asked the Minister of Food why he has recently appointed a food controller for the County of London; if he will state to whom the appointment has been given, what is the salary he is to receive, and if the person appointed has had any previous experience of this kind of work; if he has in the Food Ministry more than one official who has this experience; and why a complete stranger to the Department has been appointed to an entirely new appointment?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the appointment of Lieut.-General Sir Francis Lloyd, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., to the position of Divisional Food Commissioner for the new administrative area formed by the recent combination of the London and Home Counties Divisions. The salary attached to the appointment is at the rate of £1,200 per annum. The combination of the two divisions was made for administrative reasons, and although Sir Francis Lloyd has no previous experience of the work of the Ministry of Food, I came to the conclusion, after consideration of all the circumstances, that he was the most suitable of the persons available for the appointment.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider the desirability of sanctioning an increased weekly allowance of domestic sugar during the Christmas period?

As I have already stated, the small supplies available and in prospect do not, I am sorry to say, permit of this concession being made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can give any reasons why Irish objectors to vaccination, who number many thousands, cannot have extended to them the provisions of the exemption clauses in force in England, Wales, and Scotland?

The subject of vaccination in Ireland has been, repeatedly, considered by successive Governments, who decided, after carefully reviewing all the circumstances, not to alter the existing law in Ireland in regard to this matter.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the publication of the Reports on Bogs (Peat Fuel and Reclamation), prepared by the Irish Peat Committee and issued to the Fuel Research Committee in the months of February and July, 1918?

I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave on the 2nd instant.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the present number of British troops in Ireland and the monthly cost?

The number of troops at present employed in Ireland is 43,000, and their monthly cost on the basis shown on page 9 of the Army Estimates is £860,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can now give information respecting the salvage of steamships "Kaprino," "O. B. Jennings," "Manhattan," and "Huns-brook"?

The position is as follows: The case of the "Kaprino" is still under consideration. The "O B. Jennings" was not Government owned or chartered; she was privately owned, and the Government did not accept liability. A claim will be made on behalf of the Crown. The "Huns brook" was a prize vessel. A claim will be made against that part of the private cargo which was not insured under the Government scheme. The "Manhattan" was privately owned but Government chartered. The Government accepted liability, but a claim will be made against that part of the private cargo which was not insured under the Government scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that John Bryceland, No. 135356, B Squadron, Machine Gun Corps, C Depot, St. Martin's Plain, Shorncliffe, is under eighteen years of age; that his mother is a widow with six younger children; whether he is aware that on 14th July the house at which they lived at 26, Lint-house Buildings, Govan, was set on fire, and as it was uninhabitable and no other houses were available, this family had to find accommodation in a single room, and that the consequent discomfort owing to the overcrowding was the cause of the boy enlisting; whether he is aware that this boy is an apprentice bricklayer, with four years of his trade served, and is the sole support of his mother and the family; and whether, in view of the scarcity of workers in the building trade as well as the hardship in this case, he will release this boy from the Army?

I am making enquiries, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in. due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Charles William Boyce, No. 100017, King's Liverpool Regiment, has now received Ids discharge certificate; that the certificate does not contain any reference to his service in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and that it states that he has not suffered any impairment since entering into the Army, although the man was certified as suffering from valvular disease of the heart; whether he is aware that Boyce has not received his character certificate; and whether he will have a fresh discharge certificate, containing accurate particulars of his service supplied to this man, together with his character certificate and all moneys due to him, without further delay?

As I stated on Monday last, my attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but I am making inquiries. I will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the value of a proper industrial training, special facilties for demobilisation can be granted in the case of apprentices?

I regret that priority of release cannot be granted to the men referred to by my hon. Friend. They will be demobilised in their turn, as laid down under current Instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War which Regulation gives him power to hold boys under eighteen years of age whose. parents have made application for his release; and whether he will have the Regulation circulated among Members?

There is no Regulation which enables the military authorities to retain in the Army a lad who, on enlistment, stated he was over eighteen and is subsequently found to be under eighteen years of age, nor is any such Regulation necessary. A lad of any age can make a valid contract of enlistment, no Regulation at all being required. As I have already stated, the age limit for recruits is fixed by Regulations made under the Army Act, Section 93. If a recruit mis-states his age on enlistment, this cannot be considered a sufficient cause in itself for discharging him from the Army. The precautions which are taken in enlisting lads have been explained recently in answers to questions, and I would refer the hon. Member in particular to the replies given to the hon. Members for Wigan and Westhoughton on the 10th and 20th November, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the promise has been carried out in respect of the instruction and education to be continued to young soldiers who were called up and sent away to the Army of Occupation on the Rhine and elsewhere; if so, how many embraced the opportunity; and what are the results, such as chemists, doctors, teachers, etc.?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second part, the greatest number of soldiers who embraced educational opportunities in the Army of the Rhine in any one month was 75,000, and up to last August, before the numbers on the Rhine began gradually to diminish, the monthly average was 53,150. I am not clear as to the exact meaning of the last part of the hon. Member's question; it is obvious that neither chemists, doctors, nor teachers can be fully trained in a few months. It is, however, possible to say that a considerable proportion of the students above mentioned were definitely assisted in beginning or continuing such training.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers leaving the Army now, and from the date of the Armistice, have been encouraged to join the Reserve of Officers; whether it is of importance to retain the services of officers experienced in the past War for employment with the Army again in case of national emergency; whether he is aware that the comparative treatment of officers of the Reserve of Officers and of those individuals who, without previous military experience, obtained commissions during the last war is very much in favour of the latter, since under previous and existing conditions of service in the Reserve of Officers considerable obligations are accepted with few advantages or rewards; and whether altogether fresh conditions of service in the Reserve of Officers are now under consideration?

Fresh conditions of service in the Reserve of Officers are under consideration. Regular officers leaving the Army now and since the Armstice have been appointed to the Reserve of Officers if they are within the age limit of their rank. Non-Regular officers have not been appointed to the Reserve of Officers, but their names and addresses have been noted so that they may be approached as to their willingness to join a new Reserve of Officers when the conditions have been decided. Except that officers on retired pay have drawn that pay in addition to their full pay during the War, no difference has been made between the temporary officer and the officer of the Reserve of Officers. Both classes have been equally eligible for any promotion or reward to which their efficiency and services have entitled them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of a temporary officer losing any part of his personal equipment, such as revolver or field glasses, on active service under circumstances over which he has no control, such as being wounded, he is entitled to compensation from public funds; and, if not, why any distinction should be made between Regular and temporary officers in a matter of this nature?

Compensation for loss of kit and equipment on service by an officer, whether Regular or temporary, is only granted when re-equipment for further service is necessary. If, as has frequently happened lately, a temporary officer is demobilised before the necessity for replacement of the lost articles has arisen, he has no claim under the Regulations. This circumstance no doubt explains the apparent distinction between Regular and temporary officers to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, as regards the military troops during the year 1919, so far as the information is available, what number of cases of venereal disease Occurred monthly in the Portsmouth area, i. e., the. area actually administered at the time by the Assistant-Director of Medical Services, Portsmouth; what number of cases occurred in other similar areas in the United Kingdom; in each of the above areas what was the monthly and annual rate of venereal disease per 1,000 per annum; and, in the Portsmouth area, as above defined, what was the number of cases of venereal disease contracted by men resident in the area at the time of infection and also at the time in charge of the Assistant-Director of Medical Services, Portsmouth; contracted by men who came under his care and then developed disease which had previously been contracted elsewhere,e.g., who arrived with drafts or with units joining station; and contracted by men who, though resident within the area or joining it were yet not in charge of the Assistant-Director of Medical Services, Portsmouth, e.g., men belonging to American or Colonial units or to the Royal Flying Corps?

I regret that it is quite impossible to furnish the information asked for. Such information would only have been available if a special investigation had been instituted at the beginning of the year, not only in the Portsmouth, but also in the other areas.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, so far as is available during the present year, what is the number of men who have passed through Hilsea Military Hospital, in the Portsmouth district, suffering from venereal disease; and how many of them became infected after using a disinfectant immediately after infection, within one hour, two hours, three hours, four hours, and more than four hours, and how many did not use any disinfectant?

Inquiries are being made, and the information asked for will be given in due course so far as it is found to be available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling amongst bereaved persons that there are unidentified soldiers in the asylums in this country; whether he is aware that Private William Locke, No. 13927, Middlesex Regiment, was reported to be killed in action on 11th May, 1915, and his burial place is unknown; whether he has been notified that on 10th Decem- ber, 1918, Lance-corporal Charles Clarke, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, called on the mother of Private Locke, who resides at 44, Gloucester Road, Upper Edmonton, and told her that, while he was a prisoner of war at Friedrichsfeld Camp Hospital, her son was incarcerated there and spoke to him, about six weeks before the Armistice; whether he will issue an order directing that the photographs of any unidentified or missing men be placed on private view at the War Office to be seen by relatives only of all missing men; and if he can make any further announcement on the subject generally?

There are only three soldiers unidentified owing to mental trouble. The Private Locke referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend was killed in action. Lance-Corporal Clarke was at Friedrichsfeld at the same time as a different man named Locke, No. 11988, Private V. Locke, 8th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, and no doubt this was the man he saw. Any relative of a missing soldier can send his photograph to the War Office, where it will be carefully compared with those of the three unidentified cases. I am afraid I can add nothing further on the subject generally to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Rotherham on the 9th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what information is in his possession with regard to the position of Austrian and other prisoners in Siberia; and what action the Allies and Associated Governments propose to take with regard to the repatriation of such prisoners and others?

I have been asked to take this question. The answer to the first part of the question is that the condition of enemy prisoners of war in Siberia, at, the present time, is very bad. The Allied and Associated Governments, however, have agreed to the formation of an inter-Allied Commission to proceed to Siberia to arrange for the repatriation of these prisoners as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether the negotiations for an exchange of prisoners between the hon. Member for East Leeds and M. Litvinoff have failed; and, if so, whether any further effort will be made to relieve the sufferings of British prisoners in Russia?

His Majesty's Government are awaiting the reply of the Soviet Government to the latest proposal put forward by the hon. Member for East Leeds; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether General Oi, the Japanese Commander, was, and still is, acting as Supreme Commander of the Allied Military Missions in Vladivostok; whether, on 26th September, he sent an ultimatum to General Rozanoff, Admiral Koltehak's representative in Vladivostok, requesting him to remove certain Cossack troops from Vladivostok on account of certain murders committed by them and stating that the Allies would remove them by force if General Rozanoff did not comply within three days; whether this ultimatum was obeyed; and whether the offending Cossack troops are still in Vladivostok?

General Oi is still Supreme Commander of all Allied Forces East of Lake Baikal; the note referred to in the second part of the question was sent by the Allied Military Council in Vladivostok and not by General Oi. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply already given to him by my right hon. Friend in answer to a similar question on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the result of the inquiry into the question of placing ex-soldier clerks in the War Office upon the pensionable establishment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to a question on this subject put to me by the hon. Member for North Lambeth.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total number of Russian prisoners at present held by Great Britain and their present distribution in the various countries, distinguishing between prisoners belonging to the border States which have proclaimed their independence and prisoners belonging to the rest of Russia?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total number of Russian prisoners held in Germany, distinguishing between prisoners belonging to the border States which have proclaimed their independence and prisoners belonging to the rest of Russia?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken with regard to the repatriation of Russian prisoners now in the custody of the Allies or Germany?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of Russian prisoners at present held by the Allies and their present distribution in the various countries, distinguishing between prisoners belonging to the border States which have proclaimed their independence and prisoners belonging to the rest of Russia; and the number of Russians interned and their present distribution in the various countries, making the same distinction as in the case of war prisoners?

The total number of Russian prisoners in Germany at present is reported to be approximately 200,000. I have no information as to how many belong to border States who have proclaimed their independence. By a decision of the Supreme Allied Council in Paris, the responsibility for the repatriation of Russian prisoners in Germany rests with the German Government. There are at present in the United Kingdom one hundred Bolshevik hostages who form the subject of the negotiations which are being carried on with a view to obtaining the release of British subjects in Russia. Other than these, there are reported to be a few, certainly not a dozen, in Mesopotamia, whilst there are also a few Russians, formerly prisoners of war in enemy hands, whose number does not exceed fifty, who are in process of repatriation as far as possible to the districts from which they originated. I have no information as to the number of Russians in Allied hands.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total number of Russian prisoners formerly in the custody of the Allies and Germany who have taken service under Koltchak, Denikin, or Yudenitch, or in any other force fighting against the Russian Soviet Republic?

This information is not available, and could only be obtained by special inquiries which I do not feel justified in undertaking.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will lay upon the Table of the House a list of the commons and public open spaces of which temporary possession was taken, in whole or in part, under the Defence of the Realm Acts, by his Department for the purposes of the War, and stating the county and town or parish in which such common or open space is situate; whether buildings were erected or works constructed upon the land; and whether possession has now been given up and the land restored?

The Military Commands have already been asked to furnish particulars to enable such a return to be prepared, and when it is completed my hon. Friend's suggestion will be considered. The work of preparation will, however, involve a considerable amount of labour, and must necessarily take some time.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the excessive delay in the settlement of claims for dilapidations occasioned by the military occupation of premises in the East Coast towns; if one house agent named William Gambling, of Great Yarmouth, has twenty-eight claims for the sum of £9,419 unsettled; if these premises were vacated in February, March, and April of this year, and are in such a condition that they are uninhabitable and have been vacant ever since, although tenants would take them at once when repaired; if the claims put in for these dilapidations last spring and summer have now greatly increased since the rise in prices; if any attempted settlements of the claims locally are invariably turned down by the higher officials in London; and what steps he can take to put an end to the deadlock and the serious losses being sustained?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to similar questions of his on the 3rd and 30th June last. I am informed- that the delay in settlement In Mr. Gambling's case is due to the fact that he is claiming sums which, in the opinion of the Department, are excessive, and based on principles of assessment which cannot be admitted. It is not the fact that settlements attempted locally are "invariably turned down." by the higher officials in London. On the contrary those officials have offered under certain conditions to consider the question of referring to arbitration, but no reply to this suggestion has been received. I agree that it is unfortunate if property owners are put to extra expense owing to the attitude adopted by their agent, but I am afraid I cannot admit, as my hon. Friend appears to suggest, that owners are entitled to leave their premises unrepaired indefinitely and then claim for the extra losses resulting.

asked the Secretary of State for War if a soldier who has served in Eastern theatres of war for four years from August, 1915, is entitled to one month's furlough on demobilisation?

He is entitled to the twenty-eight days' demobilisation leave granted to all ranks other than officers, but not to furlough in addition. Careful consideration has been given to the question of granting additional furlough to soldiers who have been abroad for two or more years without home leave, but I regret that it has not been found possible to grant it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the International Trading Corporation, of 21, Arcade Chambers, St. Mary's Gate, Manchester, applied on 3rd November for a permit for their representative, Mr. George Simpson, to visit Germany; that, after considerable delay, they were informed by the military permit office, of 14A, Charles Street, Haymarket, that the application had been submitted to the military authorities in Cologne, who refused to grant the permit; if he can say on what principle the military authorities in Cologne adjudge the merits of an application; and what was the reason for their unfavourable consideration in the present case?

The statements contained in the first and second parts of the question are correct. The delay was caused by the necessary reference to the General Officer Commanding the occupied territory. Each application is considered on its merits, and the reasons for refusal are never disclosed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether, in view of the danger to aviators landing at the Kenley Aerodrome on account of its exceptional altitude and liability to be enveloped in clouds and fog, as instanced by the recent fatal accident near Caterham, and also in view of the annoyance caused to the residents of the district by the noise of arriving and departing aeroplanes, he will consider the permanent abandonment of the site and the restoration of the common, so far as may be possible, to its original condition?

The situation of this aerodrome, on which a large amount of money has been spent, renders it of great importance in connection with the Air Defences of London, and it is considered desirable that it should, therefore, be retained as a permanent station by the Royal Air Force. The advantages and disadvantages of the prevailing atmospheric conditions at Kenley were fully considered at the time when this decision was taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the injustice inflicted on many officers by the exclusion of temporary rank for the assessment of war gratuities; and if he will consider the desirability of having the Army Order which deals with this question amended so as to place temporary rank on the same footing as acting rank for the assessment of gratuities?

Temporary rank is not excluded from the assessment of war gratuity. The gratuity is based on it, if it is held on demobilisation or on 11th November, 1918. The question is, however, under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that the mother of the late Lance-Corporal H. E. Smith, No. 320259, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was killed in action in Palestine in November, 1917, has been refused the gratuity and effects of her son on the grounds that, as he died intestate, his father is entitled to them; and whether, in view of the fact that his father is a German, that he has in no way contributed towards his wife's support for five years, and is now in Germany, where his address is unknown, he will take steps to see that the mother of the deceased soldier is awarded his gratuity and effects?

The circumstances of this case have been fully explained to my hon. Friend in an official letter of the 20th November. I have no power to dispose of the estate in the hands of the War Office otherwise than as the law provides.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the tendency of recent warrants is to award pensions having regard to length of service rather than rank, and in the case of amputations to fix a graduated scale, he will say whether the provision of paragraph 640 of the Royal Warrant will be revised and the new conditions made applicable to all officers disabled during the great War?

No, Sir; I do not propose to reopen these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Regular officers in receipt of pensions for wounds received in this War, under paragraph 640 of the Royal Warrant, are eligible for the 20 per cent. bonus; and, if so, who is responsible for this payment?

The serving officer has had his pay reassessed in respect of the cost of living and is not entitled to any bonus on wound pension. As regards the retired officer I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether certain military officers retired from the Service before the War and employed in the War Office Postal Censorship, received the military gratuity on the closing down of the censorship, while the other officers in that Department, though ranking for the purposes of pay as military officers, have up to the present received no gratuity whatever; and whether it is proposed that the latter shall also be paid the gratuity?

A few retired military officers who were employed in the Postal Censorship were called up in the early days of the War and gazetted to military posts. It was decided shortly after the inception of the Postal Censorship that the work was not generally of a military character, and thereafter retired military officers were employed in a civilian capacity. The former class of officers became entitled automatically to the Pay Warrant gratuity. The latter class, being employed as civilians, were not so entitled.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that men in receipt of pre-war pensions as warrant or non-commissioned officers who won the Military Cross in the War after being promoted to temporary commissions, are being denied on demobilisation the extra pension of 6d. a day which is granted to warrant officer recipients of the Cross on the ground that they earned the distinction as commissioned officers; and whether, in view of the fact that they are not entitled to retired pay as officers, but may only have their pensions re-assessed according to their pre-war rank as warrant or non-commissioned officers under Amy Order 325, of 1919, he will consider the grant to them of the extra 6d a day, seeing that paragraph 9, Table 5, of the Army Order in question clearly states that soldiers granted pensions under this warrant will remain eligible for the additional pension awarded in respect of gallant conduct provided for in Article 1167, Pay Warrant.

The grant of decorations to officers does not carry any monetary reward, and I regret I cannot agree to any departure from the rule.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to announce that the rates of commutation of pension for warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men shall be revised so as to bring them into line with the rates for officers?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make an announcement on this matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to announce the increase which it is proposed to make to the amount annually allotted for meritorious service annuities?

The matter is still under consideration, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to make an announcement.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Richard Nelson Spurrier, No. 331054, Royal Engineers, has been placed in Knightswood Hospital by the local war pensions committee; and whether any allowance can be paid him while under this treatment in addition to the allowance of £1 19s. 6d. allotted to his wife for the maintenance of herself and three children?

Richard Nelson Spurrier is an in-patient at Knightswood;£3 Os. 6d, a week is being paid to his wife by the local war pensions committee. It includes his own allowance of 21s., together with £1 19s. 6d. in respect of his wife and three children. If he does not wish his own allowance to be paid to his wife he should make arrangements with the local committee accordingly.

asked the Minister of Pensions under what circumstances his adviser set aside the considered finding of a medical board in the case of Captain D. L. Rowse, Royal Army Medical Corps, after the medical board had thoroughly examined him, the adviser never having seen Dr. Rowse or examined him; and, if the adviser has the power to override the medical board without seeing and examining the, applicant, will he state the justification for the medical board's continuance?

Major E. L Rowse (to whom the question doubtless applies) was examined at Malta on the 8th March, and his disablement was then assessed at 10 per cent. On arrival in England he was re-examined at a dispersal station, and the medical officer, who gave no particulars whatever of his condition, put the disablement at 40 per cent. In view of the considerable difference between these assessments, Major Rowse was specially examined by a medical board of three doctors, who after a careful examination assessed the disablement at "under 20 per cent." Major Rowse was therefore eligible only for a gratuity under Article 8 of the Royal Warrant, and this has been paid to him.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Sergeant Thomas Blaikie, No. S/10071, 3rd Cameron Highlanders, attached 10th Officers' Cadet Battalion, was accidentally killed at Barassie, Ayrshire, on 17th February, 1917; whether the deceased had eighteen years' service at the outbreak of War and received ten bullet wounds and a shrapnel wound in his head at the battle of Loos; whether his widow, Mrs. F. Blaikie, is receiving only a temporary pension of 15s. weekly, while no allowance is made far his child born three weeks after his death; and whether he will consider the advisability of making provision for cases of this kind?

I am reviewing this case, and I should be glad if the hon. Member would repeat the question on Monday.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether ex-Gunner David M'Skimming, No. 1685, 19th Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, 10, Grace Drive, Linthouse, who enlisted on 31st August, 1914, and was discharged on 12th April, 1915, as physically unfit for military service, has received no pension in spite of repeated applications; whether this man has proved by documents from his doctor, his approved society, and his employer that he had had no illness which took him off employment prior to his enlistment; whether the pensions office has received those documents; whether he is aware that this man has lost the use of his legs, and his doctor has signed a certificate stating that his illness was contracted while on active service; whether he is aware that this man was an efficient workman prior to his illness, being a foreman plater in a Clydeside shipbuilding yard; and whether he can state what action he proposes to take to recompense this man and enable him to maintain his home?

The facts of the case are not completely or accurately stated in the question. All the evidence supplied in this case was carefully considered by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal on 26th June, 1919, after a previous adjournment for a neurological specialist's report. The tribunal decided that Mr. McSkimming's unfitness was not attributable to or aggravated by military service. I must accept this decision as final. In these circumstances, it was only possible to award a final weekly allowance, under Article 7 of the Warrant, of 15s. 6d. a week for fourteen weeks.

the Minister of Pensions whether he can now state that the case of, Mr. Robert Buchan, of 23, Jamaica Street, Peterhead, will be reconsidered by the pensions tribunal; and when a decision in this case is likely to be reached?

This case was heard on appeal by the Appeal Tribunal, and a decision was given that Mr. Buchan's disability was neither attributable to nor aggravated by service. The further medical evidence supplied by my hon. Friend has been again considered, but I am advised that all the facts were before the Appeal Tribunal, whose decision I must therefore accept as final.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will have inquiries made into the appointment of a secretary to the Hampshire local war pensions committee; whether this vacancy was adver- tised in the public Press; whether the appointment was actually sanctioned before the vacancy was advertised; whether the committee advertised that preference would be given to a disabled officer or man; whether the- post was given to a civilian at a higher salary than that advertised; whether he will explain why public money should be silent on advertising an appointment that is not really vacant; whether the appointment made was with his sanction; and if, in certain eventualities, he will consider the advisability of suspending this committee?

The secretaryship to the Hampshire local war pensions committee has been filled by the appointment of a disabled officer who was chosen for the post as being the most suitable of the 1,500 applicants who answered the advertisement. I have confirmed the appointment.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether Post Office employés who joined the Royal Engineers and obtained commissions, carrying out amongst other work that of telegraphist, were granted full civil pay in addition to their Army pay; whether they were given the war bonuses as and when awarded to the men who remained in the civil employment of the Post Office; whether they were granted the gratuity on being demobilised; and, if not, will he state why these bonuses and gratuity were withheld?(2) whether Post Office employés who joined the Royal Engineers, doing duty as privates or non-commissioned officers, and carried out amongst other work that of telegraphist, were granted full civil pay in addition to their Army pay; whether they were given the war bonuses as and when awarded to the men who remained in the civil employment of the Post Office; whether they were granted the gratuity on being demobilised; and, if not, will he state why these bonuses and gratuity were withheld?

In each case, the answer to the first part is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. With regard to the award of gratuities on demobilisation, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the War Office to questions on this subject on the 10th of April last. War bonus was not paid, in view of the fact that these officers and men, unlike other Civil servants in the Army, were in receipt of full civil pay in addition to their military pay and allowances.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will inquire as to whether much of the timber bought by the Government and lying about in the Challow district, Berkshire, is worth the expense of cartage and railway transport; if not, whether it can be disposed of locally; and if he is aware that, owing to congestion at Challow railway station, little or no timber has been received or sent away for over six months?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the timber referred to is worth more than the expense of cartage and railway transport; so far as possible, however, it is being sold locally where a reasonable price can be got. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will say whether the Indian Army Medical Appeal Board in London consists entirely of Indian Medical Service officers; if the president was until very recently a member of the standing medical board and consequently deals with appeals against his own decisions; and if he will take steps to appoint exclusively civilian doctors on the appeal board who will approach appeals without a prejudice in favour of the standing board's decisions?

The Medical Board at the India Office consists of three officers of the Indian Medical Service, of whom two alone are present at the ordinary meetings, and there is a right of appeal from the decision of such two members to the third member who has not taken part in the decision. This member is ordinarily the president. The president is at present in India, and during his absence the appeal board consists of two medical men, one of whom was a member of the Indian Medical Service but retired twenty-four years ago, and the other is a civilian; neither takes any part in the work of the India Office Medical Board. I do not propose to make any alteration in these arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Reports of evidence taken by the committee of inquiry into the disturbances at Lahore and Amritsar in April last are substantially accurate; whether between 400 and 500 rioters were shot by General Dyer's orders; whether some 1,500 natives were wounded; and whether he is in a position to add to the information already published on the incident?

As regards the first three parts of the question I would remind my hon. Friend that we have no report of the evidence in this country except abbreviated newspaper accounts; and I would refer him to the statements which I made on the subject in the House on Tuesday, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as Ceylon is geographically and historically allied to India and depends upon that country for her food supply and for labour for her principal industries, the advisability has been or will be considered of making Ceylon a province of the Indian Empire or, in the alternative, to give the island a constitution similar to that of an Indian Province, with a view to its ultimate incorporation with India if considered desirable?

No such proposal has been under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary for State for the Colonies if it is in contemplation to grant a measure of self-government to the people of Ceylon; and if so, whether an early announcement on the subject will be made in view of the decisions already announced in regard to Malta and other Colonies?

The question of the reform of the constitution of Ceylon is engaging earnest consideration, and arrangements have been made for the Governor of Ceylon to come to this country in the early spring in order to discuss the whole question with the Secretary of State.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the testimony of British officers and men who have been prisoners of war with regard to the torture caused by solitary confinement, he will consider the advisability of abolishing this form of punishment?

Solitary confinement has long ago been abolished. Close confinement is a punishment occasionally imposed for breaches of prison discipline, but it does not mean complete solitude, and it can only be imposed for very short periods, not in any case more than fourteen days.

asked the Home Secretary what is the amount received each week way of pension by police officers who retired prior to August, 1914?

It is impossible for my right hon. Friend to give any figure, as the amount of pension varies according to the cause of the officer's retirement, his length of service, his rank, and the amount of his pay. The hon. Member will, however, find a good deal of information on the subject in a Return which was moved for by the hon. Member for Holborn, and which will be presented in a few days.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the need for securing all possible housing accommodation and the action of the Government in facilitating the conversion of large houses into flats or tenements, a bonus on a recognised scale will be available for owners who carry out approved conversions of such houses?

It is not intended that the proposed subsidy shall be available for schemes of this kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether the intention of the Housing (Additional Powers) Bill, Section 1, Sub-section (2), paragraph (c), is to disqualify for earning grants all houses the building of which may be commenced before the passing of the Act?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that no restrictions have been imposed in this country upon the importation of cement, and in view of the need of cement for housing schemes, he can state why it is impossible to obtain supplies from Germany and Denmark; whether it is due to the action of the Government of these two countries; and, if so, whether he can make any representations on the matter?

I understand that prohibitions on the export of cement are in force both in Germany and in Denmark. According to my information, however, there are ample supplies of cement available in this country, and there should be no necessity to import it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the profiteering which prevails in the letting of houses and flats of rentals beyond the scope of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest Acts, and also in view of the arbitrary manner landlords are demanding large and inconsiderable increase of rent under threat of notice to quit and ejectment proceedings, he will consider the advisability of extending the provisions of the Profiteering Act so as to include dwelling-houses and shops on short-term tenancies and to make such enactment retrospective so as to give relief in cases where under duress excessive rents have been exacted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on Monday last to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Southport.

asked the Minister of Labour if an invitation to nominate representatives to attend a conference on hous- ing in the Central Hall, Westminster, on the 16th December, was sent to the Scottish Building Contractors' Association; if the names of ten representatives were sent to his Department; and can he give the reason why the invitation was withdrawn and those representatives prohibited from attending?

The answer is in the affirmative. In addition to the Joint Industrial Council a few other associations not members of the Council were invited, but the Joint Industrial Council represented strongly that the invitation should be confined to its members, and intimated that otherwise they would refuse to attend. As the Joint Industrial Council is a representative body, constituted in accordance with the policy of the Ministry, it was decided to meet their wishes. I am informed that the Scottish Board of Health is attempting to arrange a meeting between. this association and the Scottish representatives of the Industrial Council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he can state approximately how many houses will have been completed in Glasgow, and how many will be in actual course of erection in Glasgow, under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1919, by 1st February, 1920?

It is not possible at present to state what number of houses will have been completed or will be in actual course of erection in Glasgow by the data specified. I am, however, advised that a number of the temporary wooden houses now in course of erection will be completed before the 1st February next. Building operations for the erection of 146 permanent houses at Coplawhill and Gilslochill are now well under way, and it is hoped that by 1st February a commencement will have been made at the latter site with a scheme for a further seventy-fire houses, the tenders for which were approved by the Scottish Board of Health on 4th instant. It is anticipated that by the 1st February tenders will have been accepted for an additional 1,046 houses on another site.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Harry Dixon, relieving officer of the Holbeck Union, who, after serving with His Majesty's Forces in France and being wounded was, on demobilisation, refused reinetatement by the Holbeck Guardians notwithstanding a promise given to him to that effect prior to joining up; if he will say whether he is prepared to take action in the matter; and whether, in the event of this officer's appointment being terminated, he will see that adequate compensation is given?

My attention has been called to this case, and I am at present awaiting a further communication from the guardians, which I hope will show that a satisfactory arrangement has been reached.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state what sanatorium accommodation at present exists in the county of East Sussex for tuberculosis cases, and if he will state the number of beds available for discharged soldiers, insured persons, and non-insured persons?

There are six approved sanatoria in the county of East Sussex, including the county boroughs of Brighton, Eastbourne, and Hastings. These sanatoria contain accommodation in all for 248 patients-—46 men, and 102 women and children. The 146 beds are all available for discharged soldiers and for insured and non-insured men; and the 102 beds for insured and non-insured women and for children.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the lack of sanatorium accommodation for tuberculosis cases in the county of East Sussex, discharged soldiers and others are unable to get treatment, even in urgent cases; and what steps his Department is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

I am aware that there is need for further accommodation for the treatment of tuberculosis in East Sussex, and I have recently approved the purchase by the county council of a site and buildings with a view to the provision of a new sanatorium of 120 beds. The returns received by my Department do not show that discharged soldiers and others in the county who are urgently in need of treatment are unable to obtain it. On the first of this month, twenty-nine discharged soldiers and other insured persons were in sanatoria, and thirteen persons, including only two discharged soldiers, were awaiting treatment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present price of anthracite, steam coal, and household coal to France, Italy, Greece, Serbia, and the territories comprised in the former Austrian Empire?

issued the following table showing the average value per ton of anthracite, steam coal, and household coal exported to the countries named during the month of November, 1919, the latest date of which the information is available:

asked the President of the Board of Trade why coal merchants accelerated the deliveries of coal for the week prior to his announcing the reduction in price, and were able to secure transport without any apparent difficulty?

No doubt they anticipated some reduction in the price of coal after the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the right hon. Member for West Fife on 13th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a copy of a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the South Staffordshire Mines Drainage Commission calling for the public inquiry already suggested in the final Report, dated January, 1918, of the Coal Conservation Committee relative to the flooding of mines in the district under the Commission's jurisdiction; whether he has received representations from the responsible authorities to the effect that, in spite of every precaution, the flow of water from the Tipton mines threatens to overwhelm the mines in the Old Hill area and that the situation is one of great seriousness, causing anxiety and alarm in the neighbourhood to all persons concerned; and whether he can take steps to arrange for the desired public inquiry at the earliest possible date?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend is considering whether an immediate inquiry should be held and what form the inquiry should take.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that difficulty has been experienced by poor persons in a certain district of Birmingham in securing house coal from local dealers, who allege the difficulty to be due to the fact that they are obliged to keep two weeks' supplies in stock, and that they are only receiving to per cent, of their necessary requirements; whether he is aware that a dealer in Blue Street in that, city was recently convicted and fined £3 18s. for supplying a few customers in a poor neighbourhood with 2 cwts. each per week from his reserve stock, which he was unable to replenish from a consignment of coal on its way to his wharf in his own barge; and whether he can see his way to cause inquiries to be made into the whole question of supplies in that district?

I am having inquiries made, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether employers' organisations, trade unions, and other public bodies were generally limited. to one representative each when the Central Committee on the Profiteering Act was constituted; why, seeing that controlled goods are excluded from the sphere of the Act, the Chairman should have called the Consumers' Council and officials of the Food Ministry together and asked them to appoint ten representatives on the Central Committee under the Act; and whether this was done to save investigation into the maladministration now alleged to be taking place under the Food Ministry with respect to the supplies of bacon, meat, and other commodities?

The number of representatives nominated by individual organisations and appointed to the Central Committee under the Profiteering Act, varies considerably in the case of different organisation. The Consumers' Council in common with other public bodies was invited to nominate several members for appointment to the Central Committee, because the Act is applied to articles of food which are not controlled, and the appointments were made by the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under Article 2 in the Schedule to the Regulations under the Profiteering Act of 18th September, 1919, power is given to the Central Committee to appoint three Standing Committees and such other Committees as they may from time to time deem expedient; how these powers can be exercised if the Central Committee is to be regarded as having ceased its existence with the appointment of the three Standing Committees on 30th September last; is he aware that complaints have been made with regard to the administration of the Act; that while Sub-committees are inquiring into the costs of various articles the members of the Central Committee are kept in ignorance of all procedure under the Act; and will he call a general meeting of the Central Committee and secure proper and reasonable rules for working?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Central Committee, at a meeting held on the 30th September, appointed the three Standing Committees provided for in the Regulations, and should it be necessary to appoint any other Committees, a meeting of the Central Committee will be convened for the purpose. I understand that every member of the Central Committee has been appointed to at least one of the three Standing Committees, and that the members of each Standing Committee are kept informed of the proceedings of any Sub-committee appointed by them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade by how much per cent. the rates of exchange have gone against us or in our favour in each of the principal countries of the world during the last six months?

The rates of sight exchange quoted on London on 13th June last, and on 12th December, showed the following percentages of premium or discount on the nominal gold parity:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the figures for 1918 of the Sheffield United Gas Light Company, now the Sheffield Gas Company, under headings 1 to 13, inclusive, 16, 18, 19 and 22, as set forth in White Paper, No. 311, printed by order of the House of Commons on 26th July, 1915?

I am forwarding the hon. Member the particulars for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the fact that if the finances of the railways had during the War been administered on economic lines by the raising of rates on goods and minerals to meet the necessary increase in expenses, the railways would at the present time be showing large balances over expenditure, he is prepared to make any announcement on the subject before the close of the Session?

As regards the financial position of the railways during the period of control, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the full information given in Command Paper 402. He will doubtless observe that there are serious deferred liabilities. With regard to the last part of the question, I hope shortly to make an announcement as to the increase in goods rates. The Rates Advisory Committee's Report was received yesterday and it is intended to take action upon it and publish it before the end of the year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a county surveyor is still employed by the Ministry of Transport as deputy to Sir H. Maybury, drawing a salary from both appointments; and whether, in view of the number of qualified ex-Service men who would be glad of one of these positions, he will see that the policy of allowing an official to hold two appointments shall be terminated forthwith?

The position of deputy to the Director-General of Roads has been offered to the chief enigneer of the Hertfordshire County Council, who was lent by the council to the Road Board during the War. So soon as the appointment as deputy is completed he will vacate his position under the county council. He has at no time been drawing any salary from the Road Board or the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has concluded his inquiries into the case of Mr. C. E. Barratt, head draughtsman at Melton Constable; and what are the results?

I am now informed that the official referred to still retains his position, and that instructions have been given for the sum of money mentioned by the hon. Gentleman in his previous question to be paid to him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to use oil-fuel locomotives on British railways?

The railway companies are considering the question of the use of liquid fuel in place of coal. My hon. Friend will probably remember that liquid fuel was used, successfully on one of the railways from 1886–1906, when its use was abandoned on account of the price. There is no doubt that some of the railways will commence using it again as soon as it is economical to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport on what date the new schedules of charges for goods carried by rail will come into operation; and whether lie will indicate the general nature of the proposals?

I hope to make an announcement very shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport when a reclassification of railway rates on the carriage of goods may be expected, and an amendment of the many anomalies at present existing?

It is not possible to deal with the question of classification in the preliminary revision of railway rates, but a systematic reclassification will shortly be undertaken.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that there are 500 railway wagons awaiting minor repairs at Immingham Docks and if, owing to the present shortage of railway stock, they can be released?

I am informed that the actual number of wagons at Immingham awaiting minor repairs on the 29th ultimo was 282, and every effort is being made by the Great Central Railway to get the necessary work done and the wagons placed into traffic again. I understand that. some delay is due to the inability of the company to obtain axle boxes and other castings necessary, owing to the iron-moulders' strike.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the hardship caused to railway shareholders by the fact that, while other businesses and trades have been allowed to increase their charges to meet increased cost of production, railways alone were denied this right; and will he consider in any readjustment of freights and rates the claim of the shareholders to an increase of dividend to meet the increase in the cost of living?

The railway companies were guaranteed their 1913 net receipts under the agreement with the Government into which they entered voluntarily, and, at a time of great uncertainty, railway shareholders, including holders of ordinary stock, were guaranteed against any loss of their income on the basis of this favourable year. I am unable to admit that they have suffered any special hardship. In the revision of rates the object will be to place railway fares and rates upon an economic level.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the statement in Command Paper 402 that the railway revenue earned from all sources exceeds the expenditure of the guarantee by about two to seven millions is based on an estimate of the value of the whole services rendered to the Government free of charge by the railways, whether on actual railway working or otherwise; and whether, in estimating these services, the amount credited to the railways for carrying troops is put in at the reduced rates under the Cheap Trains Act, 1883?

The figures given in paragraph 6 of Command Paper 402 apply to the period of control up to the 31st March, 1919, and include the estimated value of all services rendered to the Government whether on railway working or otherwise. The value of these services shown in respect of Railway Executive Committee, and is understood to make due allowance for the special rates provided for in the Cheap Trains Act, 1883.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a representative deputation recently waited upon the directors of the South-Eastern Railway Company to urge the need for the reopening of Spa Road and Deptford Stations, and that the directors have declined to accede to the request of the deputation; and whether he will make representations to the Railway Executive Committee or other responsible body with a view either to the immediate reopening of the stations in question or the holding of a public inquiry into the whole matter?

The point is at present being considered by the Advisory Committee on London Traffic. Before making a recommendation to the Minister on the subject, the Advisory Committee will certainly take into account the local feeling in favour of reopening.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state at what date it is proposed to issue an Order in Council transferring the Caledonian and Crinan Canals to the Ministry of Transport under the provisions of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919?

It is proposed to make application at an early date for an Order in Council transferring the powers, duties-and property of the Commissioners of the Caledonian and Crinan Canals to the Minister of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport what arrangements are made to earmark the proceeds from the Petrol Duty towards the upkeep of roads, and particularly those roads that are constantly used by motor omnibuses?

Under the provisions of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, this duty ceased to be earmarked to the Road Improvement Fund. The course to be proposed for the future is being examined, and will be further considered on receipt of the Report from a Departmental Committee of the Ministry of Transport which is now sitting.

asked the Postmaster-General in how many places within the 50-mile radius from London the first morning delivery is not complete before a quarter to ten; and if he will give the reason in each case?

The rule is to complete the first morning delivery by nine o'clock. If the hon. and gallant Member will let me know of any place at which he thinks the delivery is unduly late, I will make inquiry and will inform him of the result. To call for a general return from all places within 50 miles of London would entail a considerable amount of labour.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that at the beginning of the air raids a day and a night telephone operator, the latter being by occupation a gardener, were engaged to attend to a special telephone at Windsor, their duty being to raise an alarm in case of an air raid being expected; and whether, as air raids seem now to be improbable, the two operators could be released to their usual occupations, at a considerable saving of expense to the nation?

I am making inquiry, and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that delays occur in the delivery of samples and other parcels dispatched from this country to France; whether these delays take place on this side of the Channel; and, if not, whether he will make representations to the French Government in order to remove this obstacle to trade between the two countries?

There is no delay in the dispatch of parcels to France; but I have reason to believe that the delivery of parcels after arrival in. France is slower than in ordinary times. Representations on the subject have been made to the French Post Office, which states that delay arises principally in the clearance of parcels through the French Customs and is due in a large measure to insufficient care on the part of the British exporter in the preparation of the various documents required by the French Customs authorities.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postmaster at Hull has asked the ex-Service men employed in the post office whether they have a disability pension and when it is due for review; whether ha was acting under instructions from the Government in putting this question; and, if so, what is the reason for the same being asked, in view of the fact that civilian employers are expected to ignore any permanent disability pensions which are being received by their employés?

A return of disabled ex-Service men employed in the Government Departments is being kept in order that Parliament may be kept informed as to the progress made in carrying into execution the policy of His Majesty's Government to provide employment for disabled ex- Service men. The particulars of disabled ex-Service men employed in the Post Office which have recently been collected were required for this return and for no other purpose.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the nature of the special causes owing to which there was an abnormal of absentees from the Cardiff trunk telephone exchange on 29th and 30th July; whether he is aware that only three members of the staff were on sick leave; whether he is aware that the exchange manager investigated the working conditions by sending for the supervisor-in-charge instead of personally inspecting the allocation of work; whether he is aware that the supervisor-in-charge is compelled by the pressure of work to undertake an operator's duties; whether on the 10th November one operator had charge of six London lines and was severely cautioned owing to her inability to give proper attention to one individual call; whether on the 2nd December two operators were working this section with twenty-eight lines from 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.; whether on the 6th December one operator worked seven Bristol lines from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and whether, in view of the many complaints as to the inefficiency of the Cardiff telephone service, he will see that this trunk exchange is properly and adequately staffed?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in a letter dated 6th May last from the Divisional Office, Howard Hotel, it was stated that Mr. A. Cooke, who was employed at the Clapham Junction Employment Exchange, was not appointed as special officer but as a temporary clerk who would be available for such duties as might from time to time be allocated to him; and if he will explain the official statement that the Department has never denied that Mr. Cooke was at one time assigned to special duties?

I am aware of the statement quoted in the first part of the question. It is also a fact that, in reply to a previous question by the hon. Member for Kingswinford, I said I was not, aware that the Department had ever denied that Mr. Cooke was at one time assigned to special duties. The explanation is that Mr. Cooke, though not appointed a special officer, was available for such duties as might from time to time be allocated to him, and that at one time the duties allocated to him were special duties.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the approximate number of bricklayers and bricklayers' labourers at present registered at the Employment Exchanges as being out of employment?

At 5th December, the latest date for which figures are available, 450 bricklayers and 768 bricklayers' labourers were registered at the Employment Exchanges as applicants for employment. This does not mean that all these men are out of work, nor that there is no work available for thern—there are always floating numbers of men seeking to change their jobs. Further, at the present time, when a job comes to an end in one district there arc difficulties of housing accommodation which prevent the moving of the man to new work. It is notorious that there is a large unsatisfied demand for bricklayers at the present time.

asked the Minister of Labour when it is proposed to resume the issue of the annual publication of the Ministry of Labour, formerly of the Board of Trade dealing with standard time-rates of wages; whether the last edition of this publication was issued in 1914; whether data for any subsequent years has been collected in his Department; and whether he will take steps to make any such data available for the public use?

A new edition of this publication is now in preparation, and will be issued early next year. The latest edition published related to October, 1913, but particulars of the principal changes in rates of wages and hours of labour which have occurred since that date have been collected regularly and published in the monthly issues of the "Labour Gazette."

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that ex-policemen on the Reserve were called up during the War and served for the whole of the period; whether many of them have now no pension and nothing to live on; and whether, under these circumstances, he will rank them with ex-Service men in respect of the continuation of unemployment donation?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member's question refers to policemen who had retired, and who, during the War, rejoined the Police Force. I regret that these men cannot be considered as eligible for out-of-work dona—tion under the existing scheme, which is confined to persons who gave actual service with the Forces during the War.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding a settlement of the moulders' strike?

There were conferences between the Engineering Employers' Federation and the three societies concerned throughout the whole of yesterday. I have reason to believe that considerable progress was made. The meeting is to be resumed on Tuesday next.

asked the Minister of Labour whether special consideration can be shown to the claims of labourers thrown out of work by the moulders' strike who are being refused unemployment benefit, whilst engineers and pattern-makers similarly affected are receiving unemployment pay?

The general position of workmen who are unemployed owing to a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute was explained in the reply given to a question asked by the hon. Member for Newton on the 5th November last. The rule applicable in this connection is statutory, being laid down in Section 87 (1) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and I have therefore no discretion in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he will arrange for the publication of a complete statement of the accounts of the Gravesend Sea School, to include the cost per head per week of the food of the pupils and also the salaries paid to the captain and other individual members of the staff; and whether the recent statement of the total cost of the school included the whole or any part of the cost of the Board of Trade tender "Mantis," on which the pupils receive practical training from the master and mate of that vessel?

A statement of accounts giving the information desired will be prepared and circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. No part of the cost of the. "Mantis" (whose ordinary Board of Trade duties have not been interfered with) has been included in recent statement of the cost of the school, but I would point out. that any additional expenditure due to the training of the boys is very small.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it should have been an instruction to those who were deputed to visit farms with a view of deciding whether land under grass should be ploughed out that they should give notice of their intention to visit to the tenant of the holding to enable him to meet them and state his views; whether recommendations made without such notice were irregular; and, if so, who is responsible for loss and damage caused by ploughing out unsuitable land under such circumstance?

The Government's scheme for increasing the area under the plough was carried out in 1917 and 1918 as an emergency measure necessitated by the pressing need for rapidly increasing the home production of food. The work was undertaken by local committees of practical men familiar with the districts, and any instruction such as is suggested in the question would have rendered the task practically impossible. As a matter of fact, farmers were, as a general rule, notified of the intended visit of the person or persons deputed to select grass land to be broken up. They were also invited to suggest suitable land, and in any case, every farmer had ample opportunity after he had been served with. a, cultivation order of stating his views to the committees and of suggesting alternative land. It was competent for any person who considered that he had suffered loss as a result of a compulsory ploughing order to submit a claim for compensation to the Board through His County Agricultural Executive Committee up to the 31st July last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture at what price the 64 acres of land has recently been acquired for ex-Service men, under the Land Settlement Act, at Ten Mile Bank, Hilgay, Norfolk; whether the Board have consented to the scheme for the letting of this land to the ex-Service men at 80s. per acre rent, seeing that the previous tenant paid 50s. an acre; whether the Board is aware that several of the applicants asked for 10, 20, and 30 acres of land and have only been allotted 2 and 3 acres each, and that there are still twenty ex-Service men whose claims have not been met who are unwilling to pay such a high rent; and, if so, what steps will be taken to meet their demands?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to property comprising 65a. 0r. 13p., situate at Hilgay, and proposed to be purchased by the Norfolk County Council for land settlement from Mr. James Ruane. If this is the ease, the purchase price is £3,742, but no scheme has been received from the county council showing the manner in which they propose to sub-divide the land, and the rents which they propose to charge. The Board will make further inquiries as to the unsatisfied demand for land in the locality. The Board have, however, already brought some suitable land in the district to the notice of the council with a view to its acquisition for land settlement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether a train service has yet been arranged between Ostend and Central Europe?

The Belgian Government are most anxious to resume this service, and have made all the necessary arrangements in Belgium. Negotiations are in progress with the German, Austrian, and Swiss authorities, and a meeting is to be held at Elberfeld on 23rd December to settle the final details.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Mission, which was detained by Arabs on its way to visit the Iman Yahya, at Sanna, has yet been released, and, if not, whether he can give any information as to the progress of negotiations for their release?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question of his.