asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Flight-Sergeant R. Parker, seaplane box, His Majesty's ship "Vindictive," is a 1914 man and still retained; and if he can state the reasons for his retention, and further, say when his release is expected?

Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Gentleman as soon as they are completed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the instruction cabled by the War Office on or before the 6th instant to General Headquarters, Mesopotamia, that Lieut. J. F. Nicholson, Royal Army Service Corps, should be sent for demobilisation forthwith has been complied with?

A reply has not been received to the cable sent from the War Office on the 6th instant, and a further cable was sent yesterday asking the date of Lieut. Nicholson's embarkation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if Captain P. J. O'Neill, Royal Irish Fusiliers, was released from military service as from 1st September, 1919, and that neither pay nor gratuity has been lodged to his credit since April last; and, if so, why has payment been suspended?

The facts of this case are under investigation, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. A. Cooke was employed at the Clapham Junction Employment Exchange in September, 1918, and not in December of that year; that the admission now made that he was assigned to special duties was previously denied by his Department; that Mr. Cooke tendered a week's notice, and was thereupon given eleven days' leave, to which he was entitled, and then dismissed, which, in effect, meant that he was dismissed without working out the week's notice or being paid a week's salary in lieu; that Mr. Cooke was never informed that he had been reverted to the ordinary duties of a temporary clerk with a consequent reduction in pay; and whether he will have further inquiries made into this case in order that he may become possessed of the facts, with a view to meeting the claim for a week's salary in lieu of notice and for the extra rate due to Mr. Cooke from the 1st April until his discharge?

The date of Mr. Cooke's appointment was September, not December, 1918; but the mistake made in the answer to the hon. Member's previous question does not affect the question at issue. I am not aware that the Department has ever denied that Mr. Cooke was at one time assigned to special duties; nor do I assert that he was informed in so many words of his transfer to ordinary duties. There is, however, no question as to the fact of his having been so transferred, Mr. Cooke gave notice on the 16th July of his intention to terminate his engagement. Under the terms of this notice his services would have ceased on the 24th July. He was instead allowed to take eleven days' annual leave on full pay, and he actually ceased duty on the 31st July. In this connection, I may point out that no officer in the Government service has any inalienable right to annual leave. The grant of such leave is in all cases subject to the requirements of the public service and may be withheld at the discretion of the Department. I am satisfied that Mr. Cooke has not been harshly or unjustly treated; and I ant unable to recognise his claims as having any valid foundation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any clearing-house arrangement in London and the surrounding districts under the Labour Exchanges system whereby persons who cannot obtain employment in any one locality may get an opportunity of obtaining it elsewhere?

Yes. Particulars of applicants for employment and of unsatisfied demands for labour at Employment Exchanges are notified to a clearing house, where action is taken to put applicants, for whom local employment is not available, in touch with vacancies in other districts. This arrangement is operative, not only in London and the surrounding districts, but throughout the United Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, under the fund to help unemployed shipmasters and officers, the applicant must show not only that he is without means but also that he has a certain number of dependants before he can receive any benefit; and whether the original proposal was meant to be not of a charitable nature but a recognition of debt for the valuable services rendered by these men?

An applicant is not deemed ineligible for relief because he has no dependants. The fund was set op to render assistance to those ship masters and officers who otherwise would suffer actual want through unemployment which was due to causes arising out of the War.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of a growing dissatisfaction caused by the absence in Richmond Park of such public conveniences as are provided in the other Royal parks within the Metropolitan police area; and whether, in view of the great increase in the numbers visiting Richmond Park, he will consider the inclusion of financial provision in the next Estimates to supply the deficiency?

I will give the matter my full consideration, but no money has been voted by Parliament this year for such a service.