporary rank when awarding gratuities to officers, since the responsibilities in both cases were the same?

The conditions affecting acting and temporary rank differ in important respects, particularly as to retention at end of service or date of calculation of gratuity. The differentiation was adopted after much consideration as in the end the most equitable arrangement that could be devised.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he can state the number of women who have been discharged as medically unfit after a period of service with the women's branches of His Majesty's Forces; and whether he has in contemplation the extension to the women's branch of the service of the operation of the system of granting disability pensions or gratuities which at present is only applicable to discharged men?

I have been asked to answer this question as regards the Army and Royal Air Force. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will address an inquiry to the Admiralty as regards the Navy. I am not in possession of exact figures, but the numbers are approximately 7,000 in the case of the Army and 1,300 in the case of the Royal Air Force. It has never been proposed and it is not intended to propose that these women should be placed on the same footing as soldiers. They come under the Injuries in War Compensation Schemes for injuries and sickness abroad, and under the Workmen's Compensation Act and National Health Insurance Act respectively for injuries and sickness at home.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state, for the period 31st December, 1918, to 31st July, 1919, the number of men, other than ex-officers, in Surrey, Sussex, and Kent and the remainder of the country, respectively, actually training in various detailed trades, occupations, and professions, the number of places available, the number of applicants waiting, and the total number of men trained since training began?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I regret that I am unable to give the exact retrospective figures. At the present moment the number of men, other than ex-officers, in training in the whole country is about 12,000. The number known to be waiting and qualified for training is about 20,000. The total number trained with State grants since training began is about 18,000. As regards Surrey, Sussex and Kent, the numbers of men now in training is 1,181, of those awaiting training 3,048. It is impossible to give the number of training places actually available as this depends upon the fluctuating number of vacancies available in technical schools and institutions and in private workshops, and upon the places which become available from day to day with the development of Government instructional factories.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the use of two hostels situated near the works of the Austin Motor Company, Birmingham, as centres for the curative training and treatment of disabled ex-Service men is preventing their use as lodgings for 1,500 men and boys who would be employed at the works named and is, therefore, both promoting unemployment and aggravating the housing difficulty; whether he is aware that there are several large void Government hutments in Sutton Park which would, from the point of view of access and surroundings, be more convenient as training centres than the hostels named; and whether in the lights of these facts, he will reconsider his decision?

My right hon. Friend has received representations from the Ministry of Labour as to the desire of the Austin Motor Car Company to obtain the hostels in question. Representations have also been made direct to this Department by the company, and it was only after full consideration of these representations and consultations with the Ministry 3f Health as to housing needs that the decision was taken to utilise the hostels for the purpose of a convalescent centre for the concurrent treatment and training of discharged disabled men. The demand for such facilities is urgent. An alternative proposal to take hutments in Sutton Park for the purpose of a centre has been considered, but this scheme was rejected in favour of the hostel scheme on account of the much greater cost involved in adapting the premises and the delay that would have been occasioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that the 106th squadron, com posed to a large extent of young lads, is still under canvas at Fermoy, county Cork, with only boards to sleep upon, and blanket covering; and whether, in the interests of the health of these lads anti in view of the cold weather, he will consider the possibility of utilising the present surplus huts and other stores?

No. 106 Squadron was disbanded on 8th October last. If, however, the hon. Gentleman is referring to the detached flight of No. 105 Squadron now stationed at Fermoy, arrangements were made some weeks ago to accommodate this flight in buildings lent by the Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether deductions for debt can be made from airmen's war service gratuities; and, if so, why the practice is different from that obtaining at the War Office, where no such deductions are made?

The Order granting war gratuities to airmen provides that, except in the case of airmen serving on a normal Service engagement, the gratuities shall be held liable to meet any public claim, Service debt, or Service claim.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty (1) if he is aware that the Admiralty required Messrs. Ritchie Brothers to remove from their home and business premises, and that they did remove on the 28th May, 1918; that the district valuer was instructed to value the premises, which valuation was accepted by Messrs. Ritchie Brothers on the understanding that they were to receive the settlement directly they removed, but that this agreement had been quite ignored by the Admiralty; if he is aware that on the 27th February the Admiralty agreed to deal with the claims on the basis of the applicants' entire rights, and the claims were sent to the Losses Commission; if he is aware that the Losses Commission repudiated any jurisdiction or authority to consider the claims; and whether, seeing that their agreed recognised claims are thus virtually repudiated, he will say what steps he proposes to take in this case;(2) what compensation has been paid to Messrs. Ritchie Brothers, Little Houth, Orphir, in respect of their eviction from their house and business premises on the 28th May, 1918; if the Admiralty on the 5th December, 1918, suggested that the Ritchie claim for compensation might be based on reinstatement, which at the time was declined by the Ritchies, but now they are anxious to be reinstated in their home but can obtain no definite reply from the Admiralty; and if he will see that the injustice inflicted upon them will be removed as soon as possible?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. Terms have now been agreed with Messrs. Ritchie Brothers' agents, and payment is being made to-day. For an answer to the remainder of these questions I would -refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to him by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty on the 31st July and 19th August last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the steel airship shed constructed at East Fortune for R 34, at a cost of £250,000, is to be moved to Howden, or how this shed and five smaller airship sheds at East Fortune are to be disposed of?

It is not the intention to move to Howden Airship Station the rigid airship shed at East Fortune in which the R.34 is at present housed, and to which I assume my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The cost of this shed was £160,000. This shed and the other two (not five) small airship sheds on the -station, if not required for the purposes of civil aviation, are to be handed over to the Disposal Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether it has now been finally decided which Air Force stations are to be permanently retained; and whether he has stopped all construction work both on those air stations which are to be abandoned and also on those air stations concerning which a decision has not been arrived at?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is that the retention of certain stations has been decided upon and that in the case of certain other stations a decision is awaiting the final settlement of the peace basis of the Royal Air Force. The reply to the remainder of the question is that construction work has been stopped on all stations other than those which it is definitely intended to retain except in cases where a small amount of work his been necessary for the safety and preservation of buildings partially completed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that the Royal Air Force is using as stores the rope-walk of Messrs. Charlton Rope Works, Anchor and Hope Lane, Charlton, S.E.7, thereby preventing the firm from carrying out orders which would enable them to work their present staff full time and to employ immediately an increased staff; and whether, in view of the unemployment at present existing in the Woolwich district, he is prepared to order the immediate release of these premises?

I am aware that the Charlton Rope Works is being used as a depot for mechanical transport stores, which will be moved to Kidbrooke as soon as space is made available by disposal of surplus stores. As far as can be estimated at the present time, it should be possible to hand the rope-walk over to the firm in February of next year; I can assure my right hon. Friend that there shall be no avoidable delay.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the conditions under which the works of the Ailsa Craig Motor Company are being returned to the firm will permit of the re-employment of the firm's old workpeople; whether he is aware that, in spite of repeated applications by letter and telegram, no reply other than that the matter is under consideration has been sent by the Ministry to a letter addressed to them on the 17th July last by the old employâs at the request of the Ministry giving detailed reasons why the terms of the Ministry, if imposed on the company, would make it impossible for them to reemploy their old workpeople; and whether he is taking, or has taken, any steps to give effect to the intention expressed in Parliament to place the company in a position to re-employ their old work-people?

I am not prepared to accept the statement that the proposed agreement will not enable the company to resume operations. No detailed reply could be sent to the letter of 17th July in view of the fact that the matters in dispute were and still are sub judice. In the event of the company completing the agreement, it will rest with them to carry on business as they may think fit, and to employ such of their old workpeople as they may determine to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will state the terms of the Fair-Wage Clauses inserted in Government contracts?

The terms of the Fair Wages Clause, Clause 8 (a), in the General Conditions of Contract are as follows:8 (

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men who are serving on the North-West Frontier of India make serious and specific charges with regard to the way in which the Afghan Campaign is being conducted;. whether it is alleged that there is a shortage of rations; bad water, a failure to, supply ice, lack of medical treatment, no, surgical appliances for the wounded, no, medical examination of men for frontier drafts, and the drafting of men indiscriminately irrespective of medical category; and whether he will state the total number. of troops engaged, British and Native, the number of sick casualties, the number of heat-stroke cases, the number of deaths and the name of the officer responsible for the medical arrangements?

With one exception, these allegations are dealt with in the correspondence contained in the White Paper (Coned. 398) presented to Parliament yesterday and the preceding White Paper on the same subject. The exception is the complaint that men were drafted to the front without regard to their category. I will inquire on this point. The appointment of Director of Medical Services in India was held by Lieutenant-General Sir T. J. O'Donnell up to 7th June last, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant-General Sir C. H. Burtchaell.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether orders have yet been issued in India, similar to those issued at home, providing for the cost of moves of married officers when ordered on duty from one station to another?

The Government of India have under consideration the grant of increased travelling facilities among other concessions in kind in connection with the general revision of Army officers' emoluments in India. They will consider the point referred to by my hon. and. gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the police authorities in Burma have from time to time called upon the editors of vernacular papers and threatened them with prose- cution, deportation, etc., if they continued to criticise the actions of the Government; and whether he will instruct the Government of Burma to see that no pressure of this kind is brought to bear upon the editors of the vernacular press?

I have no knowledge of such action being taken by the police in Burma and think that it is very unlikely to have occurred. I will communicate with the Government of India on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the increase in the housing accommodation of the West End of London that would be immediately available if the lessees of houses that are standing empty were able to obtain on fair terms from the ground landlords power to turn the houses into suitable flats; and whether, in view of the housing crisis, Le will appoint a Select Committee to report on the best method of removing the present deadlock?

The special powers given by the 'Housing Act are being exercised in the case of houses found suitable for conversion into flats, and I am not therefore prepared to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the uneasiness existing as to the liability of the councils after the proposed valuation in 1927 of houses to be erected under the new scheme; if he will give a distinct undertaking that the charge on the district rates shall not exceed id. in the £ both before 1927 and after the valuation to be taken at that date; and if he is aware that unless some such undertaking is given many councils will feel themselves unable to proceed with this much-needed work?

I am not aware of any general uneasiness existing among local authorities of the kind indicated by the hon. Member. As will be seen from Article 6 of the Housing (Assisted Scheme) Regulations, 1919, local authorities will not be called upon to bear more than the proceeds of a ld. rate, either before or after 1927, unless, in my opinion, confirmed in the event of any dispute by an independent person, they have failed to-charge sufficient rents or make adequate arrangements for supervision, management, or administration.

asked the Minister-of Health whether the rateable value of the new houses to be built under the Government scheme would be based on the economic or the subsidised rent?

Usually the assessment of cottages is based on the rent they will fetch, and it is expected that this will be the ease under the Act. But the question of the assessment is one for the determination of the local assessment committee, and appeal will lie to the Courts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received from local authorities any lists of applicants for the tenancy of the State-aided houses about to be or in process of building; and will he, where necessary, make it clear to the local authorities that professional men of the middle class have an equal right with the working classes, as defined in any Act of Parliament, to become tenants of the houses when built?

The choice of tenants, for houses built by the local authorities is a matter for the local authorities. The Housing Acts authorise the building of houses for the working classes only, but the expression "working classes" is not defined, and I have repeatedly stated that it should be given a liberal interpretation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the road labourers employed by the Bilsdon (Leicestershire) Council have only received an increase in wages of 4s. since 1914; and whether he has received any representations from the men concerned?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the sufferings of the wives and families of the dismissed police officers and men consequent on their strike, he is prepared to allow them to apply to join the force as recruits?

No, Sir; I regret I do not consider a constable who has been dismissed for refusing duty would be a suitable candidate for reappointment

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the realised profit, if any, on coal sold for export up to date; and is it such as to justify a reduction in the price of coal?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statements which my right hon. Friend made in the House on the 27th October and last night on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the basis of profit allowed to the colliery owners on November, 1918, and what is it now;(2) what sum will be added to the colliery owners' profit for twelve months working by the recent advance of 6s. per ton in the price of coal?

The profits of colliery owners in 1918 were regulated by the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918. The basis of profit to which they are entitled for this year will be the subject of legislation to be introduced into this House in due course, so that the colliery owners' profits for twelve months' working will not be increased by the advance of 6s. per ton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was he estimated selling price of coal for shipment on which the advance of 6s. per ton was based, and what is the actual selling price; (2) if, in view of the greatly-increased price obtained for coal for shipment, he will reduce the price to the home consumers by 3s. per ton?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend made in the House last night.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated cost of the Coal Controller's Department for the current financial year?

The cost of the Coal Controller's Department for the first six months of the current financial year was £517,253, which included an amount of £400,000 towards the expenses of local authorities incurred in respect of the financial year 1918–19 in the administration of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918. The estimate for the remaining half of this financial year is £451,230, which included £300,000 contribution to local authorities in respect of the whole of this financial year for the administration of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919. It is hoped that, as the scope of the Department is becoming more definitely determined, it may be possible to make considerable reduction in the administrative expenditure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the output of coal from the coal mines in Great Britain during the week ending 25th October, 1919?

The provisional figure of output of coal in Great Britain for the week ended 25th October is 4,761,037 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the percentage of excess profits payable to the Coal Controller for the purposes of the guarantee fund remains at 15 per cent. in view of the reduction of the Excess Profits Duty from 80 per cent. to 40 per cent.;(2) whether the effect of the reduction of the Excess Profits Duty from 80 per cent. to 40 per cent. is to increase the amount retained by the coalowner from 5 per cent. to 45 per cent.?

The coal-owner who, under Clause 3 of the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1018, retained 5 per cent. of his excess profits when the rate of Excess Profits Duty was 80 per cent., would retain, under the same Clause, 15 per cent. of any excess profits made during an accounting period for which rate of Excess Profits Duty is 40 per cent. The Commissioners of Inland Revenue would under that Clause collect 45 per cent. of the excess profits of coal mines excess payments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the heavy increase in the cost of illuminating gas in Hull is largely attributed to the enforced allocation to the gasworks of coal that is totally unsuitable to the gas-making plant; and whether he will consider the question of making some change in the method of allocation and the material allocated?

I understand that owing to the shortage of Yorkshire coal it was necessary to supplement the supply of Yorkshire coal to the Hull gas works with a certain quantity of Durham coal, as has been done in a large number of other cases, but that the regular consignments of Durham coal to the Hull gasworks amount to less than 10 per cent. of their total supplies. I regret that it is not possible at the moment to allocate an additional supply of Yorkshire coal to these works.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the serious inconvenience and loss caused to the public by the continuance in force of the Gas and Coal (Emergency) Order, 1919, forbidding the production of gas of a higher quality than 15 per cent= below the prescribed quality; whether he is aware that manufacturers using gas for the treatment of metals have been compelled to cease such user by reason of such order; and whether it is now possible to cancel the said Order as the emergency, namely, the railway strike, has passed?

The Gas and Coal (Emergency) Order was revoked on the 28th October.

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the actual cost of the Appointments Department since its formation as the professional and business register up to date; what offices are at present occupied in London and the provinces; the total number registered for employment; and the total placed, showing separately the national service volunteers registered and placed?

The total cost in respect of salaries of the professional and business register from 1915 to 1st April, 1918, was approximately £8,500, and of the Appointments Department from April, 1918 to date £204,740, excluding the cost of premises. In addition to headquarter3 in London, the Appointments Department occupies eleven district offices (including one in London) and thirty-four branch offices, of which two are to be closed during the present month. The total number of ex-Service men and civilians at present on the register as requiring appointments is 22,149. The total number of those who have applied for appointments up to date is about 50,000. The total number placed is 15,677, in addition to 1,344 national service volunteers placed by the professional and business register. The number of applications to the professional and business register was about 40,000, but a large number of these were duplicate applications by the same individuals.

asked the Prime-Minister whether there has been formed a body known as the Railway Accounts Department to arrange and tabulate. accounts for railway expenditure during the War in order to ascertain the amounts due to each other from the French, Belgian, and British Governments; how long it is calculated that the work will take and the estimated cost of the work and of this Department; and whether he will consider the desirability of the appointment of three competent railway accountants, acting as assessors, one representing each Government concerned, the ascertain figures approximately correct and mutually agreeable, with a view to saving expense and effecting a reduction in staff?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My hon. and gallant Friend is, I think, under some misapprehension. No such Department as he suggests has been formed or is in contemplation. The accounts branch of the British Railway Department in France. the work of which is not yet finished, is about to be transferred to this country, but the detailed arrangements are not yet settled. It is, and always has been, in charge of a competent railway accountant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the closing of railway stations in South London by the South-Eastern and -Chatham Railway Company on the Victoria to City loop line; whether he is aware that tramcars, omnibuses, and tubes serving these districts are at present overcrowded to excess at many hours of the day; and whether, in view of this and the urgent necessity of providing extra means of transit, he will take immediate steps to bring pressure on the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company to re-open these local stations and work this loop line as in pre-war times?

The question of facilities for the conveyance of passengers in the districts through which the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company's loop line runs from Victoria to the City, is one for the consideration of the Advisory Committee which is being appointed in connection with London traffic, and it will be referred to that Committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will make a statement showing how much per quarter of 504 lbs. the control keeps the price of home-grown wheat below that of imported wheat, and also approximately the monthly amount which is in this way diverted from agriculturists, including agricultural labourers, to assist in providing a bread subsidy for the benefit of much higher paid classes?

The Board understand from the Wheat Commission that the average price of imported wheat is approximately 15s. a quarter above the price paid to farmers for home-grown wheat. On this basis, and assuming that the crop of this year amounts to 9,000,000 quarters, 'the monthly amount diverted from agriculturists would be £560,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Epping Forest Commissioners still decline to grant tenure of the allotments at Wan-stead Flats and Epping Forest beyond the end of this year; that the attitude of the Commissioners has caused considerable public indignation; that the local authorities in the area concerned are favourable to the continuance of the allotments; and that the decision of the Epping Forest Commissioners is contrary to the spirit of the assurances given to allotment-holders; and whether, in view of the fact that the portion under cultivation is only 2 per cent. of the total area of the Flats, thereby not interfering with general recreation, he will take action to secure the retention of these allotments for two years from the official termination of the War?

The answer to parts 1, 2, and 3 is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth and last part, the Board have made representations on several occasions to the Epping Forest Committee of the City Corporation, urgng them to extend the tenancy of the allotment-holders in question for a further twelve months, but without success. The President regrets that the Board have no power to control the discretion of the City Corporation under their Defence of the Realm powers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that as long ago as June last applicants for small holdings at Audley were passed as suitable by the Staffordshire County Council; that no land for them has yet been acquired or is in process of acquisition; and will he make representations to the county council that the demand must be met or else the Board itself will take action?

The Board are not in possession of detailed information as to the date on which applicants for small holdings at Audley, Staffordshire, were approved as suitable, but the county councils have decided, with the Board's approval, to purchase two farms at Audley having a total area of 282 acres. If this area is insufficient to meet the approved demand from ex-Service men, the Board will press the council to acquire additional land.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state the date of completion, the cost, and the reason for the erection of a new flagstaff in Kew Gardens?

The flagstaff was erected on the 18th October at an estimated cost of approximately £2,000. The Government of British Columbia having heard that the old flagstaff, which was erected in 1861, had become defective and beyond repair, very generously presented the present flagstaff to His Majesty's Government in 1915. I may add that this staff is a magnificent specimen of Douglas fir and is believed to be the largest in the world, being 215 feet long and weighing 18½ tons.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when the Mechanical Transport Contract Department will cease to occupy the Wellington Club in Grosvenor Place; if he is aware that the staff at present housed there consists of less than twenty persons all told, that the buildings are very extensive, that the rent alone is £4,000 a year, or more than £200 per person at present employed in the building; and if he will consider the desirability of this staff being more economically housed elsewhere?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by me on the 3rd instant to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Rushcliffe.—.[See OFFICIAL REPORT, 3rd November, 1919, col. 1164.]

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what progress has been made with the evacuation of the British Museum by Government Departments?

A large amount of space in the British Museum occupied for storage purposes by the Prisoners of War Information Bureau has already been released; further space in the occupation of the Medical Research Committee will, I hope, be vacated at an early date; the remainder is in occupation by the Registry of Friendly Societies for whom, I regret to say, I have not yet been able to provide space elsewhere, but every effort is being made to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether some portion of Central House, Kingsway, can be restored before the end of the year to the important business firms which have been displaced, having regard to the comparatively small number of Air Ministry officials who are now in occupation of these business premises—with an estimated rental value of £7,618 per annum, and having regard to the great inconvenience and loss being suffered by the business firms in question owing to the inadequacy of their present temporary accommodation?

I am already making arrangements with the Ministry of Munitions for the staff in occupation of Central House to be concentrated in order to release some portion of the accommodation in advance of the whole which will be surrendered by the end of the year.