asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a communication by the Reverend R. Courtier-Forster, relating to the situation at Odessa under the Soviet Government; whether, according to his information, the facts are as stated; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of giving widespread circulation to the subject-matter, together with a selection of photographs, the authenticity of which can be vouched for, throughout all classes of people in this country?

I have seen in the Press the communications referred to. Mr. Courtier-Forster's description of the situation in Odessa under the Bolsheviks, is in substantial agreement with reports received in the Foreign Office. These reports are not accompanied by photographs. Mr. Courtier-Forster's statements have already been widely circulated by the newspapers.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the future ownership of the property held by private Germans in the former German Colonies; and, if so, will he state its nature?

Under the Peace Treaty the Power receiving a mandate for any of the former German Colonies is given the right to retain and liquidate all property rights and interests in that territory belonging at the date of the coming into force of the Treaty to German nationals, and Germany undertakes to compensate her nationals in respect of the sale or retention of such property rights and interests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what investments, loans, or grants toward of public moneys have been made to persons, companies, or organisations directly or indirectly connected with the growth of flax, sugar, or tobacco, or with their use in any form of manufacture and if he will state in each case the terms of the agreements under which such investments, loans, or grants toward have been made and the names of the persons, directors of companies, or organisations in and to which such investments, loans or grants toward have been made?

The following appears to be the information desired by the hon. Member:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that Departments of State have been reduced in personnel, he will press for a corresponding return of typewriters to the Stationery Department; and whether, in view of the large number of typewriters at present held by the Stationery Department, he will issue orders for surplus machines to be disposed of while the demand is great and prices high?

I understand that typewriters are returned to the Stationery Office when not required by Departments. At the present time, however, the Stationery Office have no surplus machines available for sale. Many of the returned machines are required to take the place of hired machines, and others need repairing before they are available for use.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Regulations of the Board of Inland Revenue provide for all established clerks to inspectors of, taxes submitting themselves to a Departmental examination before being allowed to proceed beyond £130 per annum; whether a number of such clerks have been promoted to staff clerkships (salary commencing at £200 per annum) without having had to submit themselves to such examination; whether, in view of the fact that clerks that failed to pass such examinations are being thus penalised for promotion, he will state why the Regulations are not being complied with in some cases and rigidly adhered to in others; and whether, in view of the great dissatisfaction among the older clerks, he will have the matter investigated, so that clerks of long service may receive fair treatment?

The examination referred to originally served merely an efficiency test within the grade of tax clerk, and clerks selected for promotion to staff clerk before they had reached the efficiency bar in their scale were under no obligation to take the examination. The Regulations have now been altered so as to make the passing of the examination also a condition of promotion. I cannot recognise that any clerk who has failed to pass the examination has any legitimate grievance in being on that account debarred from promotion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a statement can now be made as to the policy of the Government in respect of the recommendations of the Old Age Pensions Committee?

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

asked the Prime Minister if, pending the decision of the Cabinet on old age pensions, he will cause to be introduced a short Bill increasing all old age pensions by 5s. each weekly, or such sum as may be determined, for one month only, beginning 20th December, 1919, and ending 20th January, 1920, or until such time as the Government's proposals are ready?

I cannot add anything to the reply given to questions on this subject on 8th December.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution, passed at a meeting of the guardians of the Wolstanton and Burslem Union, Stoke-on-Trent, expressing alarm, at the unsympathetic attitude of the Government towards our old age pensioners who, with the increased cost of living, are suffering great hardships, and find the allowance of 7s. 6d. weekly inadequate to meet the standard of living, and requesting that the old age pension be substantially increased; and whether he can indicate the Government's intentions respecting the same?

I cannot add anything to the reply given to questions on this subject on 8th December.

asked the Minister of Food when it is proposed to pay for the milk commandeered during the recent railway strike; and whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. F. E. Ware, of Marriott's Farm, Halstock, Dorset, whose account for nearly £500 is still unpaid in spite of repeated applications for payment?

About four-fifths of the accounts in respect of milk requisitioned during the railway strike have been paid; the remainder are being dealt with as quickly as possible. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that the Ministry has received no account from Mr. Ware. A letter has been written to him requesting that he will send his account forward to the branch of the Ministry concerned.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the Nottingham Food Control Committee have, after careful investigation come to the conclusion that the price of milk paid to the producer could, without any unfairness to the producer, be reduced to 2s. 8d. a gallon; and whether the Government will take immediate steps to reduce the price of milk to this amount?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for West Nottingham.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails in North Wales in connection with the grading of cattle and that the prevailing opinion is that the fees paid to stock grazers at different markets should be withdrawn and their services discontinued; whether he will give this matter his consideration; and whether he will discontinue the practice of allowing 4½ per head of sheep and 2s. 6d. per head of cattle driven to the station and loaded for dispatch to their destination for butchers who sell their permits to the various marts, as these charges add to the cost of living?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware that it is the prevailing opinion in North Wales that the present system of live-stock control should be discontinued. As regards the third part of the question, an allowance of 5s. 6d. per head of cattle and 1s. per sheep is made to butchers by the Ministry of Food. This allowance is intended to cover the cost of slaughtering, feeding, lairage, droving, cartage, and porterage, the actual amounts paid in all cases being decided by local arrangement. The figures quoted in the question are not, therefore, fixed by the Ministry of Food, but by agreement between the butchers and drovers concerned.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the serious shortage of frozen mutton in the Leeds market; and whether he can take immediate steps to relieve the situation?

After having careful inquiries made, I am glad to state that there appears to be no foundation for the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member. I am informed that there are ample supplies of frozen mutton in the Leeds market, and that by the end of this week there will be a reserve in excess of current requirements.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will give consideration to the claim, under the order of his Ministry, of Messrs. Bourne and Sons, auctioneers, of Totnes, South Devon, preferred through the Devonshire Live Stock Commissioner, Exeter, in respect of public services rendered by the firm in Churstow (South Devon) market, and also to their claim to the prescribed payment of 30s. for clerical assistance; and whether, seeing that the two principals of the firm enlisted in the Cavalry at the outbreak of War and served overseas until disabled, he will make sure that their position is not prejudiced, pecuniarily or otherwise, by their patriotic action?

No such claim as that described by the hon. and gallant Member has been received by my Department, which is in communication with the Live Stock Commissioner on the subject. The claim, if it arises, will receive every consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that farmers, during the food-stringency period of the War, were required to largely increase the acreage under oats; whether oatmeal millers were also asked to correspondingly increase their milling capacity; whether, owing to the increased price of oats, wages, etc., Irish millers are unable to market oatmeal at less than £32 per ton ex mill, while American meal is being freely offered at £2 per ton less; and what action it is proposed to take to protect the interests of Irish farmers, millers, and workers from such competition, which must result in the closing down of mills, with resultant unemployment and loss of a very large quantity of oats?

I believe that the answers to the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question are in the affirmative. As regards the third part of the question, I have no information as to the facts referred to by my hon. Friend, but if he will send me any particulars that may be in his possession, I shall be glad to consider them. I may say, however, that His Majesty s Government have no present intention of taking any action which will tend to restrict the importation into the United Kingdom of cheap food and feeding-stuffs.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that Irish oatmeal can be quoted, with a slight margin of profit, at £33 per ton ex mill, whereas American meal is being freely offered in this country at from £2 to £3 under this figure, and if this state of things is allowed to continue it will mean the closing down of a large number of Irish mills; and what steps, if any, he intends to take to enable the producers of Irish meal to compete with the cheap American imports?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a similar question asked to-day by the hon. Member for Ormeau.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how the £250,000 allocated some time ago under the scheme of reconstruction to provide employment for ex-Service men and munitions workers has been utilised; whether he is aware that in the town of Arklow, county Wicklow, there were over 150 ex-Service men and 1,000 munition workers employed who are now thrown out of work owing to the closing down of Kynoch's factory; whether he is aware that the Local Government Board have repeatedly condemned the insanitary conditions prevailing in Arklow, but that, owing to the great cost of a new sanitation scheme and the lost valuation of the town, the local authority are unable to carry out the new work necessary; and whether he will consider the claim of the town of Arklow to a substantial grant Out of this money allocated for reconstruction purposes to provide employment for the workers, numbering between 2,000 and 3,000, who have been thrown out of employment by the closing down of the munitions factory?

The grant of £250,000 was voted by Parliament to provide employment on reproductive works of general utility for discharged soldiers and sailors in Ireland. The Ministry of Labour inform me that there are some 110 ex-soldiers who are out of work in Arklow, but that they are unable to say what proportion of these men are ex-employés of Kynochs, and that, of civilians who are entitled to unemployment benefit as insured workers (in which munition workers are included), there are 333 in Arklow. The statement as to the insanitary conditions in Arklow and the numbers recently employed at Kynochs is substantially correct, but the works suggested for Arklow were not such as the Departments concerned in the expenditure of the grant of £250,000 could have undertaken.

asked the Secretary of State for War which of the plebiscite areas in Germany will be occupied by British troops; how many British troops will be employed; and for how long?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to previous answers recently given on this subject, and in particular to the replies to the hon. and gallant Members for Bury St. Edmunds and Central Hull on the 19th and 25th November respectively, of which I will send the hon. and gallant Member copies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the case that the wives of many officers of the Army in France have joined them in that country; whether this is officially recognised; and whether this preferential treatment is the subject of adverse criticism among the rank and file, many of whom are older men who cannot return to their families?

The wives of officers and of the rank and file of the British Army in France are permitted to visit their husbands in that country. It is believed that considerable numbers of both classes have done so, but no figures are available, as such visits are carried out under arrangements made by the individuals concerned at their own expense. Separation, family and lodging allowances, are not forfeited in such cases. The only official privilege extended to the wives is permission to obtain rations on repayment while with their husbands in France; this privilege is common to the wives both of officers and other ranks. No preferential treatment is extended to the wives of officers

asked the Secretary of State for War how many married men over thirty are still retained with the Colours in France; and when he anticipates that they will be all sent home?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As regards the second part, Army Order 365 of October, 1919, provides for the release of all men who are eligible for demobilisa- tion, whether married or single. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Order.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of British officers serving in any foreign or Allied Army in Eastern Europe; and if he will add the conditions under which they are permitted either to volunteer or to be lent?

No British officers are permitted to serve with a foreign or Allied Army unless they have retired or relinquished their commissions. In such cases they are free to volunteer and no record of their doing so is kept.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether special Christmas leave will be granted to all military patients in home hospitals who are fit to travel to their homes?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on Thursday last to the hon. Member for Aberdare. Provided the medical officer in charge of the hospital has no objection the men referred to in the question will no doubt be granted leave to proceed to their homes as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether orders have been or are about to be issued to the effect that officers in His Majesty's Guards are to provide themselves during the coming year with the pre-war uniforms of their regiments; and if he can state what will be the cost of such uniform to each officer, and what contribution the Government proposes to make towards such cost?

No orders of the nature indicated have been given. The resumption of full-dress, its cost and the grant of assistance towards its purchase, are matters which have recently been investigated by a Committee. The Report of the Committee has not yet been considered by the Army Council, and I am, therefore, not in a position to make an announcement regarding the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War who are the technical advisers of the War Office on the matter of the quality and make of boots for the forces; will he give their names, qualifications, and whether they are officials permanent or temporary, and is their advice checked and collated by any outside experts; and is he aware that, in the opinion of experts whose advice has been formerly accepted by the War Office, the stores of boots are so large as to be liable to partial deterioration before issue?

The present technical adviser as regards the quality and make of Army boots is the permanent Inspector of Boots who was selected for the appointment in 1908 out of some 300 applicants. He is well known throughout the trade, and generally acknowledged as a competent expert. During the War, the Royal Army Clothing Department had the advantage of the services of Sir Edward Penton, and he was entrusted with all the arrangements for the provision and supply of boots. Sir Edward Penton, assisted by the Inspector of Boots and an expert staff, was the principal technical adviser in the evolution of the Army boot, which was the outcome of experience in the field and supported by medical and orthopedic authorities. No pattern of boot is finally adopted until after practical tests and the most reliable opinions have been obtained—namely, those of the men who have to wear the boots under service conditions. I cannot accept the statement that the stock of boots is so large as to be liable to deterioration before issue. I am advised that the whole of the stock will have been turned over by issues for peace purposes before such deterioration could take place, and that in the meantime, far from deteriorating, the material will improve by keeping.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been reached in regard to the issue of a medal to officers and-men who were only able to serve in the United Kingdom during the War; and, if not, how much longer this question is to remain under consideration?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on this matter last Tuesday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bradford East. I regret I cannot at present say when it will be possible to make an announcement on the subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Messrs. Wort and Wey, contractors, of Salisbury, who are doing work for the War Office at Salisbury Plain, are refusing to comply with an award of the Court of Arbitration, whereby the workmen employed by builders and contractors in the Salisbury district were awarded an increase of Id. per hour in their wages as from 8th November; that this and other firms are locking their workmen out; and whether he will remove this firm from the list of Government contractors?

Inquiries are already being made, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sergeant H. Hunt, No. 226,379, Royal Field Artillery, now at the Addington Park Military Hospital, East Croydon, Surrey, was lately in Turkey and, under circumstances known to the War Office, an order for his immediate release was sent out; whether such an order ever came to hand, and if this man has now returned home, and is now being retained at the above hospital; and will he have him released forthwith?

I am informed that Signaller H. Hunt, No. 226379, Royal Field Artillery, is now a patient at the Addington Park Military Hospital, Croydon, and instructions have been sent to the hospital to report when he is medically fit to be discharged.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether E. Vizard, No. 63455, 51st battalion, D company, Royal Warwicks, Rhine Army, called up 14th August, 1918, at the age of eighteen, an apprentice, will be discharged from the Army, and when?

If the facts are as stated by my hon. Friend, I regret that priority of release cannot be granted to this man, but in any case he will be sent for dispersal not later than 1st April, 1920.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether military masseuses have still been refused a war gratuity on the ground that gratuities are not given to civilians, but that gratuities have nevertheless been given to members of Queen Alexandra's Nursing Service and to Voluntary Aid Detachments?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 24th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is possible to come to an understanding between the Ministry of Pensions and the Admiralty for those cases in which a pension was promised by the Admiralty before the formation of the Ministry of Pensions on 4th April, 1917, in order that those dependants of men who have been killed may be able to claim from some definite authority on pensions the arrears to which they are entitled?

I do not undertand this question. So far as I am aware, there are no cases of dependants' pensions which are being delayed through want of an understanding between the Admiralty and the Ministry of Pensions If my hon. and gallant Friend knows of any such cases, and will give me particulars, I will investigate them.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many women have been dismissed from his Department since the Armistice; how many are at present employed; and on what principle-dismissals have recently been taking place?

I am unable to state the exact number of dismissals since the Armistice, but during the last three months 806 women have been dismissed or have resigned. The dismissals at headquarters have been on the ground of inefficiency, but in the Regions a few have been discharged to make room for ex-Service men. The principle which is at present being acted upon is to reserve Pension Issue Office for women and to fill the vacancies in that office by the transfer of women from other branches, the vacancies in those branches being in turn filled by ex-Service men. The present number of the female clerical staff is 10,024, and the total female staff 13,637.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what has been the expenditure on munitions during the current financial year; and what is the present monthly rate of expenditure on the production or purchase of munitions?

The expenditure during the current financial year on the purchase and production of munitions of war, on contracts and orders which have been placed since the Armistice, has been approximately £5,000,000, and the present monthly rate of expenditure on these contracts and orders is about £500,000. I should add that, owing to the existence of large supplies of munitions, on pre-Armistice contracts and orders, the figures given above are much lower than those which would obtain under normal peace conditions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governments of Ceylon and other colonies have granted supplementary pensions to meet the increased cost of living to their servants who retired before the War; and, if so, to what extent has this concession been made with the consent of the Secretary of State for the Colonies?

The Governments of Ceylon and certain other colonies have granted temporary increases in the pensions of retired Civil servants, with the Secretary of State's approval.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has been informed of a moment in Mauritius for the transfer of that island to the French flag; and has he any information to the effect that this movement, which is believed to be encouraged by certain large employers of labour, is resented by the people of Indian origin, who form a large majority of the labouring population of Mauritius?

A movement of the kind was set on foot some months ago by certain individuals, but it attracted very little support, and was repudiated by the great majority of all classes in Mauritius. No importance need be attached to it.

asked the Home Secretary when the Committee to be appointed to consider the question of superannuation for fire brigade officers will commence its sittings; whether Scotland will be included in their terms of reference; and, if so, whether one of the five members will be selected as representing Scottish interests?

I much regret the delay which has occurred in constituting the Committee which I propose to appoint to consider the hours, pay and conditions of service of firemen in professional fire brigades. I hope, however, that the Committee will begin its sittings early in January. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department, or any authority under his control, has approached, or is approaching, employers of labour with a request that they should induce their employés to enrol themselves on a register of persons willing to carry on industries and services voluntary in the event of a strike; what response has been forthcoming from this circular; and whether any special inducement, such as special protection of their premises in the event of a strike, is being offered to firms to induce their co-operation?

Certain firms have given their staffs an opportunity of volunteering, if they so desire, for maintaining essen- tial public services in an emergency. No persuasion is used, or inducement offered, or special protection of premises promised.

asked the Minister of Health whether complaints are being received regarding approved societies worked by the Prudential Insurance Company; whether undue delay involving weeks, or even months, takes place in settling claims for maternity and sickness benefit; and what machinery exists to prevent such delay in settlement of claims?

I have no reason to think that there is any unreasonable delay on the part of these societies in the settlement of claims for benefit, though from time to time cases occur in which some delay is inevitable owing to special difficulties in establishing the particular member's title to benefit. If the hon. and gallant Member can furnish me with particulars of any cases in which there appears to have been undue delay, I will have them investigated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will have inquiries made into the case of twenty men who before the War were employed as temporary clerks in the offices of the Lancashire Insurance Committee; is he aware that on volunteering for military service they were given assurance of their reinstatement on their return to civil life; that during their military service their Army pay was made up by the Committee to the full amount of their civil pay and that these men have been summarily dismissed and presented with £50 each, their posts being filled by the female labour that was taken on in their absence; and what steps does he propose to take to rectify this injustice?

The case of the temporary clerks referred to in the question was brought to my notice some little time ago, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour offered to refer the matter for investigation to the local employment committee for Preston. The result of that investigation has just reached me, and is not such as to suggest that the Lancashire Insurance Committee acted without due regard to the special claims to consideration of ex-Service men returning to civil life. The question of the personnel employed on the staff of an insurance committee in any case is a matter within the entire discretion of the insurance committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing congestion at the docks, he can consider the advisability of making use of any of the Royal dockyards either wholly or in part for the temporary relief of the situation?

The Committee which recently sat under Lord Colwyn considered the question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend, amongst others, and in their opinion the only dockyard which presents reasonable attractions is Devon-port. The Committee also report that they consider that the Admiralty should invite offers from shipowners, and I am assured by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty that any such requests would be most sympathetically considered. I would like to point out, however, that congestion is not so much due to the insufficient number of docks as to the shortage of railway wagons and receiving capacity of the ultimate destination to which it is desired to send goods.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the work at mills at Frome is being held up by the non-delivery of consignments of wool now lying at the London Docks, a pro forma invoice for which was sent a month ago; and what steps he is taking to expedite delivery of raw materials for essential British industries?

The particulars given are insufficient to enable me to answer the first part of the question. Every possible step is being taken to expedite the transit of the traffic indicated, but I cannot deal with this particular complaint without more data, and I suggest that my hon. Friend should supply me with it, when I shall be glad to do anything in -my power to assist him. With regard to the second part, I must refer the hon. Member to the state- ment which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport made yesterday to hon. Members of the House.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, during the recent railway strike, the railway police force were called upon to perform the work of railwaymen on strike; and whether he will give an undertaking that in the case of any future strike railway policemen will not be called upon to undertake any work other than their normal duties?

I am not aware whether during the recent railway strike members of the railway police force were called upon to perform the duties of other railwaymen who had left work, but if any of the police volunteered to perform other duties I have no doubt the offer would be accepted. I am not prepared to give an undertaking that such a course would not be followed in any future case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the present arrangement of part of the canal system remaining uncontrolled, leading to labour difficulties, is likely to result in interruption of traffic; and whether, in view of the congestion of transport and its effect upon the trade of the country, he has considered the question of taking over the whole of the canal systems on the same basis as the railways?

I cannot agree with the suggestion made in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, as was explained to the hon. Member for the Chertsey Division of Surrey on 8th December, the whole question of the future of canals is being investigated so that a complete policy can be formulated, but it is not intended to extend control to the undertakings in question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Road Board is still in existence; and, if so, what are its functions, staff, and estimated monthly expenditure?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second therefore does not arise.

asked the Ministry of Transport what is now the number of the staff employed by the Ministry of Transport; how many of them were formerly employed by railway and canal companies, by local authorities, motor manufacturers, engineering firms, and road transport contractors; how many possess technical knowledge of the internal combustion engine; and what are the names and duties of such members of the staff as are receiving a salary of £1,000 or more per annum?

The total staff employed by the Ministry of Transport is 449 at the present date. Of this number fifty-five were previously employed by railway companies, fourteen by local authorities, thirteen by engineering firms. No officers so far as shown by the records of the Ministry were previously employed by canal companies, by road transport contractors or by motor car manufacturers. In the Departments of the Ministry which are concerned, directly or indirectly, with the internal combustion engine, twenty-five officers are employed who have a technical knowledge of that engine.The following are the names and duties of each member of the staff (other than the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary), who receive a salary of £1,000 per annum and upwards, exclusive of war bonus:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the reduction of 10s, in the price of coal will apply to water undertakings whose supply has to be pumped, either on their whole con- sumption or on that part of it which is consumed in supplying water for domestic consumption?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of coal that has been exported from the British Isles to America during the month of November, and to what ports or port was the same consigned?

During the month of November, 1919, somewhat over 100,000 tons of coal were registered as having been exported from the United Kingdom to countries in South America, but I have not precise information as to the ports to which the coal was consigned. Of the total, about 70,000 tons were shipped to Argentine ports, 17,000 tons to Uruguay, and 12,000 tons to Brazil. There were no exports of coal to Central or North America during November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the position of the various coal clubs that are held in Yorkshire, trucks being dispatched from the colliery on the 28th November, charged at the advanced figure, arriving for distribution on 8th December; and whether the clubs can claim any rebate for having to sell at the reduced price?

Coal clubs which are registered as coal merchants will be compensated for loss incurred, as indicated in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on the 1st December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of an allegation that the Piece Price Federation of Dyers, including the Bradford Dyers' Federation, are notifying customers that they will add 50 per cent. to existing charges for dyeing unless they undertake to withhold orders from firms outside the federation; and what action he proposes to take?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this allegation, but I am causing inquiry to be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether for years past it has been customary for the Prudential Insurance Company to declare bonuses on policies each year; whether this was done to induce members to increase their policies; whether the amount due as bonuses was placed on the policies by the superintendent or his assistant as an amount due and payable when death occurred, and without any reservation of time limit; whether, after paying these bonuses for years, the company now refuses to pay them and repudiates the acts of its superintendents and salaried officials; and whether the inquiry now being held will take more ample evidence with regard to the matter?

Before the War it was customary for the Prudential Assurance Company to declare bonuses on policies in each year. In many cases the amount allotted as bonuses was placed on the policies by the representatives of the company, and the legal effect of this remains to be determined. I am informed by the company that the discontinuance of bonus distribution to their industrial branch policy-holders has been entirely due to the War. The attention of the Committee appointed to inquire into industrial life assurance has been drawn to this question, and the matter is receiving their further consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. R. Jones, of Grendon Underwood, Bucks; whether he is aware that Mr. Jones has over forty years' service to his credit, and as a reward has only been granted a pension of 11s. 5d. a week, together with a beautifully-embossed certificate of thanks for his long and faithful services; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living and the inadequacy of this reward for the services rendered, he will take steps to grant some more material assistance to Mr. Jones?

Mr. Jones' pensionable service only dates from the 26th January, 1897, his service before that date being part-time. The pension which has been awarded to him is that prescribed by the Superannuation Acts, and I have no power to increase it. He received a lump sum of £84 14s. 7d. on retirement in addition to hir pension.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a number of discharged and demobilised ex-Service men are at present temporarily employed at the General Post Office, Sheffield, and who are only being paid at the rate of 1s. 3d. per hour, no matter how many hours they work over the recognised number per day or night, whereas other temporary employés not ex-Service men are receiving eight hours' pay for seven hours' work when on night duty and overtime rates at time and a quarter for the first four hours and time and a half afterwards; and will he issue instructions that the ex-Service men shall be employed under the same conditions as other employés?

The facts are as stated. The men referred to, who are engaged for-the Christmas pressure only, are paid at an hourly rate higher than that of the rest of the temporary staff, in order to compensate them for not receiving enhanced rates for overtime and night work.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there are two, overseers in the Dublin Telegraph Office at present discharging the duties of assistant superintendents, Class 1, while assistant-superintendents, Class 2, are available and are denied equal facilities with their junior and subordinate officers of performing these duties and so qualifying for promotion; is he aware that the two overseers in question have no knowledge of or experience in the supervision of the postal and technical branches of the service, while several of their seniors are so qualified; is such experience essential for promotion to an assistant-superintendentship, Class 1; whether a junior overseer who is No. 19 on the overseers' list is about to be or has been promoted over the heads of eighteen overseers and eight assistant-superintendents, Class 2; have these matters or any of them been brought before the Whitley Council; and, if not, will he recommend the consideration of them to the Whitley Council and take means of allaying the present discontent in the Dublin Telegraph Office?

I am making inquiry in the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour if candidates for educational or agricultural training Grants are, after approval by the Appointments Department, passed on to the Board of Trade and Board of Agriculture respectively for the award; if this dual control by Government Departments is in the best interests of the candidates; and, if not, whether he will endeavour to arrive at an agreement with the Departments concerned by which the whole matter is left in his hands, subject to adequate liaison being established?

The existing system works upon the basis of a common pool in the Appointments Department of all applicants or training under the Training Grants Scheme; but it is the fact that applicants for educational or agricultural training are passed on, after a preliminary review of their qualifications, to the educational or agricultural Departments. This system does not mean duality of control; it merely means that these particular types of applicants are dealt with by the Department which is technically best qualified to do so. Co-ordination in questions of principle is secured by periodical conferences between representatives of the Departments concerned. I do not think that any better system could have been devised at the outset of the scheme. I am satisfied that no change would be practicable now.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the minimum wage of 65s. for a forty-eight-hour week, as fixed by the trade board for the bootmaking trade, is not being paid in institutions such as the Weston Training School, Leamington, and the Bishop Chadwick Industrial School, Car- lisle; and whether he can take action to secure the observance of the trade board conditions in all such institutions?

My attention has not been drawn to this case. As a matter of general principle, I am advised that minimum rates fixed under the Trade Boards are only applicable in cases where work is performed by way of trade and there is a contract or arrangement which establishes the relationship of employer and employed. I will, however, make inquiry in this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour why training as a shoemaker is denied to Mr. A. G. James, late No. H 129, private, Royal Engineers; if he is aware that this man, having served three years in the Army and had a foot amputated, is now unable to follow his old trade; and that, though training was provided for James by the Brecknock Committee, the Ministry declines to sanction this training?

Inquiries are being made into the case to which the hon. Member calls attention, and I will communicate with him further as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what sums were expended from the public funds on the Gravesend School for Sea Training during the first year of its working, from September, 1918, to September, 1919, and during the present financial year, and under what heading in the Estimates such Votes are to be found; what sums were received from the shipowners towards the expenses of the school from September, 1918, to September, 1919, and during the present financial year; whether the gross cost per boy amounted to £6 10s. per month or to a larger figure; whether that sum included any uniform for the period of training or any outfit when the youth was sent to sea; whether there is included in the total cost of working for the first financial year any payment to the Seamen's Home at Gravesend for rent or the cost of any alterations to the home and any payment for the use of the "Stork," or the cost of the dismantling and re-rigging of that vessel; if so, what sums were so expended, and under what headings in the Estimates are they to be found; what is the total amount of salaries paid to the staff of the school; and what was the largest number of pupils under training at any one time?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to his question on this subject, which was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 8th December.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether in the event of the funds at present in the hands of the central committee of the Shipmasters' and Officers' 1919 Relief Fund being consumed at an early date, he will state the prospects of further grants being made; and whether a larger grant will immediately be given to the fund which would enable the committee to increase the present allowances made to applicants?

I understand that when the first grant was made, the committee of the fund were informed that consideration would be given to the question of a Supplementary Grant should the circumstances justify such a course. The question of a larger Grant is one for the committee administering the fund.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the serious increase in assessments for education in many parishes in Scotland, he will delay the collection of assessment until the distribution of the £900,000 of unpaid grants is made, and until he can arrange a more equitable allocation of expenditure amongst parishes?

The revised proposals in regard to Education Grants announced in my right hon. Friend's replies of yesterday to the hon. Members for Argyllshire and East Fife will reduce the sums to be allocated and apportioned by county edu- cation authorities among the parishes comprised in the several education areas, and will correspondingly affect the sums to be imposed, levied, and collected by each parish council as Education Rate. The proposed additional Grants cannot be issued until the relative Minutes (which have been laid) have become operative, but the amounts payable to each authority will be ascertained and notified with the least possible delay, in order that these authorities may apprise each parish council within their area of the effect, and give the parish council an opportunity of amending their assessment demands.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Finney, widow, farmer, Hollen Farm, High Lane, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, who, under the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1917, received notice from the agricultural sub-committee of the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent requiring her to execute the cultivation necessary to bring certain grass lands on her farm into good arable cultivation, and requiring her to commence ploughing up of such lands within fourteen days from the date of the notice, which orders were carried out.; that, as the result of two years' failures, she has suffered loss amounting to over; whether the inspector called at the farm and reported to his executive; that she made application to the county agricultural committee for assistance, and received a reply that the matter could not be considered; that she was unaware that application must be made on or before 31st July, 1919; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the above case, with a view to some solatium being offered to this person?

The facts stated in the first part of the question are believed to be correct. As regards the amount of the loss alleged to have been suffered, I am unable to express an opinion, as the claim was not received until after the expiration of the period in which such claims could be considered. In reply to the last part of the question, the Board could not, without creating an undesirable precedent, recommend the Treasury to authorise an ex gratia payment in this case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that at a recent meeting of the county executive of the Lancashire branch of the National Farmers' Union strong protests were made against the Wart Disease in Potatoes Order; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the whole question raised by this Order at an early date?

The Board are aware that protests have been made in certain quarters against the Wart Disease of Potatoes Order. The Order was made, after the most careful investigation by the Board's technical staff into the nature of the disease, with the object of safeguarding potato growers generally by the growth of immune varieties on those tracts of land on which the disease is known to be widespread. The Board have constantly under their consideration the operation of the Order, and they are encouraging by every means further investigations into the possibility of destroying the disease in the soil. In these circumstances, they do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by a public inquiry.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that it is practically impossible to obtain a private garage in the neighbourhood of Westminster; and whether, owing to this fact, he will consider the possibility of providing accommodation for the cars of Members who reside some little distance outside town?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I regret that I am unable to entertain the suggestion that the Government should provide garage accommodation for the cars of Members.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only conspicuous symbols of religion on the cenotaph in Whitehall are the prominent Jewish triangles at the corners; and whether he will instruct the custodians to give equal prominence to the recognised symbols of other religions?

There are no religious symbols on the Cenotaph, and the reference to prominent Jewish triangles at the corners is, therefore, not understood. If reference is intended to the flowers placed on the steps of the monument, I may say that the custodian has had no instructions as to giving prominence to any floral tribute.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will improve the lighting and heating of the Central Hall and, before deciding definitely on the point, ascertain the views of those who are chiefly subject to its inconveniences?

The lighting was reduced as a war economy, and can easily be improved. The present heating is provided by admitting warm air through gratings in the floor on the four sides of the hall. I shall be pleased, however, to consider any representations on this matter, but I must add that no provision has been made in the Estimates for any expenditure during the current, year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of he can make any statement as to the future of the Bagdad Railway and as to railway plans in opening up Mesopotamia?

No statement can be made at present. The future of the Bagdad Railway is intimately connected with the fulfilment of obligations entered into by the German Government in the Treaty of Peace, and is dependent on arrangements which will have to be made in the terms of the proposed Treaty of Peace with Turkey, regarding the disposal and administration of that railway. In regard to the second part of the question certain lines of railway have been built in Mesopotamia to meet military requirements, and their extension is now under consideration.