asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the extent and success of Bolshevist intrigue in Afghanistan and India?

As regards Bolshevist relations with Afghanistan, I do not think I can usefully add anything material to the information published in the newspapers, which my hon. and gallant Friend has no doubt seen. Bolshevik missions have been received in Kabul, but I can make no statement as to their success. I have no reason to think that the well-known desire of the Bolshevists to spread their doctrines in India has met with any success.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state the exact facts with regard to the attack on the troop-train near Thal?

The train was attacked near Thal on the afternoon of the 1st December by a gang apparently consisting of nomad Waziris. Our casualties, according to the latest information, were thirty-six killed and fifty wounded. I have telegraphed to the Government of India for further details.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement with regard to the ninety-three Royal. Marines in Bodmin Prison for offences alleged to have taken place in North Russia; and whether these mea are allowed visits from relatives?

In view of the immense amount of labour involved, and the very full consideration that is being given to these cases, I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement at present. With regard to the last part of the question, the rules for the admission of visitors, as regards men serving penal servitude in the civil prisons, are that they are allowed to receive one visitor on conviction, and thereafter, to receive visitors when they have earned this privilege by good conduct; and as regards men serving imprisonment in Bodmin naval prison, they are allowed to receive a visitor when they reach by good conduct a certain progressive stage, which can be reached after two months.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state approximately when a decision will be arrived at with regard to these cases?

I cannot name the day, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there has been no avoidable delay. The reason why a considerable amount of time is occupied in considering these cases is the necessity of careful investigation in each individual case.

Will it be before the House rises?

I cannot promise that.

asked why transports and hospital ships from Malta and the Eastern Mediterranean still call at Marseilles, and there disembark troops, passengers, and patients for England; whether he is aware that this means delay, inconvenience, and discomfort for the persons concerned; and whether it would be possible for transports and hospital ships to proceed direct to England after leaving Malta?

I have been asked to reply. It should be remembered that by disembarking troops, etc., at Marseilles, a considerable saving of tonnage has been effected Arrangements have, however, already been made by which after the end of this month transports shall proceed to England for the disembarkation of troops. The position with regard to hospital ships is more difficult, as the ships must be elaborately fitted, and the number available has been insufficient to deal with the necessary number of patients by all-sea route. The number of patients is now showing an appreciable reduction, and the question of bringing them to the United Kingdom by all-sea route is again under consideration.

asked when it is proposed to distribute the prize money earned by the officers and men in the Royal Navy; what is the proportion to be allocated to officers and men who have served since the outbreak of the War; and whether the widows, orphans, and next-of-kin will receive the sum to which the deceased breadwinner was entitled?

asked whether the date for the commencement of the distribution of prize money to officers and men of the Royal Navy has yet been fixed; and, if not, if the statement that a distribution would commence in the spring still holds good?

The individual records of service of those eligible to share are now almost complete, and it is our hope and expectation that the work of the Prize Courts at home and abroad will be completed in such a large volume of cases as to enable us to commence distribution early in the spring. As regards the proportion to be allocated to officers and men who have served since the outbreak of the War, the scheme of shares is set forth in the Royal Proclamation of 10th February last, from which it will be seen that a certain minimum length of service at sea, namely, thirty months, is required to qualify for a full share. This provision was made for the purpose of recognising length of service during the War. As regards widows, orphans, and next-of-kin, the position is that in the case of officers and men who have died, their shares will be payable to their representatives; and in the case of those killed on sea service, their shares will be calculated as if they had served at sea until the Armistice, however short a period they may actually have served.

Has any distribution taken place?

Not that I am aware of.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when spring commences?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will find full information in the almanac.

asked how many officers of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve are now employed at the Admiralty and in what Departments; and if a final date can now be given for their demobilisation?

There are nine officers, Royal Naval Reserve, and four officers, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, now employed at the Admiralty. They are serving in the following Departments: Office of Admiral Commanding Coast Guard and Reserves, three; Naval Intelligence Division, two; Technical History Section, one; Office of Second Sea Lord, one; Accountant-General's Department, one; Trade Division, one; Tug Distribution Committee, one; Allied Naval Armistice Committee, one; Transport Department, one; Principal Railway Transport Officer, one. Eight of these officers will be demobilised on 31st December; one on 15th January; one on 31st January; two on 31st March; and the remaining officer, who is sick, on the expiration of his sick leave.

asked whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the participation of the Navy in the United Services Fund?

The reply is in the negative.

asked whether the alterations now being carried out to H.M.S. "Repulse" and "Renown" will reduce their speed; if so, to what extent, approximately; whether the alterations will decrease their radius of action; and, if so, to what extent, approximately?

The alterations in these ships will result in a small decrease in speed and radius of action; but it is not in the public interest to state the exact amount.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he, can now make any statement as to the Grand Fleet fund; what is the total amount of the fund; what is its income; what is the number of the staff required to administer it; what are the total costs of administration per annum; how are the expenses of administration defrayed; and what is the percentage of cases dealt with by the fund of the number of applications received?

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given to my Noble and gallant Friend on the 10th of December. The Admiralty representative appointed on the Committee of the fund with the object of keeping the Admiralty in touch with its general policy, has not yet made a report.

How are Members of this House to obtain any information with regard to the Grand Fleet Fund?

All they can do is to get their information through Questions and Answers. I do not think that my Noble Friend doubts that the Admiralty has given all the information they can, and in my answer I have shown the reason why we cannot give him more at the present time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if he is aware that His Majesty's battle cruiser "Hood," and the other battleships being built and repaired by Messrs. John Brown and Company, Clydebank, are wrongly described in the Navy Estimates as being built and repaired at Glasgow; and will he give instructions that, in any future references to vessels built by this firm, Clydebank and not Glasgow will get the credit of building them;

(2) if he is aware that His Majesty's Ship "Raleigh," and other battleships being built and repaired by Messrs. William Beardmore and Company, Dalmuir, are wrongly described in the Navy Estimates as being built and repaired at Glasgow; and will he give instructions that, in any future reference to vessels built by this firm, Dalmuir and not Glasgow will get the credit of building them?

It is no innovation to describe the work on these vessels as being carried out at Glasgow, but if my hon. Friend lays particular stress on the exact section of the Clyde being mentioned, I will give the matter full consideration when the next Estimates are being prepared.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the name of Clydebank is world-famed for the ships she has built, both naval and mercantile, and is it not a natural thing to ask that the name of the town in which the ships are built should be placed on the Government record so that future generations of people may know?

May I ask if it is not well understood throughout the shipbuilding trade that Glasgow as a port includes the whole of the Clyde as far down as Greenock?

I have already told my hon. Friend that I will take care this suggestion is considered. Certainly there is no intention to be guilty of any discourtesy to any portion of the Clyde or of Glasgow, but I think he will agree that Glasgow has invariably been used as descriptive of that greet area where for many years such splendid work has been done for the Board of Admiralty. If he desires that various parts of the Glasgow area should be specifically designated, and especially Clydebank, I will consider the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Clydebank is not in Glasgow—that is the point? It is not the case that the Clyde right down to Greenock is described as Glasgow, because in the Naval Estimates Dumbarton is credited with ships built there?

I do not think my hon. Friend should press me any further. I can assure him we will do our utmost to pay full respect to local patriotism in the future.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty who is the senior naval officer now in the Black Sea; whether he is a British officer; if so, whether the Russian men-of-war, manned by General Denikin's adherents, come under the general directions of the British admiral; and, if not, whether we are in any way responsible for the proceedings of those Russian men-of-war?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Vice-Admiral Nenukoff, of the Russian Navy. The reply to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the recent advertisement of the Admiralty for naval schoolmasters is misleading and unfair to intending applicants in that it implies automatic advancement to £383 per annum, whereas the only assured maximum is £264 per annum after 19 years' service, while the majority can only reach a maximum of £319 after 28½., years' service; also, in view of the advanced and technical nature of the naval schoolmasters' work, the qualifications necessary for promotion, and that evening school work is compulsory and carries no extra remuneration as in civil life, their Lordships will consider the advisability of these officers being paid on a higher scale than technical school teachers ashore, and not less than other naval officers of equal rank?

The advertisement in question states that successful candidates become eligible for promotion successively to the ranks of commissioned warrant officer, lieutenant, and lieutenant-commander. This, I think, indicates clearly that the promotion to lieutenant-commander, and consequently the advancement to the pay of that rank are not automatic. As regards the rates of pay, I can only say that the rates of pay of all naval officers; including schoolmasters, were considered and fixed by His Majesty's Government as recently as July last, and that the Admiralty do not consider that the circumstances have so changed since then as to justify them in raising the question afresh.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a schoolmaster of warrant rank only rises automatically from £173 to £264 after 19 years' service, whereas the lowest elementary school teacher reaches £300 after 14 years' service and does he see any reason why naval schoolmasters should not have the pay of their rank?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in future advertisements are so clearly put that they will bring the best class of men to this important Service?

I was not aware that the advertisements had failed, but of course I will have the matter looked into. With regard to the other question, I could not say off-hand whether the figures are correct or not. I am quite aware of the difficulty with regard to schoolmasters, but I greatly regret, for the reason I have given, I am afraid it is impossible to reopen the question now.

Would the right hon. Gentleman promise to personally look into this matter, because if so he will be convinced of its seriousness?

I have done so, and I fully appreciate the serious character of the situation as it is now. But I do not think I can raise the question afresh.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of not continuing to withhold promotion to the-rank of senior master from naval schoolmasters of over eight years' service who are eligible for selection for this rank by reason of their having held the rank of head schoolmaster or acting head schoolmaster, and who have for a number of years been successfully carrying out the work which would be covered by the advanced course; and whether schoolmasters also doing such work will be paid the extra Is. a day, in view of the fact that it is not the fault of the schoolmaster branch that an advanced course, to enable them to qualify nominally for special list appointments, has not yet been held since its inception more than twelve months ago?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to him on 26th November, in which it was explained that a certain number of promotions to senior master have been made from among those who had completed eight years' service, although they had not taken the advanced course, but that it is not considered desirable to fill the whole of the vacancies in this manner. It was then stated that advanced courses would be instituted as; soon as circumstances admit, and I am advised that only in the event of it being found impossible to commence the advanced course in the near future will it be necessary to reconsider this question, together with the further question of waiving the advanced course to enable schoolmasters on the special list to draw the extra 1s. a day.

Is there any possibility of the case of naval schoolmasters being considered by the Naval Welfare Committee of the Admiralty?

I do not think I could answer that question off-hand. The powers of the Naval Welfare Committee are de-lined and their duties are clearly laid down.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise this advanced course under which they may be entitled to the sum named in the question and is it not unfair to withhold it from them now?

I could not undertake offhand to snake any promise for the future. I do not think it is unfair. There are a great many conditions in connection with promotion and advancement in the Service which operate hardly in regard to certain individuals, and I am afraid it is impossible to avoid that. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that at the Admiralty we are daily engaged in considering these questions as they affect officers of all grades, and to see if we can remove any injustices concerning them.

Is he aware this is the only offices of warrant rank who does not get the pay of it?

I am not aware of that, and is my hon. Friend quite sure of it?

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if any decision has been come to as to the continuance or otherwise of children's allowance after 31st December, 1919?

Assuming that my hon. Friend's question refers to children's allowances payable in respect of children of men of the Royal Navy, I can only state at present that the future of these allowances is engaging attention.

Are not officers as much part of the Navy as the men?

Certainly.

Are they to have the children's allowance taken away from them?

I am afraid I may be very stupid, but I do not follow the hon. Gentleman's difficulty. My answer is that this question is now engaging attention before the Board of Admiralty. I cannot say more than that.

Will they be taken away on the 31st December?

I did not say they will be taken away. The matter is under consideration, and I cannot really put it beyond that.

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the matter, will he bear in mind that the Army has got a children's allowance?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the principle upon which an established man, aged sixty, in His Majesty's dockyards, on being discharged to pension at the present time, should calculate the pension to which he is entitled; and, particularly, to what extra allowance to his pension he is entitled in respect of war bonus and the increased cost of living?

As the reply is a long on, I will, with my hon. and learned Friend's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if ex-soldiers are not granted training facilities unless they are able to show that they have been guaranteed employment at the ending of training?

it is not the case that there is a rule under which ex-Service men are refused training unless they can produce a guarantee of employment at the end of their training. The hon. and gallant Member will, however, appreciate that in the interests of the men, care must be taken not to train men in trades which offer no reasonable prospect of employment, and in such cases training is sometimes refused in such trades.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the fact that large numbers of disabled men are awaiting training is still due to lack of training institutions; and whether at such institutions as are available there are now resident the full number of men with which those institutions are capable of dealing?

The lack of sufficient training institutions is, at the moment, the chief obstacle to providing training for disabled men. The instructional factories which have been acquired are not yet completely available for training purposes, but their adaptation is proceeding with the utmost possible dispatch. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that even when suitable premises have been acquired, their conversion, equipment, and staffing for training purposes is bound to take time.

Is there any system whereby the training institutes immediately notify vacancies to those who have the placing of these disabled men, namely, the local war pensions committees?

I can assure my hon. Friend that there are no delays as between particulars becoming available and the men being placed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the capacity of the training institution at Lancaster Street, Birmingham, is 300 men; whether there are actually resident only 109 men; and, in view of the number of men awaiting training, whether he will explain this discrepancy?

The Government Instructional Factory, Lancaster Street, Birmingham, provides accommodation for 250 men. At the present moment 149 men are in training there. It is estimated that the factory will be completely filled by the end of the month by men transferred from technical schools after a preliminary course of instruction there and by new trainees directly admitted. The delay in filling the total accommodation available has been due to differences of opinion in the local technical advisory committee as to the character of training which should be given by the technical school and the Government factory respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour what response has been made by the employers to the King's appeal to absoro disabled ex-Service men under the national scheme for the employment on a percentage basis of disabled ex-Service men; what proportion of employers employing more than ten workpeople have signed the agreements; what number of disabled ex-Service men have been placed in employment as a result; the number of disabled ex-Service men remaining unemployed; the number likely to need employmnt who are now undergoing treatment, training, or in hospital; whether the scheme is a failure in large industrial areas; and whether the Government are now prepared to legislate to make the scheme compulsory upon all employers?

On 10th December the number of employers on the King's National Roll was 8,100, with a total of 1,230,000 workpeople, and guaranteeing employment for 75,500 disabled men. No figures are available to show what proportion of employers employing more than ten workpeople have signed undertakings. The total number of disabled men placed in employment by the Exchanges between 15th September and 5th December was 14,700, and many more have been placed by direct application. The number of disabled ex-Service men registered at the Employment Exchanges as unemployed on 5th December was 42,000. It is impossible to estimate how many of those now undergoing treatment or training, or in hospital, are likely to need employment hereafter. It would be premature to ex-press any opinion as to the Success of the scheme, but I consider that its progress up to the present has been reasonably satisfactory, and the question of applying compulsion has not yet arisen.

asked the Minister of Labour whether young men who, but for having joined the Army during the War, would have been serving an apprentice-ship, and thus acquiring qualification as skilled labourers, are now, by the action of the trade unions, being prevented from receiving that training or being given any employment except as unskilled labourers; and if he will take action to prevent this wrong being done in connection with any scheme of training under his direction

If the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the case of those who had begun apprenticeships prior to the War, there are, so far as I am aware, no impediments offered by any trade union to the training necessary for the completion of the apprenticeships. With regard to men who had not begun any apprenticeship before the War, it has been possible up till now to make arrangements with the trade unions through the Trade Advisory Committees for the training of disabled men only, and, in the case of one important, union, consent has not been given even to the granting of facilities for their training. I am using every endeavour to obtain a wider acquiescence of the trades concerned in these schemes.

Is it not equally a hard case that a young man, who went out to serve in 1914, before starting his apprenticeship, should now find that he is prevented by the action of a trade union from following any occupation except that of an unskilled labourer?

I think my right hon. Friend is leaving one factor out of account. Those who went to serve before the beginning of an apprenticeship were not, obviously, intending to begin any apprenticeship, because they were beyond the age at which apprenticeships in this country are usually begun. Accordingly, those for whom we must provide, in the first instance, are those who have begun an apprenticeship and still have to complete it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are such boys? have within my own knowledge the ease of one boy who began to serve at sixteen years of age—he was a well-grown boy—before he began his apprenticeship, who is now prevented at the age of nineteen or twenty from having anything before him, after giving five years' service to his country, except unskilled labour, and that by the action of the trade unions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the apprentices in the engineering trade and in other trades are members of their respective trade unions, and that the members of the trade unions welcome them back at the earliest opportunity?

In such a case as I have mentioned the boy could not possibly be a member of a trade union, because he went out when he was sixteen, but the unions will not now admit him to apprenticeship.

The case to which my right hon. Friend refers must be very unusual.

No!

I should be very glad if my right hon. Friend would put before me the particular facts in regard to people beginning to serve at that age. Certainly the cases are not numerous.

Is it not within the recollection of the right hon. Gentleman that I did bring before him a case? I gave him all the facts and asked him to take action, but he told me himself that he was prevented from doing so by the action of the trade union.

It is perfectly true that at the present time it is impossible to gain the acquiescence of the trade unions —

More shame to the trade unions!

—in the training of people who had not taken an apprenticeship before they began to serve.

It is just as hard for them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether many hundreds of demobilised soldiers who were trained by the Government during the War to undertake engineering work in connection with motor transport, tanks, etc., and are capable of earning good wages as trained men, are kept unemployed because the great engineering trade unions will not allow their members to work with them; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

Cases of the kind to the number mentioned have not been brought to my notice, though there have been some similar cases. I have endeavoured to alleviate such troubles where they have arisen.

Is it not a fact that a large number of cases of this kind have occurred where trade unions have prevented men from getting employment?

There has been a considerable number of cases undoubtedly, but not the hundreds to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of firms to date who in response to the King's appeal have undertaken to provide employment for disabled men; and which county, according to its industrial population, has so far made the best return?

The number of firms at present on the King's National Roll is 8,469. The information asked for in the last part of the question is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of extending the unemployment donation to demobilised sailors and soldiers who, owing to having already received twenty-six weeks' donation, do not come under the recent extension, and thus help deserving cases to get through the winter months?

The hon. and gallant Member is apparently under a misapprehension. Under the scheme before its recent extension, ex-Service men were entitled to thirty-nine weeks unemployment donation, and, if disabled, forty-six weeks. In addition, anyone who has exhausted this provision, may during this winter obtain donation for a further period of nine weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour if the right of appeal to some other authority will be given to a man whose unemployment pay has been stopped owing to the decision of the local employment committee, or the right to have his case reopened on the production of fresh evidence?

No, Sir; I share the view expressed by Lord Aberconway's Committee on the Out-of-Work Donation Scheme, that the balance of advantage is against allowing an appeal to another tribunal in such cases. If, however, fresh evidence is produced which appears to justify the reopening of a case, the Department is always ready to ask the committee to give a further hearing.

asked the Minister of Labour whether women in the Land Army are entitled to receive out-of-work donation after demobilisation upon the same terms as women enrolled in the other women's corps?

The only members of Women's Service Corps who received special treatment as regards out-of-work donation were the mobile members of these corps who enrolled for the duration of the War under one of the fighting departments, and were accordingly treated as ex-members of His Majesty's Forces. The women in the Land Army do not fall within this category, and are not now entitled to donation if unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether immobile women in the Women's Corps are deprived of the unemployment donation benefits accorded to mobile women in those corps; if so, whether special consideration will be given to women who were unable to enrol as mobile members by reason of the fact that they had to support children, parents, or invalid husbands?

It was decided at the outset of the out-of-work donation scheme that immobile members of the Women's Corps could not be treated on the same footing as ex-members of His Majesty's Forces. The rights of these immobile members to donation accordingly came to an end with the cessation of civilian donation at the end of November last. With regard to the second part of the question, I am afraid that it would be impracticable to differentiate between individuals by reference to the reasons which prevented them from enrolling as mobile members.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a woman who has dependants, and who by reason of her dependants could not become mobile, is a more deserving case than a single woman who has no dependants to support?

That might very well he in individual cases, but I could not make a general rule.

Would it not be possible for the local advisory committees to investigate special cases as has been done under previous arrangements?

No; I am afraid it is quite impossible to do that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the advisability of stimulating every county council in England to do what is necessary in the direction of cleaning out rivers, digging stones, and making good the roads along the different green lanes which lead from place to place, so as to find work for men who are unemployed; and if he has not so considered this matter if he will do so?

Immediately following the Armistice, the President of the Local Government Board and the Secretary for Scotland issued a Circular to all local authorities impressing upon these authorities the advantage of preparing a careful programme of public works which could usefully be put in hand as soon as the requisite materials and labour were available, and the local employment committees of my Department have lost no opportunity of bringing all useful classes of employment, such as those suggested in the question, to the notice of local authorities. I do not doubt that they will act upon them as occasion arises.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question of the prevention of coast erosion on the East Coast?

There have been schemes of that kind considered. They have not been left out of account, but, without notice, I cannot say to what extent any such operations have begun.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether His Majesty's Government purpose to introduce an Unemployment Insurance Bill?

It is intended to introduce this Bill before the close of the Session, but not to proceed with it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Deck-hand Angus Macdonald, No. A.S./230, Pier Master, Strachur, joined the R.N.T.R. in January, 1917; whether he was awarded a grant of £19 per annum from the Commissioners of Civil Liabilities, to be paid quarterly; whether before the first quarterly payment was due Mr. Macdonald received intimation that the grant had been withdrawn; whether he is aware that this man has been threatened with diligence and imprisonment for his failure to pay the parish rates due to Strachur Parish Council, amounting to £19; and whether, in view of the circumstances, he will give instructions for the grant to be paid as originally awarded?

I regret that no application from Angus Macdonald, of Strachur, can be traced upon the particulars furnished. If the hon. Member will supply the full address from which application was made, or the cypher and number quoted upon the notification of award to which he refers, I shall be glad to have further inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he has received proposals from Sir Robert Jones, K.B.E., and Dr. G. R. Girdlestone, of Oxford, for the establishment under the Ministry of Health of open-air country orthopædic hospitals for children suffering from rickets, infantile paralysis, and surgical tuberculosis on the model of the Baschurch and Stoke centres for crippled children; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

I am acquainted with the very interesting scheme referred to in the question, which has been under consideration at the Ministry. It deals with one (a very important one) of those special institutional services the development of which is greatly needed and which are now under the direct consideration of the Consultative Councils whom I have asked to advise as to a scheme of medical and allied services generally.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons are now receiving treatment for tuberculosis under the National Health Insurance Act; and what was the number for each of the last five years?

I will circulate the figures asked for in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the results obtained in combating tuberculosis under the National Health Insurance Act; and, if he is not satisfied, whether he proposes to make any changes either in the systm or the administration?

No Sir, I am not satisfied with the results obtained.

Circumstances connected with the War are largely the cause of the incomplete success attending the measures inaugurated under the National Health Insurance Acts for combating tuberculosis. These circumstances are explained in the Report of the Inter-departmental Committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for South Salford (Sir Montagu Barlow), and steps have been, and are being, taken to carry out the recommendations of that Committee.

The Government has under immediate consideration the question of the desirability of change in the system of administration.

Is that Report available to Members of the House? Will it be laid?

Yes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many patients suffering from tuberculosis were untreated long before the War?

Yes; and I am also aware that it will take a generation to catch up.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the desirability of forming a special Department at the Ministry of Health to deal with tuberculosis?

No; it would be most undesirable.

asked the Minister of Health the present cost of tuberculosis treatment?

The amount expended by public authorities in England and Wales on the treatment of tuberculosis during the financial year 1917–18 was approximately £1,550,000. This is the latest period for which complete figures are available. It is estimated that the expenditure during the present financial year will exceed £2,000,000. Expenditure defrayed by loans is in both cases excluded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the expenditure is sufficient?

I have already said, in answer to a previous question, that I think the facilities for treatment are insufficient.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that all persons entitled to receive treatment for tuberculosis are receiving that treatment, and are receiving it at a sufficiently early stage of the illness?

All persons recommended for sanatorium benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts are receiving treatment in one form or another, but uninsured persons are in several areas not so fully provided for. The accommodation at present available for residential treatment is inadequate to meet the needs of the country as a whole. Steps have already been taken to expedite as far as possible the provision of additional residential accommodation. The question of securing proper treatment for each case at a sufficiently early stage is dependent to a large extent upon a correct diagnosis being made, and upon the willingness of patients to accept the appropriate form of treatment in the early stages of the disease.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether tuberculous children of insured persons are now given treatment under the Insurance Act?

No, not as it stands at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what extra accommodation is provided in sanatoria for ex-Service men?

I must ask for notice of that.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has made any inquiries or arrangements for the production of standardised types of wooden houses on a large scale, and whether he has had any communication with the Agent - General for British Columbia as to the details of the scheme outlined by him in his letter to the "Times" of 3rd December?

Particulars of various types of timber-framed bungalows, which have been examined and approved by my Department, will be found on page 4 of Command Paper 426. My Department have been in communication with the Agent-General for British Columbia, and I am still awaiting estimates which were asked for on my behalf at the beginning of October.

Is the right hon. Gentleman promoting the policy of wooden houses, and is he aware of the extensive use made of wooden houses in the United States, some dating back to the seventeenth century?

I am well aware of it, and have stated on several occasions that steps will be taken.

asked the Minister of Health what firms have offered to supply wooden houses; how many have been offered; and at what prices?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Command Paper 426, on page 4, of which he will find the names of the firms which have offered to supply timber for bungalows. Since the Command Paper in question was issued, two additional firms have offered to supply wooden houses. The output of each firm would average twenty-five houses per week, and the prices average.£650 per house.

How many rooms are there in these houses?

Three bedrooms, sitting room and kitchen.

Are the huts in the numerous camps all over the country being fully utilised?

A large number of them have been utilised. I think there is a question down for to-morrow on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to invite those who are so anxious for wooden huts and Army huts which are now unoccupied to be transferred from the houses which they inhabit and let the working classes get into them?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has sanctioned any scheme for building houses of pisé or rammed earth; and whether any particular quality is necessary in the soil to make such construction possible?

Inquiries have been made of my Department by two local authorities whether the erection of cottages in pisé de terre can be approved, and they have been informed that they can proceed provided that proper supervision is observed. I am advised that the earth to be used should be free from vegetable matter and stones, and that clay is not suitable.

Do they effect a very large economy?

It depends a good deal on local circumstances, the supply of labour, and so forth. I do not think it is fair to make any definite statement

is the Government considering any experiment with this method of wooden construction?

Oh, yes. We have had a considerable series of tests.

Are these houses for the working classes to live in?

We do not say at the moment for whom the houses are.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of additional houses for the building of which arrangements have now been made in consequence of the new subsidy scheme, and the number which it is expected will, under that scheme, be ready for occupation by 30th June, 1920?

It is hoped that 100,000 houses will be provided under the proposals contained in the new Housing Bill. The Bill provides that to qualify for the subsidy the houses must be completed within a year from the date when the Bill becomes law, or, in special cases, within sixteen months from that date. It is not, howeveŕ, possible to estimate at present the number of houses which will be completed under the scheme by the 30th June next.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is taking any steps to enable local authorities to build houses of stone rather than of brick in cases where stone is abundantly produced in the neighbourhood and questions of amenity are involved; whether he is aware that the price of stone at the quarry mouth is in some cases four or five times as great as the pre-war price; whether this rise is justified by increased cost of production; and whether he will initiate negotiations with quarry-owners So that stone may be procured at a reasonable cost by the local authorities concerned?

The use of local materials in connection with housing schemes is encouraged; but in some cases where stone has been specified for walling the estimates for the houses have been higher than would have been the case if brick had been specified. I am aware that the present cost of stone is considerably higher than the pre-war cost, and I am arranging for this point to be further investigated.

asked the Minister of Health if he. is aware that, in consequence of the delay on the part of the Agent for Crown Lands in coining to an arrangement with the district rural council of East Dean, Gloucestershire, for the carrying out of the scheme for water supply to the district, the housing scheme is held up indefinitely; and will he take such steps as may seem to him necessary to hasten the completion of the agreement between the Agent for the Crown Lands and the district rural council, so that the water scheme may be proceeded with, and thus provide greatly needed facilities for the inhabitants of the district?

I was not previously aware of the particular difficulty referred to, but I will make inquiries and inform the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the deputation that waited on the Department and the partial arrangement entered into, and the extreme need of the Crown Lands coming to an agreement, so as to give the water supply, so that the district council can proceed with the houses?

I have given the hon. Member all the information I have been able to obtain up to the present. If he puts another question down, I will give him a detailed answer.

I am quite prepared to leave it to the right hon. Gentleman if he will prosecute the inquiry.

I will do my best.

asked the Minister of Health what provision the Government intend to make for the protection of local authorities against financial losses arising from damage to houses bullt under the housing scheme consequent upon subsidences of the land in mining areas?

I am considering the question of introducing a Bill dealing with this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to hold a conference with trade unions to discuss proposals for dilution in the building trades; whether he is aware that, on the ground that 1,000 bricklayers and a similar number of bricklayers' labourers are alleged to be out of employment, the War Office have refused to take immediate steps for the demobilisation of about 150 bricklayers still serving in the Army; and whether prior to the institution of any system of dilution, he will press for the immediate demobilisation of these men?

I have been asked to reply to this question. A meeting of the Joint Industrial Council for the Building Industry was addressed yesterday by the Prime Minister, who urged the members of the building trade to recruit sufficient labour to bring their members to the level at which they stood before the war. I am not aware of the action stated to have been taken by the War Office, but there are riot enough bricklayers available to supply the demand, nor will there be even when all the bricklayers in the Army are demobilised.

Are there any bricklayers out of work?

Sporadically you may find that in particular districts there are a few bricklayers out of work, but at present the great demand is for bricklayers which cannot be supplied.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases what is required is not bricklayers, but bricks?

In many cases where there are lots of bricks available there are no bricklayers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a communication from the city council of Hull enclosing a resolution of the housing sub-committee calling attention to the continuous delays, the alterations of instructions by the Government officials administering the Housing Acts, and the apparent overlapping in the Departments, and the great difficulties of those local authorities who are using their utmost endeavours to provide houses speedily; and whether he will have inquiries made into the same and take strong and immediate action to ensure the officials working in closer co-operation with local authorities and otherwise remedying the present serious state of affairs?

I have received the communication referred to, and I am causing inquiries to be made, but it must not be assumed that I accept the statements made by the committee.

asked tire Minister of Labour whether the Government are closing down the Royal Naval Ammunition Factory at Alexandra; whether this means the unemployment of several thousands of people; whether they have received offers to purchase this factory from several private firms for the purpose of engaging in other civil industrial work; whether the Government is considering these offers with a view to handing it over to private enterprise; and whether, in view of the demands being made for Government control of industry, he can see his way to recommend to the Government the continuing of this factory for the purpose of producing locomotives or other rolling stock for transport?

I have been asked to answer this question. Instructions were given in October to close down this factory as an Admiralty establishment, and it is expected that this will be completed by the end of the year. Reductions in labour staff have been effected gradually, and there are now less than 800 borne. The factory was handed over to the Disposal Board on the 8th November last. and steps are being taken by that Board to effect an early sale to a private firm. I understand that up to the present no definite offer has been received, but several inquiries have been made. Quick sale was urged upon the Disposal Board, so that if possible the remaining workmen might be taken over by the Purchasing firm. I do not think it will be practicable to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

Why was it only as late as last October that this decision was taken?

I could not say without notice. I imagine it was because, in the opinion of those responsible, that was the first time it was possible to come to that decision.

What commodities were being produced in that factory from the Armistice until October?

I have not the slightest idea. If the hon. Member wants that information no doubt I can get it for him.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accede, or does he not, to the suggestion contained in the question that neither he nor the Government is moved in any way by the suggested demand for Governmental control of industry; and further, is the Government moving in the direction of decontrol of industry and commerce as fast as circumstances permit?

The hon. Member asks me a set of questions which, so far as I can gather, have no relation to the Board of Admiralty. I have answered the last part of the question. With regard to the decontrol of labour I refer him to the answer I have given.

asked the Minister of Labour if it is the intention of the Government, in the consideration of the Hours of Employment (No. 2) Bill, as touching the interests of agriculture, that representatives of the principal agricultural unions and societies should be consulted?

Throughout the consideration of this question the Government has taken every opportunity of obtaining the views of the various agricultural interests.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the complaints that have been made in regard to the sixteen controllers disposing of surplus stores under the Disposal Board not possessing any technical knowledge of the particular stores they are dealing with, he will say if one of these controllers is a junior Civil Service clerk lent to the Ministry of Munitions by the Board of Education, where he was employed as an inspector of schools; and, if so, whether he will inquire as to the special technical knowledge possessed by the other fifteen controllers?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not aware of the complaints referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. Of the total of eighteen controllers who are disposing of surplus stores under the Disposal Board, fourteen had acquired technical knowledge of the stores with which they are dealing prior to their association with the work of disposals, and four were engaged during the War on the purchase or production of the stores they are now handling, of which they consequently possess an intimate knowledge.. None of the controllers is a junior Civil Service clerk. One was one of His Majesty's inspectors of schools under the Board of Education and has been on loan from that Department to the Ministry since its inception in 1915. Prior to the Armistice this official acted as Deputy-Controller in the Department of the Ministry dealing with obsolete and surplus stores, and the duties of his present post have been discharged to the Minister's complete satisfaction. An inquiry into the qualification of the controllers of the Disposal Board was made in each case before the appointment was derided upon.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is the greatest unrest amongst business men in regard to the conduct of their business by these controllers?

I am not aware of that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, money lenders have circularised the public offering the loan of money to secure the bargains of the Disposal Board?

I shall be extremely glad to see one of those circulars, because the usual charge against us is that we have been profiteering.

asked the Prime Minister why the Imperial Graves Commission objects to the use of Christian symbols on the memorials in France to our fallen soldiers?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feeling aroused by the methods and policy of the Imperial War Graves Commission; and whether he will instruct the Commission to pay more regard to the wishes and feelings of the relatives of our fallen soldiers?

asked. the Secretary of State for War whether he can reconsider his decision not to consult the relatives of our soldiers. buried in France in respect of the character of the tombstones?

These-matters will be dealt with fully in the-course of the Debate this evening, when a better opportunity will be given of discussing the points raised in these questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the extreme shortness of supply of both spirits and beer at the present moment; and whether, in view of the approach of Christmas, he can hold out any hope of there being a better and cheaper supply?

I have been asked to reply. According to the Food Controller's information, present supplies of both spirits-and beer are fully adequate to meet all reasonable requirements. I am afraid, however, that no reduction in price is possible for the moment.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that, in consequence of the Levant tin mine disaster at Pendine, Cornwall, a large number of workpeople have been thrown out of employment and, as a result of the stoppage'. of the unemployment donation, there is. considerable distress existing among people at Pendine and St. Just, Cornwall; and can he recommend a grant from the national fund, or from any other source, to assist these people during their period of unemployment?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the temporary stoppage of work at Pendine in consequence of the tin-mining disaster, and every effort is being made to place those men who are willing to take work temporarily in other districts. The National Relief Fund is only designed to assist cases of distress arising out of the War, and would, I fear, not be available for the purpose suggested. I do not know of any funds which cover such. In the past they have usually been met by local relief funds and fortuitous occurrences.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that the real tragedy of this business is that it is not possible out of a, national fund to provide something to tide these people over a period of distress? Can he inform us why no efforts are made to place these men who are unemployed in consequence of the disaster into other places of employment, because in that part of Cornwall there is no employment?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the unrest existing among the miners and others resident in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, in consequence of the War Restrictions (Liquor Control) not having been withdrawn in accordance with the promise of the Government that these restrictions would be removed at the end of the War; whether he has received petitions and resolutions calling upon the Government to carry out their promise; whether he is aware that the Forest of Dean is the only constituency in Gloucestershire where the restrictions are still imposed; and whether he will take immediate steps to withdraw the existing restrictions in accordance with the wishes of a very large section of the constituency?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed that some resolutions and petitions of the nature described in the question have been involved. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by the Leader of the House on 9th December.

In coming to any decision about the relaxation of liquor control, will the Government bear in mind the severe economic competition with which we are faced from a dry America?

I have no doubt the Government will bear in mind everything that is relevant to a proper consideration of the question.