asked the Prime Minister whether the German troops are besieging Libau; whether an attack was made on or about 14th November, 1919; whether the Letts are holding the town; and whether British destroyers assisted the Letts by shelling the German lines and providing the Letts with ammunition?

The German troops are not besieging Libau now, having been driven off. German-Russian troops attacked Libau on the 4th November. The Letts are holding the town. During the attack on 4th November, British destroyers opened fire on the troops attacking the town, and with good effect; they provided the Letts with a certain number of machine guns and ammunition for them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a detachment of Mahomedans has been formed under General Golitzin to fight the Bolsheviks?

I have been asked to reply. The War Office has no information on this subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can make arrangements for the resumption of postal intercourse between this country and Petrograd and Moscow at an early date?

It would be contrary to the policy of the Allied Governments to open up communication with those parts of Russia which are in Bolshevik occupation, even if it were practicable to do so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the ice-breakers built by arrangement with and to the order of the North Russian Government have been delivered; and what is the reason for the delay in delivery?

Five of the ice-breakers referred to will be delivered to the North Russian Government immediately. The remaining two will be delivered at an early date. There has been no avoidable delay in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received communications from the Workmen's and Unionist clubs in Monmouthshire protesting against the delay in restoring prewar conditions, and asking for the right to supply alcoholic beverages on Sundays during the same hours as those permitted in England, and which obtained in this country prior to the War?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Govern- ment are refusing to allow British civilians to receive decorations from the French Government for services rendered during the War?

As a general rule there is no objection to the bestowal of decorations upon British subjects by the heads of Allied States for war services rendered prior to the signing of the Peace Treaty with Germany, and it is only in exceptional cases that permission for the wearing of such decorations cannot be granted, owing to the existence of special rules. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular instance in which permission has been withheld, I shall be glad to ascertain and inform him of the reasons for the decision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state, with reference to his estimate of the Debt for a normal year, the amount of the various descriptions of the Debt and the rates of interest payable upon them, respectively?

In view of the large amounts of short-term Debt maturing for payment from time to time, it is, I fear, impossible to give a detailed forecast of the exact nature of the Debt which will be outstanding in a future "normal" year. The Debt charge for such a year can only be estimated on the best general forecast of the total Debt likely to be outstanding and not on a detailed calculation under various heads, the exact constituents of which are necessarily at present unknown.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the feasibility of extending individual holdings of War Savings Certificates beyond the present limit of £500 has been considered; whether there is any insuperable objection to such extension; whether he is prepared to recommend an increased limit; and, if so, to what amount?

Yes, Sir; this question has been considered, but for the reasons stated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Keighley on the 29th July last I am not prepared to agree to any extension of the limit.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the increase of matters of public importance which the county councils are called upon to administer; and will he consider making adequate grants from the National Exchequer to cover the cost of administering these public services so that it should not fall on local rates?

Provision is made under the Housing and Land Settlement Acts of this Session for very substantial Exchequer Grants in respect of services which would normally fall on local rates. Extensive Exchequer Grants have also been made for Education, Police, and Roads. In view of the very heavy calls on the Exchequer at the present time, I cannot hold out hopes of further relief of the rates by Exchequer subsidies.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (I) what is the approximate number of typewriters returned to the Stationery Office by Government Departments during the last three months, and the number re-issued during the same period;

(2) whether he is aware that the Stationery Office state that they have no typewriters surplus to requirements; and whether he can give any explanation of this fact, seeing that many Government Departments have made great reductions in clerical staff during the last three months?

The number of typewriters returned to the Stationery Office and the number issued during the last three months is as follows:

	Returned.	Issued.
September	938	268
October	1,274	407
November	921	403

There are at present no surplus machines in stock, since every machine returned requires examination and many of them require overhaul or repair before reissue; and although this work is being done as rapidly as possible the output of machines in good condition is only just sufficient to balance the new issues. The stock of machines actually ready for reissue is not more than a few days' supply. No new machines are being bought. The above figures for returned machines include all those returned front the fighting Services in all theatres of war, and many are so damaged that they require extensive repair. In the three months in question ninety machines, damaged beyond repair, have been broken up for spare parts.The returns of machines that might be expected to be in first-class order (

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether girls engaged temporarily to replace men on active service have been establishd in the stamping department, Inland Revenue, with the result that male probationers now returning from the Army cannot be established?

No, Sir. The appointment of women to established positions in the stamping branch (in which both sexes were employed before the War) was the result of a reorganisation of the branch as a whole, under which the position and prospect of the men serving in the branch in unestablished capacities were materially improved.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the necessity for reducing national expenditure, he will take means of approaching the Government Department in occupation of the Westgate Hotel, Newport; Mon., with the view of terminating such occupation, seeing that for a long time only a small fraction of that building was occupied and the whole building could be disposed of for useful purposes, accommodation being scarce in the neighbourhood; and whether he is aware that a unanimous resolution of the Newport Chamber of Commerce has been recently passed complaining of the waste implied in this question?

The Westgate Hotel, Newport, was occupied by the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps up to the end of January, 1919. It was then loaned to the Ministry of Pensions arid vacated by them in September, 1919. The delay in. handing back to the owners is due to the cleaning and repairing and reinstating about £10,000 worth of furniture. This service, which the owners were unwilling to undertake in the usual way, had to be undertaken by the War Department, and is being proceeded with by contract as expeditiously as possible. It is hoped to have all the work completed and the hotel available- for handing back on or about 31st December, 1919. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Food Controller whether there is a shortage in the supply of linseed cake for cattle feeding; and why an export licence has been allowed for about 5,000 tons recently arrived from America, and the name of the firm to whom this licence has been granted?

Local shortages of linseed cake have been caused in certain districts by lack of sufficient railway and other transport to ensure prompt distribution from the mills to agricultural areas; but there is no general shortage. The export of 5,000 tons of American linseed cake to Holland was permitted as a special measure in order to relieve congestion at the ports. The licence to export was granted to Mr. J. Zwaardemaker.

asked the Food Controller whether the representative of a co-operative wholesale society was purchasing bacon in America on behalf of the British Government; and what was the reason for this arrangement?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

I have employed this gentleman as a buyer of bacon because I have every confidence in his ability and experience.

asked the Food Controller when the special restrictions on the sale of drink in Orkney and Shetland will be removed, in view of the fact that there is no further necessity for their continuance?

I do not know to what; restrictions the hon. Member refers. If he is alluding to special restrictions imposed by the Central Control Board on the Liquor Traffic, and will give me particulars, I Will communicate with him on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Lord Chancellor for Ireland has stated, regarding the Committee of Inquiry into Irish County Court and Local Registration of Title Matters, that he is willing but that only the Executive has power to supplement the terms of reference to the said Committee so as to include within the scope of the inquiry the remuneration, duties, and conditions of employment of the subordinate staffs in the offices of the Clerks of the Crown and Peace and local registrars of title; and will he give instructions to have the existing terms of reference amended or supplemented in this respect and thus give the Irish County Court assistants the same opportunity to state their case that has already been given to English County Court assistants?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I regret it is now too late to have the existing terms of reference amended, as the terms have been settled, and the Committee appointed has already held a sitting and arranged its programme.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a large number of police stations have recently been closed in various districts throughout Ireland, and, in consequence, the usual night patrols discontinued; and, if so, what steps the authorities intend to take to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and their property in those districts?

Owing to the numerous attacks upon members of the police and raids upon barracks in various districts in the country recently the Government approved of the temporary closing up of a number of barracks in order that the police might be concentrated in other barracks for the purpose of ensuring their safety. The police in the sub-districts adjoining the localities where barracks have been temporarily closed will, by frequent patrols, do all within their power to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and their property.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he intends to publish the Reports on Bogs (Peat, Fuel, and Reclamation) prepared by the Irish Peat Committee and issued to the Fuel Research Committee in the months of February and July, 1918?

The Reports, which involve a number of complicated questions, both of procedure and of finance, are still under consideration, but is is hoped that it may be possible to make a statement with regard to them shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the present whereabouts of Veterinary-Assistant R. R. Hayhow, No. 33541, formerly stationed on His Majesty's ship "Alexandria"; whether he is aware that this man was recently returned to this country from Russia, and that, according to information in his parents' possession, he is supposed to have been sent to Russia again; and can he say for how long it is the practice when men are returned from foreign service for them to remain at home?

Victualling-Assistant Hayhow is now serving in His Majesty's ship "Alexander." He has not been sent to Russia again. His ship has recently been at Scapa and Rosyth, and is now ordered to be paid off into reserve at the latter port. Unless required on His Majesty's ship "Alexander," this rating would be returned to his depot at Portsmouth to await further draft.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the possibility of issuing a medal or ribbon to men engaged in minesweeping during the War?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 13th August last on this subject to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hull Central, to the effect that it is not intended to issue a special medal or ribbon to officers and men engaged in mine-sweeping during the War. They will, however, be eligible for the British War Medal, and the question of granting clasps to that medal for particular services, such as mine-sweeping, is being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Regular officers who commanded units in the field are now being posted to units where they are under the command of others who were superseded and sent home with adverse reports; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this practice?

No officer is allowed to retain command of a unit unless the Army Council after considering all his war reports, are satisfied that he is fit to command. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that in the posting of officers for duty with units, as well as the selection of officers for command, due regard is paid to their military efficiency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the date by which all Regular field officers who were sent home as unfit to command a unit in the field will have been removed from the active list and, approximately, how many it is expected will be so removed in order to promote efficient juniors?

The work of scrutinising all the War reports of senior officers necessarily takes a considerable time. I regret I am unable yet to say when it will be complete or how many officers are likely to be considered unfit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the question of issuing either the War or the Victory Medal to troops who served at home during the War has been decided; and, if it has been decided not to make such issue, whether the issue of some other medal with an altogether different ribbon to troops who have served at home but not overseas can be considered?

The question of an award to those who rendered valuable service at home during the War is still under consideration. As I have already explained, however, to award a War Medal to them when they did not leave their native shores during the continuance of active operations would be unprecedented and illogical.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the granting of an oak leaf to be worn by those mentioned in dispatches would include those mentioned for service at home as well as abroad; and how the oak leaf, if granted in respect of a mention for home service, is to be worn if no medal is granted for home service?

The whole question of this award is still under consideration, and I regret I cannot make any statement at present on the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office upon whom rests the responsibility for the expenditure of public money in July last in the digging of a trench at one end while the other end was being filled up, at a total cost of £100, between Hythe and Dymchurch, and in September last, in filling up trenches between St. Mary's and Little-stone at a cost of £450, and the giving away to a local farmer of a stack of hay worth £200 from the land of St. Mary's aerodrome; and whether he will inquire into the possibility of making use of the houses and land lying untenanted by renting them to ex-Service men from New Romsey and district and who are desirous of small holdings?

Investigations are already being made into the matters raised in this question, but are not yet complete. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps can be promoted to the rank of major at thirteen years' service as is the case of officers in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and why any distinction in this respect is made; when will captains of ten years' service in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps be promoted to major; and is he aware of the hardship operating under Order 324 of September last by the non-promotion of these officers as compared with those who on July, 1915, were promoted to major with ten years' service?

Officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps are eligible for promotion to captain after five years' service, and to major after ten years in the rank of captain. As a war measure it was necessary temporarily to augment the establishment in July, 1915, and a certain number of officers were promoted to the rank of major on completion of ten years' service. These officers benefited in a manner similar to many officers of other corps whose promotion was accelerated owing to the War. The reversion to Peace Regulations cannot be considered as a hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether other ranks of the British garrison of Mesopotamia receive their pay at the exchange rate of 1s. 4d. to the rupee, while officers receive their pay through Cox at the current rate of exchange; and, if this is so, why there should be any difference as between officers and other ranks?

The whole of the pay of other ranks is issued, as in India, at the fixed rate of 1s. 4d. For officers whose pay is not fixed in rupees the object of the Regulations is to provide, at the fixed rate of 1s. 4d. a share of pay and allowances sufficient to cover their local expenditure, but the balance of their pay, which may be presumed to be spent in sterling, is issued by the Army agents in the sterling in which it is fixed. The amount issuable at 1s. 4d. is reviewed from time to time to meet the conditions prevailing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, while naval officers who were prisoners of war have been given allowances on account of the cost of living while in captivity, officers of the Army have not yet been given these allowances for the period of their captivity in Bulgaria and Turkey, where prices ruled exceptionally high, although a year has elapsed since their release?

I understand that the allowances to naval officers to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers were given to naval officers who were prisoners of war in all enemy countries, and not only to those who were in captivity in Turkey and Bulgaria. They were given because otherwise naval officer prisoners of war would have been at a disadvantage as compared with Army officers. The question of according special treatment to both Navy and Army officers who were prisoners of war in Turkey and Bulgaria, in respect of the very exceptional cost of living in those countries, is under consideration, and I hope that an early decision will be arrived at.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he gave instructions that the notices of discharge to civilians employed in the Royal Air Force depots were to be cancelled for the time being; and, if so, whether he is aware that no such instructions have been received at the Ascot and other depots?

Telegraphic instructions to suspend the demobilisation of civilian subordinates until further orders were sent to Royal Air Force depots on the 15th November, and the receipt of these instructions has been acknowledged by Ascot and the other depots concerned.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether uniforms supplied to messengers are a part of the emoluments of the men which is taken into consideration in the fixing of the messengers' wages; if so, why the Air Ministry are allowed to demand that uniforms must be returned to the Department when men are discharged; whether these used uniforms, which are returned, are afterwards supplied to newly-appointed messengers; and whether he will have the practice stopped?

I have been asked to take this question. The answer to the first and second part of the hon. Gentleman's question is that, in fixing the messengers' emoluments, part of the value of the uniforms supplied has been taken into consideration. These uniforms are the property of the Government, and are due for return by messengers on leaving the service of the Air Ministry. Exceptions may, however, be made in certain circumstances, especially when a uniform is approaching the time for replacement. As regards the third part, generally speaking, as a concession, trousers have been allowed to be retained, but coats, waistcoats and overcoats have to be returned to store and reissued. It is not proposed to depart from this practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will states the total amount of the moneys remaining in the hands of the State as the result of dealing in British wool under control after all expenses have been paid?

I have been asked to answer this question. As disposal of British wool purchased by the Government under the purchase scheme is not yet completed, and the expenses incurred have not yet been ascertained in full, I am unable to give the information asked for. It is impossible under these circumstances to give an estimate.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that some local pension committees are refusing to grant pensions to wives of disabled men, on the ground that the disablement of the husband is only aggravated by war service; and whether this is in accordance with the Minister's instructions?

I do not understand this question. Local war pensions committees do not in any case grant pensions. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me more detailed particulars I will investigate them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he has received a Resolution from the Carlisle Trade Council protesting against the waste of the valuable plant now lying idle in the Gretna factory, pointing out that the factory possesses admirable facilities for the repair of railway plant, etc., and urging that an inquiry be made for the purpose of ascertaining how the splendidly equipped electric power station could be utilised to develop industry in the district; whether he is aware that at present there are over 1,500 unemployed workers in Carlisle; and whether he proposes to arrange for the utilisation of this factory, in view of the fact that increased production is necessary in the national interest, and thus at the same time provide useful employment for many people at present lacking the means of livelihood?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the right hon. Member for the Platting Divi- sion of Manchester and to the hon. Member for the Newton Division of Lancaster on 27th November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if the Government has arrived at any decision as to the work to be carried on in the future at the National Filling Factory, No. 14, Rotherwas, Hereford; whether there is any probability of the number of people employed at these works being increased; and, if so, whether suitable housing accommodation will be provided by the Government?

The future use to which this factory is to be put has not yet been decided. A proposal is under consideration for using the factory to meet a portion of the requirements for high explosives and high explosive filling under peace conditions, but until the nature and magnitude of these requirements are more clearly known, it is quite impossible for any estimate to be formed of the number of workpeople who are likely to be employed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will state the number of people, giving the figures as to civilian men, ex-Service men, and women employed at the present time at the National Filling Factory, No. 14, Rotherwas, Hereford?

The number of employés at the factory is 485. Of this total 348 are men and 137 women. The men who have not served in His Majesty's Forces number 164. Of this total, 106 are over forty-five years of age, thirty-seven were rejected or specially exempted, twelve are over forty years of age or Grade III., and nine are eighteen years or under. Ex-Service men in the factory total 184.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if his attention has been drawn to the desirability of giving a fair share of sales by the Disposal Board to auctioneers who have served in His Majesty's Forces; and if he will give instructions that, other things being equal, ex-Service auctioneers shall have preference?

The policy of the Disposal Board is to distribute the sales by auction as widely as possible among qualified firms of auctioneers. I cannot undertake to give instructions that those who belong to a particular class of the community shall be employed in preference to others, but my hon. and gallant. Friend may be assured that the officials of the Disposal Board, most of whom are themselves ex-Service men, will not overlook the interests of those who have served with His Majesty's Forces.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many motor cycles and. motor lorries respectively have been sold through the War Motors Association since 1st August last, and how many have been disposed of otherwise?

The numbers of motor cycles and motor lorries sold by the Disposal Board to the War Mótors Association, since the 1st August last, are as follows:

Motor Lorries	49
Cars and Vans	26
Motor Cycles	484

The numbers sold otherwise since that date are:

Motor Lorries	7,347
Cars and Vans	4,965
Motor Cycles	6,011

I am unable to give the numbers of cycles and lorries sold by the War Motors Association.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the names of the Colonies in which a general revision of salaries is taking place?

The Colonies in which a general revision a salaries is actually taking place are British Guiana, tile Windward Islands, British Honduras, Nigeria, and the other West African Colonies, the East African Protectorates, and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. In addition to these, the question is under consideration in the Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States, Ceylon, Hong Kong, Weiheiwei, Mauritius, Barbados, Leeward Islands, Jamaica, St. Helena, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Cyprus, and Gibraltar. I may add that in most cases temporary increase of salaries by way of bonus has been granted pending revision.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a petition, signed by 457 inhabitants of Felixstowe and Walton, praying for the return to her mother of Gladys Mabel Aldous, of Walton, who was sent to an industrial home on 20th November; and whether, in view of the statement of the doctor that the child was well cared for and clean, he will favourably consider her return to her mother, who is fully prepared to maintain her?

I have received the petition referred to, but I have no further information about the case. I will make inquiry and communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the discontent created by the operation of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, in regard to the refusal under that Act to recognise certain children of British subjects as British citizens; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am well aware of the point to which this question refers. It has already been referred to a special conference appointed by the Imperial War Conference of 1918 with a view to the promotion at a suitable opportunity of remedial legislation in concert with the Governments of other parts of the British Empire.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any persons still interned under Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Act; why they are not released; and how much longer it is proposed to imprison them?

There are no persons now interned in Great Britain under this Regulation.

asked the Home Secretary whether certain persons who have been released from internment under Regulations 14B a of the Defence of the Realm Act are required to register with the police, to abstain from travelling more than five miles from their residence and from entering any prohibited area, and to comply with other provisions of the Aliens Restriction Order notwithstanding their British nationality?

There are a few Orders to the effect indicated in the question still in force against British subjects who were interned during the War. In all such cases I am willing to withdraw the Orders when circumstances permit; and if the hon. Member has any case in mind and will let me know the name, I will have the case examined.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the statement of a factory inspector, at a recent inquest on a man killed through an accident to a warehouse lift, to the effect that the lift was dangerous, and that if it had been in a factory he would have condemned it, but that he had only power to inspect a warehouse after an accident; and whether he proposes to take any steps to amend the law so as to ensure the systematic inspection of warehouses before, and not after, accidents occur?

I am unable to trace any such case of a lift accident in a warehouse. If the question refers to a lift accident in Milk Street at the end of October, the reply is that the building was not a warehouse, and that the statement reported in the Press, and quoted in the question, was not made by the factory inspector. Warehouses already come within the factory inspector's jurisdiction.

asked the Home Secretary if it is proposed to issue Government sanction for the erection in the Midlands, at an estimated cost of£14,000,000, of a great electric power station, designed to serve the counties of Stafford, Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby; whether such undertaking will be in any sense under direct public ownership and control; and whether, before any sanction is given to the proposal, he will publish the terms on which such sanction will be based?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the question of re-organising the supply of electricity in this district has been under consideration by the interests concerned, but no application for Government sanction in any form has been made. The promotion of any scheme that may be proceeded with will be subject to the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Bill, if passed, which include full provisions for inquiry and publication.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that most business premises will be closed from 24th December till Monday, 29th December, he will also take steps to make Saturday, 27th December a Bank Holiday, in addition to the two previous days?

This matter is at present under. consideration.

asked the Minister of Health how many members there are at present on the Housing Advisory Council; how many of those members have been put on for their special knowledge and experience in urban housing and garden cities, and how many on account of their knowledge and experience of rural housing; and whether he will give further representation to experts in rural housing?

The number of members at present on the Housing Advisory Council is fourteen. These members were selected by me as being best fitted to advise me on all the aspects of the present housing problem, including rural housing, and I do not think that there is any necessity for adding to the number at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Tottenham Council's housing scheme is being held up because the council cannot obtain a loan; whether other housing schemes, and, if so how many, are being held up for a similar reason, and what is tile estimated or actual total of the loans immediately required for housing schemes?

Tenders for a loan have been invited by the Tottenham Council, and these are due on the 13th instant, so that for the present the scheme cannot be said to be delayed on account of the reason suggested. I have information as to other cases which are held up pending the raising of a loan, and these are under immediate consideration. The total amount of loans sanctioned by my Department for housing purposes since the beginning of the year up to the 18th November was over £8,500,000. I have no information as to what portion of this has actually been raised.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increased cost to boards of guardians in the maintenance of pauper lunatics at lunatic asylums since the passing of the Local Government Act in 1888, whereby 4s. per head per week was allowed, he will consider as to the introduction of legislation amending the Act of 1888, so as to provide for repayment to the guardians of at least one-half of the actual cost to them of every pauper lunatic?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that manufacturers and merchants in Nottingham have been standing out of the large. sums of money due to them from enemy aliens in Germany for over five years, on which they have not received any interest whatever, and which is seriously prejudicing the development of their business; and what is the reason for the delay in clearing off British and German commercial debits and credits, in view of the fact that a clearing house has been established in Germany in connection with the matter?

The clearing offices for the collection and payment of enemy debts cannot begin work until the Treaty with Germany comes into force. I am not aware that a clearing office has already been established in Germany. On this point I would refer him to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Farnham Division on the 24th November, of which I am sending him a copy. Interest will be added to the debts payable through the clearing office when set up, in accordance with the terms of the Treaty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Timber Supply Department have failed to complete the order for timber which was placed with them by the Nottingham Corporation in September, 1918, and for which £2,625 was paid on the 5th November, 1918, and that the special arrangement stated to have been made on 28th May, 1919, to complete the order within a few weeks have not materialised, and that a truck of timber has now arrived which is 6 ins. wide instead of 3 ins. and of no use whatever for wood paving purposes, and that it has been sent in small lengths of 3 ft. which is useless for cutting into wood blocks in consequence of the heavy waste incurred in cutting up short lengths; whether he is now prepared to complete the order in accordance with the original conditions; and what rate of interest will be allowed to the corporation upon the money retained by the Government during the time the goods have remained undelivered?

The order referred to was completed on 23rd August last, but I understand that a certain quantity of the timber was rejected. Steps are being taken to replace this as rapidly as possible. I am informed that the truck of timber referred to by my hon. Friend was consigned in error. I doubt whether any liability for interest would attach to the Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that many of the persons appearing in person before the profiteering tribunals cannot afford to secure the help of a solicitor, whereas the defendants invariably have a solicitor or barrister to appear and plead for them; and if he will consider the advisability of providing free legal assistance for persons who require it, in order that their case may be fully and clearly stated?

My right hon. Friend is unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. In general, all that the purchaser has to prove is the sale or offer for sale of the article and the price charged, for which purpose legal assistance is unnecessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, as representing the Coal Controller, whether a local fuel overseer who takes possession, as emergency reserve stock, of the major proportion of a truck of coal consigned to a private consumer with the previous permission of the overseer, is entitled to take the same without payment; if not, whether he is required to refund to the consignee the cost per ton which the latter paid to the merchant and, in default of payment by the local fuel overseer, to whom should application for payment be made; and what remedy is open to the consignee if a remittance is not forthcoming after demand made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The basis of the refund to the consumer should be the rate per ton which the consumer paid to the merchant for the tonnage of which possession was taken. The local fuel overseer is responsible to the local authority in connection with all expenditure incurred by him, and any complaint such as that indicated in the question should be referred to the local authority. As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 24th November, I shall he glad to have inquiries made into any specific case which may have been brought to his notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if spelter is now being sold by licence under Government control at a price below its actual cost of production; and whet is the loss upon each ton sold and to what account the deficit is debited?

Under an agreement made in September, 1918, between the Ministry of Munitions and the British Zinc Smelters, spelter produced from zinc ore purchased with the approval of the Ministry was taken by that Department at a standard price plus increased costs of fuel and labour. This agreement was in force until the 5th November last, and under it the prices paid to the producers by the Government were considerably in excess of the prices realised on sale to consumers; but I am not at present in a position to state the actual loss resulting from the arrangement, which was entered into to avoid the closing down of the smelting works. Losses incurred up to the 5th May were to the account of the Ministry of Munitions, and after that date to the account of the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will furnish the names of the twelve people who, it is reported, are to form the Committee of Management for the railways?

I have nothing to add to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 27th November to the hon. Member for Camborne.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any resolution from the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades Association urging better goods train service for perishable foodstuffs between the principal towns of Great Britain and the food-producing centres; and whether, in view of the wastage of food at present occurring by inefficient railway transport he can make suitable arrangements to give effect to these resolutions submitted to him?

I beg to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to similar questions yesterday.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes the early inauguration of a goods train service for perishable foodstuffs from producing centres, such trains to be run regularly and at such hours as will allow the produce to be delivered and sold in the various markets in a fresh condition and thus avoid the wastage of food that has been caused by railway delays?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given to similar questions yesterday.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that complaints in great number are being received from those requiring hay supplies in Birmingham and district, hay which, having been purchased and prepared for transport by rail, is left at the mercy of the elements and is often depreciated considerably; is he aware that application to the Board of Trade for assistance in providing the necessary railway wagons have met with no success; and will he schedule hay as a perishable foodstuff so that it may receive some priority in railway transport?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Ladywood.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Robertson, of 18, Forteath Street, Elgin, whose husband, a sorting clerk and telegraphist employed in civil life in the general post office, Elgin, was attached on 5th August, 1916, to His Majesty's ship "Cyclops" for special telegraph duties and continued to be so employed until 14th November, 1918; if he is aware that Robertson was in perfect health when he commenced duty on His Majesty's ship "Cyclops"; that owing to the arduous nature of his work his health broke down and that he died on 21st November, 1918; whether, in these circumstances, his widow is entitled to a pension; and whether Robertson is considered to have died in the service of the Post Office or of the Admiralty?

I am aware of the circumstances of the case. Mr. Robertson died in the service of the Post Office, and a death gratuity under the Superannuation Act of 1909 of £158 12s. 6d. was awarded to his legal personal representatives. Payment of this amount was made in May last to his executor. The Superannuation Acts make no provision for the payment of a pension to the widow of a deceased Civil servant.

asked the Minister of Labour whether only ex-Service men who have been disabled are eligible for training in electrical engineering; and, if so, why no similar arangements can be made for ex-Service men who have not been disabled?

Only disabled ex-Service men are eligible at present for training as skilled electricians. Similar arrangements cannot at the moment be made for fit demobilised men, because these are not covered by the agreement made with the trade concerned, and the facilities existing are not yet adequate to meet the needs of the disabled men.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, although after protracted negotiations the definitions of two Trade Boards for the women's and children's clothing trades were agreed upon at a conference between representatives of the Ministry of Labour and the employers and employés concerned, held on 18th March, 1919, and the Order applying the Trade Board Acts to the trades named was made at the beginning of September, 1919, the board has not yet met; what is the reason of the long delay in issuing the Order and calling the Board together; will he take steps to expedite the date of the first meeting; has he decided to make an Order applying the Trade Board Acts to the women's and children's clothing trades carried on in Ireland; and, if so, when will it be issued?

Although it was generally agreed in March last that it was desirable to establish two trade boards for the women's clothing trade, the definition and demarcation of the branches of trade to be covered by these boards proved to be a matter of great difficulty, necessitating careful inquiry into the circumstances in which the trades were carried on. As the hon. Member will appreciate, if there were doubt as to the scope of the trade boards, the task or administering their decisions would be very difficult, and confusion would be caused on the part both of employers and of workers. The Special Order, which was made on 3rd September, after the statutory period for objections, applies to the whole of the United Kingdom. It is hoped that the Wholesale Costume and Mantle Trade Board for Great Britain will meet on 17th December and the Dressmaking and Light Clothing Trade Board for England and Wales shortly after. Trade Boards are being formed in Ireland for both these trades, and a Trade Board for the dressmaking and light clothing trade also in Scotland. The formation of these Boards is being pressed forward. The task of obtaining members fully representative of the various branches of work in these great and widely distributed trades has necessarily involved careful and prolonged inquiries and consultation with the organisations of employers and workers in order that the Boards may be in a position to arrive at informed decisions which will be satisfactory to all concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture in what papers circulating in the rural districts of the counties of Northumberland and Durham the Regulations fixing the date of sending in claims for losses due to compulsory ploughing were advertised; and how many insertions were made?

Particulars regarding the Regulation in question were issued in the Board's weekly Press service. This service is sent regularly to about 2,000 addresses, including 700 agricultural and provincial newspapers. In addition, many of the agricultural executive committees advertised the draft Regulation in their county newspapers. It is impracticable for the Board to keep a record of the extent to which paragraphs of this kind are reproduced throughout the country, but I am informed that an extract from the draft Regulation was published in, amongst other papers, the "Agricultural Gazette" of 23rd June, "Farmer and Stockbreeder" of 7th July, "Farm and Home" of 2nd July, "Mark Lane Express" of 23rd June, "Land Agents' Record" of 19th July, "Estates Gazette" of 28th June, as well as in the "Newcastle Daily Journal" of 3rd July. These papers are circulated in the rural districts concerned.