asked the Prime Minister when he will be able to make a statement as to the progress of the negotiations between the Government and the representatives of the National Union of Railwaymen with regard to standardisation?

The negotiations now proceeding with the railway unions have not yet reached a stage at which I can say when a statement can be made.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the great difficulty manufacturers have in securing delivery of goods, and that this difficulty is accentuated by the fact that empty cases are not returned whereby further deliveries of goods can be made; and if he will ascertain whether wagons that are being kept in sidings for emergency purposes of war are still retained in districts for this purpose?

In reply to the first part of the question, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Buckingham. The reply to the latter part is that no wagons are being retained as suggested.

asked the Minister of Transport, with regard to his White Paper on Railway Working, No. 402, what portion of the estimated deficit for the present financial year is due to the 6s. per ton imposed upon coal?

The amount allowed in the estimated expenditure of the railway companies for the present financial year in respect of the increase of 6s. per ton in the price of coal is, approximately,.£3,000,000.

asked the Minister of Transport how many railway wagons are being built in the United Kingdom at the present moment for use in this country; how many contracts have been placed; how many wagons have been ordered by the Ministry of Transport; and how many by the railway companies since the signing of the Armistice?

I am unable to furnish figures for the whole period since the signing of the Armistice; but from the beginning of the year up to 30th September 8,480 wagons had been constructed, and orders had been placed by the railway companies for the construction of a further 22,600 wagons, including contracts with outside firms for 5,400. No wagons have been ordered by the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if the Rates Advisory Committee, provided for by Section 21 of the Transport Act, have commenced their deliberations; and whether a preliminary inquiry will be held respecting the proposed revision of rates, fares, tolls, dues, and other charges;(2) whether public notice of the date and place of inquiry, provided for by Section 21 (3) of the Ministry of Transport Act, has been or will be given; and whether an opportunity will be afforded to traders and others affected to appear before such inquiry in order that their views may be heard respecting the proposed revision of rates, fares, tolls, dues, and other charges?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Southwark. The procedure of the Rates Advisory Committee both as to any inquiry they hold and the person s they desire to hear is a matter which is by the Act left entirely to the discretion of the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister if there is a strong feeling in certain quarters that full advantage has not been taken of the lessons learned during the War in the matter of the physical education of children; and if he will consider the advisability of establishing in every county directors of physical education competent to supervise instruction in this subject?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. Special grants are paid by the Board of Education in aid of expenditure of local education authorities on the employment of competent persons to organise and supervise the physical training of children in public elementary schools. This applies not only to counties but to the areas of all authorities for elementary education, and fifty-one such authorities are now employing recognised organising superintendents. I do not think occasion has arisen for such direct action as the hon. and gallant Member suggests.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that under the Distress for Rent Act, 1737, where a tenant gives notice to quit but fails to quit in accordance with such notice the landlord is entitled to charge double rent, and that the Court of Appeal has decided that such double rent is not an increase of rent within the terms of the Increase of Rent Act, 1915; and whether he will give facilities for the early passage of an amending Bill to meet the situation so created?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply to this question. The facts are as stated in the question. It does not appear to me that legislation upon the matter is urgently required. The penalty rent is payable only where the notice to quit has been given by the tenant, and the tenant thereafter fails to give up possession in pursuance of his own notice. In these circumstances, what is described in the question as "the situation so created" is, in fact, created by the tenant himself.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimates have been drawn up on the saving which might be effected if all the States which are members of the League of Nations would agree to retain in their national forces only such military services as were in existence before the War and to hand over to the League of Nations all those services, including the Air Force, tanks, poison gas, submarines, and other instru- ments of war, which have been invented during the War or which have been exceptionally developed during the War?

No, Sir; not so far as my right hon. Friend knows.

asked the Minister of Food whether since August last the price of hogs in the United States of America has fallen from 24s. to 12s.; whether it is an invariable rule of the trade in this country in the past that a fall in the price of hogs would have resulted in a reduction in the price of bacon; and why there has been no reduction in the price of bacon in that period?

There has been a considerable fail in the price of hogs in the United States since control of bacon was. resumed in August, although the figures given by the hon. Member are not quite accurate. I cannot assent to the suggestion made in the second part of the question that a fall in the price of hogs should invariably and automatically result in a reduction in the price of bacon; but it might reasonably result in the averaging of the cost prices for the purpose of arriving at a reasonable retail price. Immediately control of bacon was resumed on 9th August the wholesale price of American bacon was reduced by approximately 15s. per cwt. and that of Canadian by approximately 25s. per cwt., in order to avoid any increase in the retail price. As I have previously stated, since the resumption of control bacon has been sold by my Department at below cost price owing to these reductions, and it is the Food Controller's intention to reduce the retail price as soon as the cost, including the loss on exchange, permits.

asked the-Minister of Food whether he is aware that, at a conference of representatives of food committees in Monmouthshire, it was decided to resign from such committees on the 31st December, 1919, unless they are reinvested with power to fix milk prices; and will he reconsider his decision and grant this power?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller is not prepared to grant food control committees power to fix milk prices.

asked the Minister of Food if the Government hold large stocks of rum; and, if so, if it is intended to realise any part of them and by what methods?

No, Sir. The Admiralty and the War Office are the only Departments which hold any stocks of rum, but these are not more than sufficient to meet their requirements.

asked the Minister of Food the amount paid or due to be paid up to the 1st of November last to recoup the losses of bad grading and valuation of cattle and sheep distribution to the London meat retailers?

No payments of the nature described have been made, or are due to retailers.

asked the Minister of Food whether permission will be given for fat stock sold at local Christmas shows to be sold under the pre-war conditions, plus the Government control charges, in accordance with the arrangements made for Smithfield Show?

Permission has already been given for the sale by auction of fat stock exhibited at certain Christmas shows — namely, those at Smithfield, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Norwich. The stock is to be sold in this manner on condition that the necessary per-head charges are paid to the Ministry of Food, and that the meat is eventually retailed at prices not exceeding those fixed by he Meat (Maximum Prices) Order.

asked the Minister of Food what is the stock of dried fruit at present in this country; when it was purchased and at what price; and why it was sold at 10d. per lb. to the retailers who are now selling it to the public at 1s. 2d. per lb.

The stocks of dried fruits at present in this country are estimated at approximately 50,000 tons; this figure includes stocks in bonded warehouses, and those held by wholesalers and retailers. The bulk of these stocks were purchased by my Department in August, September, and October of this year; the remainder were purchased on private account, and it is not possible to state when the purchases were effected. The prices paid by the Ministry range from 35s. per cwt. to 125s. per cwt., according to variety. The selling price to retailers ranges from 4½d. per lb. to 1s. 3½d. per lb, according to variety; and the maximum, retail prices vary between 6d. per lb. and 2s. per lb.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a large quantity of oil cake has been stored in malt kilns at Wath-on-Dearne since August of last year; and, seeing that the oil cake is of less feeding value now a winter has passed and rent is still being paid, he will inquire into the matter?

The oil cake to which the hon. and gallant Member refers formed part of the stocks maintained by the Ministry in various inland stores. It has now been sold and will be removed within the next fortnight.

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the total quantity of whisky in bond in the United Kingdom on the date of the latest returns?

Whisky is not distinguished from other spirits in the official records of the Board of Customs and Excise, and it is not, therefore, possible to give the figures for which the hon. and gallant Member asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what contracts his Department has recently entered into for a supply of imported meat to this country; with what importing companies have such contracts been made; from what countries such supplies are to be obtained; what are the prices to be paid; and for how long are the contracts to run?

The Board of Trade have entered into no contracts recently for the importation of refrigerated meat.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the terms of reference to the Committee about to inquire into Irish County Court and local registration of title matters ignore the existence of the subordinate stalls, while the terms of reference to the similar Committee at present engaged upon an inquiry into English County Court affairs covers the interests of the English County Court subordinate staffs; and is he aware that in the terms of reference to the Irish Committee there is a proposal to amalgamate salaries of officials with allowances for payment of the subordinate staffs into one sum, and that to put such a proposal into practice would make it to the interest of the officials in question to underpay the subordinate staffs for their own personal profit?

My hon. and learned Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. The reference to the Irish Committee does not ignore the existence of the subordinate staffs of clerks of the Crown and Peace. The staffs of these officers, who are remunerated from clerical allowance provided for the latter, will be afforded every facility for placing their views before the Committee, and the Association of Land Registry and County Court Assistants has been so informed. The reference to this Committee contains no proposal of the character suggested in the second part of the question. The Irish Government has no official information as to the reference to the English Committee.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to make any statement as regards the question of increased pensions of ex-members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and the Royal Irish Constabulary?

I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement. I have, however, received draft proposals from my advisers which I am submitting to the Treasury.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Regulations for the carrying out of the Public Health (Medical Treatment of Children) (Ireland) Act have not yet been made; whether he can explain the reason for the delay in this matter; and whether the Regulations when made will ensure that only fully-trained nurses shall be employed in connection with the medical inspection and treatment of school children?

The Irish Public Health Council are at present engaged in drawing up these Regulations, which are of a detailed and comprehensive character, and cannot be completed until the various interests affected have been consulted. The council, however, realise the importance of formulating them at the earliest possible moment and no time is being lost in the matter. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in estimating the weekly cost of the 55,000 troops in Ireland on 22nd October, 1919, at £210,000, which is at a rate of about 10s. 11d. per day per head, the same items of cost were taken into account as in estimating the daily cost per head of the Army on 6th November, 1919, at about 16s. 8d. per head; and, if so, what is the cause of the difference?

No, Sir. The estimates are not on the same basis. The term "cost" of troops has different meanings, according to the context and the intention of the questioner. In giving the estimate of 16s. 8d. per head it was explicitly stated that this figure represented the current rate of Army Expenditure under all heads, divided by the numbers serving. The rate of 10s. 11d. per day was given in reply to a question which was understood to be addressed to the immediate possibilities of saving by the demobilisation of men, and represents only the rate of current expenditure upon the individual soldier. If there has been any failure to divine correctly what was in the mind of hon. Members in asking the questions, I can only express my regret.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many British ships of any description are engaged in enforcing a blockade of Germany in connection with the German attack on Latvia?

As stated by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Kingston-upon-Hull on Thursday last, no blockade of the German coasts has been declared or is being enforced.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many immediate awards of British decorations have been given to the British troops of the Syren (Murmansk) and Elope (Archangel) forces respectively; what were the total number of casualties in these forces; how many persons have been court-martialled; and how many condemned to imprisonment and penal servitude?

The number of immediate awards are—Murmansk 214, and Archangel 615; of these 147 and 330 awards respectively have not yet been published in the "London Gazette," but this will be done as soon as the names, etc., have been verified. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to my reply on the 11th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Fairfield. To obtain the information asked for in the last part would involve much research, and I regret that under present conditions it cannot be undertaken.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's ship "Indomitable" was recently sold out of the Service to be broken up by ship breakers; and, if so, why this work could not have been performed in one of the Royal dockyards, and so have found employment for some of the men it is proposed to discharge?

His Majesty's ship "Indomitable" has not been sold and is not on the Sale List. Certain obsolete battleships, however, have recently been or will be sold for breaking up. It is not proposed to break them up in the Royal dockyards because, as I am advised, wharf, crane, and dock facilities are not immediately available. We have, how- ever, caused a certain number of small craft to be sent to the Royal dockyards for breaking up—facilities being available—and we shall continue to do this.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, under the new scale of pay in the Navy which is intended to be an advance on the former pay, a sub-lieutenant is, in fact, receiving 6d. a day less than before owing to the fact that mess and other allowances are stopped; and whether he will have the matter inquired into with a view to remedying what is obviously a mistake?

I am not aware that under the new Regulations a sub-lieutenant receives in pay 6d. a day less than under the old. The pay of a sub-lieutenant was, up to 31st January, 7s. 6d. and is now 10s. a day. It is true that messing allowance has been abolished, but this, I am advised, applied only to officers of the Royal Naval Reserve. My hon. Friend will, of course, realise that allowances depend upon duties, and that it is therefore impossible to guarantee their continuance. I may, however, state that officers of all ranks were permitted to retain their former pay and allowances, if more advantageous to them than the new pay and allowances, during appointments held at the date of issue of the new Regulations.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that His Majesty's tugs "Pert" and "Sprite" were employed on the salvage of steamship "Southpoint" and His Majesty's tugs "Swarthy" and "Grappler," and the dockyard salvage party on that of steamship "India," and that all were omitted from the awards made for the salvage of these two vessels; and whether claims can be preferred for the officers and men concerned?

The services rendered by His Majesty's tugs "Pert" and "Sprite," after the steamship "South-point" arrived at Portland, were not considered to justify a claim for salvage. In respect of the salvage of the steamship "India," the personal awards have been distributed as made by the arbitrator but the services of the other claimants will be-considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there are a large number of floating mines in the North Sea; whether adequate steps are being taken to rid the North Sea of this grave danger; and whether he has considered the equipment of trading vessels with light guns so that mines can be destroyed on sight?

It is unfortunately true that there are a large number of floating mines in the North Sea, and I fear this is mevitable as long as the mined areas for the clearance of which Great Britain is not responsible remain in existence. I may mention that 108 drifting mines have been destroyed on and around the coasts of this country during the past two months. As regards the second part of the question, eight destroyers are employed on this work, and they are considered adequate for the purpose. As regards the last part of the question, light guns for mine-sweeping are supplied to trading vessels at the owners' request; rifles and ammunition for the same purpose are supplied to suitable trading vessels and fishing vessels.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position of the established workmen under the proposal for shortening time in His Majesty's dockyards, and will the salaried officers be affected in the same manner as the ordinary workmen?

With regard to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the established workman is in the same position as the unestablished workman. With regard to the latter part of the question, the case of salaried officers is being separately considered. I may, however, observe that short time has been proposed as an expedient to obviate discharges of workpeople. So far as the office staff is concerned, it is, for the time being, still intended to meet reduction of work by means of reduction of staff. As regards the clerical staff, it may be that the short-time system will not mean any reduction in their duties. In that case, if the members are called upon to work full time they will be paid full time. The same will probably be found to be true of members of the directing staff generally, whose responsibilities are far from being confined to a fixed number of hours per day, and who one and all have, so far as I know, never looked to put a fixed limit to their hours of work.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if there is a stock of 10,000 tons of Pocahontas coal under the charge of the S.N.O., Halifax; if it has been there six months; and, if so, in view of the delay experienced by British ships carrying mails from the United States of America, owing to coaling at Halifax, if it is possible temporarily to release some of this coal?

I am advised that the information as stated in the first two parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question was substantially correct on the 10th November, but on that date authority was given by wire for a portion of the stock to be released for bunkering British vessels.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it was provided by Army Order No. 3, of 5th May, 1919, that recommendations for awards, promotions, or distinctions for officers and men who distinguished themselves early in the War, and subsequently underwent prolonged captivity, might be submitted, with proper corroboration, to the War Office; whether such recommendations have been submitted and how many awards have been made in such cases; and, if no such awards have been made, when will they be announced?

The Army Order to which my hon. Friend refers is wider than he suggests, as it covers—

(a) Services in action prior to the 15th November, 19I7;

(b) Gallant conduct in escaping or at tempting to escape from captivity;

(c) Valuable services whilst in captivity.

A very large number of recommendations have been received under these categories, and they are now being dealt with by a specially appointed Committee. It is expected that the work of this Committee will be finished shortly, and that a considerable number of awards will in due- course be approved by His Majesty and gazetted. Much work still remains to be done in the matter, and it is difficult to forecast a date with any certainty, but it is hoped that the awards will be gazetted before the end of the year, possibly about the 20th December.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council, in granting permanent commissions, gives preference to boys at Sandhurst with necessarily limited military experience, and is demobilising temporary officers of distinguished war service who are desirous of remaining in the Army and whose ages are under twenty-five years?

The policy of the Army Council in this matter was very fully explained in reply to questions asked by the hon. and gallant Members for Abingdon and Dulwich on the 23rd October and 11th November respectively. I would refer my hon. Friend to those replies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether length of service would always be considered before discharging men employed on the temporary civil staff for engineer services, War Department?

Length of service is taken into consideration when discharging men employed on the temporary civil staff for engineer services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Lieut.-Colonel G. S. Haines, who failed to establish his case at a court-martial on Quartermaster and hon. Lieut. A. Canning in June, 1918, was commandant of the camp of prisoners of war at Newbury during September, 1914; and whether the subsequent removal of Lieut.-Colonel G. S. Haines from the active list as a re-employed officer is connected with this failure?

Lieut.-Colonel G. S. Haines was commandant of the Prisoners of War Camp, Newbury, from the 26th August, 1914, to the 22nd January, 1915. Quartermaster and hon. Lieut. A. Canning was tried by court-martial in June, 1918, and acquitted. The removal of Lieut.-Colonel Haines from the active list was not directly connected with this court-martial.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can consider the desirability of awarding a special decoration somewhat on the lines, but in addition thereto, of the long service and good conduct medal to men who have completed the specified period though in different spheres and in different branches of His Majesty's Forces?

Medals in recognition of length of service combined with good conduct and efficiency already exist for award to the personnel of all branches of His Majesty's land forces. The conditions of service in the various branches of these forces differ so widely that the award of a new medal in recognition of the total service rendered is not considered advisable. The institution of such a medal would, moreover, tend to diminish the value of the existing long service and good conduct medals, which at the present time are much sought after and highly prized.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decorations or awards have been made during the War to any Army ranks, proceeding to their military destination, for gallantry in action against the enemy whilst at sea; and, if so, whether he will state the numbers of each kind of decoration or award granted under such conditions?

Such rewards have been conferred from time to time on officers, soldiers, and nurses, either through the medium of the half-yearly "Honours Gazettes" or as immediate awards by Commanders-in-Chief in the Field. They have been conferred both for gallantry and devotion in action against the enemy in the circumstances indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend, and in connection with the saving of life when ships have been sunk or damaged by enemy action. There is no record available of the total number of such rewards and mentions in dispatches, and the preparation of a list would necessitate a great deal of research, which I am afraid could not, under present circumstances, be undertaken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inform the military authorities in Wales that their action in securing the services of the Chief Constable of Monmouthshire to procure the names and addresses of secretaries of trade union branches was unauthorised and unnecessary, and that there could be no occasion when the military authorities could impart useful information to those secretaries on matters affecting their branches?

No, Sir, I do not propose to take the action suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under any decisions arrived at as to the type of uniform to be worn by Army officers in the future, he will allow Regular officers to wear pre-war mess uniforms till such uniforms are worn out?

The recommendations of the Dress and Uniform Committee are under consideration. It is hoped to make an announcement regarding mess dress for officers shortly. It has always been customary to allow officers in possession of old pattern uniform to continue to wear it for a certain period, usually five years, and in the event of any change in mess uniform being introduced this practice will continue.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 52nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, now stationed at Bonn, in Germany, is proceeding to Dantzig; and, if so, for what purpose?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that lads of sixteen and seventeen years of age are being accepted as recruits for the Army; and whether lads of this age are entitled to be released from the Army if their parents make application for their release and prove that their age is as stated above?

The consent of the parents or guardian is required to the enlistment into the Army of any recruit under eighteen years of age. The Recruiting Regulations order that, whenever there is any ground for suspicion that a recruit is under the age mentioned, full inquiries are to be made before enlistment is approved, and the attention of recruiting officers has recently been drawn particularly to this Regulation. The reply to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative as regards lads under seventeen years of age. The discharge of soldiers over seventeen years of age who have mis-stated their age on enlistment is only authorised as a concession under certain circumstances. I would also refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Members for Wigan and Springburn on the 10th and 10th November respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can place in the Library, for the information of Members, specimen ribbons of all British medals and orders, and also of all Allied medals and orders?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, and see how it can best be carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a large number of Chinese coolies are being employed to clear up the battlefields in France; whether he is aware that many thousands of discharged sailors and soldiers are unable to obtain employment; and whether he will arrange that in future this clearance work shall be first offered to those discharged men who are willing to undertake it?

If the work now done by the Chinese in France was carried out by civilians an extra charge would fall on the Government, since the Chinese would still have to remain in France until repatriated. They are not being employed in substitution for white labour, but circumstances, not due to the Work on which they are engaged, have prevented more rapid repatriation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Private J. Welding, alias W. Halliwell, Tank Corps, Wareham, Dorset, whose wife has a separation order against him for £1 12s. 6d. per week for the support of herself and two children, and who are now in receipt of 15s. per week from the Poor Law; and whether he will take steps to divert this man's pay to the support of his wife and children, which was promised by his commanding officer to Mrs. Welding in a letter dated 22nd August, 1919, or order that she shall be taken on the strength of the married establishment?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as officers of the Territorial Forces transferred to the Regular Army during the War are obliged to count their services in the Territorial Forces towards the qualifying period to sit on courts-martial and for other unpleasant duties, he will consider the advisability of allowing such officers to count a proportion of their pre-war, and the whole of their mobilised, service with the Territorial Forces towards the qualifying period of fifteen years for a pension?

If a Territorial officer is transferred to a Regular commission he already counts all previous mobilised service. I am unable to entertain the suggestion that non-mobilised service should count.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that soldiers suffering from mental diseases, aggravated or attributable to war service, are in many cases confined in pauper lunatic asylums; and whether he will see that all such patients are removed to private homes or hospitals in order that they may receive special treatment which may be the means of bringing back mental efficiency?

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to a similar question addressed to me on the 13th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is considering any rearrangement of the local war pensions committees which will result in the local committees in London boroughs being directly appointed by himself; and if so, whether he proposes to appoint the members upon the advice of the public authority for each borough;(2) whether, under any rearrangement of the local war pensions committees in London, he will ensure that all appointments shall be made by publicly elected bodies?

I cannot usefully make any announcement at present. I will not, however, overlook the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of dissatisfaction and discontent among members of the Discharged and Demobilised Sailors' and Soldiers' Federation at the refusal of the Army Council to sanction any increase in the amount of war gratuities and pay for service in Class Z Reserve; and whether he can see his way to suspend the operation of that decision and favourably to consider the men's demands for larger war gratuities on the officer basis, under Article 497 of the Royal Warrant, calculated on present rates of pay, and also an advance in the rate for service in Class Z Reserve on the basis of 1st Class Army Reserve?

Both these questions have been the subject of the most careful consideration, but for reasons which have already been explained to the Federation it is not possible to make any alteration in the basis of the war gratuity or the conditions of service in Class Z of the Reserve.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a number of civilians are still employed in record and pay offices; and whether suitable ex-soldiers can be found for many, if not more, of such appointments?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Ex-soldiers have been for some time and are constantly being substituted for civilian personnel wherever this is possible, having regard to the efficient working of the offices in question. My hon. Friend will realise, however, that such a transition can only be made gradually.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions for what purpose No. 14 filling factory at Rotherwas, near Hereford, has been taken over by the Woolwich Arsenal; and how many persons it is purposed to employ there?

The Hereford factory has not been taken over by Woolwich Arsenal, though both the factory and the Arsenal are under the control of the Ministry of Munitions. The Hereford factory is engaged on the breaking down of surplus ammunition. The number of persons employed is 348 men and 136 women. I cannot at present give an estimate of the number of persons who will eventually be employed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the total sum realised up to the present time by the sale of surplus war materials of all kinds; what is the total expenditure incurred in connection with the disposal of such materials; and what is the estimated value of the property which has still to be disposed of in this country and abroad?

The total sum realised by the sale of surplus stores and property from the date of the Armistice to the 1st November, so far as the figures have come to hand, is, approximately, £111,000,000. In addition to this, £102,000,000 have been received during the same period, in respect of sales of raw materials dealt with on trading account. It is impossible to give an estimate of the value of the property which may ultimately be notified for disposal at home and abroad. As to the total expenditure incurred in connection with disposals, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Edge Hill.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether only 26 per cent. of the total number of persons employed at the Gretna Factory are ex-Service men; and whether, in view of the large number of ex-Service men recently discharged from this factory and the consequent unemployment and distress which is threatened, he can now announce the intentions of the Government in respect of Gretna Factory, and say whether there is any prospect of the re-employment of the ex-Service men who were formerly employed there?

The number of ex-Service men employed at Gretna is 33 per cent, of the number of male employés, or 28 per cent, of the total number of employés. The future of the factory is still under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what steps have been taken in dismantling the extensive munition works at Gretna; the number of persons discharged from such works during the last three months; how many are still retained in Government employ; what progress has been made in the sale of buildings, plant, machinery, etc.; and the total amount so far realised by such sales?

During the past three months 1,445 persons have been discharged from Gretna. The total number of the staff is at present 1,262. No steps have yet been taken towards dismantling the manufacturing units at the factory. The following sales of surplus stores, materials and huts have been effected:

Furniture	£18,905
Huts	29,931
Building Materials	11,880
Total	£60,716

In addition to these, a number of smaller cash sales have also been effected, the details of which are not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the number of teachers who have actually retired under the provisions of the Superannuation Act, 1918, since that measure came into operation in April last; and how many teachers have actually been awarded pensions and gratuities up to the present time?

I am not aware of the number of teachers who have retired since the 1st of April, 1919, but the Board have received 1,723 formal applications for Superannuation Allowances from teachers of over sixty under that Act since that date. Awards have been made in 1,027 of these cases, while in twenty-one of them allowances have been refused because the teachers were ineligible. 269 formal applications for Superannuation Allowances on the ground of infirmity have also been received; in sixty-three of these awards have been made, and in thirty-four allowances have been refused.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that ex-Service school teachers are compelled by the Board of Education to undergo a medical examination at their own cost before they can be accepted by the Board for full benefits under the superannuation scheme, notwithstanding the fact that they were declared fit on entering the profession and also on entering His Majesty's Service and whether he will take steps to secure that this examination referred to be discontinued?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Fulham. West, on the 10th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education what additional facilities, if any, are being given to local education authorities in the erection and furnishing of schools whose establishment in various areas was delayed by the War?

Arrangements have been made with the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board for special facilities to be given to local education authorities and other public educational bodies for the purchase of Army huts to be adapted for educational purposes. The authorities have shown their appreciation of these facilities by the purchase of a large number of such huts. The Board have intimated that, in view of the abnormal conditions at present prevailing they are prepared to consider any reasonably satisfactory proposals for providing necessary accommodation by means of quasi-permanent or temporary structures, or adaptation of existing buildings.

asked the Home Secretary what facilities were given to those aliens who applied for exemption from repatriation to prepare their reasons for non-repatriation; were they allowed to seek legal aid or to consult their families and friends in the preparation of their case; and had they an opportunity of seeing the reports of the police and the internment camp commanders and of making observations thereon?

Every interned alien enemy who desired exemption from repatriation was given a form on which to make application, and was free to make any representations he wished He was invited to give the names of persons who could speak for him, and he was at liberty to consult his family and friends and obtain legal aid in the preparation of his case. The answer to the last paragraph of the question is in the negative, but I understand that the Advisory Committee made it a point to weigh carefully and investigate all statements either for or against a man before making any recommendation.

asked the Home Secretary if those aliens who did not apply for exemption from repatriation were made aware of the privilege allowing them to do so?

I presume the hon. and gallant Member's question refers to those alien enemies who were in internment at the beginning of this year, and who were not among the 4,300 whose applications came before Lord Justice Younger's Committee. I can safely say that no such person was repatriated against his will without having had an opportunity of making application for exemption.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the repatriated aliens were over forty years of age; and how many of these had resided here for twenty years or longer?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member refers to the alien enemies who have been repatriated from internment camps on the recommendation of Lord Justice Younger's Committee. These cases have not been classified by age so as to enable me to give the figures he asks for; but judging from the principles on which that Committee acted, as indicated in the Report which has been presented to Parliament, I gather that only a small proportion of those whose applications were refused were over forty years of age or had resided in this country for twenty years or longer.

asked the Home Secretary what further steps he proposes to take in regard to the Shops (Early Closing) Bill?

The Bill referred to is a private Member's Bill, and, while the Government are in full sympathy with the general objects of the Bill, they have not, as the question seems to imply, undertaken any responsibility in regard to it. The question of special facilities would be one for the Leader of the House; but I fear it is impossible in present circumstances to find time for it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of men at Barrow-in-Furness have been compulsorily named as special constables and required to be sworn in, although no riot is apprehended or other disturbance of the peace and contrary to their express objection; and whether there is any and, if so, what power invested in the authorities enabling them to compulsorily make individuals into special constables under such circumstances?

As I informed the hon. Member for Widnes on Monday last, the proceedings in question were not taker under the Special Constables Act, 1914, which contains no provision for the compulsory appointment of special constables. I am informed that they were taken under Section 196 of the Municipal Corporations Act, which provides for the appointment in October of every year of borough special constables who can be called upon to serve on any occasion when the police force of the borough is insufficient to maintain the peace. The proceedings appear to have been in accordance with the Act. They do not require my sanction or authority; the appointment of these constables is a normal peace arrangement of very old standing, having nothing to do with the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with the increase in the pay of the police, regard is being had to the fact that in many districts members of the police force are employed in the administration of the Weights and Measures Acts and other work of like character and not on police duties; and whether, in view of the fact that the employment of civilian inspectors, as is already the case in some districts, removes the anomaly of a retired member of the police force receiving a pension for police duties which he has never performed, and that the appointment of civilian inspectors in all districts would provide remunerative employment for a large number of discharged soldiers and others at present out of work, he will refer this matter to the Departmental Committee on the Police for consideration and recommendation?

The administration of the Weights and Measures Acts and other Acts of a similar character is a matter for the local authorities. I have no doubt that in determining what staff can best be employed for such purposes they pay regard to the considerations to which the hon. Member calls attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the particular acts that were committed by Miss Lillian Scott Troy, an American citizen, which led the Government to deport her as an undesirable alien?

Her close association with alien enemies made it necessary to deport her.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has in his possession any information regarding the serious allegations of attempted blackmailing in September, 1914, of which Miss Lillian Scott Troy was the object, and one of the authors of which she alleged to be the commandant of a camp in which Louis Anton von Horst was interned?

I am aware of allegations of the nature suggested, but not the slightest evidence has been brought forward to support them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise the payment of back pay due to ex-Police Constables Whitehead and Allsworth, seeing that the only reason for the withholding of it is that the ex-constables continue to occupy police quarters, and are only doing so because of the lack of other housing accommodation, and to leave the quarters would mean the families would be homeless and would have to go into the workhouse; whether he is aware that these men are willing to pay the rent during their occupation, and that the Commissioner of Police has given his permission for them to remain in the quarters owing to the difficulties of obtaining housing accommodation; and whether, in view of the fact that the families are in need of the money, he will consider immediate payment of the money earned by the men?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that it is not the case that he has given permission for these men to remain in police quarters; on the contrary, they were served with a notice to quit more than three months ago, and their continued occupation of these quarters is a great inconvenience to the police service and a hardship to other officers who should be occupying them. By reason of not having had to pay rent, they have already saved more than is due to them as arrears of pay, but these arrears will be paid to them as soon as they vacates the quarters.

asked the Minister of Health if he will inquire into the circumstances of Mrs. Pittman and her three young children, who have been granted 25s. per week by the Lewes Board of Guardians to supply all the necessaries of life under present economic conditions; whether he is aware that, owing to their destitute condition, the follow workmen of her late husband have passed round the hat to provide the children with boots; what would be the cost par week to the guardians if these people entered the workhouse; and whether he will recommend those responsible for the poor to extend more generous consideration to these people?

I am making inquiries into the case, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a housing scheme has been agreed upon by the Mansfield Town Council, and that the scheme has been held up for months in consequence of the action of his Department; is he aware of the increase in the cost of building material since the scheme was first submitted to him; and will he, to avoid the possibility of further increases in charges and to facilitate the scheme in the interest of homeless families, give the question his immediate attention with a view to the scheme being immedately put into operation?

The Mansfield Town Council have three housing schemes. The first is a small scheme for twenty-four houses for which tenders have been approved. The other two are larger schemes, in which difficulties have arisen over the price to be paid for the land. I am advised that the prices proposed to be paid by the council are excessive, and I have been unable to agree to them. Negotiations have taken place with a view to securing a reduction of the prices, but I am sorry to say that I have not received the assistance which I should expect from the council in the matter, and they have been unwilling to exercise their compulsory powers. I am glad to say, however, that a reduction in price has not been secured for one of the sites, and I hope that a satisfactory settlement may also be arrived at in the other case.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Housing (Assisted Scheme) Regulations, 1910, become law on 21st November; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction created by these Regulations, he will suspend their operation?

As the hon. Member is, no doubt, aware, it is proposed to annul certain provisions to which objection has been taken in the present Regulations.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses are now being built by public utility societies?

Twenty-two houses have been actually completed by public utility societies, and a. further 156 are in course of erection. In addition tenders have been approved for the erection of another 287 houses by public utility societies.

asked the Minister of Health whether the State will bear all the loss on housing in excess of the produce of a 1d. rate?

Local authorities will not be called upon to bear more than the proceeds of a 1d. rate unless they have failed to charge sufficient rents or make adequate arrangements for supervision, management or administration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received representations from local authorities as to the high rate of interest they have to pay on loans for housing; and what steps he intends to take to meet the difficulty?

I have received representations from a few authorities that the rate of interest now asked for loans is higher than has been required in the past. A Committee appointed by the Treasury is now considering what steps should be taken by local authorities to facilitate the raising of capital for housing schemes.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the number of houses completed up to a later date than 1st November?

I propose periodically to publish statistics of the number of houses completed, but I am afraid I cannot at the moment give figures for a later date than 1st November.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities failed to submit schemes by 21st October?

The number of local authorities who had not submitted definite housing schemes up to the 25th October (the nearest date to the 21st October for which figures are available) was 579.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the shortage of housing accommodation for the working classes and the impossibility of building any considerable number of new houses during this winter, he will immediately introduce a Bill to secure the rationing of houses and rooms in order to remedy the inequalities which result in families being crowded into one or two rooms, while other houses are empty or only partially occupied?

No, Sir, I do not think the proposal is one that could be adopted and administered in a practical form under existing circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is any part of the housing policy of the Government to urge upon local authorities in congested areas the building of more houses; whether he is aware that the Bermondsey Housing Committee have arranged to build 325 houses in a district already over populated and densely covered with houses; and whether, seeing that such steps in such an area are contrary to any wise housing policy and will make all reforms in health, environment, and education more difficult, he will inform this authority without delay that he does not wish them to increase the number of houses in their area, but gradually to reduce the number, improve the remainder, clear the slums, provide more open space, and house their surplus population in outlying districts?

It is not the intention of the Government to add to the congestion of densely populated areas, and the considerations mentioned by the hon. Member will be borne in mind in the examination of the small schemes which I understand that the Borough of Bermondsey are proposing to submit. I am in full sympathy with the policy in regard to congested areas which is indicated in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Minister of Health what was the aggregate number of dwelling houses under construction and sanctioned by schemes approved by the Ministry on 1st November in England and Wales?

The number of houses included in contracts on which work had actually been begun in England and Wales up to 1st November was approximately 5,380. Detailed plans for 46,758 houses had been submitted to my Department up to that date, of which 31,101 had been approved. Tenders for 10,766 houses had been submitted, and of these 8,646 had been approved.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has been able to take any action regarding the Resolution passed by the Manchester and Salford Trades Council in regard to the eviction of tenants in Manchester?

Yes, Sir. In accordance with the promise given to the right hon. Member for Platting, I instructed an officer of my Department to make a thorough investigation on the spot, with a view to adjusting so far as possible the difficulties which had arisen, and I am glad to say that his efforts were attended by a considerable measure of success. A conference was arranged between representatives of the parties interested, including amongst others the Trades Council, the Property Owners' Association, and the municipal authorities. The whole position was fully discussed, and in the result an agreement was reached which will, it is hoped, secure that cases of hardship arising from threatened evictions will be promptly and carefully considered before action is taken. It was also arranged that placards should be posted in the district explaining in simple terms the protection afforded to tenants by the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the date upon which the London Insurance Committee were notified by him of the amount of the Medical Benefit Fund for the year ended 31st December, 1918, the date upon which the committee may be expected to make a settlement with the practitioners for the year 1918, the explanation of the delay in making the settlement, and whether the Minister will arrange for the payment to practitioners of interest at the current bank rate on the amount of the overdue settlement?

The London Insurance Committee were notified of the amount of the Medical Benefit Fund for 1918 on the 9th September, 1919. I am informed that the committee hope to complete the accounting arrangements and to issue the cheques for the balances due to practitioners on the final settlement within the next few days. The accounting operations have been delayed by a few weeks, as compared with previous years, because the same staff have been engaged in calculat- ing and making payment of the current half-quarter's instalments of the doctors' remuneration and of the instalments of their 1919 war bonus. No funds are available to the insurance committee for the purposes of a payment such as is suggested in the last part of the question. I would add that the London doctors had instalments amounting to 84 per cent, of their money during 1918, and shortly after the end of that year. Some considerable delay, before the final settlement for the year can be effected, is unavoidable under present arrangements, but a new system is being introduced to which the profession have agreed, from 1920 onwards, which will entirely obviate these long delays in making a final settlement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on the passing of the Local Government Act of 1888 the cost of keeping lunatic paupers at lunatic asylums was approximately 8s. per week, and that the sum of 4s. per week was paid to the various authorities under that Act for each person; and, seeing that the cost has now trebled, will he consider raising the amount from the National Exchequer proportionately, so as to relieve the local rates of this heavy burden?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 28th ultimo to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government have any intention of converting the hospitals hitherto maintained by voluntary contributions into institutions partially or wholly assisted from public funds?

The step suggested in the question would not be within the power of the Ministry of Health, without legislation, in respect of any hospitals not willing to receive such subsidies.

asked the Minister of Health whether instructions have been issued by his Department to medical officers of health to arrange for a supply of anti-influenza vaccine for the public, or whether those medical officers of health who are notifying the public in their districts that such vaccine is available at a certain specified charge are acting independently of the Ministry of Health?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; but the Ministry are now making arrangements for the preparation of a new supply of anti-influenza vaccine to be made available to medical officers of health for distribution to all practitioners in their areas who desire it. A Circular and Instructions will be issued, I hope, in a few days.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at the present time infectious diseases are spreading in London because the patients cannot be isolated; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

The statement and figures which I handed in on the 18th instant in reply to the hon. Member's question on the same subject showed that the matter is well in hand; and there seems no reason for thinking that any abnormal spreading of infections diseases is taking place, or that there is any such shortage of beds as to have that effect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a local fuel overseer has first to obtain the written consent of the Coal Controller or his representative before proceedings can be taken against any person; if so, whether he is aware that this is not the practice in connection with the administration of Food Orders; and whether he will have the matter reconsidered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, excepting as regards Scotland, where proceedings are taken by the Procurator-fiscal. I understand that under the Food Orders the executive officer may take proceedings with the authority of the local food committee, but the practice authorised by the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919, has been found to be convenient and effective, and it does not appear desirable to make any alteration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many hours' working were lost in the collieries of Great Britain during the past four weeks?

Particulars of time lost during the last four weeks are not yet available. The time lost during the four weeks ended 11th October, the latest period for which the information has been compiled, was, on the average, three days per man. These four weeks included the period of the railway strike. For the forty weeks from 1st January to 11th October, the corresponding figure is twenty-two days, or approximately half a day per week per man.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the average wage earned by colliery officials of grades below managers in 1914 and at the present period; and how their rise, if any, compares with the rise of ordinary miners' wages between the dates mentioned?

I regret that no information is readily available for the year 1914, but I have been supplied with figures for November, 1913, which I hops will be suitable for the purposes of comparison which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind. In November, 1913, the average earnings of coal getters on piece work were 8s. 5d. per shift, as compared with 18s. 4d. per shift at the present time; while the average earnings of deputies, firemen, examiners, etc., on day wage have risen correspondingly from 7s. 8d. to 16s. 5d. per shift. No record can be given, without very considerable inquiry, of the average earnings of under-managers.

asked the Prime Minister when a Bill will be introduced embodying the Government's scheme for the organisation of the coal industry?

I have been asked to reply. I cannot at present state when the Government will be ready to introduce this Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware the Wednesbury Town Council have increased the price of coal 1s. 6d. per ton; under what Regulation this is permitted; and whether such increase is in addition to the 6s. advance?

I am aware that an increase of 1s. 6d. was made in the retail price of coal in Wednesbury early in October. This increase was made under the powers provided by Clause 60 of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919, and was due to advances in the local cost of labour and cartage. The increase has no connection with the 6s. advance in pit head prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state if any reduction is to be made in the price of coal; and, if so, the amount?

The matter is under consideration, and it is hoped that it will be possible to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the lowest substitute standard, per ton of profits and what is the highest substitute standard of profits paid to collieries in Scotland, and why does he not pool the shipping coal prices and distribute the difference received over the limitation land-sale price amongst all the collieries according to their output, whereby the output would be stimulated and the price of land sales reduced, and more and cheaper coal provided for the city of Glasgow, which has long suffered from severe shortage of supplies?

The lowest substitute standard is a negative one of minus 1s. per ton, and the highest substitute standard is 3s. per ton. These were calculated in accordance with the provisions of Clause 8 of the Agreement Schedule to the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918. I have already announced that the Government propose to introduce legislation limiting the profits payable to coal-owners to the amount equal to 1s. 2d. per ton on coal raised. I am informed that an adequate supply of coal to Glasgow is being maintained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the rise in the price of cotton and woollen manufactures is largely attributable to the demands of India and the East; if so, whether this demand from the East is due to the recent rise in the price of silver and, in consequence, the increase in the purchasing power of silver in exchange with gold-using countries; and whether he can hold out any prospect of making provision to stabilise the exchange with silver-using countries in the East?

The primary causes of the rise in the prices of cotton and woollen manufactures are a world shortage due to the chief manufacturing countries having been at war and a great increase in the cost of production. It is difficult to say to what extent the normal heavy demand of India and the East has been increased by the recent rise in the price of silver. The problem of the exchange with these countries is a very difficult one. I am not at present in a position to say whether it would be possible or desirable for the Government to take any steps.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to discontinue the issue of Form Z 8 of the Industrial War Inquiries Branch to traders, manufacturers, and others; whether Section 4 of that document is now unnecessary; and, if not, whether it is incumbent upon employers to forward the particulars in Form Z 8?

The information secured regarding the state of employment throughout the country by means of the inquiry to which the hon. Member refers has been, and continues to be, of considerable value. As was stated on a recent occasion in reply to a similar question, the more general the response to this inquiry, the greater will be the reliability and consequently the value of the deductions based on it. I do not think that most employers find that a great deal of time is required for the filling up of this form, but in order to relieve them as far as possible the interval at which the returns has been asked for have recently been changed from monthly to quarterly, and future simplification is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Regulation 13 in the Schedule relating to the Central Committee under the Profiteering Act, 1919, expressly directs that written complaints shall be considered by the Complaints Committee; whether the only meeting of the Complaints Committee has been one held on 3rd October last, at which it was resolved that certain persons constitute a preliminary investigation committee, but the published minutes record that no duties were imposed on this committee except such as may be assumed from their title; whether such title limits their activity to a preliminary investigation and report to the main committee; if not, will he state the rule or resolution of the main committee under which this preliminary investigation committee have assumed the power to appoint tribunals, try persons, and even impose penalties upon them; and whether, in view of possible legal action which may nullify much of the Profiteering Act, he will at once call a meeting of the Complaints Committee so as to get the position of this preliminary investigation committee regularised?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, while I understand that there has only been one meeting of the Complaints Committee, a sub-committee of that body has met on five occasions and conducted the preliminary investigations provided for by Regulation 13. As the Regulations provide that the Standing Committees of the Central Committee may appoint and act through sub-committees, I do not share the apprehension of the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to remove the prevalent doubt, and delay in administering provisions under the Profiteering Act by local committees, he will consider the advisability of withdrawing all Schedules so far issued of specified articles within their order of reference, and substituting therefor the unqualified rule that the Act shall apply to all and every article, service, or supply of human need or requirement?

The action suggested would be ultra vires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether inspectors have been appointed under the provisions of the Profiteering Act; and, if so, under what section?

I understand that an inspector has been appointed by the Bermondsey Local Profiteering Act Committee. The Board of Trade Regulations govern the powers of local committees appointed under the Profiteering Act, and while there is no express authority for the appointment of inspectors as at present advised, I am not prepared to say that such appointment is ultra vires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to uniform action under the Profiteering Act, he will issue instructions to the tribunals to calculate all profits on the selling price; and to take into consideration the question of replacement values and the working costs of the various businesses?

The question whether further directions should be issued to local committees to assist them in deciding the various complaints with which they are called upon to deal is at present under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Report of the Committee on Prices and Supplies of Quinine Sulphate has not been published as promised; and what is the cause of the delay?

I regret that it has not yet been possible to publish the findings of the Committee appointed to investigate the Prices and Supplies of Quinine Sulphate; the delay has been occasioned by the necessity of considering certain legal questions connected with the publication of the Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious delay in the production of textile machinery resulting from the iron-moulders' strike; and if, in view of the need to balance the reduction of working hours by increased machinery, it is proposed to intervene in the strike, with a view to expediting a settlement and permit the completion of orders for textile machinery so urgently required?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that, in view of the recent award of the Interim Court of Arbitration for the Engineering Trades, negotiations between the parties concerned are being re-opened.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the terms of the agreement of the 16th May, 1919, made between the President of the Board of Trade and the trustee of the British Dye Stuffs Corporation; what were the amounts of the advances made and to be made under that agreement; and what was the form of the security taken by the Government?

An agreement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers provided for the formation of the British Dye Stuffs Corporation, Limited, and for the advance to that company (subject to certain conditions) of the sum of £530,420, being the outstanding part of a total sum of £1,700,000 which His Majesty's Government had undertaken to advance to British Dyes, Limited, in which the new company was acquiring a controlling interest. The agreement also imposed conditions as to the articles of association of the British Dye Stuffs Corporation, Limited, British Dyes, Limited, and Levinstein, Limited, so as to secure permanent British control of the three companies, and to give the Board of Trade supervision over the prices charged for, and the distribution of, the companies' products. The restriction previously imposed upon the rate of dividend payable on the share capital of British Dyes, Limited, was removed. The Government advances were secured by debentures issued by the three companies. The arrangement was subsequently modified, the Government advance, made with the intention of fostering the British dye industry, taking the form of a subscription for 850,000 £1 preference shares and 850,000 £1 preferred ordinary shares in British Dye Stuffs Corporation, Limited.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists in regard to the present postal arrangements in the Wensleydale and Masham districts of the North Riding of Yorkshire; and when an improvement in these arrangements may be expected?

The question of improving the postal service to the districts in question is under consideration, and I hope shortly to be in a position to communicate with the hon. Member on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether auxiliary postmen who previously acted as boy messengers out of uniform are thereby debarred from being placed on the permanent staff; and, if so, whether he will see his way to modify this Regulation and favourably consider applications from the ex-Service auxiliary postmen?

Preferential treatment cannot be given except to regular boy messengers who have been definitely retained in the Post Office service with a view to adult appointments. I hope that it may be possible at a later date to offer established appointments to a number of auxiliary postmen who have served with the forces during the War.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the temporary sorting clerks in the general post office, Newcastle-on-Tyne, are being dismissed without compensation or recognition of any kind; whether the greater number have been on duty for the greater part of the War period; and whether, in view of the important work performed by them, something can be done to ease their position?

I am aware of the position; but I much regret that I see no alternative but to terminate the services of the temporary war substitutes in order to make room for members of the regular Post Office staff returning from the Army and for other ex-soldiers who have been disabled in the War.

asked the Postmaster-General whether men employed at the Post Office as temporary postmen are now being discharged to make room for those men who were in the Post Office prior to joining the Army and have now been demobilised; and whether he will give instructions that, so long as any temporary postmen are employed, preference will be given to those who are ex-Service men?

As members of the regular staff of the Post Office return from the Army, I regret that there is no alternative but to discharge the temporary war substitutes. A preference for retention is given to such of these substitutes as are ex-Service men, and I hope that a considerable proportion will be absorbed into the permanent establishment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Shepherd's Bush Local Employment Committee has submitted 171 disabled ex-soldiers and sailors for training, but that up to the present only two have commenced; and whether he will give any assurance that the rate of progress will be at once accelerated?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 18th November to the hon. Member for Nottingham West.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received representations from the Scottish Bankers' Association, representing a large number of the employés in the Scottish banks, indicating that they have approached the banks with a request for a better scale of remuneration, and also for the establishment of a Whitley Council to deal with all questions affecting the profession; whether the banks have so far refused to meet the employés to discuss the situation or to recognise their association; whether any steps have been taken by his Department to deal with the deadlock; and what is the present position of this dispute?

Some informal negotiations have already taken place with the Scottish banks following upon a request from the Scottish Bankers' Association, for a Whitley Council, but so far, without definite result. The hon. Member will be aware that the formation of such a Council is a voluntary act upon the part of both employers and employed in the industry or profession concerned, and also that I have no power to compel any body of employers to recognise a particular association claiming to represent their staffs. In view, however, of the strong desire on the part of the Scottish Bankers' Association for some form of joint discussion on matters affecting their interests, such as remuneration, etc., I propose to approach the banks again in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is a shortage of labour in the cotton and woollen trades; whether at the same time there are large numbers on the unemployed rolls at the Labour Exchanges in the cotton and woollen areas; and whether supply and demand can be better adjusted?

On the 7th November there were in the cotton trade 4,357 men and 943 women drawing out-of-work donation. At the same time the employers were asking for 794 men and 2,356 women. In the woollen and worsted trades there were 1,684 men and 244 women on donation, while employers were asking for ninety-one men and 695 women. In these industries there is thus a shortage of women and an excess of men. The adjustment of supply and demand is not a matter within the control of this Ministry. It is governed partly by the unemployed persons' suitability for the particular work to be done and by the employers' need for maintaining the proper proportion of several classes of labour in their different departments. Difficulty also arises from the decreased mobility of labour due to the shortage or housing accommodation. I may add that an inquiry into the causes of unemployment in the cotton spinning section is at the present moment being held by the trade itself; and the matter is being carefully watched.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men are drawing out-of-work donation in Nottingham; and how many of these are ex-Service men?

On 14th November the total number of men claiming out-of-work donation at Nottingham was 4,365. Of these 3,548 were ex-Service men.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware of the large number of men who have been discharged from Beachley shipyard; whether his Department is responsible for the discharges consequent upon the decision not to proceed with the housing scheme; and whether, in view of the fact that large numbers of men were induced to take up work in the shipyard and brought their families to live in the district, any steps can be taken to obviate the discharges and prevent the misery and suffering which will accrue as a result of unemployment?

I am aware that men have been discharged from Beachley lately and these discharges were necessitated mainly by the fact that it was decided not to proceed with further constructional work on the yard. No men have been employed ou shipbuilding at Beachley, the only labour there being on constructional work and on housing at Pennsylvania. No men employed in shipbuilding have been discharged but it was not considered that under the present circumstances any further expenditure on houses in view of the decision mentioned above was justified.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the offices of Registrar-General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in Scotland, and of Deputy Clerk-Registrar, have been vacant since the death of Sir J. Patten MacDougall, K.C.B., in March last; who is at present performing the duties; whether these posts can be filled by the promotion of the acting heads of the Departments concerned; and whether, if minor legislation is required for this purpose, it can be expedited with a view to securing for these Departments a full and efficient staff?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The duties are being carried on for the present by the officers next in command. The question of the future administration of the two Departments is receiving consideration in connection with the relative Statutes, and if it is decided that further legislation is required it will be introduced as soon as possible. I can, of course, give no promise in regard to individuals other than that due regard will be paid to the claims and qualifications of existing officers, so far as the Statutes permit.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that Form S 182 is now being issued by the Board of Agriculture to farmers; whether he can state the purpose for which the information called for is required, in view of the approaching expiry of the Military Service Acts; and whether, in view of the necessity for economy in the public services, he will take steps to prevent the further issue of obsolete forms of return?

The form referred to is issued by the Board in order to keep them informed as to the supply and character of agricultural labour in which there has been a serious shortage. I am not aware that it is obsolete in any particular, but if my hon. Friend can satisfy me that it is I shall be glad to have it reconsidered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state the total annual revenue derivable from the possessions of the Crown in Wales and Monmouthshire for the years 1917 and 1918, together with the total cost of administration and collection and the arrears of rents and royalties in each of these years; and whether the Crown contributes, and, if so, to what extent, to Imperial taxation or local rates in respect of such revenue and possessions?

The amounts are as follow:

	1916–17.			1917–18.
	£	s.	d,	£	s.	d,
Total revenue	23,480	12	5	26,222	13	4
Total cost of administration and collection	2,959	18	2	2,967	0	5
Arrears	454	18	8	140	10	11
Rates and taxes (including Property Tax contributed by the Crown)	3,093	10	9	4,026	14	4