asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by discharged and demobilised soldiers in straightening them- selves financially, he will consider the advisability of exempting them from payment of Income Tax for one year after their demobilisation?

I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the urgent advisability of issuing an order to the Income Tax Commissioners to the effect that the assessment for Income Tax of professional men who have served throughout the War shall be based upon the three years' average, so that this year's income shall be averaged with the last two years of Army and Navy pay, and in this way offer some tangible reward for services rendered and at the same time give such gentlemen a reasonable chance of making a fresh start in life?

I am unable to adopt the hoe. Member's suggestion. It would not be permissible, under the provisions of the Income Tax Acts to compute the assessable profits of a profession by reference to the amount of income derived in previous years from Army or Navy pay.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is desirable to bring to the notice of Income Tax payers, either on the demand note or otherwise, that sums due on the 1st July, 1920, are subject to a discount of 2½ per cent. if paid on the 1st January, 1920, and to request the taxpayer, if possible, to pay on the earlier date?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to Section 159 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, which provides for the allowance of discount on repayments of Income Tax charged under Schedule D "at the rate of £2 10s. per cent. per annum" on the amount prepaid "for the period commencing on the day when the payment was made and ending on the day limited for payment." The allowance is confined to payments under Schedule D, and is required to be claimed at the time of payment. The course suggested by my hon. and learned Friend could not at this late date be adopted for the current year. As regards the future, the whole question of the allowance of discount on prepayment of Income Tax has been brought to the notice of the Royal Commission, and will be considered in the light of any recommendations which they may make.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Press is publishing the terms upon which French premium bonds may be acquired; and whether, in view of the emphatic condemnation of premium bonds given in this House, the Government propose taking any action to discourage or prevent dealings in the premium bands issued by other countries?

The Government were advised that an issue of British Premium Bonds with prizes awarded by lot would be illegal without fresh legislation to authorise it. Dealings in this country in similar bonds issued elsewhere would also be illegal. I understand that the scheme involves the giving of considerable prizes by lot. If this be 60', I am advised that Section 41 of the Lotteries Act, 1823 (4 Geo: IV., c. 60), would apply, which makes it an offence to sell any chance or publish any proposal or scheme for the sale of any chance in a lottery.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury have yet come to a decision in the matter of the creation of an establishment of ex-soldier clerks in the War Office?

The establishment of these clerks cannot be settled without regard to the method of recruitment to be adopted for such situations; but I am in communication with the War Office on the subject, and I hope that a decision may be arrived at shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a statement issued by the Association of ex-Soldier (War Office) Clerks regarding their claim to be brought on to a pensionable establishment; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirma- tive. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for North Lambeth on the 17th instant, the whole question of a pensionable establishment for these clerks is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why English bank holidays are to extend from 25th to 27th December, inclusive, while Scotch Bank holidays are only to be Christmas Day; and, if it be too late to assimilate the periods, will he cause the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd January, 1920, to be bank holidays in Scootland?

December 26th is a recognised Bank holiday in England but not in Scotland. My information is that neither of my hon. Friend's suggestions would suit the convenience of the Scottish trading and banking communities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government has yet decided to adopt the decision of the Treasury Committee on entrance to the Civil Service; and if he can state definitely when entrance examinations for the Civil Service will begin?

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southwark (N.) on the 21st November.

asked the Financial Seertary to the Treasury whether he is aware that all clerks to inspectors of taxes were given an opportunity of supplying particulars of their education and military service for the purpose of having their claims to appointments as assistant inspectors of taxes considered; and whether, in view of the fact that most of these clerks have now been informed by the secretary to the Selection Committee that they are not able to recommend them for appointments as assistant inspectors of taxes, he will request the Selection Committee to inform each of such clerks of the particular reasons for his disqualification?

I am unable to adopt the suggestion put forward by my hon. Friend. The standard for the tax inspectorate is necessarily high, and only clerks of exceptional merit can hope to be selected. The fact of non-selection implies no reflection whatever upon the efficiency of a clerk in the grade to which he belongs.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the departmental examination to which clerks to inspectors of taxes have to submit themselves before they are allowed to proceed beyond the salary of £130 has now become a condition for promotion to the grade of staff clerkship, all the clerks who had already passed that examination will be immediately promoted to that grade, in view of the fact that many have been promoted who were not asked to submit themselves to such examination and who were junior to those who had passed that examination and who were passed over for promotion?

The examination referred to is a condition, but not the only condition, of promotion. Appointments to staff clerkships must continue to be made as vacancies occur by selection according to merit from among those who are qualified under the regulations for the time being in force.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether junior established clerks to His Majesty's inspectors of taxes receive salaries that range from £50 to £70 per annum, plus 17s. per week and 30 per cent. war bonus; whether it is intended to revise the scale of these salaries in the near future; and whether in any case the scale of salaries of such established clerks will be revised before that of temporary clerks engaged in similar labours?

Established clerks to inspectors of taxes are on a scale of £50: 5: 85: 7.10s.: 130: 10: 200. They enjoy the war bonus applicable to Civil servants generally at corresponding rates of pay under the awards of the Civil Service Arbitration Board, namely, 17s. per week plus 30 per cent, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, above twenty-one, 24s. plus 30 per cent. up to a salary of £156 10s., and thereafter £60 per annum plus 30 per cent. On the question of the revision of the scale of pay I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 20th March last. Since that date a Subcommittee of the National Council for the Administrative and Legal Departments has been set up to review the clerical classes in the Civil Service and, 'inter alia, to make recommendations as to their scales of salary. The Committee is due to make a Report by the 31st proximo. Temporary clerks in the offices of inspectors are paid at rates prescribed for work of similar character in Departments generally.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any sums have been issued during the present financial year for the purchase by the Mint of bullion for purposes of coinage under Section 9 of -the Coinage Act, 1870; if so, what have been the amounts and average prices of any gold or silver so purchased; Whether any gold has been purchased by or on behalf of any other Government Department for the purposes of either coinage or reserve during this financial year; and, if so, what was the amount and what was the average price?

The amount issued to the Mint for bullion purchases in the current financial year is £1,100,000, practically all of which has been expended in purchases of silver bullion at an average price of 51 15/16d. per standard ounce. The Mint does not purchase gold. The answer to the third part. of the question is in the negative so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, and the last part consequently does not arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will cause copies of all the instructions that have been issued to valuers by the Treasury and by the Land Valuation Department as to the manner of arriving at the several values of land, and particularly the full site values, as defined by Section 25 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to be laid upon the Table of the House; and if in the meantime he will cause copies of them to be supplied to the hon. Member for the Leigh Division of Lancashire?

A complete set of the instructions issued to valuers by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue was supplied to the Select Committee on Land Values in October last. I do not see my way at present to take any further step in the direction suggested in the question.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has received from the Glasgow Wholesale and Retail Fish Trade Association a complaint as to the practice of some retailers of rabbits purchasing them at the producing grounds instead of in the market and paying the producer the full maximum price, 8d. per 1b., though he is thus relieved of the cost of packing in hampers and sending them to the market.; and, if so, what was the substance of the reply sent to the complaint.?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. A resolution has, however, been received from this Association recommending the removal of control from rabbits on the ground that purchases have in some cases been made above the maximum price. The association have been informed that the general question of rabbit prices is at present being considered by the Trade Advisory Committee, which will report at an early date, and action is being deferred pending the receipt of this report.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that there is no prohibition of the export from this country of margarine or of Brazilian babassu kernels or shea nuts, which are ingredients of margarine, he will consider the advisability of removing the prohibition of the export of palm kernels imported from British possessions and used for the same purpose?

Only small quantities of babassu kernels and shea nuts have been imported into this country, and these commodities are not as yet staple raw material for the manufacture of margarine. Palm kernels may be exported direct from West Africa to any part of the world, and their re-export from the United Kingdom would, if it were permitted, not only place a greater burden on the already congested ports, but would take up British shipping required for other purposes.

asked the Minister of Food whether his Department possesses information that there are thirty to forty American packers shipping bacon and other foodstuffs to this country who are grouped together by various ties of ownership and interest, and pursue a common policy at the bidding of the strongest group, which is popularly known as the Big Five; what steps, if any, the Ministry are taking, in concert with the United States Government, to moderate the high prices fixed by this American combination; and what other measures the Ministry have in view, in the interests of British consumers and producers?

My attention has been drawn to the existence of a close alliance between the American packers shipping bacon and other foodstuffs to this country. I have already made arrangements to protect the consumer in this country so far as concerns bacon, hams and lard, by concentrating all buying in the hands of a mission in New York, who are fully informed as to the stocks and requirements of the United Kingdom. A satisfactory form of contract eliminating all chances of speculation has been arranged with the packers, and this, together with complete control of prices and distribution in the United Kingdom, assures to the consumer a regular supply of bacon of good quality at a cost based on the actual price of the hogs from which the bacon is made. I may add that as curing takes a considerable time and transport is slow, the full advantages of these arrangements will probably not be realised until the new year.

asked the Minister of Food if he has received any communication from the burghs of Dumbarton and Clydebank protesting against the present price of milk; whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction and unrest in both towns; and if he will state what steps he is going to take to reduce the price of milk to the consumers?

I have received representations from the burghs in question. As already announced, however, in reply to a question from the hon. and gallant Member for the Tradeston Division of Glasgow on 16th December, it is impossible in all the circumstances to modify the maximum prices which have been fixed.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that certain middlemen in the Newcastle-on-Tyne district are receiving 2d. per gallon from milk distributors in the district against their will; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent such action, seeing that people cannot buy owing to the high price, and children have to go without it?

I have no information to the effect stated. If the hon. Member will furnish me with further particulars I will have the matter investigated.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the serious shortage of sugar (as shown in weekly bulletin 97, and the necessity for economy as emphasised in leaflet R.R. 11), he will consider the advisability of reducing the amount of sugar allowed to manufacturers for the manufacture of confectionery; whether he is aware that the present position, whereby the manufacturers' vouchers have been increased to 400 per cent. of their face value, is causing great dissatisfaction and resentment in the country; and will he consider the desirability of reducing the amount granted for manufacturing purposes and utilise the sugar thus saved for the benefit of young children and aged infirm people who cannot eat meat?

As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Hammersmith on 18th December. The suggestion in the second part is apparently made under a misapprehension. The allowances of sugar to manufacturers have not been increased except in so far as, after a temparary reduction of 25 per cent. due to difficulties caused by the railway strike, they were restored to their previous value. I may say, however, that it has been decided to reduce the issues to manufacturers by 25 per cent.; and the advisability of a further reduction is now being considered.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that during the railway strike a parcel of sugar consigned to Mr. J. W. Wainman, of Albert Street, Holt, was commandeered by the district food commissioner, and a voucher given in its stead at a later date; that the price of sugar had advanced in the meantime and that Mr. Wainman suffered a loss of £10 per ton; that the director of Sugar Distribution has referred him to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, a course which will mean delay, trouble, and expense; and if he will consider making recompense to this trader for his loss?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The price of sugar was subesquently advanced, but the Ministry of Food would not be justified in meeting, out of public funds, a claim for compensation in excess of the value of the goods which were diverted.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there is general dissatisfaction among the fishermen on the Moray Firth in regard to the maximum prices fixed for fish under the Order dated 25th November; whether he is aware that the prices fixed are so low as to be unprofitable in present conditions; and if he will reconsider the matter with a view to raising the prices?

I have received representations from the fishermen on this matter. I think however, that the maximum prices now in force afford an adequate remuneration to fishermen generally, and while I am always prepared to consider any specific modifications that may be suggested, I do not propose substantially to modify the Order.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that at the present controlled price of butter farmers are making a loss and that the scarcity of butter in the country is due to the controlled price being below the cost of production; and whether he will look into this matter without delay and adjust the price?

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the present veto on the sale of cream and the restrictions upon the sale of butter in regard to both prices and quantity not only preclude the diversion of surplus milk into these products, the demand for which greatly exceeds the present supply, but also discourage the rearing of calves and thereby seriously prejudice the future of stock raising in this country; and whether, in these circumstances, he Will give instructions for all restrictions upon the sale of cream and butter to be removed immediately or by the 1st January, 1.920, at latest?

I am aware that the maximum retail price of butter is not on a parity with the price of milk, but the present scarcity of butter is mainly due to the serious reduction in the quantity of imported butter available. As I have already stated, I am considering the question of freeing all home agricultural products, except wheat, at some point or points during the first six months of next year, and the remission of the present restrictions on the sale of cream will be dealt with in connection with the general question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Liquor Control Order for the Eastern area, dated 24th August, 1916, and which is still in force, stipulates that wine, spirits, and beer shall be paid for before delivery, except to a licensed trader or club; and will he state why officers' and sergeants' messes are not also exempted in view of their monthly settlement, which obtained previously and which is provided for in King's Regulations?

I understand that the arrangement in question was made in agreement with the War Office, but I shall have inquiry made to see if any practical inconvenience results from it.

asked the Minister of Food whether it is the intention of the Government to decontrol fertilisers, such as basic slag, sulphate of ammonia, and superphosphates, in the near future; and, if not, whether he will state the reason for its continuity?

The Fertiliser Prices Order, 1918, under which control was exercised over sales and purchases of the fertilisers to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, ceased to operate on 31st May, 1919. Since that date maximum delivered prices of basic slag and sulphate of ammonia for home deliveries have been fixed by agreement between manufacturers and the Board of Agriculture. No maximum prices have been arranged for superphosphate on account of the varying cost of importing phosphate rock. Apart from these arrangements, the production, distribution, and prices for home consumption of these fertilisers are now free from control. Control of export of fertilisers is still maintained, in order to secure sufficient supplies to meet home requirements. Export licences for any surplus are, however, freely granted. This control will be discontinued as soon as practicable, consistent with meeting the needs of British agriculture.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the monthly subsidy of £560,000 which is taken from agriculture has caused large orders to be given for grass seeds to lay down thousands of acres of arable land in the Eastern Counties; and what steps the Government intends to take in the endeavour to keep land in cultivation?

The Board are aware that a certain amount of recently-ploughed grass land. is being renown with grass, but hope that the declared policy of the Government with regard to agriture will allay the apprehensions of farmers and encourage them to maintain and extend the area of arable land.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that unmarried officers in the Irish prison service have been deprived of 1s. 6d. per week from 1st April, 1916, to 1st April, 1919; whether he is aware that these unmarried officers act as sleeping-in guards; that English prison officers performing the same duty receive 2s. 6d. per night, plus fuel and light; and whether he will refund to these Irish officers the loss they have sustained?

It is true that unmarried officers in Irish prisons received 1s. 6d. per week less than married officers in the period mentioned, but I can hold out no hope of obtaining Treasury sanction to make up the difference to the single men. Single officers in Irish prisons are provided with quarters in the prison, and are required to sleep in them. I have no, information as to the case of the English. prison officers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Motor Permits Order is still in existence in Ireland; whether it is being enforced and. whether, in consequence, motor traffic is completely suspended in Ireland; and whether, in view of the disastrous results to trade generally, especially at Christmas tide, he will at once withdraw the Order?

The Order is still in existence and is being enforced. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply given to his previous question on. this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, with regard to the Irish Provident Association and the Irish National Standard Assurance, both of which are now in liquidation, whether he can state the total number of policyholders in Ireland, the total amount subscribed by them as premiums, the date of liquidation in each case, the amount returned to policy-holders as a result of liquidation, the date on which such sums were refunded, when the balance will be paid, and what steps the Board of Trade is taking to prevent, such companies trading with insufficient capital?

The Irish Provident Assurance Company, Limited, is being wound up under an order made by the Irish Courts on the 24th April, 1911, and the liquidation is not under the control of the Board of Trade, who have no jurisdiction in the matter. There is no company called the Irish National Standard Assurance., but a company called the National Standard Life Assurance Corporation, Limited, was registered in England, and had an office in Ireland. On the 6th June, 1916, an order was made by the High Court in England for the winding up of that company, and Mr. James Fabian, chartered accountant, is the liquidator. I have communicated with the liquidator, who slates that about 4,000 proofs have been lodged, but that he is unable to give the number of policy-holders in Ireland or the amount subscribed by them as premiums. He has applied to the Court for directions as to which classes of creditors are entitled to rank against the life fund, and it is riot possible to distribute the assets until a decision of the Court has been obtained. The matter referred to in the concluding paragraph of the question is receiving the consideration of the Committee appointed to inquire into industrial life assurance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the, cash and clerical staff at the Naval Ordnance Depot, Woolwich, are paid a lower rate of wages than the labourers who sweep the offices out?

The overriding minimum for the clerical staff is 60s, a week, which was awarded by the Conciliation and Arbitration Hoard, with effect as from the 1st January last, and is applicable to all establishments in the London area. A settlement by agreement was arrived at in June last with the Civil Service Union, which represents these men, and it was arranged, as from the 1st April last, to pay all temporary writers on the same basis as permanent writers, who are on a scale of pay fixed by the Regulations, subject to the proviso that no man should receive less than 60s. a week. The effect of this agreement enabled temporary writers to obtain the benefit. of the Civil Service war bonuses, and under the latest award a maximum of 78s. 7d. a week would be reached by annual increments of 2s. a week, after eight years' service, as against the fixed total of 68s. 1d for the unskilled workmen.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the widow of a naval officer killed in the War is entitled to receive any pension if she remarries; and, if so, on what basis?

No, Sir. The pension ceases on remarriage, but is restored in the event of the death of the second husband. Widows' pensions in the case of wives of officers killed during the War or dying of disease are now, however, a matter for the Ministry of Pensions, and, not the Admiralty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether permission has been refused to officers of the Navy to join a trade union, namely, the National Union of Scientific Workers; whether any persons subject to the Naval Discipline Acts are permitted to join any trade unions; and, if the answers to the first two parts of the question are in the affirmative, why this differentiation is made between the National Union of Scientific Workers and other trade unions?

. The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The reply to the second part is that Admiralty permission has not been given to any person under the Naval Discipline Act to join a trade union, so far as can be traced in the short time available for reply to this question. The third part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the annual cost of the new code and cypher school attached to the Admiralty can be stated; what is estimated to be the cost of the staff of this Department; and whether, having in mind the umber of permanent Civil servants with administrative and technical training and experience who will be redundant and available for appointment, and the Government scheme for the staffing of new Departments through the Treasury pool, it is the intention that temporary officers of the Army and Navy shall be granted pensionable appointments in this new Civil Department?

The annual cost of the school will be, approximately, £21,000 a year, which represents the average, cost of the staff. The school is being established in order to conserve and apply the special experience acquired during the War by certain officers who have been employed by the Naval and Military Intelligence Departments, and who were selected for such employment owing to the possession of qualifications not ordinarily required in the Civil Service. The Admiralty adhere to the principle of giving first consideration to the claims of existing Civil servants in all cases in which the deside- rata are administrative experience and capacity or the technical knowledge already existing in the Civil Service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the number of apprentices to be entered at the Devonport Dockyard as the result of the next examination, and when the examination will take pace?

The number of apprenticeships at Devonport Dockyard to be offered for competition in 1920 has not yet been fixed. The examination of candidates for these apprenticeships has been announced to take place on the 15th. April next.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British soldiers are now in Mesopotamia and Persia who are not volunteers for the post-war Army; at what rate approximately these soldiers are being -relieved and sent home; and when he expects the last of these men to have left for England?

There are 10,059 soldiers in Mesopotamia and Persia who have not volunteered for the after-war Army. With regard to the latter part of the question, arrangements have been made for about 3,600 to be sent home daring December and for a further 3,000 during January. It is hoped that all personnel eligible for demobilisation will have left by the end of February next. In view, however, of the present situation in Mesopotamia, it may become necessary for these arrangements to be suspended for a time.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the regulations will be available under which the 30,000 skilled craftsmen in the building trade will be demobilised in fulfilment of the recent promise of the Prime Minister that this number of skilled men will be released immediately?

The regulations at present in force provide that all volun- tarily enlisted men who are eligible for release will be sent for dispersal not later than 1st February, 1920, and conscripts by the 1st April, 1920. The statement of my right hon. Friend to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was, I think, to the effect that there was still a number of bricklayers who will be released in the next few weeks—not immediately, as the question suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of men at present serving in the Army; in what countries they are at present stationed, and, if possible, the numbers in each country, respectively; how many of them are retained under the Military Service Acts, and how many are volunteers; haw many men have since the Armistice been discharged from the Army, and how many have been placed in Reserve Z; and what is the number of Indian troops chargeable to the Imperial Exchequer and where they are located?

The numbers of other ranks in all theatres and garrisons abroad and at home on December 1st, 1919, were as follows:

Theatre, Garrison or Country.	Regulars, including men enlisted for 1 year and Volunteers for Army of Occupation.	Demobilisable.	Total other ranks.
Rhine (approx.)*	7,429	35,160	42,589
France and Flanders (approx.)†	34,260	13,740	48,000
Black Sea	2,194	10,817	13,011
Italy	600	2,475	3,075
Egypt	12,488	32,165	44,653
Mesopotamia	7,064	9,871	16,935
India (adjusted from 22 Oct.)	33,490	24,509	57,999
Colonies	7,452	1,464	8,916
Home	194,007	56,283	250,290
Totals	298,984‡	186,484	485,464
* From Total Strength Return of 29th November, 1919.
†From Return of 1st November, adjusted up to let December, 1919.
‡This includes 71,137 other ranks who have enlisted for one year's service, or who have volunteered for service for one year with an Army of Occupation, nearly all of whom will become time-expired during the next three months.

asked the Secretary of State for War if those officers who. served in our Army and were later transferred to the United States or the French Army will he given honorary rank in our Army and permitted to use the same?

Officers formerly in the British Army who were permitted to join the United States or the French Army resigned their commissions in the British Army prior to being recommissioned in the Forces of our Allies. On resigning their British commissions they are eligible, provided their service was satisfactory, for the retention of the rank held by them in the British Army under the provisions of Army Order 376 of 1918.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to give permanent commissions to a number of temporary officers doing duty with the Army Pay Department to the exclusion of the assistant-paymasters; and, if so, whether, before taking action, he will consider the claims of the assistant-paymasters who, after long terms of honourable service in the Regular Army, have done valuable work during the War in the Army Pay Department?

Action has already been taken to commission as paymasters a small number of temporary officers who have shown during the War special aptitude for the duties, and would otherwise have left the Department. The valuable work done by officers of the assistant-paymaster class has not been overlooked, and I am glad to say that, in addition to a due share of campaign rewards, I have been able to secure for them recently a greatly improved scale of pay.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of Regular Army officers, by ranks, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps that have voluntarily retired from the Army since February, 1919; if he can assign any reason for such retirements; and if the same conditions of pay, promotion, and retirement as for the Royal Army Medical Corps will be extended to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps?

As regards the first two parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the number is ten, but no reasons can be assigned for these retirements, which were entirely voluntary. As regards the, last part, the pay up to the rank of captain is the same as in the Royal Army Medical Corps; in the higher ranks it is rather less. Pensions are the same. The conditions governing promotion are very similar—in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps to captain after five years' service and major after ten years' service; in the Royal Army Medical Corps after three and a half years and twelve years respectively. Promotion to lieutenant-colonel and higher ranks is by selection in both branches. The conditions for the Royal Army Medical Corps are being considered with a view to seeing if any departure from Army Order 324 of 1919 is necessary, and if any change is decided upon the Royal Army Veterinary Corps will be included.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops are now at Gallipoli; how long they have been there; and whether any complaints have been received with regard to the conditions of life for our troops in that part of Turkey?

The bon. and gallant Member appears to be mis-informed. There are no troops in Gallipoli at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Private John Henderson, No. 043283, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 109th Company, British Army in France, has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment for insolence to an officer; whether one of the witnesses against him has since been promoted; and whether, in view of the previous record of this man, he is prepared to remit the remainder of the sentence?

The offence for which this soldier was convicted was not of a trifling nature, and his record is shown by his conduct sheet to be one long series of minor insubordinations. In the circumstances, no special action can be taken in the case, but the sentence will no doubt be reviewed in accordance with the procedure recently explained to the House. I cannot, of course, at this moment make any promise that part of it will be remitted. The question of the promotion of one of the witnesses has sin bearing whatever on the case, and I cannot accept the implication which appears to be conveyed in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as only seven of the officers whose names were brought, forward in Lord French's dispatch of 16th November, 1914, were awarded the Victoria Cross, and twenty-seven the Distinguished Service Order, while the remaining officers had to be content with mentioned, since the Military Cross had not then been instituted, he will consider the propriety of awarding the Military Cross to all surviving officers of the original Expeditionary Force who were mentioned in the above-noted dispatch, which covered the operations from Mons to Ypres, and were wounded, and also of granting the Distinguished Service Order to any such who may subsequently have gained the Military Cross for some other distinguished service.?

I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal. There is no evidence that anything more than a mention would have been recommended by Lord French in these cases if the Military Cross had been in existence, and the grant of the Military Cross is in any case restricted to officers below the rank of major and to warrant, officers. I note that my lion. Friend's suggestion apparently applies only to wounded officers, but it has never been. the policy to give preference in respect of distinctions to wounded officers or soldiers. as such. The wound stripe is the particular reward common to them all.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a. position to announce the decision as to granting a decoration for those mentioned in dispatches?

I had hoped to give my hon. and learned Friend an answer to-day, but, unfortunately, am net yet. in a position to make a statement. I wilt write my hon. and learned Friend as soon as a definite decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the 1st Dragoon Guards have moved or are under orders to move from India to Mesopotamia; if this move is a war measure or part of the routine moves for a Cavalry regiment en route for home; and how long is it intended to keep this regiment in Mesopotamia?

The 1st Dragoon Guards are now under orders to move from India to Mesopotamia. This is now a routine move for a Cavalry regiment en route for home. The regiment will be kept there one year.

asked the Secretary of State for War the order in which the British Cavalry regiments now in India are due to return from foreign service, and the order in which the first five Cavalry regiments now at home are due to go abroad?

The order in which British Cavalry regiments now in India are due to return from foreign service is as follows:

(i.) 1st Dragoon Guards.

(ii.) 8th Hussars.

(iii.) 21st Lancers.

(iv.) 3rd Dragoon Guards.

(v.) 19th Hussars.

(vi.) 5th Lancers.

(vii.) 18th Hussars.

The order in which the first five Cavalry regiments now at home are due to go abroad is as follows:

(i.) 7th Hussars.

(ii.) 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).

(ii.) 5th Dragoon Guards.

(iii.) 4th Dragoon Guards.

(v.) 4th Hussars.

The question of whether the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) should be excepted from the list is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the premises at 54 and 56, Golden Lane, E.C., which are at present in the occupation of the Repair of Government Clothing Department, are still being retained although the premises have been taken by a business firm, employing over 200 employés, including wounded soldiers, who are unable to obtain possession by Christmas, which they were led to suppose would be the case; if he will state what is the nature of the business now being carried on and why it is necessary to store large quantities of clothing in these premises in the heart of the metropolis when there are large numbers of empty buildings at The disposal of the Government in less expensive localities; and whether he is aware that if these premises are not vacated in time to allow of the new firm moving in a large number of employés will be placed out of work?

The premises to which my hon and gallant Friend alludes have been used for the repair of clothing, and not for storage. Two hundred sewing women have been employed there, and over 1,000.000 articles have been repaired for re-issue since March, 1918. The employés were paid off on Friday last. I am informed that the firm who have purchased the premises state that they hope to employ fifty hands, bringing the number up to sixty as business increases. The premises have now been vacated, but it will not be possible to surrender them to the owners for some weeks yet, as there is a considerable amount of work to be done in removing Government fixtures which have been put in.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department are still in possession of the hospitals under the Metropolitan Asylums Board; and whether, in view of the present epidemic of scarlet fever and of the inadequate hospital accommodation, hospitals under the Metropolitan Asylums Board will be released in order to provide facilities for the children of the poor?

The following Metropolitan Asylums Board hospitals remain in the hands of the War Department:

• The Grove Hospital, Tooting.
• The Orchard Hospital, Dartford.
• The Lower Southern Hospital, Dartford.

It is probable that the Grove Hospital eau be surrendered at an early date. The Orchard Hospital is now vacant, and it is not thought that this will be required further. It is understood that this hospital is kept in reserve for use in the event of an epidemic. The Lower Southern Hospital will shortly be vacated.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of German and other prisoners of war still detained by the British; how these men are employed; if the reason for the delay in repatriation is lack of shipping; and whether arrangements will be made for the Navy to undertake their transshipment to Germany?

There are about 86,000 prisoners of war still in British charge, including about 4,000 Germans in the United Kingdom, 2,000 Bulgars in Salonika, and 80,000 Turks in Egypt and other Mediterranean stations, Mesopotamia, and India. As regards the Germans, about half are being repatriated immediately, and of the remainder a few are riot at present fit to be moved, owing to illness, but the great majority were concerned in the Scapa Flow sinkings, and are detained by direction of the Supreme Council. The Bulgars are employed on labour duties. The authority of the Supreme Council for their repatriation has been requested. Some of the Turks are engaged on useful work (irrigation, etc.). The repatriation of those in Egypt is being effected as quickly as shipping can be provided, and the authority of the Supreme Council has been requested for the repatriation of those detained elsewhere, but the shortage of sea transport must cause some delay. With regard to the last part of the question, it is not proposed to ask the Navy to undertake this transport. So far as the Germans are concerned the German Government are sending their own shipping for the purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the smiths and wheelers employed at the Royal Army Ordnance Depot, His Majesty's Gun Wharf, Devonport, are members of the National Union of Vehicle Builders, and that the said union is affiliated to the Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades; if so, whether. the men concerned will participate in the terms of the Court of Arbitration Award (880), Admiralty Dockyard Employés, and dated 13th November, 1919; and if they will receive the 5s. per week provided for by the Award (870), Engineering and Foundry Trades, dated 5th November, 1919?

The War Department was not a party to Award 880 of the Interim Court of Arbitration, but the question as to what action should be taken following that Award is under consideration. Instructions have been issued under which a 5s. advance following Award 870 will be extended to the workmen employed in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Depot at His Majesty's Gun Wharf, Devonport, who have participated in the previous engineering advances.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of telegrams dealt with between the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. on the 16th, 17th, and 18th December instant at the telegraph office attached to General Headquarters, Great Britain; whether these numbers are sufficient to justify the retention of the military staff day and night at this office; whether nine Post Office servants are retained at this establishment who are in receipt of full civil and military pay in addition to allowances; whether they include one company sergeant-major, one sergeant, two corporals, two second-corporals, and three sappers; and whether, having regard to the urgent necessity for economy, he will take immediate steps to place the staff at this office on a civilian basis, as is the case at the War Office and the Admiralty, a system which ensures that the number of the staff shall be governed by the amount of work to be performed?

The telegraph office referred to has been closed at 8 p.m. daily since 1st December, and no messages were therefore dealt with during the hours mentioned As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on Tuesday last in reply to the hon. Member for Wentworth.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact that the reconstruction of the Territorial Force divisions, which he stated he hoped would be begun by the end of November, are still non-existent, he will state if it is intended to continue to pay the fourteen divisional commanders who have already been paid as such for months, while having no divisions to command?

The answer is in the affirmative. It should be understood that, although the terms and conditions of service for the reconstituted Territorial Force are not yet promulgated, these officers have been actively employed in preparing for the reconstruction of the force, in order that there may be no delay when the actual conditions are announced. They have been working in close consultation with the War Office on all questions connected therewith.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the defence forces actively engaged against and under fire from the enemy fleet during the bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th December, 1914, are eligible for the general service medal and, if not, will he state the reasons?

There is no such medal as the "general service medal." The British War Medal is confined to members of His Majesty's Military Forcer who proceeded overseas during the course of the War. As previously stated, the question of awarding a medal to those who did not serve in a theatre of war or proceed overseas is under consideration.

asked the secretary of State for War whether Sapper F. W. Lee, No. 191988, of the 55th Brigade Signals, Sulaimaniyeh, has been transferred to Kirkuk; whether telegraphic inquiries as to the nature of his employment have been made; whether he is officially stated to be employed at Kirkuk as an operator; whether he is aware that there is only one vibrator line at Kirkuk, which is worked by native Indian signallers; whether it can be stated how many signal officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the rank and file are employed at this station, and on what work they are engaged; arid whether, seeing that there is only one line in existence, immediate instructions will be given to reduce the European personnel?

According to information received on the 14th November, Sapper Lee is employed at the Brigade Signal Office, Kirkuk, as a telegraph operator. I cannot say without special inquiry how many telegraph lines there are at present at Kirkuk, but from information available in the War Office there appears to be more than one line. The question of the reduction of British personnel must, I think, he left to the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Mesopotamia, as he alone knows the actual situation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why allowances due to officers are not paid on presentation of claims; if he is aware that the delay frequently extends for long periods, more especially in the case of officers in Egypt and Palestine; and if he will cause inquiries to be made at Cairo as to this matter?

The Regulations provide for payment as soon as properly certified claims are presented, and I am not aware that there has been any general failure in Egypt and Palestine to pay promptly. I will have inquiry made, and if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular cases in mind perhaps he will sent me particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Staffs in the Army Pay Offices and the Record Offices of Dublin and Cork were in 1914 and 1915 composed entirely of male clerks; that these clerks for the greater part worked seven days a week and twelve hours a day and received no overtime; and. that in December, 1915, when the main part of organising the work of the offices was over, female clerks were added to the staffs and during their service were paid. for overtime work and on discharge received a gratuity of 10s. for each month of service; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will reconsider his decision not to grant the male clerks a gratuity on, discharge?

The pay and bonus of the clerks in question was dealt with by Award 73 of the Civil Service Arbitration Board dated 14th January, 1919. The reference to women clerks appears to be to certain clerks who served under special agreements. I am unable to agree to the payment of any gratuity in respect of the male clerks referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in considering the. question of the permission granted to officers of the Army and Navy when in uniform to travel first-class at second-class fares on the production of the requisite form authorising them to do so, he will take into consideration the entirely different and unsettled conditions under which these officers live compared with the more settled lives of the civil population, and that he will not deprive these officers of this small concession so long as the railways are under Government control?

I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply on Tuesday last which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been judicially determined that officers of the staff for Royal Engineer services come under the Army Act on receiving their commissions; whether they are gazetted the same as other officers on receiving their commissions; whether their duties are military and not civilian; and, if so, will he say why they are excepted from the provision of the Royal Warrant granting pensions to the widows, and compassionate allowances to the children, of commissioned officers?

The answer to the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. These officers are non-combatants and are employed on technical duties under the 'Works Branch of the Royal Engineers. They are not entitled to pensions for their widows and children because they are for purposes of pension treated as Civil servants and the widows and children do not receive pensions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the staff of the military massage service previously described as the Almeric Paget Massage Corps are entitled to a war bonus or gratuity; and whether all other branches of the Army medical and nursing services are receiving such bonus or gratuity?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply on 24th November to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Yeovil.

asked the Secretary of State of War whether he will give instructions that the boy Joseph Lush be released from the Royal Hibernian Military School in order that he may emigrate with his mother to Australia?

The governors have approved the release of this boy from the Royal Hibernian Military School in order that he may emigrate with his mother to Australia.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the practice of his Department to refuse wife's allowance to a pensioned soldier upon the ground that his disability has only been aggravated by war service; and whether he is aware that this has been done in the case of Second-Corporal E. A. Smith, 2nd Field Survey Battalion, Royal Engineers, now living at 11, Great World's End, Wisbech?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards Corporal Smith's case, there was not sufficient evidence in his official documents to enable the grant of the wife's allowance to be made at the same time as his pension. No refusal of the grant has been made, but, unfortunately, there has been some delay in calling for the marriage certificate to verify the date of marriage, etc. This has now been done and the case will be considered immediately the certificate comes to hand.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Private George Joliffe (identity certificate S. E. 175,497) has not received his pension or gratuity; whether he is aware that this man is entirely destitute, and under notice to be ejected from his house with his wife and family; and what steps he will take to have this man paid his money without further delay?

An identity certificate was forwarded to Private Joliffe to enable him to be paid the balance of his gratuity (£3 5s. 7d.). As it appears not to have reached him a new certificate has now been sent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the wife of Lance-Corporal George A. Edwards, No. 18976, 8th Royal Irish Regiment, was admitted to Cane Hill Asylum on the 5th June, 1916, and died there on the 14th December, 1917, while he was serving in Palestine; whether the separation allowance ceased on her admission; Whether he is aware that the Camberwell guardians have appropriated towards her maintenance the money due to him under a policy of insurance; whether the grounds for stopping the allowance under the Army Regulations are based upon the assumption that in such cases the burden of maintenance has been shifted from the husband to an institution supported by public funds; and whether as in this case, the burden has been borne by the husband, he will direct that the separation allowances shall be paid to him for the period during which his wife was an inmate of the asylum?

The facts are as stated. It was decided, after very full consideration, that in such cases the issue of separation allowance from Army funds should cease, and that any payment necessitated by the special circumstances of the case should be made under the authority of the Ministry of. Pensions, which possesses machinery for giving discretionary treatment in individual cases. I am not in a position to judge whether in this case any claim arises against Pension Ministry funds.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the period of demobilisation leave granted to officers on demobilisation; what is the average time that elapses between the demobilisation of an officer and the payment to him of the gratuity that is due; and what steps are taken to enable demobilised officers to live during that time?

No demobilisation leave is granted to officers. The gratuities, which are paid by the Army agents, were all ordered to be paid as soon as possible after the 4th August last, and I understand they have practically all been paid

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Lance-Corporal Philips Hughes, No. 553056. I.W.T.R.E., who was demobilised in Mal, 1919 has not received either his credits or gratuity; whether he can explain the cause of the de- lay; and whether he can expedite the payment to enable this soldier having it before Christmas?

I think further inquiry will show the hon. Member that he has been misinformed. This soldier's gratuity was deposited in the Post Office Savings Bank in May and was withdrawn in June. Apart from the gratuity, he left the service considerably in debt.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Mary Otterway No. 928, Forage Corps, Army Service Corps, is suffering from disability caused by war service; and what provision, if any, is made by the War Office or by the Ministry of Pensions for meeting the hardship caused in this and similar cases of women injured on account of war service?

I am afraid I cannot at present add anything to the official letter of the 12th instant, in which my lion. Friend was informed that under the Regulations as they stand Miss Otterway is not entitled to any compensation front Army funds. I should, however, like to point out that this woman was not injured on account of war service, and that there is no intention to treat cases of sickness at home generally otherwise than as at present under the National Health Insurance Act.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Post Office employés demobilised from the Royal Engineers and Royal Air Force are specially excluded by Army Council Instructions from receiving a war gratuity; and, if so, whether he will state the reason why a distinction should be made between these and other ex-Service men?

I would refer the hon and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on the 27th October last.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the New- castle-upon-Tyne war pensions committee have passed a resolution that, in view of the great demand for skilled workmen in the housing and furniture trades, this committee recommend that steps should at once be taken in order that training may forthwith be commenced in these trades; and if he is having any men trained or proposes to have any trained?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the lion. Member for Newcastle North on the 8th December.

asked (1) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his Department have taken a lease for ten years of certain slate quarries at Ballachulish, in Argyllshire; whether he is aware that, although these quarries contain large supplies of best quality slate, no work is being done; and whether, in view of the great need of slate for housing purposes, it is proposed to make full use of these quarries without further delay;(2) the Minister of Health whether he is aware of any slate quarries at Ballachulish in Argyllshire which have been taken on a lease for ten years by a Government Department; whether he is aware that these quarries contain large supplies of best quality slate; and whether he can take any action to secure the resumption of work at these quarries in order to obtain slate for housing purposes?

The position is that no lease of the quarries has so far been taken by the Ministry, but that it is in contemplation to take one if satisfactory arrangement can be made for the working of the quarries by a contractor on a commercial basis. Negotiations with this object are proceeding.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will state at what date the delivery of munitions from America on British contracts entered into during the War ceased; if any of these deliveries occurred since the Armistice will he give the full particulars per month of such de liveries, together with the approximate tonnage space which they occupied on transport, and a comparison with the figures for the months of the previous year; and whether any of such deliveries of munitions and, if so, how much were supplied, or are being supplied, to the armies of Denikin or Koltchak, to the Archangel Army, to the North-West Army lately under General Yudenitch's command, or to any other forces stationed in what was previously the territory of the Russian Empire?

Owing to the short notice given, I am not at present in a position to reply to this question. I will, as soon as possible, communicate with my hon. Friend and give him such information as may be obtained without involving labour to an extent which would be disproportionate to the importance of the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions have advertised Hornsea Mere, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, as being for sale as a seaplane station; whether this has been done with his consent; and whether he is aware that this lake is private property which was acquired temporarily by the Admiralty under agreement with the owner in 1917?

Hornsea Mere was advertised as being for disposal with a view to ascertaining whether the Government property there could be disposed of in any way other than by the dismantling of the buildings and plant. The Department has now given instructions that any buildings which might he of use to the owner should be sold to her, and that the remainder, if any, should be sold for removal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware of tenders being asked for from Bradford, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Preston, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, and Westminster in connection with 1,214,709 yards of surplus cloth, serge, and tweed; if so, will he explain why tenders have not been asked for from Newcastle-on-Tyne; and whether the whole country will be allowed to tender?

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. The whole country has been invited by advertisements in the public Press and otherwise to tender for the surplus cloth referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, having regard to the fact that there is now, and has been for many months past, a number of police hostels at Mancot Royal, Flintshire, unoccupied which could easily be converted into cottages, and a number of official residences at the same place also unoccupied and easily convertible into fiats, be is prepared to release these buildings forthwith for these purposes, in view of the notorious famine of houses in this district?

Of the total of 194 houses at Queensferry, 181 are occupied by tenants who are or were employés of the factory. I am advised that the hostels could not easily be converted into working class dwellings. Four of them are quite unsuitable for conversion, and the remaining two could only be converted at heavy expense. The future of the factory is still unsettled, and, in. the meantime, the Ministry cannot well dispose of the premises since they may be required as they stand, either for Ministry employés or for the employés of the purchasers of the factory if it be decided to sell.

asked the Parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, whether a public inquiry can be held into the matter of the claim of the male employés of the Edmonton Munitions Company?

The claim of the male employés of the Edmonton Munitions Company was, with the agreement of both parties, referred to an arbitrator, who has given Ins award thereon. In these circumstances, no good purpose would be served by a further inquiry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the recent statement concerning the staff of the Disposal Board included the staff employed under the Stores Department of the Ministry of Munitions; and, if not, what is the number of that staff and the cost per annum?

The statement referred to did not include tire staff of the Stores Department. The number of persons employed in the Stores Department is 256, representing an annual charge in. salaries of £65,000.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the daily rate of pay for the Indian miner is equivalent to 4½d.?

According to my information the average daily rate is equivalent to rather more than 1s.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can state the number of British troops whose maintenance is a charge upon the revenues of. India?

About 76,000.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to remedy the shortage of British officers with the battalions of the Indian Army serving in Mesopotamia and to give leave to those officers who have for so long been deprived of it?

I am in consultation with the War Office and hope to be able to make arrangements to meet the situation at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received the information which he. promised to get concerning the case of Maung Tun Shein; and whether he is in a. position to add anything to his statement of 4th December concerning the efforts of the Burmese Government to secure the dismissal of Maung Tun Shein from his position at the Mandalay College on account of his participation in the Burmese national deputation?

I have asked the Government of India for a full report, but at present have not yet received it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to state whether steps have been, or will at once be, taken to remove the Government control over rice in Burma, or whether, if control is maintained, he will arrange to fix a minimum price for purchase from the cultivators in order to safeguard the cultivators against exploiters; and whether he is aware that this question is urgent if provision is to be made in advance to safeguard the cultivators in respect of the next harvest?

It has been found necessary to maintain Government control over the coming rice crop of Burma in order to safeguard the food supply of India. The form of control to be applied is at present under discussion in India. I have already brought to the notice of the local Government a suggestion that a minimum price should be fixed for purchases from the cultivators. I am aware that the matter is urgent.

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the average hours worked per week by the Indian miners in Bengal; and what are their average wages per week at the current rate of exchange?

The hours of workers in Indian mines are not at present regulated by law, and no accurate statistics are, therefore, available. The Government of India. have recently reported on the best information available that the average weekly hours worked are not excessive—probably less than fifty. The average weekly wages are from 6s. 6d. to 8s.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can state the number of deaths which have occurred in India during the last year as a result of famine and epidemic diseases?

I give below the figures showing the number of reported deaths in British India under each principal head in 1918:

From Cholera	560,802
From Small-pox	93,076
From Plague	440,752
From Fever	11,134,441
From Dysentery and Diarrhoea	276,648
From Respiratory Diseases	430,935
From Injuries	98,969
From all other causes	1,861,178
	14,895,801

No deaths are reported as being due to famine. As there is no separate head for "influenza" in the. Indian mortality returns, deaths from that cause must have been recorded under one or other of the prescribed heads.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Shwe Dagon Pagoda is the most sacred shrine of the Buddhists of Burma; whether a part of this pagoda is in the occupation of the military; whether this military occupation is an offence to the religious susceptibilities of the Buddhists of Burma; whether the pagoda is of no value as a military fort; and whether he will take steps to secure that the pagoda shall be restored to the Buddhists of Burma for use for purely religious purposes?

I will make inquiries about the points raised by my hon. Friend. I am not aware that any part of the pagoda is in the occupation of the military.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the "Burma Observer" has had a deposit of Rs. 2,000 forfeited by the Burmese Government and a further deposit of Rs. 5,000 exacted; whether the "Rangoon Mail" has been ordered to furnish a deposit; whether the journal "Knowledge" has had a deposit of Rs. 1,000 forfeited and a further deposit of Rs. 5,000 exacted; if so, in respect of what alleged offence these steps were taken; and whether he will make a full statement concerning the action of the Government in relation to the Burmese Press?

I have no official information, but I gather from the Burma newspapers that the facts are as stated. I am asking for information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a copy of the Final Report (Part I.) of the Economic Commission appointed by the Government of the East Africa Protectorate; whether his attention has been called to passages in that Report which reflect in offensive terms upon the civilisation of the Indian people, upon their morality, and upon the alleged danger to the moral and physical welfare and the economic progress of the African people which accompany the presence of Indians in the. country; whether the opinions so expressed are concurred in by the Government of the Protectorate or by His Majesty's Government; whether His Majesty's Government are aware of the intense indignation which these attacks have created amongst Indians in East Africa and in India.; whether His Majesty's Government are aware that, as is openly advocated by the authors of this Report, it is the desire of a number of settlers in the Protectorate to close the door to further Indian immigration and secure the elimination of the existing Indian population; and what steps the Government are taking to protect the resident Indian population of the Protectorate, and to maintain an open door for Indian immigration on equal terms with immigration from other countries than India?

The Report of the Economic Commission has been received, but the views expressed in it must not be regarded as being those either of the Government of the East African Protectorate or of His Majesty's Government. The whole question of the policy of the Protectorate in relation to Indians will be discussed between the Governor, who is now in this country, and the Secretary of State on his return from Egypt.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that under the Statutory Rules for the Superannuation of Teachers in Scotland, 1919, Section 3, a teacher who is receiving an allowance under the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1898, will continue to receive a retiring allowance equal in amount thereto, and also an additional allowance annually of £1 or 15s. or 10s. for each year of service; and will steps be taken to grant to all teachers in England now receiving a retiring allowance under the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1898, an additional allowance, similar to teachers in Scotland?

As I have explained, the systems of superannuation for teachers in England and Scotland are different and independent. The suggestion made by the hon. Member could not be carried into effect without legislation, which I do not see my way to undertake.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many works schools are at present undergoing inspection by local education authorities; where such schools are situated; the number of scholars in regular attendance; and the subjects taught in these schools?

I presume that by "works schools" the hon. Member means schools attended by young persons between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, arid held at or in connection with the places of their employment? Where schools of this character receive Grants from the Board, they are inspected by the Board, but no special lists of them are kept. There are also a certain number of schools which have been. or are being established as continuation schools on a voluntary basis in advance of the appointed day under Section 10 of the Act of 1918. If they are working under the control and direction of the local education authority they are open to inspection by the local education authority. I am unable to make a statement in the form suggested by the hon. Member, but I will furnish him with such information as is available.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to advertisements of the Golden Ballot, in which prizes of a motor car, a house, and money are offered; if this ballot is an infringement of the Lottery Act; and, if so, what steps are being taken in the matter?

My attention has been called to the matter. On the information available, it is difficult to say whether there has been or will be an infringement of the law, but the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions have had the question before them, and have not advised a prosecution.

asked the Home Secretary whether county councils which have no women members on their body can co-opt women to serve, on the committee of their county asylums; and, if this power does not exist, whether, in view of the fact that at least half the patients in these institutions are women and so many county councils have no women members, steps will be taken to give county councils the power to co-opt women on their asylum committees?

There is no power to add co-opted members, whether men or women, to the visiting committee of an asylum. I agree that in the event of any amendment of the Lunacy Acts it may be well to provide for the appointment of co-opted members, as in the case of the committees under the Mental Deficiency Act.

asked the Home Secretary why the whole time of an inspector of police is devoted to stopping traffic from going through the middle arch of Admiralty Arch, in view of the fact that the public have always had the right to go through there; what reason can be given for robbing the public of their rights in this matter; and what other public gates does he intend to close?

I have been asked to answer this question. Traffic passing through file centre arch has been stopped by the gatekeeper for the reasons given in my reply to the question addressed to me by the hon. and gallant Member on the 28th July last. I think, however, that the centre arch may now be safely thrown open to traffic, and I am issuing instructions accordingly. With regard to the last part of the question, there is no intention at present of closing any other gates.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the salary of the King's Proctor, the expenses of his office in connection with his duties under the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1857, and, taking the average for the past five years, the annual number of cases in which he intervenes successfully; whether any data exist as to the moral results of Ins successful intervention or of the mode of life led by the parties directly concerned; and whether, as such an official is deemed unnecessary in Scotland, the Government will consider the desirability of abolishing the office?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Procurator-General (called in divorce matters "the King's Proctor") receives no salary in respect of his duties, whether in divorce or in prize matters. He receives a salary as Treasury Solicitor. In the last completed year the expenses of his office in connection with divorce amounted to £9,958 13s. 8d. He has intervened successfully in 164 cases during the past five years—that is to say, an annual average of thirty-three cases. There have been during the same period five unsuccessful interventions. No such data as are referred to in the question appear to exist with regard to the moral results of the Procurator-General's interventions. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the administration of the Poor Persons Rules (Divorce); whether he will arrange that the out-of-pocket expenses referred to in these rules should be clearly defined owing to the growing expenses thrown on poor persons seeking to make use of the supposed assistance offered them in divorce petitions presented under these rules?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the administration of the Poor Persons Rules is receiving very careful consideration. Draft rules are being prepared to give effect to the proposals made in the Report. Before they can become operative it is necessary that they should receive the consideration of the Rule Committee of the Supreme Court, within whose province the matter lies. It is hoped that the draft may be placed before the Committee at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether a by-law was passed in June last providing for the registration as chemists and druggists of holders of the diploma in dispensing of the Society of Apothecaries who obtained the same before 31st December, 1908; and whether there is any possibility of a person who obtained the diploma in 1910, and who, since that date, has had five years' Army service, being registered without further examination?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Pharmaceutical society have passed a bylaw, now awaiting the approval of the Privy Council, which provides for the registration as pharmaceutical chemists or chemists and druggists of assistants to apothecaries who obtained before the 21st December, 1908, a certificate of qualification under the Apothecaries Act, 1815. I understand that there is no possibility of a relaxation of the provisions of the by-law in question in favour of such a case as my right hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the men employed on a housing scheme at Swansea have refused to work because the doors, window frames, sashes, and other joinery work is being made by joiners in a special factory employing trade unionists and paying trade union wages, and that this action means further delay in providing houses for the workers in that town and district; and whether he proposes to take any action?

I am in communication with the Town Council on this matter, and hope that a way may speedily be found out of the difficulties which, as my hon. Friend points out, are seriously delaying the provision of houses for the workers of Swansea.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the urban district council of Tottenham has only received one tender offering to loan the council the sum of £75 in response to a widely-circulated public advertisement inviting tenders for a loan of £750,000 for housing purposes; whether he is aware that the council's housing scheme is being held up because the local authority is not able to obtain the necessary loan; and whether he will state what financial or other arrangements will be made by the Ministry with a view of securing the carrying out of the Tottenham housing scheme, the lay-out plan for which has now been approved by the London Housing Board?

I understand that the urban district council of Tottenham has so far been unsuccessful in obtaining money for their housing scheme, and that, in consequence, the council is unable to proceed immediately with its scheme. I hope, however, that its further efforts to secure the necessary finance by means of the proposed local bonds and otherwise will prove successful.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution of Municipal Corporation Associations stating that, as it is anticipated local authorities will experience difficulty in borrowing in the open market all the money for defraying the cost of housing schemes, the Government should be urged to arrange to lend the requisite sums in case of necessity; and whether he will indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

I would refer the hon. Member to the recommendations of the Goschen Committee on Housing Finance, on which Municipal Corporations were represented. The Committee recommended that the responsibility for raising money for housing purposes should remain with the local authorities. I have every hope that the proposed local bonds, for which provision has been made in the new Bill, will go a long way to help local authorities in their efforts to secure the necessary finance

asked the Minister of Health whether he will encourage subscriptions to local loan bonds for housing purposes by allowing such bonds to be free of Income Tax up to a maximum amount of £500 held by any one person, as in the case of War Savings Certificates?

It is not possible to allow interest on local bonds to be exempt from Income Tax. The Housing (Additional Powers) Bill, 1919, as amended, provides for payment of interest without deduction of tax at the source in the case of any holder of registered bonds up to an aggregate of £100 issued by any local authority. I am satisfied that this provision will add considerably to the popularity of the bonds.