asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether interest is being charged on advances made to the Provisional Government at Archangel and to the Governments of Koltchak and Denikin; and, if so, at what rates?

No advances in cash have been made to Admiral Koltchak or General Denikin. No interest has yet been charged on advances to the Archangel Government.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will now consider the publication of a White Paper on the educational system of Soviet Russia, in view of the favourable reports of observers?

I do not think that we have a sufficient amount of reliable information to justify the issue of a White Paper.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if the amount of revenue for the present financial year, with the receipts from Loans already raised, will be sufficient, so far as can be seen now, to meet all national expenditure for the year 1919–20; and, if not, what is the estimated deficiency, and how this is proposed to be met?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Financial Debate in October last, and particularly to the explanation he gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Norwich on the 30th October.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers are finding it practically impossible to obtain pure millers' offals for their stock; and what steps it is proposed to take to remedy the situation?

I have been asked to reply. According to the Food Controller's information, the present supply of flour mill offals is approximately equal to the pre-war supply, and all offals produced by controlled flour mills have for some months been pure wheat offals. In these circumstances the Food Controller does not consider that any action is required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that English bran is practically unobtainable at the price of £12 10s. a ton; and whether there is ground for the prevailing belief that English offal are being mixed with foreign offals, and sold as foreign bran at about £20 a ton, or about £3 a ton above the price of homegrown wheat?

I have been asked to reply. The low price of millers' offals compared with the price of other forms of feeding stuffs has undoubtedly created an abnormal demand. The present supply of offals is, however, at the present time approximately equal to the pre-war quantity. So far as the Food Controller is aware, there is no ground for the belief referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that feeding-stuffs cannot yet be obtained at reasonable prices; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Wandsworth.

asked the Minister of Food if his attention has been called to the high prices charged for food in many restaurants, prices which frequently amount to a profit of 200 and 300 per cent. after the cost of the original commodities and establishment charges have been deducted; and what action, if any he is prepared to take to protect the public and make the Profiteering Act of service to the community?

The Food Controller's attention has been called to the question of high prices charged in certain restaurants. He understands, however, that the Profiteering Act applies to foods which have been scheduled under the Act, whether such foods are sold in a restaurant or otherwise: It is accordingly open to the public in any case to which they consider that undue profit has been made to lay the matter before the local committee appointed under the Act.

asked the Minister of Food whether he refused permission for meat to be sold at St. Dunstan's Fair on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th December; and, if so, whether he will state his reasons for such action, having regard to the desire of the butchers to send contributions of meat to the fair and their assurance that there is no shortage of supplies?

Further consideration has been given to the application referred to and, in the special circumstances of this particular case, instructions have been given for the permission asked for to be granted.

asked the Minister of Food whether it is proposed to withdraw the control Regulations on turkeys and other poultry exported from Ireland to England before and during Christmas time?

There are no control Regulations on turkeys and other poultry exported from Ireland to England, with the exception of the maximum selling prices in force which apply equally to turkeys and poultry produced in England. It is not proposed at present to remove these prices.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the manager of the Dunmow Flitch Bacon Company, Limited, sent on 29th November to the Ministry of Food, in reply to inquiries, stating that since 9th August last there had been condemned at the factory and at retailers' premises 55 cwts. 2 qrs. 26 lbs. of smoked bacon and 20 cwts. 0 qrs. 3 lbs. of green bacon; if he is aware that the actual quantities and the dates on which they were supplied and the certificates from the medical officer of health have been sent to the suppliers who act on behalf of the Ministry; and if he will explain the basis of the official statement that 3¾ cwts. of imported bacon had been condemned at the factory in question?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the information accordingly was not available until after the hon. Member's question on 27th November, on the subject had been answered. The reason for which the Ministry had at that date information that only 3¾ cwts. had been condemned was due to the fact that the claims in respect of the remainder were being dealt with by local committees appointed for this purpose; details are not normally sent to the headquarters of the Ministry until the committees' investigations are completed.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Committee which has been inquiring into the price of milk has now submitted its Report; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first, part of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller is now in consultation with the Committee, and hopes to make an announcement on the matter shortly.

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the estimate of the Director of Milk Supplies of the average cost of producing milk from 1st December, 1919, to 30th April, 1920; the estimated yield per cow; the proportion of cows in milk and dry; and the estimated details of the farmer's cost of production?

It is difficult within the-limits of a Parliamentary answer to give the full particulars for which the hon. and gallant Member asks, and the Food Controller is accordingly causing a statement on the subject to be sent to him. I may add that these particulars have been issued to the Press.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the present allotment of 100 cattle and 200 sheep from Newry is equal to only half a cargo; that the steamship company therefore threatens to withdraw the live-stock service; and. whether he will arrange to increase the-allotment to 200 cattle and 500 sheep, the-equivalent of one cargo per week?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the export of live stock from Newry to Birkenhead, since this is now the only port in Great Britain at which a limit is placed on the numbers of Irish fat stock accepted. This restriction was put into force, owing to the abnormal rise in the numbers of Irish stock consigned to Birkenhead, in order to avoid the accumulation of unduly large quantities of meat at one provincial centre; and I regret that it is not possible to accede to the hon. Member's request.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the system of corn inspectors is regarded by agriculturists as wasteful and inefficient; and whether he intends to continue the system on the same scale in the coming year?

It was considered advisable upon the first occasion when farmers had to send in claims under the Corn Production Act to be in a position to verify all the acreages claimed for, and the machinery during the past year cannot be regarded as either wasteful or inefficient. The procedure to be adopted in the coming year is under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that since the increase in the price of milk the consumption of milk has increased in those districts of Glasgow where the richer people live, and has decreased to an alarming extent in those districts where the poorer people live, and whether he is aware that according to the report of welfare nurses the shortage mainly falls upon children aged from one to five years; that instead of milk infants are given tea with toast soaked in it, and that porridge, rice, milk puddings, and other milk foods are being superseded by cocoa; whether he is in communication with the Ministry of Food on this matter; and what steps the Ministry of Health proposes to take to safeguard the health of the rising generation?

My attention has been called to the fact that difficulty has arisen in certain districts in the Glasgow area consequent on the increase in the price of milk. The Scottish Board of Health, in anticipation of possible hardships there and elsewhere resulting from the increase in price, are taking steps again to direct the attention of all local authorities to their powers, under the Notification of Births (Extension) Act, 1915, to supply food and milk, free, or at reduced rates, in necessitous cases, to expectant mothers and nursing mothers and to children under five years of age. Approved expenditure for this purpose is met to the extent of 50 per cent. by Grants from Imperial sources.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that John Gibbons, late No. J39285, No. 3 Mess, His Majesty's ship "Vanquisher," was demobilised in August last and has not yet received his back pay and other moneys due to him, although application has been made to the paymaster; and whether he will have this case inquired into, with a view to expediting settlement?

I am advised that no previous inquiry regarding this man's accounts can be traced as having been received by the Accountant-General of the Navy. The matter is being investigated, and payment of any money due will be expedited.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the claims put forward by Messrs. Jennings and Company, of Bristol, have not yet been settled; and whether he will have this matter, which has been under consideration for some time, disposed of without further delay?

The delay in reaching a final settlement is regretted, but, as I previously informed my hon. Friend, the case is very complicated. We are still awaiting the opinion of our legal advisers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a certain senior official, lately in the employ of the Navy and Army Canteen Board at their headquarters, whose position with the Board made him intimately acquainted with the stocks of goods held by the Board, as to their quantities, prices, location, and surplus stocks, has been trading, alone or with others, under the name of George Blake and Company, Camomile Street Chambers, E.C. 3; whether this company has been purchasing large quantities of groceries, candles, cigarettes, and other goods from the Board; whether he is aware that the payments made to the Board by the company in the month of August amounted to over £70,000, and that these payments represented only a percentage of the value of the goods supplied; if he will state what the total amount of sales made to the company amounted to from 1st June to 30th September, 1919, and what the total payments made to the Board by the company amounted to for the same period, and what balance was owing by the company to the Board at 30th September, 1919; if he will say whether a proper Disposal Board was only put into operation by the Board in the month of October of this year, and sales to this company for the period in question were made below market price and in many cases below coat price; if he will state whether proper competitive offers were asked for and obtained for all the goods supplied to the company in question; who was responsible for making these sales to the company; and what supervision, if any, was exercised over these sales by the Board of Management of the Navy and Army Canteen Board?

I am informed that since early in 1918 the Navy and Army Canteen Board have had large contractual relations, both by sales and purchases, with the firm mentioned. One of the Board's headquarter inspectors, after leaving their employ, joined the firm towards the end of July last. The system adopted, under which competitive offers are obtained, has resulted in fair and reasonable prices being secured for surplus stocks sold by private treaty. The disposal of surplus stocks was carried out by the buying organisation of the Board of Management under the supervision of one of their most experienced officials, until the latter was swat overseas for duty in October last, when a Disposal Board was set up. The Board of Management are necessarily responsible for the policy, and exercise a general control. With regard to the remainder of the question, details of transactions with individual firms must be regarded as confidential, and I regret that such information cannot, be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of serving soldiers who are desirous of settling upon the land on the termination of their engagement, arrangements will be made by which such men may be educated and fitted to take up small holdings; and whether the land still belonging to the War Department is being utilised for the training of these soldiers?

I am glad to say that it has been found possible to give a considerable amount of agricultural training in the Armies of Occupation, and this will be continued and developed in the Regular Army as far as military exigencies, allow. At the same time, my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it will be a matter of difficulty to combine practical education in all branches of this subject with the requirements of Army training in normal conditions; but every endeavour will be made to continue to, give assistance to the schemes of the Board of Agriculture.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the acute housing shortage at Mill Hill, it is possible for the War Office to release for civilian occupation all or any of the houses, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, Harcourt Terrace, Mill Hill?

Inquiry is being made, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any advances in pay have been given to chaplains of the forces; and, if not, what the reason for this differentiation has been?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Dublin University on 27th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. W. W. Bower, Manor Farm, Hawarden, sold his potatoes to the military authorities, and that owing to the delay in removing them there was a wastage of 34 tons, a claim for which was sent to the Claims Committee, Carnarvon, with the result that 16 tons were allowed for wastage at £6 10s. per ton; that on the 20th November Mr. Bower received a letter from the Minister of Food repudiating the claim and referring him to the military authorities; and that this sort of claim is only one of many; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that these claims are paid without further delay?

I will have inquiry made and acquaint my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible. It would, however, facilitate the investigations if he would state the date of the sale in question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Beaulieu Aerodrome, which includes a large number of temporary and permanent buildings, has been vacated for many months; whether there is any intention to use it again; and, if not, whether he will see that the buildings are sold without further delay?

This aerodrome was handed to the Disposal Board six months ago, and there is no intention of using it again for the Royal Air Force. I must refer my hon. Friend to the Minister of Munitions in regard to the last part of his question, as it is not a matter over which I have control.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether Colonials serving as officers in the Royal Air Force who are suffering from venereal disease must, under a recent Air Force order, at the expiration of three months be discharged from hospital, cured or uncured, of forfeit repatriation and pay?

The rule is that such officers are not discharged from hospital until fit for discharge, nor do they forfeit repatriation, but their pay ceases if they continue incapacitated for duty for three months. If the hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind in which this rule has not been carried out, and will furnish me with particulars, I will have it investigated.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether a war gratuity is paid to all men on demobilisation from the Navy; and, if so, why such a gratuity has not been paid to certain men who served as telegraphists in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve?

My hon. Friend's question would appear to refer to certain employés of the General Post Office who served as telegraphists in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the War. Such men are debarred from War gratuity as they were paid full civil pay by the Post Office in addition to their naval pay. Should, however, any of the men not have received full civil pay for any part of their War service, they would be eligible for War gratuity for such service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give an answer in regard to gratuities to commissioned interpreters, which question has been pending since July last?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on 3rd December to the hon. Member for West Middlesborough.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware of the fact that, as a result of the recent decision that service pensioners shall not draw the revised rates of disablement pension, Sergeant E Yeo, No. 4739, South Wales Borderers, who is a totally disabled man with twenty years 253 days' service, is now drawing a Service pension of 10s. 6d. a week and a disablement pension of 33s., whereas if he had served for a short period only, which would not have entitled him to any form of Service pension, he would now draw 46s. 8d. a week as a totally disabled sergeant; what action he proposes to take in the matter;(2) whether he is aware that, although his Department recently announced that the disablement pensions of service pensioners would be based on a maximum of 33s., the new allowance for a wife and the increased rates for children being payable, the allowance for the two children of Sergeant E. Yeo, No. 4739, South Wales Borderers, has been reduced from the revised rate to the old rate of 14s.; and that, on inquiry at the. Pension Issue Office on 29th November, it was stated that no official instructions had yet been received to issue a wife's allowance and the increased children's allowances, although a verbal communication had been received in the Department concerned that these instructions would shortly follow; and whether he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

It has been ascertained from the War Office that Sergeant Yeo is not entitled to the increased Service pension, as he had not had twenty-one years service, and steps are, therefore, being taken to adjust his disablement pension to the new rate. With regard to the general questions raised, I may inform my hon. and gallant Friend that instructions have been issued to Pension Issue Office to the effect that the limitation of disablement pension to the 33s. rate does not affect the wife and children allowances which are to be paid at the new rates, and I may also remind him that if in any case it is found to be more favourable a Service pensioner may give up his Service pension and receive a disablement pension, according to rank, of the same amount as if he had only served in the late War.

asked the Minister of Pensions, in view of his statement that it is not intended to ask for a refund from future issues of pensions where prior to the Government's decision, payment of the higher rates of both disablement and Service pensions may have already been made, whether he will investigate the case of Staff-sergeant-major Arthur Shinn, Army Pay Corps, from whom a recovery of £2 s. has already been made; and whether he will immediately issue instructions that such recoveries small not be made, as the officials of the Pension Issue Office state that overpayments are being recovered in all cases at present, and this frequent readjustment of amounts creates much confusion in the minds of pensioners?

My right hon. Friend will look into this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Select Committee recommended the exclusion of awards made under Articles 1 (3) and 7 (1) of the Royal Warrant of 1918 from increases under the Royal Warrant of 1919; and, if not, why this is being done by the Pension Issue Office under Circular P. F. 27 F?

The Select Committee on Pensions made no recommendation with regard to gratuities or weekly allowances awarded under Articles 1 (3) and 7 (1) of the Royal Warrant. As the hon. Member is aware, these grants have always been treated on a separate footing, in their relation to the cost of living, as they are not awarded for current maintenance bat are rather in the nature of gratuities payable by weekly instalments. The 20 per cent. bonus was never added to them, and they have consequently not been increased in conformity with the recent increase of pensions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will endeavour to enter into reciprocal arrangements with the Dominions and Colonies by which ex-Service men proceeding from this country overseas and Colonial soldiers returning to the United Kingdom, may each be eligible to benefit under the various regulations covering treatment, training, and land settlement in the countries in which they may finally settle?

Arrangements have been concluded with the Canadian Government under which men resident in Canada before the War, who joined the British forces and have now returned to Canada disabled, are given the option of being pensioned under British or under Canadian regulations. Disabled men emigrating to Canada, but not resident there before the War, must remain on British rates of pension, but arrangements are made for the removal and payment of their pensions and for their medical treatment. Ex-members of the Canadian forces remaining in this country are dealt with under arrangements detailed in a circular to local War pensions committees, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy. Negotiations with other Dominions and Colonies are in progress.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared to give speedy effect to the unanimous recommendation of the Commission appointed to inquire into Old Age Pensions that relief granted by guardians shall not be deemed a disqualification for the receipt of such pensions?

I would refer to the reply given on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, on Monday last.

asked the Minister of Transport whether steps can be taken to cover up the motor lorries at Slough with tarpaulins during the winter?

I have been asked to answer this question. My hon. Friend's suggestion has already been considered, and it has been decided that the expense involved in the use of tarpaulins for the protection of these second-hand lorries, which are taken into the works as rapidly as possible for reconditioning, would not be justified.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that his Ministry is at present farming a large tract of excellent land in the vicinity of Gretna factory, and farming it badly; whether it is the case that it is proposed to evict highly-skilled tenants of farms in the Gretna area for the purpose of settling discharged and disabled soldiers thereon as small holders; and whether he will take steps to see that no such evictions take place, but that the land at present unsatisfactorily cultivated by his Ministry be first devoted to the needs of the soldiers?

Land in the vicinity of Gretna, a large proportion of which is in the factory fence, is being farmed by the Ministry of Munitions. There is no ground for suggesting that it is being farmed badly. It is not possible to say what proportion of this land will be available for letting until the future of the factory has been decided. The Ministry of Munitions have been approached by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, who are desirous of obtaining land in the area for the purpose of settling discharged and disabled soldiers thereon as small holders. The Ministry have offered land which is held by tenant farmers on agreements which vary from one month to two years.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the licensed premises in Carlisle and the Gretna area were acquired with public money because there were many munition workers there and the Government wanted to secure the profits of the sales of drink to them; and whether, now that the munition workers have gone, these premises can be sold in respect that the reason for holding them has now ceased?

My hon. and learned Friend has not accurately described the purpose for which the licensed premises at Carlisle and Gretna were acquired. I am sending him copies of the second and fourth Reports of the Central Control Board, from which he will gather a more correct impression. The future of these schemes will be a matter to be settled when the Government's promised Bill is before Parliament.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions 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 lie anticipates being in a position to make an announcement?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen on the 19th May, and to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley on the 11th November, and to the reply given by the Leader of the House to the hon. and gallant Member for Fylde yesterday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether Government control is now exercised in respect of the British Aluminium Company's works at Dolgarrog, in the county of Carnarvon?

No control is exercised over the works in question by the Ministry of Munitions or, so far as I am aware, by any other Department of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state those parts of the British Empire, other than the Dominions, into which any measure of wider self-government has been introduced since 1914; and whether he is contemplating such introductions into other Crown Colonies or Dependencies at an early date?

Steps have been taken to introduce an elected element into the Legislative Council of the East Africa Protectorate, and there has been an increase of the unofficial element in the Councils of the Gambia and the Gold Coast. Proposals for a reform of the Ceylon Constitution are now under consideration, and, as regards Malta, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Stafford on the 19th of November.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that several ex-Service students have not yet received their grants for the summer term of this year; and what is being done to expedite it owing to the great hardship to the students?

As soon as a decision to make an award to any student has been arrived at by the Board under the scheme for the assisted higher education for ex-Service students, payment has been immediately made to that student of any sum due to him for maintenance grant under the award in respect of the period ended the 30th September last. In some cases, however, applications for assistance from students who were pursuing their courses of higher education during the summer term of this year have only recently been received by the Board from the local committees, through whose hands they have to pass, and decisions upon some of these cases have been delayed in consequence. In these cases also, as soon as an award is decided, payment of any sum due for maintenance grant in respect of the summer term will be made at the earliest possible moment. If the hon. Member will furnish me with details of the cases which he has in mind, I will cause inquiry to be made with a view to expediting a settlement.

asked the Home Secretary whether lie is aware that, as recently as 1916, 30 per cent. of the male persons detained in His Majesty's prison at Brixton were under detention for non-payment of maintenance payable to their wives under justices' separation orders; whether most of the persons so detained were able-bodied men required in industry; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The men detained under justices' orders for non-payment of wife's maintenance formed only a very small proportion of all male persons detained in Brixton Prison in 1916, though they formed about 30 per cent. of the debtor prisoners. At present there are fifteen such cases out of a total of thirty-five debtor prisoners. The prisoners in question are for the most part workmen. I should be glad if any better way could be found of enforcing liability under the orders in question, but I am not aware of any.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of persons killed in the Levant mine disaster, Cornwall, and the number injured; and had there been received at any time during the last five years any Report from His Majesty's Inspector of Mines indicating that the arrangements for ascending and descending the shaft of this mine were of such a character that they could not be considered safe?

Thirty-one workmen were killed and nineteen injured. No report suggesting that the arrangements at the shaft were unsafe was received from any of the inspectors, and according to the verdict given by the jury at the inquest, where the circumstances were most carefully investigated, the accident was due to fatigue of a defective part of the metal in one of the strapping plates, which, I am advised, could not previously have been detected by any external examination. A full Report by the Divisional Inspector of Mines will be ready shortly and will be presented to Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department or any authority under his control has approached or is approaching a professional organisation, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, with a view to securing their co-operation in compiling lists of persons willing to help in carrying on industries or services voluntarily in case of a strike; if so, what are the bodies which have been approached; whether any circulars dealing with this matter have been issued by such bodies to their members at his suggestion or with his consent; whether access to lists of names and other information compiled by this and other similar means is afforded to other Departments of State or to employers or to other persons; if so, to what Departments or persons; and whether any inducements, financial or otherwise, are offered to members of such organisations in order to persuade them to enrol?

Steps such as those set out in the question have been taken. Access to any such lists is afforded to other Departments, especially the Ministry of Food, but not to any employers or other persons. The action taken by the Government is directed solely to maintaining in an emergency the essentials of life for the people. No inducement has been offered to members of such organisations to persuade them to enrol. If any pay should be necessary it would be at trade union rates.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the statement of the Chief Commissioner of Police that he would recommend the late members of the Metropolitan Police Force as admirably suited for any work other than that of police constables, any offers of other work have been made to these men by his Department; if so, what offers and on what terms; and to what extent they have been accepted?

No, Sir; I regret there is no work outside the police which could be offered.

asked the Minister of Health in what way the Medical Benefit Regulations for 1920 are intended to give an efficient medical service to the insured population; and whether his Department has considered the effect of restricting the freedom of the panel practitioner upon the production of a more efficient service?

The limits of an answer to a question do not permit of the various ways being set forth in which it is confidently believed that the new Regulations will fulfil the object, with which they were framed, of improving the efficiency of the insurance medical service. In answer to the second paragraph of the question, I would say that the general approval of the Regulations recently expressed by the conference of panel committees, in a resolution to which there were only three dissentients out of 147 representatives present, affords evidence that this result has been attained without undue restriction on the freedom of the insurance practitioner.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can issue a statement or chart showing the average periods of unemployment of individuals who have received benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and subsequent Acts?

This information is not available in respect of separate individuals, but the following table gives

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the profiteering now in existence in connection with the letting of business offices in the City of London; and whether he feels able to take any steps in the matter?

I am aware that complaints have been made regarding the increased rent being charged for offices. As the Profiteering Act only applies to sales and offers for sale of articles, and as the letting of offices is not the sale of an article, I am unable to take any action in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to guarantee essential supplies to small consumers of coal throughout the winter?

Instructions have been issued to the collieries that supplies of coal for domestic or household use should be maintained. In addition coal merchants have been required to establish reserved stocks from which small consumers will be supplied if necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if since the reduction of 10s. per ton on household coal the collieries have restricted the output of household coal and increased the supplies of industrial coal?

I have no reason to suppose that this is the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recent reduction in the price of coal will be extended to the dyeing and finishing industry, in which the percentage ratio of cost of coal to turnover is exceptionally high, as well as to electricity and gas undertakings?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there has recently been a serious shortage in the coal allocated to the merchants of the Walthamstow area by his Department, particularly to those merchants who supply large numbers of small working-class consumers; and if he will at once take steps to have these restrictions removed and see that the Walthamstow area receives its fair share of whatever coal there is distributed?

No alteration has been made in the quantity of coal allocated to the merchants in the Walthamstow area. The quantity received by them has, however, been insufficient owing to the inability of the Great Eastern Railway to transport the coal during the greater part of October and November. I am informed that the situation has improved during the last two weeks, and efforts will be made to maintain the improvement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the stocks of coal at the pits' head in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire have materially increased since coal for bunkering purposes from these districts has been prohibited for shipment in the Mersey ports; what the total quantity of the accumulated coal amounts to in each of the said counties; and what steps are being taken to distribute the same?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to this question on Monday last, which appears in column 327 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 8th December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that applications made at a certain pit and wharf in the Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, area, by local dealers, for coal at the recently reduced price have been declined owing to the absence of instructions from the owners to release the same, notwithstanding representations from the local fuel controller; that the dealers were advised to purchase at the previous cost and sell at the reduced price on the understanding that application for subsequent refund of the difference would be made, a course which they declined to adopt; and whether he will call for an explanation from the owners as to the reason for the failure to instruct their officers to release coal at prevailing reduced prices immediately they became operative?

I am not aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member directs attention, but I am having inquiries made at once.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, considering the high retail prices now charged for woollen and cotton goods, the reduction in price would be expedited by the release of the very large stocks of clothing and material now held by the Government?

The disposal of the stocks of cotton and woollen goods in the hands of the Government is, I understand, proceeding with increasing rapidity, and everything possible is being done to expedite the release of these materials. It is hardly possible to forecast the effect upon retail prices, when the stocks recently disposed of and now in course of disposal are placed on the retail market, but it must be borne in mind that these stocks, though large, are small in proportion to the total civilian demand, and that ill-considered disposal might result in loss to the Exchequer, without any gain to the consumer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have been ordered to date in eases under the Profiteering Act; what has been the number of convictions, and in how many cases sentences of imprisonment have been imposed; and what has been the aggregate of fines imposed?

The Reports received from local committees show that while prosecutions have been ordered in eighty-two cases, only twenty-eight of these cases have, as yet, been decided by the Justices, convictions being obtained in twenty-four cases, and fines amounting to £207 imposed, while four cases have been dismissed. No sentences of imprisonment have been imposed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are cases in which the widows of a chief officer and a third engineer respectively in the Merchant Service killed in the War are only receiving a pension of £40 17s. 9d. per annum for themselves, and £16 per annum for one child, whereas the widow of a second-lieutenant in the Army receives £100 per annum and 10s. per week for her child; and whether, in view of this apparent inequality, he will cause a revision to be made in the scale of Mercantile Marine pensions?

I have not sufficient information to enable me to trace the cases referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, or to verify the statements made, but I think that if he will snake inquiries into those cases he will find that, in addi- tion to the sums he mentions, the sum of £300 has been paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 25th November, the question of amending the War Risks Compensation Scheme for the Mercantile Marine is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that great inconvenience is caused to Irish horse breeders owing to the fact that they cannot export horses abroad without a licence from the War Trade Department; and whether, now that the War is over, he will withdraw all restrictions on the export of horses?

There is no restriction on the export of horses. The removal of the restriction was announced in the "Board of Trade Journal" on the 27th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the claim of the Crown to foreshore rights at Seaview, Isle of Wight, has yet been settled; and, if not, what prospect there is of an early settlement?

The claim has not yet been settled, but a formal agreement embodying the proposals for final consideration and approval is in course of preparation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any prohibition or restrictions upon the importation of cement into this country; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the great demand for cement for housing purposes, endeavours have been made to purchase cement from Germany and Denmark and that replies have been received that it is impossible to send cement here; and whether this position arises out of any action on the part of the British Government.

The importation of cement is not restricted, and any difficulty in obtaining it from abroad is not due to the action of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the increasing cost of maintenance and repair of roads, he is prepared to introduce legislation to provide for the payment by owners of private motors, as well as by omnibus proprietors, of a fair mileage rate to the highway authority?

A Departmental Committee is now considering the whole question of the taxation of mechanically propelled road vehicles with a view to advising upon the best and simplest means of securing revenue to assist the highway authorities of the country in meeting the increasing cost of the maintenance and repair of highways. It is by no means certain that a mileage rate, as suggested, would be in the best interests of the highway authorities.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will arrange for hay to be scheduled as a perishable commodity or adopt any other means of facilitating its transport in order to avoid both the shortage experienced at present in a number of urban districts and the deterioration of quantities of the material during transport?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on the 1st instant to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Ladywood to the effect that he was unable to support the suggestion that hay should be included in the category of perishable foodstuffs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the shortage of trucks in country districts threatens to produce a repetition of the disaster of last season, when a large part of the potato crop rotted in the ground, and a large quantity of corn was lost through the depredations of vermin; and whether he can promise any improvement in the supply of trucks?

The reply to the first part is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Minister of Transport is making a statement on this subject in Committee Room 8, at six o'clock this evening.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has as yet decided upon a policy with regard to privately-owned railway wagons; and whether he is aware that uncertainty as to the future, added to the high cost of construction, is preventing railway wagon manufacturers from carrying out the construction of new wagons urgently needed in view of the general shortage?

I regret that, in view of the complexity of the problems involved, the Minister of Transport is not yet in a position to make an announcement on this question, which is being and has been for a considerable time discussed with the railway companies. I am aware of the difficulty referred to, but the uncertainty does not hinder the repair of wagons, which is also a matter of great importance.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the great inconvenience and loss to farmers and produce merchants owing to the lack of telephones at the railway stations in South Lincolnshire and adjacent districts; whether the practice of notifying the arrival of trucks is now through the post and that, owing to the late delivery of letters, at least a day is lost; whether this loss would be greatly modified if telephones were established at the various stations; whether the telephone would obviate many miles of travelling and of cartage if by telephone it could be ascertained that trucks were available for the loading of produce; and whether he will direct that telephones shall be established at all goods stations between March and Helpringham, between Peakirk and Old Leake, between Sutton Bridge and Bourne, and between Bourne and Sleaford?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is considering this question, but the expense involved would be very considerable, and could not in normal circumstances be justified. I am afraid I can hold out little hope of the farmers' and producers' request being agreed to.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has carefully considered the suggestions and recommendations of chambers of commerce and others for the development of canal traffic, and especially the Report of the Royal Commission on Canals, 1909; and how soon will he be able to formulate and announce his policy on inland navigation?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on the 8th December.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in relation to any proposals to permanently increase fares beyond the pre-war standard, he will consider the possibility of being able to make special terms for commercial travellers who are compelled to travel definite routes at intervals in order to obtain their living, and who are unable to add their travelling expenses to their commissions?

If any review of railway passenger fares is undertaken, the question of such special facilities will be considered in all its bearings, but at present I am not in a position to recommend exceptional concessions to particular sections of the community.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the South Eastern and Chatham and Dover Railway Company have announced their intention of closing Church Manorway Halt Station as from 1st January next; whether he is aware that very many East Plumstead residents use this station to reach their work at Erith and the Royal Arsenal, as is proved by the fact that two, and very often three, ticket collectors are required to collect down—line tickets in the morning; and whether he will approach the company on this matter in order to secure a reconsideration of the matter?

The Minister of Transport is aware of this proposal. The halt was provided as a war measure only, in view of the large numbers employed at the Royal Arsenal. The halt is within easy reach of Plumstead station, and he regrets that he cannot recommend its continuance, as it would involve serious financial loss.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the abolition of the ancient public hard and lauding place at West Quay, Southampton, which afforded free and convenient landing to passengers arriving by ferry from Marchwood who now are compelled to disembark at the Royal Pier and pay landing toll thereat; and whether, as the abolition of the hard was consequent on the construction by the Government of the cross-Channel train ferry, he can see his way to provide another free landing place at Southampton for the passengers from Marchwood who are now deprived of their ancient rights?

I have been asked to answer this question. Arrangements are being made to hand back the whole of the land taken for the purposes of the cross-Channel ferry at Southampton to the respective owners, and the question of the public hard and landing place at West Quay reverting to its former user is a matter for the local authorities.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any complaints have reached him regarding the inadequacy of the mail service between Londonderry and Strabane; and what steps he proposes to take with a view to improving the service?

I am having inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the present awards to be paid to apprentices desiring to enter the engineering industry, and who are eighteen years of age, amount to 26s. 6d. per week; whether the existing rate paid to a first year apprentice is approximately 10s., and in the second year 15s. per week; whether the result of this in certain specialist branches of the industry has been that employers are unwilling to train boys of seventeen years of age who, within only twelve months of training will become entitled, when not fully trained or useful hands, to a sum of 41s. 6d. per week; whether this attitude of employers is preventing a number of suitable youths from joining the engineering industry, and to seek employment in blind alley professions; and whether this acts with peculiar hardship upon those young men whose apprenticeship training was interrupted by the War; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, he will consider how far the Government training scheme can improve matters by being made applicable to definite branches when the 26s. 6d. award is in operation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The figures stated in the second part are correct in many cases. Where prescribed rates for apprentices, as defined by Section 4 of the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act, 1918, exist, these rates have statutory force until 30th September, 1920. A few complaints have been received that employers are unwilling to train boys of seventeen years of age, but there is no evidence to show that difficulty is widespread. In the case of men whose apprenticeship was interrupted by service in His Majesty's Forces, there is in operation a Government scheme for assisting such persons, and no question therefore arises in their case. With regard to the last part of the question, if this refers to boys of seventeen years of age, it is not proposed to apply to such persons the scheme for assisting the ex-Service apprentices. As mentioned above, there is at present no evidence to justify action of this kind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Private Joseph Bertrand, No. 50310, Royal Army Medical Corps, applied for training as a dental mechanic in April, 1919; and, if so, what action, if any, was taken?

I have not succeeded in tracing any application to the Ministry of Labour by Private Joseph Bertrand, but if further particulars are supplied, I shall be glad to make further inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to a Resolution passed by the Hull City Council on the 4th December protesting against the cessation of the donation paid to civilian unemployed while there is still so much distress in that city through unemployment; and what steps he proposes to take with regard to the citizens of Hull who cannot obtain work, and their wives and children?

The Resolution referred to reached me on the 8th instant. On the 28th November there were 1,513 men registered as unemployed at the Employment Exchange at Hull. Of that number, 1,173 were ex-Service men in receipt of out-of-work donation. Of the remaining 340 men, 156 were in insured trades, and, therefore, eligible for unemployment benefit, leaving only 184 men for whom no State assistance was available. The total number of women registered as unemployed for whom no State assistance was available, was ninety-seven. The general question of making some temporary provision for any distress arising from unemployment is under consideration; but the figures I have quoted regarding the position at Hull do not appear to justify a demand for extraordinary measures.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Employment Exchanges have on the registers a number of vacancies for which suitable ex-Service men are not available, but for which other civilian candidates with the necessary qualifications are refused employment?

There may be some cases in which an employer who has indicated his readiness to find employment for an ex-Service man is not prepared to engage a civilian applicant; but apart from such cases I do riot think the contingency suggested in the question would be likely to, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the "Imperator" is to be handed over to the Cunard Company; and, if so, what are the terms of the arrangement?

The "Imperator" has been delivered to the British Government under the Armistice arrangements. She is being managed by the Cunard Company on behalf of the Shipping Controller, but the remuneration to be paid to the company for management of this particular vessel is not yet finally settled.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many ships are at present employed in bringing back Army stores and salvage from France and the tonnage of these ships; and whether he will arrange for a conference with the Minister for Food, leading grain importers, and shipowners with a view to the suspension of these ships' employment at their present task that they may be sent to the Black Sea with merchandise, whereof the populations in these parts are in urgent need, and freighted on the return journey with grain with which the granaries of the Black Sea ports are overloaded?

There are only three ships employed by the Shipping Controller in bringing Army stores and salvage from France, but the question of ships is not in any sense a deciding factor with regard to procuring grain from the Black Sea. The requisite tonnage will be arranged for as soon as the grain can, in fact, be bought and shipped, and on this matter I can only refer my hon. Friend to the Ministry of Food. I am informed by the Wheat Commission that the position in the Black Sea ports is being carefully watched, and every opportunity will be taken of exporting such grain as may not be locally required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what was the cost of the railway ferry steamer which has been lying idle at Southampton all the summer months; which Department was responsible for this steamer being built; and, in view of the urgent need of bringing back railway wagons from France, why no use has been made of her?

The cost of the ferry steamer in question was,163,213. The steamer was not built for any Department. but was taken from a service in Canada and used under the War Department. She was originally acquired to work between Southampton and Cherbourg, but has not been utilised on this service since June last owing to the districts where tins wagons for return to the United Kingdom are situated being so far removed from Cherbourg as to render it practically impossible to ship them through that port. The wagons are all being worked from the North-East of France or from Belgium, viâ Dunkirk, Calais or Dieppe and Richborough. The ferry boat now in question is not identical in build with the ferries on the Richborough service, and cannot operate to or from the terminals used by the Richborough vessels. As there was no other traffic to warrant her retention, she was notified as surplus to requirements and available for disposal on the 24th June last.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is yet in a position to announce his proposals regarding Grants towards the education rate of Highland areas; and, if so, will he state the nature of them?

In view of the special Grants formerly made to certain Highland districts, I propose for the present year to augment in varying degrees the proportion of expenditure which may normally be given as Grant to the authorities of these districts beyond the usual 50 per cent. A Minute to that effect will be laid forth with.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether he is now in a position to state the conclusions he has arrived at as regards the payment of education Grants to outgoing school boards in respect of work done by them prior to the assumption of office by the new education authorities on the 15th May of this year;(2) how he proposes to deal with the cases in Scotland in which the parish councils are refusing to raise the largely increased sums demanded for education this year as compared with last year; and if lie is prepared to furnish any pecuniary relief to assist the excessive calls upon the ratepayers for education?

After full consideration of this difficult question from every point of view, I have come to the conclusion that the claim to payment of these Grants should be admitted. A Minute will be laid forthwith providing for payment to the new education authorities from the Education (Scotland) Fund of sums equivalent to the amount of these Grants. The Minute further provides that the sums so granted shall be applied in the first place to cancelling the debit balances transferred by individual school boards to the new education authorities at 15th May. Any balance remaining of the Grants due to any school board will be held by the new authorities to the credit of the parish council or councils constituting the district of the former school board to meet pro tanto any apportionment of the deficit in the Education Fund that may be made to the relative parish council. I trust that any difficulty in regard to the raising of education rate by parish councils will not now arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the increased Grant from the Board of Agriculture to Reading University College, promised in January last, has not yet been paid; and whether he will take the necessary steps to expedite its payment?

I think the reference in my hon. Friend's question to January last is probably a clerical error for June. On the 14th of that month a letter was addressed to University College, Reading, not promising a permanently increased Grant, but. indicating that the college's proposals were being considered in conjunction with similar schemes of reconstruction submitted by other institutions. The Board have made, to the Treasury proposals for increased Grants over a period of five years to university departments of agriculture and agricultural colleges (including Reading) and hope to be in a position to make an announcement very soon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Stockport, Corporation in 1916 let off thirty-five allotments in Heaton Chapel, near Stockport, mostly to the working-class families, and that the corporation has now given notice that they will close the allotments in December, and that the intention is to use the ground for grazing, although it cannot possibly be fit for that for some time, and notwithstanding that there are surrounding fields which could just as easily be used for that purpose; and whether he will have an immediate inquiry made into the question, in view of the fact that the best is only just being secured from the great amount of work which has been put in on the land, and that in many instances preparation has been made for next spring?

Inquiry will be made into the matter to which the hon. Member refers, and the result will be communicated to him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to criticism of the Agricultural Organisation Society made by an ex-official of that society; whether he is aware of a widespread opinion that the Agricultural Organisation Society should be self-supporting, and that the landowners and farmers in that body should pay for the economic organisation of their industry without recourse to state subsidies; and whether he will take steps to stop any further payments from public funds to the Agricultural Organisation Society?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the last part in the negative. The Board of Agriculture share the view that the Agricultural Organisation Society should become self-supporting within a reasonable period, and it is, therefore, proposed to fix the 31st March, 1923, as the date after which no further grants from public funds will be made to the society, except for allotment work or any special work which the society may undertake with the approval or at the request of the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will make a Return of the amounts paid, or to be paid, during 1917–18, 1918–19, and 1919–20 from public funds to the Agricultural Organisation Society; the total voluntary revenue of that society in the same year; the amount of affiliation fees actually received from allotment societies in each completed year; the number of farmers' societies and the number of allotment societies who paid full affiliation fees last year; the total amount of the salaries paid to the staff last year; the total trade turnover last year of farmers' societies affiliated to the Agricultural Organisation Society; and the full conditions on which the society receives grants from public funds?

I am disposed to doubt whether the matter is one of sufficient importance and general interest to justify the Return asked for; but I shall be happy to send the hon. and gallant Member the information which he desires, so far as it is available, for publication if he sees fit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can state the acreage of land it is proposed to reclaim from the Wash; when he hopes to have the reclaimed land available for cultivation; how many officers and men are now engaged upon this work; and what is the estimated cost of the scheme?

The present scheme, which was primarily undertaken to relieve unemployment, contemplates the reclamation of 574 acres of land, but the Board are considering whether it should be carried out as it stands or in a somewhat modified form. The present scheme would probably be completed in about ten months, and its total estimated cost is about £52,500. The difficulties arising from the carrying out of work with unemployed labour have added considerably to the expense. At present two officers and 106 men are engaged on the scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his officers are aware that the United States Department of Agriculture considered that certain outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which took place in the United States in 1902–3 and in 1908 were due to the use of vaccine farms of contaminated vaccine lymph; and whether his officers have made any investigations with a view to ascertaining if the recent outbreaks of that disease in this country are attributable to the introduction of contaminated vaccine lymph from countries where that disease is prevalent?

Yes, Sir. The officials of the Board of Agriculture and also those of the late Local Government Board followed with the greatest interest the investigations carried out in the United States as to the cause of certain outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in 1902–3 and in 1908. It was accepted, after the inquiries were complete, that foot-and-mouth infection had been brought to the United States of America from Japan by vaccine lymph. In every case that has occurred in this country since that date careful inquiry by the Board's officials has shown that the possibility of vaccine lymph being the source of the disease must be excluded.