asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that American public opinion is agitated over the deportation in April last of Miss Lillian Scott Troy, an American citizen, from this country in circumstances which have never been thoroughly explained; that the matter of her deportation and her treatment in England is shortly to be brought before the House of Representatives; and whether, in view of the necessity of maintaining the closest friendship between the two countries and of vindicating our national reputation for justice and fair play, he will order an inquiry into her case?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. His Majesty's Government have no information to the effect of the first two parts of the question. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary sees no reason for any inquiry into the case.

asked the Prime Minister when the next Report of the Auditor-General will be issued and with what period it will deal; and whether steps will be taken that it should contain a complete analytical review of our accounting methods during the War period, so that this may be a guide to Departments in future?

The Comptroller and Auditor-General's Reports on the accounts of 1918–19 will be issued in the ordinary course early in 1920. He informs me that it would be impossible for them to include an analytical review of accounting methods during the War. It is as yet too early for such a Report to be framed, but he will be glad to consider the suggestion later.

asked the Prime Minister whether railway material consigned from this country to Roumania was unloaded into barges in the Danube, and is held in those barges at the expense of this country; and whether, in view of the urgent necessity of restoring the railways in Roumania and thus helping to relieve the present serious position regarding foodstuffs in Central Europe, he will use his endeavours to secure the release of such material?

I have been asked to reply. In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Council in Paris early in September, all supplies which the Roumanian Government were receiving from the Allied Powers were withheld, and certain consignments of railway material were then unloaded into lighters at Braila and kept temporarily under the British flag. It is understood that these materials were warehoused later. The expense of unloading into lighters and warehouses will not be borne by His Majesty's Government. The question of the release of such materials rests with the Supreme Council in Paris.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements exist for allowing Members of Parliament to claim rebate from assessments for Income Tax of the amount of the election expenses paid by them out of their personal income?

The law does not allow any relief from Income Tax in respect of election expenses incurred by Parliamentary candidates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is taking any steps to rehabilitate the American exchange in our favour; and if he has considered the advisability of setting up a Commission of recognised banking authorities to aid him?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale.

asked the Minister of Food if over 2½ tons of bacon had been imported from abroad and sent to Dunmow Bacon Factory for treatment and has been condemned as unfit for human consumption; if he can state the amount of food that has been condemned as unfit for human consumption during the present year; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I am advised that 3¾ cwt., not 2½ tons as the hon. Member states, of imported bacon have been condemned at the Dunmow Bacon Factory as unfit for human consumption. The bacon in question was part of the supplies imported on private account. The Ministry of Food are now importing and distributing bacon purchased on Government account, and every care has been taken to ensure that it is of good quality. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject to the hon. Member for Belper on 12th November. Precise figures as to the quantity of foodstuffs condemned as unfit for human consumption are not available, but I have no reason to suppose that it is in excess of the normal.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of his statement that between 31st March and 9th August the private importers of bacon had imported greatly in excess of public demand for consumption, and as on that date the market at Chicago was showing signs of breaking and has since broken to the level of prices in 1916, what was his object in resuming control at that moment; whether the stocks in traders' hands were taken over at the top-of-the-market prices hitherto prevailing; how many tons were taken over and at what prices; how much has been condemned; how much sold to soap-works; and how much offered to the public at leas than controlled prices?

On 9th August the Chicago market for hogs was still advancing, as were also the forward prices of bacon for shipment to this country. Control was resumed for the following main reasons: First, because it was only possible by this means to avoid a further rise in retail prices and, secondly, because there was clear evidence that speculation and profiteering both in this country and in America were raising prices unduly both to the retailer and to the consumer. Stocks in traders' hands were not taken over at the top-of-the-market prices hitherto prevailing. As the Ministry is trading in America on a free market, it would not be in the public interest to state at the present time the amount of bacon taken over; the prices to be paid to all the traders from whom supplies were requisitioned have not yet been settled. As regards the last two parts of the question, the figures as to the amount condemned or sold to soapworks are not yet available. Between 30 per cent, and 40 per cent, of the bacon imported on private account was found by the Ministry's inspectors on arrival not to be in perfect condition, and was immediately placed before committees of trade experts for valuation in order that it might be issued to the public at prices below the maxima varying according to the actual condition of the bacon.

asked the Minister of Food what were the prices of bacon hogs and short-rib sides of bacon in Chicago, according to the "Monthly Review of Labour Statistics" of the United States of America Government, in September, 1916; at what prices in the same month was bacon selling at retail in Liverpool, according to the Report of the Departmental, Committee on Prices, 1916; what is the present price of bacon hogs in Chicago, also of short-rib sides of bacon; what is the average controlled price for bacon in this country at present; what is the margin of value per lb. between live hogs at Chicago in September, 1916, and grocers' retail bacon prices in Liverpool at the same period and the corresponding margins between live hogs at Chicago at the present moment and the average retail controlled bacon prices in this country to-day?

The "Monthly Review of the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics" does not quote the prices of bacon hogs, or short-rib sides of bacon in. Chicago; nor does the Report of the Departmental Committee on Prices, 1916, quote the prices at which bacon was selling at retail in Liverpool in September, 1916, The price of live hogs in Chicago during the present month has varied from 12 dollars 70 cents to 15 dollars 40 cents, and that of short-rib sides of bacon from 18 dollars 25 cents to 20 dollars 50 cents. The average controlled retail price of bacon in this country at present is 2s. 1½d. per lb. The Food Controller has not sufficient information on which to ascertain the margin of value per lb. between live hogs at Chicago in September, 1916, and grocers' retail bacon prices in Liverpool at the same period. The margin between the average price of live hogs at Chicago during November, 1919, and the average retail prices of bacon in this country during the same period is, approximately, 18.5d. per lb.

asked the Minister of Food whether, having regard to the fact that the restrictions on clearances of spirits have now been removed, the question of permitting retailers to supply smaller quantities of spirits than one reputed quart is under consideration; and, if so, how soon he anticipates being in a position to make an announcement?

The sale of spirits for off consumption in smaller quantities than one reputed quart is controlled by the Regulations of the Central Control Board on the Liquor Traffic, and is not one for the Food Controller. I cannot, therefore, make any announcement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Food whether any greater ration of sugar can now be allowed to the people, and particularly during the Christmas and New Year season?

I regret that the supplies available do not permit of the hon. Member's suggestion being adopted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to a statement in the Press that the Labour majority in certain London boroughs are considering the municipal control and supply of milk; and whether municipal councils possess the requisite powers to undertake the wholesale and retail supply of milk or whether they must first come to this House for the necessary power?

I am aware that it has been stated in the Press that a conference of London borough councils is considering the municipal control and supply of milk. There is no statutory authority for municipal councils to undertake the wholesale and retail supply of milk within their areas.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Consumers' Council recommended the inclusion of representatives of the wholesale and retail cooperative societies on the new agricultural councils; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir, such a recommendation has been received, and many other recommendations from other bodies. The composition of the new agricultural councils is being determined by Parliament, and it is open to any Member to move any Amendments he may desire.

asked the Prime Minister whether any conditions with regard to the settlement of the Irish question were laid down by Lord Grey of Falloden, and accepted by the Government in connection with his acceptance of the special mission to the United States of America?

Lord Grey was informed that it is the intention of the Government, as has been more than once announced in Parliament, to carry out the policy outlined by me prior to the last General Election.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware of the prevalence of illicit distilling in Ireland and that the maximum penalty of £100, under present conditions, has proved to be quite inadequate; and if he will seek statutory powers to have the maximum increased?

I am aware that since the imposition of increased duties on spirits there has been an increase in illlicit distillation in parts of Ireland. A large number of seizures of illicit spirits, plant, and illicit materials have been made by the constabulary, and a very considerable number of successful detections, and consequent legal proceedings have taken place. The maximum penalty of £100 has not been found to be inadequate, and magistrates have the power to reduce the fine to £6, a power which they frequently exercise. With regard to the last part of the question, there will be no opportunity of introducing legislation on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if several wanton and unprovoked outrages have been recently committed upon Catholics in the district of Upperlands, in county Londonderry; if His Excellency had these facts before him when he informed Mr. Patrick O'Kane, J.P., that it was not necessary to establish a police station there; and if the Irish police could not be more profitably employed in keeping order in county Londonderry than in arresting young girls for selling penny flags in other parts of Ireland?

I am aware of the breaches of the peace which have recently occurred at Upperlands in county Londonderry and of the request for the establishment of a police station there. All the facts were considered by the Irish Government which was advised that compliance with the request was not called for by the circumstances.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can make any statement as to the progress of the work of the Irish Health Council set up under the Ministry of Health Act?

The Council have already held several meetings since their constitution in September. Their deliberations are directed towards the formulation of a comprehensive health measure for Ireland which involves a minute and detailed examination of the existing machinery for health administration. Substantial progress has been made by the Council in this work. The Council have been engaged upon the preparation of Regulations under the Public Health (Medical Treatment of Children) (Ireland) Act, 1919 and have also, after conference with the various nursing associations, submitted a Bill providing for the registration of nurses in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to a raid by Sinn Feiners on the house of Colonel Tottenham, at Mount Callan, West Clare; whether this gentleman was knocked down and received serious injuries, whilst two shot guns and two revolvers were taken from his house; what is the present condition of Colonel Tottenham; and if any arrests were made?

I regret to say the facts are substantially as stated in the question. The condition of Colonel Tottenham, who showed great courage, is, I am glad to say, improving. So far no-arrests have been made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware of the hardships and privations which are being suffered by many ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and of the Dublin Metropolitan Police, owing to the inadequacy of their pensions, and to the fact that by reason of their loyal service to the State they are unable to obtain any civilian employment to supplement their pensions in three out of the four provinces of Ireland; and whether ho will press upon the Treasury the urgency of dealing with this matter without delay?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has come to any arrangement with the Treasury under which ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary will be granted an increase of pension?

I am at present in correspondence with the Treasury on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the new housing proposals are to apply to Ireland?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what financial provision he intends to make in order that the Irish Housing Act should be made as workable as the English Act under the new financial arrangements proposed for the latter?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if, with the object of encouraging private enterprise in the provision of housing accommodation in Ireland, it is intended to offer a subsidy similar to that which is to be provided for England and Wales?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to his similar question on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on Tuesday last and to which I have nothing to add at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in the revision of salaries of Irish prison officials, he will consider the claims of prison clerks, seeing that these officials are appointed not as in English prisons by examination but by promotion from lower grades of service; and whether he is aware that their exclusion from the benefits of this revision is occasioning these officials a loss of from £80 to £90 per year?

I understand that these officers are at present on a scale practically equivalent to that of the Class I. Clerks in the English prison service. All the circumstances were carefully considered, and I regret I can hold out no hope for an alteration in the decision.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the railways which in August, 1918, were stated to be in construction at Castlecomer are now completed and in use; what was the cost of construction of each; to what Vote has it been charged; what are the receipts and working expenses; and what tonnage of coal has been carried by each of them from the collieries they serve?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Inquiries are being made, and I will forward a reply to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Arthur Walmsley, No. M/2 202626, R.A.S.C. (Mechanical Transport) advanced mechanical transport depot, Bagdad, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, is a Derby man, was sent out to Mesopotamia in September, 1916, and has never had leave home since; that he has been ill for a considerable time and his health is repeatedly giving way; and whether special efforts will be made to secure this man's early return home and demobilisation?

I am informed that Private Walmsley attested under the Derby scheme in January, 1916, was mobilised in August and embarked for Mesopotamia in September, 1916. There is no record of his having had leave to the United Kingdom, but he was granted one month's leave to India in 1918. As regards his health the returns show that he was admitted to hospital in 1917 owing to burnt foot and in 1918 through abscess in the leg, but no other injury or illness is recorded. Men eligible for demobilisation are being sent home from Mesopotamia as rapidly as possible, and Private Walmsley will embark by the 1st February next at the latest, provided the necessary transport is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can expedite the release of the Derby men now stationed at the military camp railway, Catterick, Yorkshire; whether he can give the number of men now employed on this railway as compared with the number before the date of the Armistice; and if he will release the eligible men at the earliest possible date?

The number of men now employed on the military camp railway at Catterick is 130, and the number on the date of the Armistice was 121. The increase is due to Catterick being used as a reception camp for units from overseas. About one-third of the men are Derby men, and steps have already been taken to expedite their release, which it is hoped will be effected early next month.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state what is the position of a temporary officer who applied in 1916 for a Regular permanent commission, who has been serving in the Army of Occupation, and whose battalion is now returning to England to be demobilised; whether such an officer will be demobilised and called up again later in the event of his Regular commission being granted, or whether he would be retained in the Army until the question of his Regular commission had been settled; and how soon any decision may be expected regarding the cases of officers who applied for Regular commissions in 1916 who have as yet had no information regarding the possibility of their application being accepted, and who are, therefore, unable to make any plans regarding the future?

The fact that a temporary officer was recommended for a Regular permanent commission in 1916 or at any other time during the War will not affect his demobilisation under the Regulations at present in force. Should an officer be demobilised, it would not prejudice in any way his chances of selection for a permanent commission should opportunity arise, but in no circumstances can he be retained in the Army pending a decision. It is not yet possible to say when a decision will be reached, and in this connection I would draw attention to my replies to questions asked by the hon. and gallant Members for Abingdon and Dulwich on the 27th October and 11th November respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the grades and average salaries of the 1,359 officials removed from the staff of his Department during the month of September; and how many, if any, of them were transferred to other Government Departments?

The 1,359 is the resultant of many and varied changes which have taken place during the month of September in the military and civil staff of the War Office, and without great labour—for which the staff does not exist—does not admit of being sub-divided into net figures of reduction according to grades and salaries. The only transfers included in it are thirty-seven permanent officials on loan from other Departments to which they have returned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether troops are being transferred from Germany to Poland; if so, can he give the names of the regiiments and number of men so transferred; and whether he can state if such transfer is necessary in view of the fact that the men are due to be demobilised by March next?

As I have already stated troops are being sent to Dantzig, Memel, Allenstein, Marienwerder, and Upper Silesia. None of these places is as yet in Poland; and their future will depend on the result of the plebiscite and the decision of the Supreme Council. The total number of British troops which are being sent to these areas is about 15,000 men. The transfer is necessary in order to carry out the terms of the Peace Treaty.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the new rates of pay for Army chaplains has yet been decided on; and, if so, when they will be published?

The rates are not yet finally settled, but I hope that they will be promulgated before very long.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office for what purpose 44, Portman Square is still in military occupation; how many men are now accommodated in the house; whether an officer is in residence and responsible for discipline and administration; and, if not, whether immediate steps can be taken in order that discipline may be maintained?

The premises in question are occupied by seventy-three Military Police. No officer resides there, but one attends daily and is responsible for discipline and administration. Visits are also paid by him at uncertain hours. I am informed that discipline is maintained, and I am not aware that any further steps as suggested are called for; but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any complaints I will have them investigated immediately if particulars are furnished.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds a distinction was made between civilian clerks employed in Army pay Departments and record offices, and a selected number of clerks who undertook a special liability in Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, whereby the latter received a general gratuity and bounty on discharge, while the same consideration was denied to the former?

As stated in the question, the engagement in the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps involved an additional liability.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can make any statement as to the hay in the possession, of the Army authorities at the present moment; whether large dumps of 1918 hay are now being built at various centres, presumably with the object of making the War Office independent to some extent of next year's crop; and whether, in view of the extreme shortage of feeding-stuffs in the country, he can undertake to liberate most of this hoarded hay and take his chance of more prolific supplies next year?

I regret it is not possible to release any of the hay held by the military authorities. As already explained, the present stocks are only sufficient to meet Army requirements until April next. Dumps of hay of the 1918 crop are being made in order that the Forage Department may be closed down almost immediately and that farmers may be paid for their hay; this is not possible until the hay has been baled and the actual weight ascertained.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men of all ranks have been tried by court-martial for military affaire in connection with the campaigns in Russia since the Armistice, including those tried for refusal to embark for Russian theatres of war; how many have been sentenced to imprisonment for such offences; and what has been the maximum sentence imposed?

There are no statistics at the War Office which would enable me to answer this question, and the information could only be obtained by an inquiry, involving much labour and research, in all commands and expeditionary forces which I am afraid is impracticable under present circumstances. The hon. Member may rest assured that all court-martial sentences, whether awarded before or since the Armistice, receive the most careful consideration. If he has any particular cases in view and would let me have details, I shall be pleased to furnish him with full information in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether 1,200 troops, consisting of the 1/9th Hampshires and elements of the Manchester, Durham, Middlesex, and Warwick Regiments have now left Siberia and are on their way to England; and how many British soldiers are still in Siberia with the British Military Mission and the General Staff?

As I informed the hon. Member for Kettering on 18th November, the 1/9th Hants Regiments sailed from Vladivostock on 1st November. It is due to arrive in England about 1st December-The total number of British troops remaining in Siberia is, approximately, 139 officers and 129 other ranks, all of whom belong to the Military Mission.

asked the Prime Minister when dispatches will be published describing the operations in North Russia?

I have been asked to reply. Dispatches from all the General Officers Commanding in North Russia will be gazetted in due course, and I hops, in addition, to lay before the end of the Session Papers which are in course of preparation by the General Staff.

asked the Prime Minister whether a ship making for Narva or any other ice-free port in Soviet Russia with cargo consigned to Russian Soviet subjects or authorities would be allowed to pass freely, or would be stopped or interfered with by His Majesty's ships in the Baltic?

The order for His Majesty's ships to turn back ships bound for Soviet Russian ports has not been formally cancelled; but, as I have already explained, the formation of ice renders it inoperative. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that Narva is an ice-free port, and, moreover, I was not aware that it was in Bolshevik occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the case of barrack department employés who were debarred by War Office instructions from re-enlisting during the War being brought within the provisions of Army Order No. 325/19; whether these men were considered indispensable and are mostly Army pensioners with prewar campaigns to their credit; and whether they may receive the same treatment as naval pre-war pensioners?

I would refer my Noble Friend to my reply on the 12th November to the hon. Member for Fylde.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether or not the whole of the personnel of the Royal Army Service Corps serving in the Army of the Black Sea, being essential for the machinery of demobilisation, should be granted the extra rate of pay as from 1st February, 1919?

Bonus from 1st February last is issuable only to such personnel as has been definitely retained for the Armies of Occupation or for the military machinery of demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government will only consent to compensate owners and tenants for their occupation of land for military purposes, or whether they will agree to buy at an arbitration valuation?

The question whether the Government makes a payment by way of compensation to owners and tenants for the occupation of their land for military purposes or purchases the property under the procedure laid down by the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, or by any other procedure depends on the merits of each particular case, and the necessities of postwar requirements.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many pairs of boots, how much flannel, leather, crockery, and glass, and how many brushes and brooms are held by his Department; and will he give particulars of the amounts handed over to the Disposal Board from the 1st April last?

The various articles included under the heading of leather, crockery, and glass, embracing some 1,500 items, are stored all over the country; it would entail a very considerable amount of correspondence and clerical labour to obtain the information desired, and I hope my hon. and learned Friend will not press for it. Approximately, 1,500,000 pairs of boots are in stock. No new boots have been handed over for disposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-soldiers of the Regular Army, aged fifty-five years, now in Government employment, who were not allowed to rejoin the Colours during 1914–18, are eligible to receive the increase of pension under Army Order 325, of 19th September, 1919?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as retired officers employed before an emergency and continued on in the same employment get no war gratuity, whereas retired officers not so employed receive a gratuity, he will consider the case of the very few officers of the remount, record, barrack, and medical services who, although on the retired list, continued in their employment during the War?

This question has been fully considered, and I regret that I am unable to alter the existing rules.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions to what use, if any, the Government intend putting the large plant at Gretna; whether the valuable machinery is being or is to be sold; what is to be done with the splendidly equipped power stations; and whether inquiries will be made for the purpose of ascertaining how it can be utilised to develop industry in the district?

I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement as to the future of Gretna, but I hope that as a result of inquiries now proceeding a decision will soon be reached. Arrangements are being made for utilising such of the machinery and plant as is suitable for the repair of railway wagons.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether officials in the Ministry of Munitions recently demobilised have been taken on again and given allowances instead of salary, as high as five guineas a day; and, if so, the number of such men and the circumstances under which such allowances are justifiable?

In order to deal with questions arising out of the work of liquidating the Ministry's contracts and closing the accounts it has been necessary since 1st September to re-employ on a part-time basis at a daily fee, four accountants, one engineer, and one expert in non-ferrous metals, the need for whose continuous whole-time service in the Ministry had terminated or who were no longer willing to give their whole time to the work. The fees paid are those usual for such professional services, they vary between four and ten guineas per day, and in three of the cases are paid to the firms who agreed to lend the services of the officers in question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will state the grades and average salaries of the 3,155 officials removed from the staff of his Department during the month of September; and how many, if any, of them were transferred to other Government Departments?

Of the 3,155 officials demobilised in September 1,435 were headquarters staff; of these 419 were higher administrative and technical officers, fifty-three being paid salaries over £500, ninety-seven salaries between £400 and £500, 269 salaries below £400 per annum, and 1,016 being members of the clerical, typing, messenger and cleaning grades paid in accordance with scales fixed by the Treasury and ranging from 27s. to 96s. per week. The remainder (1,720) of the total number demobilised consists of staff at stores, outstations, and factories in regard to whom information under the headings given above is not at present available. With the exception of five Civil servants who were returned to their permanent posts in the Departments from which their services had been borrowed, none of the 3,155 officials demobilised from the Ministry during the month of September were transferred to other Government Departments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the legal advisers to the Crown have recently decided that contractors are not entitled to be paid for jigs and tools; and, if so, if he will state the total amount already paid away on this account to contractors by the Ministry of Munitions, and why any payments at all were made before taking the advice of the officials concerned as to legal liabilities?

The legal advisers of the Crown advised some little time back that expenditure on jigs, tools, and fixtures should be regarded as capital expenditure, and as such should not be admissible as production expenses. While treating this expenditure as capital the Minister has now agreed to take such expenditure into full consideration in arriving at the establishment charges to be allowed to contractors in reaching settlements under the break clauses of contracts. Payments are therefore being made to contractors, in settlement of contracts under liquidation, which, in approved cases, allow a proportion of expenditure on jigs and tools as an establishment or overhead charge.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a certain trader in London bought from the Government in 1918 5,000 overcoats at 4s. 6d. each; whether 1,000 only were taken from the Government premises; and whether the remainder were resold to the Government for 24s. 6d. each?

I have no knowledge of any such transaction as that referred to by my hon. Friend, but if he will be good enough to furnish me with sufficient particulars, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government has a limited number of contractors on their list whom they communicate with when they have any articles to dispose of, requesting them to tender for same; and, if so, what steps are to be taken, and what qualifications are required to secure a place on that list?

The Disposal Board sell surplus stores and property either by auction, by public tender, or by private treaty. In all cases the materials are advertised widely, both in the public Press and in the Board's official organ, "Surplus," as being available for disposal. It is not the practice of the Disposal Board to limit invitations to tender to particular contractors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if, in view of the success which has attended the institution of disposal by retail at stores throughout the United States, under the direction of the Quartermaster-General of the United States Government, of surplus stores, including food and clothing, any reconsideration is being given to previous decisions, with a view to instituting similar procedure for retail disposal in this country?

I have no official information of the arrangements in the United States to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but; I am making inquiries with regard to the matter. The question of retail selling has been very fully considered on several occasions by the Disposal Board, and in view of the necessity for securing rapid disposal, and keeping the staff down to a minimum, it has not been found practicable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government has in its possession 50,000 civilian suits of clothes and 90,000 civilian overcoats; if so, what steps he intends to take to have these articles placed upon the market so as to make them available for use during the coming winter; and whether he will consider allotting them to the poorer districts to be disposed of at a price to cover cost and reasonable expenses for retailing them?

The Disposal Board has received notifications of 421,000 civilian suits of clothes and 90,000 civilian overcoats as available for sale. Invitations to tender for these have been widely advertised, and tenders are returnable today and to-morrow. If suitable prices are offered the clothing will be disposed of forthwith. I may mention that the suits in question are principally out-sizes. For reasons which I have previously given, it is impracticable to arrange for the retail sale of surplus Government property.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that practically all the men now under notice of dismissal from Woolwich Arsenal are ex-Service men; whether he can state how many men who entered the Arsenal whilst of military age during the War as unskilled workers and remained there are still employed in the Arsenal; and whether he will give instructions that no ex-Service men shall be discharged whilst men who entered the Arsenal during the War and did no military service are retained?

Two hundred and fifty men and boys are at present under notice of discharge from Woolwich Arsenal. Of this number only seven are ex-Service men. The number of unskilled workers of the type referred to in the second part of the question is 1,660, but 702 of these are, in fact, ex-Service men; the remainder are men who were either physically unfit or had been duly certified for other reasons as available for civil employment. Of the men who have been taken on at Woolwich Arsenal since the outbreak of war, disabled ex-Service men who had seen service overseas, will always receive preferential treatment in connection with any necessary discharges.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the Waziri operations on the North-West Frontier of India; and whether he will inform the House as to the general situation in this district?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement I made yesterday in answer to the question of the hon. Member for East Nottingham

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now satisfied that all three members of the Commission on the reduction of Native Reserves in Rhodesia were either officials or ex-officials of the Chartered Company; and if the Chairman of that Commission was entitled under the Jameson Secret Agreement to take from the Matabele his share of land, gold claims, and loot?

The Chairman of the Southern Rhodesia Native Reserves Commission was the present Governor of Uganda, Sir R. Coryndon. At the time of his appointment in 1914 he had been for seven years serving directly under the Crown in Swaziland, for the first few months as Deputy-Resident Commissioner and afterwards as Resident Commissioner. In January, 1916, he was appointed Resident Commissioner of Basutoland, and in November, 1917, he was transferred to his present appointment. As stated by the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in reply to a question in this House on the 2nd August, 1917, he was in the administrative service in Northern Rhodesia when appointed to Swaziland. Sir F. Newton and his alternate, Mr. Atherstone, were Treasurer and Surveyor-General, respectively, of the Administration of Southern Rhodesia. Colonel Garraway, the other member of the Commission, who is now Resident Commissioner of Basutoland, was, I understand, connected with the service of the British South Africa Company for a few days at the end of 1895, when he was transferred from the Bechuanaland Police, with which he was employed as surgeon to a similar position in the service of the company. As stated in the answer already referred to, it does not appear that any of the gentlemen mentioned has ever served in the company's commercial department. With regard to the last part of the question, I observe from a work of reference that Sir R. Coryndon, being then a youth of twenty, joined the Pioneer Force for the occupation of Mashonaland in June, 1890.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, owing to the termination of the unemployment donation and the consequent suffering which will ensue, he will advise local education authorities to apply the Feeding of the Necessitous School Children's Act?

I do not accept the assumption underlying the hon. Member's question that abnormal distress will result from the termination of the donation; but in any case local education, authorities are fully cognisant of their powers under the Education (Provision of Meals) Acts, and I do not think that occasion has arisen for such action as is suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the representations received by him as to the possibility of some special provision being made whereby the practical experience of teaching acquired by uncertificated teachers of long standing might be taken into account with the Board's certificate, have been considered; and whether he is now in. a position to state the policy of his Department on this matter?

I regret that I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Normanton on the 28th of October and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received a Report from the standing joint committee of representatives of associations of local education authorities and the National Union of Teachers, which was constituted to secure the orderly and progressive solution of the salary problem in public elementary schools by agreement on a national basis; and, if so, whether he will present it to Parliament?

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

asked the Minister of Health what is the total area of land acquired by the Leeds Corporation for housing purposes; and what is the rate per acre at which it has been acquired?

The total acreage comprised in sites which have been approved for housing purposes at Leeds by my Department is 388 acres, and, in addition, a site of 326 acres was authorised by local Act of this year. The average price per acre which has been paid by the Corporation is about £172.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the total number of local authorities who are required under the provision of the Housing Act to submit housing scheme and the number who have done so?

Up to the 21st instant 1,520 out of 1,802 local authorities had submitted schemes as required by Section 1 of the Housing Act, 1919.

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of houses which is estimated to be built under the housing schemes submitted by the 1,270 local authorities to his Department?

The housing schemes submitted by local authorities to my Department comprise 52,000 acres, which will be sufficient for, approximately, 520,000 houses.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the possibility of easing the housing position by a process of converting large houses into two or three maisonettes; and if he will consider the advisability of extending the building subsidy to such enterprises?

I have already called the attention of local authorities to the possibility of increasing the available housing accommodation by converting large houses into flats, and a manual giving information and advice on methods of conversion was issued by my Department some time ago. The recent Housing Act also contains a provision for facilitating conversions of this kind. A considerable number of conversions are being undertaken at the present time as part of local authorities' housing schemes. I do not think that the proposed subsidy should be extended to proposals of this kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has had the pisé de terre system of wall building examined or tested; if so, whether he will inform the House of the result of his investigations; whether he is aware that the system of pisé construction is now being subjected to a series of scientific and practical tests under the supervision of the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington; whether he is aware that the Board of Agriculture is now building experimental houses in pisé whether he is aware that two of the great advantages claimed for this system are that it can be done by unskilled labour and at one-fourth the cost of brickwork; whether these advantages call for the careful consideration of his Department; and if he will further explore the possibilities of this new form of building?

I am aware of the experiments being made with pisé de terre and of the advantages claimed for this system. The Standardisation and Construction Committee of the Housing Advisory Council have investigated this form of construction and have reported that the general principle of pisé de terre may be approved for experimental purposes. The Committee pointed out, however, that there had been an unusual number of failures in this method of construction and that it was most important that the work should be carried out under proper supervision and with proper material. My Department are keeping in touch with the further tests and experiments now being carried out, and the results will receive their careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations from municipal authorities on the provisions of the Housing (Assisted Scheme) Regulation, 1919; whether he will remove an impression amongst local authorities that there is no guarantee that they will be indemnified against loss beyond the produce of a penny rate; whether he will amend Article V. of the Regulations, which requires an estimate for the seven years ending 31st March, 1927, owing to its unreasonable requirement; and whether he is satisfied that the rules in Schedule B will be practicable of operation and that there is a prospect of securing the economic rents anticipated by those rules?

Local authorities have been repeatedly assured that their liability will be limited to the produce of a penny rate, provided that sufficient rents are obtained and that due economy is observed in the carrying out and adminis- tration of the scheme. But it is proposed to alter certain provisions of the Regulations to which objection has been taken.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that County Court judges and Courts of summary jurisdiction in the Metropolitan area are issuing ejectment orders at the present time, often because they feel they have no option to do otherwise under the law us at present constituted, and that such orders, having regard to the extreme shortage of housing accommodation of any description now prevailing, are proving harsh in many deserving cases, apart from the danger to the health of the persons affected due to their being rendered homeless; and whether he will take steps and, if necessary, introduce legislation, to confer wider discretionary powers on County Court judges and magistrates generally to deal with cases of this description, and so enable the Courts to deal with the cases with greater clemency for a period of at least twelve months, or until the housing position is appreciably improved?

Yes, Sir. This question is receiving consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities are finding difficulty in raising locally any but short-dated loans for their housing schemes; and whether, under the circumstances, he will press for the relaxation of the Treasury Regulations refusing sanction to loans of less than twenty years?

I am aware that some local authorities find it difficult to raise long term loans for housing. The question of the conditions under which housing loans should be raised is now being considered by a Committee appointed by the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the official memorandum on housing, entitled Financial Assistance to Public Utility Societies, dated 24th March, 1919, stated on the top of page 3 that advances would be made to such societies on the same terms as to local authorities; and, if so, whether he will explain why public utility society loans not exceeding fifty years are to be charged 5¾ per cent, interest from 1st September, although local authorities are only called on to pay 5½ per cent.?

Arrangements have now been made under which the same rate of interest will be charged by the Public Works Loans Board for loans in respect of subsidised housing scheme? to public utility societies as are charged to local authorities. This rate is now 6 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for "War whether he can now announce his decision on reconsideration of the application of the Dover Corporation for the Ropewalk Meadow at Dover for housing purposes?

I regret I can add nothing at present to the reply given to my Noble Friend on the 6th instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Medical Research Committee is to work under the control of the Privy Council after June next; and whether in that case the funds available for the Committee's work are still to be derived from moneys provided by Parliament under the National Health Insurance Act, or whether a separate Vote will be made of this money?

Yes, Sir, and a separate Vote will be taken after the transference.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to deal with the provision of residential treatment for discharged soldiers and sailors suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis; and what action is proposed in conection with the Interdepartmental Committee on Tuberculosis Report?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave on the 10th and the 24th instant to the hon. Member for the Wavertree Division of Liverpool.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the difficulty now experienced by young men of good education who developed tuberculosis as a consequence of war service and are now advised not to follow a teaching career in schools, and the only recommendation made to them is to take up poultry farming or horticulture; and whether, in view of the great sacrifices made by many of the parents to educate these young men, he will consider a scheme to train under his Department a proportion of these cases for survey work or other similar duties which will give a maximum of outdoor employment?

I have been asked to reply to this question. A scheme of the kind referred to, suitable for tuberculous ex-officers requiring outdoor employment, is now under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether the second part of the Des-borough Report has yet been completed; and, if so, can he state the probable date of publication?

The Committee have not yet completed the second part of their Report, but I understand they hope to present it in the course of next month.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of mounted police in the Metropolitan Police Force at the present time; has the number been increased recently; do they receive the same or extra pay to the ordinary constables and officers; has the uniform for mounted men be-on changed; and for what reason?

The present establishment is:

• 9 Inspectors
• 18 Sergeants
• 243 Constables.

The number has not been increased. On the contrary, owing to a careful re-organisation, a decrease of establishment has been found possible. Mounted men receive the same pay as ordinary con- stables and officers and, with the exception of four drill instructors, they have no extra duty pay. Their uniform has not been changed, but caps have been issued in addition to helmets, in compliance with the wish of the constables themselves,

asked the Home Secretary whether any charge is made by the Metropolitan Police force for constables who are employed to control queues outside theatres, picture palaces, and other places of amusement, as well as for those who attend race meetings, and will he state what the charge is for such attendance; and if it has recently been increased owing to the increased wages now paid to the police force?

The control of queues outside theatres is regarded as part of the ordinary duty of the Metropolitan Police, and no charge is made for their services in this connection.

asked the Home Secretary the number of ex-policemen who were discharged for taking part in the police strike who have secured employment; how many of these obtained situations on the recommendation of the Chief Commissioner of Police; and the number of ex-policemen who have been complimented by magistrates in various parts of the country for courageous conduct and vigilant action in support of law and order?

No figures as to the number who have secured employment can be given for the Metropolitan Police district. Elsewhere, out of 1,310 men dismissed, 834 are known to have secured employment, and probably many others have done so without the Chief Constable being informed. Practically all who have applied have been given suitable recommendations, but it is impossible to say in how many cases these recommendations led to their employment. Two ex-policemen have been complimented by magistrates, and two others have been thanked by a Chief Constable with the magistrates' concurrence.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has appointed yet the Departmental Committee he has promised to consider the conditions of service, the number of hours per day or per week, and the wages of members of fire brigades in this country; and can he state the names of the members and the reference he has given them, and if evidence is to be heard to whom interested parties should apply?

The appointment of this Committee has been unfortunately delayed by the temporary absence from this country of a Member of this House who is specially qualified to assist the Committee, and I hope will do so. The names of members and the terms of reference will be published as soon as the Committee is appointed. It will be for the Committee to settle their procedure and invite evidence if they so desire.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that a Departmental Committee in 1909 made important suggestions for amendment of the law relating to coroners and coroners' inquests, and that the Coroners (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1917, and the Juries Act, 1918, will shortly cease to have effect, he proposes to introduce at an early date legislation to bring about amendments of the coroners' law?

I hope it may be possible to introduce legislation on this subject next Session after more urgent matters have been dealt with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the average number of men working in the coal mines for the four weeks ended 15th November, or for the latest period for which the information is available?

The average number of persons employed at the coal mines in the United Kingdom during the four weeks ended 11th October, 1919, which is the latest period for which figures are available, was 1,154,500.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether gas com- panies who took advantage of the increase in the price of coal to raise the price of gas regardless of their then existing stocks will be required to effect forthwith an appropriate reduction in the price of gas in view of the 10s. per ton reduction in the price of coal; and whether the gas companies will be required to read their consumers' meters on or about the 1st proximo instead of the usual quarter-day?

Gas and electric energy will be reduced in price for domestic and household purposes. The detailed questions raised by the hon. and gallant Member are now receiving the careful consideration of the Coal Controller. An announcement will be made at the earliest possible date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, if the Appendices (Cmd. 361) to the Reports and Minutes of Evidence of the Coal Commission are not published a reasonable time before the date on which he intends to introduce the Bill limiting the profits of the mine-owners, he will, in view of the importance of all necessary information being available for Members, postpone the introduction of the Bill until such reasonable time after the publication of the Appendices as will give Members a proper opportunity to study them?

I am informed that the Appendices to which my hon. Friend refers will be published to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 3s. per ton increase in the price of cement due to the 6s. advance in the price of coal will now be taken off by the cement manufacturers; and whether a still further reduction will be made corresponding to the fall in the price of coal?

As the reduction in the price of coal does not extend to industrial coal, I should not expect it to have any effect upon the price of cement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any active steps will be taken to reduce the price of all building materials correspondingly to the fall in the price of coal; whether the loss of 10s. per ton on all coal in the possession of local authorities, which was laid down at the request of the Ministry of Health and the Controller of Coal Mines to establish a reserve stock in case of emergency, will fall on the ratepayers of the particular locality establishing the stock or will the Government accept the liability?

The hon. and gallant Member appears to be under a misapprehension. No reduction has been made in the price of industrial coal. In regard to stocks held by local authorities an adjustment will be made by the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any legal instrument exists embodying the modified terms of the agreement between the President of the Board of Trade and the British Dyestuffs Corporation; and if he will give the date on which the same was executed and the names of the parties thereto?

No, Sir. The earlier agreement is still operative so far as it is applicable in the changed circumstances.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the advisability of bringing in a Bill to improve and cheapen the facilities for persons of limited means to take out patents and to prevent any patentee from selling more than 50 per cent, of his interest in his invention to his employer; and if he will further consider the advisability of appointing an Inventions Committee to consider and advise upon inventions of all persons of poor circumstances and, if necessary, help them to protect their improvements?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would direct my hon. Friend's attention to the Bill to amend the Patents and Designs Act, 1907, at present under consideration in another place. If this Bill receives the Royal Assent, it is hoped that it will improve facilities for obtaining the grant of patents. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not think it would be practicable or advisable to appoint such a Committee as that suggested. Under the present practice of the Patent Office all possible help and assistance is given by the staff to every inventor in preparing the specifications and other documents necessary for obtaining patent rights.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction throughout the country as the result of the quality of gas supplied; whether the Emergency Order issued to gas companies during the recent railway strike has been rescinded; and whether he will take steps to ensure that householders will be supplied with sufficient gas for lighting and cooking purposes?

Yes, Sir. The Emergency Order was revoked on the 28th October last, and the restrictions on the supply of gas and electricity for household and domestic purposes were suspended on the 19th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department assents to a local authority which has appointed a profiteering tribunal instructing the officers of the local authority to make purchases within its area with a view to testing prices and, if necessary, instituting proceedings under the Profiteering Act?

The matters referred to in the question do not require the formal assent of the Board of Trade, and I see no ground for raising any objection to such action by the local authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the continued closing of the Patent Office Library in the evening is causing great inconvenience to students, especially to those whose studies have been long interrupted by military service; and whether he will endeavour to have the library kept open till 10 p.m. on two or three evenings in the week at an early date?

The desirability of reopening the Patent Office Library in the evening has not been lost sight of, but there have been difficulties in making the necessary arrangements owing to depletion of staff. Arrangements will be made at the earliest possible date to keep the library open every evening for several additional hours.

asked the President of the Board of Trade upon what conditions credits are given under the Board's scheme for long-term credits for exports; what is the total amount of credit granted by the Export Credit Department out of the £26,000,000 allocated to it, and upon what classes of goods, and in what amounts, has such credit been granted; what is the amount of credit granted in respect of exports to each of the areas specified in the announcements of 4th and 25th September, namely: Finland, Baltic Provinces, Latvia, Esthonia, and Lithuania., Poland, Czecho-Slovakia, Jugo-Slavia, and the areas in Russia to which the scheme for insurance against abnormal commercial risks applies; what are the reasons for the exclusion of Austria and Hungary from the scheme, while Czecho-Slovakia, Jugo-Slavia, and Poland are admitted; and whether, in view of their needs, he is prepared to extend the scheme to Austria and Hungary?

The conditions upon which credits are given are stated in a published announcement, dated 25th September, of which I am sending the right hon. Member a copy. The scheme only came into force on the 8th September, and no money has as yet been actually disbursed, but applications for advances to be taken within a specified date have been sanctioned up to a total of about £69,000. Tentative applications also approved, together with other proposals under consideration, represent an additional £978,000. The classes of goods in respect of which applications have already been sanctioned are: Iron and steel goods, cotton piece goods, hardware, haberdashery, cotton yarn, rope, tin-plate. The amounts sanctioned vary from quite small sums up to £45,000. Of the advances sanctioned, £3,771 1s. 11d. are in respect of exports to Finland; £15,394 to Czeoho-Slovakia; and £50,000 to the area to which the scheme applies in Russia. None relates to the Baltic Pro- vinces (Latvia, Esthonia and Lithunia), to Poland, or to Jugo-Slavia. The scheme has been introduced primarily for the purpose of assisting the re-establishment of our own export trade, although His Majesty's Government hope that it will considerably help the rehabilitation of the countries to which it applies. The question of extending the scheme is kept under consideration, but having regard to the limited total sum available it is not thought desirable at the present time to extend it to the enemy countries of Austria and Hungary. I may, however, add that quite apart from this trade scheme, extensive financial assistance has been granted to Austria out of the funds placed at the disposal of the Supreme Economic Council by the Allied Governments. The contribution made by the United Kingdom was, as already explained by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a sum of £12,500,000 sterling, of which over £3,500,000 were expended on food supplies alone apart from other stores.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to state if boring for oil under Government supervision is proving successful; what is the present weekly output of oil; what is the cost per gallon raised; and when is it expected that the industry will be upon a paying basis?

I have been asked to answer this question. Until the boreholes now in progress have reached lower horizons it would be premature to express an opinion on the success or otherwise of the operations, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Official Reports which have been published from time to time in the Press. The Hardstoft well is the only one which has been completed to date, and this has given an average weekly production of 1,734 gallons, a figure which it is anticipated will be largely increased when pumping machinery has been installed. No estimate of the cost per gallon raised can be usefully formed at this stage, but the cost of drilling has necessarily been high on account of the heavy cost of materials and freight during the War and the necessity for protecting the coal seams encountered. The question of placing the industry upon a satisfactory financial basis is one which is largely dependent upon the early passage of legislation which is contemplated dealing with oil rights.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the possibility of issuing, through the Labour Exchanges, for the winter months tickets at a reduced fare to those workmen who through stagnation in the towns where they usually labour have to seek for work in other parts of the country?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Arrangements are already in force whereby all workmen proceeding to employment at a distance found for them by the Employment Exchanges are charged about half the present railway fare. The period for which these arrangements were made will shortly expire; but the question of continuing them for a further period is under consideration. I am not prepared to extend this concession to workpeople who wish to travel in order to seek work, as distinct from those for whom work has been found. Such an arrangement would clearly be open to serious abuse.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he can state what is the average price paid by British railway companies to the Ministry of Munitions for super-heated locomotives allocated to British railway companies under the direction of the Ministry of Transport?

Prior to the establishment of the pool from which locomotives are allocated to railway companies under the direction of the Ministry of Transport, fifty new locomotives were sold to British railway companies for £515,000. No locomotives have been sold under the directions of the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport what employment of a temporary nature is being provided by expenditure by the State, either directly or indirectly, on road construction or improvement; how much of the money set aside for the Road Board has been voted; and how many of the schemes for which these sums are provided have actually been commenced?

In addition to the existing balances in the Road Improvement Fund, the Civil Service Estimates for the current year provide £8,250,000 by way of a Grant-in-Aid. The total amount thus made available for road construction and improvement with a view to providing useful employment in restoring Toads to their pre-war condition was, approximately, £10,000,000, of which nearly the whole has already been allocated. I have no definite information of the number of schemes which have actually been commenced, but payments on account of 186 schemes have already been made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of persons employed in connection with the railways before the introduction of the eight-hours system, and the number now so employed; and whether there is less delay now at terminals than there was prior to this change?

The number of persons employed by the principal railway companies increased from nearly 500,000 to nearly 600,000 between November, 1918, and July, 1919, which are the latest dates for which figures are at present available. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether large stores of bricks required for building purposes are delayed owing to the lack of transport facilities; if so, whether the delay is due to shortage of trucks or due more to the detention of trucks at terminals; and will he consider the desirability of motor road transport for dealing with the congestion, where materials can be transferred direct to the precise localities where they are required?

I am informed that there are large stocks of bricks awaiting transport facilities, but I am not aware that any delay to building schemes is being caused by lack of transport facilities for bricks. The use of road transport for this traffic is a matter for the interests concerned. The Government has no intention of entering into competition with private carriers in that traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the difficulties of transport in South Wales and Monmouthshire; that, in consequence of the present congested state of the railways, it is playing havoc with the Welsh plate and sheet trade; that the manufacturers connected with the trade are holding a conference at the Royal Metal Exchange, Swansea, on Monday, 1st December; and whether his Department intends to be represented at the conference in question with a view of hearing the employers' side of the question?

I am aware that there is a general shortage of wagons, but I have: no reason to believe that the Welsh plate and sheet trade is suffering undue disadvantage in comparison with other trades. This trade has the benefit of coastwise facilities, and it is suggested that the utmost use should be made of this means of transport. Representatives from the railway companies concerned have been invited to attend the meeting on the 1st of December, and it is not proposed to send a representative of the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport whether upwards of 40,000 railway wagons and trucks are still in France; whether the Port of London is greatly congested with goods, owing in part to a shortage of rolling stock and barges; whether the motor lorry aid to the railway companies has so far failed appreciably to relieve the congestion; whether on 21st November fifteen ships were in the Thames unable to berth; whether this grave congestion appreciably affects the prices of commodities; and what is being done to meet the emergency?

The number of wagons to be returned to this country from France was, in the middle of this month, approximately 24,000, of which over 19,000 were those lent by the British railway companies. The Port of London is certainly congested, but the traffic emergency lorry scheme was instituted to meet the emergency and has affected an improvement. I am unable to make any statement as to the effect of the congestion on prices of commodities.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can state the number of vehicles now being controlled by his Department for food distribution purposes?

No vehicles are being controlled by the Minister of Transport for food distribution purposes, but no doubt the lorries allotted to certain ports to relieve congestion are conveying food.

asked the Minister of Transport if an improved service of trains for the transport of perishable foodstuffs has been organised with a view to, as far as possible, preventing wastage; and, if not, if immediate steps will be taken in this direction?

The transport facilities available are utilised to the fullest possible extent, and perishable foodstuffs are given special consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, owing to the difficulty of obtaining trucks, large quantities of hay in the county of Wilts is lying in the open and is deteriorating in quality; and whether, in view of the importance of hay to the farming community for the purposes of food production, it can be given some priority in the allotment of trucks?

I am unable to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Abertillery on the 24th November in reply to a similar question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a part-time telephonist, age twenty-four years, is employed from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from I p.m. to 3 p.m. one week, and from 9 a.m. to I p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the alternate week; whether this telephonist is paid for thirty-six hours at 3½d. per hour, making a sum of 10s. 6d.; whether the appropriate war bonus of this amount is 14s. 5d., a total of 24s. 11d.; and whether he will have immediate inquiries made with a view to increasing the rate of remuneration for this work?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the case, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is by his instructions that the Post Office refuse to give holders of War Savings Certificates particulars as to such holdings registered in their names; what course should be adopted by purchasers of such certificates who have lost or mislaid certificates in order to ascertain the amount of their holdings; and what Regulations, if any. exist as to replacement of War Savings Certificates which have been lost or inadvertently destroyed?

There is no such refusal, but the purchaser should furnish the serial number of the certificates or particulars of the place and date of purchase. War Savings. Certificates which have been lost or inadvertently destroyed, and which can be identified from the particulars available, are replaced, under the Regulations, on payment of a fee of 1s.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any intention of introducing the cash-on-delivery system for goods within the United Kingdom?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to deal with this question. The answer is in the negative. Proposals with this object in view were made for many years before the War from time to time, but always met with much opposition. I have at present no reason to suppose that the situation has altered in this respect.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can arrange for the letters posted in London before midnight to be delivered by the first post the following morning within the Metropolitan area?

Letters posted up to midnight in the more central districts of the London postal area (the Western Central District excepted, where the time is 11.50 p.m.) are delivered by the first post on the following morning within that area. In the rest of inner London, letters may be posted up to eleven or 11.30 p.m. In the more outlying districts-the latest time for posting is now just after ten o'clock; tout, save in the remoter districts, there is a collection from 10.45 to-eleven o'clock from a certain number of posting-boxes in the neighbourhood of the-several sorting offices.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a telephonist whose number on the seniority list was twenty-five was recently promoted over all her seniors for the position of provisional supervisor; whether this telephonist was an efficient operator; whether she had had experience on all positions in the switch room; and whether, having regard to the discontent which is caused by the promotion of junior officers, he will have the matter carefully considered with a view to finding a more equitable system?

If the hon. Member will furnish particulars of the case to which he refers, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will furnish a Return: of the number of officers in the London postal service who have reached the pensionable age of sixty; whether officers approaching that age are still being invited to extend their period of service; and whether he has considered the influence of this policy on tile present acute problem of unemployment?

There are eighty-nine pensionable officers in the London Postal Service who have already attained the age of sixty years. The practice followed during the War of inviting officers approaching that age to extend their period of service has been discontinued.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a private telegraph wire held under lease may be used for the transmission of telegraph messages for payment; whether a private renter uses a wire solely for the transmission of messages in relation to his own business; whether the Press Association proposes to receive payment from individual newspaper owners for the service which it will render; whether the Press Association will take to that extent the transmission of new services from the Postmaster-General; and whether he will reconsider this arrangement?