asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been a declaration of war between His Majesty and the Russian Soviet Government; and what is the position in international law of British soldiers and sailors who may be captured, while fighting on Russian soil, by the Soviet forces?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative It would be difficult for me to define the position in international law of the sailors, soldiers and airmen who have been captured by the Soviet forces; but they are as far as I know considered by the Soviet Government to be prisoners of war.

May I ask, as there is no declaration of war, under what international law of equity and justice are we executing a formal blockade against the Soviet Government?

That is a legal point of which the hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the protest made by the Parliament of the North Caucasian Republic to the Allied representative, Colonel Haskel, against the invasion of their territory by the so-called volunteer army under the orders of General Denikin, K.C.B.; whether he is aware that charges of murder, violation of women, and defiling of mosques have been brought against these volunteer troops; and what steps it is proposed to take to test the truth of these allegations and to make certain that British munitions are not being used to maltreat the people of Northern Caucasia?

The attention of His Majesty's Government has been drawn, if not to this particular protest, at least to many others of a similar nature. I must add that we have received quite as many in the contrary sense, alleging intrigue with the Bolsheviks, Germans and Turks, and interference with General Denikin's communications on the part of some of the inhabitants of these regions. With the concurrence of General Denikin, a British Officer has been sent to the territory of the so-called North Caucasian Republic, the independence of which I must remind the House has not been recognised either by His Majesty's Government or the Peace Conference, with a view to arranging a settlement.

Is this British officer acting for the War Office or for the hon. Gentleman's Department, the Foreign Office?

I have not the information, and I must ask for notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware or threats made by the British Military Mission with General Denikin to the insurgents against Denikin in the North Caucasus that unless they submit British tanks and munitions will be used against them; is this suppression of non-Russian and non-Bolshevik races part of the War Office policy in Russia; and does it apply also to the Kuban Cossacks and to Georgia?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say exactly what the policy of the Government is towards the North Caucasian State and whether it is regulated by his Department or the Foreign Office, and whether we have a representative in that country at all?

Yes, there is a representative in the North Caucasian State, and one of the representatives of the British Government is General Denikin; as my hon. Friend knows, an hon. Member of this House, Mr. Mac-kinder, is going out as High Commissioner to cover the affairs of both the Denikin area and also of the North Caucasian State. The policy of the British Government may really be summed up in trying to make sure that there is no collision between them, if it can possibly be avoided by our good offices.

Can he say what are the powers of this High Commissioner?

It certainly does not arise out of this question, but a full statement could be made if it were raised at a proper opportunity.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that nothing that may have been said elsewhere will in any way alter the policy of the War Office?

There is no such thing as the policy of the War Office; it is the policy of the Government.

Is there any such thing as the policy of the Government?

Would the right hon. Gentleman, if a question were put down, give us particulars of how many wars we are supplying munitions for?

I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend is a reader of the newspapers, and I think they contain all the information.

Seeing that all parties in this House are equally interested in the foreign policy of the Government, would it not be well that a joint commission should go to Russia, and not an individual supporter of the Government?

The question of the appointment of a High Commissioner to look after British interests and British policy in a particular part of the world is a matter which rests with the Executive Government as long as the Executive Government retains the confidence of the House of Commons.

May I ask whether the policy which he has enunciated of preventing collisions between these nationalities applies to the Ukraine, and are we using our good offices there also?

I was speaking of the North Caucasus, to which we had to go when the Turks were driven out, and where, consequently we acquired certain responsibilities which we are endeavouring to discharge. We have never at any time had any representative in the Ukraine.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the total cost up to date of the British contribution to the equipment of the Polish Army and the nature of such contribution?

Such military stores as have been supplied from this country for the Polish Army have been bought by the Poles. Until now the French have been responsible for supplying equipment and munitions to the Polish Army, but the question of what surplus munitions can be supplied from British stocks is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the statement of cost of the Russian Expeditions since the Armistice includes pay that is accumulating at home for the officers and men with the military missions in Russia?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to the effect that British and Russian subjects are being recruited by the Russian Embassy for military service in Russia; and, if so, whether the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act are being carried out?

The Prime Minister has no information to this effect.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the item of £568,000,000 given in the recent revised Financial Estimate as the amount of Russian obligations includes advances to Koltchak, Denikin, and other anti-Soviet Governments; and, if so, what is the amount of these advances?

No, Sir. The figure in question represents only the obligations of the former Russian Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of M. Friedrich at Budapest has been recognised; Whether he is aware that M. Friedrich has recently declared himself in favour of a restoration of the monarchy in Hungary; and what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards an attempt at a restoration of the monarchy in Hungary?

His Majesty's Government have not yet recognised any Government in Hungary, where they are acting in concert with the other Principal Allied and Associated Powers. It is the policy of the Supreme Council, whose Envoy, Sir George Clerk, is now at Budapest, not to allow the return of a Hapsburg dynasty to Hungary. M. Fried- rich, the head of the present Provisional Government of Hungary, fully understands the attitude of the Allied and Associated Powers towards this question.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me, in connection with this question, whether them is any truth in the rumour that a British Prince has been invited to ascend the throne in Hungary?

I never heard of the suggestion myself.

Will the Supreme Council also express their determination not to tolerate the Crown Prince of Roumania or any Prince of Roumania ascending the throne of Hungary?

Order, order!

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of casualties to date among the Egyptian population and among our soldiers in Egypt in connection with the riots at Alexandria?

Official telegraphic reports received indicate that as the result of the disturbances in Alexandria on the 24th and 25th October, forty seven members of the Egyptian police were injured, whilst amongst the crowd seven Egyptians were killed and twenty-one injured. No casualties have been reported among the British troops, who were stoned by the crowd and appear to have suffered only minor injuries.

During the riot on 31st October, British troops were not called upon to intervene, but several Egyptians are reported killed or wounded by bullets fired by three native soldiers, now under arrest, who fired some ninety shots from an Egyptian Government motor car. On night of 3rd November some British soldiers were attacked near Hadra Hospital and a sentry fired on their aggressors, causing some casualties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the decision of the Government AS to the issue of a special decoration to those who have been mentioned in despatches during the present War?

The matter is still under consideration, and I regret that I am unable to make any announcement at present

Can my right hon. Friend indicate any probable date when a decision will be arrived at, as the matter is some time under consideration?

I am afraid I cannot give a date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to redeem the late Lord Kitchener's promise to the Devon Territorials, which was to the effect that they would not lose anything of the War's rewards by going to India instead of France in 1914; whether he is aware that whereas even non-combatants who were in France at any time up to the end of 1915 are entitled to the 1914-15 Star, yet the Devon Territorials who went to India In 1914 and saw service later in Mesopotamia, and many of whom are still abroad on service, have been declared ineligible for the Star; and whether, with a view to bringing the men concerned within the scope of the Army Order dealing with the subject (Appendix A of Army Order 20, 1919), he will declare India to have been a theatre of war, or, if this is impossible, he will adopt some other means of awarding to these men the Star to which they are entitled, or award them a special medal in lieu of it?

The 1914-1915 Star is a commemorative token to show that the recipient has fulfilled certain specified conditions of service in a war zone. India as a whole was not a theatre of war, and men who served in India during 1914 and 1915 have not earned the Star unless they participated in the operations referred to in paragraph 5 (f) and (g) of Appendix A to Army Order 20 of 1919. Those who served in Mesopotamia between the 6th November, 1914, and 31st December, 1915, have earned the Star. The men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend have earned the British War Medal, which is a commemorative token awarded to all who rendered approved service overseas, and those of them who served on the estab- lishment of a unit in a theatre of war, within certain specified periods, have earned the Victory Modal also.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered, or will be consider, the suggestion in the last part of the question?

No, Sir; no decision has been taken on that point. It will take about four years—possibly five—to give medals to the men who have actually fought in the War, and therefore I am regarding as altogether in a secondary category the case of medals to men who did not have the opportunity of serving in a theatre of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men who were British prisoners of war in Germany are still unaccounted for; and whether the responsible German authorities are now available to answer for the position?

The number of officers and men known to have been prisoners of war in Germany who are still unaccounted for, inclusive of British Army, Colonials, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, is:

Officers	12
Other ranks	391

The German authorities have placed all records at our disposal, and continue to render assistance in tracing the eases still outstanding.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 50th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, are under orders for a destination on the Danish frontier; whether he is aware that the men of this battalion allege that a promise was made that they would be sent no further than the Rhine; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction prevailing, he will have inquiries made into this matter?

Presumably the 52nd Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, is referred to, as there is no 50th Battalion. The unit in question, together with others, is required for special duties in Germany, and will continue to be based on the Army of the Rhine. No promise has been made to these men that they will be sent no further than the Rhine, and, so far as is known, there is no dissatisfaction among the men on this point. The movement of this personnel will in no way prejudice their eventual demobilisation, which will be carried out as soon as Regular units are available to relieve the units in which, they are now serving.

Would it do any harm for the War Office to make a public announcement as to what regiments are going to Silesia, Dantzig, and Denmark, in view of the fact that we all have an enormous number of complaints from soldiers who have been ordered to those areas?

I will willingly consult with my right hon. Friend to see if anything of the kind can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for War what has been the cost of the Army of Occupation in Germany, and of the British forces in French and Belgian territory, from the beginning of the current financial year to the latest available date?

Roughly estimated, the costs from the 1st April to 31st October last are:—

Army of Occupation in Germany	£28,000,000
British Forces in France and Belgium	£44,000,000

Is it necessary that we should keep so many men in France at the present time?

We are doing our best to demobilise them.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise the enormous amount of money that is being expended in France, considering that the whole of the operations are finished? Will every step be taken to expedite the demobilisation?

Of course we realise that, but the House must remember that you cannot demobilise an Army of the gigantic size which we had at the conclusion of hostilities in a few months. As I explained the other day, the expenditure cannot be terminated at once. You are bound to feed, pay, and house the men.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Royal Engineer signallers who were with their draft at Tortona, near Genoa, had pressure brought to bear upon them to extend their term of military service; whether this pressure was exerted about mid-September; whether those men who declined to extend the period of their enlistment were sent to Budapest, Hungary, before the end of that month; whether the compulsory transfer is a punishment for their refusal to continue their military service; and what bearing their removal has upon the official promises?

I am informed that no pressure was brought to bear upon any men to extend their term of military service. Three men were sent to Budapest, of whom one was a volunteer, while the other two were ineligible for demobilisation and had been given leave during the previous six months. There is no basis whatever for the suggestion that these men were sent to Budapest as a punishment for refusal to continue their military service.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of commissions in the Regular Army which, during the six months ended 30th September, 1919, have been given to men who served during the late War and who have not passed through Woolwhich or Sandhurst; what is the number which have gone to Woolwich and Sandhurst as cadets; and whether, in view of the value of the training and experience which has been gained by those who took part in the War, and the importance of securing employment for those who have no other occupation and who wish to take up the Army as a career, he will arrange for ex-Service men to be given a preference in granting further commissions?

The answer is rather too long to read, and, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the statement referred to:

The following permanent commissions in the Regular Army have been given during the period stated:

• To men who served during the late War, and who have not passed through Woolwich or Sandhurst.
• Four commissions have been given from the ranks.
• Commissions in these cases have been approved, but, owing to the individuals having been prisoners of war, appointment was delayed until the circumstances of capture were proved satisfactory.
• Four commissions have been awarded to non-Regular officers. Of these, two who were recommended some time before the Armistice were wounded before "Gazette" action could be carried out, and it was necessary to delay appointment until they were passed fit by medical board. The other two cases were prisoners of war, whose appointment was delayed until the circumstances of capture were proved satisfactory.
• Three commissions have also been awarded in the Household Cavalry. These are special nominations.

The grant of permanent Regular commissions to non-Regular officers was, with the exception stated, suspended on the declaration of the Armistice, and, though the question has received very close attention, no definite policy can be laid down until the future organisation and strength of the after-war Army is determined.

The following commissions have been awarded to cadets:

(a) From the Royal Military Academy 70

(b) From the Royal Military College … 159 These numbers represent approximately 25 per cent, less than the output from these establishments prior to the War.

The valuable training of the many officers not holding permanent commissions in the Regular Army who have been registered for such commissions is fully realised, but, as stated in my written reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Abing-don on 27th October last, of the officers at present serving in the Regular Army 4,500 at the lowest estimate are surplus to establishments.

It will be seen, therefore, that at this stage it is not possible to foreshadow what number, if any, of further permanent commissions can be awarded, though it is most probable that the necessity will arise for granting a certain number of Regular commissions in Technical Services, such as the Tank Corps, Machine Gun Corps, Royal Army Ordnance Department, and technical Royal Engineer Services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the base commandant at Boulogne is occupying either in whole or in part a large hotel in the town for office purposes; and, if so, will he give its name, the rent paid, and the date at which it will be returned to its proper uses?

The Princess Hotel, Boulogne, accommodates the large number of different Military and Disposals Departments necessary for the administration of Boulogne and the Boulogne district, which covers an area of approximately 1,000 square miles. I am informed that at the outbreak of War the hotel was barely completed, and had never been finished or occupied. It was hired by the War Department in November, 1914, and used as a hospital until February, 1919. The terms of lease allow for indefinite occupation with a month's notice at War Department option. The rent is 7,000 francs a month. Prior to February, 1919, the offices, now accommodated in the hotel, were scattered in some twelve hired buildings about the town, and this involved serious administrative disadvantages and the employment of a large additional number of personnel. The French authorities were also pressing for as many hired buildings as possible to be given up for reoccupation by their owners. The hotel will be surrendered next month, when demobilisation will be further advanced, and the Base Headquarters and Ministry of Munitions Disposals Staff will then occupy a camp which is to be vacated by troops this month.

How many members of the staff are housed at this hotel?

I am afraid I cannot give the numbers of individual staffs, but if my hon. and gallant Friend wishes I will make inquiries.

Is it necessary to keep on this hotel, which, I think, from the figures which the right hon. Gentleman gives, costs about £3,400 a year in rent alone?

I have tried to explain to my hon. and gallant Friend that you cannot administer a district of 1,000 square miles without a considerable staff. There is, in addition to the military staff, the staff of the Ministry of Munitions Disposal Board; they are accommodated together. I hope we shall be able to close the whole thing down at the end of the month.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many 1915 men, including A/Sergeant R. W. Gee, No. 73128, Royal Army Medical Corps, are still with the North Persian Forces at Kasvin; and will he expedite their return home?

Army Order 243 of 1919, as supplemented by Army Order 264 of 1919, authorised the dispatch from their stations overseas by the 28th August, 1919, of all demobilisable men enlisted in 1915, but this was subject to the necessary transport being available. Every endeavour is being made to expedite the dispatch of demobilisable men who, owing to lack of transport, have been retained in theatres overseas, and it is hoped that all such men will arrive home at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether boys who joined the forces under the age of nineteen years are treated, for the purposes of demobilisation, as conscripts; and whether he will consider the desirability of treating them as favourably as men who attested under the Derby scheme and joined the Colours after July, 1916?

Boys under nineteen years of age are released according to their class, i.e, as conscripts or volunteers, as the case may be. With regard to the later part of the question, I regret that special treatment otherwise than as laid down in current instructions cannot be accorded to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private James Warwick Thomson, No. 180122, 1032nd Company, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), is still serving in the East; and how soon this voluntarily-enlisted soldier will be demobilised?

I am informed that Private Thomson was demobilised at Prees Heath on 25th October last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the absolute necessity of establishing a first-class system of education in the Army, he can state what steps have been taken to carry out the proposals stated on the introduction of the Army Estimates; how much money is to be devoted to this object as an annual charge; and what inducements are being offered to attract the best men to become Army school-masters?

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to the prevention of waste arising out of the existence of both the old Army school system and the new Army educational training scheme side by side, he will expedite the decision regarding the permanent personnel for Army education?

:It is recognised that the existence of the old Army school system and the new educational training system for the Army side by side is unsatisfactory and must be terminated as soon as possible by the formation of a single body, unifying and retaining the best features of both, and I hope to be in a, position to make a statement shortly.

Have we not had the same answer for six months? When shall we get a definite answer on this point?

I have just said I hope to be able to make a statement shortly. I am afraid I cannot name a precise date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that women employed by field stores, Aldershot, including women employed there before the War, are being discharged; whether, in view of the buildings which have been erected at Alder-shot, he can state the reason for the work being transferred elsewhere; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to obviating these discharges?

The women referred to are employed on the overhaul and repair of tentage blankets, clothing, and textile stores. This work is now greatly diminished, and, in the interests of economy, reductions in establishments are naturally being made in consequence. The buildings at Aldershot which are being vacated are required for the storage of mobilisation equipment. No women who were employed at the field stores, Aldershot, before the War are being discharged at present except at their own request.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any married women are now employed in the Contracts Department of the War Office who are not necessarily dependent for their means of livelihood wholly or in part upon their earnings from such employment; and, if so, will he take steps to discharge such persons and to fill the positions with ex-Service men, in view of the number of them still without employment?

I have been asked to reply, as the Army Contracts Department has been transferred to the Ministry of Munitions. There are no married women employed in the Department in question who are not dependent, wholly or mainly, upon their earnings therein. The whole question of the employment of ex-Service men is engaging the earnest attention of the Minister, and steps have already been taken to dispense with the service in other Departments of the Ministry of married women not dependent upon their official earnings, and to replace them, where necessary, with ex-Service men, preference being given to disabled men and others who have served overseas.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why officers of the Indian Army who were taken prisoners of war should be treated differently from officers of the British Army and deprived of half their staff pay after the expiry of the first two months; and, considering that these officers are being deprived of the pay they are entitled to, will he cause the present orders on the subject to be modified?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. These officers have received the full benefits to which they are entitled under the Regulations of their service, the effect of which, in comparison with British Regulations, was described in the answer on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Member for Honiton on 6th March last.

What Regulation is there in the Indian Army Regulations that puts a man on half-staff salary after he has been two months a prisoner of war?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend, if He will refer to the answer I have given, will find the reason stated there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any decision has been arrived at as to granting an increase to the pensions of the retired police constables to enable them to meet the present-day prices of the necessaries of life?

asked whether it is proposed to increase the pensions of ex-members of the police force who retired previously to August, 1914; and what measures have been taken to secure this?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a sergeant of the police force who retired in February last, and who had been detained two and a quarter years over his time through the War, is only receiving a pension of £2 Os. 1¼d. per week, whereas a sergeant who retired two months later with only twenty-six years' service will, under the new rates of pension, receive £3 15s. per week; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy this state of affairs, and particularly to make the increased rates in the pensions retrospective as regards men who served throughout the War?

The amount of the pension depends on the officer's pay at the date of his retire-ment, and cannot be increased beyond the proportion fixed by the Police Act, 1890, without alteration of the law. As I have already explained, the hardship from which police pensioners suffer owing to the rise of prices is shared by other pensioners and by all persons with small fixed incomes, and I am sorry that I cannot propose legislation for their relief.

Is it not a fact that these pensions were granted with the idea or intention that for the work these men had done for the State they should be able to receive sufficient properly to house, clothe and feed them?

Yes, and I believe that applies to all pensioners.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the value of these pensions having been depreciated by at least 50 per cent., these people are not in the position now to be properly housed, fed and clothed, and will he consider whether some provision could not be made to bring them up to the present level?

That has all been considered.

Is it not a fact that a number of these pensioners were called out for special service during the War, and has the adjustment been made in this case to men who have served since 1914?

That is part of the law which has been considered. We are bound by the law in that respect.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the widespread dissatisfaction at the fact that numbers of enemy aliens who have been interned since the commencement of the War have been allowed to resume their businesses in this country; and if he will state how many enemy aliens have been repatriated and how many have been allowed to resume their pre-war activities here?

I think that any dissatisfaction there may be of the nature indicated in the first paragraph of the question is largely due to exaggeration or misunderstanding of the facts. There were at one time 32,200 alien enemies interned; at the date of the Armistice the number was reduced to 24,450. Of these, some 3,800 were after examination by Lord Justice Younger's Committee, exempted from repatriation and allowed to remain in this country. The rest, except a few who are now Poles or other alien friends, have been repatriated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the specific charges on which Jacob Milgrom, a Polish subject who has resided in England for thirty-two years and is married to an English lady, was arrested on 31st March and deported on 8th April?

I am not aware that this' man is entitled to call himself a Polish subject. He was registered here as an. Austrian and was removed from this country as being an alien enemy. The rule is that alien enemies should be repatriated unless special reason can be shown to the contrary. I considered his case carefully, and could find nothing that he had done during the War and nothing in his general character that justified his being allowed to remain.

asked the Home Secretary what is the estimated cost of examining the claims for exemption from deportation of enemy aliens whose cases have not been considered by any advisory committee appointed after 1st January. 1918; whether it will be necessary to re- tain or engage any temporary staff for that purpose; and, if so, the number of such staff and during what period its services will be required?

I understand that this question relates to the proceedings contemplated by Clause 8 of the Aliens Restriction Bill. They will involve the engagement of a special staff for the new advisory committee of at least twenty-five persons for a period which cannot be less than six months. For that period, and assuming that all the members of the committee act without remuneration, the cost of the proceediings is estimated at £15,000 or upwards. This figure does not cover accommodation for the committee and its staff or the expenses of police and other authorities outside the Home Office, which I am unable to estimate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this Committee does its work thoroughly satisfactorily it will take at least two years to complete it?

I hope my estimate is not so hopelessly wrong as that suggests.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Miss Dora Kostich, who has been informed by the immigration officer that unless she is married within four weeks she will be deported, belongs to a good Serbian family and has a sister studying medicine at Belgrade university; that she is not impecunious but is employed in a good situation, receiving good wages, and resides with respectable people; and that she did not come to this country to be married but to secure for herself better economic conditions of life in this country; and whether, seeing that she is not an enemy alien, the threat of deportation will be removed and the girl allowed to remain in this country without the necessity of marrying to secure that privilege?

There has been no threat of deportation in this case. Miss Kostich stated on her arrival in this country that her object in coming here was to marry an English soldier, whose name and rank she gave, and that she was proceeding to his mother's address. She was given leave to land on condition that within one month she produced to the proper authorities evidence that the marriage had taken place. When the month expired without the production of that evidence, the lady's right to remain in this country ceased, but on evidence that she had obtained work here, and was maintaining herself in respectable surroundings, it was decided not to enforce her obligation to leave the country. While there is no question of Miss Kostich's good faith, it is clearly necessary to take precautions to prevent foreign women from gaining admission to this country on the pretence of marrying soldiers.

Is it the policy to subject Allies and friendly Allied women to this sort of treatment? What right have we to keep out Serbians or any other Allied women from this country if they are respectable?

We have the right to control our own immigration.

Why not control the Shah of Persia with his retinue of wives, when he came over? [After a pause.] Cannot I have an answer? There were twenty ladies accompanying the Shah, and we all know what they were doing here!

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the custom of the police, when inquiring as to the status of persons offering themselves as bail, to send men in uniform to the private residences of such persons; and, if so, whether he will takes steps to protect law-abiding citizens from the annoyance caused by this practice by the employment in future of plain-clothes men?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative. I have no reason to think that the uniform is a cause of annoyance; on the contrary, it serves as a safeguard against deception, and an assurance that the inquiry is being made by proper authority, and is not a mere impertinence.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how much money out of the new Parliamentary Universities Grant is being devoted to increasing the salaries of theological professors in the case of Glasgow and St. Andrews Universities; whether he has reversed the policy which has been in force with regard to all previous Parliamentary Grants of prohibiting the use of any portion of these Grants for payment of salaries to theological professors; and whether it is proposed to make Grants of public money to increase the salaries of theological professors other than those of the Church of Scotland?

In reply to the first part of the question, I am informed that in respect of the current financial year the figures are, Glasgow £1,279, and St. Andrews £350. As regards policy, I am not aware that any policy has been laid down except in the Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889, in relation to new Parliamentary Grants under that Act. I feel, however, in agreement with my hon. Friend, that it would be desirable that the spirit of the provision in the Act of 1889 should be observed in the administration by the universities of similar Parliamentary Grants. In reply to the last part of the question, I understand that future Grants will be made on recommendations from the recently-appointed University Grants Committee, which I am unable to anticipate.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet have decided to continue or discontinue the British Mission to the Vatican?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the successful work of the technical costings branch of the Ministry of Munitions has been brought to his notice; and whether, in view of the fact that £300,000.000 was saved to the nation in Government contracts during the War at the small cost of £75,000, he will take steps to continue and extend the work of the said Committee in relation to all future Government contracts, and thus assist in furthering the work of national economy in all Government Departments?

The Government are considering the best way of making use in future Government purchases of the experience gained during the War.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to complaints made by ratepayers of the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent, and also by the council of the borough, respecting the way that the Coal Controller's Department has disregarded their repeated applications for proper supplies of suitable coals for their gas and electricity works; whether he is aware that the quantity has been seriously reduced: that the supplies they had arranged to receive from local collieries have been diverted and taken elsewhere out of the district; that inferior coals have been brought all the way from Durham at an extra charge of 8s. 3d. per ton; and that this coal from Durham has been tested and proved much inferior and, for gas and by-product-making purposes, shows a further loss of 15s. 11d. per ton, making a proved loss of £l 4s. 2d. per ton; whether he is aware that the corporation is not allowed to purchase coals direct from the collieries and that the coals are supplied through agents appointed by the Coal Controller's Department, which entails a further loss to make profits for middlemen; whether he is aware that Stoke-on-Trent is a purely industrial community, already heavily rated, and that the loss due to the bad arrangements indicated above add to the burden of the rates and is causing discontent and unrest; and; whether he can arrange for the corporation to obtain their coal supplies front I cal collieries as before?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to complaints with regard to supplies of coal for the Stoke-on-Trent Gas and Electricity Works, but I understand that both works are receiving supplies sucient to meet their requirements. I explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member on Tuesday last why it has been necessary to send occasional consignments of Durham coal to meet emergencies created by the insufficient output from local pits. I cannot, however, accept the statements made as to the inferiority of Durham coal. I may add that it has recent'y been possble to restore a substantial quantity of local coal to the Stoke-on-Trent Electricity Works, and that the engineer has expressed satisfaction with the efforts which have been made to assist the undertaking. It is not the fact that the undertakings are required by the Coal Controller to purchase coal through middlemen, but I understand that certain of the fuel for the electricity works passes, through a wasbery belonging to a firm which also acts as a firm of coal factors.

When is this practice of going to Durham to get coal when there is quite as good coal, or Letter, in Staffordshire going to cease? And when is the Coal Controller going to cease to interfere with natural supplies?

The whole matter is kept under consideration. If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the answer given on Tuesday last he will there see the reasons actuating the Controller's actions.

Is this a sample of the efficiency of the Coal Controller?

We must get coal from somewhere.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now prepared to recommend that all time served in the. War in any of the fighting services shall count towards assessment of Civil Service pension in the case of demobilised men who enlisted voluntarily and who have returned to their Civil Service appointments?

I am not sure that I understand the meaning of the hon. and gallant Member's question. If it relates to pensionable Civil servants who, during the War, enlisted without permission from their Departments but who have nevertheless been reinstated, I know of no such case in which the period of service in the forces has not been allowed to count towards civil pension.

Would those, then, who enlisted voluntarily, with the approval of their Department, also be allowed to count?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the number of military and munition camps with comfortable and roomy hutments provided with electric lighting, gas and heating, water and drainage, play centres, and halls, and in most cases convenient to centres of industry, and the number of returned soldiers who have no houses for themselves and their families and would gladly now reside in these camps in preference to having the prospect of residing in subvented houses which will take long to materialise; that, notwithstanding these facts, the War Office persists in pulling down these camps, as does also the Ministry of Munitions; and whether lie will supersede the War Office and the Ministry of Munitions in reference to these camps and put the housing authority in control of them, and so prevent the waste of national resources and find homes for the soldiers?

Arrangements have been made whereby all huts and hostels which are no longer required by the Government Departments who have been in occupation during the "War, are held at the disposal of the Minister of Health, for housing purposes. Up to the present 961 huts and 26 hostels have been taken over by local authorities, and 536 huts in addition have been offered to local authorities. It is anticipated that these huts and hostels will provide accommodation for nearly 2,500 families.

Is it not the case that something like 300 of these camps, together with the huts, are being pulled down and taken away, and perhaps they never will be re-erected?

I shall be much obliged if my hon. Friend will give me the cases he has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the estimated annual cost to the Imperial Exchequer of the housing subsidy agreed to be made by the State under the Housing Act of this year for each of the seven years contemplated under the Act and subsequently; whether he can similarly inform the House as to what the annual cost of the portion of the loss to be borne by the local authorities throughout the country is estimated at; if he is in a position to inform the House what amount of capital it is estimated that the local authorities will require to raise in order to carry out the provisions of the Act; and has he been made aware that many local authorities, large and small, are finding great difficulty in raising the money on the market?

I would refer the hon. Member to the White Papers presented to the House in connection with the Housing Acts and to the estimate of £10,000,000 recently given as the probable cost of the housing subsidies in a normal year. Sufficient progress has not yet been made by local authorities to enable an accurate estimate to be made of the amount of the subsidy or the charge on rates in each of the next seven years. I am aware that some local authorities find difficulty in raising money in the market, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has recently appointed a Committee to consider what steps can be taken to assist them to do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that municipalities find it impossible to build houses at anything like an economic rent, and what steps are the Government prepared to take to assist them to do so?

Have any of these authorities applied for or received a subsidy?

I cannot answer that question without notice, but it should be addressed to the Minister of Health.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many houses have been built or how many are in process of being built? [An HON. MEMBER: "Two!"]

I have answered that question four or five times. The other question as to the camps I will go into.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

The answer is simple. Until the houses are built and it is ascertained what the cost has been you cannot say what the economic rent will be or whether the conditions when the rent is fixed will enable it to be paid.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the plans now being prepared we cannot build houses at a rent that ordinary workmen can afford to pay? Can I have an answer to my question?

The hon. Member is rather hasty, and if his question is so important he should take the trouble to put it down on the Paper.

Then I should find it is too late.

It is very difficult to answer such questions, which are rather elaborate when they are put in this way, because they require consideration.

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether, under these circum- stances, you are prepared to rule that it shall not be in order for hon. Members to ask questions on behalf of other hon. Members who are not present? Many questions have been asked in this way today. The result is that a number of hon. Members who are present will find that their questions which are on the Paper will not be reached, and I wish to know if hon. Members do not take the trouble to attend and put their questions, should those questions be answered?

That question does not really arise now, but I may state that the general rule is that hon. Members are not entitled to ask questions standing in the name of other hon. Members unless they have obtained their consent to ask them.

Is it suggested that the sum mentioned is anything like an accurate one in view of the immense rise in the cost of building?

Of course, it is only an estimate, but I see no reason at present to depart from it.

Although this is a question which should have been put on the Paper, I think it is one which ought to have been in the mind of the Government, because it is apparent to every local authority that you cannot possibly build houses at economic rents, and I want to know what the Department has done in the way of trying to meet that difficulty which they know exists as well as we do?

The matter has already been explained at great length to the House. I have issued regulations on the subject, and I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked whether further borrowings will be necessary to meet the expected Budget deficit?

I will ask the hon. Member to refer to the explanation which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on this point in the course of the speech to the hon. and gallant Member for Norwich on the second day of the recent Financial Debate, where he will find the position clearly set forth.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered, or is proposing to consider, the consolidation of existing War Loan issues; whether he is aware if France is now contemplating such a policy; and if he could explain the method by which such a consolidation would be effected?

My right hon. Friend does not think consolidation is at present either practicable or desirable. He has no special information as regards the intentions of the French Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is able to state the chief features of the proposed French lottery loans; and whether he is able to say which of the Great Powers have adopted the principle of Premium Bonds or lottery loans for State purposes?

My right hon. Friend believes that the scheme for a French Lottery Loan has not yet been approved by the Government, but the scheme suggested was for an issue in 500 franc bonds, repayable without interest by drawings spread over twenty years. Every bond would be repaid at least at par, and those holders who gain prizes would receive sums varying from 1,000 to 1,250,000 francs. The prizes, taken as a whole, would be actuarially equivalent to about 3 per cent, on the capital.

M. Lefevre, who made the proposal, put the amount of the issue at 60 milliards of francs, and the expenses of the issue at 10 per cent. The Budget Commission put it at 20 to 25 milliards, and the expenses at 2 to 2½ per cent. Particulars of former issues of Premium Bonds in different countries are to be found in the evidence given before the Select Committee of last year.

So far as my right hon. Friend knows, no Great Power has had a State Lottery Loan in recent years, but he believes that proposals for such a Loan have been made in Germany.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when this House is to have an opportunity of discussing the whole question of Premium Bonds?

That question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Is he aware that a similar proposal is being made in France at the present moment for Premium Bonds?

Is the cost of raising money in this way more or less than the cost of raising it through Treasury Loans in the ordinary way?

I should require notice of that question.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think Derby Day would be a suitable day for discussing this question?

That is a Question for the House.

Can I have an answer to my question?

The hon. Member should give notice of his question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what sum, giving the various items, was paid to Mr. Allan Young, formerly of Watergate Farm, Bulford, for the purchase of his interests in that district; what will be the initial cost of establishing a small-holdings farm colony there; what is the estimated annual cost; and how many officials have been appointed and what are their salaries?

The Board acquired Mr. Allan Young's interest in his freehold and leasehold properties at Amesbury, Bulford and Durrington, for a perpetual rent-charge of £l,375 and a cash payment of £7,500. The initial cost of establishing the Amesbury Farm Settlement, which comprises 2,359 acres, is estimated at £30,000 farming capital and £35,000 for the erection of thirty-five houses and the provision of roads and other equipment. As regards the estimated annual cost, the settlement is expected to be self-supporting. The only officers appointed, or expected to be appointed, in connection with the settlement are the Director (who receives a salary of £700 per annum for managing this settlement and another at Berwick St. James, eight miles distant), and an Assistant Director, who receives £350 per annum.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps the Board propose to take to provide small holdings for the large number of ex-soldier applicants in the villages of Bulford and Sunnington; and why the Board did not consult either the chairman of the Wiltshire County Council on the small holdings committee, in accordance with Section I of the Small Holdings Colonies (Amendment) Act, 1918, before they decided to start a small holdings colony in the district?

It is primarily the duty of the Wiltshire County Council (of the Small Holdings Committee of which my hon. Friend is Chairman) to acquire land for their local applicants, although, as has already been intimated to the Committee, the Board are prepared to accept for their Farm Settlement at Amesbury any local ex-Service men who are suitable for the holdings available. With regard to the latter part of the question, I am informed that at the vendor's express wish the officers of the Board regarded the early negotiations for the purchase of this land as strictly confidential. At a later stage, however, and before the purchase was completed, the matter was discussed with members of the Wiltshire Small Holdings Committee, but I regret to find that in this particular case it was not brought before the Committee formally.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to statements which have lately appeared in the Press regarding the proposals which the Government are prepared to make on the subject of security of tenure to the effect that the farmer should be secured in his tenancy unless the land is sold for public purposes or he is a bad cultivator accurately represents the policy of the Government on this question?

The statements to which my hon. and gallant Friend draws attention do not accurately represent the proposals which the Government are prepared to make on the subject of security of tenure. The whole question is now under consideration, but I am not in a position to make any positive announcement of policy at the present moment.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the Colonial Office service abroad is to a large extent manned by gentlemen who have to pass a qualifying examination entailing a stiff educational test, he will say whether on entering the service there is an implied understanding that such officers have open to them the senior appointments in the Colonial service as they fall vacant; if not, will he arrange that all candidates are so informed before becoming engulfed in a service with little or no outlook; and will he say how many Governors and Administrators are now serving under the Colonial Office, and how many of these gentlemen have entered the service through competitive examination?

The Civil Services of Ceylon, the Straits Settlements and Malay States and Hong Kong are largely staffed by cadets selected by open competitive examination. With certain exceptions, which include the Governorships and Colonial Secretaryships, the senior posts in these Dependencies are filled by selection from the cadet officers. There is no other implied understanding as regards the prospects of these officers; and in Lord Milner's opinion, and that of previous Secretaries of State, it would not be possible, without grave injustice to officers of the still larger services of other Colonies, and without unduly narrowing the field of selection, to lay it down that these officers, who have good prospects in the Civil Services of their own Colonies, should also have a preferential claim to Governorships and similar senior appointments, there and elsewhere. Apart from the self-governing Dominions and three Military Governorships, the number of Governorships and Administratorships in the Colonial Service may be stated as thirty-five, some of which, of course, would afford no financial advantage to officers from the Eastern Colonies. Four of these posts, namely, the Governorships of Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Leeward Islands, and Weihaiwei, are filled by officers who originally entered the public service as junior officers in the Eastern Dependencies. Of the remaining thirty-one, twenty-five are held by officers who have been selected from other branches of the Colonial Service outside the Eastern Dependencies referred to.

Am I to gather that officers from the Eastern Service arc ruled out for other Service appointments outside?

I said that four Governorships outside, including Governorships of such importance as Nigeria and Sierra Leone, are held by officers who originally entered the Service in the Eastern Colonies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the very small percentage of the number of appointments is a great discouragement to these officers.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what progress has been made with the scheme for accommodating Government offices in the outer districts of the Metropolitan area?

Such accommodation is being provided for 10,800 persons at Acton, Earl's Court and the Alexandra Palace, and the works are being proceeded with as rapidly as possible. At Acton sufficient progress has been made to house, almost immediately, about 1,000 persons. The works at Earl's Court are in a very advanced state, and a staff of nearly 400 has already been transferred. Accommodation for 750 persons has already been completed at the Alexandra Palace, and they will be moved in directly the Post Office telephone installation, which is nearly ready, is in working order.

Is it the fact that a large number of private houses are at present occupied by Government Departments, which could be housed in the outer district?

That hardly arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked when it is proposed to remove the temporary buildings at Burton Court, Chelsea, and to restore the site to its former condition?

As these buildings are still required for the use of the Ministry of Pensions, and in view of the heavy expenditure which has been incurred in their erection and of the impossibility of finding other accommodation of sufficient size, I regret that it is impossible at present to give any date as to when the buildings will be removed.

In view of the unsatisfactory character of that answer, I give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment on Monday next.