asked the Under-Secrtary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Supreme Council have consented to the permanent occupation of Eastern Galicia by the Poles and its annexation to Poland; if so, whether this is the result of the recent visit of M. Paderewski to the British Prime Minister; whether he is aware that the population of Eastern Galicia is predominantly Ukrainian; and whether a plebiscite is to be taken, as in the case of the former enemy territory of Upper Silesia, before this apparent negation of the right of self-determination is permitted?

In answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I regret that I am not at liberty at present to divulge the proceedings of the Peace Conference in this matter. The second and fourth parts of the question do not, therefore, arise. As regards the third, His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the difficulties involved in determining the claims put forward by the various nationalities in Eastern Galicia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether either General Denikin or Admiral Koltchak have ordered Colonel Bermondt to desist from his attacks on the Letts, in view of the fact that British seamen have been killed by Colonel Bermondt's artillery fire while defending Riga?

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of any orders having been issued to Colonel Bermondt either by Admiral Koltchak or General Denikin. As, however, General Yudenitch, who, together with General Denikin, has recognised Admiral Koltchak as Supreme Ruler, has denounced Colonel Bermondt as a traitor, it would appear unnecessary for either Admiral Koltchak or General Denikin to take any action in the matter.

asked whether war -has yet been declared between His Majesty and the Soviet Government of Russia; and, if not, what is the position in international law of soldiers of the Soviet Army taken prisoners by British forces?

War has not been declared between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government, but soldiers of the Soviet Army taken prisoners-by the British forces are, in fact, treated in the same way as prisoners of war would be treated.

asked what steps are now being taken to compel the German Government to recall the German troops with Colonel Bermondt and General von Eberhardt?

The main measures which have been taken up to date to bring pressure to bear on the German Government to withdraw the German troops from the Baltic have been the suspension of negotiations which were proceeding between the Supreme Economic Council and the German Government for the supply to Germany of food, raw materials, and financial assistance, and an embargo on the movements of German ships in the Baltic, Meanwhile an Inter-Allied Military Mission under General Niessel, which was appointed to supervise the evacuation of German troops, has already passed through Berlin on its way to the Baltic States.

asked whether, seeing that we are supplying General Denikin with munitions free of any stipulation as to the particular enemy against whom he would use them, General Denikin would be entitled to use British munitions against Esthonia and the other new Baltic States, whose claim to independence he has refused to recognise and who are now receiving protection from British warships?

The answer is in the negative. A consultation beforehand would have rendered the putting down of the question unnecessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether British troops are to be sent to Memel and Dantzig, respectively; if so, for what purpose; and whether young soldiers under the age of twenty and nine teen years, respectively, will accompany these troops?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Supreme Council decided to send Allied troops to Dantzig, which under the Treaty of Peace becomes a free city, to support the authority of the Temporary Administrator (Sir Reginald Tower) pending the organisation of local forces.

It is essential to guard the docks against damage and to preserve the peace in the area of the new free city. It is also necessary to provide troops to enable the Commission for the delimitation of the frontier of the new free city to carry out its duties.

The same general reasons apply as regards the Memel district. This territory is to be handed over by Germany to the principal Allied and Associated Powers, who will decide as to its ultimate disposal. The proximity of this Memel district to the Baltic States affords an additional reason for its military occupation by Allied troops. The answer to the third part is in the affirmative.

Was not an assurance given by my right hon. Friend that these young soldiers would not be sent further than the Rhine?

They might be sent further than the Rhine, but what was said was in order to show that they would not be sent to India or the East. We had it in contemplation, though they might go to Northern Europe, to keep them within the temperate zone in the area responsibly controlled by the Rhine Army.

Who pays for these troops?

I am not yet convinced whether this will be a charge under the interpretation of the Peace Treaty—against Germany, in the same way as the maintenance of the Army on the Rhine—or whether it will have to be defrayed from some inter-Allied fund.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether in future these young soldiers under nineteen shall not be sent anywhere in Europe except under one of the immediate commands?

That is just what we have been doing. We have not sent any of the young men away from the proper climate in the usual way.

There is, I believe, a good deal of misunderstanding and anxiety on the subject. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make a public statement as to the proper areas? It would reassure the public.

There is certainly no secret about it. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question to which I can give a written answer, I will give the locations to which British troops have to go in discharge of their share of the inter-Allied obligations.

Have not some of these men been sent to Silesia?

If a question is put down I shall be ready to say exactly where British troops are sent for the purpose of fulfilling our obligations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the total naval losses of all ratings sustained by the British Fleet in the course of its operations in and about the Baltic since the date of the Armistice, stating the casualties for each month of the present year?

With the permission of the House, I will circulate the answer to this question in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Legion of Red Finns, raised, armed, and equipped by His Majesty's Government, has been sent, or is to be sent, to the territory under the Finnish Government; whether an amnesty has been arranged for these men; and what steps have been taken to see that they are not penalised for the services which they rendered to the Allied cause?

At the urgent request of the Red Finn Legion, negotiations were opened with the Finnish Government some time ago with a view to obtaining for these persons permission to return to their own country. For this purpose the greater part of the Legion were shipped from Murmansk to Reval and from that place sent in batches to Helsingfors, with a view to enabling the individual cases to be gone through. So far the inquiry, at which a British representative has been present throughout, has proceeded satisfactorily, and the great majority have already been received back to their country.

May I have an answer to the second part of my question?

I cannot say there has been a complete universal amnesty arranged. The matter is being discussed with the Finnish Government, and the action of the British Government must be regulated by individual canes. Any questions

Is not the conduct of the Finnish Government in such oases rather summary?

The British representative is watching the cases of these men, some of whom have been very heavily compromised in the past. Hon. Members may be sure their cases will have better attention through the presence of the British representative than they would get under any other set of circumstances.

Is it not the fact that these; men were raised by us and used by us and therefore we have a very special responsibility for them. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"] We are English after all—some of us.

These men were fugitives from Finland, having in many cases outraged the laws of the dominant party in Finland. We are endeavouring to get them repatriated and to get the Finnish Government to accept them, except in oases where some definite brutal civil crime attaches to them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what steps, if any, have been taken respecting the appointment of practical business men as British Consuls and Vice-Consuls in foreign countries in order to give full effect to the efforts or representatives of British manufacturers and traders for whom passage may be found on British ships proceeding to distant ports; if his Department will, in conjunction with the Board of Trade, make business training and knowledge one of the conditions of such appointments; (2) how many enemy aliens were acting as British Consuls and Vice-Consuls prior to August 1914; how many are still retained in such positions; if any have been appointed since the signing of the Armistice; if it is the intention of the Foreign Office to consult with the Board of Trade before such positions are filled with a view to the selection of practical business men of British nationality; and if it will henceforth be regarded as a primary condition that those selected as Ambassadors, Consuls, etc., shall be able to speak and write the language of the country to which they are accredited?

Before the War there were no Consular officers of enemy nationality in the salaried Consular Service.

In the unsalaried service there were thirty-seven German and thirteen Austro-Hungarians, but on the outbreak of war these appointments ceased automatically, and no ex-enemy alien has been appointed since the signing of the Armistice.

A Committee of Selection on which the Board of Trade is represented, and which also comprises representatives of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce and of the Federation of British Industries, has been examining the qualifications of candidates for the salaried Consular Service. There is now a long waiting list of candidates who have passed the scrutiny of the Committee, but for whom posts are not at present available. Especial regard has been paid to the commercial and business experience of candidates.

The appropriate language qualifications are regarded as of primary importance in making individual appointments in the Consular and other Foreign Services.

Will the hon. Baronet undertake that in the Consular Service in the future there will be no appointments unless those appointed are of British nationality?

I can undertake that so far as the salaried Consular Service is concerned but I cannot undertake it in regard to the unsalaried Consular Service because in these cases there are no British residents.

If it is essential to have a British Consul why do we not send one? Why not have a British representative of our interests?

There are some six hundred of these unsalaried Consuls and it is not possible, having regard to the need of economy to appoint salaried Consuls in these six hundred cases.

Is the hon. Baronet not aware that these unsalaried Consuls are able to obtain such information as may be of vital value to the country in case of trouble, and will he see whether it is not possible to reconsider the matter with a view of having these positions filled by people of British nationality?

asked what are the conditions under which officers brought home from abroad are demobilised in this country; whether leave and allowances are granted to them in the same way as to the men; and, if not, will he alter the Regulations so as to prevent officers on arrival at home being turned adrift at a day's notice without any resources to live upon?

Temporary officers brought home for demobilisation proceed on arriving in this country to their dispersal station, and are then demobilised with effect from the date of dispersal. My hon. and gallant Friend appears to have overlooked the not unsubstantial gratuities drawn by these officers on demobilisation under the Pay Warrant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it takes six months for a man to get his gratuity, and many of these men have nothing to live upon until they get this money?

I deny that it takes six -months to get a gratuity.

How many months does it take?

There may be exceptional cases, but my hon. and gallant Friend will give a totally misleading impression if he leads the House to believe that it takes six months to get a gratuity.

asked when the 1/9;th Hants Regiment will leave Vladivostok; is he aware that 1914 men are in that regiment; and can he state the reason why these men are not being got home?

This unit sailed from Vladivostock on 1st November.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private W. Parfitt, No. 73326, 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, Portobello Barracks, Dublin, joined the Army some months ago, and that an application for his release was made by his father on the 26th July, 1919, on the grounds that his son would not reach the age of eighteen years until the 25th November, 1919; whether ho is aware that at the request of the adjutant of the regiment a birth certificate was furnished proving Private Parfitt's age; and will he state the reason why Private Parfitt is still retained?

This application has been carefully considered, but the circumstances of the case do not justify the discharge of this soldier being authorised. I would explain that the discharge of a soldier over seventeen years of age who mis-states his age on enlistment is granted as a concession only, under certain conditions which do not appertain in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private H. W. Davis, No. 56028, 52nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, British Army of the Rhine, who is only just nineteen years of age, Grade 2, is being sent with his battalion to South Russia; whether this is contrary to the Government's promise that no men under twenty years of age should be sent further than the Rhine; and will he at once take steps to prevent Private Davis being sent to South Russia?

The battalion in which this soldier is serving forms part of the Independent Division of the Army of the Rhine, which is to be used in connection with plebiscite duty in Germany. It is not going to South Russia. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my bon. Friend to the answer on Tuesday last to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Bolton to the effect that no such promise was made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where this boy is if he has not been sent to South Russia?

I believe he is in Northern Germany, but I will find out for the hon. Member. The question on the Paper only asks as to South Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain wiry highly-skilled technical men are retained in labour battalions in this country when pay and domestic allowances cost the tax payer £6 a week and the taxpayer is at the same time paying doles to unskilled men who are out of work?

There is only one labour battalion in this country, and this is being disbanded. The strength is 299 other ranks, all of whom are awaiting discharge.

asked the Secretary of State for War if specially expeditious arrangements have been made for the discharge of the men arriving from India, in view of the cold of the present season in contrast to the climate in which they have been serving for years; and whether special care is taken for their warmth and comfort on their voyage home and during the time it is necessary to detain them in camps?

Troops coming home from India for demobilisation are dispatched by the All-Sea route. Arrangements are made for home pattern clothing to be issued, and the khaki drill to be withdrawn either before embarkation or during the voyage. On arrival at the Port of disembarkation in the United Kingdom they are given a good meal on landing, and also a ration for consumption in the train, the size of the ration depending on the length of the journey to be performed. They are sent direct to the Dispersal Station nearest their homes, where they are dispersed with the least possible delay. In the majority of cases they leave the Dispersal Station on the day they arrive, but arrangements have been made at all stations to provide comfortable sleeping accommodation and hot meals for those who may be detained over night.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether commanding officers have been instructed that no men in the Royal Engineers and Army Service Corps are to be demobilised at present; if so, whether many of these men are skilled in the various trades for which many men are required to aid the building and repairing of houses; and whether he will have the instruction cancelled?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The latter parts, therefore, do not arise.

asked what is the position of the wife or other dependants of a soldier in relation to allowances during the period he is undergoing imprisonment imposed upon him as a result of having been court-martialled for some military offence?

The issue of separation allowance is continued, during any period of imprisonment unless and until the soldier is discharged from his Army engagement.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the delay in respect of applications for grants recommended by the Bury War Pensions Committee can be obviated to a very large extent; whether applicants for grants are suffering great inconvenience and hardship and, in some cases, entire loss of the business which they proposed to embark upon; whether members of the local committee who voluntarily give much of their time to this work feel that their time is entirely wasted; and is he aware that numerous letters have been directed to the chief of the Department concerned and also one to the Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions, and that such letters have not even been acknowledged?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As has already been stated in reply to other hon. Members, the Department is going thoroughly into the position with regard to delays in respect to Civil Liabilities Grants, and hopes to effect an improvement in the near future Arrangements are being made for an officer of the Department to visit Bury during the present week in order to go into the special points raised by the local committee on the spot.

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 dispatches during the present War?

It is in contemplation to distinguish those who have been mentioned in dispatches in the War by giving them permission to wear a small oak leaf on the ribbon of the Victory medal. That is under consideration, but I am not at this moment able to give a final answer.

What will be done fur those who have had the good luck to be mentioned twice in dispatches?

That is one of those arguments which causes us to hesitate in taking the decision to which I have referred.

Can the right hon. Gentleman before long pronounce a definite conclusion?

There are some 70,000 or 80,000 persons concerned, and it would be very desirable to come to a decision quickly.

If the right hon. Gentleman does not see his way clear to grant the oak leaf will the War Office cause a letter of appreciation to be sent which those men could keep?

We are considering the whole matter.

asked what staff is employed for the work of the titles and Designations Committee; what is the rent of the premises in Whitehall Court used for this purpose, and what is the number of rooms.; how long this Committee has been in existence; and how long it is expected to be required?

The staff employed on the work of the titles and Designations Committee numbers two (an officer as secretary and an ex-soldier clerk). The rent of the six-roomed flat in Whitehall Court used for this purpose is paid by the Office of Works and is, I understand, £350 a year. The Committee, however, was only given, the use of these premises till other accommodation became available, and arrangements have been made for its early removal, when the flat will be surrendered to the Office of Works. The Committee was appointed in October and has recently started work, but I cannot at present say how long its work will last.

asked how long the Dress and Uniform Committee has existed; if it has finished its deliberations, and what was the cost of staff and printing in connection with the work?

This Committee held its first meeting on 2nd May, and reported early in September last. The staff consisted of an officer as secretary and an ex-soldier clerk, who were temporarily detailed for the work. The cost of printing the Report of the Committee was £20 6s.

Is it not a fact that these premises have not been used for a long time, and that we are paying £300 a year for the accommodation of two people?

That is not so in the case of the Committee mentioned. The Dress and Uniform Committee had accommodation for a great deal more than two people. It is so in the case of the Committee to which my hon. Friend's previous questions referred, but that was purely a temporary occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to complete the scheme started before the War for building barracks at Durham and transferring there the depot of the Durham Light Infantry?

The scheme referred to will be proceeded with when it is possible to make funds available for the purpose. The financial position will not admit of this at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a circular, dated 3rd November, has been issued by the regimental paymaster at Nottingham to temporary employés, paragraph (b) of which says that, in the process of reducing war staff, it may be necessary in the interests of the public service to discharge them while undisabled employés are retained; and whether he is prepared to give an undertaking that discharged men shall not be discharged prior to all others who have not served?

Yes, Sir; the circular was issued in accordance with general instructions on the subject of the substitution of disabled ex-Service men for other employés in Government Departments. In the reduction of the staff of Army Pay Offices discharged men are given the preference of retention provided that the efficiency of the office is maintained. It is essential that there shall be no failure in the proper payment of soldiers on demobilisation.

May we take it that the only question involved is the efficiency of the officers?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has been come to with reference to the hardship that is now caused to in-pensioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, by the loss of their out-pension when they are admitted?

I am not sure whether it is clear to my hon. and gallant Friend that no present in-pensioner of Chelsea would in any event be affected by the new scale of Army pensions, since its application is confined to those who have actually given military service during the War. There is thus no hardship involved. Under the Soldiers' Pensions Act of 1828, admission to in-pension abrogates all claim to either service or disability pension.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman in answer to a question three or four months' ago promise an inquiry into this matter? Has that inquiry been held, and, if so, with what result?

The inquiry is not completed, but I hope it will be at an early date.

In two or three weeks' time?

Yes, I hope so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the East Lancashire County Association has appointed a civilian to be secretary, although ex-officers with distinguished war service were on the final list dealt with by the selection committee; and can he take any steps in the matter?

The nomination of a secretary in such cases rests with the county association. In this case, on the resignation of their secretary, the East Lancashire Association decided to nominate a civilian who had previously held the post of assistant-secretary. The recommendation is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the accumulated funds in the hands of Territorial County Associations at let August, 1914, are still intact; and whether they will be used to relieve the Exchequer in reforming the Territorial Force?

The funds which existed on 1st August, 1914, have been drawn upon largely during the War. In so far as they represented savings made by economical administration on the part of the several associations, it is intended to restore them.

asked the Secretary of State for War what decision has been arrived at regarding the presentation of a pair of opera glasses to those ladies and gentlemen who answered the appeal of the late Lord Roberts but whose glasses have not been returned as requested?

I am afraid I am not yet in a position to announce a decision.

This question was asked four or five months ago and an answer was then promised.

I know. But the question is not quite so simple to answer as would appear on the surface. Many considerations have to be taken into account.

Is it not the fact that the ladies and gentlemen who provided these glasses had no expectation of seeing them again?

Yes; I think that is the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to establish and maintain a military hospital in South Wales at Neath or elsewhere; and whether, before a decision is arrived at, consideration will be given to the fact that there is a school of medicine already existing at Cardiff which would be of great value to such hospital if situated in its neighbourhood?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Ministry of Pensions is opening a hospital at Neath almost immediately for the reception of disabled ex-Service men. Every effort has been made to establish a hospital in or near Cardiff, but it is found that no suitable accommodation is available.

Is it the intention of the authorities to disband the hospital erected at Chepstow?

I do not think so. But I am not prepared to answer the supplementary question. If the hon. Member can give me any information I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Major P. A. Denison has been organising sweepstakes at Lille, one of which has distributed £40,981 in prizes, leaving a balance of £4,019 undistributed; and whether he can issue any instruction so that officers whilst on service should not be associated with the management of sweepstakes or similar undertakings?

I am inquiring into this matter, and will write to my hon. Friend later.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that at a public meeting held in Lockerbie on 28th September a Miss Violet Jardine, of Castlemilk, Dumfriesshire, is alleged to have attempted to create a breach of the peace by offering a reward of £10 to any individual or individuals who would drag the speaker from the platform; whether, when that failed, she is alleged to have attempted to induce children to disrupt the meeting by offering them silver; whether the matter has been reported to the chief constable of Dumfriesshire; whether that official has refused to interfere; and what steps he proposes to take to secure an inquiry into the matter?

A complaint of the nature referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question was made to the police. No evidence in support of it was produced or was obtainable. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative and the third in the affirmative. I see no reason to doubt that the chief constable took the right course.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that parties, including the individual who was the speaker at that meeting, waited upon the chief constable lo submit evidence, and that the chief constable stated that his answer was final?

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. The complainer did have a meeting with one of the inspectors, and he said he did not hear the statement made himself, but he promised to produce evidence the following day. No such evidence was brought by the complainer, consequently the chief constable had no evidence at all.

If evidence is supplied will the Scottish Office take action if the chief constable refuses to take action against this body?

The Crown Officer is always willing to consider any evidence tendered. There was no evidence tendered in this case

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping if he will give details of the amount of tonnage on coast trade round Great Britain during the periods October, 1917, and October, 1918, and also between October, 1918, and October, 1919; and what action he is taking to encourage this modo of transport and thus relieve railway congestion?

The only available statistics relating to coasting traffic are those contained in the monthly trade and navigation accounts, which give the total arrivals and departures coastwise with cargo, including trade between Great Britain and Ireland. For the period October, 1917, to 1918, the total arrivals were 16,684,452 net tons, and for the period October, 1918, to 1919, 19,248,180 net tons. The details of the scheme approved by the Government for the relief of the railways were published by the Board of Trade on 20th August, and I have sent my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the notice.

Will the Shipping Controller, if ho finds the suggestion is not possible to relieve that, congestion, put the pressure he possesses on those merchants who may send traffic not of an expeditious nature to send it by sea?

My right hon. Friend will take every action which lies in his power to relieve the congestion which already exists. He fully realises the seriousness of the present situation.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the annual cost of the remount officers and the liability to provide veterinary treatment and replace casualties incidental to the scheme for hiring out to civilians 15,000 Army horses; and whether these horses can be sold subject to registration for Army requirements in order to avoid this expense?

No actual additional cost is at present incurred in respect of the remount officers employed on this scheme, as these officers are otherwise necessarily employed on other duties. The future cost under this head cannot yet be stated. The cost of veterinary treatment is estimated at £60,000 annually. The cost of replacement from casualties as distinct from age cannot be stated separately, but the total cost of replacement is estimated at an average of £150,000 when the scheme is in full working order. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that the civilians in question make a payment for the use of the horses. Horses can be registered for use in time of war only. The essential feature of this scheme is that it provides horses for annual training in time of peace.

Is it not a fact that horses were always available for training in time of peace apart from this scheme; and would it not be far better to sell the horses and let the money go to the Treasury?

I am afraid that is not the case at all. I think most people would agree that the matter of getting horses for training in time of peace was a matter of almost insuperable difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the ration strength in officers and other ranks and horses of the Royal Artillery Biding Establishment at Weedon; why it is necessary to maintain this new establishment in addition to the riding establishment at Woolwich; and whether it is used chiefly for instructional purposes or as a hunting centre?

The ration strength on the 14th instant was twenty-seven officers and 245 other ranks, of whom a number are under instruction. There are 244 horses. The branch at Weedon is required to train officers and non-commissioned officers as instructors in equitation for the Royal Artillery. The branch at Woolwich, which is unsuitable for this purpose, is required to teach the Cadets at the Royal Military Academy to ride. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is not the establishment additional to pre-war establishment?

Considering that we are engaged in making an Army and training an entirely new professional Artillery to replace the conscripted Artillery, we must have some facilities in the matter of training establishments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what Regulation in the Indian Army Regulations lays down the rule that au officer of the Indian Army taken prisoner of war is to be deprived of half his Staff salary after the first sixty-one days?

The Indian Army Regulations as printed make no provision for the pay of officers as prisoners of war. The Regulations referred to in my previous answer were specially made at the beginning of the War by agreement between the India Office and the War Office, as was explained in the answer which I quoted in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question last week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a fresh agreement to give Indian officers better terms?

I have looked at the question closely again, and I cannot see why, in justice, we should give officers of the Indian Army treatment substantially different from the treatment we give the officers in our own Army.

Do not officers of the British Army get full pay whilst prisoners of war; and why should officers of the Indian Army be deprived of their fall pay?

No; the same principle is applied to both.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether lie is now prepared to revoke the Order temporarily reimposed at the time of the recent railway strike requiring rear lights to be carried on cycles?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has appointed a Committee to inquire into the whole question, and has represented to me that it is particularly desirable to retain the requirements of the Lights (Vehicles) Order for the present on account of the restrictions in street lighting which have been adopted by the local authorities in many places because of shortage of coal. The Committee have been asked to deal with the matter as one of urgency, and, in these circumstances, I propose to retain the Order for the present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is on the country roads principally where these lights are essential in the interests of the safety of bicycle riders; and even when coal is not quite so short will he consider the advisability of retaining these lights?

The Committee, of course, will report on that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he will give the tonnage available for canal traffic in Great Britain, and if and how much such traffic has increased since the Armistice was signed, and by what amount pressure on railways for the carriage of merchandise has been relieved?

I have been asked to answer this question. "A" Return, prepared by the Canal Control Committee at the end of August last, shows that at that date there were 7,254 narrow boats and 3,835 wide boats available for service, while 617 of the former and 459 of the latter were out of commission awaiting repairs widen were much in arrears owing to the difficulty of obtaining skilled labour during the War. With an average carrying capacity of 28 tons for the' narrow and 40 tons for the wide boats, the tonnage available at the end of August was 356,512 tons. The total tonnage carried over the canals in Great Britain under the control of the Committee for the ten months preceding the Armistice was 15,875,478 tons, or an average of 1,587,548 tons per month. For the month of November, 1918, 1,408,068 tons of traffic were conveyed. For the ten months succeeding November, 1918, the total tonnage conveyed was 14,529,524 tons, or an average of 1,452,952 tons per month, which represents a decrease at the rate of 135,000 tons per month.

In view of the very serious condition of the railways, what steps does the hon. Gentleman propose to take to increase the shipping on our canals, instead of decreasing it, as the reply suggests?

The Minister of Transport is in almost daily touch with the Canal Controller.

What are the steps being taken to remedy the situation?

I am not prepared to answer that question. If my hon. Friend will give me notice, I will deal with it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many county councils in England and Wales have submitted proposals for light railways; the mileage and estimated cost of such scheme; and the present position as regards construction?

Proposals for the construction of light railways in agricultural districts have been received from nineteen county councils and agricultural executive committees. The total mileage of the routes suggested is, approximately, 968. No estimates of the cost of these schemes have been made by the Board. Such estimates will be drawn up by the Ministry of Transport in respect of any schemes which the Government propose to adopt. So far as I am aware, no construction work has actually been begun.

Before any of these schemes are finally accepted by whatever Department is finally responsible, will it be necessary for them to show that they can be made self-supporting?

I think that question ought to be addressed to the Minister of Transport. I believe the answer is in the negative. One question would be considered as to what advantage the scheme would confer on the neighbourhood.

asked the Minister of Transport if he would give the House a broad outline of the steps that are being taken to permanently improve the travelling facilities between inner and outer London; and if he will specifically state whether any immediate steps are being taken to relieve) the overcrowding existing on the route from West Ham to the City?

The subject of the improvement of the travelling facilities referred to is one of the chief matters which will engage the attention of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic which has recently been appointed, under the Chairmanship of the hon. Member for Hornsey. The increase of rolling stock which the Metropolitan District Railway Company has on order will, it is hoped, alleviate the congestion on this as on other routes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, not withstanding the present great shortage of railway wagons, the Great Northern Railway Company are insisting on ton-lots and upwards for one destination being loaded into through wagons instead of allowing wagons to be loaded to their full capacity and when necessary dealt with at London sorting stations; and is he aware that the effect of this is that in many cases wagons are, travelling up and down the country only half filled?

I am aware that the Great Northern Railway Company are in some instances sending wagons through to destination stations with less than a maximum load. This is being done to avoid the alternative of sending the consignments to King's Cross for transhipment, which would have the effect of increasing congestion at that station. The existing arrangement results in better traffic working, and on balance is in the public interest.

Are we to understand that the less the wagons carry the less the congestion will be?

No, Sir; that is not the case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can furnish the name and address of one ex-Service man placed by the Board of Agriculture on lands acquired under the Small Holdings Colonies Acts, 1916–18, the rent of whose holding has been fixed and the buildings and other equipment completed; and whether he can state the area of such holding, the rent of the land and buildings, the name of the scheme, and the estate where such holding completely equipped can be inspected?

Yes, Sir; Samuel Gibson is in occupation of holding No. 20 on Castle Huntly estate, Longforgan. The holding extends to 50 acres. The equipped rent is 40s. per acre.

Will my right hon. Friend give the name of a second.

I have answered the question on the Paper. There are, I understand, 100 more settlers who will be settled on the land this month.

asked the Food Controller if he can state the approximate amount of sugar there was in the country for each month since January, 1919; will the amount now in the country warrant a larger ration supply to the people; and, if so, will he grant the same?

The bonded stocks of sugar in the country are shown in the statistics published by His Majesty's Board of Customs and Excise in the monthly issues of trade and navigation of the United Kingdom. I am having the figures for which the hon. Member asks extracted and sent to him. The reply to the second part of this question is in the negative. The third part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Food Controller if it is possible for the manufacturers of sweets to obtain as much sugar as they require providing they pay to the Food Control Department a profit; of 3d. per lb.; and, if so, will he state the amount of profit made this year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Food Controller whether he will state the amount of money paid per lb. for cheese to the farmer for home-produced cheese; and how much is the Government losing per lb. on home-produced cheese?

The price paid by my Department to the farmer for home-produced hard cheese is at present 2s. per lb. for first grade; correspondingly lower prices are paid for inferior grades. After allowance is made for the costs of distribution, the loss on this home cheese taken by itself is at the rate of about 10½d. per lb. All the Ministry's purchases of cheese, both home and imported, are, however, pooled financially and sold at a fiat maximum, retail price, the losses on home cheese being met out of the margin of profit on the much larger bulk of imported cheese.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware of the continued discontent among the poor at the continuing profiteering which is going on; is he aware of the unrest caused by this practice; and will he take immediate steps to deal more drastically with the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the high cost of living causes discontent, but it is very necessary to remember that high prices and profiteering are by no means the same thing. Many prices are at present very high, even with profits most strictly limited. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that the Profiteering Act has now been applied to all the principal necessaries of life other than controlled articles, and that Central Appeal and local committees have been set up to hear and determine cases of alleged profiteering at all stages in the production and distribution of goods. The remedy for profiteering, which has, in my opinion, been very greatly reduced by the operation of the Act, lies now in the hands of the public, who are invited to lodge complaints wherever they have reasonable grounds for believing themselves to be the victims of unreasonable profit-making.

asked the Food Controller whether the price of rabbits is controlled; and whether they are scheduled by the Board of Trade under the Profiteering Act?

The price of rabbits is controlled under the Wild Rabbit (Prices) Order, dated the 16th August. 1918 Articles of food the prices of which are controlled by the Ministry of Food are expressly excluded from the operation of the Profiteering Act.

Does this apply to Ireland?

No.

asked the Food Controller what are the details, item by item, of the cost of production of milk upon which the price of Is. per quart is based; and whether, in. order to allay public misapprehension and class dissension, he will in future publish such itemised details when announcing controlled prices of food products?

The items included in the producer's price of 2s. 9 6/7;d. per gallon of milk during the seven winter months, on which the maximum retail price of 1s. per quart during five of these months is based, have been estimated in, the following proportions:

	Per cent,
Feeding stuffs	63
Labour	15
Rent, depreciation and repairs	12.5
Cartage to producer's railway station	1.5
Producer's margin, including interest and managerial expenses	8

The wholesaler is permitted an average maximum margin, out of which railway charges are paid, of 5d. per gallon, and the retailer's average maximum distribution is 8d. per gallon, the average retail price being accordingly 3s. 10 6/7;d. per gallon for the seven months in question. I would point out that the price of Is. per quart is not a fixed price but a maximum price; this consideration applies equally in the case of the producer and the wholesaler. I am always willing to give itemised! details when requested, but even these are-apt to be misunderstood.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the seven months on which the actual cost is based includes seven summer mouths, or on the average of seven months, taking the seasons right through the year?

The price is baaed on seven consecutive months. It is a matter of controversy whether the months ought to be included in winter or summer.

Is the increased cost of feeding, owing to profiteering in oil cake production, included in the seven months on which the increased price of milk is based?

I have reserved to myself the power in the event of the price of feeding stuff's substantially diminishing to review the price accordingly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the comparative position, having regard to acreage, tonnage, and disease, of the British and German potato crops in the current year?

The acreage under potatoes in Great Britain this year is 630,600 acres. The estimates of production are not yet available, but the yield will probably be below the average. There is, however, unusually little disease this year. No statistics concerning Germany have yet been published so far as I am aware.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can give the number of cases of wart disease in potatoes up to 1st November; and what was the figure up to the same date in the years 1916, 1917, and 1918?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information required by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is increasing or decreasing?

There has been an increase, I am sorry to say.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of eggs in this country owing to the reduction in imports, any steps are being taken, systematically and adequately, to bring before farmers and smallholders engaged upon the land the imperative need for increased numbers of poultry upon the farms of the country, and, more especially, how far definite work for extension, apart from ordinary lectures, is being undertaken in the counties by visitation of the farmers and providing classes for farmers' wives and daughters in this subject?

Every endeavour is being made to extend the industry, not only by lectures, but in a practical way, by distributing among small poultry-keepers sittings of eggs from distributing stations, of which 158 have already been established, and by training in poultry-keeping settlers on certain of the Board's farm settlements, and disabled men at other centres. Generally, I may say that the Board fully recognise the importance of encouraging poultry-keeping, and are taking active steps to induce county committees to promote the industry by all well-considered means.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the desirability of the adoption of some scheme of mothers' pensions; and if he is aware that in the United States of America thirty-five States concede adequate mothers' pensions; that three provinces out of the nine in Canada pay mothers' pensions; that New Zealand allows £30 per year for the widow with children, under the 1913 Act; and that Queensland. Australia, allows l5s. per week for all widows and from 8s. to 10s. per week for each child?

I can only refer to the reply given on the 13th instant to a similar question put by the hon. Member for East Islington, and to the reply to the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for South Tottenham on the 5th instant, to the effect that the Government does not feel able to undertake legislation on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to recommend to the Government that the whole question of the endowment of motherhood should be reviewed by the Government in connection with the Insurance Act?

The most elaborate detailed inquiries have been made into the subject already.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be more economical, in view of the cost of maintaining the children, to carry out the measure suggested by the hon. Member than to allow them to go into the workhouse?

That may be so, but the question is addressed to the subject of mothers' pensions.

I am suggesting that as an alternative. Would it not be wiser and more economical to give the pensions than to allow them to go into the workhouse at double the cost?

These pensions are proposed for the mothers. The hon. Member is referring to the children.

Both mothers and children.

asked the Prime Minister if it has been brought to his notice that the London County Council and twenty-six municipal councils, including those of Leeds, York, Barrow-in-Furness, Burnley, Stoke-on-Trent, and Wigan, have passed resolutions in support of the Local Elections (Proportional Representation) Bill, 1919; and if he will endeavour to pass this Bill, which is merely a permissive Bill, through the House of Commons during the present Session in order to me-et the demand of these important councils?

So far I have only received one resolution on this subject. Owing to the pressure on Parliamentary time it is unlikely that it will be possible to proceed with the Local Elections Bill this Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of introducing an amendment to the Old Age Pension Act to the effect that payments from friendly societies and other provident organisations shall not be taken into account when calculating the income of a claimant for the old age pension, and thus remove the penalty which now applies to those who, by their thrift, have endeavoured to make some provision for themselves?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to the hon. Member for Hertford on the 10th instant.

When may we expect a decision, because the only answer I received was that the matter was receiving consideration?

That is so. The Government awaited the Report of the Old Age Pension Commission, and now they have to examine that Report and decide on the course they shall take.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the Government have any information as to when Congress is likely to meet and definitely signify whether or not the United States will share in the responsibility for protecting the peoples inhabiting the former Turkish Empire and for assisting them until they can stand alone; whether the Government will state what is the approximate daily cost to this country for maintaining the necessary troops and establishments in the Near East pending the decision of the United States Government on this matter, in view of the statement that the daily cost per head of the Army at the present moment is roughly 16s. 8d. and whether, pending the decision of the United States Government, there is any reasonable hope that, taking into consideration the prominent part played by the President of the United States in the establishment of the League of Nations and the mandatory system, it may he anticipated that part of the cost foe maintaining order in the Near East will be shared by the United States of America?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no certain information as to when the American decision on this question may be expected. But while it is the sincere hope of His Majesty's Government that America will co-operate in this task, they and their European Allies are fully alive to the necessity for preparing for the contrary contingency. As regards the second part of the question, the Army of the Black Sea is costing £24,000 a day. This does not, however, include the various substantial commitments in Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Persia. As regards the third part of the question, His Majesty's Government have urged that the expenses of the Armistice period in occupied parts of Turkey may be refunded to the occupying Power by any other Power which may eventually receive the mandate for any of these areas

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that since the estimate of £10,000,000 as the annual Imperial subsidy under the Housing Act of this year was made in May last year the cost of building materials and labour and of raising money has much increased; and whether, in view of these facts, he will consider the advisability of presenting revised estimates to the House?

The estimate of £10,000,000 is a recent one, and my right hon. Friend sees no reason to revise it.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the estimates which have been published recently showing that there is a loss per annum of something like £20,000, £30,000, or even £50,000?

No, I have not seen those estimates.

In the event, as is generally understood, of the Government introducing new proposals on Friday, which may modify the finance, will the Leader of the House take steps to have a statement in the hands of hon. Members before the discussion?