asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the insufficiency of the present ration of sugar for children; and whether he will raise such ration seeing that sugar is, for children, an essential?

The Food Controller does not concur in the hon. Member's opinion that the present sugar ration is insufficient for children. As regards the second part of the question it is impossible in the present state of supplies to permit any increase in the ration.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has investigated the report that some thousands of bags of sugar have been stored for four and five years at the South, East, and West India Docks; that workmen and others walk ankle deep in sugar from bags that have burst, and that waste of this essential commodity is resulting; and, if so, if he will state the result of his investigation?

The Food Controller has received no report to the effect stated. He would be glad of any particulars which the hon. Member may be able to furnish.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to a forthcoming issue by the United Dairies, Limited, of a further 500,000 £1 ordinary shares at a price of 22s. 6d. a share; and whether, in view of the present position with regard to the supply, distribution, and price of milk, and the possibility of early legislation on the matter, the Government will consider the desirability of not allowing this extension of a milk combine which already controls a large part of the London milk supply?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller does not consider it necessary to take any steps in the matter, in view of the fact that the price of milk is controlled at all stages.

asked the Minister of Food if his attention has been called to the large amount of food which has had to be destroyed at Dorchester in the last few months owing to the inefficiency of the transport service; and can he give an assurance that steps have been taken to avoid a recurrence of this waste?

The Food Controller's attention has been drawn particularly to the amount of beef condemned in Dorchester between 14th August and the present time. In every case it is found that the meat condemned has been voluntarily surrendered to the sanitary authorities by the slaughterhouse officer. This meat was derived from fourth grade beasts affected by tuberculosis, the slaughter of which from the surrounding dairy district is centralised at Dorchester. The Medical Officer of Health for Dorchester is of opinion that the procedure adopted is entirely in the interest of the public, inasmuch as meat from tuberculous animals is thereby prevented from passing into consumption. The Department have no evidence which would lead them to believe that inefficiency of the transport service has caused food to be destroyed at Dorchester.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland on what principle the majority of the organising staff of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, who are established Civil servants, are being deprived of the 20 per cent. of salary bonus awarded from the 1st April last to other Civil servants; whether he is aware that the reason given by the Lords of the Treasury for withholdling the bonus is that these organisers received increases of salary under the Duke Grant; and, in view of the fact that the junior inspectors of national schools, ireland, who also received increases of salary under the Duke Grant, are receiving the 20 per cent. bonus in addition, why has this discrimination been made in the case of the members of the organising staff?

The representations made in the question are correct. The facts of the case were submitted by the Commissioners of National Education for the consideration of the Treasury, with a strong recommendation that the benefit in the matter of war bonus of an equivalent of 20 per cent. of the ordinary salary, as sanctioned for Civil servants generally whose salaries were fixed on a pre-war basis should be allowed to all members of the organising staff. The Treasury, however, declined to act upon this recommendation in ease of organisers whose scale of ordinary salary was revised from 1st April, 1917, but with a view to meeting the considerations urged by the Commissioners they sanctioned the Grant to each of these officers of a special increment or ordinary salary with effect from 1st April, 1919.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will circulate the White Paper dealing with the finance of the Education Bill before Tuesday?

The White Paper will be circulated before the House is asked to consider the Money Resolution in connection with the Rill.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the military authorities in Ireland prevented a Dublin civilian band from playing the French National Anthem in the streets of Dublin on Thursday, 11th December; and whether for this purpose the band's instruments were taken possession of by military officers?

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

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the purpose of the raid on Dublin Mansion House on Thursday last; and whether the persons arrested Will be brought to trial?

It was believed that an illegal meeting was being held. A sale of goods in connection with the Sinn Fein, an illegal association, was found to be in course of preparation, and was prohibited by order of Government. No arrests were made in the Mansion House.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Armagh Urban Council has called the attention of the postal authorities to the very inefficient and inadequate postal services existing in the district; and if he will give directions for a better and quicker service to be provided?

The Armagh Urban District Council recently forwarded a resolution to this effect. Their only specific point was the lack of a dispatch of letters on Sundays. This is about to be remedied.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the difficulties which have arisen with regard to the contracts held by Messrs. Jennings and Company, of Bristol, were due to the action of the Admiralty inspector; whether this inspector was afterwards withdrawn from the premises of another contractor engaged on similar work on account of his unreasonable methods; and whether this will be borne in mind in settling the claims of the firm?

The difficulties which have arisen are due to the numerous rejections and to contractor's inability to supply boxes to the requisite specification. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative. All the factors applicable to the case will be taken into consideration in settling the firm's claims.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner Alfred Ernest Dorey, No. 28522, 111th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, has just been tried by court-martial for desertion arising from his failure to return from leave at home to his battery at the front in July, 1917, and sentenced to three years' penal servitude; that prior to taking part in the heavy actions at Arras and Messines he had been sent down from the front by the medical officer for a complete rest in consequence of his neurasthenia; that at the trial his battery quartermaster-sergeant gave evidence that Dorey had served continuously at the front from October, 1914, until he went on leave in July, 1917, and had several bad shakings-up as the result of which his nerves had given way; that the medical officer who examined him during the adjournment of the court-martial gave evidence that the prisoner was still suffering from nervous debility; and that his nervous condition was quite consistent with his plea that he was not responsible for his action in deserting; and whether, in view of all these circumstances, added to the fact that prior to his desertion Dorey had served continuously for nearly twelve years with the Colours, including two years and nine months on active service, and had not a single entry on his field service conduct sheet, he is prepared to consider a revision of this sentence as a special case?

I am making inquiries, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result. I would add that my inquiries may take some little time as the proceedings may not yet have reached this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners there are in India and in Malta; and what is being done for their repatriation?

There are approximately 1,900 German prisoners of war in India, all or whom will be embarked in about a week's time for repatriation to Germany. All the German prisoners of war in Malta have been repatriated except a few sick cases (about ten), who will be repatriated as soon as their condition permits and transport is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any Russian officers are being trained and maintained in this country; and, if so, what is the annual cost of such training and maintenance and how long he anticipates such training to last?

A certain number of Russian officers are still being maintained in this country owing to the difficulty of securing the necessary transport. As soon as a ship can be obtained for the purpose they will be repatriated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Charles William Boyce, No. 1017, 1st Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment, who first enlisted on 17th December, 1917, was sent to France in May, 1918, re-enlisted on 23rd May, 1919, and was discharged from the Army with heart trouble on 24th October, 1919; whether it is the case that he only received £1 ration money and a seven days' pass, and has not yet received his official discharge; whether this man called at Whitehall on Monday 8th December, and the officials declined to to see him; whether he can sign at the Labour Exchanges, as he has no discharge papers and has had to pawn all his effects to obtain food; and what steps he is prepared to take to enable this man to obtain his papers and gratuity?

I was not previously aware of this case, but enquiries are now being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the carpenters and joiners employed in the Army Ordnance and National Aircraft Salvage Depot, No. 3, Aintree, are not receiving the standard rate for the district; whether he is aware that in the settlement of a dispute the district rate was increased to 2s. per hour as from the 2nd September last; and whether he will give instructions for the payment of this recognised rate to the men employed in the above depot?

Instructions are in course of issue for payment of the increased rate.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can supply particulars of the cases of and deaths from small-pox which occurred in the British Army during the years 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918, respectively; and, if this information is not at present available, when it is likely to be available?

I regret that it is impossible for this information to be furnished from the records available in the War Office. The medical statistical records of the War are, of course, very considerable. They are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible, but I am afraid the information desired by the hon. Member will not be available within the next two years.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the draft book of William Lyver, O.S., Royal Navy, "Warwick," number of certificate N.G.L. 1294, was called in by the Pensions Issue Office on the 28th May last; that although that office was communicated with on the 26th November regarding reissue no reply has yet been received regarding this matter; and whether he will have inquiries made and give instructions that correspondence of this nature shall receive more prompt attention?

On 7th May Mr. Lyver was provisionally awarded a weekly allowance of 5s. 6d. a week for thirteen weeks for myopic astigmatism, not attributable to service, but the award was cancelled a few weeks later on the ground that there was no disablement, and Mr. Lyver was informed accordingly and his allowance book withdrawn. A letter dated 26th November, 1919, was received from the National Union of Ex-Service Men and a reply was sent on 9th December.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any concession is proposed in the way of cheap railway fares for disabled Army pensioners in hospital in order that they may spend Christmas at home; if not, whether he is aware that in many cases this Christmas will be the first for five years which these men have had a chance of spending at home and that some of them will not be able to afford the railway fare; and whether he will consider approaching the Minister of Transport with a view to some concession?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of an instruction which has been issued to the Regional Directors of the Ministry with regard to the arrangements which can be made for the Christmas leave of disabled men in hospitals.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will state the entire cost up to date in connection with the storage of explosives at Dinas Mawddwy, setting forth the amounts expended on buildings, rents and rates, repairs and maintenance, fuel and light, salaries, wages, and allowances, and all other disbursements; the total quantity of explosives brought into store, removed from the store, and now in the store, the cost of transport; and the quantity sold, the date upon which it was removed from the store, and the sum realised for the same?

My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary is furnishing my hon. Friend with a. statement giving such information as can be obtained without involving greater labour than is commensurate with the importance of the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what number of buildings for the storage of explosives were specially provided to meet the requirements of the War; how many such stores are still retained; and what are the annual charges, including salaries, wages, and allowances, in respect thereof?

The number of magazines provided for the storage of explosives was eighty-nine. Of these, fifty-four have been given up, and five more are being cleared prior to restoration to the owners. The annual charge based on present requirements is, approximately, £80,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the head of the establishment Department is a Civil Service clerk of military age, lent from the Board of Education, where his graded salary is £350 per annum; whether in transfer to the Ministry he received an additional salary of £425, making his starting salary £750; whether the annual increment of his grade is £25, and he received an increase since the Armistice of six times that amount; whether he was one of the four Civil Service clerks who drew the so-called Zeppelin allowance of £1 per night, and is now drawing a total emolument of £1,000 a year; if so, whether he will explain this increase which would cease on his reversion to the Board of Education; and whether the head of a Department is permitted to add to his emoluments by drawing any extra allowances, such as the one under reference which was granted to his clerks?

The head of the Department referred to is thirty-eight years of age, was seconded for service in the Ministry in September, 1915, from the Board of Education where he was an Examiner on the higher staff of the Board, his salary being £400 with annual increments of £25 up to a maximum of £600. Applications from this officer to be released for military service were refused by the Board of Education and the Ministry of Munitions. He received no additional salary on transfer to the Ministry, but from time to time since May, 1916, was granted allowances to make his remuneration commensurate with his increased responsibilities. For some time he acted as one of the four resident officers appointed by the Minister. The increase referred to since the Armistice was granted, with Treasury sanction, to bring his salary up to £1,000, which is the minimum of the scale of salary assigned to the important position he holds. It is not possible for any official to add to his emoluments in the manner suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his Department has taken over the workshops that were established during the War at Richborough; if he will state for what purpose they have been taken over and if it is intended to employ any men there; and, if so, if he will state what trades will be employed there and the approximate number of men it is estimated will be wanted?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Yes, Sir. It is proposed to undertake certain repair work on railway wagons and locomotives, and petrol tractors, but I am unable to state at present what number of men and trades it may be found necessary to employ.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that F. C. Thomson, who has received an award of 15s. per week for injuries received at Enfield Factory, did not sign the Government scheme; that this man was medically examined on Friday, 5th December, by his panel doctor and certified as totally unfit for work as a result of his injuries; whether the sum awarded is the highest that can be paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and whether he will cause the case to be reconsidered?

I am aware that this workman had not signed the Government Scheme of Compensation. As indicated to the hon. Member in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on the 24th November the rate of compensation referred to (which is less than the rate that would be payable for total incapacity) was regarded as appropriate to the degree of incapacity disclosed by the medical evidence before the Department. If the hon. Member can furnish any more recent medical evidence establishing a condition of total incapacity due to the alleged injury, the case shall be immediately reconsidered.

asked the Parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his Department receives, or has received, any and what difference in price per ton for phosphate rock, pyrites, or sulphate of ammonia, respectively, over the price per ton which his Department paid for it; and, if so, for what work done by is Department has this difference in price been received?

I shall be glad if my hon. and learned Friend will repeat this question on Wednesday next.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether any negotiations are taking place between his Department and the French Government with the object of arranging the terms upon which the French Government will purchase ail remaining British stores and material yet remaining on French soil; whether the value of material salved from France during the month of November was valued for much less than had been anticipated on account of weather, deterioration, etc., and whether he has consulted the War office and discovered that military opinion is strongly in favour of ceasing salvage operations forthwith, and so reducing the establishment of labour troops in France?

Whilst negotiations have been concluded with the French Government for the disposal of very large blocks of surplus stores in France, including the whole of the railway material, there is a certain amount of surplus property which it is proposed to dispose of in other ways. The answer to the second part of the question is, No, Sir. With regard to the last part of the question, if my hon. and gallant Friend means by "salvage operations" the collection of stores from the battlefields into dumps, this operation, the responsibility for which has always remained with the War Office, is now practically completed. There is no intention of ceasing disposal operations. A scheme has been agreed with the War Office for the formation of a small Disposals Corps, which will have the effect of relieving military personnel from their present duties of guarding and handling surplus property. This scheme is now before the Cabinet.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the Beaulieu Aerodrome, including a large number of temporary and permanent buildings, has been handed to the Disposal Board for six months; and when does he propose to sell or remove these buildings, and to restore the site to the use of the public in the New Forest?

The delay in dealing with the disposal of the buildings at the Beaulieu Aerodrome has been due to protracted negotiations with the local authorities who had under consideration a proposal to snake use of the buildings for a temporary housing scheme. This proposal has now been definitely abandoned, and instructions have been given for the buildings to be sold for removal at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many locomotives used by the Army in France and other theatres of war have been found unsuitable or work upon British railways and then not easily disposable in this country; how many locomotives of this type were actually brought to this country viâ Richborough and other ports and are still in this country or have been returned overseas; what steps, if any, the Ministry propose to take to sell these locomotives; and whether any proposal for the conversion of these locomotives for use upon Russian railways would be welcomed by the Ministry in order that practical steps may be taken without delay to transport cereals in Southern Russia to Black Sea ports for shipment to those areas of Europe where the country is in a condition of great distress?

There are about eighty-five locomotives of the type referred to in the first part of the question, and these are in France. They are, however, unsuitable for use on British railways, and negotiations are in progress for disposing of them abroad. None of these locomotives were brought to this country, and it is not anticipated that there will be any great difficulty in disposing of them in their present state.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of appointments to Governorships which have been made during the last ten years; how many of such appointments have been granted to officials in the Colonial service; and how Many of those who have not been so employed?

Apart from the military Governorships of Gibraltar, Malta, and Bermuda, which are invariably filled by distinguished officers of the Army, fifty-eight appointments to Governorships have been made during the last ten years in the Colonies and Protectorates. Of these appointments, only five were filled by officers who had not been employed in the Colonial service.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now in a position to state what decision has been arrived at by His Majesty's Government as regards carrying into operation the recommendations made in the recent Report of the Departmental Committee on Sea Training?

The matter is still under consideration, but I hope that a decision will be reached before long.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the National Federation of Women Teachers was unrepresented on the Burnham Committee on Teachers' Salaries; whether that Committee has recommended marked differences in pay between men and women who do the same work; and whether any opportunity will be given to the House for discussing the Committee's recommendations?

asked the President of the Board of Education why the National Federation of Women Teachers was not represented on the Burnham Committee, as the Whitley Committee held that all sections of people concerned must be represented when matters of wages were being discussed, the National Union of Teachers not in any way whatever representing the view of the National Federation of Women Teachers?

As I have already explained in this House, the Committee is not a Committee appointed by the Board of Education but was established by agreement between the associations of local education authorities on the one hand and the National Union of Teachers on the other. I understand that the principle of equal pay for men and women was raised by the representatives of the National Union of Teachers, but was rejected by the representatives of the local education authorities. The question of breaking off the negotiations then arose, but the representatives of the National Union of Teachers, in my opinion very wisely, decided to continue the negotiations, with the result that an agreement was reached which, at all events, includes a substantial improvement in the position of women teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that acute discontent has been aroused by his decision to exclude from the death gratuity under the School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1918, those ex-Service teachers who fail to satisfy the Board that their health has been unimpaired by military service; and whether, in justice to those men who have suffered by their Army service, he can see his way to reconsider this decision?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the proviso to Section 3 (1) of the Act, from which he will see that the Board have no discretion in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state the number of ex-Service men who have applied for courses of training in each of the University Colleges in Wales under the scheme for the higher education of ex-Service students, together with the number of such applications approved, and in respect of which awards have actually been made?

The figures are as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that a number of two-years ex-Service students who are at present undergoing a course of training at Sheffield University have not yet received the Government Grant to which they are entitled, the first instalment of which was due in October last; will he say why this money grant has been withheld; and will he issue instructions that the amounts due shall be forwarded without further delay, as the withholding of these payments is causing great inconvenience and unnecessary suffering to the men concerned?

I greatly regret the delay which has occurred in these cases. Cheques for the instalments of grant in practically all the cases concerned were handed to the Registrar of the University on 13th December.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in December, 1915, he closed the school at Forncett St. Mary, Norfolk, without making any arrangements for the children to be conveyed to another school in accordance with the provisions of Section 23 (1) of the Education Act, 1902: whether the children suffer by the bad roads, which are sometimes under water, and the parents are now being fined for keeping them at home; and whether he will compel the county council to reopen the school or to provide conveyance out of the £230 Per annum which they are saving by the closure?

I am making inquiries into the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether Kyriakos Mikhail, who has been arrested with a view to deportation to Egypt, is the editor of the "Egyptian Circular" and not of the "Egyptian Gazette"?

In the hurry of replying to the hon. Member's private notice question last Wednesday, it was not observed that he had described Kyriakos Mikhail as the editor of the "Egyptian Gazette" instead of the "Egyptian Circular," and I am sorry that I failed to correct his mistake. The "Egyptian Gazette" is a paper of old standing and wide circulation in Egypt, and I am glad to be able to say that it has no connection with Kyriakos Mikhail and the "Egyptian Circular."

asked the Minister of Health whether the building of all houses within a local authority's area under the housing scheme is subject to the supervision of that local authority; and, if so, to what extent?

The local authority has, of coarse, full responsibility in respect of houses erected under a scheme promoted by the local authority. But every builder of houses would be required to submit plans to the local authority, assuming that the authority have in force by-laws of the ordinary type. The exact degree of supervision called for in these cases to enable the local authority to be assured that the substantive clauses of the by-laws are complied with, as well as the conditions required by the Ministry in the case of houses assisted by subsidy, must obviously vary with the requirements of these clauses. As my hon. and gallant Friend will remember, Sections 24 and 25 of the Housing and Town Planning Act of this year provide for the relaxation of by-laws in certain cases.

asked the Minister of Health whether a person who builds a brick bungalow containing seven or, alternatively, eight rooms at a cost of £800, would be entitled to the Government grant under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act?

A person building a bungalow of the kind my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind would be eligible for the Government grant if the building falls within the limits of floor space and accommodation, and otherwise complies with the conditions to be prescribed in accordance with the Act. It will be observed from the White Paper, which has been issued, that grants are not proposed to be given in respect of houses containing more than four bedrooms.

asked the Minister of Health what relief Poor Law guardians are at present authorised to grant to unemployed workpeople; and what is the maximum amount in money which may be granted respectively to single and married persons?

It is the duty of a board of guardians to give adequate assistance in any case relieved by them, and there is no prescribed maximum.

asked the Minister of Health when the appointment of Commissioners for Wales, under the Ministry of Health Act, will be made; their number and their emoluments; the number of the staff to be appointed; and the total cost of the administration of the Department?

Four members have so far been appointed to the Welsh Board of Health; one, the chairman, permanent, and two members, temporary, who receive the same emoluments as were paid to them as Insurance Commissioners for Wales. The fourth member is the Housing Commissioner for Wales. This appointment is temporary and the holder draws a salary of £1,000 a year. The details of the number and scales of pay of the staff of the Welsh Board of Health are set out in the Supplementary Estimate (page 25) presented to Parliament on the 17th July last. The future establishment for the Welsh Board of Health is not yet settled; it is, in fact, being considered in consultation with the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Health how many secretaries and assistant secretaries are on the staff of the Welsh Board of Health; and what is the total number of persons now employed by the Board?

The present establishment of the Welsh Board of Health is set out in the Supplementary Estimate (page 25) issued on the 17th July last. The establishment is now in course of reorganisation. The future numbers will be subject to approval by the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with his consideration of intended reforms in the present law of death certification, he will take note of the desirability of providing that no medical practitioner shall certify a death without having first inspected the body, and that all deaths occurring suddenly after operations, or vaccination, or inoculation, or drug injections shall be reported to the coroner by the medical practitioner in attendance?

The point referred to in the question shall be considered.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the date and short effect of all Orders in Council made under Section 11 of the Ministry of Health Act, 1919, appointing the days for the provisions of the Act to come into operation and of all the Orders in Council made under Section 3 of the Act transferring functions to or from the Minister?

Three Orders have been made under Section 11, dated 25th June, 22nd September, and 25th November, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Member. The effect of these Orders is that the whole of the Act has now been brought into operation except proviso (1) to Sub-section (1) of Section 3 dealing with medical research; the date on which it is proposed to bring this into operation is not yet decided. No Orders have been made under Section 3. Three draft Orders have been laid before the House, but they cannot now be actually made till next Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Hardross Collieries, Limited, to stop all new expenditure on the development of their collieries, and in particular to refrain from reopening the Castle Eden Colliery; whether he is aware that the work so abandoned would have involved an expenditure of £1,500,000, given employment to 2,500 additional workers, and would have increased the output of coal by 700,000 tons per annum; whether the company's decision is due to uncertainty as to the Government's policy regarding coal; whether similar decisions are being taken by other collieries in other parts of the country; and whether, in these circumstances, he will make a clear statement of Government policy with regard to the coal mines before the Recess?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the decision of the Horden Collieries, Limited; which is presumably the Colliery Company that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, and I have been informed of the company's position and of their reasons for this decision as stated in Parts 2 and 3 of the question. With regard to the last part of the question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer just given to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great scarcity of anthracite coal in the county of Devon, some coal merchants having been unable to obtain a supply for over a year; and can he take steps to relieve the situation?

I am not aware of a general scarcity of anthracite in Devon, nor of any case where a merchant has not been able to obtain supplies for over a year. Shortages have occurred here and there in that county, and have been dealt with as they have arisen. The main difficulty has been transport.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the price of anthracite coal sold for domestic use is controlled; if so, what is the present controlled price per ton to domestic consumers in the Metropolitan area; and whether such price gives the consumer the benefit of the 10s. per ton reduction in the price of house coal?

In the majority of districts (including the Metropolitan area), maximum retail prices have not been fixed for anthracite. The reduction of 10s. per ton applies to the pit head price of anthracite supplied for domestic or household purposes, and there is no reason to suppose that the merchant will not give the consumer the benefit of any reduction which he himself received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that coal is being sent from Worksop into the Colne and Holme Valley of Yorkshire, and similar coal is being sent from the Holme Valley passing Worksop on its way to the South, involving cross delivery at an expense of 7s. to 8s. per ton, and an unnecessary haulage of 70 to 80 miles; and will he make inquiries into the matter?

Yes, Sir. The Controller of Coal Mines is already in communication with the district coal and coke supplies committee concerned in the distribution of the coal in question, with a view to securing a rearrangement of supplies so as to reduce the amount of transport involved.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many established Civil servants are employed in the Coal Mines Department; how many are employed at salaries over £300 per annum; and what are those salaries?

There are fourteen established Civil servants employed in the Coal Mines Department, and of these seven are in receipt of salaries over £300 per annum. These salaries are:

• One at £1,000 per annum.
• Three at £700 per annum.
• One at £550 per annum.
• One at £450 per annum.
• One at £380 per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the wages of the following grades in the coal-mining industry are under £5 per week, namely, fore and back overmen, master shifters, surface engine wrights, heap keepers, weigh clerks, etc.; that these men have positions of great responsbility, and in many cases receive less wages than men and boys who are under their charge; and if he will direct the Coal Controller's attention to their position with a view to obtaining for them remuneration adequate to their responsible work and fair in comparison with the wages of those who work under them?

My information does not tally with the suggestions given in the first part of the question. 'The remainder of the question would appear therefore not to arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the paucity of promotions in the seamen's registry, those men who have attained the normal retiring age of sixty, but who wider the exceptional conditions prevailing during the War, have been retained in the Department, will be compulsorily retired; and whether the age of retirement in future will be maintained at the usual figure of sixty years?

The Board of Trade have not adopted sixty as the normal retiring age, but I understand that the Committee which has been considering the future organisation of the office of the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen and whose Report is now before the Treasury have recommended that certain officers who are not yet sixty-five shall be retired in order to facilitate the carrying out of their proposals. I am not prepared to alter the present practice with regard to the retiring age.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the British and Continental Bank Bill; whether His Majesty's Government is in sympathy with this measure as a matter of principle; and whether he intends to oppose or approve this measure?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I shall be glad to consider any representations which the hon. and gallant Member has to make on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Marine Department refuses to grant general approval for the use by passenger steamers of the Graham patent single davit; and when the official who is responsible for such refusal last saw sea service?

This particular patent appliance has been repeatedly considered and tested by the Board of Trade, and the reason why general approval for its use on passenger steamers has not been given is that the Board of Trade are not satisfied on grounds of safety that such general approval should be given. This decision is based on the reports of several surveyors and technical officers of the Department and on the Report of the Boats and Davits Committee, 1913.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the number of lifeboats belonging to ships registered in the United Kingdom which have been upset whilst being lowered with manilla tackle, during shipwreck or other occasion of stress or emergency, during each of the years 1914 to 1918, inclusive, stating separately cases by which bodily injury or loss of life occurred.

I am afraid the material available at the Board of Trade is not sufficient to enable reliable statistics on this point to be prepared.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that a large number of ships in the Port of London and the Bristol Channel are unable to find berths; whether demurrage of £500 to £1,000 per day is being paid; and, if so, as such charges are eventually added to the costs to the consumers, what action, if any, does he propose to take?

I am aware that a large number of ships are waiting for berths at London and Bristol Channel ports, and I have no doubt that in some cases heavy demurrage charges are being: incurred. Whether these charges ultimately fall on the consumer depends upon the circumstances of the individual cases. The congestion at these and other ports is receiving the constant attention of the Port and Transit Executive Committee, and all practicable steps are being taken to meet the situation.

asked the Minister of Transjort if his attention has been called to the fact that the cost of travelling to football teams and supporters is now nearly 150 per cent. above pre-war rates; and if steps will be taken to restore the basis of pre-war rates plus 50 per cent.?

My attention has already been called to this matter, and I have given it careful consideration. I regret, however, that in the present financial position it is not possible to make an exceptional issue of cheap tickets in favour of football clubs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has given the position of the North Staffordshire Railway his further consideration as promised to the deputation from Stoke-on-Trent which recently waited upon him for the purpose of pointing out the serious disadvantages suffered by the district served by that railway by reason of the exceptionally high rates charged by them as compared with other railways carrying similar classes of goods; and, if so, what, if any, steps does he propose to take to remedy the inequalities which were clearly proved to exist before the Board of Trade's Commissioner at the Inquiry held last year at Stoke-on-Trent?

As the hon. Member is probably aware, a systematic revision of railway rates generally will shortly be undertaken, in the course of which rates charged by the North Staffordshire Railway will come under review. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend the Minister is not in a position to take any special steps in connection with the Report to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to give representation to distributing traders on the National Wages Board; and whether he is prepared to appoint a representative of the National Chamber of Trade?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which was given to-day to the hon. Member for Pontefract and the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has considered the question of diverting the passenger and parcels traffic on the two lines running from north to south on the western side of London, namely, Clapham Junction to Willesden, and from Clapham Junction to Acton, thus relieving the pressure through inner congested London; and if the necessary steps can now be taken to complete the electrification of the remaining portion of these lines and a through service of electric trains provided?

The desirability of diverting traffic to the lines mentioned and of electrifying portions of them which are not already electrified will be considered in the light of information which is now being obtained as to the flow of traffic within the London area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, since the control of wagons ceased, the hire of pre-war-built wagons has advanced from 100 to 150 per cent. and 400 per cent. above pre-war rates; and whether, having regard to the fact that these heavy charges have eventually to be borne by the consumers, he will consider the question of again fixing maximum prices at which wagons can be let?

The general policy with regard to private wagons is now under consideration, and meanwhile it is not proposed to reimpose control.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can see his way, in view of the congestion on the District, and Tilbury line in the busy hours of the morning and evening, to direct the Midland, Tilbury, and Southend Railway to stop their trains at all stations between Fenchurch Street and Barking to pick up and set down passengers and to run trains more frequently between those stations?

I am informed that the line in question is being worked to its full capacity. The two suggestions made by the hon. and gallant Member are, therefore, incompatible, as stopping trains more frequently means that a less number of trains can be run over the line.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the discontent caused among members of the public at the charges made by his Department for ineffective telephone calls; and whether he will arrange for a statement to be furnished to subscribers showing the number of effective calls they are alleged to have made and the amount of any balance to their credit when a demand for payment of a further deposit is made?

The hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension, as it is not the practice to charge telephone subscribers for ineffective calls. Subscribers can be informed at any time, on inquiry, as to the condition of their call accounts, but, with a constantly diminishing balance, a notification in every case of the number of calls on hand on a particular date would not be of great practical value, and would hardly justify the extra expense involved.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that instructions have been officially issued to the telephone exchange office for the Carnarvon district that calls are not to be accepted from the Carnarvonshire County Council offices at Carnarvon; and if he will state the reason for such drastic action, having regard to the serious impeding of the work of an important public office, without notice given or cause assigned to the clerk to the county council?

Following the usual procedure, telephone trunk facilities were withdrawn on the 5th December because, notwithstanding three applications, the account for trunk fees incurred during the month of October was still outstanding. The facilities, however, should not have been withdrawn in such a case as this, and appropriate steps are being taken to prevent similar action in future.

asked the Postmaster-General how many disabled ex-professional sailors and soldiers had been given employment in the Post Office during the years 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918; and how do these figures compare with the numbers of ex-professional soldiers allotted to vacancies in the Post Office during the years immediately previous to 1914?

The records kept by the Post Office do not distinguish between different types of soldiers and sailors who are given employment in the Post Office, and I regret that the figures asked for by the hon. and gallant Member are therefore not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. F. C. Meyer, of 7, St. Helens Park Crescent, Southsea, was discharged from the Army in February, 1919, and applied for a course of dental training at Guy's Hospital in March, 1919, the necessary forms being filled and dispatched on the 1st April, 1919; that he was accepted at Portsmouth for training, being already a registered dental student; that in spite of repeated applications he has, up to date, received nothing but an intimation that the case has been transferred to the Board of Education, and a Form O 13 to be filled up and returned, and if he will say when Mr. Meyer may expect to receive the necessary grant to complete his education and training?

The procedure in connection with applications of this type is that the Ministry of Labour are responsible for the preliminary scrutiny of the application, while the final decision rests with the Board of Educaton. I much regret that, owing to delay on the part of an officer whose services have since been terminated, the case of Mr. Meyer was not passed on to the Board of Education until July. I understand from the Board of Education that the subsequent delay was due to the fact that it was not until December that Mr. Meyer completed the necessary form which was sent to him on the 28th July. I may add that a grant to Mr. Meyer has now been sanctioned by the Board of Education.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, as the result of failure to reach agreement in the conference held last week of the representatives of the Engineering Employers' Federation and the iron founding trades, the Government is prepared to intervene in this dispute, Which has lasted almost three months and is seriously affecting vital interests of the nation and occasioning hardship and privation to many trades unionists not directly connected with the dispute; whether he can say on what ground the Government delay intervention; whether he is aware that shipbuilding and engineering firms have closed down large sections of their works; whether the time for Government intervention has arrived; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to effect a settlement of this long continued dispute?

I made a statement in regard to this strike in reply to a question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Durham on 3rd December. I explained that the strike had taken place against an award of an arbitration tribunal set up under legislation which is administered by my Department; this is a fact which necessarily has hampered the efforts which my Department have been able to make in connection with the dispute. I can assure the House that the serious affects which the strike is having upon other industries in the country have been constantly in my mind; and no opportunity has been lost of taking any action which seemed likely to assist the parties in coming to a settlement. Recently I and officers of my Department have had repeated conversations with representatives of the parties. The matter has also been discussed with the representatives of the Engineering and Shipbuilding Trade Unions, who were deputed at a meeting of these unions last week to endeavour to ascertain whether they could in any way assist to bring about a settlement. This Committee when they were seen at the Ministry of Labour a few days ago had the assistance of a representative of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress. As a result of the negotiations which have been in progress, a meeting has now been arranged between the Engineering Employers' Federation and the three unions, and will take place on Wednesday of this week.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Regals Shirt Manufacturing Company, Warrington, refuse to recognise the trade union of which its workpeople are members and dismissed three girls at a moment's notice on account of their activity in their trade union, and that, as a consequence, 110 workpeople have been on strike for nearly five weeks; and that the permanent officials of this union, the United Garment Workers' Union, have visited the works to interview the manager and the managing director, who have refused to meet them; and whether he will bring pressure to bear upon this company either to grant recognition to the union or meet its permanent officials to discuss the matter?

I am aware of the dispute mentioned, and my Department is in touch with both parties. The union has requested arbitration, and has been asked to supply the exact terms of reference. The views of the company are being ascertained. I will communicate with the hon. Member when further progress has been made.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the reasons why over 44,000 disabled ex-Service men are still unemployed; and what further steps he proposes to take to secure employment for these men?

The number of disabled men on the registers of the Employment Exchanges has been in the neighbourhood of 40,000 for some months past. It was about 42,000 on the 10th December. On the other hand, there have been some 44,000 fresh registrations of such men in the past three mouths; and the fact that the figure of current registrations has remained practically stationary is in the circumstances an indication that steady progress is being made with the task of finding work for disabled men. The most active efforts are being made by the Employment Exchanges and Local Employment Committees to find employment for disabled men through the operation of the national scheme and otherwise, and these will be continued without intermission.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to introduce the Bill to extend Part II. of the National Insurance Act and to take any more stages of the Bill before the Prorogation?

A Bill for this purpose has been drafted, and its Clauses are now undergoing final consideration preparatory to its being introduced in the House and discussed with industrial organisations. It is hoped to introduce it before the House rises, but if this proves impossible, the Recess will still be taken advantage of for the purpose of consultation so that no time shall be lost.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council last week passed a resolution making urgent representation to the Government that, owing to the cessation of donation pay for civilian unemployed, the distress in the city will be greatly aggravated, and calling upon the Government to take immediate steps to find work, or adequate allowances pending the prevision of work, for those thrown out of work through no fault of their own; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to give effect to it?

I have received the resolution referred to. As stated in reply to similar questions last week, the general question of relieving distress due to unemployment has been receiving constant consideration, and active steps are being taken with a view to making the National Relief Fund available for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping whether the Government is at present constructing any steamers at the national shipyards at Chepstow and Beachley; if so, how many and of what size; whether the orders for them have been booked by the Government on commercial lines; and, if so, what are the contract prices at which the work was accepted?

Three vessels of 3,860 dead-weight tons and six of 10,500 dead-weight tons are being built at Chepstow. No vessels are being built at Beachley. The vessels are being constructed on behalf of the Shipping Controller, and not as a result of orders from private firms. These vessels have, in fact, been sold at prices which will leave a profit to the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping what is the estimated profit on steamers built at the Chepstow and Beachley yards; whether they are being built for account of private owners or on Government account; if the latter, for what purpose are they to be used when finished; and when it is expected this will take place?

The Shipping Controller considers that it would be undesirable at present to make public particulars of the profits made on the ships built or building at Chepstow. They are being built to the order of the Shipping Controller, but have all been sold to private owners. Four vessels have been delivered, and nine are under construction and expected to be completed during 1920.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what prospect there is of an early release from the United States ports of the "Cap Finisterre," and other boats, which are urgently needed for the repatriation of overseas troops to Australia and elsewhere?

His Majesty's Government have spared no effort, and are continuing to use every endeavour, to obtain the delivery to the accredited representatives of His Majesty's Government of the steamship "Cap Finisterre" and the six other German passenger vessels detained in United States ports. It is presumed that delivery will take place as soon as the United States Government are in a position to fulfil their obligations in regard to the vessels in question.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the total number of Government employés that is now used in commandeered buildings in London; and what is the total of the rent paid for the commandeered buildings?

I regret that it is impracticable to answer the question as asked, but I shall be glad to place an officer of my Department in communication with the hon. and gallant Member in order to give him any available information he may require.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he Will give a list of all commandeered buildings, including hotels, museums and galleries, and private houses now being used by Government Departments in London?

I do not consider it desirable to publish this list, which is also long and not easily understood without explanation. I shall be pleased, however, to instruct my officers to furnish the hon. and gallant Member with any available information in connection with any particular premises in which he may be interested.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many Government employés, and from what Departments, are now being housed in Hertford House, the National Gallery of British Art, the Imperial Institute, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum?

The information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member is as follows:

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any part of the staff of the Ministry of Pensions has been moved from the central London area to Acton, Earl's Court, the Alexandra Palace, or any of the outer London areas; and, if so, to what extent?

A staff of fifty of the Ministry of Pensions has recently been transferred from Marylebone Town Hall to Acton. There have been no further removals of the Ministry of Pensions staff from central to outer London areas up to the present.